bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkage disequilibrium and population structure in wild and domesticated populations of Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Rossi Monica , Bitocchi Elena , Bellucci Elisa , Nanni Laura , Rau Domenico , Attene Giovanna , Papa Roberto
Published: July 2009

Together with the knowledge of the population structure, a critical aspect for the planning of association and/or population genomics studies is the level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) that characterizes the species and the population used for such an analysis. We have analyzed the population structure and LD in wild and domesticated populations of Phaseolus vulgaris L. using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, most of which were genetically mapped in two recombinant inbred populations. Our results reflect the previous knowledge of the occurrence of two major wild gene pools of P. vulgaris, from which two independent domestication events originated, one in the Andes and one in Mesoamerica. The high level of LD in the whole sample was mostly due to the gene pool structure, with a much higher LD in domesticated compared to wild populations. In relation to association studies, our results also suggest that whole‐genome‐scan approaches are feasible in the common bean. Interestingly, an excess of inter‐chromosomal LD was found in the domesticated populations, which suggests an important role for epistatic selection during domestication. Moreover, our results indicate the occurrence of a strong bottleneck in the Andean wild population before domestication, suggesting a Mesoamerican origin of P. vulgaris. Finally, our data support the occurrence of a single domestication event in Mesoamerica, and the same scenario in the Andes.
Qualities of a good psychiatrist
Authors: Tor Phern‐Chern , Ng Tze‐Pin , Lim Leslie , Ng Beng‐Yeong , Ang Yong‐Guan , Winslow Munidasa , Wong Sze‐Tai , Goh Lee‐Gan
Published: July 2009

Introduction: There is limited published work regarding the qualities of a good psychiatrist in Asia. With greater attention paid to psychiatry training in Singapore as a result of the Ministry of Health's National Mental Health Blueprint, there is a need to assess the qualities of a good psychiatrist to guide training.

Methods: The present study consisted of two steps. First, a focus group of six senior psychiatrists was conducted to obtain a list of positive qualities of a psychiatrist. Second, an anonymous survey was sent to all psychiatry trainees and psychiatrists in Singapore to assess the relative importance of 40 qualities that were chosen from the list of qualities obtained from the focus group. Factor analysis was performed to elucidate the themes from the qualities and Friedman's χ2 test was used to compare the ratings between themes.

Results: The response rate was 48.7% (74 of 152). Analysis showed four themes among the qualities assessed: “personal values”, “professional”, “relationship”, “academic‐executive”. The highly ranked themes for a good psychiatrist were personal values and professional qualities. Lowly ranked themes were relationship and academic‐executive.

Discussion: A good psychiatrist in Singapore is narrowly defined by personal values and professional qualities. Training should correctly be focused on clinical skills. There may be a place to give more emphasis to qualities within the themes of relationship and academic‐executive, which are related to the all‐round development of a psychiatrist.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in mild cognitive impairment: a population‐based study
Authors: Feng Lei , Yap Philip Lin Kiat , Lee Tih Shih , Ng Tze Pin
Published: July 2009

Introduction: Few studies have examined neuropsychiatric symptoms in community dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the present study, we compared the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with normal cognition, MCI, and dementia in a population‐based sample.

Methods: Subjects were selected from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing study. Normal cognitive function was defined as Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score=0 and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) total score ≥24. MCI was defined as CDR global score=0.5, and dementia was defined as CDR global score ≥1. Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was administered on reliable informants for 293 subjects (136 normal, 133 MCI, and 24 dementia).

Results: The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (at lest one symptom) was 5.9% for normal cognition, 12.8% for MCI, and 50% for dementia. The most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in subjects with MCI were depression/dysphoria (6.8%), irritability/lability (3.8%), apathy/indifference (2.3%), and agitation/aggression (2.3%). NPI total score increased with increasing CDR global score (P<0.001). The adjusted mean NPI total score was 0.07 (SEM=0.49) for normal cognition, 0.86 (SEM=0.46) for MCI, and 4.50 (SEM=0.82) for dementia.

Discussion: In community dwelling Asian older adults, we found an increasing prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in subjects with normal cognition, MCI and dementia. Further studies with larger samples and strict criteria for MCI in an Asian population should be conducted.
Ganser syndrome: a case report from Thailand
Authors: Tassniyom Kanida , Paholpak Suchat , Tassniyom Sompon , Krisanaprakornkit Thawatchai , Unprai Peerada
Published: July 2009

Ganser syndrome or “syndrome of approximates” is characterized by the patient giving incorrect answers to questions, despite showing an understanding of the questions, clouding of consciousness, perceptual abnormalities and symptoms of somatic conversion. The syndrome has a sudden onset, resolves abruptly, and is followed by subsequent amnesia. It was first described by Sigbert Ganser in 1897. It was earlier described as a hysterical disorder, and debate about its classification continues today. Currently, it is categorized under the rubric of dissociative disorder. Overall, fewer than 50 cases have been reported. The etiology of Ganser syndrome remains unknown. Some precipitating stressors have been reported and in other cases patients have had organic brain syndrome. Hospital admission has been recommended, but treatment with antipsychotic medication is not necessarily advised because the syndrome can resolve without treatment. The prognosis is uncertain. The present report is of a 40‐year‐old Thai male with symptoms of clouding of consciousness, approximate answers to simple questions, reported auditory hallucinations and somatic delusions. All symptoms resolved within 5 days and the patient had no recollection of the event. Ganser syndrome is still considered a rare psychiatric syndrome requiring further exploration.
Effects of pH on Community Dynamics of Chironomidae in a Large River near Sudbury, Ontario
Authors: Griffiths Ronald W.
Published: July 2009

