bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Parallel poleis”: Towards a theoretical framework of the modern public sphere, civic engagement and the structural advantages of the internet to foster and maintain parallel socio-political institutions
Authors: Lagos Taso G , Coopman Ted M , Tomhave Jonathan
Published: May 2013

The role of the internet in large-scale demonstrations, as witnessed in the Arab Spring, has been debated and reflects continued interest in the intermingling of social movements and digital technology. Yet behind these large photogenic events stand other less obvious social activities that may be equally profound, particularly in the form of alternative institutional frameworks that better meet the social needs of individuals than current models. We categorize these “dissident” frameworks as “parallel poleis” as developed by Czech philosopher and activist Vaclav Benda and offer two case studies to support this contention. At the heart of parallel poleis lies the notion that digital technologies are uniquely positioned to reflect and facilitate the political expressions of individuals due to low-cost transactions, ease of use and large social network reach possibilities. The sociopolitical ramifications of a parallel polis as conceptualizing the social–technical interaction warrants further discussion.
Journalism innovation leads to innovation journalism: The impact of computational exploration on changing mindsets
Authors: Gynnild Astrid
Published: May 2013

This article investigates a rapidly expanding branch of journalism innovation in online news media. The umbrella term computational exploration in journalism (CEJ), embraces the multifaceted development of algorithms, data, and social science methods in reporting and storytelling. CEJ typically involves the journalistic co-creation of quantitative news projects that transcend geographical, disciplinary, and linguistic boundaries. Drawing on extensive empirical data, this article provides a conceptual overview of the field by identifying three main pathways of computational exploration in journalism: the newsroom approach, the academic approach, and the entrepreneurial approach. Implications for changing journalistic practice are discussed, and the theorizing is summed up in a triplex proposition about changing mindset processes coming out of CEJ. The study indicates that the computational exploration not only leads to innovative uses of the technology, but also to innovative ways for journalists to think and behave; journalism innovation leads to innovation journalism.
WT1 regulates murine hematopoiesis via maintenance of VEGF isoform ratio
Authors: Cunningham Thomas J. , Palumbo Ilaria , Grosso Michela , Slater Nicholas , Miles Colin G.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

WT1 mutations predict poor prognosis in AML; Wt1 mutant embryonic stem cells show reduced hematopoiesis, elevated apoptosis, and abnormal Vegf-a isoforms. Wt1 regulates Vegf-a splicing; exogenous Vegf-a restores hematopoiesis in Wt1 mutant ES cells, and this pathway may have therapeutic potential.
Association between a frequent variant of the FTO gene and anthropometric phenotypes in Brazilian children
Authors: da Silva Carmela Farias , Zandoná Marília Remuzzi , Vitolo Márcia Regina , Campagnolo Paula Dal Bó , Rotta Liane Nanci , Almeida Silvana , Mattevi Vanessa Suñé
Published: May 2013

Background

Our goal was to analyze the association of the fat mass and obesity- associated (FTO) gene rs9939609 variant (T/A) with the anthropometric and dietary intake phenotypes related to obesity in Brazilian children.

Methods

We analyzed the association of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with phenotypes related to the accumulation of body mass in a cohort of 348 children followed from the time of birth until 8 years old and then replicated the main findings in an independent schoolchildren sample (n = 615).

Results

At the age of 4, we observed a significant association between the A/A genotype and a higher mean BMI Z-score (P = 0.036). At the age of 8, the A/A individuals still presented with a higher BMI Z-score (P = 0.011) and with marginal differences in the volume of subcutaneous fat (P = 0.048). We replicated these findings in the schoolchildren sample, which showed that those with at least one copy of the A allele presented with a higher BMI Z-score (P = 0.029) and volume of subcutaneous fat (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that this FTO variant is associated with increased body mass and subcutaneous fat in Brazilian children beginning at the age of 4.
Processing of meats and cardiovascular risk: time to focus on preservatives
Authors: Micha Renata , Michas Georgios , Lajous Martin , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: May 2013

Dietary guidelines emphasize selecting lean (low-fat) meats to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol, but growing evidence suggests that health effects may relate to other ingredients, such as sodium, heme iron, or L-carnitine. Understanding how meats influence health, and on which nutrients this relationship depends, is essential to advise consumer choices, set guidelines, and inform food reformulations. A recent study published in BMC Medicine involving 448,568 participants in 10 European countries, provides important evidence in this regard. After multivariate adjustment, intake of unprocessed red meat was not significantly associated with total or cause-specific mortality; conversely, intake of processed meat was associated with a 30% higher rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (per 50 g/day, relative risk 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.45) and also higher cancer mortality. These findings are consistent with our previous meta-analysis, based on smaller studies, showing strong associations of processed meats, but not unprocessed meats, with CVD. Preservatives are the notable difference; the calculated blood-pressure effects of sodium differences (around 400% higher in processed meats) explain most of the observed higher risk. Although unprocessed red meats seem to be relatively neutral for CVD, healthier choices are available, including fish, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Public-health guidance should prioritize avoidance of processed meats, including the low-fat deli meats currently marketed as healthy choices, and the food industry should substantially reduce sodium and other preservatives in processed meats.

