bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Studies of Vertebrate Beta Integrin Genes and Proteins: Ancient Genes in Vertebrate Evolution
Authors: Holmes Roger S. , Rout Ujjwal K.
Published: August 2011

Intregins are heterodimeric α- and β-subunit containing membrane receptor proteins which serve various cell adhesion roles in tissue repair, hemostasis, immune response, embryogenesis and metastasis. At least 18 α- (ITA or ITGA) and 8 β-integrin subunits (ITB or ITGB) are encoded on mammalian genomes. Comparative ITB amino acid sequences and protein structures and ITB gene locations were examined using data from several vertebrate genome projects. Vertebrate ITB genes usually contained 13–16 coding exons and encoded protein subunits with ~800 amino acids, whereas vertebrate ITB4 genes contained 36-39 coding exons and encoded larger proteins with ~1800 amino acids. The ITB sequences exhibited several conserved domains including signal peptide, extracellular β-integrin, β-tail domain and integrin β-cytoplasmic domains. Sequence alignments of the integrin β-cytoplasmic domains revealed highly conserved regions possibly for performing essential functions and its maintenance during vertebrate evolution. With the exception of the human ITB8 sequence, the other ITB sequences shared a predicted 19 residue α-helix for this region. Potential sites for regulating human ITB gene expression were identified which included CpG islands, transcription factor binding sites and microRNA binding sites within the 3’-UTR of human ITB genes. Phylogenetic analyses examined the relationships of vertebrate beta-integrin genes which were consistent with four major groups: 1: ITB1, ITB2, ITB7; 2: ITB3, ITB5, ITB6; 3: ITB4; and 4: ITB8 and a common evolutionary origin from an ancestral gene, prior to the appearance of fish during vertebrate evolution. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that ITB4 is the most likely primordial form of the vertebrate β integrin subunit encoding genes, that is the only β subunit expressed as a constituent of the sole integrin receptor ‘α6β4’ in the hemidesmosomes of unicellular organisms.
Crystal Structure of the N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-alanyl-phenylalanyl-methyl Ester: The Importance of the H-Bonding Pattern
Authors: Alfonso Ignacio , Bolte Michael , Burguete M. Isabel , Luis Santiago V.
Published: August 2011

Large crystals of the methyl ester of the N-a-benzyloxycarbonyl protected Ala-Phe dipeptide (Z-AF-OMe) were obtained after the very slow evaporation of a solution of the corresponding carboxylic acid (Z-AF-OH) in methanol containing an excess of HCl. The structure was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with unit cell dimensions a = 5.0655(6) Å, b = 8.4614(8) Å, c = 46.856(5) Å, V = 2008.3(4) Å3, Z = 4. In the crystal, the molecules form hydrogen bonded chains running along the a axis of the unit cell. Other secondary interactions are also discussed.
Self-Assembly in the Ferritin Nano-Cage Protein Superfamily
Authors: Zhang Yu , Orner Brendan P.
Published: August 2011

Protein self-assembly, through specific, high affinity, and geometrically constraining protein-protein interactions, can control and lead to complex cellular nano-structures. Establishing an understanding of the underlying principles that govern protein self-assembly is not only essential to appreciate the fundamental biological functions of these structures, but could also provide a basis for their enhancement for nano-material applications. The ferritins are a superfamily of well studied proteins that self-assemble into hollow cage-like structures which are ubiquitously found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Structural studies have revealed that many members of the ferritin family can self-assemble into nano-cages of two types. Maxi-ferritins form hollow spheres with octahedral symmetry composed of twenty-four monomers. Mini-ferritins, on the other hand, are tetrahedrally symmetric, hollow assemblies composed of twelve monomers. This review will focus on the structure of members of the ferritin superfamily, the mechanism of ferritin self-assembly and the structure-function relations of these proteins.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Five Lichen Species
Authors: Mitrović Tatjana , Stamenković Slaviša , Cvetković Vladimir , Tošić Svetlana , Stanković Milan , Radojević Ivana , Stefanović Olgica , Čomić Ljiljana , Đačić Dragana , Ćurčić Milena , Marković Snežana
Published: August 2011

The antioxidative, antimicrobial and antiproliferative potentials of the methanol extracts of the lichen species Parmelia sulcata, Flavoparmelia caperata, Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes and Cladonia foliacea were evaluated. The total phenolic content of the tested extracts varied from 78.12 to 141.59 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GA)/g of extract and the total flavonoid content from 20.14 to 44.43 mg of rutin equivalent (Ru)/g of extract. The antioxidant capacities of the lichen extracts were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging. Hypogymnia physodes with the highest phenolic content showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging effect. Further, the antimicrobial potential of the lichen extracts was determined by a microdilution method on 29 microorganisms, including 15 strains of bacteria, 10 species of filamentous fungi and 4 yeast species. A high antimicrobial activity of all the tested extracts was observed with more potent inhibitory effects on the growth of Gram (+) bacteria. The highest antimicrobial activity among lichens was demonstrated by Hypogymnia physodes and Cladonia foliacea. Finally, the antiproliferative activity of the lichen extracts was explored on the colon cancer adenocarcinoma cell line HCT-116 by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) viability assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. The methanol extracts of Hypogymnia physodes and Cladonia foliacea showed a better cytotoxic activity than the other extracts. All lichen species showed the ability to induce apoptosis of HCT-116 cells.
Carotenoids in Marine Invertebrates Living along the Kuroshio Current Coast
Authors: Maoka Takashi , Akimoto Naoshige , Tsushima Miyuki , Komemushi Sadao , Mezaki Takuma , Iwase Fumihito , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Sameshima Naomi , Mori Miho , Sakagami Yoshikazu
Published: August 2011

