bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of proteins secreted by endothelial cells during modeled low gravity exposure
Authors: Griffoni Cristiana , Di Molfetta Serena , Fantozzi Luca , Zanetti Cristiana , Pippia Proto , Tomasi Vittorio , Spisni Enzo
Published: November 2010

The exposure of the human body to microgravity, conditions that occurs during space flights, causes significant changes in the cardiovascular system. Many cell types have been involved in these changes, and the endothelium seems to play a major role. In endothelial cells (EC), it has been shown that modeled low gravity impairs nitric oxide synthesis, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix composition, cytoskeleton organization, cytokines, and growth factors secretion. Nevertheless, detailed analysis of EC physiological changes induced by microgravity exposure is still lacking. Secretome analysis is one of the most promising approaches for the identification of biomarkers directly related to the physiopathological cellular state. In this study, we analyzed in details the modifications of EC secretome by using umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells exposed to modeled low gravity conditions. By adopting a two‐dimensional (2‐D) proteomic approach, in conjunction with a technique for the compression of the dynamic range of proteins, we observed that modeled low gravity exposure of HUVE cells affected the secretion of proteins involved in the regulation of cytoskeleton assembly. Moreover, by using Luminex® suspension array systems, we found that the low gravity condition decreased in ECs the secretion of some key pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1α and IL‐8, and of the pro‐angiogenic factor bFGF. On the contrary, microgravity increase the secretion of two chemokines (Rantes and Eotaxin), involved in leukocytes recruitment. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 265–272, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activating transcription factor 2 targets c‐Fos, but not c‐Jun, in growth plate chondrocytes
Authors: Li Xinying , LuValle Phyllis
Published: November 2010

Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF‐2), c‐Fos, and c‐Jun belong to the bZIP family of transcription factors. Promoters of c‐Fos, c‐Jun, cyclin D1, and cyclin A are targets of ATF‐2 in primary mouse chondrocytes. An ATF‐2 expression vector was co‐transfected with either c‐Fos or c‐Jun promoters in mutant ATF‐2 chondrocytes in order to show by luciferase assay that ATF‐2 increased promoter activity of c‐Fos, but not c‐Jun. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that ATF‐2 bound with the c‐Fos promoter at the −294 cyclic AMP response element (CRE) site, but did not bind to the TPA responsive element (TRE) or activating protein‐1 (AP1) sites of the c‐Jun promoter. Dominant‐negative (dn) c‐Fos inhibited cyclin D1 promoter activity. However, dn c‐Jun had minimal effect on this same promoter activity. c‐Fos was capable of interactions with both the cyclin D1 CRE and AP1 sites, while c‐Jun co‐operated specifically with the cyclin D1 CRE site. Neither c‐Fos nor c‐Jun had any effect on cyclin A promoter activity. c‐Fos was unable to bind to the cyclin A AP1 or CRE sites. In contrast c‐Jun was competent in interactions with cyclin A AP1‐2 as well as the CRE. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 211–216, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parthenolide sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to trail by inducing the expression of death receptors through inhibition of STAT3 activation
Authors: Carlisi Daniela , D'Anneo Antonella , Angileri Liliana , Lauricella Marianna , Emanuele Sonia , Santulli Andrea , Vento Renza , Tesoriere Giovanni
Published: November 2010

This article shows that HepG2, Hep3B, and SK‐Hep1 cells, three lines of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, are resistant to apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL). Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone found in European feverfew, has been shown to exert both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer activities. This article demonstrates that co‐treatment with parthenolide and TRAIL‐induced apoptosis with synergistic interactions in the three lines of HCC cells. In order to explain these effects we ascertained that parthenolide increased either at protein or mRNA level the total content of death receptors TRAIL‐R1 and ‐R2 as well as their surface expression. These effects were found in the three cell lines in the case of TRAIL‐R2, while for TRAIL‐R1 they were observed in HepG2 and SK‐Hep1 cells, but not in Hep3B cells. We suggest that the effects of parthenolide on death receptors depend on the decrease in the level of phosphorylated and active forms of STAT proteins, an event which could be a consequence of the inhibitory effect exerted by parthenolide on the activation of JAK proteins. In agreement with this hypothesis treatment with STAT3 siRNA increased in HCC cells the effect of parthenolide on the expression of death receptors. Sensitization by parthenolide to TRAIL stimulated in the three cell lines the extrinsic mechanism of apoptosis with the activation of both caspases 8 and 3, whereas mitochondria were not involved in the process. Our results suggest that co‐treatment with parthenolide and TRAIL could represent a new important therapeutic strategy for hepatic tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1632–1641, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High glucose alters apoptosis and proliferation in HEK293 cells by inhibition of cloned BKCa channel
Authors: Chang Hui , Ma Yu‐Guang , Wang Yun‐Ying , Song Zhen , Li Quan , Yang Ning , Zhao Hua‐Zhou , Feng Han‐Zhong , Chang Yao‐Ming , Ma Jin , Yu Zhi‐Bin , Xie Man‐Jiang
Published: November 2010

