bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xanthan Enhances Water Binding and Gel Formation of Transglutaminase‐Treated Porcine Myofibrillar Proteins
Authors: Shang Yongbiao , Xiong Youling L.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  In this study, the effect of xanthan on dynamic rheological properties, textural profile, and water binding of transglutaminase (TG)‐treated myofibrillar protein (MP) gels was investigated. In experiment 1, MP suspensions (40 mg/mL protein, 0.6 M NaCl) at pH 6.45 with or without 0.05% xanthan were treated with 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% TG; in experiment 2, MP suspensions (40 mg/mL protein, 0.6 M NaCl) at pHs 6.13, 6.30, 6.45, 6.69 with or without 0.05% xanthan were treated with 0.3% TG. Treated samples were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry for thermal stability and oscillatory rheometry and Instron penetration tests for gelation properties. The TG treatments lowered the transition temperature (Tm) of MP by as much as 6 °C (P < 0.05) but increased apparent enthalpy of denaturation. However, there was no detectable thermal stability difference between MP samples with or without xanthan. The shear storage modulus (G′) of MP gels increased markedly upon treatments with ≥0.3% TG, and the presence of xanthan further enhanced the gel strength (P < 0.05). The addition of 0.05% xanthan decreased cooking loss of TG‐treated MP gels by 17% to 23% when compared with gels without xanthan at all pH levels evaluated (6.13 to 6.67). Thus, the combination of TG and xanthan offered a feasible means to promote cross‐linking and gelation of MP while reducing cooking losses.
UV Exposition During Typical Lifestyle Behavior in an Urban Environment
Authors: Schmalwieser Alois W. , Enzi Claudia , Wallisch Silvia , Holawe Franz , Maier Bernhard , Weihs Philipp
Published: March 2010

In this study the personal exposure to solar UV radiation in an urban environment was measured. Lifestyle in an urban environment is characterized by staying indoors during most of the day. Furthermore, the ambient UV radiation is mitigated by shadowing by buildings. The aim of the study was to find out activities which may contribute to UV‐induced health risk in a low exposure environment. Exposure was measured during typical outdoor activities: shopping, walking, sitting in a sidewalk café, cycling, sightseeing and at an open‐air pool (solar elevation: 10°–70°). Measurements were taken with an optoelectronic device which was fixed on the chest. Besides the UV Index we used the sun burn time (SBT) for risk assessments. Generalization of our results was made by calculating ratios of personal exposure to the ambient UV radiation. UV exposure was by far the highest when our study subject stayed at the swimming pool. The SBT was around 30 min for melano‐compromised skin type. For all other activities, except shopping, the SBT range up to 1 h. With respect to photodamage we found that at high solar elevation (>45°) photoprotective measures should be applied for certain activities even within a city.
Imaging, Chemical and Spectroscopic Studies of the Methylation‐induced Decomposition of Melanosomes†
Authors: Kempf Valerie R. , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Simon John D.
Published: March 2010

The morphological and chemical changes associated with the exposure of melanosomes to methyl iodide are assessed by a variety of analytical, imaging and spectroscopic methods. Scanning electron microscopy, light scattering and N2 adsorption measurements all indicate significant changes in the morphology of the pigment following methylation. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS‐NMR) spectroscopy and chemical degradation analysis reveals the methylation results in the introduction of ester groups into the pigment structures. Amino acid analysis further reveals that Arg, Cys, His, Ser and Tyr undergo methylation; the SS‐NMR data provide additional evidence for the methylation of the sulfur of Cys. Methylation results in increased solubility of the melanosome; the absorption properties of the dissolved material are characterized by an absorption maximum at 225 nm, with a long tail throughout the UV‐A and UV‐B, indicating that the solubilized material is a combination of protein and pigment. The methylation‐induced decomposition of the melanosomes provides new insights into both the observed increase in O‐methyl derivatives of the indolic precursor to eumelanin in the urine of melanoma patients and how increased levels of biologic methylating agents in the brain induce symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease.
I srael and Alef‐Bet
Authors: Stewig John
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Alina: A Russian Girl Comes to Israel: Mira Meir

On Eagles' Wings and Other Things: Connie Colker Steiner

A lef‐Bet: A Hebrew Alphabet Book: Michelle Edwards
Consequences of Displacement after the Gulf Crisis: A Study of the Responses of 207 Displaced Palestinian and Jordanian Workers
Authors: Ahmed Hisham H. , Williams Mary A.
Published: March 2010

Throughout the war period and immediately thereafter, punitive measures were instituted against Jordanian nationals working in the Gulf; hundreds of thousands were dismissed from their jobs without compensation, and many more were expelled from the Gulf, leaving behind personal belongings, as well as bitter memories.

