bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Heroes and Polemics: “The Policeman” in Urban Ethnography
Authors: Karpiak Kevin G.
Published: May 2010

Cities have long been characterized as lonely, alienating places in literature and the social sciences. This article tracks the theme of urban alienation through both detective fiction and urban ethnography, demonstrating that these literatures also share a focus on two key figures: the Hero and the Policeman. Within an important variant of the genre, the Policeman performs a crucial role, becoming the mechanism through which alienation is enforced. In this regard the Policeman stands in contrast to the Hero, battling over the very soul of modernity. On the other hand, there is a variant of the genre of police fiction which is known as noir. Within this genre, the ethical stakes are configured somewhat differently. I will argue that this is the location in which we find the potential for reconceptualizing anthropology's ethical stakes vis‐à‐vis questions of power and violence in the contemporary world.
Claiming Indigenous Rights to Culture, Flora, and Fauna: A Contemporary Case from New Zealand
Authors: Levine Hal B.
Published: May 2010

Maori individuals and groups in New Zealand have been active for many years claiming rights to property and resources guaranteed to them by the Treaty of Waitangi 1840. An important contemporary case, Wai 262, extends the scope of these claims to include ownership of Maori culture and its products. The tendency in this claim to reify culture, and to assert indigenous ownership of it, is common. However, New Zealand's approach to the issue of cultural rights is unique. The state has established a quasi‐judicial forum, the Waitangi Tribunal, to hear claims about violations of Maori Treaty rights. In this particular instance the Treaty ‐ Tribunal framework has shaped indigenous claims in ways that paint the claimants into a corner. Their position at the hearings’ closings comes into conflict with the kind of liberal democratic values that provide Maori iwi (tribes) opportunities to make their case. It is therefore unlikely that Wai 262 will afford a solution to the problems of cultural appropriation and marginalization that exist in contemporary New Zealand. As such, this long‐running case leaves the claimants, and those sympathetic to their plight, with some unfinished business. It also provides an important new window into the contradictions facing indigenous peoples who seek redress through law.
The Uses of Psychiatry in the War on Terror
Authors: Aggarwal Neil Krishan
Published: May 2010

This article examines contestations over psychiatric knowledge during the legal proceedings of Guantanamo detainees. First, the US government's use of mental health professionals to introduce reconfigured definitions of torture is probed. Next, the government's concerns around ascertaining competency to stand trial is reviewed. The article then examines debates over the appropriateness of the death penalty in the cases of five Guantanamo detainees, all suspected of masterminding the 9/11 attacks. The article concludes by exploring how critical anthropology can help elucidate the state's exercise of power over people and their bodies (“biopower”) – an exercise governed in part by legal institutions. Throughout the article, psychiatry is viewed as a discourse that bridges US medical and legal understandings of the body while recognizing that conceptions of the body, life, and death that vary across cultures.
The development of social capital through football and running: studying an intervention program for inactive women
Authors: Ottesen L. , Jeppesen R. S. , Krustrup B. R.
Published: May 2010

This article examines the development of social capital through the use and dynamics of different types of stories (“I,”“we” and “they”) as described by Robert D. Putnam. The data come from a research project in which inactive women participated in a 16‐week intervention program of physical exercise, either in the form of football or running. The study shows a positive development of social capital in the two different types of physical activity. The I‐stories show themselves to be central to bonding within the two groups and bridging outside the groups (developing and/or creating networks). The study also points to the importance of the activity itself for internal bonding illustrated through we‐ and they‐stories. Our data indicate that team sports, such as football, may have an advantage over individual sports in the development of social capital.
Maternal Levels of Prostacyclin, Thromboxane, ICAM, and VCAM in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies
Authors: Lewis David F. , Canzoneri Bernard J. , Gu Yang , Zhao Shuang , Wang Yuping
Published: May 2010

Citation Lewis DF., Canzoneri BJ., Gu Y, Zhao S, Wang Y. Maternal Levels of Prostacyclin, Thromboxane, ICAM, and VCAM in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 376–383

Problem  To evaluate whether impaired endothelial function and endothelial inflammatory response occur in parallel in the women with preeclampsia.

Method of Study  Venous blood was drawn from normal (n = 40) and severe preeclamptic (sPE) (n = 40) pregnant women when they were admitted to the L&D Unit and 24 hrs after delivery. Plasma and serum samples were extracted and measured for 6‐keto PGF1α and TXB2 (stable metabolites of PGI2 and TXA2), and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) by ELISA. Data are analyzed by Mann–Whitney test and paired t‐test. The statistical significance is set as P < 0.05.

Results  Plasma 6‐keto PGF1α levels were significantly reduced at admission and 24 hr after delivery in sPE compared to normal pregnant controls, P < 0.01. The ratio of 6‐keto PGF1α and TXB2 was significant less in sPE than that in normal pregnant controls before delivery. There was no significant difference for ICAM and VCAM levels between normal and patients with sPE before and after delivery.