See related research article here http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/11/63.
Cidofovir selectivity is based on the different response of normal and cancer cells to DNA damage
Authors: De Schutter Tim , Andrei Graciela , Topalis Dimitri , Naesens Lieve , Snoeck Robert
Published: May 2013

Background

Cidofovir (CDV) proved efficacious in treatment of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) hyperplasias. Antiproliferative effects of CDV have been associated with apoptosis induction, S-phase accumulation, and increased levels of tumor suppressor proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms for the selectivity and antitumor activity of CDV against HPV-transformed cells remain unexplained.

Methods

We evaluated CDV drug metabolism and incorporation into cellular DNA, in addition to whole genome gene expression profiling by means of microarrays in two HPV+cervical carcinoma cells, HPV-immortalized keratinocytes, and normal keratinocytes.

Results

Determination of the metabolism and drug incorporation of CDV into genomic DNA demonstrated a higher rate of drug incorporation in HPV+tumor cells and immortalized keratinocytes compared to normal keratinocytes. Gene expression profiling clearly showed distinct and specific drug effects in the cell types investigated. Although an effect on inflammatory response was seen in all cell types, different pathways were identified in normal keratinocytes compared to immortalized keratinocytes and HPV+tumor cells. Notably, Rho GTPase pathways, LXR/RXR pathways, and acute phase response signaling were exclusively activated in immortalized cells. CDV exposed normal keratinocytes displayed activated cell cycle regulation upon DNA damage signaling to allow DNA repair via homologous recombination, resulting in genomic stability and survival. Although CDV induced cell cycle arrest in HPV-immortalized cells, DNA repair was not activated in these cells. In contrast, HPV+cells lacked cell cycle regulation, leading to genomic instability and eventually apoptosis.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data provide novel insights into the mechanism of action of CDV and its selectivity for HPV-transformed cells. The proposed mechanism suggests that this selectivity is based on the inability of HPV+cells to respond to DNA damage, rather than on a direct anti-HPV effect. Since cell cycle control is deregulated by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 in HPV+cells, these cells are more susceptible to DNA damage than normal keratinocytes. Our findings underline the therapeutic potential of CDV for HPV-associated malignancies as well as other neoplasias.
Decoupling of amniote gastrulation and streak formation reveals a morphogenetic unity in vertebrate mesoderm induction
Authors: Alev Cantas , Wu Yuping , Nakaya Yukiko , Sheng Guojun
Published: May 2013

Mesoderm is formed during gastrulation. This process takes place at the blastopore in lower vertebrates and in the primitive streak (streak) in amniotes. The evolutionary relationship between the blastopore and the streak is unresolved, and the morphogenetic and molecular changes leading to this shift in mesoderm formation during early amniote evolution are not well understood. Using the chick model, we present evidence that the streak is dispensable for mesoderm formation in amniotes. An anamniote-like circumblastoporal mode of gastrulation can be induced in chick and three other amniote species. The induction requires cooperative activation of the FGF and Wnt pathways, and the induced mesoderm field retains anamniote-like dorsoventral patterning. We propose that the amniote streak is homologous to the blastopore in lower vertebrates and evolved from the latter in two distinct steps: an initial pan-amniote posterior restriction of mesoderm-inducing signals; and a subsequent lineage-specific morphogenetic modification of the pre-ingression epiblast.
Amplification and overexpression of the egf receptor gene in primary human glioblastomas
Authors: Libermann Towia A. , Nusbaum Harris R. , Razon Nissim , Kris Richard , Lax Irit , Soreq Hermona , Whittle Nigel , Waterfield Michael D. , Ullrich Axel , Schlessinger Joseph
Published: May 2013

The expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in brain tumours of glial origin was studied at the protein, mRNA and genomic levels. Four out of 10 glioblastomas that overexpress EGF receptor also have gene amplification. The amplified genes appear to be rearranged, generating an aberrant mRNA in at least one of these tumours. Such receptor defects may be relevant to tumorigenesis of human glioblastomas.
Receptor-mediated endocytosis of transferrin and epidermal growth factor receptors: a comparison of constitutive and ligand-induced uptake
Authors: Hopkins C. R. , Miller K. , Beardmore J. M.
Published: May 2013

The distribution of cell surface receptors for transferrin-iron and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the surface of cultured epitheloid (A431) cells has been identified by immunocytochemical electron microscopy. The patterns of movement displayed by these two receptor populations as they transfer to their sites of internalization on the cell surface are different. The movement of recycling transferrin receptors over the surface is ligand-independent whereas EGF receptors are more stable residents and remain monodisperse until they bind ligand.