The purpose of this study is to: (1) investigate the effects of the Gulf Crisis on the amount of annual contributions to Jordan's economy by Gulf workers; (2) measure the amount of property loss incurred by Gulf workers as a result of the displacement; (3) examine the duration of unemployment caused among the displaced workers; and (4) measure attitudinal changes among the displaced workers regarding their economic future and the future of Jordan's economy.
Lebanon: A History of Conflict and Consensus: Nadim Shehadi and Dana Haffar Mills, editors
Authors: Gunderson Gil
Published: March 2010

Lebanan: Fire and Embers: A History of the Lebananese Civil War: Delip Hiro
About Pakistan and Bangladesh
Authors: Aman Mary Jo
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

A Family in Pakistan: Ailsa Scarsbrook and Alan Scarsbrook

Focus on Pakistan: Mano Rumalshah

Pakistan and Bangladesh: Nicholas Nugent
Integration by Migration?
Authors: Shafik Nemat
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

In terms of trade and capital flows, the Middle East is one of the least economically integrated regions of the world. The major exception is labor mobility, where intraregional migration flows are extensive. The explanation for this pattern lies in the extreme differences in factor endowments across the region and development policies adopted by both labor‐importing and exporting countries. Because the obstacles to trade in goods have been greater than the obstacles to migration, labor mobility and its associated capital flows have been the most important mechanism through which the benefits of the oil windfall have been spread to the poorer states of the region. There is evidence that incomes across the Middle East have become more equal.
Reviews
Authors: Haron Muhammed
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Approaches to the History of the Interpretation of the Qur'an: Andrew Rippen, editor

Approaches to the Qur'an: Gerald R. Hawting and Abdul‐Kader A. Shareef, editors
Al‐Junayd on Unification and Its Stages: A Critical Examination
Authors: C. Inati Shams , Omran Elsayed M. H.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this paper is to present a critical examination of al‐Junayd's notion of unification (tawhid).1 Al‐Junayd is without doubt one of the most prominent Sufi leaders of the tenth century A.D. who left their mark on the Sufi traditions. He is remembered especially for his strong advocacy of strict adherence by Sufis to the Quar'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet. His Sufi views called for thorough introspection, purification of one's heart and soul, and conformity to the highest morals.

To acquire a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of tawhid, however, some other related Junaydian notions need to be presented where appropriate. The following issues will be discussed in this order: human beings' relationship to God, fana'2 (perishing), unification and its stages, sahw3 (sobriety), and, finally, whether the state of unification is reached by an act of free will and whether this state is purely subjective, i.e., not subject to public demonstration.
Book Review
Authors: Ph.D Nader Entessar.
Published: March 2010

Profits of War: Inside the Secret U.S.‐Israeli Arms Network, Ari Ben‐Menashe

Trick or Treason: The October Surprise Mystery, Robert Parry
Review
Authors: Silverburg Sanford R.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Partition of Palestine: Decision Crossroads in the Zionist Movement, Itzhak Galnoor

Israel at the Crossroads: The Challenge of Peace, Efraim Karsh and Gregory Mahler, editors

Israel at the Polls, 1992, Daniel J. Elazar and Shmuel Sandler, editors
Review
Authors: Aman Mohammed M.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Iraq's Road to War, Amatzia Baram and Barry Rubin, editors

Iran‐Iraq:The Politics and Strategy of Nuclear Weapons in the Middle East, Shlomo Aronson with Oded Brosh

Iran‐Iraq:The Social Origins of the Iran‐Iraq War, W. Thom Workman
Feminine and Feminist
Authors: Gallagher Nancy E.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Waiting List: An Iraqi Woman's Tales of Alienation, Daisy Al‐Amir

Arab Women Novelists: The Formative Years and Beyond, Joseph T. Zeidan

Populism and Feminism in Iran, Haideh Moghissi
Oil and Agression
Authors: Aman Mohammed
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and the Economics of the New World Order: Mary Ann Tétreault

The Iraqi Aggression Against Kuwait: Strategic Lessons and Implications for Europe: Wolfgang F. Danspeckgruber and Charles R. H. Tripp, editors
Bridging the Unbridgeable in the History of the Middle East: The Arab and the Raj; Paul Rich
Authors: Merchant David
Published: March 2010

Rosemarie Said Zahlan, The Making of the Modern Gulf States: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Efraim Karsh and Inari Karsh, Empires of the Sand: The Struggle for Mastery in the Middle East, 1789–1923.
Islam In Britain: 1558–1685: Nabil Matar
Authors: Farah Caesar E.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Islam in South Africa: Mosques, Imams and Sermons: AbdulKader Tayob
Women and Sexuality in Muslim Societies: Pinar Ilkkaracan, editor
Authors: Booth Marilyn
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Deconstructing Images of “The Turkish Woman”: Zehra F. Arat, editor
Toward a Strategy to Deploy the Internet in Developing Countries
Authors: Mahmoud Nabil Salah
Published: March 2010

ABSTRAC

Internet access is highly concentrated in developed countries. Developing countries are interested in Internet applications in order to enter the global market and improve development plans. A strategy to deploy the Internet in developing countries must be viewed within the comprehensive economic development perspective. It should emphasize three goals: overcoming barriers to information; overcoming barriers to economic opportunities; and overcoming barriers to participation. To achieve these goals, two sets of plans are required: first, there must be plans to activate a research environment, using the requirements of Internet access; and second, priorities of Internet applications must be decided. According to the suggested strategy, applications follow this sequence: e‐government; e‐learning; and e‐commerce.
Integrating the Internet into the Arabic Curriculum
Authors: Alqudsi‐Ghabra Taghreed , Shoukairy Lina Mostafa
Published: March 2010