It has been reported that diabetic vascular dysfunction is associated with impaired function of large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels. However, it is unclear whether impaired BKCa channel directly participates in regulating diabetic vascular remodeling by altering cell growth in response to hyperglycemia. In the present study, we investigated the specific role of BKCa channel in controlling apoptosis and proliferation under high glucose concentration (25 mM). The cDNA encoding the α+β1 subunit of BKCa channel, hSloα+β1, was transiently transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. Cloned BKCa currents were recorded by both whole‐cell and cell‐attached patch clamp techniques. Cell apoptosis was assessed with immunocytochemistry and analysis of fragmented DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis. Cell proliferation was investigated by flow cytometry assays, MTT test, and immunocytochemistry. In addition, the expression of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2, intracellular Ca2+, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were also examined to investigate the possible mechanisms. Our results indicate that inhibition of cloned BKCa channels might be responsible for hyperglycemia‐altered apoptosis and proliferation in HEK‐hSloα+β1 cells. However, activation of BKCa channel by NS1619 or Tamoxifen significantly induced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation in HEK‐hSloα+β1 cells under hyperglycemia condition. When rat cerebral smooth muscle cells were cultured in hyperglycemia, similar findings were observed. Moreover, the possible mechanisms underlying the activation of BKCa channel were associated with decreased expression of Bcl‐2, elevation of intracellular Ca2+, and a concomitant depolarization of Δψm in HEK‐hSloα+β1 cells. In conclusion, cloned BKCa channel directly regulated apoptosis and proliferation of HEK293 cell under hyperglycemia condition. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1660–1675, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound‐guided gadolinium joint injections for magnetic resonance arthrography
Authors: Choudur Hema Nalini , Ellins Mary Lou
Published: November 2010

Purpose

To determine the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound (US) ‐guided gadolinium injection for MR arthrography of shoulders, wrists, hips, and knee joints as an alternate technique to fluoroscopy.

Methods

One hundred patients referred to our center for an MR arthrogram of shoulders, wrists, hips, and knees were included in the study. There were 53 males and 47 females and ages ranged from 17 to 63 years (mean age, 37). US was used to guide the needle tip into the joint. The intra‐articular location of the needle tip was confirmed by fluoroscopic visualization of injected iodinated contrast medium, prior to gadolinium injection. The patients then proceeded for the MRI examination.

Results

Ninety‐nine of the 100 patients were successfully injected with gadolinium under US guidance. One patient had a vasovagal reaction after local anesthetic injection and the procedure was aborted.

Conclusion

US is an effective alternate guidance technique for the injection of gadolinium into shoulder, hip, knee, and wrist joints for MR arthrography. Its advantages are cost effectiveness, ease of performance, and lack of radiation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Sonographic features of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson's tumor) in the forearm
Authors: Lysyy Oleg , Schwartz Ignat , Kolander Yehuda , Strauss Simon
Published: November 2010

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia, also known as Masson's tumor, is a benign, vascular lesion in which there is papillary proliferation of endothelial cells. The lesion presents as a palpable soft‐tissue mass, often located within normal or dilated vascular spaces, and may be mistaken for a sarcomatous tumor on imaging. We present the case of an intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia in the forearm, with a remarkable appearance on color Doppler sonography, and suggest that this entity will be encountered more frequently by sonologists in the future. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Prevalence and disease burden of primary restless legs syndrome: Results of a general population survey in the United States
Authors: Allen Richard P. , Bharmal Murtuza , Calloway Michael
Published: November 2010

To assess prevalence, disease burden, and costs of primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in the US. In 2007, 61,792 (20%) of 313,000 subjects from a representative US panel completed an online “global opinions” survey identifying respondents reporting all four diagnostic features of RLS. 4,484 met all criteria. 1,400 were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire to exclude those with diagnoses indicating possible secondary RLS. Those that did not have diagnoses associated with secondary RLS were asked to complete the Cambridge‐Hopkins RLS questionnaire to exclude RLS mimics. Prevalence was estimated for the following groups: (1) RLS symptomatic, (2) primary RLS, and (3) primary RLS sufferers (symptoms ≥2/wk with moderate‐to‐severe distress). The primary RLS completed a larger online survey including the IRLS, EuroQol, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, and questions about healthcare resource use. The validated diagnostic tools and exclusion of medical conditions likely to cause RLS provide a very conservative estimate of US census‐weighted prevalence of 2.4% for primary RLS and 1.5% for primary RLS sufferers. About 33% of respondents had a physician diagnosis of RLS. Primary RLS sufferers had a mean productivity loss of 1 day/wk. All RLS‐related costs increased with RLS symptom severity, with increasingly significant decrements in health status, sleep disturbance, and work productivity. Even this very conservative approach finds RLS in this cohort to be common, under‐diagnosed, and carried a significant personal and social burden. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical correlates of quality of life in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Eddy Clare M. , Cavanna Andrea E. , Gulisano Mariangela , Agodi Antonella , Barchitta Martina , Calì Paola , Robertson Mary M. , Rizzo Renata
Published: November 2010