Prior to uptake transferrin receptors cluster, predominantly within existing clathrin-coated pits while the aggregates formed by EGF ligand-receptor complexes induce new membrane invaginations. These results are discussed in relation to receptor populations concerned with constitutive, high capacity uptake processes and receptors involved in signal transduction.
The Physics of Cell Motility
Authors: Oster George F. , Perelson Alan S.
Published: May 2013

Cell locomotion begins with a protrusion from the leading periphery of the cell. What drives this extension? Here we present a model for the extension of cell protuberances that unifies certain aspects of this phenomenon, and is based on the hypothesis that osmotic pressure drives cell extensions. This pressure arises from membrane-associated reactions, which liberate osmotically active particles, and from the swelling of the actin network that underlies the membrane.
Nuclear transport in vitro
Authors: Finlay Deborah R. , Newmeyer Donald D. , Hartl Philippe M. , Horecka Joseph , Forbes Douglass J.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, progress towards the goal of understanding communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm using an in vitro system is reviewed. To probe the mechanism of nuclear targeting, we developed an in vitro transport system and have begun to dissect the highly selective process of nuclear transport. The basic parameters of transport were defined using an easily isolated nuclear protein, nucleoplasmin. To study the interaction of nuclear targeting signals with the pore, an artificial nuclear transport substrate was constructed, which consists of human serum albumin coupled to the signal sequence of the SV40 T-antigen. A similar peptide-protein conjugate was made using a mutant signal sequence. These conjugates were fluorescently labeled and/or tagged with gold and tested for transport in the in vitro system. High levels of nuclear transport of the wild-type signal sequence-containing protein were observed, while no transport of the mutant signal sequence-containing protein was seen. Thus, the in vitro system correctly recognizes the single amino acid change between the wild-type and mutant signal sequences. We found that the observed nuclear transport was completely dependent on the presence of ATP.

Using the in vitro system we identified a specific inhibitor of nuclear transport, the lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), which we find binds directly to the nuclear pore. Probing blots of nuclear proteins with 125I-WGA identified a family of nuclear pore glycoproteins, including one major glycoprotein of 62K (K = 103Mr) molecular weight. With the inhibitor and the in vitro assay, it has been possible to experimentally separate nuclear transport into two steps: (1) a step in which the signal sequence-bearing protein binds to the pore, followed by (2) a step in which the protein translocates through the pore. It is this second step which is the ATP-dependent step of transport, since pore binding but not translocation was seen to occur in the absence of ATP.
The genetic control of cell proliferation in Drosophila imaginal discs
Authors: Bryant Peter J. , Schmidt Otto
Published: May 2013

The imaginal discs of Drosophila provide a favorable system for the analysis of the mechanisms controlling developmental cell proliferation, because of the separation in time between cell proliferation and differentiation, and the facility with which controlling genes can be identified and characterized. Imaginal discs are established in the embryo, and grow by cell proliferation throughout the larval period. Proliferation terminates in a regular spatial pattern during the final stages of larval development and the first day of pupal development. Cell proliferation can be locally reactivated in growth-terminated imaginal discs by removing part of the disc and culturing the remaining fragment in an adult host. The pattern of proliferation in these fragments suggests that cell proliferation in imaginal discs is controlled by direct interactions between cells and their neighbors. Proliferation appears to be stimulated by positional information differences, and these differences are reduced by the addition of new cells during tissue growth. Genes involved in cell proliferation control have been identified by collecting and analyzing recessive lethal mutations which cause overgrowth of imaginal discs. In some of these mutants (fat, Igd, c43, dco) the overgrowing tissue is hyperplastic; it retains its single-layered epithelial structure and is capable of differentiating. In two of the hyperplastic mutants (dco and c43), the imaginal discs show a failure of gap-junctional cell communication, suggesting that this form of cell communication may be involved in termination of proliferation. In other mutants the overgrowing disc tissue is neoplastic: it loses its structure and ability to differentiate, becoming a tumorous growth. The two genes that give a neoplastic phenotype (dig and lgl) have been cloned and cDNAs of one of them (1gl) sequenced. The lgl gene encodes a cell surface molecule with significant homology to calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules (cadherins). The expression of lgl at the time of termination of cell proliferation suggests that there are changes in the way that cells interact with one another at these times, and that these changes may be implemented by cell adhesion molecules. Direct cell contact within the epithelium, as well as signalling through gap junctions, appears to be involved in the cell interactions needed for the termination of cell proliferation. Mutations in genes encoding the Drosophila homologs of growth factors, growth factor receptors and oncogenes usually show an effect on cell-fate decisions rather than cell proliferation control, but this may be because oncogenic mutations in these genes would be dominant lethals and would therefore not be identified by conventional genetic analysis.
An approach to reconstituting motility of single myosin molecules
Authors: Kron Stephen J. , Uyeda Taro Q. P. , Warrick Hans M. , Spudich James A.
Published: May 2013