Carotenoids of the corals Acropora japonica, A. secale, and A. hyacinthus, the tridacnid clam Tridacna squamosa, the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci, and the small sea snail Drupella fragum were investigated. The corals and the tridacnid clam are filter feeders and are associated with symbiotic zooxanthellae. Peridinin and pyrrhoxanthin, which originated from symbiotic zooxanthellae, were found to be major carotenoids in corals and the tridacnid clam. The crown-of-thorns starfish and the sea snail D. fragum are carnivorous and mainly feed on corals. Peridinin-3-acyl esters were major carotenoids in the sea snail D. fragum. On the other hand, ketocarotenoids such as 7,8-didehydroastaxanthin and astaxanthin were major carotenoids in the crown-of-thorns starfish. Carotenoids found in these marine animals closely reflected not only their metabolism but also their food chains.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Functional Properties of Chitin and Chitosan Produced by Mucor circinelloides Using Yam Bean as Substrate
Authors: Fai Ana Elizabeth C. , Stamford Thayza C.M. , Stamford-Arnaud Thatiana M. , Santa-Cruz Petrus D´Amorim , Silva Marta C. Freitas da , Campos-Takaki Galba M. , Stamford Tânia L.M.
Published: August 2011

Microbiological processes were used for chitin and chitosan production by Mucor circinelloides (UCP 050) grown in yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L. Urban) medium. The polysaccharides were extracted by alkali–acid treatment and structural investigations by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR analysis, viscosity and thermal analysis by TG, DTG, and DTA were done. The highest biomass yield (20.7 g/L) was obtained at 96 hours. The highest levels of chitosan (64 mg/g) and chitin (500 mg/g) were produced at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. It was demonstrated that yam bean shows great potential as an economic medium and it is possible to achieve a good yield of chitosan with chemical properties that enable its use in biotechnological applications.
Effect of Microencapsulation Shear Stress on the Structural Integrity and Biological Activity of a Model Monoclonal Antibody, Trastuzumab
Authors: Pabari Ritesh M. , Ryan Benedict , McCarthy Catherine , Ramtoola Zebunnissa
Published: August 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of process shear stressors on the stability of a model monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab. Trastuzumab, at concentrations of 0.4–4.0 mg/mL, was subjected to sonication, freeze-thaw, lyophilisation, spray drying and was encapsulated into micro- and nanoparticles. The stressed samples were analysed for structural integrity by gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), while the conformational integrity was analysed by circular dichroism (CD). Biological activity of the stressed trastuzumab was investigated by measuring the inhibition of cell proliferation of HER-2 expressing cell lines. Results show that trastuzumab was resistant to the process shear stresses applied and to microencapsulation processes. At the lowest concentration of 0.4 mg/mL, a low percent ( 0.05). The results of this study conclude that trastuzumab may be resistant to various processing stresses. These findings have important implications with respect to pharmaceutical processing of monoclonal antibodies.
LinkMind: Link Optimization in Swarming Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Ngo Trung Dung
Published: August 2011

A swarming mobile sensor network is comprised of a swarm of wirelessly connected mobile robots equipped with various sensors. Such a network can be applied in an uncertain environment for services such as cooperative navigation and exploration, object identification and information gathering. One of the most advantageous properties of the swarming wireless sensor network is that mobile nodes can work cooperatively to organize an ad-hoc network and optimize the network link capacity to maximize the transmission of gathered data from a source to a target. This paper describes a new method of link optimization of swarming mobile sensor networks. The new method is based on combination of the artificial potential force guaranteeing connectivities of the mobile sensor nodes and the max-flow min-cut theorem of graph theory ensuring optimization of the network link capacity. The developed algorithm is demonstrated and evaluated in simulation.
An R&D Management Framework for Eco-Technology
Authors: Kobayashi Hideki , Kato Masahiro , Maezawa Yukishige , Sano Kenji
Published: August 2011

Although research and development (R&D) affects new value-added creation, including that related to environmental aspects, there is little literature dealing with the integration of R&D management and eco-value. Here, eco-value of technology is defined as the advantage of environmental competitiveness in the market. This paper proposes a framework of R&D management of eco-technology (RDMOET), consisting of: (1) future research for sustainability; (2) making an original eco-theme portfolio and roadmap; (3) gap analysis and implementation of new eco-themes; and (4) eco-value evaluation. (1) and (4) are new processes compared with conventional R&D management. Through practice at the Corporate R&D Center of Toshiba Corporation, the usefulness of the proposed framework is verified from the viewpoint of not only technological eco-innovation, but also that of organizational learning for environmental sustainability.
Les vertus et les rites dans la voie d'Ogyû Sorai
Authors: Ansart Olivier
Published: August 2011

