bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody modeling assessment
Authors: Almagro Juan C. , Beavers Mary Pat , Hernandez‐Guzman Francisco , Maier Johannes , Shaulsky Jodi , Butenhof Kenneth , Labute Paul , Thorsteinson Nels , Kelly Kenneth , Teplyakov Alexey , Luo Jinquan , Sweet Raymond , Gilliland Gary L.
Published: July 2011

A blinded study to assess the state of the art in three‐dimensional structure modeling of the variable region (Fv) of antibodies was conducted. Nine unpublished high‐resolution x‐ray Fab crystal structures covering a wide range of antigen‐binding site conformations were used as benchmark to compare Fv models generated by four structure prediction methodologies. The methodologies included two homology modeling strategies independently developed by CCG (Chemical Computer Group) and Accerlys Inc, and two fully automated antibody modeling servers: PIGS (Prediction of ImmunoGlobulin Structure), based on the canonical structure model, and Rosetta Antibody Modeling, based on homology modeling and Rosetta structure prediction methodology. The benchmark structure sequences were submitted to Accelrys and CCG and a set of models for each of the nine antibody structures were generated. PIGS and Rosetta models were obtained using the default parameters of the servers. In most cases, we found good agreement between the models and x‐ray structures. The average rmsd (root mean square deviation) values calculated over the backbone atoms between the models and structures were fairly consistent, around 1.2 Å. Average rmsd values of the framework and hypervariable loops with canonical structures (L1, L2, L3, H1, and H2) were close to 1.0 Å. H3 prediction yielded rmsd values around 3.0 Å for most of the models. Quality assessment of the models and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the methods are discussed. We hope this initiative will serve as a model of scientific partnership and look forward to future antibody modeling assessments. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of protein structure refinement in CASP9
Authors: MacCallum Justin L. , Pérez Alberto , Schnieders Michael J. , Hua Lan , Jacobson Matthew P. , Dill Ken A.
Published: July 2011

We assess performance in the structure refinement category in CASP9. Two years after CASP8, the performance of the best groups has not improved. There are few groups that improve any of our assessment scores with statistical significance. Some predictors, however, are able to consistently improve the physicality of the models. Although we cannot identify any clear bottleneck in improving refinement, several points arise: (1) The refinement portion of CASP has too few targets to make many statistically meaningful conclusions. (2) Predictors are usually very conservative, limiting the possibility of large improvements in models. (3) No group is actually able to correctly rank their five submissions—indicating that potentially better models may be discarded. (4) Different sampling strategies work better for different refinement problems; there is no single strategy that works on all targets. In general, conservative strategies do better, while the greatest improvements come from more adventurous sampling—at the cost of consistency. Comparison with experimental data reveals aspects not captured by comparison to a single structure. In particular, we show that improvement in backbone geometry does not always mean better agreement with experimental data. Finally, we demonstrate that even given the current challenges facing refinement, the refined models are useful for solving the crystallographic phase problem through molecular replacement. Proteins 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sampling‐based exploration of folded state of a protein under kinematic and geometric constraints
Authors: Yao Peggy , Zhang Liangjun , Latombe Jean‐Claude
Published: July 2011

Flexibility is critical for a folded protein to bind to other molecules (ligands) and achieve its functions. The conformational selection theory suggests that a folded protein deforms continuously and its ligand selects the most favorable conformations to bind to. Therefore, one of the best options to study protein‐ligand binding is to sample conformations broadly distributed over the protein‐folded state. This article presents a new sampler, called kino‐geometric sampler (KGS). This sampler encodes dominant energy terms implicitly by simple kinematic and geometric constraints. Two key technical contributions of KGS are (1) a robotics‐inspired Jacobian‐based method to simultaneously deform a large number of interdependent kinematic cycles without any significant break‐up of the closure constraints, and (2) a diffusive strategy to generate conformation distributions that diffuse quickly throughout the protein folded state. Experiments on four very different test proteins demonstrate that KGS can efficiently compute distributions containing conformations close to target (e.g., functional) conformations. These targets are not given to KGS, hence are not used to bias the sampling process. In particular, for a lysine‐binding protein, KGS was able to sample conformations in both the intermediate and functional states without the ligand, while previous work using molecular dynamics simulation had required the ligand to be taken into account in the potential function. Overall, KGS demonstrates that kino‐geometric constraints characterize the folded subset of a protein conformation space and that this subset is small enough to be approximated by a relatively small distribution of conformations. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Guinean coastal rainfall of the West African Monsoon
Authors: Nguyen Hanh , Thorncroft Chris D. , Zhang Chidong
Published: July 2011