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving tics, which is frequently accompanied by comorbid obsessive compulsive (OCD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Individuals with TS often report poor quality of life (QoL) in comparison with the general population. This study investigated the clinical correlates of QoL in young people with TS using a self‐report multidimensional QoL measure, and a range of clinical scales used to assess tic severity and the symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD and other emotional and behavioral symptoms. Symptoms of depression, OCD, and ADHD appeared to have a widespread negative impact on QoL, but poorer QoL was not associated with increased tic severity. Greater emotional and behavioral difficulties, including symptoms of OCD, were among the best predictors of poor QoL in young people with TS. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Regulating Australia's lobbyists: coming full circle to promote democracy?
Authors: Hogan John , Chari Raj , Murphy Gary
Published: November 2010

This paper initially examines the history and evolution of lobbying regulations in Australia at both the federal and state levels. This examination is conducted in a comparative context, setting the codes of conduct in place in various Australian jurisdictions against each other, as well as against the lobbying regulations in place in other countries around the world. Based upon this approach, the regulations in each Australian jurisdiction are classified according to their characteristics, providing insights into their commonalities and differences. Thereafter, we examine the attitudes of Australian politicians, administrators and lobbyists, at both the federal and state levels, towards the regulations they have to abide by.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound probe pressure but not maternal Valsalva maneuver alters Doppler parameters during fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Su Yi‐Ming , Lv Guo‐Rong , Chen Xiao‐Kang , Li Shao‐Hui , Lin Hui‐Tong
Published: November 2010

Objective

To determine the effects of increased ultrasound probe pressure and maternal Valsalva maneuver (VM) on the middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler ultrasonography in fetuses.

Methods

A total of 120 healthy pregnant women in second and third trimesters were enrolled in the study. MCA blood flow was measured by pulsed Doppler sonography in 60 fetuses (24 and 40 weeks' gestation) before and after the application of increased ultrasound probe pressure. In the other 60 fetuses (32 and 36 weeks' gestation), sonography was performed before and after maternal VM. Statistical analysis was performed by pairedt‐test.

Results

The pressure induced by the ultrasound probe induced a significant increase in the pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and peak systolic velocity (PSV); however, a significant decrease was found in the end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) (p< 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean flow velocity (MFV). Moreover, maternal VM did not have any effect on the PI, RI, EDV, or MFV.

Conclusion

Fetal MCA Doppler assessment is affected by increased probe pressure but not by maternal VM. Thus, the application of the MCA Doppler sonography should be undertaken in the head of fetuses without any probe pressure and without maternal VM. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The phase transition and elastic property of osmium carbide under pressure
Authors: Peng Feng , Chen Dong , Fu Hongzhi , Gao Tao
Published: November 2010

First‐principles calculations of the stabilities, the mechanical properties, and the elastic properties of osmium carbide (OsC) in tungsten carbide (WC) and nickel arsenide (NiAs) structures have been carried out with the plane‐wave pseudopotential density functional theory method. WC‐OsC is stable in the ground state. The phase‐transition pressure from WC structure to NiAs structure is about 7.2 GPa. The pressure dependence of the elastic constants, the aggregate elastic moduli (B, G and E), Poisson's ratio, the Lamè constants, the compressibility, and the elastic anisotropy of these two structures are calculated and compared; many differences can be found in the two structures.
Anticomplement activity of polyacetylenes from leaves of Dendropanax morbifera Leveille
Authors: Chung Ill‐Min , Song Hong‐Keun , Kim Sun‐Jin , Moon Hyung‐In
Published: November 2010

The present study evaluated the anticomplement effect of polyacetylenes from Dendropanax morbifera (Araliaceae) in the classical pathway complement system. The leaves of D. morbifera were evaluated with regard to its anticomplement activity, and its active principles identified following activity‐guided isolation. An aqueous CCl4 fraction of the leaves of D. morbifera exhibited significant anticomplement activity on the classical pathway complement system, which was expressed as total hemolytic activity. Three polyacetylenes isolated from the leaves of D. morbifera, namely (3S)‐falcarinol (1), (3S,8S)‐falcarindiol (2) and (3S)‐diynene (3). Compounds 1, 2 and 3 showed inhibitory activity against complement system with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values of 87.3 µm, 15.2 µm and 39.8 µm. Among the compounds tested, 2 showed the most potent anticomplement activity (IC50, 15.2 µm). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of technical expertise in firm governance structure: evidence from chief financial officer contractual incentives
Authors: Gore Angela K. , Matsunaga Steve , Eric Yeung P.
Published: November 2010