Ogyû Sorai, philosophe confucéen dont la pensée atteint sa forme définitive au tout début du XVIIIème siècle à Edo, est lu au Japon de diverses façons : comme un héraut de la pensée moderne, un défenseur de l'ordre "féodal", ou encore un lointain ancêtre de l'idéologie nationaliste du Kokutai ; pour un oeil occidental, il est peut-être d'abord le moment essentiel d'un processus d'absorption-transformation du confucianisme des Song, celui qui formula le plus clairement ce caractéristique triple rejet de la métaphysique, du moralisme et du rationalisme continentaux. Sorai, accusé plus tard d'être un thuriféraire des choses chinoises, écrit ses oeuvres essentielles en chinois classique. Pourtant, il renverse sur leurs têtes les concepts clés du confucianisme de Zhu Xi, dépouille la doctrine de ses oripeaux métaphysiques et en retourne la peau pour la transformer en son exact contraire. La notion de vertu, objet du présent article, est souvent vidée de tout contenu éthique pour ne désigner que les capacités administratives et politiques réservées à une petite élite, alors que le gouvernement par la vertu des sages confucéens se transforme parfois en une administration pharisienne et prête à tout sacrifier sur l'autel de la stabilité du pays. Penseur de la Restauration, parmi les plus grands, Sorai voit dans un minutieux système de Rites le seul moyen de retrouver et d'assurer l'Ordre antique.
La mort des Dieux. Etude iconographique de peintures sur la Destinée des Dieux
Authors: Peschard-Erlih Erika
Published: August 2011

Les Six Destinées sont un thème de la pensée bouddhique qui veut que, en fonction de la valeur morale de leurs actes, les êtres transmigrent d'une vie à l'autre sur une échelle à six crans qui va des Enfers aux Dieux. La destinée divine n'est ainsi jamais que l'une d'entre elles, même si elle est plus longue que les autres. Cet article traite du sujet peu étudié de la destinée divine. Il s'intéresse à des peintures du XHI-XIVème siècles en rapport avec le Ojôyôshû du moine Genshin (942-1017), oeuvre qui, en évoquant les souffrances des Six Voies et le salut d' Amida, exerça une grande influence sur la pensée et la culture japonaise. L'article analyse l'iconographie et le style de ces oeuvres, compare en particulier la structure des signes annonciateurs de la mort des Dieux, et le style et la technique à la japonaise dans la plus vieille représentation de la destinée divine, celle contenue dans le rouleau du Kitano Tenjin Engi (ca 1219), avec des oeuvres postérieures où l'influence de la peinture Song est reconnaissable. L'article remarque aussi la fonction d'édification que prenaient les explications orales données dans les temples où étaient suspendus ces rouleaux.
« Bonne gouvernance » contre « auto-gouvernance » ? Conflits, alliances et résistances autour d'un programme européen de développement rural en Colombie
Authors: Santamaria Angela , Zunigo Xavier
Published: August 2011

Résumé L’implantation d’un programme européen de développement rural dans le Cauca colombien génère un ensemble de conflits et de résistances de membres de la « communauté autochtone » de la région. La coordination mixte du programme entre experts internationaux, nationaux et autochtones et la création d’une nouvelle ONG locale imposées par la Délégation de la Commission européenne en Colombie, promotrice des principes de la « bonne gouvernance », a pour effet de bouleverser les relations de pouvoir établies et de faire perdre à une ONG locale, légitime pour les « autorités traditionnelles », le contrôle du programme. Les enjeux locaux, nationaux et internationaux de l’implantation du programme sont particulièrement explicites dans le cas des Écoles de justice en raison de leur position privilégiée dans le processus d’élaboration de la législation d’articulation entre juridiction nationale et autochtone. Les luttes pour leur contrôle permettent de saisir que l’opposition au modèle de la « bonne gouvernance », si elles prennent les formes d’une résistance culturelle, recouvrent également des stratégies de pouvoir pour le monopole de la gestion locale du programme de développement.
Le partage des responsabilités : les ONG, l'État et l'OMS face à la lèpre en Inde
Authors: Martin Fabienne
Published: August 2011

Résumé Cet article se donne pour objet de réflexion la notion de « bonne gouvernance » à travers l’analyse des articulations entre ONG, État et institutions internationales. À partir de l’exemple d’une ONG active dans le domaine de la lèpre en Inde et dont nous considérons les champs et les modalités d’intervention, nous montrons comment se met en place un vaste processus participatif marqué par la délimitation fonctionnelle des tâches et le séquençage des responsabilités. Ainsi peut-on dire que la « bonne gouvernance » introduit, au-delà d’une participation chacun à son niveau à la diffusion des valeurs qui lui sont sous-jacentes, la fin du paradigme administratif reposant sur la dilution de la responsabilité. En cela l’« égalité » de l’ensemble des acteurs au détriment d’une prédominance de l’État fait de la « bonne gouvernance » un principe non pas tant de réduction du pouvoir de l’État que de réorientation de ses fonctions d’administration.
L'Union européenne et les sociétés civiles du Sud : du discours politique aux actions de coopération
Authors: Planche Jeanne , Lavigne Delville Philippe
Published: August 2011