Over the last five years, the value of in vitro motility assays as probes of the mechanical properties of the actin-myosin interaction has been amply demonstrated. Motility assays in which single fluorescent actin filaments are observed moving over surfaces coated with myosin or its soluble fragments are now used in many laboratories. They have been applied to a wide range of problems including the study of structure-function relationships in the myosin molecule and measurement of fundamental properties of the myosin head. However, one limitation of these assays has been uncertainty over the number of myosin heads interacting with each sliding filament, that frustrates attempts to determine properties of individual heads. In order to address this limitation, we have modified the conditions of the actin sliding filament assay to reduce the number of heads interacting with each filament. Our goal is to establish an assay in which the motor function of a single myosin head can be characterized from the movement of a single actin filament.
Epidermal differentiation and keratin gene expression
Authors: Fuchs Elaine
Published: May 2013

The epidermis of the skin is a stratified squamous epithelium, which plays an important protective role. It manifests this role by building an extensive cytoskeletal architecture, the unique feature of which is the presence of keratin filaments. There are two major pairs of keratins in the epidermis: one pair is expressed in dividing cells and the other expressed in terminally differentiating cells. As such, keratins provide useful biochemical markers to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the balance between growth and differentiation in the epidermis. Here, I review what is currently known about epidermal growth and differentiation, and how an understanding of keratin gene expression has been useful in elucidating regulatory pathways in the skin.
The roles of 3′-exoribonucleases and the exosome in trypanosome mRNA degradation
Authors: Fadda Abeer , Färber Valentin , Droll Dorothea , Clayton Christine
Published: May 2013

The degradation of eukaryotic mRNAs can be initiated by deadenylation, decapping, or endonuclease cleavage. This is followed by 5′–3′ degradation by homologs of Xrn1, and/or 3′–5′ degradation by the exosome. We previously reported that, in African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei, most mRNAs are deadenylated prior to degradation, and that depletion of the major 5′–3′ exoribonuclease XRNA preferentially stabilizes unstable mRNAs. We now show that depletion of either CAF1 or CNOT10, two components of the principal deadenylation complex, strongly inhibits degradation of most mRNAs. RNAi targeting another deadenylase, PAN2, or RRP45, a core component of the exosome, preferentially stabilized mRNAs with intermediate half-lives. RRP45 depletion resulted in a 5′ bias of mRNA sequences, suggesting action by a distributive 3′–5′ exoribonuclease. Results suggested that the exosome is involved in the processing of trypanosome snoRNAs. There was no correlation between effects on half-lives and on mRNA abundance.
Thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase fusion proteins and their use in cDNA synthesis and next-generation RNA sequencing
Authors: Mohr Sabine , Ghanem Eman , Smith Whitney , Sheeter Dennis , Qin Yidan , King Olga , Polioudakis Damon , Iyer Vishwanath R. , Hunicke-Smith Scott , Swamy Sajani , Kuersten Scott , Lambowitz Alan M.
Published: May 2013

Mobile group II introns encode reverse transcriptases (RTs) that function in intron mobility (“retrohoming”) by a process that requires reverse transcription of a highly structured, 2–2.5-kb intron RNA with high processivity and fidelity. Although the latter properties are potentially useful for applications in cDNA synthesis and next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), group II intron RTs have been difficult to purify free of the intron RNA, and their utility as research tools has not been investigated systematically. Here, we developed general methods for the high-level expression and purification of group II intron-encoded RTs as fusion proteins with a rigidly linked, noncleavable solubility tag, and we applied them to group II intron RTs from bacterial thermophiles. We thus obtained thermostable group II intron RT fusion proteins that have higher processivity, fidelity, and thermostability than retroviral RTs, synthesize cDNAs at temperatures up to 81°C, and have significant advantages for qRT-PCR, capillary electrophoresis for RNA-structure mapping, and next-generation RNA sequencing. Further, we find that group II intron RTs differ from the retroviral enzymes in template switching with minimal base-pairing to the 3′ ends of new RNA templates, making it possible to efficiently and seamlessly link adaptors containing PCR-primer binding sites to cDNA ends without an RNA ligase step. This novel template-switching activity enables facile and less biased cloning of nonpolyadenylated RNAs, such as miRNAs or protein-bound RNA fragments. Our findings demonstrate novel biochemical activities and inherent advantages of group II intron RTs for research, biotechnological, and diagnostic methods, with potentially wide applications.
Uexküll's Kompositionslehre and Leopold's "land ethic" in dialogue. On the concept of meaning
Authors: Gens Jean-Claude
Published: May 2013

Uexküll's famous umwelt theory, which is simultaneously a theory of meaning, remains almost unknown in American environmental thought. The purpose of this article is to create a dialogue between the umwelt theory – a source of inspiration for biosemiotics – and one of the major figures of the environmental thought, namely Aldo Leopold. The interest of this dialogue lies in the fact that the environmental thought has much to gain by relying on Uexküll's theory of meaning and, conversely, that Leopold's land ethic is likely to extend Uexküll's thought in terms of ethics.
Qualitative evaluation of semiotic-based intercultural training
Authors: Parent Roger , Varnhagen Stanley
Published: May 2013