We provide evidence that the presence of technical expertise in firm governance structure reduces reliance on contractual incentives to control the potential agency problem for executives whose responsibilities require specialized knowledge. Specifically, we find that firms with financial expertise in the form of a board finance committee, or a chief executive officer with a financial background, tend to use lower levels of incentive‐based compensation for their chief financial officers. Our findings suggest financial experts provide stronger oversight and/or direction with regard to firm financial policies and strategies, thereby allowing firms to reduce reliance on incentive compensation. Our study provides insight into the role of technical expertise and board committees in firm governance, and into the benefits of common functional expertise within top management teams. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the mode shapes of spatial tall multi‐storey buildings due to earthquakes: the new ‘modal time‐histories’ method
Authors: Makarios Triantafyllos K.
Published: November 2010

In the present article, a new method is presented which attempts to identify the dynamic characteristics (eigen frequencies, eigen periods, mode shapes and modal damping ratios) of spatial asymmetric tall multi‐storey buildings through measured seismic responses (accelerations). This new method is entitled ‘method of modal time‐histories’, because its main target is to identify the modal time‐histories of accelerations that are obtained by accelerograms recorded on the points of buildings where suitable accelerometers have been installed. In the case of an earthquake, the multi‐channel local network of accelerometers records the time‐histories of the accelerations of the building. In addition, in order to have a successful outcome, the instrumentation form of the multi‐channel local network on the building can potentially play the most important role. This paper, first, presents a relevant mathematical analysis that is adapted to the instrumentation form applied to the multi‐storey buildings and, second, outlines the new method, which consists of nine steps. Finally, in order to illustrate the theory, a suitable numerical example of an instrumented asymmetric five‐storey r/c building that has been oscillated by a weak earthquake is also provided. On the one hand, the identification of the dynamic characteristics of spatial asymmetric buildings contributes to the removal of the uncertainties of building models in order to perform advanced non‐linear analyses about inherent building seismic capacity. On the other hand, this method supports the simple monitoring of a building's ‘structural integrity’. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust assertions and fail-bounded behavior
Authors: Prata Paula , Rela Mario , Madeira Henrique , Silva João Gabriel
Published: November 2010

In this paper the behavior of assertion-based error detection mechanisms is characterized under faults injected according to a quite general fault model. Assertions based on the knowledge of the application can be very effective at detecting corruption of critical data caused by hardware faults. The main drawbacks of that approach are identified as being the lack of protection of data outside the section covered by assertions, namely during input and output, and the possible incorrect execution of the assertions.

To handle those weak-points the Robust Assertions technique is proposed, whose effectiveness is shown by extensive fault injection experiments. With this technique a system follows a new failure model, that is called Fail-Bounded, where with high probability all results produced are either correct or, if wrong, they are within a certain bound of the correct value, whose exact distance depends on the output assertions used.

Any kind of assertions can be considered, from simple likelihood tests to high coverage assertions such as those used in the Algorithm Based Fault Tolerance paradigm. We claim that this failure model is very useful to describe the behavior of many low-cost fault-tolerant systems, that have low hardware and software redundancy, like embedded systems, were cost is a severe restriction, yet full availability is expected.
A generalized model for distributed comparison-based system-level diagnosis
Authors: Albini Luiz Carlos Pessoa , Duarte Elias Procópio , Ziwich Roverli Pereira
Published: November 2010

This work introduces a new system-level diagnosis model and an algorithm based on this model: Hi-Comp (Hierarchical Comparison-based Adaptive Distributed System-Level Diagnosis algorithm). This algorithm allows the diagnosis of systems that can be represented by a complete graph. Hi-Comp is the first diagnosis algorithm that is, at the same time, hierarchical, distributed and comparison-based. The algorithm is not limited to crash fault diagnosis, because its tests are based on comparisons. To perform a test, a processor sends a task to two processors of the system that, after executing the task, send their outputs back to the tester. The tester compares the two outputs; if the comparison produces a match, the tester considers the tested processors fault-free; on the other hand, if the comparison produces a mismatch, the tester considers that at least one of the two tested processors is faulty, but can not determine which one. Considering a system of N nodes, it is proved that the algorithm’s diagnosability is (N-1) and the latency is log2N testing rounds. Furthermore, a formal proof of the maximum number of tests required per testing round is presented, which can be O(N3). Simulation results are also presented.
Elite recruitment and state-society relations in technocratic authoritarian regimes: The Russian case
Authors: Huskey Eugene
Published: November 2010