Résumé Cet article met en perspective la politique générale de l’Union Européenne et sa façon de concevoir les actions concrètes concernant les sociétés civiles des pays du Sud dans le cadre des nouvelles politiques de « bonne gouvernance » et plus particulièrement de l’Accord de Cotonou. À partir de l’étude de textes d’orientation de politique générale de la Commission Européenne ainsi que de documents de cadrage de plusieurs projets d’appui aux acteurs non étatiques, nous analysons la vision qu’a l’UE de la société civile et de ses rôles mais aussi les décalages entre politique affichée et conception implicite de l’appui à la société civile telle qu’elle se lit à travers des textes plus opérationnels.
L'institutionnalisation du vélo tout-terrain en France (1983-1990)
Authors: Savre Frédéric
Published: August 2011

Résumé Les années 1970 et 1980 marquent l’arrivée sur le sol français de nombreux sports nouveaux californiens et de pleine nature. Après le surf, le skate-board, le parapente, l’escalade libre ou la planche à voile, le VTT modifie un peu plus le paysage du monde du sport et des loisirs. Sous l’impulsion de Stéphane Hauvette, cette nouvelle activité cycliste s’organise dans un premier temps au sein de l’Association Française de Mountain Bike (AFMB). Peu à peu, pour des raisons humaines, législatives et économiques, le rapprochement institutionnel vers la Fédération Française de Cyclisme (FFC) semble inéluctable. Le processus d’institutionnalisation du VTT s’inscrit à la fois dans l’évolution historique d’un sport nouveau mais aussi dans l’étude d’un processus de transformation du modèle californien diffusé à l’échelle occidentale. Cette recherche s’appuie sur l’analyse des archives de l’AFMB et de la FFC de 1983 à 1990, complétée par des entretiens avec les principaux acteurs de la période.
Eau vécue et « sens marin »
Authors: Peignist Myriam
Published: August 2011

Résumé L’homme prend la mer autant que « la mer prend l’homme ». Selon une philosophie des correspondances et des analogies entre le corps et l’eau, l’être humain ne vit pas dans une relation de possession ou de séparation avec les éléments mais dans un échange de qualités. La présence à l’eau comme lien cosmique s’entretient par le « mouillé du corps ». Une approche ethno-anthropologique, expérientielle et sensible, une écoute poétique des corps, permettent de passer d’une eau objective extérieure à une eau vécue . Une telle incorporation ressemble à une danse vertigineuse et ondulatoire. La Glisse comme concept général devient glisséité, c’est-à-dire qualité du sentir éprouvée par l’acteur. Un corps de glisse ne vit pas l’eau à distance comme décor, mais dans une acuité polysensorielle. Le corps de plaisance , adepte des sensations rares, hors de toute rentabilité, n’est pas un corps extrême. Faire corps avec l’eau, sentir la rareté de l’« or bleu », c’est avoir ce mystérieux « sens marin », peu étudié, qui résiste à l’analyse.
A floristic survey of a unique lowland rain forest in Moraella in the Knuckles valley, Sir Lanka
Authors: Medawatte WWMAB , Ekanayake EMB , Tennakoon KU , Gunatilleke CVS , Gunatilleke IAUN
Published: August 2011

The luxuriant natural forests of the western lower slopes and valleys of the Knuckles range have been heavily deforested since the mid-19th century for conversion to coffee and tea plantations. Consequently, only scant floristic and ecological signatures of the original vegetation are still found, notably as scattered enclaves along stream reservations. Recently, an isolated forest fragment at 500-700 m amsl, not recorded previously, was located in Moraella in the valley of Kukul Oya (stream) in the south western foothills of Knuckles range. A vegetation survey of this forest recorded a total of 204 flowering plant species in 70 families. Eighty-nine (44%) of the species are endemic to Sri Lanka, while 39 (20%) are nationally threatened. Among the 148 tree, treelet and shrub species identified, 74 (50%) have not been recorded during previous floral surveys of the Knuckles forest reserve, while115 (78%) are common to the lowland rain forests of south-western Sri Lanka. The existence of a similar forest fragment located near Kosgama on the banks of Hulu Ganga (river), suggests that they represent remnants of a once extensive lowland rain forest formation. These forest fragments likely mark the north-eastern-most limits of distribution of lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka and warrant urgent conservation as biodiversity refugia. They may be the last vestiges of an almost disappearing lowland rain forest type in the Knuckles range.   Key words: Sri Lankan flora, Dipterocarpaceae, ‘Dumbara Mitiyawatha’, refugia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i1.3405 CJSBS 2011; 40(1): 33-51
The H and K Family of Mock Theta Functions
Authors: McIntosh Richard J.
Published: August 2011

In his last letter to Hardy, Ramanujan defined 17 functionsF(q), |q| < 1, which he calledmockθ-functions. He observed that asqradially approaches any root of unity ζ at whichF(q) has an exponential singularity, there is aθ-functionTζ(q) withF(q) −Tζ(q) =O(1). Since then, other functions have been found that possess this property. These functions are related to a functionH(x,q), wherexis usuallyqrore2πirfor some rational numberr. For this reason we refer toHas a “universal” mockθ-function. Modular transformations ofHgive rise to the functionsK,K1,K2. The functionsKandK1appear in Ramanujan's lost notebook. We prove various linear relations between these functions using Appell–Lerch sums (also called generalized Lambert series). Some relations (mock theta “conjectures”) involving mockθ-functions of even order andHare listed.
Planejamento estratégico pessoal
Authors: Estrada Rolando Juan Soliz , Neto Luis Moretto , Augustin Eziane Samara
Published: August 2011

