bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Chemical Analysis of Ancient Activities in Cerén, El Salvador: A Case Study of a Rapidly Abandoned Site
Authors: Parnell J. Jacob , Terry Richard E. , Sheets Payson
Published: April 2006

Activities performed over long periods of time tend to leave soil chemical residues as evidence of those activities. Some of the questions studied in this paper deal with the interpretive capabilities provided by chemical patterns. Soil samples from Cerén, El Salvador, a well-preserved site, were analyzed for extractable phosphorus and heavy metals. We compared in situ artifacts collected from the site with chemical signatures that indicate activity areas. We found that elevated concentrations of phosphorus were associated with food preparation, consumption, and disposal. Heavy metals were associated with the interior of the structure where pigments and painted gourds were found. In this case, where well-preserved, in situ artifacts were available for analysis, we found that chemical analysis was effective in locating human activity areas. Our findings indicate that chemical analysis can be used to guide interpretation in areas of poor artifact preservation with reasonable accuracy, and in archaeological sites that underwent gradual abandonment.
Urbanism and Early State Formation in the Huamelulpan Valley of Southern Mexico
Authors: Balkansky Andrew K.
Published: April 2006

A long-running debate in archaeology is the analytical priority given to local vs. interregional-scale factors in the origins of complex societies. These alternate approaches have often pitted local-scale, environmentally determined models against the large-scale, sociopolitical demands of ancient cities and states. In the archaeology of Oaxaca, Mexico, these distinctions are apparent in efforts to model the impact of Monte Albán on the development of complexity outside the Valley of Oaxaca. Huamelulpan, located in the western Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca, was one of Mesoamerica's first urban centers. But despite several decades of intermittent work, the site had never been surveyed, and nearly nothing was known of the surrounding region. A systematic archaeological survey of Huamelulpan and its environs studied the urban transition from a regional perspective. Huamelulpan's urbanization was strongly correlated with the formation of a state-level polity. Interaction with Monte Albán occasioned these developments, albeit in ways more indirect than colonization or conquest. An approach to culture change is outlined that uses archaeological survey data to shift the scale of analysis between local, regional, and interregional levels to interpret the transition to city and state in Oaxaca's Huamelulpan Valley.
Artificial Cranial Deformation at the Omo M10 Site: A Tiwanaku Complex from the Moquegua Valley, Peru
Authors: Hoshower Lisa M. , Buikstra Jane E. , Goldstein Paul S. , Webster Ann D.
Published: April 2006

Artificial cranial deformation is a recognized attribute of many archaeologically recovered Andean skeletal collections. Ethnohistoric sources document the diversity of forms used to mark both vertical and horizontal status distinctions among Late Horizon peoples. Region-specific social groups were characterized by distinctive deformation styles, as were individuals of Inka heritage. Review of early Spanish accounts and consideration of various strategies commonly used in analyzing deformation forms suggest that investigators be sensitive to both final skull shape and the nature of deforming devices. This case study maintains that detailed descriptions of skull form will permit interpretations of technique and apparatus used, without the actual deforming artifacts. We examined archaeologically recovered skeletal remains from Huaracane-phase, Tiwanaku-related Chen Chen-phase (Tiwanaku V), and Tumilaca-phase cemetery components of the Omo site group, located near the present-day town of Moquegua in southern Peru. Our analysis demonstrates that the pattern of cranial deformation within the Omo M10 cemetery complex clearly emphasizes homogeneity within individual cemeteries and heterogeneity across cemeteries. We enlist current competing models for Tiwanaku hegemony to interpret this pattern.
The Fall of Chichen Itza: A Preliminary Hypothesis
Authors: Andrews Anthony P.
Published: April 2006