The increasing scope of the Internet into all spheres of life has become an added burden for educators, requiring that they incorporate Internet use into the school curriculum. Exploiting the Internet to support the educational process presents an opportunity as well as a challenge. A plan to support the Arabic curriculum has been presented at the Al‐Bayan Bilingual School. Its potential success and adoption by other schools represents an opportunity for improving the educational process in Kuwait.
The Permeability of the Middle East: The Predicament of Regional and Global Forces: a Review Easy
Authors: El‐Aswad El‐Sayed
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Persistent Permeability? regionalism, localism, and globalization in the Middle East: by Bassel F. Salloukh and Rex Brynen, eds.

A History of the Modern Middle East: by William L. Cleveland

Middle East at the Crossroads: the Changing Political Dynamics and the Foreign Policy Challenges: by Manochehr Dorraj, ed.

Conflict and Peace in the Middle East: National Perceptions and United States‐Jordan Relations: by Hatem Shareef Abu‐Lebdeh

Nation‐Building: A Middle East Recovery Program: by Jerry M. Rosenberg
Iraqi Perceptions of Out‐groups: Effects of Ethnicity, Religion, and Location
Authors: Gresham Jon
Published: March 2010

At the Iraq “liberation” in 2003, many asked, “Could Sunni, Shi'a and Kurdish factions be brought together, or is it likely that ethnic conflicts would lead to civil war?” This pilot project addressed: 1) How do Iraqis' self‐reported ethnic/religious identities (their membership in their personal in‐groups) relate to their perceptions of other unlike groups (out‐groups)?, and 2) How does a place of residence relate to Iraqi perceptions of out‐groups?

My team collected 479 surveys of Iraqi opinions in Iraq, Jordan, and The Netherlands, asking for perceptions of Those Other Groups, their out‐groups. I found that background items of religion, ethnic origin, and location, taken by themselves, did not relate strongly to respondents' attitudes towards out‐groups. But, some combinations of background items did give significant differences in perceptions towards other groups.

For example, moderate Arabs (with respect to ethnic importance) in Iraq were the group most opposed to foreigners, and were the group most opposed to expatriate Iraqis returning to Iraq.

In this paper I explain important terms (out‐group and wiki); report on my findings in the midst of a period of regime change in Iraq; mention the use of an alternate way to disseminate research findings over the internet via a wiki; and describe follow‐up projects on social capital among Iraqis. My hope is that this will contribute to a base from which researchers and fieldworkers can develop theories to explore and explain elements of civil society in Iraq and other societies.

This paper presents the following major sections: Abstract; Introduction; Purpose; Background; Methodology; Results; Conclusions; Further; Work; Appendixes; and End Notes
Iran: Island of Stability orLand in Turmoil
Authors: Nasri Grace
Published: March 2010

Iran is a critical state in international relations because of its natural resources, its strategic location, its controversial conservative Islamic regime and its effect on shifting the balance of power in the Middle East. As a result, Iran is facing pressure from all sides. There are currently four possible future scenarios for Iran: the Iranian regime will remain stable; the Iranian regime will become increasingly unstable; the stability of the Iranian regime depends on international action; the Iranian regime will reform itself from within. It is only by improving its image, that the U.S. can positively affect any of these scenarios.

Iran has historically been an essential actor in the international arena because ofits strategic location and its position as a major oil producer; Iran is currently the fourth largest producer of crude oil, the third largest holder of proven oil reserves and the second largest holder of natural gas reserves. Today, Iran remains a critical state, not only because of its strategic location and its abundance of natural resources, but also because of its alleged role as a “state sponsor of terror,” its nuclear program, its human rights abuses, its controversial conservative Islamic regime which is at odds with America, and its effect on shifting the balance of power in the Middle East, especially in light of the U.S. removal of the Taliban and Hussein regimes, two of Iran's biggest threats (Stockman, 2004).

It is because of a combination of these factors that the Iranian government is feeling much pressure from all angles. Domestically, the Iranian regime is feeling pressure from the Iranian society as the regime is shifting back from a trend towards liberalism as represented by the Khatami government, towards Ahmadinejad's more conservative and traditional regime. Manifestations of this disapproval were seen in the 2007 municipal elections, in which reformers won the plurality of votes (Not Pro‐Prez or Pro‐Reform, 2006).