Conciliar as habilidades pessoais com as exigências de um mercado globalizado e competitivo tornou-se um pré-requisito para os profissionais que aspiram sucesso em suas carreiras. A busca por realização pessoal tem incentivado as pessoas a procurarem ferramentas que desenvolvam seus talentos e equilibrem seus esforços, a fim de conquistarem uma vida melhor, mais feliz e saudável. Como alternativa, o planejamento, que até então se detinha a uma ferramenta organizacional, hoje vem sendo igualmente utilizado pelos indivíduos que desejam o sucesso pessoal. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo desenvolver um modelo de Planejamento Estratégico Pessoal que contemple as diversas áreas de atuação e desempenho humano. O modelo proposto neste trabalho está dividido em: Planejamento Individual, Planejamento Profissional, Planejamento Familiar, Planejamento de Negócios Pessoais e Planejamento da Participação Política, Social e Religioso/Espiritual e seus respectivos campos. Foi utilizada a pesquisa exploratória, de natureza qualitativa, por meio da utilização de fontes primárias e secundárias de dados, a fim de analisar e validar o modelo. A partir dos resultados obtidos pelo modelo, é possível considerar sua importância para futuras pesquisas, uma vez que as áreas estudadas poderão ser aprofundadas em trabalhos posteriores.
Metodologia qualitativa e quantitativa nos estudos em administração e organizações: lições da história da ciência
Authors: De Benedicto Samuel Carvalho , De Benedicto Gideon Carvalho , Stieg Carlos Maciel , Andrade Gustavo Henrique Nogueira de
Published: August 2011

Este estudo de natureza teórica analisa as contribuições da história da ciência para a produção do conhecimento científico no campo da administração e estudos organizacionais. Dentre outros aspectos, verificou-se no estudo que: (i) as teorias concernentes aos estudos administrativos e organizacionais são falíveis e permanecem sujeitas a um aperfeiçoamento constante ou substituição; (ii) a realidade está sempre em mudança e não se pode congelá-la num modelo único; (iii) não existem teorias capazes de explicar todos os fenômenos administrativos e organizacionais. Assim, deve-se aceitar a ideia da necessidade de constante transformação, aperfeiçoamento e ampliação do conhecimento. Conformeevidenciado no trabalho, os estudos em administração e organizações testemunharam uma mudança de paradigma quando a escola clássica de administração foi questionada e acrescida de novos paradigmas. Dessa forma, esse campo de estudos tornou-se pluralístico, com conflito entre paradigmas e ciência normal, não sendo diferente as questões concernentes às suas metodologias de pesquisa. Neste contexto, a história da ciência pode prover importantes lições ao mostrar que a revolução científica não foi aceita pacificamente, senão por meio de acirradas discussões e aparentes contradições. Diversos autores buscaram uma aproximação entre as ciências sociais e das ciências naturais. Assim, a utilização conjunta de metodologias qualitativas e quantitativas está cada vez mais presente na pesquisa administrativa e organizacional conferindo uma maior legitimação às diversas formas de abordagem do tema. Os debates sobre qual a melhor abordagem permanecem, apesar de estar havendo um maior diálogo entre estas duas correntes de pensamento metodológico nas últimas décadas.
The response of Iberian rivers to the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Lorenzo-Lacruz J. , Vicente-Serrano S. M. , López-Moreno J. I. , González-Hidalgo J. C. , Morán-Tejeda E.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. In this study we analyzed the influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on the streamflow in 187 sub-basins of the Iberian Peninsula. Monthly and one-month lagged correlations were conducted to assess the spatio-temporal extent of the NAO influence on Iberian river discharges. Analysis of the persistence of the winter NAO throughout the year was also undertaken, together with analysis of streamflow anomalies during positive and negative NAO phases. Moving-window correlation analyses were conducted to assess potential changes in the temporal evolution of the NAO influence on Iberian streamflows. The results show that the NAO has a large impact on surface water resources throughout the Iberian Peninsula during winter, and in the Atlantic watershed during autumn. We showed that water resources management and snowmelt are causing the persistent dependence of streamflows on the previous winter NAO. We found that strongly positive streamflow anomalies occurred during winter, especially in the Atlantic watershed, and provide evidence of non-stationarity and spatial variability in the NAO influence on Iberian water resources.
Electrohydrodynamic Instability of Two Thin Viscous Leaky Dielectric Fluid Films in a Porous Medium
Authors: El-Sayed M. F. , Moussa M. H. M. , Hassan A. A. A. , Hafez N. M.
Published: August 2011