This article argues that Russia has a peculiar form of authoritarianism that exhibits pronounced technocratic features. The analysis places in a comparative frame the bases of regime legitimacy and the paths to political, administrative, and economic power in Russia. By locating the Russian state in a matrix that considers the ideology of governance on one axis and the backgrounds of elites on the other, the article highlights areas of overlap and separation between state–society relations in Russia and other regimes in the developed and developing world. It also illustrates the ways in which technocratic elites in Russia differ from their counterparts in other parts of the world.
On formation mechanisms of deep sedimentary basins: Is there enough evidence for eclogitization?
Authors: Dobretsov N.L. , Polyansky O.P.
Published: November 2010

This is a critical comment on the model of basin formation by eclogitization of mafic crust suggested by E. Artyushkov. The eclogitization model bears uncertainties in average parameters (thickness, density, pressure) of lithospheric mantle, crust, and sediments, which may bias the estimates of subsidence magnitude. Main pitfalls, however, lie in high-pressure petrology: The lithostatic pressure is insufficient for eclogite to form in the lower crust beneath deep basins. It is shown that linear extrapolation of laboratory data on the gabbro-to-eclogite transition onto the field of relatively low pressures and temperatures in the lithosphere is incorrect. The hypothesized role of hot mantle fluids in the gabbro-eclogite transformation appears doubtful in terms of both petrology and kinetics of metamorphic reactions. Eclogite volumes in none of well known eclogitic sites agree with those required for eclogitization-driven subsidence. Artyushkov’s criticism of the extension basin formation model is not quite just. There are recent models of a two-layer lithosphere that imply a possibility of brittle and ductile deformation at different crust rheologies. The models we refer to predict most of extension to occur in mantle lithosphere rather than in the crust, this extension being able to produce deep continental basins.
Blank Spaces and Secret Histories: Questions of Historiographic Epistemology in Medieval China
Authors: Chen Jack W.
Published: November 2010

Historiography has long been concerned with the problem of determining standards for evidence. For traditional Chinese historians, it was Confucius who provided the model for historical writing. As the attributed author of theSprings and Autumns, Confucius demonstrated qualities of narratival restraint, historical factuality, moral profundity, and a refusal to engage in idle speculation. Of course, his model was not an easy one to emulate, and later historical writings have drawn on both the factual records of the imperial court (which were not always factual or free of ideological interests) and nonofficial sources, such as private accounts, anecdotal literature, and hearsay. The present essay focuses on this intersection between anecdotal sources and historiography. This is precisely the point when historiography must reflect on its narrative condition, as narrative has interests other than factuality or moral truth. The author shows how the historiographic anxiety over unreliable sources has often coexisted with a fascination with anecdotal stories and gossip.
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Maoist Movement in Jharkhand, India
Authors: SHAH ALPA
Published: November 2010

From millenarian movements to the spread of Hindu rightwing militancy, attacks on adivasi (or tribal) consumption of alcohol have gone hand-in-hand with the project of ‘civilizing the savage’. Emphasizing the agency and consciousness of adivasi political mobilization, subaltern studies scholarship has historically depicted adivasis as embracing and propelling these reformist measures, marking them as a challenge to the social structure. This paper examines these claims through an analysis of the relationship between alcohol and the spread of the Maoist insurgency in Jharkhand, Eastern India. Similar to other movements of adivasi political mobilization, an anti-drinking campaign is part of the Maoist spread in adivasi areas. This paper makes an argument for focusing on the internal diversity of adivasi political mobilization—in particular intergenerational and gender conflicts—emphasizing the differentiated social meanings of alcohol consumption (and thus of prohibition), as well as the very different attitudes taken by adivasis towards the Maoist campaign. The paper thus questions the binaries of ‘sanskritisation’ versus adivasis assertion that are prevalent in subaltern studies scholarship, proposing an engagement with adivasi internal politics that could reveal how adivasi political mobilization contains the penetrations of dominant sanskritic values, limitations to those penetrations and other aspirations, such as the desire for particular notions of modernity.
Contemporary Politics and Empathetic Emotions: Company B's Antigone
Authors: Tait Peta
Published: November 2010

Sydney-based Company B's 2008 season included The Burial at Thebes: Sophocles's Antigone in Irish poet Seamus Heaney's translation. This article shows how the production conveyed notions of war, social upheaval, displacement, and exile that are relevant to contemporary Australian spectators. With its ethnic and racial diversity, and one overt reference to the plight of indigenous people under colonial rule and its legacy, the production confirmed that the emotional resonances in this staging of Antigone reflect and yet transcend the contemporary Australian situation; and Peta Tait here argues that the production contributed to spectators' understanding of the emotions underlying contemporary political debates. Peta Tait is Professor of Theatre and Drama at La Trobe University. Her recent publications include Circus Bodies: Cultural Identity in Aerial Performance (Routledge, 2005) and Performing Emotions: Gender, Bodies, Spaces (Ashgate, 2002). She has published widely on theatre, drama, circus performance, and gender identity, and is co-editor (with Liz Schafer) of the anthology Australian Women's Drama: Texts and Feminisms (Currency Press, 1997).
Bipolar cell pathways for color vision in non-primate dichromats
Authors: PULLER CHRISTIAN , HAVERKAMP SILKE
Published: November 2010