Internationally, Iran has been accused of being a state sponsor of terror and has been labeled by the American government as a member of the “axis of evil,” and as a violator of human rights. Finally, within the regime itself, Ahmadinejad's confrontational foreign policy has caused a split within the conservative block; dividing the pragmatists who want to engage in trade and resume relations with the West, and those who adhere to a strict interpretation of the Islamic Revolution by welcoming confrontation with the West. Furthermore, tensions exist, not only between the reform minded Majlis and the conservative Council of Guardians, but also between the Majlis and the president, who has recently been criticized for his aggressive foreign policy that is isolating Iran from the world.
The Role of Digital Libraries in Egyptian Higher Education
Authors: Taie Eman Salman , Mohamed Khaled A.
Published: March 2010

Exploring the students' information, communication technology (ICT) profile and how it may affect their attitudes towards the Egyptian university digital library (EUDL) and the role of the digital library in the educational and research activities in faculties of nursing and education in Egypt is the main concern of this study. A questionnaire was distributed to students in the faculties of Nursing and Education at five Egyptian universities. A total of 4008 responses have been received and analyzed. The results showed that nursing students are more active in implementing ICT and they have positive attitudes towards the digital library. The results also revealed that the digital library played a more positive role in the Nursing faculties than faculties of Education. The study also revealed five barriers for not using the digital library by the students: the restriction of accessing EDUL as a source of information for research and education, insufficient Internet access, lack of search skills, insufficient computer labs and the cost of using the available labs. The direct implementation of this study could be in the administration level of the quality assurance programs in the studied faculties. The results of the study could also be generalized to other similar programs in the Egyptian universities.
What Factors Affect Attitudes Toward Women in Science Held by High School Biology Students?
Authors: Terry Janice McCarty , Baird William E.
Published: March 2010

To achieve the goal of science for all Americans, students of both genders must believe that careers in science are equally appropriate for women. Yet male and female students in high school science classes do not have the same views of women in science. This study investigated the influence of 17 factors on high school students' attitudes toward women in science. Data were collected from 844 students enrolled in biology classes in an urban school district in Georgia. Multiple regression determined that the 17 factors significantly influence students' attitudes toward women in science, accounting for 28% of common variance. The four most significant factors ‐ student gender, science ability, level of education the student plans to complete, and career interest‐accounted for 24.6% of total variance. Female students who have high science ability, plan to complete high levels of education, and who have career interests in science showed more favorable attitudes toward women in science. Males with low science ability, low levels of education they plan to complete, and no interest in science as a career had the least favorable attitudes toward women in science. Male students with less positive attitudes toward science careers for women need to be included in programs aimed at encouraging all students to consider science careers.
Playfulness: A Motivator in Elementary Science Teacher Preparation
Authors: Jarrett Olga S.
Published: March 2010

Research suggests that teacher preparation courses should model hands‐on activities promoting positive attitudes toward science. This study investigated the qualities of activities in a field‐based science methods course that motivate preservice elementary teachers to implement them in their own classrooms. Ratings of the activities as fun, interesting, and having a high potential for learning were highly correlated, and the preservice teachers predicted that they would more likely implement activities they rated high on these qualities. A comparison of activities ranked high and low in fun suggests that activities ranked high tended to be exploratory in nature, taught process skills in context, enabled the preservice teachers to experience something new in a nonthreatening way, and promoted social interactions.1
The Integration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology in a Discipline‐Based Culture
Authors: Venville Grady , Wallace John , Rennie Léonie J. , Malone John
Published: March 2010

The culture of the middle years of schooling in Western Australia, as in many parts of the world, is predominantly discipline based. This paper focuses on exceptions to this norm by describing examples of integrated teaching of science, mathematics, and technology in seventh‐ to ninth‐grade classrooms. Several different forms of integration were found in the 16 Western Australian schools examined in this study, including thematic approaches, cross‐curricular approaches, technology‐based projects, and local community projects. Interviews with teachers in these schools raised several implementation issues, including the process of getting started, implications for teachers and students, implications for schedule structure, and implications for departmental structure. All the forms of integration observed in this study were through secondary means, in which the discrete subject discipline boundaries were being maintained. The deep culture of subject disciplines, underwritten by curriculum documents organized in terms of subjects, means that there may be few incentives for teachers to teach and students to learn in an integrated manner.
The Graphing Calculator: A Survey of Classroom Usage
Authors: Milou Eric
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate secondary mathematics teachers' use of the graphing calculator in their classrooms, The study examined whether algebra teachers are currently using this technology in their classrooms, their perceptions toward the technology, and any changes in the curriculum or instructional practices. A survey methodology was used in this study. The findings indicated that the use of the graphing calculator is still controversial to many algebra teachers. Teachers of algebra I were using graphing calculators to a significantly lesser degree than teachers of algebra H. However, modifications of the algebra curriculum are beginning to appear in classes using graphing calculators. Finally, a majority of algebra teachers responded that the graphing calculator was a motivational tool.
The Quantity and Quality of Biology Laboratory Work in British Columbia High Schools
Authors: Gardiner Peter G. , Farragher Pierce
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this research was to survey the quantity and quality of laboratory work conducted by 11th‐ and 12th‐grade biology students in British Columbia high schools to analyze student performance on laboratory‐based questions on provincial examinations, and to examine the curriculum for recommended laboratory work. A pilot survey was used to produce a valid survey instrument that identified teachers' use of laboratory activities. Examination and curriculum data were extracted from Ministry of Education documents. The frequency of laboratory work was low, with quantitative activities much less frequent than qualitative. Laboratory exercises were confirmatory rather than investigative. Critical thinking and hypotheses formulation were seldom expected of the students. Many teachers reported that they infrequently or never used laboratory simulations or computer‐based data collection. Although laboratories were equipped adequately, teachers claimed that the curriculum and provincial examination limited the scope for an inquiry‐based course. Provincial examination results indicated that the frequency and type of laboratory work had no effect on scores on lab‐based questions. Analysis of the laboratory activities recommended in the syllabus revealed that fewer laboratory activities were being conducted than are recommended in the curriculum guide outline. This study indicates that while the current philosophy of many biology teachers supports an investigative learning experience, little change in classroom practice has occurred in British Columbia schools.
Preservice Teachers' Use of Multiple Representations In Solving Arithmetic Mean Problems
Authors: Gfeller Mary K. , Niess Margaret L. , Lederman Norman G.
Published: March 2010