To identify the mechanism(s) by which acidity alters the composition and richness of chironomid communities and to determine the acid tolerance of chironomid taxa inhabiting a large river, pH was manipulated in three stream channels. The chironomid community that developed after a 10-wk exposure to pH 4.5 was poorer in species and lower in abundance than those exposed to pH 5.9 or 7.4 (reference pH). The reduced density of chironomids at pH 4.5 was not a result of differential egg deposition, behavioural drift, or emergence. Acid-enhanced larval mortality appeared to be the primary mechanism accounting for reduced density. Tribelos predomined in the channel acidified to pH 4.5, while Ablabesmyia was predominant in the other channels. Tanytarsus, Microtendipes, and Nilothauma were the most acid-sensitive taxa. When pH was returned to 7.4 from 4.5, the composition and density of the community changed rapidly; acid-sensitive species invaded quickly, and within 6 wk the community resembled that in the other channels. These results suggest that acidity is important in structuring and maintaining lotic communities and that reduction in acidic emissions should lead to rapid biological recovery of acidified lotic systems, provided that acid-sensitive species have survived in nearby refuges.
FULLY PROGRAMMABLE UNIVERSAL FILTER WITH INDEPENDENT GAIN-ω0-Q CONTROL BASED ON NEW DIGITALLY PROGRAMMABLE CMOS CCII
Authors: HASSAN TAREK M. , MAHMOUD SOLIMAN A.
Published: July 2009

A fully programmable second-order universal filter with independently controllable characteristics is presented in this paper. The proposed filter is based on a new ± 0.75 V second-generation current conveyor with digitally programmable current gain. The input stage of the current conveyor is realized using two complementary MOS differential pairs to ensure rail-to-rail operation. The output stage consists of a Class-AB CMOS push-pull network, which guarantees high current driving capability with a 47.2 μA standby current. The digital programmability of the current conveyor, based on transistor arrays and MOS switches, provides variable current gain using a digital code-word. Two approaches for implementing current conveyors with programmable current gain either greater or less than one are described. The fully programmable universal filter and the proposed digitally programmable current conveyor circuits are simulated using PSPICE with 0.25 μm CMOS technology from MOSIS.
MULTI-PHASE ROTARY CLOCK SYNCHRONIZATION OF LEVEL-SENSITIVE CIRCUITS
Authors: TASKIN BARIS , KOURTEV IVAN
Published: July 2009

Resonant clocking technologies provide clock networks with improved frequency, jitter and power dissipation characteristics, however, often require novel automation routines. Resonant rotary clocking technology, for instance, entails multi-phase and nonzero clock skew operation and supports latch-based design. This paper studies the effects of multi-phase synchronization schemes on the minimum clock period for rotary-clock-synchronized circuits, which necessitate the application of clock skew scheduling and employ level-sensitive registers. In experimentation, single, dual, three- and four-phase clocking schemes generated by rotary clock synchronization are applied to a suite of level-sensitive-transformed ISCAS'89 benchmarks. Average clock period improvements of 30.3%, 24.8%, 17.7% and 12.0%, respectively, are observed on average compared to the flip-flop based, zero clock skew circuits. As the number of clock phases increases, smaller improvements are observed due to lesser overall effectiveness of the complementary effects of clock skew scheduling and time borrowing. It is shown, however, that for some circuits (23% of the benchmarks), multi-phase synchronization leads to significant performance benefits in operating frequency.
SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE DERIVATIONS OF BLACKMAN'S IMPEDANCE RELATION
Authors: ABRAMOVITZ ALEXANDER
Published: July 2009

The Blackman's impedance relation formula holds several unique and important features. First and most important is generality. The formula is truly universal and could be applied regardless of feedback topology. The impedances of canonical cases could be presented as special cases of Blackman's impedance relation. This paper revisits the concepts of Blackman's impedance relation. Several alternative derivation approaches are suggested to stand in accord with the gain evaluation procedure. The derivation of the Blackman's impedance relation formula by Superposition, Thevenin, Trans-Admittance and Trans-Impedance methods are offered. The paper extends the ideas and completes the methodology of unified approach to analysis of feedback amplifiers presented earlier. The paper also discusses some additional features of the feedback amplifier model. The paper advocates that the described method of obtaining the loop-gain makes a real difference in application of the formula. Overcoming the loop-gain computational difficulties helps reestablish the Blackman's impedance relation as a viable tool in analysis of feedback circuits.
A CLASS OF ALMOST ORTHOGONAL FILTERS
Authors: DANKOVIĆ BRATISLAV , NIKOLIĆ SAŠA , MILOJKOVIĆ MARKO , JOVANOVIĆ ZORAN
Published: July 2009