Conclusion  Maternal 6‐keto PGF1α levels and the ratio of 6‐keto PGF1α and TXB2 were decreased in patients with sPE compared to normal pregnant controls. In contrast, maternal ICAM and VCAM levels were not different between the two groups. These data suggest that serum ICAM and VCAM levels may not be sensitive inflammatory biomarkers for preeclampsia.
Malyngolide from the cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula interferes with quorum sensing circuitry
Authors: Dobretsov Sergey , Teplitski Max , Alagely Ali , Gunasekera Sarath P. , Paul Valerie J.
Published: May 2010

Extracts of several cyanobacterial species collected from different marine and estuarine locations predominately in Florida (USA), with one sample each from Belize and Oman, were screened for their ability to disrupt quorum sensing (QS) in the reporter strain Chromobacterium violaceum CV017. Inhibitory activities were detected in the ethyl acetate : methanol (1:1) extracts of several Lyngbya spp., and extracts of Lyngbya majuscula contained the strongest QS inhibitory activities. Extracts of L. majuscula from the Indian River Lagoon, FL, USA, were further purified by bioassay‐guided fractionation. The antibiotic malyngolide (MAL) was identified as a QS inhibitor. Activity of MAL was investigated using N‐acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) reporters based on the LasR receptor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MAL at concentrations ranging from 3.57 µM to 57 µM (EC50 = 12.2 ± 1.6 µM) inhibited responses of the LasR reporters without affecting bacterial growth. MAL inhibited (EC50 =  10.6 ± 1.8 µM) Las QS‐dependent production of elastase by P. aeruginosa PAO1. We propose that this QS inhibitor plays a role in controlling interactions of heterotrophic bacteria associated with the cyanobacterium L. majuscula.
The differential development of microsporidia infecting worker honey bee (Apis mellifera) at increasing incubation temperature
Authors: Higes Mariano , García‐Palencia Pilar , Botías Cristina , Meana Aránzazu , Martín‐Hernández Raquel
Published: May 2010

In the last century, nosemosis caused by Nosema apis is traditionally considered as a low‐prevalence disease of Apis mellifera, even though it occurs worldwide. Colonies affected by N. apis display low levels of infection during summer, a small peak in autumn and usually a slow rise during winter. However, nosemosis due to Nosema ceranae is considered as an emergent illness that is posing a major threat to the health of individual honey bees and whole bee colonies. The symptoms of infection by these two pathogens are very different, as are the virulence, spread and pathogenicity. We have carried out experiments in artificially infected worker honey bees maintained in the laboratory at two different temperatures. Both microsporidia developed as expected for up to 4 days after infection at 33.0°C, but when maintained for 5 or 7 days at 37.2°C, only N. ceranae completed its life cycle in infected honey bees, while the development of N. apis was inhibited. This and other published data suggest that N. ceranae is eurythermal whereas N. apis is stenothermal. The higher temperature tolerance recorded may be related to the higher prevalence of N. ceranae reported worldwide.
First report of viral infections that affect argentine honeybees
Authors: Reynaldi Francisco José , Sguazza Guillermo Hernán , Pecoraro Marcelo Ricardo , Tizzano Marco Andrés , Galosi Cecilia Mónica
Published: May 2010

Honey is one of the most important agricultural products for export in Argentina. In fact, more than 3.5 million beehives and 50 000 beekeepers are related with this production, mainly located in Buenos Aires province. Honeybee mortality is a serious problem that beekeepers in Argentina have had to face during the last 3 years. It is known that the consequence of the complex interactions between environmental and beekeeping parameters added to the effect of different disease agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasitic mites may result in a sudden collapse of the colony. In addition, multiple viral infections are frequently detected concomitantly in bee colonies. We describe here the preliminary results of a survey of three honeybee‐pathogenic viruses, acute bee paralysis viruses (ABPV), chronic bee paralysis viruses (CBPV) and Sacbrood viruses (SBV) detected during a screening of 61 apiaries located in the main honey producer province using a RT‐PCR assay. This is the first molecular report of the presence of these viruses in Argentine apiaries.
The Globalisation of Intellectual Property Rights: Four Learned Lessons and Four Theses
Authors: Archibugi Daniele , Filippetti Andrea
Published: May 2010

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) have become ubiquitous in the current debate and have emerged as the key issue of global innovation policy. The ‘Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights’ (TRIPS) Agreement, signed in 1994 as a founding element of the World Trade Organisation, represents the most important attempt to establish a global harmonisation of Intellectual Property protection. The aim of this article is to re‐examine critically what has become the common wisdom around IPRs, TRIPS and their effects. We argue that supporters of IPRs in western corporations and governments as well as detractors in global movements and developing countries have overestimated their importance in the process of generation and diffusion of knowledge and innovation. On the basis of some key learned lessons on the nature of innovation and technological change, we assess four theses about TRIPS and its impact on the global generation and distribution of knowledge. Finally, the policy implications concerning international organisations and technological transfer are discussed.