This second of a two-part series of articles on applied semiotics and intercultural training provides a qualitative evaluation of the research initiative Tools for Cultural Development. The discussion will firstly centre on several theoretical and methodological challenges inherent to the qualitative research paradigm and then relate these shifting concerns to convergent findings in poststructuralist (and postcolonial) semiotics, especially with respect to phenomenology and pragmatics. Analysis of four focus group interviews in France and Australia will examine and evaluate the 2007 training experience in light of the culture-specific contexts and stakeholder groups involved. Of particular concern will be the capacity of qualitative evaluative processes to account for the "local meanings" and "voices" within the trainee narratives so as to highlight their perceptions as to the use of semiotics for designing culturally significant practices in education and praxis.
Immunizacja jako paradygmat nowoczesności
Authors: Esposito Roberto
Published: May 2013

Immunizacja jako paradygmat nowoczesności. Z Robertem Espositem rozmawia Timothy Campbell
The Circulation of Non-Economic Capital in the Migration Cycle. Empirical Perspective
Authors: Dzięglewski Mariusz
Published: May 2013

In the context of post‑accession migration from Poland it is important to analyze not only its economic but social and cultural implications for receiving and home country as well as for migrants themselves. Recent migration takes place in a new context of inter‑European mobility and as such can be treated as a part of ‘life project’, career strategy and a new form of migration. The paper focus is on the theoretical and empirical frame of social and cultural capital accumulated by migrants abroad and transferred into home country. The theoretical framework is supposed to provide a base for empirical research on the social and cultural capital transfer possibilities in the case of return migration. The question such a research would try to answer is: can the return migrants be an active actors of innovation and social change?
Estimation of Pentraxin‐3 Levels in the Gingival Tissues of Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis Participants: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Lakshmanan Reema , Jayakumar N. D. , Sankari Malaiappan , Padmalatha Ogoti , Varghese Sheeja
Published: May 2013

Background: Pentraxins are acute‐phase proteins that belong to a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins, and they are considered markers of inflammation. Pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) is a prototype of the long pentraxin group. It is suggested to play an important role in innate resistance against pathogens, regulation of inflammation, and clearance of apoptotic cells. The aim of this study is to estimate the level of PTX3 in gingival tissues of individuals with chronic (CP) and aggressive (AgP) periodontitis and control participants and further correlate the level of PTX3 with clinical parameters.

Methods: The study population consisted of 50 participants ranging in age from 20 to 55 years and attending the outpatient section of Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India. The study groups included the following: 1) group A, patients with generalized CP (n = 20); 2) group B (n = 20), patients with generalized AgP (GAgP); and 3) group C (n = 10), healthy controls. Tissue samples from participants were assayed for PTX3 levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Gingival tissues from patients with GAgP (8.349 ± 5.076 ng/mL) had a higher mean concentration of PTX3 than tissues from patients with generalized CP (5.068 ± 3.274 ng/mL) and controls (0.251 ± 0.277). The PTX3 levels in the gingival tissues correlated positively with clinical parameters in all the groups. Among the parameters, probing depth was the most significant predictor variable associated with PTX3 in cases with periodontitis.

Conclusions: PTX3 concentration in gingival tissues of patients with GAgP was higher than in tissues from patients with CP, and the levels correlated positively with clinical parameters. Hence, tissue PTX3 level can be considered a marker of inflammation in periodontal disease.
Domestic Violence Shelter Partnerships and Veterinary Student Attitudes at North American Veterinary Schools and Colleges
Authors: Creevy Kate E. , Shaver Stephanie L. , Cornell Karen K.
Published: May 2013

Animal abuse and domestic violence are linked issues, and pet ownership is reported to play a crucial role in the choice to leave an abusive situation. Although veterinarians witness the effects of abuse and violence over the course of their careers, they have limited training regarding these issues. One mechanism for educating veterinary students while providing a service for victims of domestic violence is the creation of partnerships between domestic violence shelters and veterinary schools. These extracurricular programs can provide both care for pets belonging to victims of domestic violence and an educational platform for student participants. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalence and characteristics of domestic violence shelter partnerships (DVSPs) at North American veterinary teaching hospitals and to determine whether the presence of a DVSP was associated with increased awareness among veterinary students regarding animal abuse and domestic violence. Nine of 33 veterinary schools surveyed described a DVSP program. Students at schools with DVSPs associated with their veterinary teaching hospitals were significantly more likely to indicate that their awareness of the link between animal abuse and domestic violence had increased during veterinary school. Most veterinary students reported that they felt poorly prepared to handle domestic violence and animal abuse issues in the workplace. This study indicates that extracurricular DVSPs are a viable means of educating veterinary students regarding domestic violence and animal abuse. A need for improved education on these topics in veterinary schools across North America is identified.
Modeling the spatial distribution of snow water equivalent, taking into account changes in snow-covered area
Authors: Skaugen T. , Randen F.
Published: May 2013