In this paper we define a new class of the almost orthogonal filters. These filters are a generalization of the classical orthogonal filters commonly used in the circuit theory, control system theory, signal processing and process identification. Almost orthogonal filters generate the series of almost orthogonal Legendre functions on the interval (0, ∞). They can be successfully used for the analysis, synthesis and designing of imperfect technical systems. They can also be used for approximation of arbitrary functions on (0, ∞). A new method for obtaining the models of imperfect systems is presented as well. Simulations were performed in order to validate the theoretical results and the comparison of new filters with classical filters is given.
A BISECTION-BASED POWER REDUCTION DESIGN FOR CMOS FLASH ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTERS
Authors: TSAI CHIA-CHUN , HONG KAI-WEI , LEE TRONG-YEN
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we present a bisection-based power reduction design for CMOS flash analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). A comparator-based inverter is employed along with two switches of an NMOS and a PMOS, the bisection method can let only half of comparators in a flash ADC work in every clock cycle for reducing power consumption. A practical example of 6-bit flash ADC operates at 200 MHz sampling rate and 3.3 V supply voltage is demonstrated. The power consumption of proposed circuit is only 40.75 mW with HSPICE simulation. Compared with the traditional flash ADC, our bisection method can reduce up to 43.18% in terms of power dissipation.
THERMAL-AWARE HIGH-LEVEL SYNTHESIS BASED ON NETWORK FLOW METHOD
Authors: LIM PILOK , CHUNG KI-SEOK , KIM TAEWHAN
Published: July 2009

Controlling the chip temperature is becoming one of the important design considerations, since temperature adversely and seriously affects many of design qualities, such as reliability, performance and power of chip, and increases the packaging cost. In this work, we address a new problem of thermal-aware functional module binding in high-level synthesis, in which the objective is to minimize the peak temperature of the chip. Two key contributions are (1) to solve the binding problem with the primary objective of minimizing the "peak" switched capacitance of modules and the secondary objective of minimizing the "total" switched capacitance of modules and (2) to control the switched capacitances with respect to the floorplan of modules in a way to minimize the "peak" heat diffusion between modules. For (1), our proposed thermal-aware binding algorithm, called TA-b, formulates the thermal-aware binding problem into a problem of repeated utilization of network flow method, and solve it effectively. For (2), TA-b is extended, called TA-bf, to take into account a given floorplan information of functional modules, if exists, of modules to be practically effective. Through experiments using a set of benchmarks, it is shown that TA-bf is able to use 10.1°C and 11.8°C lower peak temperature on the average, compared to that of the conventional low-power and thermal-aware methods, which target to minimizing total switched capacitance only in Ref. 20 and to minimizing peak switched capacitance only in Ref. 16, respectively. Additionally, we confirm, from the experiments, that the reduced peak temperature saves leakage power significantly, implying that controlling chip temperature is critically important for reducing leakage current as well.
MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION SOLVING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
Authors: NAKKEERAN K.
Published: July 2009

We show that the working principle of the differential equation solving analog electrical circuits is exactly the same as the Picard's method available for numerically solving the ordinary differential equations. The integrator circuit (low-pass filter) uses an initial condition and electrical input signal to generate the Maclaurin's series of a time varying function in recursion. This direct connection between the differential equation solving electrical circuits and Picard's method can be exploited to simplify the procedure of Picard's method to solve any order linear and nonlinear differential equations.
OPTIMAL ADAPTIVE PREDICTION FOR SISO SYSTEMS
Authors: SHAHRRAVA BEHNAM
Published: July 2009

An adaptive predictor that is optimal in the minimum mean-square error (MMSE) sense at each step is obtained for single-input, single-output (SISO) linear time-invariant discrete-time systems having general delay and white noise perturbation. The adaptive d-step-ahead predictor includes the uncertainty associated with the parameter and state estimates whereas conventional adaptive predictors, that are asymptotically optimal, ignore the uncertainty in the parameter estimates.
QUASISTATIC EVOLUTION FOR CAM-CLAY PLASTICITY: EXAMPLES OF SPATIALLY HOMOGENEOUS SOLUTIONS
Authors: DAL MASO GIANNI , DESIMONE ANTONIO
Published: July 2009

We study a quasistatic evolution problem for Cam-Clay plasticity under a special loading program which leads to spatially homogeneous solutions. Under some initial conditions, the solutions exhibit a softening behavior and time discontinuities. The behavior of the solutions at the jump times is studied by a viscous approximation.
IS THERE A SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE AT THE CENTER OF THE MILKY WAY?
Authors: REID MARK J.
Published: July 2009

This review outlines the observations that now provide an overwhelming scientific case that the center of the Milky Way harbors a supermassive black hole. Observations at infrared wavelength trace stars that orbit about a common focal position and require a central mass (M) of 4 × 106 M⊙ within a radius of 100 AU. Orbital speeds have been observed to exceed 5,000 km s-1. At the focal position there is an extremely compact radio source (Sgr A*), whose apparent size is near the Schwarzschild radius (2GM/c2). This radio source is motionless at the ~ 1 km s-1 level at the dynamical center of the Galaxy. The mass density required by these observations is now approaching the ultimate limit of a supermassive black hole within the last stable orbit for matter near the event horizon.
VERY HIGH ENERGY GAMMA RAYS FROM e±PAIR HALOS
Authors: EUNGWANICHAYAPANT A. , AHARONIAN F.
Published: July 2009