The effect of an applied electric field on the stability of the interface between two thin viscous leaky dielectric fluid films in porous medium is analyzed in the long-wave limit. A systematic asymptotic expansion is employed to derive coupled nonlinear evolution equations of the interface and interfacial free charge distribution. The linearized stability of these equations is determined and the effects of various parameters are examined in detail. For perfect-perfect dielectrics, the various parameters affect only for small wavenumber values. For dielectrics, the various parameters affect only for small wavenumber values. For effect for small wavenumbers, and a stabilizing effect afterwards, and for high wavenumber values for the other physical parameters, new regions of stability or instability appear. For leaky-leaky dielectrics, the conductivity of upper fluid has a destabilizing effect for small or high wavenumbers, while it has a dual role on the stability of the system in a wavenumber range between them. The effects of all other physical parameters behave in the same manner as in the case of perfect-leaky dielectrics, except that in the later case, the stability or instability regions occur more faster than the corresponding case of leaky-leaky dielectrics.
Reproducibility of ultrasound measurement of the abdominal aorta
Authors: Beales L , Wolstenhulme S , Evans J A , West R , Scott D J A
Published: August 2011

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening and surveillance programmes use ultrasound imaging to measure the anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the infrarenal aorta. The aim of this study was to examine potential observer bias and variability in ultrasound measurements.

Methods

Studies were identified for review via a MEDLINE database search (1966–2009). References supplied in accessed papers were also checked for potential relevance. Consistent search terminology, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to ensure quality of data. Nine papers were available to review.

Results

Variation in intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility was identified. Six studies reported intraobserver repeatability coefficients for AP aortic diameter measurements of 1·6–4·4 mm. These were below the 5-mm level regarded as acceptable by the UK and USA AAA screening programmes. Five studies had interobserver reproducibility below the level of 5 mm. Four studies, however, reported poor reproducibility (range from − 2 to + 5·2 to − 10·5 to + 10·4); these differences may have had a significant clinical impact on screening and surveillance.

Conclusion

The studies used different methodologies with no standardized measurement techniques. Measurements were taken by observers from different medical disciplines of varying grade and levels of training. Standard training and formal quality assurance of ultrasound measurements are important components of an effective AAA screening programme.
Model‐Based Process Challenge of an Industrial Ion‐Exchange Chromatography Step
Authors: Westerberg K. , Broberg Hansen E. , Degerman M. , Budde Hansen T. , Nilsson B.
Published: August 2011

The separation of one weakly and one strongly binding impurity from a therapeutic protein by ion‐exchange chromatography was studied with a mechanistic model. The effect of disturbances in eight potentially critical process parameters on two critical quality attributes was evaluated. It was found that the outgoing concentration of the weakly binding impurity was only affected by the ingoing concentration of this impurity, while the target product purity was affected by the amounts of buffer and acid used to prepare the elution buffers and the protein concentration and purity of the feed. Full factor analysis of these parameters showed that there were interaction effects between the parameters due to the pH dependence of the chromatographic separation. Sampling‐based robustness analysis estimated the probability of batch failure to be above 1 %. The model improved the analysis as it was possible to study the effects of more process parameters and their interactions than would have been possible in an experimental study.
Was the drop in mammography rates in 2005 associated with the drop in hormone therapy use?
Authors: Breen Nancy , Cronin Kathleen A. , Tiro Jasmin A. , Meissner Helen I. , McNeel Timothy S. , Sabatino Susan A. , Tangka Florence K. , Taplin Stephen H.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

In 2005, mammography rates in the United States dropped nationally for the first time among age‐eligible women. An increased risk of breast cancer related to hormone therapy (HT) use reported in 2002 led to a dramatic drop in its use by 2005. Because current users of HT also tend to have higher mammography rates, the authors examined whether concurrent drops in HT and mammography use were associated.

METHODS:

Multivariate logistic regression was used to test for an interaction between HT use and survey year, controlling for a range of measurable factors in data from the 2000 and 2005 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS).

RESULTS:

Women ages 50 to 64 years were more likely to report a recent mammogram if they also reported more education, a usual source of care, private health insurance, any race except non‐Hispanic Asian, talking with an obstetrician/gynecologist or other physician in the past 12 months, or were currently taking HT. Women aged ≥65 years were more likely to report a recent mammogram if they also reported younger age (ages 65‐74 years), more education, a usual source of care, having Medicare Part B or other supplemental Medicare insurance, excellent health, any race except non‐Hispanic Asian, talking with an obstetrician/gynecologist or other physician in the past 12 months, or were currently taking HT.

CONCLUSIONS:

The change in HT use was associated with the drop in mammography use for women ages 50 to 64 years but not for women aged ≥65 years. NHIS data explained 70% to 80% of the change in mammography use. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Accounting for model error in the Météo‐France ensemble data assimilation system
Authors: Raynaud Laure , Berre Loïk , Desroziers Gérald
Published: August 2011

Since July 2008, a variational ensemble data assimilation system has been used operationally at Météo‐France to provide background error variances ‘of the day’ to the operational 4D‐Var assimilation of the global Arpège model. The current ensemble is run in a perfect model framework and estimated variances are inflated ‘offline’ (i.e. after the ensemble has been completed) to account for model errors. The inflation coefficient is tuned according to a posteriori diagnostics relative to the minimum of the cost function. In this study, the ‘offline’ variance inflation is replaced by an ‘online’ multiplicative inflation of 6 h forecast perturbations after each step of 6 h model integration. This allows the inflation information to be accounted for in the production of background perturbations with realistic amplitudes for the perturbed analysis steps.