Color vision in mammals is based on the expression of at least two cone opsins that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. Furthermore, retinal pathways conveying color-opponent signals are required for color discrimination. Most of the primates are trichromats, and “color-coded channels” of their retinas are unveiled to a large extent. In contrast, knowledge of cone-selective pathways in nonprimate dichromats is only slowly emerging, although retinas of dichromats like mice or rats are extensively studied as model systems for retinal information processing. Here, we review recent progress of research on color-coded pathways in nonprimate dichromats to identify differences or similarities between di- and trichromatic mammals. In addition, we applied immunohistochemical methods and confocal microscopy to retinas of different species and present data on their neuronal properties, which are expected to contribute to color vision. Basic neuronal features such as the “blue cone bipolar cell” exist in every species investigated so far. Moreover, there is increasing evidence for chromatic OFF channels in dichromats and retinal ganglion cells that relay color-opponent signals to the brain. In conclusion, di- and trichromats share similar retinal pathways for color transmission and processing.
Trends in meat consumption in the USA
Authors: Daniel Carrie R , Cross Amanda J , Koebnick Corinna , Sinha Rashmi
Published: November 2010

Objective

To characterize the trends, distribution, potential determinants and public health implications of meat consumption within the USA.

Design

We examined temporal trends in meat consumption using food availability data from the FAO and US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and further evaluated the meat intake by type (red, white, processed) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) linked to the MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED).

Results

Overall meat consumption has continued to rise in the USA and the rest of the developed world. Despite a shift towards higher poultry consumption, red meat still represents the largest proportion of meat consumed in the USA (58 %). Twenty-two per cent of the meat consumed in the USA is processed. According to the NHANES 2003–2004, total meat intake averaged 128 g/d. The type and quantities of meat reported varied by education, race, age and gender.

Conclusions

Given the plausible epidemiological evidence for red and processed meat intake in cancer and chronic disease risk, understanding the trends and determinants of meat consumption in the USA, where meat is consumed at more than three times the global average, should be particularly pertinent to researchers and other public health professionals aiming to reduce the global burden of chronic disease.
Solar dimming over the tropical urban region of Hyderabad, India: Effect of increased cloudiness and increased anthropogenic aerosols
Authors: Badarinath K. V. S. , Sharma Anu Rani , Kaskaoutis D. G. , Kharol Shailesh Kumar , Kambezidis H. D.
Published: November 2010

The present work examines the multidecadal changes in the net downward shortwave radiation (NDSWR) over the urban region of Hyderabad, India, during the period 1979–2005. The trends in NDSWR and in cloud optical depth (COD) are analyzed over the region using the Modern Era Retrospective‐Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA 2D), which is a newly available data set. The NDSWR exhibits a significant reduction of ∼−20.25 W m−2 for the period 1993–2005; however, it declined at a slower rate (0.468 W m−2) during the period 1979–1992. This reduction translates to −1.56 W m−2 yr−1 in the first period and to −0.04 W m−2 yr−1 in the second. The large difference in the NDSWR trends between the two periods is mainly attributed to the dramatic increase in high COD and in aerosol optical depth (AOD) during the last decade. The total COD over the region suggests an increase of 6.85% during the study period, with the larger increase to be depicted in the high‐level clouds (70.86%). Furthermore, retrievals of AOD550 from Microtops‐II Sun photometer and Terra–Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) show a significant increase of ∼34% and ∼20% during the period 2002–2008 over Hyderabad, respectively. It is demonstrated that aerosols and clouds contribute to the remarkable reduction in NDSWR over Hyderabad in the recent years, thus resulting in a continuous solar dimming over the area. The main role in the decline of NDSWR has been the increase in COD of the high clouds, mainly in monsoon and premonsoon. On the other hand, the dramatic increase in the AOD550 plays an important role in the decrease of NDSWR, mainly in winter. Furthermore, the indirect aerosol effect can modify the cloud formation, albedo, and lifetime, also playing a key role in the aerosol‐cloud‐radiation interactions.
Reducing uncertainty in estimates of frequency distribution parameters using composite likelihood approach and copula‐based bivariate distributions
Authors: Chowdhary Hemant , Singh Vijay P.
Published: November 2010