In this paper we study the formation of giant electron–positron pair halos around the powerful high energy extragalactic sources. We investigate the dependence of radiation of pair halos, in particular the spectral and angular distributions on the energy spectrum of the primary gamma rays, the redshift of the source, and the flux of the extragalactic background light.
STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF GALAXY CLUSTERING FOR A TWO-COMPONENT SYSTEM: EFFECT OF THE EXTENDED NATURE OF GALAXIES
Authors: MALIK MANZOOR A. , AHMAD FAROOQ , AHMAD SHAKEEL , MASOOD SAJAD
Published: July 2009

We develop a more general theory of the two-component system of galaxies by treating the galaxies as extended structures. We make use of the softened potential (r2 + ∊2)-1/2, with ∊ as a measure of the finite size of the galaxies, to evaluate the partition function, various thermodynamic properties of the system and the distribution function. Our analysis shows that the distribution function is not too greatly altered by the softening, thus vindicating our earlier claim1 besides making the theory more elaborate as all the earlier results1,2 are retrieved exactly from the new distribution function. Also, an attempt is made to account for the dark matter in the universe.
ON MODIFIED DISPERSION RELATIONS AND THE CHANDRASEKHAR MASS LIMIT
Authors: GREGG MICHAEL , MAJOR SETH A.
Published: July 2009

Modified dispersion relations from effective field theory are shown to alter the Chandrasekhar mass limit. At exceptionally high densities, the modifications affect the pressure of a degenerate electron gas and can increase or decrease the mass limit, depending on the sign of the modifications. These changes to the mass limit are unlikely to be relevant to the astrophysics of white dwarf or neutron stars, due to the well-known dynamical instabilities that occur at lower densities. Generalizations to frameworks other than effective field theory are discussed.
OPTICAL PHENOMENA IN THE FIELD OF BRANEWORLD KERR BLACK HOLES
Authors: SCHEE JAN , STUCHLÍK ZDENĚK
Published: July 2009

We study the influence of the tidal charge parameter of the braneworld models on some optical phenomena in rotating black hole space–times. The escape photon cones are determined for special families of locally nonrotating, circular geodetical and radially free-falling observers. The silhouette of a rotating black hole, the shape of an equatorial thin accretion disk and the time delay effect for direct and indirect images of a radiating hot spot orbiting the black hole are given and classified in terms of the black hole rotational and tidal parameters. It is shown that increase of the negatively valued tidal parameter, with the rotational parameter fixed, generally strengthens the relativistic effects and suppresses the rotation-induced asymmetries in the optical phenomena.
A POSSIBLE LATE TIME ΛCDM-LIKE BACKGROUND COSMOLOGY IN RELATIVISTIC MOND THEORY
Authors: HAO J. G. , AKHOURY R.
Published: July 2009

In the framework of relativistic MOND theory (TeVeS), we show that a late time background ΛCDM cosmology can be attained by choosing a specific F(μ) that also meets the requirement for the existence of Newtonian and MOND limits. We investigate the dynamics of the scalar field ϕ under our chosen F(μ) and show that the slow roll regime of ϕ corresponds to a dynamical attractor, where the whole system reduces to ΛCDM cosmology.
PRICING OF EXOTIC ENERGY DERIVATIVES BASED ON ARITHMETIC SPOT MODELS
Authors: BENTH FRED ESPEN , KUFAKUNESU RODWELL
Published: July 2009

Based on a non-Gaussian Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model for energy spot, we derive prices for Asian and spread options using Fourier techniques. The option prices are expressed in terms of the Fourier transform of the payoff function and the characteristic functions of the driving noises, being independent increment processes. In many relevant situations, these functions are explicitly available, and fast Fourier transform can be used for efficient numerical valuation. The arithmetic nature of our model implies that only a one-dimensional Fourier transform is required in the computation of the price, contrary to geometric models where transformation along both underlying variables is necessary.
AN INTEGRATED DECISION SUPPORT FRAMEWORK FOR MACROECONOMIC POLICY MAKING BASED ON EARLY WARNING THEORIES
Authors: ZHANG XUN , ZHENG GUIHUAN , SHANG WEI , XU SHANGYING , YANG XIAOGUANG , LAI KIN KEUNG , WANG SHOU-YANG
Published: July 2009

Macroeconomic policy making is a complex systematic process, which requires in-depth understanding of current economic situation, prediction of future economic trend, and proper policy evaluation measurements. Instruments of early warning, and policy simulation are often employed in macroeconomic policy making. However, no matter how well it is developed, any single instrument is often inadequate for policy making support, because of the gap between theories and practice. In this paper, macroeconomic early warning theories are integrated with the policy decision support concepts. Three stages are involved in the macroeconomic policy making process: monitoring, forecasting, and policy simulation. Based on this idea, an integrated alert–response framework is proposed with one corresponding module for each stage. Within this framework, not only information can be exchanged freely among these modules, but the monitoring–forecasting–simulation process can run smoothly to realize timeliness and efficient policy making support. Moreover, a knowledge base is incorporated into the framework to support the economic early warning and policy making support process. Therefore, this framework is featured in integration and a final all-round report, including current economic status, future trend prediction, policy making suggestions, external information, and expert opinions, can be generated. An implementation of this framework was developed for China's macroeconomic adjustment and has been put into practice since early 2006. A case of national economic growth analysis based on the proposed framework is given to demonstrate how the framework serves for government policy making routines.
Amazonian Archaeology
Authors: Heckenberger Michael , Neves Eduardo Góes
Published: July 2009