The nature and variability of the springtime rainfall onset at the Guinean coast is explored. The coastal onset is defined as the time when the oceanic extent of the rain band crosses the Equator. The oceanic extent is defined as the location where the rain rate falls below 2 mm day−1. The mean coastal onset averaged over 1979–2009 from Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) rainfall data is on 11 May with a standard deviation of 14.5 days. This result is robust and seen in different rainfall products. The coastal rainfall demise is determined as the time when simultaneously the peak rainfall at the coast weakens and the rainfall over the Sahel intensifies. The mean coastal demise is 26 June with a standard deviation of 9.5 days. This implies that the mean length of the coastal phase is 47 days with a standard deviation of 13 days. The coastal onset and its demise are primarily driven by changes in sea‐surface temperature (SST) between the Guinean coast and the Equator. There exists a 301 K threshold below which the equatorial cold tongue develops rapidly and leads to the coastal onset 10 days later. The same threshold applies to SSTs near the coast, where the water cooling precedes the end of the coastal rain phase by 16 days. Sea‐surface temperature anomalies in the southeast Atlantic in winter are potentially a predictor for the coastal rainfall variability in spring. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparison of Pearson distribution system and response modeling methodology (RMM) as models for process capability analysis of skewed data
Authors: Shauly Michal , Parmet Yisrael
Published: July 2011

Clements' approach to process capability analysis for skewed distributions, based on fitting the Pearson distribution system to data, is widely used in industry. In this paper we compare the accuracy of the Pearson system and the RMM (response modeling methodology) distribution, as distributional models for process capability analysis of non‐normal data. The accuracy of the estimates of Cp and CPU is measured by the relative mean square errors. Three factors that may affect the accuracy of RMM and Pearson are examined: the data‐generating distribution (Weibull, log‐normal, gamma), the skewness (0.5, 1.25, 2) and the sample size (50, 300, 2000). The results show that RMM consistently outperforms Pearson, even for samples from gamma, which is a special case of Pearson. This implies that when observations are visibly skewed yet their underlying distribution is unknown, RMM estimators for Cp and CPU take account of the information stored in the data more precisely than the Pearson model, and may therefore constitute a preferred distributional model to pursue in process capability analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SERVQUAL and the process improvement challenge
Authors: McCollin Chris , Ograjenšek Irena , Göb Rainer , Ahlemeyer‐Stubbe Andrea
Published: July 2011

Service quality is difficult to quantify as it is a function of differing customer perceptions over time, the ever changing market conditions, the measurement process and the interpretation of the data that have been gathered. The SERVQUAL questionnaire and gap analysis have been used to analyse service quality within diverse organisations over the last 30 years. The measurement instrument has been analysed, changed and criticized by numerous authors. However, as a stand‐alone tool, it has remained much the same. With organisational emphasis on change in systems as well as new and innovative ways of using computer technology, SERVQUAL is more likely to become obsolete as a stand‐alone tool as new ways of collecting and disseminating data become available. However, it might survive if integrated into an ever changing IT framework within a generic company structure such as e.g. the Six Sigma framework. In our paper we strive (1) to find out to what extent is SERVQUAL helpful in process improvement; and (2) to determine characteristics of methodology that would call for application of SERVQUAL for process improvement purposes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement uncertainty with nested mixed effect models
Authors: Deldossi L. , Zappa D.
Published: July 2011

Measurement uncertainty in experiments is receiving increasing interest among practitioners both for quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Applications may be found, for example, to compare experiments run in different laboratories, to certify the precision of gauges used in the masurement process or to measure uncertainty in a classification process, i.e. when objects are qualitatively evaluated by appraisers. In this paper, after having briefly presented how to measure uncertainty using gauge repeatability and reproducibility studies, we focus on a problem quite relevant for practitioners: how to deal with the presence of correlation among ‘replications’. This issue is common to many food/agriculture experiments. By a modification of a nested mixed effect design, we describe the impact of dependencies among replications on measurement capability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FoxO3a Functions as a Key Integrator of Cellular Signals That Control Glioblastoma Stem-like Cell Differentiation and Tumorigenicity
Authors: Sunayama Jun , Sato Atsushi , Matsuda Ken-Ichiro , Tachibana Ken , Watanabe Eriko , Seino Shizuka , Suzuki Kaori , Narita Yoshitaka , Shibui Soichiro , Sakurada Kaori , Kayama Takamasa , Tomiyama Arata , Kitanaka Chifumi
Published: July 2011

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of human cancer, with invariable and fatal recurrence even after multimodal intervention, for which cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) are now being held responsible. Our recent findings indicated that combinational inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways effectively promotes the commitment of glioblastoma CSLCs to differentiation and thereby suppresses their tumorigenicity. However, the mechanism by which these two signaling pathways are coordinated to regulate differentiation and tumorigenicity remains unknown. Here, we identified FoxO3a, a common phosphorylation target for Akt and ERK, as a key transcription factor that integrates the signals from these pathways. Combinational blockade of both the pathways caused nuclear accumulation and activation of FoxO3a more efficiently than blockade of either alone, and promoted differentiation of glioblastoma CSLCs in a FoxO3a expression-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expression of a constitutively active FoxO3a mutant lacking phosphorylation sites for both Akt and ERK was sufficient to induce differentiation and reduce tumorigenicity of glioblastoma CSLCs. These findings suggest that FoxO3a may play a pivotal role in the control of differentiation and tumorigenicity of glioblastoma CSLCs by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, and also imply that developing methods targeting effective FoxO3a activation could be a potential approach to the treatment of glioblastoma.
Can we place tension‐free vaginal tape where it should be? The one‐third rule
Authors: Kociszewski J. , Rautenberg O. , Kuszka A. , Eberhard J. , Hilgers R. , Viereck V.
Published: July 2011