Conventional multivariate hydrological frequency analysis utilizes only the concurrent parts of data sets, leaving a lot of nonconcurrent data unutilized. Simultaneous inclusion of such nonconcurrent data can significantly reduce uncertainty in hydrologic design estimates. The methodology proposed in this paper allows varied length multivariate data to be combined and analyzed in an integrated framework through a “Composite Likelihood Approach.” The method employs copula‐based multivariate distributions in order to provide necessary flexibility of admitting arbitrary marginals. The paper presents the theoretical basis of the approach and highlights its advantages through two applications. A significant reduction in uncertainty in design flood quantiles of a relatively shorter flood series is achieved by utilizing an associated downstream flood data. The advantage of the methodology is further demonstrated by establishing significant information gain for six different combinations of Gaussian and non‐Gaussian marginals. The proposed approach marks a paradigm shift in hydrologic design procedures, particularly for partially gauged basins, wherein a higher precision in hydrologic designs is achieved by leveraging associated information that has hitherto remained unutilized. It is opined that the approach will enable offsetting the impact of dwindling hydrological observation networks around the world by enhancing information that is derivable from existing networks.
Azo cyclization: peptide cyclization via azo bridge formation
Authors: Fridkin G , Gilon C
Published: November 2010

Abstract: A novel method for peptide cyclization in solution: the azo cyclization is presented herein. Ring closure by forming an azo bridge was achieved in situ by connecting the corresponding side chains of para amino phenylalanine (Pap) residues to those of tyrosine or histidine residues present in the corresponding linear precursors. The reaction was performed using an initial diazotization step in acidic media followed by intramolecular azo cyclization in a mild basic media. This new method of cyclization is facile, applicable to various sequences and results in a high yield of pure products and hence is suggested as an additional method for peptide cyclization. Here we report the successful utilization of this method for the synthesis of 10 new cyclic azo peptides, derived from RGD, GnRH, Tuftsin, VIP and SV40 NLS.
Prediction of γ‐turns from amino acid sequences
Authors: Guruprasad K. , Shukla S. , Adindla S. , Guruprasad L.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: We predicted γ‐turns from amino acid sequences using the first‐order Markov chain theory and enlarged representative data sets corresponding to protein chains selected from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The following data sets were used for training and deriving the probability values: (1) an initial data set containing 315 protein chains comprising 904 γ‐turns and (2) a later data set in order to include new entries in the PDB, containing 434 protein chains and comprising 1053 γ‐turns. By excluding 93 protein chains that were common to these two training data sets, we generated two mutually exclusive data sets containing 222 and 341 protein chains for testing our predictions. Applying amino acid probability values derived from training data sets on to testing data sets yielded overall prediction accuracies in the range 54–57%. We recommend the use of probability values derived from the data set comprising 315 protein chains that represents more γ‐turns and also provides better predictions.
Plasmodium vivax CS peptides display conformational preferences for folded forms in solution
Authors: Lehmann T.E. , Kroon G. , Dyson H.J. , Lorenzo M.A. , Bermúdez H. , Perez H.
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Spectroscopic techniques have been used to study the conformations of several synthetic peptides with sequences corresponding to the repeat regions of the circumsporozoite proteins of Plasmodium vivax, variants vk‐210 and vk‐247. As has previously been shown for P. falciparum, turn‐like folded conformations are observed, in rapid dynamic equilibrium with extended‐chain forms. These results are consistent with the known similarity of the structural, biosynthetic and immunological properties of the circumsporozoite proteins of different plasmodial species. Additionally, the observation of folded conformers provides a rationale for the effectiveness of these peptides as immunogens and potential vaccines.
Uncovering new substrates for Aurora A kinase
Authors: Sardon Teresa , Pache Roland A , Stein Amelie , Molina Henrik , Vernos Isabelle , Aloy Patrick
Published: November 2010

Aurora A is a serine/threonine kinase that is essential for a wide variety of cell‐cycle‐related events, but only a small number of its substrates are known. We present and validate a strategy by which to identify Aurora A substrates and their phosphorylation sites. We developed a computational approach integrating various types of biological information to generate a list of 90 potential Aurora substrates, with a prediction accuracy of about 80%. We also demonstrated the specific phosphorylation of NUSAP (nucleolar and spindle‐associated protein) by Aurora A in vivo. Our results provide a means by which to develop an understanding of Aurora A function and suggest unexpected roles for this kinase.
Brain Glutamine Synthesis Requires Neuronal Aspartate: A Commentary
Authors: Hertz Leif
Published: November 2010

Inspired by the paper, ‘Brain glutamine synthesis requires neuronal-born aspartate as amino donor for glial glutamate formation’ by Pardo et al, a modified model of oxidation–reduction, transamination, and mitochondrial carrier reactions involved in aspartate-dependent astrocytic glutamine synthesis and oxidation is proposed. The alternative model retains the need for cytosolic aspartate for transamination of α-ketoglutarate, but the ‘missing’ aspartate molecule is generated within astrocytes during subsequent glutamate oxidation. Oxaloacetate formed during glutamate formation is used during glutamate degradation, and all transmitochondrial reactions, oxidations–reductions, and cytosolic and mitochondrial transaminations are stoichiometrically balanced. The model is consistent with experimental observations made by Pardo et al.
Strain effects on three-dimensional, two-dimensional, and one-dimensional silicon logic devices: Predicting the future of strained silicon
Authors: Baykan Mehmet O. , Thompson Scott E. , Nishida Toshikazu
Published: November 2010