Amazonian archaeology has made major advances in recent decades, particularly in understanding coupled human environmental systems. Like other tropical forest regions, prehistoric social formations were long portrayed as small-scale, dispersed communities that differed little in organization from recent indigenous societies and had negligible impacts on the essentially pristine forest. Archaeology documents substantial variation that, while showing similarities to other world regions, presents novel pathways of early foraging and domestication, semi-intensive resource management, and domesticated landscapes associated with diverse small- and medium-sized complex societies. Late prehistoric regional polities were articulated in broad regional political economies, which collapsed in the aftermath of European contact. Field methods have also changed dramatically through in-depth local and regional studies, interdisciplinary approaches, and multicultural collaborations, notably with indigenous peoples. Contemporary research highlights questions of scale, perspective, and agency, including concerns for representation, public archaeology, indigenous cultural heritage, and conservation of the region's remarkable cultural and ecological resources.
Anthropology and Global Health
Authors: Janes Craig R. , Corbett Kitty K.
Published: July 2009

This article addresses anthropology's engagement with the emerging discipline of global health. We develop a definition for global health and then present four principal contributions of anthropology to global health: (a) ethnographic studies of health inequities in political and economic contexts; (b) analysis of the impact on local worlds of the assemblages of science and technology that circulate globally; (c) interrogation, analysis, and critique of international health programs and policies; and (d) analysis of the health consequences of the reconfiguration of the social relations of international health development.
The Early Development of Gender Differences
Authors: McIntyre Matthew H. , Edwards Carolyn Pope
Published: July 2009

This article reviews findings from anthropology, psychology, and other disciplines about the role of biological factors in the development of sex differences in human behavior, including biological theories, the developmental course of sex differences, and the interaction of biological and cultural gendering processes at different ages. Current evidence suggests that major biological influences on individual differences in human gender, to the extent that they exist, operate primarily in early development, during and especially prior to puberty. Biological effects are likely to be mediated by relatively simple processes, like temperament, which are then elaborated through social interactions (as with mother and peers) into more complex gendered features of adult personality. Biological anthropologists and psychologists interested in gender should direct more attention to understanding how social processes influence the development and function of the reproductive endocrine system.
The Audacity of Affect: Gender, Race, and History in Linguistic Accounts of Legitimacy and Belonging
Authors: McElhinny Bonnie
Published: July 2009

This review considers research on language and affect, with particular attention to gender, that has appeared in the past two decades in ways informed by the recent effloresence of work on affect in feminist, queer, (post)colonial, and critical race studies. The review is selective: It focuses on a few key ways that recent research is responding to gaps identified in earlier research and opening up promising areas for future research. This review thus attempts to connect linguistic anthropological and discourse analytic studies more fully with contemporary debates in feminist, queer, antiracist, and postcolonial studies. In general, I look at the rise of more fully historical approaches; in particular, I look at (a) affect in imperial and other global encounters; (b) language, neoliberalism, and affective labor; and (c) terror and hate, compassion, and conviviality in public speech. It also considers why we are, at this particular moment, witnessing such interest in affect.
Gender, Militarism, and Peace-Building: Projects of the Postconflict Moment
Authors: Moran Mary H.
Published: July 2009

Scholars have argued for decades about the relationship between biological sex and organized violence, but feminist analysts across numerous disciplines have documented the range and variety of gendered roles in times of war. In recent years, research has brought new understanding of the rapidity with which ideas about masculinity and femininity can change in times of war and the role of militarization in constructing and enforcing the meaning of manhood and womanhood. In the post–Cold War period, “new wars” ( Kaldor 1999 ) have mobilized gender in multiple ways, and peace-building is often managed by external humanitarian organizations. A strange disconnect exists between the massive body of scholarly research on gender, militarism, and peace-building and on-the-ground practices in postconflict societies, where essentialized ideas of men as perpetrators of violence and women as victims continue to guide much program design.
Identity and Difference: Complicating Gender in Archaeology
Authors: Geller Pamela L.
Published: July 2009

From its inception, the archaeology of gender was entwined with feminism. Engagement has engendered reconstructions of complex, diverse peoples and practices that are more equitable, relevant, and sound. Yet, for many archaeologists, the connection with feminist perspectives has frayed in recent years. Their studies of gender articulate dated ideas about women and epistemological frames that highlight duality and universality. Examinations of labor divisions typify shortcomings. To advance gender's study and archaeology, practitioners need to consider several concerns about identity and difference emerging from third-wave feminism. Gender is envisioned as intersection. Bioarchaeology, especially, will benefit from feminist approaches that reflect critically and regard gender in nonnormative and multiscalar terms. To this end, resistance to feminism must fade. Opposition stems from its imagined relationship with postmodernism, but conflation misconstrues feminism's sociopolitical commitment to emancipatory change. For their part, archaeologists can utilize feminist perspectives to diversify the field, explore difference, and tackle archaeological issues with sociopolitical resonance.
Transitions: Pastoralists Living with Change
Authors: Galvin Kathleen A.
Published: July 2009