The fall of the Early Postclassic capital of Chichen Itza is generally described in native chronicles as the result of a widespread revolt of native Yucatec Maya against the Itzá rulers of northern Yucatan. This historic event was the outcome of complex social, economic, and ecological processes that ultimately led to the weakening and dissolution of the Itzá polity. The historic legends that trace the fall of the Itzá are a superficial manifestation of deeper problems, which likely included tense relations with subjugated peoples, excess economic and human tribute, overpopulation, scarcities of land and agricultural resources, and possible climatological changes resulting in drought. The Itzá economy was linked to all these processes, but as they primarily were focused on the exploitation of coastal resources and long-distance trade, they failed to establish a viable economic system in the interior. This failure, coupled with the overexploitation of a declining social and economic resource base, led to the Itzá collapse. This essay presents a preliminary discussion of these processes.
Round Structures, Household Identity, and Public Performance in Preclassic Maya Society
Authors: Hendon Julia A.
Published: April 2006

James Aimers and colleagues consider the social meaning and function of round structures, a poorly understood but significant architectural feature of many Preclassic Maya sites. Based on my own work on the connection between such structures and the development of social stratification and changes in the relations between households and the state, I offer additional examples of the location and role of these structures in order to expand on the insights offered by Aimers et al.
Entierros de Perros descubiertos en la antigua ciudad de Tula
Authors: Azúa Raúl Valadez , Gudiño Blanca Paredes , Galicia Bernardo Rodríguez
Published: April 2006

En este artículo presentamos nuevos datos arqueológicos que aumentan nuestro conocimiento acerca del papel del perro (Canis familiaris) en tiempos prehispánicos, principalmente en lo que se refiere a su morfología general y número de razas presentes en el centro de Mesoamérica. Una colección de 27 perros provenientes de entierros, pertenecientes a la más antigua ocupación (650-750 d. C.) de la ciudad de Tula, Hidalgo, fue estudiada y los resultados muestran la presencia de tres razas perfectamente definidas. Este hallazgo permite, por primera vez y a partir de un análisis científico, establecer la existencia de varias razas de perros mesoamericanas y definir su aspecto general. Los tipos reconocidos incluyen (1) un perro de talla media con el cuerpo cubierto de pelo, (2) otro de dimensiones similares pero sin pelo y (3) otro más pequeño, con pelo, pero con miembros 30% más cortos. Los datos se ajustan muy bien a las descripciones de Bernardino de Sahagún sobre los perros del centro de México en el siglo dieciseis d. C., así que nuestro estudio nos permite establecer la presencia de estos animales en la región central a partir del siglo siete d. C. Las tres razas incluyen el perro común mesoamericano o itzcuintli, el perro pelón xoloitzcuintli y el perrito de piso o tlalchichi. Además, el establecimiento de tres razas distintas resuelve debates en la literatura sobre el índole de los perros prehispánicos de México.
Irrigation and the Origins of the Southern Moche State on the North Coast of Peru
Authors: Billman Brian R.
Published: April 2006

In this paper, I examine the role that irrigation played in the formation of the Southern Moche state in the Moche Valley, Peru. Specifically, I attempt to test Wittfogel and Steward's hydraulic model, which postulates that in certain arid environments, the managerial requirements of construction and maintenance of irrigation systems played a crucial role in the formation of centralized polities. I formulate and evaluate four hypotheses concerning the role of irrigation systems in the Moche Valley. Those hypotheses are then evaluated using settlement pattern data drawn from two surveys that cover the entire coastal section of the valley and provide information on 910 archaeological sites. Based on those data, I present a sequence of political development for the valley from the formation of the first autonomous village in the Late Preceramic period (2500–1800 B. C.) to the zenith of the Southern Moche state. Evaluation of the four hypotheses indicates that the managerial requirements of irrigation were relatively unimportant; rather, warfare, highland-coastal interaction, and political control of irrigation systems created opportunities for leaders to form a highly centralized, territorially expansive state sometime between A. D. 200 and 700.
Left/Right Symbolism and the Body in Ancient Maya Iconography and Culture
Authors: Palka Joel W.
Published: April 2006