The development of preservice teachers' views of various mathematical concepts involves building a repertoire of flexible representations of the concepts they teach. In this study, science and mathematics preservice teachers (n = 19) were asked to solve graphical and numerical problems involving the arithmetic mean and to provide two different solutions for each problem. Background information about the preservice teachers was obtained, including subject area specialty, type of statistics courses previously taken, type of science laboratory courses previously taken, and prior experience with real data outside the classroom. In solving the problems, some participants presented two different methods: algorithmic computation and balancing deviations about the mean. A significant difference was found between science and mathematics preservice teachers in the use of balancing deviations to solve the problems but not in the use of the computational algorithm.
A Vision of Learning to Teach for the 21st Century
Authors: Lappan Glenda
Published: March 2010

Glenda Lappan received her Ed. D. in mathematics and education from the University of Georgia in 1965 and has since worked at Michigan State University. From 1989–91 she took leave to serve as the program director for Teacher Preparation at the National Science Foundation. From 1997–2001 she is on leave to serve as president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Her research and development interests are in the connected areas of students' learning of mathematics and mathematics teacher professional growth and change at the middle and secondary levels. She has published over a hundred scholarly papers and numerous books for middle grades students and teachers. She is currently the codirector of the Connected Mathematics Project II, which is funded by the National Science Foundation to revise and continue development of a complete middle school curriculum for teachers and for students. She served as the chair of the middle school writing group for the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989), and as Chair of the Commission that developed the NCTM Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics (1991). She served on the NCTM Board of Directors from 1989 to 1992 and from 1997–2001. She has been a member of many national advisory boards, including the following: Glenn T. Seaborg Center for Teaching and Learning Science and Mathematics, the Ford Foundation/University of Pittsburgh QUASAR Project, the NSF/University of Maryland Teacher Preparation Collaborative, and the NSF/San Diego State University Mathematics for Elementary Teacher Preparation Materials Development Project.
A Vision for What Science Education Should Be Like for the First 25 Years of a New Millennium
Authors: Yager Robert E.
Published: March 2010

Robert Yager is a native Iowan who was worked at the University of Iowa since 1956. He has served as president of seven national associations, including the National Science Teachers Association, School Science and Mathematics Association, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the Association for the Education of Teachers of Science, the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Section Q of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Association of Science‐Technology‐Society. Yager has directed over 100 projects supported by the National Science Foundation, several research projects supported by the U.S. Department of Education, and several project evaluations. The University of Iowa has one of the largest graduate programs in the U.S., while also focusing on in‐service programs for science teachers and a model preservice program (which enjoyed NSF support for a 10‐year period). Yager has published over 500 books, monographs, and research reports. Currently, he is active with several research projects in Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Israel, and Estonia.
On the minimal ramification problem for ℓ-groups
Authors: Kisilevsky Hershy , Sonn Jack
Published: March 2010

Let ℓ be a prime number. It is not known whether every finite ℓ-group of rank n≥1 can be realized as a Galois group over ${\Bbb Q}$ with no more than n ramified primes. We prove that this can be done for the (minimal) family of finite ℓ-groups which contains all the cyclic groups of ℓ-power order and is closed under direct products, (regular) wreath products and rank-preserving homomorphic images. This family contains the Sylow ℓ-subgroups of the symmetric groups and of the classical groups over finite fields of characteristic not ℓ. On the other hand, it does not contain all finite ℓ-groups.
Evidence for intestinal chloride secretion
Authors: Murek Michael , Kopic Sascha , Geibel John
Published: March 2010

Intestinal fluid secretion is pivotal in the creation of an ideal environment for effective enzymatic digestion, nutrient absorption and stool movement. Since fluid cannot be actively secreted into the gut, this process is dependent on an osmotic gradient, which is mainly created by chloride transport by the enterocyte. A pathological dysbalance between fluid secretion and absorption leads to obstruction or potentially fatal diarrhoea. This article reviews the widely accepted model of intestinal chloride secretion with an emphasis on the molecular players involved in this tightly regulated process.
The Anrep effect requires transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Villa‐Abrille María C. , Caldiz Claudia I. , Ennis Irene L. , Nolly Mariela B. , Casarini María J. , Chiappe de Cingolani Gladys E. , Cingolani Horacio E. , Pérez Néstor G.
Published: March 2010