This review covers two major causes of change in pastoral systems. First is fragmentation, the dissection of a natural system into spatially isolated parts, which is caused by a number of socioeconomic factors such as changes in land tenure, agriculture, sedentarization, and institutions. Second is climate change and climate variability, which are expected to alter dry and semiarid grasslands now and into the future. Details of these changes are described using examples from Africa and Mongolia. An adaptation framework is used to place global change in context. Although pastoral systems are clearly under numerous constraints and risks have intensified, pastoralists are adapting and trying to remain flexible. It is too early to ask if the responses are enough, given the magnitude and number of changes faced by pastoralists today.
The Commodification of Intimacy: Marriage, Sex, and Reproductive Labor
Authors: Constable Nicole
Published: July 2009

Over the past three decades, scholars have paid greater attention to the intensification and complex interconnectivity of local and global processes. Anthropological studies of cross-border marriages, migrant domestic workers, and sex workers have burgeoned, demonstrating growing scholarly interest in how social relations have become evermore geographically dispersed, impersonal, mediated by and implicated in broader political-economic or capitalist processes. At the same time, intimate and personal relations—especially those linked to households and domestic units, the primary units associated with reproductive labor—have become more explicitly commodified, linked to commodities and to commodified global processes (i.e., bought or sold; packaged and advertised; fetishized, commercialized, or objectified; consumed; assigned values and prices) and linked in many cases to transnational mobility and migration, presenting new ethnographic challenges and opportunities. This review highlights contemporary anthropological and ethnographic studies of the transnational commodification of intimacy and intimate relations, related debates, themes, and ethnographic challenges.
Mechanical stretch decreases FAK phosphorylation and reduces cell migration through loss of JIP3-induced JNK phosphorylation in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Desai Leena P. , White Steven R. , Waters Christopher M.
Published: July 2009

JNK is a nonreceptor kinase involved in the early events that signal cell migration after injury. However, the linkage to early signals required to initiate the migration response to JNK has not been defined in airway epithelial cells, which exist in an environment subjected to cyclic mechanical strain (MS). The present studies demonstrate that the JNK/stress-activated protein kinase-associated protein 1 (JSAP1; also termed JNK-interacting protein 3, JIP3), a scaffold factor for MAPK cascades that links JNK activation to focal adhesion kinase (FAK), are both associated and activated following mechanical injury in 16HBE14o− human airway epithelial cells and that both FAK and JIP3 phosphorylation seen after injury are decreased in cells subjected to cyclic MS. Overexpression of either wild-type (WT)-FAK or WT-JIP3 enhanced phosphorylation and kinase activation of JNK and reduced the inhibitory effect of cyclic MS. These results suggest that cyclic MS impairs signaling of cell migration after injury via a pathway that involves FAK-JIP3-JNK.
IL-8 signaling does not mediate intra-amniotic LPS-induced inflammation and maturation in preterm fetal lamb lung
Authors: Kallapur Suhas G. , Moss Timothy J. M. , Auten Richard L. , Nitsos Ilias , Pillow J. Jane , Kramer Boris W. , Maeda Dean Y. , Newnham John P. , Ikegami Machiko , Jobe Alan H.
Published: July 2009

Preterm infants exposed to chorioamnionitis and preterm sheep fetuses exposed to intra-amniotic (IA) LPS have lung inflammation, increased IL-8 levels, and lung maturation. We tested the hypothesis that IL-8 signaling mediates IA LPS-induced lung inflammation and lung maturation. Two strategies were used: 1) we tested if IA injection of recombinant sheep IL-8 (rsIL-8) induced fetal inflammation and 2) if IL-8 signaling was blocked by a novel CXCR2 receptor blocker, nicotinanilide thioglycolate methyl ester (NTME). To test effects of IL-8 in the fetus, rsIL-8 was given intravascularly (50 μg) at 124 ± 1 day of gestation (term = 150 days). A separate group of sheep was given IA rsIL-8 (100 μg) and delivered 5 h to 7 days later at 124 ± 1 day of gestation. After confirming efficacy of the CXCR2 inhibitor, effects of IL-8 blockade were tested by injecting fetal sheep intramuscularly with NTME (10 mg) before IA injection of Escherichia coli LPS (10 mg). Sheep fetuses were delivered 1 or 7 days after injections at 124 ± 1 day of gestation. IA rsIL-8 induced a modest fivefold increase in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) monocytes and neutrophils and increased lung monocyte hydrogen peroxide generation. However, rsIL-8 did not induce lung maturation. Intravascular rsIL-8 did not change fetal cardiovascular variables, blood pH, or blood leukocyte counts. Inhibition of CXCR2 decreased IA LPS-induced increases in BAL proteins at 1 day but not at 7 days. NTME did not significantly decrease IA LPS-induced BAL leukocyte influx and lung cytokine mRNA expression. Inhibition of CXCR2 did not change IA LPS-induced lung maturation. IL-8 signaling does not mediate LPS-induced lung inflammation and lung maturation.
1α,25(OH)2D3and its 3-epimer promote rat lung alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and inhibit lipofibroblast apoptosis
Authors: Sakurai R. , Shin E. , Fonseca S. , Sakurai T. , Litonjua A. A. , Weiss S. T. , Torday J. S. , Rehan V. K.
Published: July 2009