Throughout Maya history the left and right sides of the human body, left/right spatial orientation, and handedness have had important cultural and symbolic meanings. This essay examines left/right symbolism in relation to the body, which is generally overlooked in studies of archaeological societies and material culture, and discusses how it relates to ancient Maya ideology and behavior. New information from Classic Maya iconography, plus corroborative information from Maya ethnography and cross-cultural investigations, support the proposition that left/right symbolic differences and hierarchies were present in ancient Maya society. For the Classic Maya, as with contemporary Maya peoples, the right hand or side of the body often signified “pure, powerful, or superordinate,” and the left frequently symbolized “weaker, lame, or subordinate” in particular cultural contexts. Hence, in Classic Maya imagery, kings face to their right and use their right hands, while subordinates are oriented to their left and frequently use their left hands. Following comparative anthropological analyses, consideration of handedness and human body symmetry help explain the left/right dichotomy and the apparent primacy of the right in Classic Maya spatial reference, social order, and worldview. The findings of this study have important implications for the examination of left/right symbolism in material culture, images of the body, and ideology in other societies.
The Thorny Oyster and the Origins of Empire: Implications of Recently Uncovered Spondylus Imagery from Chan Chan, Peru
Authors: Pillsbury Joanne
Published: April 2006

The acquisition and use of exotic, valuable, and ritually important elite goods is a prominent feature of many imperial political economies. After an extensive review of the archaeological and documentary sources on one specific valuable in the empire of Chimor, this paper analyzes the visual representation of such goods, an aspect seldom addressed by archaeologists. An architectural relief recently excavated at Chan Chan, the capital of Chimor, sheds new light on the use of exotic materials and long-distance trade and exchange along the Pacific coast of South America in the late Prehispanic period. This relief, named "Los Buceadores" (The Divers) for the principal imagery depicting Spondylus divers, is important for elucidating the role of this valuable in the early development of the Chimú empire. It is argued that the Chimú rulers sponsored a long-distance exchange network during an early stage of the expansion of the Chimú polity and that the fruits of this network, particularly Spondylus, formed a critical element in the formation and maintenance of the ritual and economic basis of power for the expanding state.
Ventilated Hearth Structures in the Casma Valley, Peru
Authors: Pozorski Thomas , Pozorski Shelia
Published: April 2006

Recent investigations in the Casma Valley on the north-central coast of Peru have uncovered a series of circular and rectangular/square structures, each containing a central hearth associated with either four subfloor ventilation shafts or a single open ventilation trough. The structures date to the Late Preceramic period (2500-1800 B. C.) and the Initial period (1800-900 B. C.). All are small and were originally roofed with perishable materials to hold in heat and smoke from the central hearth. It seems likely that these ventilated hearths represent a coastal variant of the Kotosh Religious Tradition that has been well documented in the Peruvian Highlands. The structures probably served as ritual chambers for small groups of people, somewhat analogous to the sweathouses of various Native American groups.
Formative Period Social Change in the Lower Rio Verde Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Joyce Arthur A.
Published: April 2006

This article reports on archaeological and geomorphological research carried out by the 1988 Río Verde Formative Project in the lower Río Verde Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico. The research suggests that the region was only sparsely inhabited prior to 500 B. C. During the Late/Terminal Formative (400 B. C.-A. D. 250), however, survey data suggest that the lower Río Verde Valley experienced considerable population growth. Excavations at the sites of Cerro de la Cruz and Río Viejo yielded evidence for emerging status inequalities during the Late Formative leading eventually to the rise of complex social organization by the Classic period (A. D. 250-900). Two preliminary explanations are offered for the seemingly late occurrence of large populations with complex social organization in the region. The explanations focus on environmental change and interregional social interaction, respectively. Evidence for the exploitation of coastal habitats is also discussed, since the use of marine and estuarine resources could alter the implications of both explanations of societal change.
Architectural Labor Investment and Social Stratification at Sayil, Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Carmean Kelli
Published: April 2006

This paper examines household architectural variability within the residential area of Sayil, Yucatán, Mexico. Labor-investment figures for residential architecture are used as a means of categorizing variability. A rank ordering of vault area and per-capita labor investment is achieved and an architectural wealth hierarchy is presented for the residential area of Sayil. This hierarchy is placed in the context of Maya land-tenure systems. It is argued that large, wealthy households may have been “first-founder” families in the Sayil valley and thus were in a position to effectively control and monopolize land and other productive resources, including human labor, for their own economic advantage.
Hemidiaphragmatic reconstruction with a transversus abdominis muscle flap after resection of a solitary diaphragmatic mesothelioma in a dog
Authors: Liptak Julius M. , Brebner Nicholas S.
Published: April 2006

Case Description—A 2-year-old Siberian Husky was evaluated because of a 2-week history of coughing and gagging and decreased appetite and activity level.