A good estimate of the spatial probability density function (PDF) of snow water equivalent (SWE) provides the mean of the snow reservoir, but also enables modelling of the changes in snow-covered area (SCA), which is crucial for the runoff dynamics in spring. The spatial PDF of accumulated SWE is here modelled as a sum of correlated gamma-distributed variables, called units. The spatial variance of accumulated SWE is evaluated by the covariance matrix of the units. For accumulation events, there are only positive elements in the covariance matrix, whereas for melting events there are both positive and negative elements. The negative elements dictate that the correlation between melt and SWE is negative. After accumulation and melting events, the changes in the spatial moments are weighted by changes in SCA. Results from the model are in good agreement with observed spatial moments of SWE and SCA and found to provide better estimates of the spatial variability than the current model for snow distribution used in the Norwegian version of the Swedish rainfall–runoff model HBV. The parameters in the distribution model are estimated from observed historical precipitation, so no calibration parameters are introduced.
RANK/RANK-L/OPG in Patients with Bone Metastases Treated with Anticancer Agents and Zoledronic Acid: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mercatali Laura , Ricci Marianna , Scarpi Emanuela , Serra Patrizia , Fabbri Francesca , Ricci Rossana , Liverani Chiara , Zanoni Michele , Zoli Wainer , Maltoni Roberta , Gunelli Erica , Amadori Dino , Ibrahim Toni
Published: May 2013

Patients with solid cancer frequently develop bone metastases (BM). Zoledronic acid (Zometa®, ZA), routinely used to treat patients with BM, acts on osteoclasts and also has antitumor properties. We aimed to assess the effect of ZA over time in novel bone turnover markers (RANK/receptor activator of nuclear factor-k B ligand (RANK-L)/ Osteoprotegerin (OPG)) and to correlate these with serum N-terminal telopeptide (NTX). The study prospectively evaluated levels of RANK, RANK-L and OPG transcripts by real-time PCR and NTX expression by ELISA in the peripheral blood of 49 consecutive patients with advanced breast, lung or prostate cancer. All patients received the standard ZA schedule and were monitored for 12 months. Median baseline values of RANK, RANK-L and OPG were 78.28 (range 7.34–620.64), 319.06 (21.42–1884.41) and 1.52 (0.10–58.02), respectively. At 12 months, the median RANK-L value had decreased by 22% with respect to the baseline, whereas median OPG levels had increased by about 96%. Consequently, the RANK-L/OPG ratio decreased by 56% from the baseline. Median serum NTX levels decreased over the 12-month period, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.0001). Our results would seem to indicate that ZA modulates RANK, RANK-L and OPG expression, thus decreasing osteoclast activity.
Sur le vocabulaire du sacré chez les Pères Apologistes Grecs
Authors: Wartelle André
Published: May 2013

L'étude de l'emploi fait par les Pères Apologistes grecs (Aristide d'Athènes, saint Justin, Tatien, Méliton de Sardes, Athénagoras) du vocabulaire du sacré (ιερός, δσιος, άγιος, αγνός, etc.) conduit à penser que, sans ignorer l'opposition sacré-profane dans leur présentation de la foi chrétienne, cet aspect de la réalité religieuse n'est pas l'objet des préoccupations principales de ces écrivains, qui se veulent surtout les témoins d'une manière nouvelle d'aborder le divin, dans la confiance et l'apaisement plutôt que dans la crainte.
Evolving Local E-Government
Authors: Freeman Julie
Published: May 2013

Effective policy frameworks are essential when developing e-government projects. Participatory e-government practices that facilitate civic engagement depend upon a combination of direct and indirect information and communication technology (ICT) policies. Direct policies focus on infrastructure development and enhancing citizens’ ICT adoption and use. Indirectly, ICTs can be used to support policy processes through, for example, information dissemination and the provision of spaces for deliberation. This chapter examines Australian e-government initiatives, suggesting that local governments provide a useful context for online civic participation and engagement. However, local initiatives are often developed on an ad hoc basis and are largely limited to the provision of one-way information and service delivery features. Conversely, federal documentation addresses both direct and indirect ICT policy areas and stresses the value of online civic participation. Yet, there is a significant disconnection between federal ideals of engagement and the actual implementation of two-way participatory practices, with service delivery mechanisms again prioritised. This chapter suggests that greater online civic engagement may be achieved through a policy approach that combines national guidance and resources with local knowledge, while using policies to support ICTs and ICTs to support policy processes.
Evaluation and Metrics of E-Government
Authors: Delopoulos Haroula N.
Published: May 2013

This chapter discusses EU methodologies used for the evaluation of a number of e-government related strategies including: Action Plan e-Europe 2002, Action Plan e-Europe 2005, the Strategic Framework i2010 as well as the Digital Agenda 2020. It highlights differences and similarities between these plans. It is suggested that Europe should not focus mainly on the supply side (track availability and sophistication), but should also investigate indicators that might directly affect the eGovernment adoption. To this end, we have searched Eurostat Database in order to demonstrate some of the eGovernment evaluation metrics that affect the use and availability of eGovernment (eGov) in European Union concerning individuals and enterprises. We processed the row data and estimated the annual average and the annual average change of eighteen eGovernment indicators for the years 2005-2010. Furthermore, the chapter determines whether or not some of the targets of Digital Agenda 2020 will be accomplished by stated 2015. The author’s estimates are based according to existing trends to determine how these indicators will affect, if nothing changes, in or by 2015.
Using Scratch with Primary School Children
Authors: Wilson Amanda , Hainey Thomas , Connolly Thomas M.
Published: May 2013