Objectives

The tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) insertion technique generally does not take into account individual urethral length. In this study we investigated whether preoperative sonographic measurement of individual urethral length allows for reliable TVT positioning under the midurethra, which is a critical segment for the continence mechanism.

Methods

Urethral length was measured by preoperative introital ultrasonography in 102 consecutive female patients with stress urinary incontinence. TVT procedures were performed as recommended by the manufacturer. The suburethral incisions were initiated at one‐third of the sonographically measured urethral length. TVT position and tape–urethra distance were followed up 6 months postoperatively.

Results

At 6‐month examination of the 102 study participants, 93.1% were cured and 6.9% showed improved continence. TVTs were found in the target range of 50–70% of the urethral length in 88.2% of the cohort. Women with the TVT in the 50–70% urethral length range and a 3–5‐mm tape–longitudinal smooth muscle distance had a greater likelihood of being cured without complications (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Preoperative sonographic measurement of urethral length, combined with the one‐third rule, may aid in reliable midurethral TVT positioning. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupled‐cluster theory and its equation‐of‐motion extensions
Authors: Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: July 2011

Coupled‐cluster theory offers today's reference quantum chemical method for most of the problems encountered in electronic structure theory. It has been instrumental in establishing the now well‐known paradigm of converging, many‐body methods,

equation image

Many‐body perturbation theory (MBPT) for second, MBPT2, and fourth‐order MBPT4; and coupled‐cluster (CC) theory for different categories of excitations, singles, doubles, triples, quadruples (SDTQ). Although built on the same basic concept as configuration interaction (CI), many‐body methods fundamentally improve upon CI approximations by introducing the property of size extensivity, meaning that contrary to any truncated CI all terms properly scale with the number of electrons in the problem. This fundamental aspect of many‐electron methods leads to the exceptional performance of CC theory and its finite‐order MBPT approximations plus its equation‐of‐motion extensions for excited, ionized, and electron attached states. This brief overview will describe formal aspects of the theory which should be understood by perspective users of CC methods. We will also comment on some current developments that are improving the theory's accuracy or applicability. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
A miniature X‐ray tube approach to measuring lead in bone using L‐XRF
Authors: Fleming David E. B. , Gherase Mihai R. , Alexander Kevin M.
Published: July 2011

Using a miniature X‐ray tube and silicon PiN diode detector, an approach to measuring lead (Pb) in bone phantoms was tested. The X‐ray tube was used to excite L‐line X‐ray fluorescence (L‐XRF) of lead in bone phantoms. The bone phantoms were made from plaster of Paris and dosed with varying quantities of lead. Phantoms were made in two sets with different shapes to model different bone surfaces. One set of bone phantoms was circular in cross‐section (2.5‐cm diameter), the other square in cross‐section (2.2 cm × 2.2 cm). Using an irradiation time of 180 s (real time), five trials were run for each bone phantom. Analysis was performed for both Lα and Lβ lead X‐rays. Based on these calibration trials, (3σ0/slope) minimum detection limits of 7.4 ± 0.3 µg Pb g−1 (circular cross‐section) and 8.6 ± 0.6 µg Pb g−1 (square cross‐section) were determined for the bare bone phantoms. To simulate a more realistic in vivo scenario with soft tissue overlying bone, further trials were performed with a resin material placed between the experimental system and the bone phantom. For the square cross‐section bone phantoms, a layer of resin with a thickness of 1.2 mm was used, and a minimum detection limit of 17 ± 3 µg Pb g−1 determined. For the circular cross‐section phantoms, a layer of resin with an average thickness of 2.7 mm was used. From these, a more realistic minimum detection limit for in vivo applications (43 ± 7 µg Pb g−1) was determined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive analysis using PXRF: methodology and application to archaeological ceramics
Authors: Forster Nicola , Grave Peter , Vickery Nancy , Kealhofer Lisa
Published: July 2011