Myocardial stretch elicits a biphasic contractile response: the Frank–Starling mechanism followed by the slow force response (SFR) or Anrep effect. In this study we hypothesized that the SFR depends on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation after the myocardial stretch‐induced angiotensin II (Ang II)/endothelin (ET) release. Experiments were performed in isolated cat papillary muscles stretched from 92 to 98% of the length at which maximal twitch force was developed (Lmax). The SFR was 123 ± 1% of the immediate rapid phase (n= 6, P < 0.05) and was blunted by preventing EGFR transactivation with the Src‐kinase inhibitor PP1 (99 ± 2%, n= 4), matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor MMPI (108 ± 4%, n= 11), the EGFR blocker AG1478 (98 ± 2%, n= 6) or the mitochondrial transition pore blocker clyclosporine (99 ± 3%, n= 6). Stretch increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 196 ± 17% of control (n= 7, P < 0.05), an effect that was prevented by PP1 (124 ± 22%, n= 7) and AG1478 (131 ± 17%, n= 4). In myocardial slices, Ang II (which enhances ET mRNA) or endothelin‐1 (ET‐1)‐induced increase in O2− production (146 ± 14%, n= 9, and 191 ± 17%, n= 13, of control, respectively, P < 0.05) was cancelled by AG1478 (94 ± 5%, n= 12, and 98 ± 15%, n= 8, respectively) or PP1 (100 ± 4%, n= 6, and 99 ± 8%, n= 3, respectively). EGF increased O2− production by 149 ± 4% of control (n= 9, P < 0.05), an effect cancelled by inhibiting NADPH oxidase with apocynin (110 ± 6%n= 7), mKATP channels with 5‐hydroxydecanoic acid (5‐HD; 105 ± 5%, n= 8), the respiratory chain with rotenone (110 ± 7%, n= 7) or the mitochondrial permeability transition pore with cyclosporine (111 ± 10%, n= 6). EGF increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation (136 ± 8% of control, n= 9, P < 0.05), which was blunted by 5‐HD (97 ± 5%, n= 4), suggesting that ERK1/2 activation is downstream of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Finally, stretch increased Ser703 Na+/H+ exchanger‐1 (NHE‐1) phosphorylation by 172 ± 24% of control (n= 4, P < 0.05), an effect that was cancelled by AG1478 (94 ± 17%, n= 4). In conclusion, our data show for the first time that EGFR transactivation is crucial in the chain of events leading to the Anrep effect.
Saturn: Atmosphere, Ionosphere, and Magnetosphere
Authors: Gombosi Tamas I. , Ingersoll Andrew P.
Published: March 2010

Saturn's Secrets Probed

The Cassini spacecraft was launched on 15 October 1997. It took it almost 7 years to reach Saturn, the second-largest planet in the solar system. After almost 6 years of observations of the series of interacting moons, rings, and magnetospheric plasmas, known as the Kronian system,

Cuzzi
et al.

(p.
1470
) review our current understanding of Saturn's rings—the most extensive and complex in the solar system—and draw parallels with circumstellar disks.
Gombosi and Ingersoll
(p.
1476
; see the cover) review what is known about Saturn's atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere.
Beyond
DSM
: Seeking a Brain-Based Classification of Mental Illness
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: March 2010

Harnessing knowledge gained from modern research in neuroscience and genetics to improve the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders was a major impetus for undertaking a revision of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(
DSM
).
Budget Shortfall Could Derail Plans for Underground Lab
Authors: Cho Adrian , Schenkman Lauren
Published: March 2010

A tight budget and unanticipated safety problems are threatening to kill plans to convert an abandoned gold mine in South Dakota into a $750 million deep underground science and engineering laboratory.
China Amasses War Chest to Confront Its Environmental Nightmares
Authors: Xin Hao , Stone Richard
Published: March 2010

In a nod to rising public expectations, China's government work plan for 2010, rolled out last week at the country's two major annual political powwows, puts the environment front and center.
A Loss-of-Function Screen Reveals Ras- and Raf-Independent MEK-ERK Signaling During
Chlamydia trachomatis
Infection
Authors: Gurumurthy Rajendra Kumar , Mäurer André P. , Machuy Nikolaus , Hess Simone , Pleissner Klaus P. , Schuchhardt Johannes , Rudel Thomas , Meyer Thomas F.
Published: March 2010

An siRNA-based screen of host factors that influence infection by
Chlamydia
reveals the decoupling of the canonical Ras-ERK signaling pathway.
Immune Complications of Ablation Therapy
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: March 2010

B cells recruited by dying prostate cancer cells trigger the development of androgen-resistant tumor cells.
Antibiotic Dose Impact on Resistance Selection in the Community: a Mathematical Model of β-Lactams and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Dynamics
Authors: Opatowski Lulla , Mandel Jonas , Varon Emmanuelle , Boëlle Pierre-Yves , Temime Laura , Guillemot Didier
Published: March 2010