Although alveolar wall thinning has been attributed to apoptosis of interstitial lung lipofibroblasts (LFs), the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remains unknown. Although the physiological vitamin D steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2D3(1,25D) has been suggested as a local paracrine/autocrine effector of fetal lung maturation and is known to affect fibroblast apoptosis, its effects on LF apoptosis are unknown. We determined the role of 1,25D and its metabolite, C-3-epimer (3-epi-1,25D), on LF and alveolar type II (ATII) cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Embryonic day 19 Sprague-Dawley fetal rat lung LFs and ATII cells were treated with 1,25D or 3-epi-1,25D (1 × 10−10to 1 × 10−8M) for 24 h, and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation were assessed. Both 1,25D and 3-epi-1,25D exhibited dose-dependent increases in expression of the key homeostatic epithelial-mesenchymal differentiation markers, increased LF and ATII cell proliferation, and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, rat pups administered 1,25D from postnatal days 0 to 14 showed increased expressions of key LF and ATII cell differentiation markers, increased Bcl-2-to-Bax ratio as an index of decreased spontaneous alveolar LF and ATII cell apoptosis, increased alveolar count, and a paradoxical increase in septal thickness. We conclude that spatial- and temporal-specific actions of vitamin D play a critical role in perinatal lung maturation by stimulating key alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and by modulating LF proliferation/apoptosis. These data not only provide the biological rationale for the presence of an alveolar vitamin D paracrine system, but also provide the first integrated molecular mechanism for increased surfactant synthesis and alveolar septal thinning during perinatal lung maturation.
Adenosine A2Breceptors are highly expressed on murine type II alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Cagnina Rebecca E. , Ramos Susan I. , Marshall Melissa A. , Wang Guoquan , Frazier C. Renea , Linden Joel
Published: July 2009

The adenosine A2Breceptor (A2BR) has a wide tissue distribution that includes fibroblasts and endothelial and epithelial cells. The recent generation of an A2BR−/−mouse constructed with a β-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter gene under control of the endogenous promoter has provided a valuable tool to quantify A2BR promoter activity ( 29 ). To determine the sites of expression of the A2Breceptor in the mouse lung, histological and flow cytometric analysis of β-gal reporter gene expression in various lung cell populations was performed. The major site of A2BR promoter activity was found to be the type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), identified by coexpression of prosurfactant protein C, with relatively less expression in alveolar macrophages, bronchial epithelial cells, and cells of the vasculature. Highly purified type II AECs were prepared by fluorescence-activated sorting of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-positive cells from transgenic mice expressing eGFP under control of the surfactant protein C promoter ( 21 ). The type II cells expressed 89-fold higher A2BR mRNA than pulmonary leukocytes, and the A2BR was shown to be functional, as treatment of purified type II AECs with the nonspecific adenosine receptor agonist 5′- N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) induced an increase in intracellular cAMP greater that the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol that was inhibited completely following treatment by ATL-802, a novel, highly potent ( Ki= 8.6 nM), and selective (>900 fold over other adenosine receptor subtypes) antagonist of the mouse A2BR.
Molecular control of circadian metabolic rhythms
Authors: Li Siming , Lin Jiandie D.
Published: July 2009

Circadian metabolic rhythms are fundamental to the control of nutrient and energy homeostasis, as well as the pathogenesis of metabolic disease, such as obesity, lipid disorders, and type 2 diabetes. This temporal organization of tissue metabolism is coordinated through reciprocal cross talk between the biological timing system and the metabolic regulatory networks. In this review, we discuss the signaling mechanisms that serve to couple metabolic regulation to the circadian pacemaker, in particular the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 transcriptional coactivators in integrating clock and energy metabolism.
Fish Oil Promotes Macrophage Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Mice
Authors: Nishimoto Tomoyuki , Pellizzon Michael A. , Aihara Masakazu , Stylianou Ioannis M. , Billheimer Jeffery T. , Rothblat George , Rader Daniel J.
Published: July 2009

Objective—

Fish oil (FO), and specifically omega 3 fatty acids, has favorable effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FO on the process of macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in an in vivo mouse model.