Policy Implications

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) have emerged as the key issue of global innovation policy: through the ‘Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights' (TRIPS) Agreement, there is an attempt to impose worldwide a western system of IPRs.

Western governments and large corporations claim that strong IPRs are needed to maintain investment in innovation. This position is contrasted by new political and social movements, which assert that muscular IPRs enforcement hampers economic growth and welfare in developing countries. The article argues that both positions overemphasise what IPRs can actually do to promote or obstruct innovation.

IPRs per se do not allow companies to appropriate the returns from their innovations unless they are matched to a wide‐ranging strategy that includes continuous learning and dynamic innovation.

There are substantial cross‐industry differences in the role played by IPRs: while patents are quite significant in pharmaceuticals and copyright is important in the audiovisual industry, the majority of sectors are not seriously affected by either strong or weak IPR regimes.

In order to catch up, developing countries should put specific policies in place to nurture their absorptive capacity through the creation of appropriate infrastructure and human resources. Competence building is not hampered by IPRs. Developing countries should concentrate on active learning policies to acquire the knowledge of the most industrialised nations.

Western nations would better protect their well‐being by focusing on promoting new knowledge and creativity rather than by impeding new entrants from accessing the know‐how they have already generated.
Global Identity Policies and Technology: Do we Understand the Question?
Authors: Whitley Edgar A. , Hosein Gus
Published: May 2010

Why do we get technology policy so wrong, so often? As governments rush to develop new identity policies they fail too often in answering essential questions: are identity policies capable of addressing a diverse range of policy goals? Are the techniques we imagine to be necessary in fact helpful? Instead, policy makers remain fixated on expensive and sexy ‘biometrics’ and vast new centralised databases to solve problems they do not understand. This survey seeks to resolve why policy makers repeatedly commission identity schemes based on obsolete knowledge of modern technological capabilities. We argue that policy making requires an understanding of technological issues as well as more traditional political and organisational concerns, and a little less bravado. As a result, policy makers can set about developing effective solutions that are citizen friendly and actually address pressing policy goals.
The Regulatory Reform of Global Financial Markets: An Asian Regulator’s Perspective
Authors: Sheng Andrew
Published: May 2010

Asia was not directly or significantly hurt through financial channels by the global financial crisis, but rather was hurt through trade channels. This article reviews the current regulatory reforms of global financial markets and how these affect Asia. The current crisis has exposed many weaknesses in the existing financial architecture, including the fragmentation of regulatory jurisdiction at the national and institutional levels. What is required is a system‐wide and global view of market behaviour. The article uses a network perspective to analyse the issues and to propose solutions. The globalisation of finance and its fragmented regulatory oversight is a collective action problem that easily slips into a tragedy of the commons. Given the fact that there is no unanimity of views on how finance should be structured, there are differences in approaches to the reforms. Because Asian financial institutions and structures are less sophisticated, Asia is still struggling with how to make the financial system more efficient and responsive to real sector needs. The article suggests that Asia needs to identify its financial needs and can develop its markets through greater regional cooperation. Identifying the need to see financial markets as ecosystems through diversity, the article suggests that Asia can evolve through simpler but more robust financial systems.

Policy Implications

As a matter of priority, Asia needs to strengthen domestic capital markets according to international standards.

The Asian approach will tend to be more pragmatic, focusing on simpler rules more effectively enforced. Financial innovation should be encouraged with an emphasis on functionality for the real sector, rather than leverage for the financial system.

Using the network approach means that Asians should build financial markets on a modular basis, ensuring that failure of one module will not destroy the whole system.

Since it is recognised that global problems cannot be solved at national levels alone, Asia can increase its voice in the international arena through regional subsets of the Financial Stability Board, central bank grouping within the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to help push implementation and enforcement according to global standards and to have regional input into global policy decisions.
Origin of a metamorphosed lithic clast in CM chondrite Grove Mountains 021536
Authors: ZHANG Aicheng , GUAN Yunbin , HSU Weibiao , LIU Yang , TAYLOR Lawrence A.
Published: May 2010