In the case of a perfect model approach, background error standard deviations are underestimated by a factor of approximately two. When using online inflation to avoid this kind of mismatch, background perturbations after 6 h of model integration are inflated by around 10%. Examination of error spectra and of standard deviation maps indicates that the increase of variance is somewhat larger for synoptic scales and in data‐sparse regions with dynamically active systems such as in the extratropical part of the Southern Hemisphere. Moreover, the reduction of background perturbation amplitude during the analysis step is more pronounced, especially for large‐scale variables such as temperature and surface pressure.

Parallel analysis and forecast experiments indicate that the covariance estimates provided by the inflated background perturbations have a neutral to positive impact on the forecast quality, in addition to being more consistent with innovation‐based estimates. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Using fold-in and fold-out in the architecture recovery of software systems
Authors: Risi Michele , Scanniello Giuseppe , Tortora Genoveffa
Published: August 2011

In this paper we present an approach to automate the architecture recovery process of software systems. The approach is built on information retrieval and clustering techniques, and, in particular, uses Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) to get similarities among software entities (e.g., programs or classes) and the k-means clustering algorithm to form groups of software entities that implement similar functionality. In order to improve computational time in the context of the software evolution and then reduce energy waste, the architecture recovery process can be also applied by using fold-in and fold-out mechanisms that, respectively, add and remove software entities to the LSI representation of the understudy software system. The approach has been implemented in a prototype of a supporting software system as an Eclipse plug-in. Finally, to assess the approach and the plug-in, we have conducted an empirical investigation on five open source software systems implemented using the programming languages Java and C/C++. In the investigation special emphasis has been also given to the effect of using the fold-in and fold-out mechanisms.
Hepatic venous outflow reconstruction using an external iliac vein graft for hepatic malignancies (with video)
Authors: Okano Keiichi , Oshima Minoru , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: August 2011

Background

Hepatic venous outflow reconstruction after major hepatectomy for advanced hepatic malignancies is often difficult even for experienced surgeons because of difficulties in application of anastomotic techniques and selection of the appropriate graft. We present our approach to hepatic venous reconstruction using an external iliac vein (EIV) graft for patients with hepatic malignancies.

Methods

The EIV graft was preoperatively assessed using three‐dimensional abdominal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The EIV graft (3.5–4.5 cm) was harvested extraperitoneally through an upper groin incision. First, the inferior vena cava and the EIV graft were sutured at two separate sites by using 6/0 propolypropylene as a traction suture with an operating loupe (×2.5) under hemi‐hepatic portal inflow occlusion. The distal end of the right hepatic vein (HV) was then reconstructed using the same technique. Graft patency was confirmed by intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography (Aloca SSD2000, Japan).

Results

The mean reconstruction time was 34 ± 6 min. There were no complications related to the HV reconstruction and no mortality. Follow‐up MDCT showed patency of the graft in all cases without noticeable caliber change.

Conclusions

The EIV graft for hepatic venous outflow reconstruction during hepatic resection is a simple technique with long‐term graft patency for major HV reconstruction.
Expression of cefF significantly decreased deacetoxycephalosporin C formation during cephalosporin C production in Acremonium chrysogenum
Authors: An Yang , Dong Hailing , Liu Gang
Published: August 2011

Deacetoxycephalosporin C (DAOC) is not only the precursor but also one of the by-products during cephalosporin C (CPC) biosynthesis. One enzyme (DAOC/DAC synthase) is responsible for the two-step conversion of penicillin N into deacetylcephalosporin C (DAC) in Acremonium chrysogenum, while two enzymes (DAOC synthase and DAOC hydroxylase) were involved in this reaction in Streptomyces clavuligerus and Amycolatopsis lactamdurans (Nocardia lactamdurans). In this study, the DAOC hydroxylase gene cefF was cloned from Streptomyces clavuligerus and introduced into Acremonium chrysogenum through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. When cefF was expressed under the promoter of pcbC, the ratio of DAOC/CPC in the fermentation broth significantly decreased. These results suggested that introduction of cefF could function quite well in Acremonium chrysogenum and successfully reduce the content of DAOC in the CPC fermentation broth. This work offered a practical way to improve the CPC purification and reduce its production cost.
Evolution of virulence, environmental change, and the threat posed by emerging and chronic diseases
Authors: Ewald Paul W.
Published: August 2011

Assessments of future threats posed by infection have focused largely on zoonotic, acute disease, under the rubric “emerging diseases.” Evolutionary and epidemiological studies indicate, however, that particular aspects of infrastructure, such as protected water supplies, vector‐proof housing, and health care facilities, protect against the emergence of zoonotic, acute infectious diseases. While attention in the global health community has focused on emerging diseases, there has been a concurrent, growing recognition that important chronic diseases, such as cancer, are often caused by infectious agents that are already widespread in human populations. For economically prosperous countries, the immediacy of this threat contrasts with their infrastructural protection from severe acute infectious disease. This reasoning leads to the conclusion that chronic infectious diseases pose a more significant threat to economically prosperous countries than zoonotic, acute infectious diseases. Research efforts directed at threats posed by infection may therefore be more effective overall if increased efforts are directed toward understanding and preventing infectious causes of chronic diseases across the spectrum of economic prosperity, as well as toward specific infrastructural improvements in less prosperous countries to protect against virulent, acute infectious diseases.
Rapid Holocene coastal change revealed by high-resolution micropaleontological analysis, Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Grand Pre Candace , Culver Stephen J. , Mallinson David J. , Farrell Kathleen M. , Corbett D. Reide , Horton Benjamin P. , Hillier Caroline , Riggs Stanley R. , Snyder Scott W. , Buzas Martin A.
Published: August 2011