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a major pathogen in the community and presents high rates of resistance to the available antibiotics. To prevent antibiotic treatment failure caused by highly resistant bacteria, increasing the prescribed antibiotic dose has recently been suggested. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of β-lactam prescribed doses on the emergence of resistance and selection in the community. A mathematical model was constructed by combining
S. pneumoniae
pharmacodynamic and population-dynamic approaches. The received-dose heterogeneity in the population was specifically modeled. Simulations over a 50-year period were run to test the effects of dose distribution and antibiotic exposure frequency changes on community resistance patterns, as well as the accuracy of the defined daily dose as a predictor of resistance. When the frequency of antibiotic exposure per year was kept constant, dose levels had a strong impact on the levels of resistance after a 50-year simulation. The lowest doses resulted in a high prevalence of nonsusceptible strains (≥70%) with MICs that were still low (1 mg/liter), whereas high doses resulted in a lower prevalence of nonsusceptible strains (<40%) and higher MICs (2 mg/liter). Furthermore, by keeping the volume of antibiotics constant in the population, different patterns of use (low antibiotic dose and high antibiotic exposure frequency versus high dose and low frequency) could lead to markedly different rates of resistance distribution and prevalence (from 10 to 100%). Our results suggest that pneumococcal resistance patterns in the community are strongly related to the individual β-lactam doses received: limiting β-lactam use while increasing the doses could help reduce the prevalence of resistance, although it should select for higher levels of resistance. Surveillance networks are therefore encouraged to collect both daily antibiotic exposure frequencies and individual prescribed doses.
Persistent Interactions between Biguanide-Based Compound NB325 and CXCR4 Result in Prolonged Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection
Authors: Thakkar Nina , Pirrone Vanessa , Passic Shendra , Keogan Shawn , Zhu Wei , Kholodovych Vladyslav , Welsh William , Rando Robert , Labib Mohamed , Wigdahl Brian , Krebs Fred C.
Published: March 2010

We previously demonstrated that the biguanide-based compound NB325 inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection by interacting with the CXCR4 viral coreceptor. This interaction also appeared to be persistent, since HIV-1 infection was inhibited even when the virus was introduced subsequent to the removal of NB325 from the cell culture medium. The present studies were conducted to determine the extent and mechanism of this prolonged antiviral activity. Persistent inhibition of HIV-1 infection by NB325 was concentration dependent and was apparent up to 8 h after removal of the compound. Flow cytometric analyses of stimulated CD4+T lymphocytes exposed to NB325 demonstrated concentration-dependent reductions in CXCR4 extracellular loop 2 epitope recognition that were maintained up to 24 h after removal of the compound. CXCL12-induced chemotaxis was also persistently inhibited following pre-exposure to NB325. These results demonstrate that persistent inhibition of X4 HIV-1 infection by NB325 involves extended perturbation of the viral coreceptor CXCR4.
Effect of Ceftaroline on Normal Human Intestinal Microflora
Authors: Panagiotidis Georgios , Bäckström Tobias , Asker-Hagelberg Charlotte , Jandourek Alena , Weintraub Andrej , Nord Carl Erik
Published: March 2010

Ceftaroline is a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin being developed for the treatment of serious bacterial infections, including those caused by aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of administration of ceftaroline on the intestinal flora of healthy subjects. Twelve healthy subjects (6 males and 6 females), 20 to 41 years of age, received ceftaroline (600 mg) by intravenous infusion every 12 h (q12h) for 7 days. Plasma and feces were collected for determination of ceftaroline concentration and analysis of fecal flora. Fecal specimens were cultured on nonselective and selective media. Different colony types were counted, isolated in pure culture, and identified to the genus level. All new strains of colonizing bacteria were tested for susceptibility to ceftaroline. The concentrations of ceftaroline in plasma were as follows: on day 2, 17.5 to 34.8 mg/liter; on day 5, 19.7 to 33.2 mg/liter; and on day 7, 18.0 to 29.8 mg/liter. No ceftaroline concentrations were found on day −1, 9, 14, or 21. No measurable concentrations in feces were found on day −1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, or 21. There was a minor impact on the numbers of
Escherichia coli
strains, while the numbers of enterococci and
Candida albicans
strains were not affected. There were moderate decreases in the numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli during the first 7 days, while the numbers of clostridia increased during the same period. No impact on the numbers of
Bacteroides
bacteria was noticed. No new colonizing aerobic or anaerobic bacteria resistant to ceftaroline (MIC ≥ 4 mg/liter) were found. Ceftaroline had no significant ecological impact on the human intestinal microflora.
Use of the Cre-
lox
Recombination System To Investigate the lp54 Gene Requirement in the Infectious Cycle of
Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Bestor Aaron , Stewart Philip E. , Jewett Mollie W. , Sarkar Amit , Tilly Kit , Rosa Patricia A.
Published: March 2010