Abstract– A metamorphosed lithic clast was discovered in the CM chondrite Grove Mountains 021536, which was collected in the Antarctica by the Chinese Antarctic Research Exploration team. The lithic clast is composed mainly of Fe‐rich olivine (Fo62) with minor diopside (Fs9.7–11.1Wo48.3–51.6), plagioclase (An43–46.5), nepheline, merrillite, Al‐rich chromite (21.8 wt% Al2O3; 4.43 wt% TiO2), and pentlandite. Δ17O values of olivine in the lithic clast vary from −3.9‰ to −0.8‰. Mineral compositions and oxygen isotopic compositions of olivine suggest that the lithic clast has an exotic source different from the CM chondrite parent body. The clast could be derived from strong thermal metamorphism of pre‐existing chondrule that has experienced low‐temperature anhydrous alteration. The lithic clast is similar in mineral assemblage and chemistry to a few clasts observed in oxidized CV3 chondrites (Mokoia and Yamato‐86009) and might have been derived from the interior of the primitive CV asteroid. The apparent lack of hydration in the lithic clast indicates that the clast accreted into the CM chondrite after hydration of the CM components.
Dlg1-PTEN Interaction Regulates Myelin Thickness to Prevent Damaging Peripheral Nerve Overmyelination
Authors: Cotter Laurent , Özçelik Murat , Jacob Claire , Pereira Jorge A. , Locher Veronica , Baumann Reto , Relvas João B. , Suter Ueli , Tricaud Nicolas
Published: May 2010

Too Much of a Good Thing

In peripheral nerves, the insulating myelin sheath speeds up electrical conductivity by allowing impulses to skip down the axon from node to node. Axons signal using neuregulin to get the Schwann cells to begin their wrap-around insulation project. But when is enough myelin too much?

Cotter
et al.

(p.
1415
, published online 6 May) have now found the signal that stops further rounds of myelin insulation. In developing mice, the proteins Dlg1 (mammalian disc large 1) and PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) were involved in calling a halt to insulation during early development. The balance between not enough and too much myelin insulation is controlled by opposing signals, which together optimize both the myelination and the velocity of nerve conduction.
A Novel miRNA Processing Pathway Independent of Dicer Requires Argonaute2 Catalytic Activity
Authors: Cifuentes Daniel , Xue Huiling , Taylor David W. , Patnode Heather , Mishima Yuichiro , Cheloufi Sihem , Ma Enbo , Mane Shrikant , Hannon Gregory J. , Lawson Nathan D. , Wolfe Scot A. , Giraldez Antonio J.
Published: May 2010

No Dicer for Me

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs found in most eukaryotes. Most are processed from primary transcripts in the nucleus by the microprocessor enzyme complex, which includes the nuclease Drosha, with a small number being generated by the messenger RNA splicing machinery. All pre-miRNAs are then exported into the cytoplasm where they are cleaved further by a second nuclease, Dicer, into the mature, functional miRNA.

Cifuentes
et al.

(p.
1694
, published online 6 May), now show that in a Dicer mutant fish at least one miRNA, miR-451, is still formed from pre-miR-451. The processing of pre-miR-451 requires the slicing activity of another protein in the miRNA pathway, Argonaute2. The unusual secondary structure of the pre-miR-451 determines its noncanonical processing pathway, which suggests that other miRNAs might also be processed in this way.
Beige Can Be Slimming
Authors: Ishibashi Jeff , Seale Patrick
Published: May 2010

Prostaglandins promote the development of thermogenic beige fat in mice and may be a therapeutic approach to treat obesity.
Myanmar mango landraces reveal genetic uniqueness over common cultivars from Florida, India, and Southeast Asia
Authors: Hirano R. , Htun Oo Than , Watanabe K. N.
Published: May 2010

Mango ( Mangifera indica ) is believed to have evolved in a large area spanning northeastern India, Bangladesh, and northwestern Myanmar. We compared the genetic structure of mango accessions from Myanmar with that of mango accessions from Florida, India, and Southeast Asia with 11 SSR markers. The Myanmar accessions exhibited considerable genetic diversity (unbiased heterozygosity, UHe= 0.698) and a high number of private alleles. Despite the low degree of genetic differentiation among accessions (global Fst, θ = 0.123), Myanmar’s accessions were distinguishable from mango accessions from Florida, India, and Southeast Asia in a principal coordinates plot. Genetic differentiation of the Myanmar accessions from other groups was also observed in a Bayesian cluster analysis. No population structure among Myanmar accessions was revealed by a neighbor-joining tree. Our results revealed a broad genetic background and genetic distinctiveness of mango in Myanmar. We discuss the implications for diversification mechanisms based on the embryo type characteristics and provide recommendations for conservation efforts.
Paternity determination of interspecific rhododendron hybrids by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH)
Authors: Czernicka Małgorzata , Mścichowska Anna , Klein Maria , Muras Piotr , Grzebelus Ewa
Published: May 2010

Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) has been proved to be the most effective and accurate technique for confirmation of hybrid character. The objective of our study was to adapt and optimize a GISH protocol for identification of donor chromatin in hybrids obtained by interspecific crosses between five Rhododendron taxa ( R. aureum , R. brachycarpum , R. catawbiense ‘Catharine van Tol’, R. catawbiense ‘Nova Zembla’, and R. yakushimanum ‘Koichiro Wada’). Positive results were obtained only when we used mitotic chromosome spreads prepared from anthers. The best differentiation of maternal and paternal chromosomes in hybrid genomes was obtained when 50 ng of probe was applied together with blocking DNA at a concentration of 3.0 µg/µL. The results demonstrate that GISH is a practical tool for detection of alien genomes and analysis of the constitution of the chromosomes in rhododendron hybrids.
Analysis of BAC clones containing homologous sequences on the end of the Xq arm and on chromosome 7 in the dioecious plantSilene latifolia
Authors: Ishii Kotaro , Amanai Yasuhito , Kazama Yusuke , Ikeda Miho , Kamada Hiroshi , Kawano Shigeyuki
Published: May 2010

Silene latifolia is a model dioecious plant with morphologically distinguishable XY sex chromosomes. The end of the Xq arm is quite different from that of the Yp arm, although both are located at opposite ends of their respective chromosomes relative to a pseudo-autosomal region. The Xq arm does not seem to originate from the same autosome as the Yp arm. Bacterial artificial chromosome clone #15B12 has an insert containing a 130-kb stretch in which a 313-bp satellite DNA is repeated 420 times. PCR with a single primer revealed that this 130-kb stretch consists of three reversals of the orientation of the satellite DNA. A non-long terminal repeat retroelement and two sequences that share homology with an Oryza sativa RING zinc finger and a putative Arabidopsis thaliana protein, respectively, were found in the sequences that flank the satellite DNA. Fluorescence in situ hybridization carried out using this low-copy region of #15B12 as a probe confirmed that these sequences originated from the X chromosome and that homologous sequences exist at the end of chromosome 7. The region distal to DD44X on the Xq arm is postulated to have recombined with a region containing satellite DNA on chromosome 7 during the process of sex chromosome evolution.
Microsatellite-based genetic relationships in the genusCamellia: potential for improving cultivars
Authors: Caser Matteo , Torello Marinoni Daniela , Scariot Valentina
Published: May 2010

There is a lack of published microsatellite data that characterizes Camellia spp. To address this, an initial study of sequence tagged microsatellite site (STMS) variation was undertaken with 132 accessions of Camellia spp., which included 24 accessions representing 22 different species or varieties as well as 63 cultivars of C. japonica , 33 cultivars of C. sasanqua , 7 cultivars of C. ×vernalis, 3 cultivars of C. ×hiemalis, and 2 cultivars of C. hybrida . The four primer sets used (MSCJAF37, MSCJAH46, MSCJAF25, and MSCJAH38) successfully amplified polymorphic alleles in all the species analysed, showing cross-transferability. Overall, 96 alleles were scored. MSCJAH38 primers produced the highest number of bands (30), while MSCJAH46 primers yielded the lowest number (15). The genetic distance between pairs of accessions was estimated on the basis of the Nei coefficient and a principal coordinate analysis was performed. The plot revealed a main differentiation between the C. japonica cultivars and the winter camellias. The distribution of the genetic variation, attributed by AMOVA, particularly highlighted genetic overlap among C. sasanqua cultivars and the cultivars belonging to C. ×vernalis, C. ×hiemalis, and C. hybrida. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that STMS markers offer a suitable method for detection of genetic variability and molecular study of camellia genotypes.
Genetic map of the powdery mildew resistance gene in soybean PI 243540
Authors: Kang Sung-Taeg , Mian M.A. Rouf
Published: May 2010

Powdery mildew (caused by Microsphaera diffusa Cooke & Peck) is a common disease of soybean in many soybean-growing regions of the world and under greenhouse conditions. The previously reported Rmd locus of soybean for resistance to powdery mildew was mapped on soybean molecular linkage group J (chromosome 16). We have discovered a single dominant gene in PI 243540 that provides season-long resistance to powdery mildew. The objective of this study was to map the powdery mildew resistance gene in PI 243540 with PCR-based molecular markers. One hundred eighty-four F2 plants and their F2:3 families from a cross between the powdery mildew susceptible cultivar ‘Wyandot’ and PI 243540 were screened with M. diffusa in greenhouses. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) with SSR markers was used to identify the tentative genomic location of the gene. The BSA localized the gene to a genomic region in soybean chromosome 16. A linkage map with seven SSR and six SNP markers flanking the gene was constructed. We positioned the gene between SSR marker Sat_224 and SNP marker BARC-021875-04228 at distances of 9.6 and 1.3 cM from the markers, respectively. The map position of the gene was slightly different from previously reported map positions of the only known Rmd locus. We have mapped a single dominant gene, tentatively called Rmd_PI243540, near the previously known Rmd locus on chromosome 16. The molecular markers flanking the gene will be useful for marker-assisted selection of this gene.
Evidence of diploidy in the wild Amerindian yam, a putative progenitor of the endangered speciesDioscorea trifida(Dioscoreaceae)
Authors: Bousalem Mustapha , Viader Véronique , Mariac Cedric , Gomez Rose-Marie , Hochu Isabelle , Santoni Sylvain , David Jacques
Published: May 2010