Uncritical application of portable X‐ray fluorescence (PXRF) to non‐destructive analysis of archaeological ceramics has been received with scepticism. In this article, we present a methodological evaluation of the parameters and constraints for PXRF analysis of archaeological ceramics. We use experimental matrices that simulate characteristics of archaeological artefacts to demonstrate the impact of (1) surface morphology, (2) organic surface coatings and (3) grain size and mineralogy on non‐destructive PXRF analysis. We then apply these parameters to PXRF analysis of heterogeneous handmade ceramics from central Turkey. We conclude that with appropriate methodology, non‐destructive PXRF analysis can be demonstrated to provide a high level of accurate and precise geochemical discrimination for archaeological ceramics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risk factors of fungal infection in living‐donor liver transplantations
Authors: Ohkubo Takao , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Takayama Tadatoshi , Kokudo Norihiro , Makuuchi Masatoshi
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess in a Japanese university hospital the risk factors for fungal infections and mortality in living‐donor liver transplantations (LDLTs). Although fungal infections are an important complication associated with high mortality in liver transplantation, the risk factors for fungal infections developing after LDLT remain poorly understood.

Methods

Patient records for a total of 156 patients undergoing LDLT over a 6‐year period in our institution were retrospectively evaluated. All transplant recipients were routinely observed for fungal infections with close monitoring for febrile episodes and collection and culture of saliva, pharynx, sputum, urine, feces, and drain discharge specimens undertaken. Fungal infection was defined as proposed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group. Patients with definite or probable infection were diagnosed as having specific invasive fungal infection in this study. Data were reviewed and collated from these patients' records, and multivariate analyses were performed to identify possible risk factors for mortality and the development of fungal infections.

Results

Nineteen of 156 patients (12.2%) developed invasive fungal infections, involving Candidaspp. (n = 13), Pneumocystis jiroveci (n = 4), and Aspergillusspp. (n = 2). Eight of these 19 patients died, 4 from pneumonia, and 1 each from cerebral hemorrhage, chronic rejection, virus‐associated hemophagocytic syndrome, and cancer recurrence. The 5‐year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with fungal infections than in those without (53 vs. 90%;p < 0.001). Fungal infection was independently associated with reoperation (odds ratio 6.92, 1.82—26.27, p = 0.004), posttransplant dialysis (5.62, 1.51—20.88, p = 0.009), and bacterial infection (3.94, 1.02—15.26, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Independent risk factors of fungal infection after LDLT are reoperation, posttransplant dialysis, and bacterial infection.
Exploring Outcomes through Narrative: The Long‐term Impacts of Better Beginnings, Better Futures on the Turning Point Stories of Youth at Ages 18–19
Authors: Nelson Geoffrey , Van Andel Ashley K. , Curwood Susan Eckerle , Hasford Julian , Love Norah , Pancer S. Mark , Loomis Colleen
Published: July 2011

This study examined the long‐term effects of the Better Beginnings, Better Futures project, a community‐based early childhood development program, on 18–19 year‐old youths’ narratives about turning points in their lives. The sample consisted of youth who participated in Better Beginnings from ages 4–8 (n = 62) and youth from a comparison community who did not participate in Better Beginnings (n = 34). Controlling for covariates, significant differences favoring youth from the Better Beginnings sites were found on several dimensions of the turning point stories: ending resolution, personal growth, meaning‐making, coherence, and affect transformation. Effect sizes ranged from .45 to .76 for these outcome dimensions, indicating moderate to large effects. Also, turning point story dimensions were found to be significantly correlated with two standardized measures of well‐being: youths’ self‐esteem and community involvement. Youths’ self‐esteem was directly related to story ending resolution, personal growth, and meaning making, and youths’ community involvement was directly related to story specificity, meaning making, and coherence. Family functioning was also examined in relation to these narrative dimensions but was not found to be significantly related to them. The findings suggest the utility of a narrative approach for the evaluation of the long‐term outcomes of early childhood development programs.
Systems wide analyses of lipids in the brainstem during inflammatory orofacial pain – Evidence of increased phospholipase A2 activity
Authors: Ma M.‐T. , Yeo J.‐F. , Shui G. , Wenk M.R. , Ong W.‐Y.
Published: July 2011

Recent studies suggest that CNS phospholipase A2 (PLA2) isoforms play a role in nociception, but until now, direct evidence of increased brain PLA2 activity during allodynia or hyperalgesia is lacking. The present study was carried out, using lipidomics or systems wide analyses of lipids using tandem mass spectrometry, to elucidate possible changes in rat brain lipids after inflammatory pain induced by facial carrageenan injection. The caudal medulla oblongata showed decreases in phospholipids including phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol species, but increases in lysophospholipids, including lysophosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidylserine, indicating increased PLA2 activity and release of arachidonic acid after facial carrageenan injection. These changes likely occur in the spinal trigeminal nucleus which relays nociceptive input from the orofacial region. High levels of sPLA2‐III, sPLA2‐XIIA, cPLA2 and iPLA2 mRNA expression were detected in the medulla oblongata. Increase in sPLA2‐III mRNA expression was found in the caudal medulla of carrageenan‐injected rats, although no difference in sPLA2‐III protein expression was detected. The changes in lipids as determined by lipidomics were therefore consistent with an increase in PLA2 enzyme activity, but no change in enzyme protein expression. Together, these findings indicate enhanced PLA2 activity in the caudal medulla oblongata after inflammatory orofacial pain.
Maternal mortality in Greece, 1996–2006
Authors: Vrachnis Nikolaos , Iliodromiti Stamatina , Samoli Evi , Iliodromiti Zoe , Dendrinos Spyridon , Creatsas Georgios
Published: July 2011

Objective

To present retrospective data for maternal deaths in Greece from 1996 to 2006.