Borrelia burgdorferi
, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has a complex genome consisting of a linear chromosome and up to 21 linear and circular plasmids. These plasmids encode numerous proteins critical to the spirochete's infectious cycle and many hypothetical proteins whose functions and requirements are unknown. The conserved linear plasmid lp54 encodes several proteins important for survival in the mouse-tick infectious cycle, but the majority of the proteins are of unknown function and lack homologs outside the borreliae. In this study we adapted the Cre-
lox
recombination system to create large deletions in the
B. burgdorferi
genome. Using Cre-
lox
, we systematically investigated the contribution of 14 adjacent genes on the left arm of lp54 to the overall infectivity of
B. burgdorferi
. The deletion of the region of lp54 encompassing
bba07
to
bba14
had no significant effect on the infectious cycle of
B. burgdorferi
. The deletion of
bba01
to
bba07
resulted in a slight growth defect but did not significantly affect the ability of
B. burgdorferi
to complete the infectious cycle. This study demonstrated the utility of the Cre-
lox
system to efficiently explore gene requirements in
B. burgdorferi
and surprisingly revealed that a large number of the highly conserved proteins encoded on lp54 are not required to complete the infectious cycle.
The Levels of CD16/Fcγ Receptor IIIA on CD14+CD16+Monocytes Are Higher in Children with SeverePlasmodium falciparumAnemia than in Children with Cerebral or Uncomplicated Malaria
Authors: Ogonda Lilian A. , Orago Alloys S. S. , Otieno Michael F. , Adhiambo Christine , Otieno Walter , Stoute José A.
Published: March 2010

Fc gamma receptor IIIA (CD16/FcγRIIIA) on monocytes/macrophages may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe malarial anemia (SMA) by promoting phagocytosis of IgG-coated uninfected red cells and by allowing the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) upon cross-linking by immune complexes (ICs). However, not much is known about the differential expression of this receptor on monocytes of children with severe malaria and uncomplicated malaria. Therefore, we investigated the expression of CD16/FcγRIIIA on monocytes of children with SMA, cerebral malaria (CM), and their age-matched uncomplicated malaria controls by flow cytometry. Since CD14low (CD14+) monocytes are considered more mature and macrophage-like than CD14high (CD14++) monocytes, we also compared the level of expression of CD16/FcγRIIIA according to the CD14 level and studied the relationship between CD16/FcγRIIIA expression and intracellular TNF-α production upon stimulation by ICs. CD16/FcγRIIIA expression was the highest overall on CD14+CD16+monocytes of children with SMA at enrollment. At convalescence, SMA children were the only ones to show a significant decline in the same parameter. In contrast, there were no significant differences among groups in the expression of CD16/FcγRIIIA on CD14++CD16+monocytes. A greater percentage of CD14+CD16+monocytes produced TNF-α upon stimulation than any other monocyte subset, and the amount of intracellular TNF-α correlated positively with CD16/FcγRIIIA expression. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between hemoglobin levels and CD16/FcγRIIIA expression in children with SMA and their controls. These data suggest that monocytes of children with SMA respond differently toPlasmodium falciparuminfection by overexpressing CD16/FcγRIIIA as they mature, which could enhance erythrophagocytosis and TNF-α production.
Anaerobic Metabolism Occurs in the Substratum of Gonococcal Biofilms and May Be Sustained in Part by Nitric Oxide
Authors: Falsetta Megan L. , McEwan Alastair G. , Jennings Michael P. , Apicella Michael A.
Published: March 2010

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
is the etiologic agent of gonorrhea, which has been among the most frequently reported communicable diseases in the United States since 1960. Women frequently do not exhibit symptoms, which can lead to chronic infection.
N. gonorrhoeae
readily forms biofilms over abiotic surfaces, over primary and transformed cervical epithelial cells, and over cervical tissues
in vivo
. Biofilms are often associated with chronic infection, which suggests a link between biofilm formation and asymptomatic gonorrhea in women. Proteins involved in anaerobic metabolism and oxidative-stress tolerance are critical for normal biofilm formation of
N. gonorrhoeae
. Therefore, we examined the spatial profiles of anaerobic respiration in
N. gonorrhoeae
, using an
aniA
′-′
gfp
transcriptional fusion. Nitric oxide (NO) can elicit biofilm dispersal when present at sublethal concentrations in the surrounding medium. Some reports indicate that NO may also encourage biofilm formation at higher, potentially lethal concentrations. NO is produced by polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (PMNs) and cervical endothelial and epithelial cells. Thus, we also examined the effect of NO on
N. gonorrhoeae
biofilms. We found that anaerobic respiration occurs predominantly in the substratum of gonococcal biofilms and that expression of
aniA
is induced over time in biofilms. Treatment with high concentrations of a rapid-release NO donor prevents biofilm formation when supplied early in biofilm development but can also enhance biofilm formation once anaerobic respiration is initiated. NO treatment partially restores biofilm formation in an
aniA
::
kan
insertion mutant, which suggests that
N. gonorrhoeae
in biofilms may use NO as a substrate for anaerobic growth but prefer nitrite.