Newer approaches such as games-based learning (GBL) and games based-construction are being adopted to motivate and engage students within the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) in Scotland. GBL and games-based construction suffer from a dearth of empirical evidence supporting their validity as teaching and learning approaches. To address this issue this paper will present the findings of observational research at PE level using Scratch as a tool to construct computer games. A list of criteria will be compiled for reviewing the implementation of each participant to gauge programming proficiency. The study will review 29 games from Primary 4 to Primary 7 level and will present the overall results and results for each individual year. This study will contribute to the empirical evidence in games-based construction by providing the results of observational research across different levels of PE and will provide pedagogical guidelines for assessing programming ability using a games-based construction approach.
MicroRNA-146a Feedback Suppresses T Cell Immune Function by Targeting Stat1 in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Saifeng , Zhang Xiaojun , Ju Ying , Zhao Bao , Yan Xiaoli , Hu Jun , Shi Lei , Yang Lebing , Ma Zhibo , Chen Lizhao , Liu Yali , Duan Zhongping , Chen Xinyue , Meng Songdong
Published: May 2013

More than 350 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus, and dysfunctional T cell responses contribute to persistent viral infection and immunopathogenesis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the underlying mechanisms of T cell hyporesponsiveness remain largely undefined. Given the important role of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) in diverse aspects of lymphocyte function, we investigated the potential role and mechanism of miR-146a in regulating T cell immune responses in CHB. We found that miR-146a expression in T cells is significantly upregulated in CHB compared with healthy controls, and miR-146a levels were correlated with serum alanine aminotransaminase levels. Both inflammatory cytokines and viral factors led to miR-146a upregulation in T cells. Stat1 was identified as a miR-146a target that is involved in antiviral cytokine production and the cytotoxicity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In vitro blockage of miR-146a in T cells in CHB greatly enhanced virus-specific T cell activity. Therefore, our work demonstrates that miR-146a upregulation in CHB causes impaired T cell function, which may contribute to immune defects and immunopathogenesis during chronic viral infection.
Moderne diskoerse in die teologie vandag
Authors: Van Wyk J.H.
Published: May 2013

In hierdie artikel word aandag gevra vir enkele moderne diskoerse in die teologie vandag. Volgens die outeur staan die vrae oor God, Jesus, die mens en die aarde in die sentrum van belangstelling en oorheers dit in ’n groot mate die teologiese debat. Die opkoms van die moderne aggressiewe ateïsme, die wetenskaplike navorsing oor die historiese Jesus, die groeiende vrae oor die mens en die menslike samelewing, asook die dreigende ekologiese krisis op aarde, sorg vir nuwe debatte van ongekende omvang. Die outeur bespreek hierdie debatte oorsigtelik, met kritiek waar nodig, en sluit af met enkele rigtingwysers van wat hy as ‘goeie teologie’ verstaan.In this article attention is paid to some modern discourses in theology today. According to the author the questions about God, Jesus, man and the earth are in the centre of interest and to a large extent dominate the theological debate. The rise of modern aggressive atheism, the scientific research on the historic Jesus, the growing questions about man and human society as well as the threatening ecological crisis on earth, provide new discourses of unparalleled magnitude. The author provides a broad summary of these discourses, with criticism where necessary, and concludes with some indicators of his view what can be called ‘good theology’.
Modelling and analysis of radial thermal stresses and temperature field in diesel engine valves with and without air cavity
Authors: Sharma Subodh Kumar , Saini P.K. , Samria N.K.
Published: May 2013