Methods

Demographic information and information on the causes of death was provided by the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Maternal deaths were assessed by cause of death, maternal age, and place of residence. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated and expressed as the number of deaths per 100 000 live births.

Results

From 1996 to 2006, 29 deaths were attributed to pregnancy and childbirth, yielding a total MMR of 2.63. The leading cause of direct deaths was hemorrhage and that of indirect deaths was cardiac disease. There was a borderline significant decline in the MMR during the study period. The MMR was significantly higher at the extremes of the reproductive age range.

Conclusion

Maternal mortality in Greece is low; however, no formal data have been published since 1996. Knowledge of the causes of maternal death can lead to the prevention of maternal deaths and safer motherhood.
Serum homocysteine and dementia: Meta‐analysis of eight cohort studies including 8669 participants
Authors: Wald David S. , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Simmonds Mark
Published: July 2011

Background

Prospective cohort studies have not been consistent in showing an association between serum homocysteine and dementia.

Objective

To conduct a meta‐analysis of cohort studies that examined the relationship between serum homocysteine and dementia, and to estimate the change in risk of dementia for a unit change in serum homocysteine.

Methods

The data from eight cohort studies (involving 8669 participants; range of mean ages, 47–81 years; median duration of study, 5 years) of serum homocysteine on the incidence of dementia were combined and the odds ratio of dementia per 5 μmol/L increase in serum homocysteine was determined.

Results

There was a statistically significant association between serum homocysteine and the incidence of dementia: the odds ratio for a 5 μmol/L increase in serum homocysteine was 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.79) or 1.50 (1.13–2.00) adjusted for regression dilution bias. The odds ratio for a 3 μmol/L decrease in serum homocysteine (the average reduction expected using folic acid and B12) was 0.78 (0.66–0.93).

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis of epidemiological cohort studies shows a positive association between serum homocysteine and dementia. Although the results do not provide evidence of cause and effect, they do provide an estimate of the expected effect if the relationship were causal; an approximate 20% reduction in risk of dementia from treatment with folic acid and B12.
Genetic association of complement receptor 1 polymorphism rs3818361 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Antúnez Carmen , Boada Mercè , LÓpez‐Arrieta Jesús , Moreno‐Rey Concha , Hernández Isabel , Marín Juan , Gayán Javier ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, González‐PÉrez Antonio , Real Luis M. , Alegret Montserrat , Tárraga Lluis , Ramírez‐Lorca Reposo , Ruiz Agustín
Published: July 2011

Complement receptor 1 gene polymorphism rs3818361 was recently shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We performed an independent replication study of this genetic variant in 2470 individuals from Spain. By applying an allelic model, we observed a trend toward an association between this marker and late‐onset AD susceptibility in our case–control study (odds ratio = 1.114, 95% confidence interval: 0.958–1.296, P = .16). Meta‐analysis of available studies (n = 31,771 individuals), including previous studies and public genome‐wide association study resources (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Translational Genomics Research Institute, and Multi‐site Collaborative Study for Genotype‐Phenotype Associations in Alzheimer's Disease), strongly supports the effect of rs3818361 (odds ratio = 1.180, 95% confidence interval: 1.113–1.252, P < 2.99E‐8) and suggests the existence of between‐study heterogeneity (P < .05). We concluded that the complement receptor 1 gene may contribute to AD risk, although its effect size could be smaller than previously estimated.
Protein restriction during pregnancy induces hypertension in adult female rat offspring – influence of oestradiol
Authors: Sathishkumar K. , Elkins Rebekah , Yallampalli Uma , Yallampalli Chandra
Published: July 2011