The fundamental question about Dioscorea trifida (Dioscoreaceae), the most important Amerindian yam, that remains unresolved concerns its evolutionary origin, since no wild relative has been reported. In this paper we report the existence of D. trifida’s wild relative for the first time. The diploidy of wild D. trifida (2n = 40) is clearly demonstrated by flow cytometry, chromosome counts, and microsatellite pattern analysis, whereas the cultivated form was previously shown to be autotetraploid (2n = 80). In the coastal region where the wild and cultivated forms are sympatric, tetraploid and triploid cytotypes coexist within the same populations. In the sites where the wild and cultivated forms are allopatric, the wild diploid cytotype predominates. AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) analyses gave an initial idea of the position of the wild forms in relation to the cultivated forms. All the wild and cultivated types form a monophyletic group structured into two major subgroups corresponding to the tetraploid cytotype of the cultivated form and the diploid cytotype of the wild form. The triploid cytotypes of the wild form are in an intermediary position. Wild accessions are grouped on the basis of their geographic origin. The data presented in this paper are significant for the effective breeding and conservation of D. trifida and to assess its genetic diversity and population structure for the general understanding of the evolution and domestication of the species.
Impact of microwave radiation on nitrogen removal and quantity of nitrifiers in biofilmA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Zieliński Marcin , Zielińska Magdalena
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of microwave radiation on the efficiency of nitrification and on the percentage of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in biofilm and to study the possibility of the occurrence of nonthermal effects caused by the interaction of microwaves and biofilm. Eight trickling filters with a biofilm were used in the experiment: four were exposed to microwave radiation, and four were heated with warm air as a control group. Microwave radiation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz was applied at an intensity of 18 W (0.01 W·cm–3of the reactor packing), which increased the biofilm temperature by 6 °C compared with the ambient temperature. The hydraulic loading averaged 0.30 m3·m–2·h–1, and the organic loading equalled 1.93 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)·m–2·d–1. Microwave radiation had an effect on the concentration of nitrogen compounds in the biofilm, and microwave heating triggered alterations within the biofilm that increased the efficiency of both nitrification and denitrification and the percentage of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria.
Hydraulic jump in sloping channels: roller length and energy loss
Authors: Beirami M. K. , Chamani M. R.
Published: May 2010

This paper deals with the roller length and energy loss of a large variety of hydraulic jumps in horizontal and sloping channels. The supercritical upstream flow originated from a standard ogee weir. A stilling basin with bottom slopes of 0.0, −0.025, −0.050, −0.075, and −0.100 was used to generate the jumps. Based on the energy principle, a semi-empirical method to predict the roller length is presented. Predictions based on the proposed method agree well with the results reported by the authors and other researchers. It is shown that the energy loss in the classical jump is greater than that in any jump forming on negative or positive slopes.
Geometry of developing and equilibrium scour holes at bridge piers in gravel
Authors: Diab Reda , Link Oscar , Zanke Ulrich
Published: May 2010

Experimental results on scour at circular and square cylinders in uniform gravel under the clear-water scour condition are presented. Nonintrusive, high-resolution topographic measurements of developing and equilibrium scour holes were performed during running experiments with an experimental installation using a laser distance sensor (LDS) and precision step motors. Measurements were taken by the LDS in different azimuthal half-planes with θ = 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 135°, 150°, 165°, and 180° to study the spatio-temporal variation of geometric properties of scour holes. Experiments were conducted over 40 h until equilibrium, with bed shear stress equal to 95% of the critical bed shear stress for the initiation of sediment motion at the undisturbed plane gravel bed having a d50of 3.25 mm. Results show that scour in gravel progresses more slowly around the square cylinder, where steeper slopes than at the circular cylinder are observed. During experiments the scour slopes do not exceed the observed repose angle of the sediment particles. Maximum scour depth in different azimuthal half-planes and scoured volume are well correlated with the maximum scour depth at azimuthal half-plane with θ = 0°.
An implementation model for automated construction materials tracking and locating
Authors: Nasir Hassan , Haas Carl T. , Young Duncan A. , Razavi Saiedeh Nawabzadi , Caldas Carlos , Goodrum Paul
Published: May 2010

Good materials management on large construction projects is critical for maximizing productivity and project performance. When key materials are temporarily lost, whole crews may be left idle and the project may be delayed. When key materials are completely lost, the impact can be enormous. In fact, one of the major problems in managing construction materials and equipment is tracking them in the supply chain and knowing their location on large job sites. Fortunately, location can now be automatically estimated within metres using emerging technologies. This paper proposes a general implementation model for automated construction materials tracking and locating on large industrial projects, such as refineries and power plants. It includes a methodology for determining what type of technology should be used for different types of projects and construction materials. It is based on an analysis of the capabilities of emerging technologies and on experience gained from implementing automated materials tracking prototypes on two large industrial projects. It is concluded that these technologies can produce substantial net benefits, if implemented properly on the right projects using the model described here.
A novel flood management strategy to plan eco-industry development in areas of coastal land-subsidence in Taiwan
Authors: Su Hui-Chen , Lin Hau-I
Published: May 2010