Clinical Findings—Radiography, surgery, and immunohistochemical examination revealed a solitary sclerosing mesothelioma extending from the left thoracic diaphragmatic surface that was adherent to the pericardium and the caudal mediastinum.

Treatment and Outcome—The tumor was resected along with most of the left hemidiaphragm, and the left transversus abdominis muscle was used to reconstruct the diaphragm. The 13th rib formed the base of the muscle flap. The muscle flap was transposed into the defect so that the mesothelium-lined surface faced the thoracic cavity and the deep aspect of the muscle formed the abdominal surface of the diaphragm. To minimize risk of adhesions, the exposed raw aspect of the abdominal surface was covered with porcine small intestinal submucosa. Recovery was uncomplicated, and the dog's appetite and activity level soon returned to normal. Evaluation 54 days after surgery revealed 2 subcutaneous masses on the thorax and masses in the liver and both kidneys; histologic and immunohistochemical analyses revealed metastasis of the original tumor. The dog was euthanatized.

Clinical Relevance—Hemidiaphragmatic reconstruction with a transversus abdominis muscle flap after resection of a diaphragmatic tumor was successful. The muscle flap was easily harvested and transposed into the diaphragmatic defect.
Choledochal tube stenting for decompression of the extrahepatic portion of the biliary tract in dogs: 13 cases (2002–2005)
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Richardson Robert W. , Mehler Stephen J. , Holt David E. , Weisse Chick W.
Published: April 2006

Objective—To determine clinicopathologic features, surgical management, complications, and long-term outcome associated with diseases of the extrahepatic portion of the biliary tract treated via choledochal stent placement in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—13 dogs.

Procedure—Data were obtained from medical records, and follow-up information was obtained via reexamination or telephone interview with owners or referring veterinarians.

Results—10 dogs had extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO), 6 as a result of pancreatitis. Two dogs had rupture of the common bile duct associated with cholelithiasis. In 1 dog, a stent was placed prophylactically after gastroduodenostomy was performed for a perforated duodenal ulcer. Nine of 13 dogs survived the perioperative period and were discharged. No recurrence of EHBO or other complications developed in the discharged dogs while the stents were in place. Median follow-up period from surgery to last owner contact was 13.3 months. In 1 dog, the stent was removed endoscopically 10 months after surgery and EHBO recurred 9 months after stent removal because of cholangitis. In 4 of 5 dogs that were discharged from the hospital, in which the fate of the stent could be confirmed and the stent was secured to the duodenal wall with absorbable suture materials, the stents were passed in the feces 1 to 11 months after surgery.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Choledochal tube stenting is an effective method of decompression of the extrahepatic portion of the biliary tract in dogs and provides a less complex alternative to traditional cholecystoenterostomy techniques in select cases.
Immobilization of a nonspecific chitosan hydrolytic enzyme for application in preparation of water‐soluble low‐molecular‐weight chitosan
Authors: Feng Tao , Du Yumin , Yang Jianhong , Li Jin , Shi Xiaowen
Published: April 2006

A nonspecific chitosan hydrolytic enzyme, cellulase, was immobilized onto magnetic chitosan microspheres, which was prepared in a well spherical shape by the suspension crosslinking technique. The morphology characterization of the microspheres was carried out with scanning electron microscope and the homogeneity of the magnetic materials (Fe3O4) in the microspheres was determined from optical micrograph. Factors affecting the immobilization, and the properties and stabilities of the immobilized enzyme were studied. The optimum concentration of the crosslinker and cellulase solution for the immobilization was 4% (v/v) and 6 mg/mL, respectively. The immobilized enzyme had a broader pH range of high activity and the loss of the activity of immobilized cellulase was lower than that of the free cellulase at high temperatures. This immobilized cellulase has higher apparent Michaelis–Menten constant Km (1.28 mg/mL) than that of free cellulase (0.78 mg/mL), and the maximum apparent initial catalytic rate Vmax of immobilized cellulase (0.39 mg mL−1 h−1) was lower than free enzyme (0.48 mg mL−1 h−1). Storage stability was enhanced after immobilization. The residual activity of the immobilized enzyme was 78% of original after 10 batch hydrolytic cycles, and the morphology of carrier was not changed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1334–1339, 2006
Encapsulation of plant growth‐promoting bacteria in alginate beads enriched with humic acid
Authors: Young Chiu‐Chung , Rekha P.D. , Lai Wei‐An , Arun A.B.
Published: April 2006