We previously reported that gestational dietary protein restriction in rats causes sex-related differences in development of blood pressure (BP) in the offspring, which is more pronounced in males than in females. As such effects may depend on sex hormones, we investigated the role of oestradiol in the development of hypertension in female offspring of protein-restricted dams. Female offspring of pregnant rats fed normal (20 %) or protein-restricted (6 %) casein diets throughout pregnancy were kept either intact, ovariectomised or ovariectomised with oestradiol supplementation. BP, Plasma oestradiol and testosterone levels, and vascular oestrogen receptor (ER) were examined. BP was significantly higher and plasma oestradiol levels were significantly lower ( − 34 %) in intact protein-restricted female offspring compared to corresponding controls. Further decrease in oestradiol levels by ovariectomy exacerbated hypertension in the protein-restricted females, with an earlier onset and more prominent elevation in BP compared to controls. Oestradiol supplementation in ovariectomised protein-restricted females significantly reversed ovariectomy-induced hypertension but did not normalise BP to control levels. The hypertensive protein-restricted females have reduced vascular ERα expression that was unaffected by ovariectomy or oestradiol replacement. In addition, testosterone levels were significantly higher by 2·4-, 3·4- and 2·8-fold in intact, ovariectomised and oestradiol-replaced protein-restricted females compared to corresponding controls. The present data show that: (1) hypertension in protein-restricted adult female offspring is associated with reduced plasma oestradiol levels; (2) oestradiol protects and limits the severity of hypertension in protein-restricted females and contributes to sexual dimorphism; (3) oestradiol replacement fails to completely reverse hypertension, which may be related to limited availability of vascular ERα receptors and/or increased circulating testosterone levels.
Glycaemic response to barley porridge varying in dietary fibre content
Authors: Thondre Pariyarath S. , Wang Ke , Rosenthal Andrew J. , Henry Christiani J. K.
Published: July 2011

The interest in barley as a food is increasing worldwide because of its high dietary fibre (DF) content and low glycaemic index (GI). DF in cereals may prove beneficial in improving blood glucose response in the long term. However, a dose-dependent effect of insoluble fibre on reducing postprandial blood glucose levels is yet to be proven. The objective of the present study was to determine the glycaemic response to two barley porridges prepared from whole barley grains varying in fibre content. In two separate non-blind randomised crossover trials, ten human subjects consumed barley porridge with 16 g/100 g and 10 g/100 g fibre content provided in different serving sizes (equivalent to 25 and 50 g available carbohydrate). The glycaemic response to both barley porridges was significantly lower than the reference glucose (P < 0·05). There was no significant difference between the glucose areas under the curve or GI for the two barley porridges. We concluded that irrespective of the difference in total fibre content or serving size of barley porridges, their GI values did not differ significantly.
THE ISLAMIC PUBLIC SPHERE AND THE DISCIPLINE OFADAB
Authors: McLarney Ellen
Published: July 2011

Recently, there have been many compelling new theories of the emergence of an “Islamic public sphere.” Few studies, however, have examined the role of literary writing in contributing to its emergence, even though such writing was critical to the intellectual elite's shift toward Islamic subjects in mid-20th century Egypt. In addition, little of this scholarship has examined the gendered nature of this public sphere in any depth, though gendered rights, roles, and responsibilities were among the most hotly contested debates in public discourses on religion. This article looks at how literary writing not only shaped particular interpretations of gendered relationships in Islam but also developed hermeneutical techniques for reinterpreting religious sources. It specifically examines the work of Egyptian literary scholar and Islamic thinker Bint al-Shatiʾ and how her writings helped define the nature of the family, gender relations, and the private sphere in Islamic public discourse.
WOMEN PREACHING FOR THE SECULAR STATE: OFFICIAL FEMALE PREACHERS (BAYAN VAIZLER) IN CONTEMPORARY TURKEY
Authors: Hassan Mona
Published: July 2011

Nearly one-third of Turkey's official preaching workforce are women. Their numbers have risen considerably over the past two decades, fueled by an unforeseen feminization of higher religious education as well as the Directorate of Religious Affairs’ attempts to redress its historical gender imbalances. Created in the early Turkish Republic, the Directorate is also historically embedded in (re)defining the appropriate domains and formations of religion, and the female preachers it now employs navigate people's potent fears rooted in memories of this fraught past. In the various neighborhoods of Istanbul, these preachers attempt to overcome conservative Muslims’ cautious ambivalence toward the interpretative and disciplinary powers of a secular state as well as assertive secularists’ discomfort and suspicion over increasingly visible manifestations of religiosity. Thus, the activities of state-sponsored female preachers are inescapably intertwined with the contestation of religious domains and authority in the secular Republic of Turkey and demonstrate an intricate interplay between the politics of religion, gender, and secularism in contemporary Turkish society.
Computational derivation of valid kinematic limbs of spatial 3-DOF parallel mechanisms without redundant constraint
Authors: Lu Yi , Lu Yang , Ding Ling , Ye Nijia
Published: July 2011

A computational derivation of valid kinematic limbs for spatial 3-DOF parallel mechanisms (PMs) without redundant constraint is studied based on contracted graphs, topological graphs, and basic joints. First, some contracted graphs without any binary links are constructed, some curves with only binary links are distributed over contracted graphs and many valid topological graphs are derived. Second, a software is developed in Visual Basic for deriving the kinematic limb, and some basic chain structures are constructed by connecting various basic joints in series. Third, all valid kinematic limbs of the 3-DOF PMs without redundant constraint are derived computationally from the basic chain structures and some novel 3-DOF PMs are synthesized using this approach. Finally, the number of the different 3-DOF PMs without redundant constraint are determined based on the topological graphs and valid chain structures of the limb.
Conserving outside protected areas: edge effects and avian electrocutions on the periphery of Special Protection Areas
Authors: PÉREZ-GARCÍA JUAN M. , BOTELLA FRANCISCO , SÁNCHEZ-ZAPATA JOSÉ A. , MOLEÓN MARCOS
Published: July 2011