Foraminiferal analyses of 404 contiguous samples, supported by diatom, lithologic, geochronologic and seismic data, reveal both rapid and gradual Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in an 8.21-m vibracore taken from southern Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Data record initial flooding of a latest Pleistocene river drainage and the formation of an estuary 9000 yr ago. Estuarine conditions were punctuated by two intervals of marine influence from approximately 4100 to 3700 and 1150 to 500 cal yr BP. Foraminiferal assemblages in the muddy sand facies that accumulated during these intervals contain many well-preserved benthic foraminiferal species, which occur today in open marine settings as deep as the mid shelf, and significant numbers of well-preserved planktonic foraminifera, some typical of Gulf Stream waters. We postulate that these marine-influenced units resulted from temporary destruction of the southern Outer Banks barrier islands by hurricanes. The second increase in marine influence is coeval with increased rate of sea-level rise and a peak in Atlantic tropical cyclone activity during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. This high-resolution analysis demonstrates the range of environmental variability and the rapidity of coastal change that can result from the interplay of changing climate, sea level and geomorphology in an estuarine setting.
Forest–savanna–morichal dynamics in relation to fire and human occupation in the southern Gran Sabana (SE Venezuela) during the last millennia
Authors: Montoya Encarni , Rull Valentí , Stansell Nathan D. , Abbott Mark B. , Nogué Sandra , Bird Broxton W. , Díaz Wilmer A.
Published: August 2011

The southern Gran Sabana (SE Venezuela) holds a particular type of neotropical savanna characterized by the local occurrence of morichales (Mauritia palm swamps), in a climate apparently more suitable for rain forests. We present a paleoecological analysis of the last millennia of Lake Chonita (4°39′N–61°0′W, 884 m elevation), based on biological and physico-chemical proxies. Savannas dominated the region during the last millennia, but a significant vegetation replacement occurred in recent times. The site was covered by a treeless savanna with nearby rainforests from 3640 to 2180 cal yr BP. Water levels were higher than today until about 2800 cal yr BP. Forests retreated since about 2180 cal yr BP onwards, likely influenced by a higher fire incidence that facilitated a dramatic expansion of morichales. The simultaneous appearance of charcoal particles and Mauritia pollen around 2000 cal yr BP supports the potential pyrophilous nature of this palm and the importance of fire for its recent expansion. The whole picture suggests human settlements similar to today – in which fire is an essential element – since around 2000 yr ago. Therefore, present-day southern Gran Sabana landscapes seem to have been the result of the synergy between biogeographical, climatic and anthropogenic factors, mostly fire.
Immigration and Trust in Politics in Britain
Authors: McLaren Lauren
Published: August 2011

A previously overlooked explanation for varying individual levels of political trust is concern about immigration. This article examines the effect of concern about immigration on political trust in Britain, where levels of opposition to immigration have remained high since the 1960s and yet the implications of such opposition are still unclear. Using the pre-election and post-election panel component of the 2005 British Election Study and the 2002–03 European Social Survey, the author shows, after controlling for other predictors of trust in politics, that concerns about the impact of immigration significantly affect political trust. In addition, in 2005 the perception that government had not handled the issue of immigration effectively also significantly affected political trust, with both linear and interactive effects.
Constitutionalizing Party Democracy: The Constitutive Codification of Political Parties in Post-war Europe
Authors: Van Biezen Ingrid
Published: August 2011

This article analyses the process of party constitutionalization in post-war Europe. It explores the temporal patterns of party constitutionalization and reveals their connection with moments of fundamental institutional restructuring. It discusses the different modes of party constitutionalization, and addresses what these convey about the underlying conceptions of party democracy. It argues that the constitutional codification of political parties has consolidated the empirical reality of modern party government as well as its normative foundations of modern party government, thereby transforming political parties from socio-political organizations into integral units of the democratic state. Finally, it suggests that the constitutionalization of the democratic importance of political parties might reflect an attempt to legitimize their existence in the face of their weakening as agents of democratic representation.
Satisfaction with Democracy and the Winner/Loser Debate: The Role of Policy Preferences and Past Experience
Authors: Curini Luigi , Jou Willy , Memoli Vincenzo
Published: August 2011

Previous authors have found greater political support among electoral winners than losers, but they define winners and losers at a single time point, and employ a dichotomous categorization that neglects possible variations within each group. This study considers both the past history of winning or losing and the impact of ideological distance from the government on a political support indicator – satisfaction with democracy. Using a multilevel model covering thirty-one countries, the authors show that the relationship between winner/loser status and satisfaction with democracy has a marginal dynamic nature and a policy content. Among present losers, previous experience of victory assuaged dissatisfaction, while among those presenting a consolidated ‘winning’ record, only high ideological proximity to the current government boosted political support.