A theoretical investigation has been undertaken to study operating temperatures, heat fluxes and radial thermal stresses in the valves of a modern diesel engine with and without air-cavity. Temperatures, heat fluxes and radial thermal stresses were measured theoretically for both cases under all four thermal loading conditions. By creating an air cavity inside the valves stem, it acts as an insulating medium and prevents the heat flow, hence the need of providing insulation coating on valves is minimized. The main motive of this is to reduce the weight of engine and cost associated with thermal coating. Results observed in the engine valves revealed that after creating an optimized air cavity in the valve, thermal stresses and temperatures at all nodal points decreases slightly. The weight of the valve decreased up to 11% without losing its strength. In addition to heat transferred by convection and radiation from combustion gases, the temperature and heat flux distributions are considerably affected by heat conduction from valve seat. The temperature field, heat transfer rate and thermal stresses were investigated with numerical simulation models using FORTRAN FE (finite element) software.Keywords: combustion chamber, temperatures field, diesel engine valve, finite elements
Ground-based integrated path coherent differential absorption lidar measurement of CO2: foothill target return
Authors: Ishii S. , Koyama M. , Baron P. , Iwai H. , Mizutani K. , Itabe T. , Sato A. , Asai K.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has made a great deal of effort to develop a coherent 2 μm differential absorption and wind lidar (Co2DiaWiL) for measuring CO2 and wind speed. First, coherent Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) lidar experiments were conducted using the Co2DiaWiL and a foothill target (tree and ground surface) located about 7.12 km south of NICT on 11, 27, and 28 December 2010. The detection sensitivity of a 2 μm IPDA lidar was examined in detail using the CO2 concentration measured by the foothill reflection. The precisions of CO2 measurements for the foothill target and 900, 4500 and 27 000 shot pairs were 6.5, 2.8, and 1.2%, respectively. The results indicated that a coherent IPDA lidar with a laser operating at a high pulse repetition frequency of a few tens of KHz is necessary for XCO2 (column-averaged dry air mixing ratio of CO2) measurement with a precision of 1–2 ppm in order to observe temporal and spatial variations in the CO2. Statistical comparisons indicated that, although a small amount of in situ data and the fact that they were not co-located with the foothill target made comparison difficult, the CO2 volume mixing ratio obtained by the Co2DiaWiL measurements for the foothill target and atmospheric returns was about −5 ppm lower than the 5 min running averages of the in situ sensor. Not only actual difference of sensing volume or the natural variability of CO2 but also the fluctuations of temperature could cause this difference. The statistical results indicated that there were no biases between the foothill target and atmospheric return measurements. The 2 μm coherent IPDA lidar can detect the CO2 volume mixing ratio change of 3% in the 5 min signal integration. In order to detect the position of the foothill target, to measure a range with a high SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), and to reduce uncertainty due to the presence of aerosols and clouds, it is important to make a precise range measurement with a Q-switched laser and a range-gated receiver.
Analysis and parameterisation of ionic reactions affecting middle atmospheric HOx and NOy during solar proton events
Authors: Verronen P. T. , Lehmann R.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. In the polar regions, precipitation of solar high-energy protons and electrons affects the neutral composition of the middle atmosphere. Here we use the Sodankylä Ion and Neutral Chemistry model to calculate ionic production and loss rates of neutral HOx and NOy species, imposed by particle precipitation, for a range of atmospheric conditions and levels of ionization. We also analyse in detail the ionic reaction sequences leading to the HOx and NOy changes. Our results show that particle impact ionization and positive ion chemistry cause net production of N, NO, HNO2, H, andOH from N2 and H2O. On the other hand, negative ion chemistry redistributes the NOy species, without net production or loss, so that NO, NO2, and N2O5 are converted to HNO3 and NO3. Based on the model results, we provide tables of so-called P/Q numbers (i.e. production and loss rates of neutral species divided by ionization rates) at altitudes between 20 and 90 km. These numbers can be easily used to parameterise the ion chemistry effects when modelling atmospheric response to particle precipitation. Compared to earlier studies, our work is the first to consider in detail the NOy effect of negative ion chemistry, and the diurnal and seasonal variability of the P/Q numbers.
High-resolution measurements of atmospheric molecular hydrogen and its isotopic composition at the West African coast of Mauritania
Authors: Walter S. , Kock A. , Röckmann T.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Oceans are a net source of molecular hydrogen (H2) to the atmosphere, where nitrogen (N2) fixation is assumed to be the main biological production pathway followed by photochemical production from organic material. The sources can be distinguished using isotope measurements because of clearly differing isotopic signatures of the produced hydrogen. Here we present the first ship-borne measurements of atmospheric molecular H2 mixing ratio and isotopic composition at the West African coast of Mauritania (16–25° W, 17–24° N). This area is one of the biologically most active regions of the world's oceans with seasonal upwelling events and characterized by strongly differing hydrographical/biological properties and phytoplankton community structures. The aim of this study was to identify areas of H2 production and distinguish H2 sources by isotopic signatures of atmospheric H2. For this more than 100 air samples were taken during two cruises in February 2007 and 2008. During both cruises a transect from the Cape Verde Islands towards the Mauritanian Coast was sampled to cover differing oceanic regions such as upwelling and oligotrophic regimes. In 2007, additionally, four days were sampled at high resolution of one sample per hour to investigate a possible diurnal cycle of atmospheric H2. Our results indicate the influence of local sources and suggest the Banc d'Arguin as a pool for precursors for photochemical H2 production, whereas oceanic N2 fixation could not be identified as a source for atmospheric H2 during these two cruises. The variability in diurnal cycles is probably influenced by released precursors for photochemical H2 production and also affected by a varying origin of air masses. This means for future investigations that only measuring the mixing ratio of H2 is insufficient to explain the variability of an atmospheric diurnal cycle and support is needed, e.g. by isotopic measurements. Nevertheless, measurements of atmospheric H2 mixing ratios, which are easy to conduct online during ship cruises, could be a useful indicator of production areas of biological precursors such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for further investigations.