Because of limited freshwater resources, urban and industrial areas in Taiwan are often given priority for allocation of water resources. Accordingly, residents in rural regions usually pump groundwater for irrigation and daily needs. Continuous land subsidence has resulted in the elevation of the ground surface to be lower than the sea level, which has led to frequent flooding and created wetland habitats. In addition, seawater intrusion has damaged the soil, which has made the land difficult to farm. This study proposes a novel concept called the Island Lake Eco-town Program that would send the surface runoff from stormwater into a flood buffer wetland through land elevation modification and the necessary levee construction. Except for the use of stormwater to leach salt from the soil, we propose growing salt tolerant crops. Yunlin County of Taiwan has been selected as a study area to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method. This study also demonstrated how to evaluate the available production of rice growth in saline soils.
Two-equation turbulence modeling of an oscillatory boundary layer under steep pressure gradient
Authors: Sana Ahmad , Tanaka Hitoshi
Published: May 2010

A total of seven versions of two-equation turbulence models (four versions of low Reynolds number k–ε model, one k–ω model and two versions of k–ε / k–ω blended models) are tested against the direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of a one-dimensional oscillatory boundary layer with flat crested free-stream velocity that results from a steep pressure gradient. A detailed comparison has been made for cross-stream velocity, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), Reynolds stress, and ratio of Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy. It is observed that the newer versions of k–ε model perform very well in predicting the velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds stress. The k–ω model and blended models underestimate the peak value of turbulent kinetic energy that may be explained by the Reynolds stress to TKE ratio in the logarithmic zone. The maximum bottom shear stress is well predicted by the k–ε model proposed by Sana et al. and the original k–ω model.
Fuzzy complexes of myelin basic protein: NMR spectroscopic investigations of a polymorphic organizational linker of the central nervous systemThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Libich David S. , Ahmed Mumdooh A.M. , Zhong Ligang , Bamm Vladimir V. , Ladizhansky Vladimir , Harauz George
Published: May 2010

The classic 18.5 kDa isoform of myelin basic protein (MBP) is central to maintaining the structural homeostasis of the myelin sheath of the central nervous system. It is an intrinsically disordered, promiscuous, multifunctional, peripheral membrane protein, whose conformation adapts to its particular environment. Its study requires the selective and complementary application of diverse approaches, of which solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy are the most powerful to elucidate site-specific features. We review here several recent solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopic studies of 18.5 kDa MBP, and the induced partial disorder-to-order transitions that it has been demonstrated to undergo when complexed with calmodulin, actin, and phospholipid membranes.
Partial unfolding and oligomerization of stromal interaction molecules as an initiation mechanism of store operated calcium entryThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Stathopulos Peter B. , Ikura Mitsuhiko
Published: May 2010

Spatiotemporally discrete cytoplasmic Ca2+ fluctuations are fundamental eukaryotic signals in myriad physiological and pathophysiological functions. Store-operated Ca2+ entry is the process whereby a decrease in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal Ca2+ levels activates Ca2+ release activated calcium (CRAC) channels on the plasma membrane (PM), providing a sustained Ca2+ elevation to the cytoplasm and ultimately replenishing the ER lumen Ca2+ supply. Stromal interaction molecules (STIMs) are the Ca2+ sensors of the ER lumen, which macromolecularly couple depleted ER Ca2+ to the assembly and opening of PM CRAC channels. The considerable stability difference caused by Ca2+ loading and depletion within the luminal portion of STIMs modulates intramolecular cytoplasmic domain interactions essential to the assembly of PM CRAC channels. Thus, the action of the entire complex is tightly regulated through the Ca2+ sensitivity of luminal STIM domains. Recent structural and biochemical studies suggest that partial unfolding – coupled oligomerization of STIMs is a crucial step in CRAC channel activation. Based on these and other published data, this minireview discusses what is currently known about the molecular mechanism of ER Ca2+ sensing by STIMs.
Mutational investigation of protein folding transition states by Φ-value analysis and beyond: lessons from SH3 domain foldingThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Zarrine-Afsar Arash , Lin Sung Lun , Neudecker Philipp
Published: May 2010