Using a classification scheme based on carrier confinement type (electrostatic and spatial) and the degrees of freedom of the mobile carriers (3DOF, 2DOF, and 1DOF), strain effects on 3DOF to 1DOF silicon logic devices are compared from quantum confinement and device geometry perspectives. For these varied device geometries and types, the effects of strain-induced band splitting and band warping on the modification of the average conductivity effective mass and carrier scattering rates are evaluated. It is shown that the beneficial effects of strain-induced band splitting are the most effective for devices with little or no initial band splitting and become less so for devices with already large built-in band splitting. For these devices with large splitting energy, the potential for strain-induced carrier conductivity mass reduction through repopulation of lower energy bands and the suppression of optical intervalley phonon scattering are limited. On the other hand, for all devices without spatial confinement, a comparable amount of effective mass reduction occurs through favorable strain-induced band warping. Under spatial carrier confinement, much higher strain levels with respect to unconfined or electrically confined devices are required to observe strain-induced band warping in the band structure, with larger strain requirements as the confinement dimension decreases. In electrically confined volume-inversion devices, the favorable strain type required for carrier mass reduction results in increased surface scattering by bringing the carrier centroid closer to gate surfaces. However, for spatially confined volume-inversion devices, the favorable mechanical strain does not alter the carrier distribution in the device cross section. Consequently, strain is expected to be more effective in modification of low field carrier transport in electrically confined volume-inversion devices and less for spatially confined devices, with respect to conventional 2DOF planar metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors. On the other hand, for high-field quasiballistic transport, spatially confined devices, have the highest potential for strain-induced modification of device ballisticity, since the carrier backscattering ratio strongly depends on the surface roughness scattering rate at the source-end of the channel.
An analysis of premixed flamelet models for large eddy simulation of turbulent combustion
Authors: Knudsen E. , Kim S. H. , Pitsch H.
Published: November 2010

When premixed flamelet models are applied in the context of large eddy simulation, a number of assumptions are implicity made. The validity of these assumptions depends on, for example, the simulated flame’s location within the premixed regime diagram, the accuracy of the presumed subfilter flamelet coordinate distributions, and the extent to which the asymptotic flamelets capture the turbulence-perturbed chemistry. Here, the errors that arise due to these assumptions are considered, analyzed, and compared using a direct numerical simulation of a premixed turbulent flame propagating in the thin reaction zones regime. Flamelet representations of the progress variable source term are formed in an a priori fashion. Level set flamelet methods in particular are considered because, although they offer a number of advantages, they make some of the most stringent flame structure assumptions. Errors due to the level set model are evaluated relative to other flamelet error sources, such as the shape of the presumed probability density function and the influence of the variance model. The results provide guidance on the importance of the individual modeling assumptions, and are used to propose a new modeling strategy in an effort to improve the level set framework.
Recurrence-based detection of the hyperchaos-chaos transition in an electronic circuit
Authors: Ngamga E. J. , Buscarino A. , Frasca M. , Sciuto G. , Kurths J. , Fortuna L.
Published: November 2010

Some complex measures based on recurrence plots give evidence about hyperchaos-chaos transitions in coupled nonlinear systems [E. G. Souza et al., “Using recurrences to characterize the hyperchaos-chaos transition,” Phys. Rev. E 78, 066206 (2008)]. In this paper, these measures are combined with a significance test based on twin surrogates to identify such a transition in a fourth-order Lorenz-like system, which is able to pass from a hyperchaotic to a chaotic behavior for increasing values of a single parameter. A circuit analog of the mathematical model has been designed and implemented and the robustness of the recurrence-based method on experimental data has been tested. In both the numerical and experimental cases, the combination of the recurrence measures and the significance test allows to clearly identify the hyperchaos-chaos transition.
Autonomous materials with controlled toughening and healing
Authors: Garcia Michael E. , Lin Yirong , Sodano Henry A.
Published: November 2010

Biological systems exhibit many advanced sensory and healing traits that can be applied to the design of modern material systems. The foremost goal for the development of future adaptive structures is to provide materials capable of autonomously adapting in order to impede damage progression and, subsequently, heal the damaged region. Here, a novel autonomous material system is devised using shape memory polymers (SMPs), which employ a fiber optic network, functioning both as a damage detection sensor and thermal stimulus delivery system. This system mimics the advanced sensory system as well as toughening and healing mechanisms found in human bones. By incorporating both methods into this material, the resulting autonomous system is able to increase toughness by 11 times over the original material. In addition to toughening, the shape memory effect can be used to close the crack and upon reloading of the toughened SMP specimen to failure, the system demonstrates a 96% strength recovery of the virgin strength. Following crack closure the new material system has 4.9 times more toughness than the un-toughened specimen even through it has been strained four times past its virgin failure strain.