Electrocution on power lines is one of the principal problems facing raptors and other medium- and large-sized birds at the global scale. The recent European-based Spanish state legislation on avian electrocutions has focused on Special Protection Areas (SPA). Here we evaluate whether this policy has been successful, using the Community of Valencia, Spain, as a regional model. We compiled a database of 400 electrocution events from information on electrocuted birds taken into Wildlife Recovery Centres and incidents registered by the main local power company during the last decade. A small proportion (c.18%) of electrocution casualties occurred within SPA boundaries but the 5 km wide belt immediately surrounding the SPAs produced more than three times the number of avian electrocutions (c.60% of the total recorded). This was probably caused by higher densities of both power lines and susceptible birds, and higher use of the pylons for perching and roosting in the areas surrounding the SPAs. We therefore conclude that the focus on preventative measures being applied within SPAs is inefficient and that action should be targeted in these peripheral areas. Our results illustrate a classic problem of an edge effect associated with a protected area, where external human influences directly affect the persistence of protected species within reserves. Equally, they support the idea that management strategies within parks cannot be independent of the human activities surrounding them.
The cultures of archaeoastronomy and the history of science
Authors: McCluskey Stephen C.
Published: July 2011

This essay draws on the skeptical opinions that some historians of science have of archaeoastronomy, on historians' changing interpretations of proper historical method, and on their varied understandings of the nature of science to discuss how these methodological issues apply to archaeoastronomy. The essay argues that archaeoastronomical research should bear as much attention to the external context of early astronomies as it does to their internal content, suggesting specifically that insights into the origins of science can be gained by paying greater attention to the practitioners of early astronomies—to the skywatchers.
Ethnoastronomy as an academic field: a framework for a South American program
Authors: López Alejandro Martín
Published: July 2011

We present some methodological reflections based upon twelve years' experience working in South American ethnoastronomy. The aim is to propose a basis for a possible development plan for ethnoastronomy in this region. Taking as axiomatic that ethnoastronomy is a social science, we discuss issues such as the process of development of an academic discipline, the links between ethno- and archaeoastronomy, the idea of ‘otherness’, ethnographic methodology, the relevance of logics of practice, the relationship between orality and writing, and the dialectic relationship between change and continuity. In addition, we discuss possible ways to achieve the institutionalization of ethnoastronomy. We conclude by considering the importance of regional and international academic exchange.
A eucalyptus in the moon: folk astronomy among European colonists in northern Santa Fe province, Argentina
Authors: Mudrik Armando
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we present a study about cultural astronomy among European colonists who settled in the northern area of the Argentinean province of Santa Fe, which is part of the southern Chaco. These colonists arrived among waves of immigration occurring in Argentina in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Ethnographic field research among these rural immigrants and their descendants revealed that a set of asterisms were distributed according to the origins of the different European communities and also according to their uses in agriculture, animal husbandry and meteorology.
Astronomy and ceremony at Chankillo: an Andean perspective
Authors: Malville J. McKim
Published: July 2011

The towers, plazas, and fortified temple of Chankillo are analyzed within the context of Central Andean culture. Throughout the cultural area, staircases were apparently the scenes of ritual procession, perhaps mimicking shamanic-like movement between the three worlds. The double stairways of the thirteen towers of Chankillo may have been designed for ritual movement. The gradual rotation of the successively higher towers suggests shamanic ascent between the terrestrial and solar realms. The major astronomical feature of Chankillo is its solar axis, oriented to December solstice sunrise and June solstice sunset. Along this axis, to the east and west of the towers, there are prominent plazas in which public ceremonies may have been staged, particularly at the time of June solstice sunset. Celebrants who reached the highest tower on sunset of June solstice would have been silhouetted by the setting sun as viewed by spectators in the eastern plaza just below the tower. In the large plaza west of the towers, a similar public ceremony could have been associated with setting of the June solstice sun over the Temple of the Pillars to the west of the towers. The thirteen towers may have been stations of the moon for public ceremonies during the bright half of the lunar cycle. The presence of Spondylus shells suggests lunar ritual. The duality of private/public ritual, evident at Chavín and elsewhere, may have been present at Chankillo where public ceremonies may been observed from the plazas, while more restricted ceremonies may have occurred behind the walls of the fortified temple. If a horizon calendar had been developed using the profiles of the thirteen towers, it appears to have been an unintended consequence of the initial design of the towers. The monumental size of the towers is incommensurate with the small putative observing stations. The June solstice sun misses the lowest tower by 7 solar diameters, which would have been an unacceptable error if the tower had been built originally to mark June solstice. Another unsatisfactory feature would have been the equal spacing of the towers. If a meaningful calendar had been desired that marked divisions of the year perhaps based upon the moon, it would have involve variable spacing of the towers, with the largest spacing around equinox.
The 2012 phenomenon: Maya calendar, astronomy, and apocalypticism in the worlds of scholarship and global popular culture
Authors: Carlson John B. , Van Stone Mark
Published: July 2011