Understanding how proteins adopt their unique native structures requires a complete structural characterization of the rate-limiting transition state(s) along the folding pathway. By definition, transition states are not significantly populated and are only accessible via folding kinetics studies. In this respect, interpreting the kinetic effects of amino acid substitutions (especially to Ala) via Φ-value analysis is the most common method to probe the structure of these transient, yet important states. A critical review of the key assumptions required for rigorous interpretation of Φ values reveals that a multiple substitution strategy in which a position of interest is mutated to a variety of amino acids, and not exclusively to Ala, provides the best means to characterize folding transition states. This approach has proven useful in revealing non-native interactions and (or) conformations in folding transition states. Moreover, by simultaneously examining the folding kinetics of multiple substitutions made at a single surface-exposed position using the Brønsted analysis the backbone conformation in a folding transition state can be investigated. For folding equilibria with exchange rates on the order of milliseconds, the kinetic parameters for Φ-value analysis can be obtained from NMR relaxation dispersion experiments, under fully native conditions, along with a wealth of high-resolution structural information about the states in exchange (native, denatured, and intermediate states that populate the pathway). This additional structural information, which is not readily obtained through stopped-flow based methods, can significantly facilitate the interpretation of Φ values because it often reports on the validity of the assumptions required for a rigorous interpretation of Φ values.
Structure and dynamics changes induced by 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethanol (TFE) on the N-terminal half of hepatitis C virus core proteinThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Duvignaud Jean-Baptiste , Leclerc Denis , Gagné Stéphane M.
Published: May 2010

The Core protein of hepatitis C virus is involved in several interactions other than the encapsidation of viral RNA. We recently proposed that this is related to the fact that the N-terminal half of this protein (C82) is an intrinsically unstructured protein (IUP) domain. IUP domains can adopt a secondary structure when they are interacting with another molecule, such as a nucleic acid or a protein. It is also possible to mimic these conditions by modifying the environment of the protein. We investigated the propensity of this protein to fold as a function of salt concentration, detergent, pH, and 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethanol (TFE); only the addition of TFE resulted in a structural change. The effect of TFE addition was studied by circular dichroism, structural, and dynamic data obtained by NMR. The data indicate that C82 can adopt an α-helical structure; this conformation is likely relevant to one of the functional roles of the HCV Core protein.
Loss and gain of GroEL in the MollicutesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Clark Gregory W. , Tillier Elisabeth R.M.
Published: May 2010

GroEL is a chaperone thought of as essential for bacterial life. However, some species of Mollicutes are missing GroEL. We use phylogenetic analysis to show that the presence of GroEL is polyphyletic among the Mollicutes, and that there is evidence for lateral gene transfer of GroEL to Mycoplasma penetrans from the Proteobacteria. Furthermore, we propose that the presence of GroEL in Mycoplasma may be required for invasion of host tissue, suggesting that GroEL may act as an adhesin–invasin.
Intrinsically disordered chaperones in plants and animalsThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Tompa Peter , Kovacs Denes
Published: May 2010

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are widespread in eukaryotes and fulfill important functions associated with signaling and regulation. Recent evidence points to a special and thus largely disrespected functional capacity of IDPs—that they can assist the folding of other proteins and prevent their aggregation, i.e., that they can act as chaperones. In this paper, we survey current information available on this phenomenon, with particular focus on (i) the structure and function of IDPs in general, (ii) disordered chaperones in plants, (iii) disordered chaperones in other organisms spanning from insects to mammals, (iv) the possible mechanisms of action of disordered chaperones, and (v) the possibility of two-faced (Janus) chaperone activity of disordered chaperones, which can assist the folding of both RNA and protein substrates. The evidence is most conclusive in the case of plant stress proteins, such as late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins or dehydrins. We will show that the cellular function of LEA proteins in mitigating the damage caused by stress is clear; nevertheless, experiments carried out in vivo must be extended and the molecular mechanism of the action of IDP chaperones also requires clarification. Using these details, we chart out how far the field has progressed only to emphasize the long road ahead before chaperone function can be firmly established as part of the physiological mechanistic arsenal of the emerging group of IDPs.
Molecular simulations of protein disorderThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Rauscher Sarah , Pomès Régis
Published: May 2010

Protein disorder is abundant in proteomes throughout all kingdoms of life and serves many biologically important roles. Disordered states of proteins are challenging to study experimentally due to their structural heterogeneity and tendency to aggregate. Computer simulations, which are not impeded by these properties, have recently emerged as a useful tool to characterize the conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins. In this review, we provide a survey of computational studies of protein disorder with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of these studies. The application of simulation techniques to the study of disordered states is described in the context of experimental and bioinformatics approaches. Experimental data can be incorporated into simulations, and simulations can provide predictions for experiment. In this way, simulations have been integrated into the existing methodologies for the study of disordered state ensembles. We provide recent examples of simulations of disordered states from the literature and our own work. Throughout the review, we emphasize important predictions and biophysical understanding made possible through the use of simulations. This review is intended as both an overview and a guide for structural biologists and theoretical biophysicists seeking accurate, atomic-level descriptions of disordered state ensembles.