Methods and Results—

C57BL/6J mice were fed a FO diet, whereas control mice were fed diets containing alternative sources of fats, soybean oil (SO), and coconut oil (CO) for 4 weeks. Macrophage RCT was assessed by injecting [
3
H]cholesterol-labeled J774 macrophages intraperitoneally into mice. After 48 hours, tissues were harvested and feces were collected. An increase in the excretion of macrophage-derived [
3
H]-tracer recovered in fecal neutral sterols for FO-fed mice was observed (273% versus SO and 182% versus CO). FO also decreased [
3
H]-tracer in hepatic cholesteryl ester compared to SO and CO by 76% and 56%, respectively. To specifically determine the effect of FO on the fate of HDL-derived cholesterol, mice fed FO or SO diets were injected with HDL labeled with [
3
H]cholesteryl oleate, and the disappearance of [
3
H]-tracer from blood and its excretion in feces was measured. There was no significant difference in the fractional catabolic rate of [
3
H]cholesteryl oleate-HDL between the 2 groups. However, there was a 242% increase in the excretion of HDL-derived [
3
H]-tracer recovered in fecal neutral sterols in FO-fed mice, concordant with significantly increased expression of hepatic
Abcg5
and
Abcg8
mRNA.

Conclusion—

As measured by this tracer-based assay, FO promoted reverse cholesterol transport, primarily by enhancement of the hepatic excretion of macrophage-derived and HDL-derived cholesterol.
Analysis of In Situ and Ex Vivo Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Expression During Experimental Aortic Aneurysm Progression
Authors: Tedesco Maureen M. , Terashima Masahiro , Blankenberg Francis G. , Levashova Zoia , Spin Joshua M. , Backer Marina V. , Backer Joseph M. , Sho Mien , Sho Eiketsu , McConnell Michael V. , Dalman Ronald L.
Published: July 2009

Objective—

Mural inflammation and neovascularization are characteristic pathological features of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) expression may also mediate AAA growth and rupture. We examined VEGFR expression as a function of AAA disease progression in the Apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apo E
−/−
) murine AAA model.

Methods and Results—

Apo E
−/−
mice maintained on a high-fat diet underwent continuous infusion with angiotensin II at 1000 ng/kg/min (Ang II) or vehicle (Control) via subcutaneous osmotic pump. Serial transabdominal ultrasound measurements of abdominal aortic diameter were recorded (n=16 mice, 3 to 4 time points per mouse) for up to 28 days. Near-infrared receptor fluorescent (NIRF) imaging was performed on Ang II mice (n=9) and Controls (n=5) with scVEGF/Cy, a single-chain VEGF homo-dimer labeled with Cy5.5 fluorescent tracer (7 to 18 μg/mouse IV). NIRF with inactivated single chain VEGF/Cy tracer (scVEGF/In, 18 μg/mouse IV) was performed on 2 additional Ang II mice to control for nonreceptor-mediated tracer binding and uptake. After image acquisition and sacrifice, aortae were harvested for analysis. An additional AAA mouse cohort received either an oral angiogenesis inhibitor or suitable negative or positive controls to clarify the significance of angiogenesis in experimental aneurysm progression. Aneurysms developed in the suprarenal aortic segment of all Ang II mice. Significantly greater fluorescent signal was obtained from aneurysmal aorta as compared to remote, uninvolved aortic segments in Ang II scVEGF/Cy mice or AAA in scVEGF/In mice or suprarenal aortic segments in Control mice. Signal intensity increased in a diameter-dependent fashion in aneurysmal segments. Immunostaining confirmed mural VEGFR-2 expression in medial smooth muscle cells. Treatment with an angiogenesis inhibitor attenuated AAA formation while decreasing mural macrophage infiltration and CD-31
+
cell density.

Conclusion—

Mural VEGFR expression, as determined by scVEGF/Cy fluorescent imaging and VEGFR-2 immunostaining, increases in experimental AAAs in a diameter-dependent fashion. Angiogenesis inhibition limits AAA progression. Clinical VEGFR expression imaging strategies, if feasible, may improve real-time monitoring of AAA disease progression and response to suppressive strategies.
Recombinant Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Inhibits Intimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Wu Jianbo , Peng Lin , McMahon Grainne A. , Lawrence Daniel A. , Fay William P.
Published: July 2009

Objective—

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) overexpression is implicated in vascular disease. However, the effects of a primary increase in PAI-1 expression on arterial remodeling are poorly defined. We tested the hypothesis that recombinant PAI-1 inhibits intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury.

Methods and Results—

Rats underwent carotid artery injury and received intraperitoneal injections of saline or mutant forms of PAI-1 for 14 days, including an active stable mutant (PAI-1-14-1b), a mutant lacking anti-PA activity (PAI-1-R), or a mutant defective in vitronectin (VN) binding (PAI-1-K). All forms of PAI-1 significantly inhibited neointima formation, whereas elastase-cleaved PAI-1, which lacks both anti-PA and VN-binding functions, did not. Similar effects were observed in a murine model. However, the antiproliferative effect of PAI-1-R was lost in
Vn
−/−
mice, suggesting that PAI-1 can inhibit intimal hyperplasia in vivo by a VN-dependent pathway not involving direct inhibition of proteases. In vitro, recombinant PAI-1 inhibited wild-type vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited migration. These effects were lost in VN-deficient VSMCs.

Conclusion—

Recombinant PAI-1 inhibits intimal hyperplasia by inhibiting proteases and binding VN. VN is a key determinant of the antiproliferative effect of PAI-1 overexpression. PAI-1-R has therapeutic potential to inhibit vascular restenosis without promoting thrombosis.