This essay introduces the papers from the specially organized session on the theme ‘The 2012 phenomenon: Maya calendar, astronomy, and apocalypticism in the worlds of scholarship and popular culture’. The papers that follow address this topical theme in the contexts of Maya and Western cultures as well as academic and popular cultures.
Measuring deep time: the Sidereal Year and the Tropical Year in Maya inscriptions
Authors: Grofe Michael J.
Published: July 2011

Maya inscriptions contain numerous examples of long intervals of time that count both backward and forward from a fixed point of historical reference to specific mythological dates, often thousands of years in the past or future. This paper considers the evidence that these intervals incorporated precise calculations of both the sidereal year and the tropical year. Furthermore, it outlines a specific methodology for assessing the likelihood that these distance numbers were either intentionally calculated to incorporate these astronomical measurements, or if these results are merely coincidental.
The 2012 Mayan calendar prophecies in the context of the western millenarian tradition
Authors: Campion Nicholas
Published: July 2011

The 2012 Mayan calendar prophecies have attracted considerable popular interest, thought little academic attention. Following the papers presented in the 2012 Session at the conference, I suggest that the ‘2012 phenomenon’ is the latest in a historic series of millenarian movements that form an established part of Christian culture. The 2012 prophecies, while Christian in neither tone nor affiliation, may be contextualised within secularised versions of western millenarianism as a whole. My purpose is to create a framework for analysis, placing the 2012 phenomenon within a wider cultural milieu and analysing its texts. I suggest that Karl Popper's paradoxical theory of historicism and activism, and the model of pre-versus post-millenarianism, may both provide means of analysing competing forms of 2012 prophecy.
Interpretations of the Pleiades in Australian Aboriginal astronomies
Authors: Johnson Dianne
Published: July 2011

As there are so many Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait astronomies and cosmologies, commonalities are unusual. However one of the ‘things belonging to the sky’ that seems common to all groups across the continent is the open star cluster of the Pleiades. Yet interpretations of this cluster vary. So far I have tentatively identified four different cultural areas, the first being most of mainland Australia; the second being the islands south of mainland Australia known as Tasmania; the third being the cultural area of north-eastern Arnhem Land; and the fourth being the cultural area of the Torres Strait Islands. Within these areas, versions of the stories vary as contemporary circumstances change.
Archaeoastronomy and ethnoastronomy in the Ryukyu Islands: a preliminary report
Authors: Goto Akira
Published: July 2011

The Ryukyu (Okinawa) Islands are situated in sub-tropical zone between the Japanese Archipelago and Taiwan. Although Okinawan people have a rich tradition of star lore, few studies have been undertaken on its relevance to subsistence, religion and the socio-political system. This paper is a first attempt to explore a systematic relationship between star lore (e.g. relating to the Pleiades) with agriculture, fishing, navigation and religious practice. This paper also considers the possibility of interpreting the nature of prehistoric and historical stone structures from the viewpoint of archaeoastronomy. This kind of analysis is likely to be fruitful, since the kingship of the Ryukyu Islands was strongly associated with sun worship.
Masters-level education in archaeoastronomy at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Authors: Campion Nicholas , Malville J. McKim
Published: July 2011

The class in Archaeoastronomy at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is taught as part of the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, within the University's School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology. This paper will present and review some of the postgraduate work produced in the course, reporting on its findings as examples of the level of work that may be expected on a taught MA course at a UK University.
The high life: Transport of microbes in the atmosphere
Authors: Smith David J. , Griffin Dale W. , Jaffe Daniel A.
Published: July 2011

Microbes (bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses) are the most successful types of life on Earth because of their ability to adapt to new environments, reproduce quickly, and disperse globally. Dispersal occurs through a number of vectors, such as migrating animals or the hydrological cycle, but transport by wind may be the most common way microbes spread. General awareness of airborne microbes predates the science of microbiology. People took advantage of wild airborne yeasts to cultivate lighter, more desirable bread as far back as ancient Egypt by simply leaving a mixture of grain and liquids near an open window. In 1862, Louis Pasteur's quest to disprove spontaneous generation resulted in the discovery that microbes were actually single‐celled, living creatures, prevalent in the environment and easily killed with heat (pasteurization). His rudimentary experiments determined that any nutrient medium left open to the air would eventually teem with microbial life because of free‐floating, colonizing cells. The same can happen in a kitchen: Opportunistic fungal and bacterial cells cause food items exposed to the air to eventually spoil.