The key to achieving successful, reproducible results following the introduction of beneficial microbes into soil relies on the survival rate of the inoculated bacteria in a heterogeneous soil environment and hence an improved encapsulation method was developed. Owing to the constraints associated with the inoculum formulation, in this study, encapsulation of a plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolate Bacillus subtilis CC‐pg104 was attempted with alginate by enriching the bead microenvironment with humic acid. High viability of the encapsulated bacteria was observed with minimum cell loss upon storage for 5 months. Steady and constant cell release from the bead was observed for 1 week at different pH. Encapsulated cells remained active as evidenced by their ability to solubilize calcium phosphate in vitro. Successful plant growth promotion of lettuce by the encapsulated bacteria under gnotobiotic and sterile environment was also achieved. Feasibility of this improved encapsulation technique is mainly due to the dual benefits of humic acid to microbe and plant and its chemical properties allowing an easy mixing with alginate without interfering in the formation of the alginate gel beads by cross‐linking with Ca2+ ions. Thus, the encapsulation method described in this study can be effectively used to protect the PGPB inoculum from adverse conditions of the soil for their successful establishment in the rhizosphere. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of nitric oxide in heat shock protein induced apoptosis of γδT cells
Authors: Atre Nilangi , Thomas Loui , Mistry Rajesh , Pathak Kumar , Chiplunkar Shubhada
Published: April 2006

Activation induced cell death (AICD) has been proposed to serve as a mechanism to limit T lymphocyte proliferation induced by antigenic stimulation. Heat shock proteins (hsp60 and hsp70) expressed on oral tumor cells serve as ligands for peripheral blood γδT lymphocytes. Tumor cell lysis by γδT lymphocytes is mediated via recognition of hsp expressed on tumor cells. In the present study, we report that upon stimulation with hsp, γδT lymphocytes isolated from oral cancer patients undergo AICD as confirmed by DNA ploidy, annexin V staining and confocal microscopy. In cocultures of γδT lymphocytes and tumor cells, addition of antihsp60 and antihsp70 MAb, but not anti‐Fas MAb (ZB4), inhibited DNA fragmentation of γδT lymphocytes. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a down regulation of Fas expression on γδT lymphocytes upon incubation with hsp60 and hsp70. Increased expression of iNOS was observed in hsp‐stimulated γδT lymphocytes. Addition of monomethyl L‐arginine monoacetate, competitive inhibitor of NOS, inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and apoptosis of γδT lymphocytes induced by hsp60 and hsp70. The NO‐induced apoptosis of γδT lymphocytes involves activation of caspase‐9 and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The present study explains a novel strategy adopted by tumor cells to evade immune recognition by γδT lymphocytes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo expression of survivin and its splice variant survivin‐2B: Impact on clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wagner Mandy , Schmelz Karin , Wuchter Christian , Ludwig Wolf‐Dieter , Dörken Bernd , Tamm Ingo
Published: April 2006

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, is expressed in most human cancers, but undetectable in normal differentiated adult tissue in vivo. Because of this cancer‐related expression, survivin is a promising target for cancer therapy. To determine the expression and prognostic role of survivin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we investigated the mRNA expression pattern of survivin and of the splice variants survivin‐2B and survivin‐ΔEx3 in adult (n = 74) and children (n = 31) with de novo AML using RT‐PCR. Survivin was the predominant transcript variant in AML cells, whereas significantly lower levels of survivin‐2B and survivin‐ΔEx3 were observed (p ≤ 0.0001). Neither expression of survivin nor of any splice variant correlated with maturation stage (FAB subtypes, immunophenotype) or cytogenetic risk groups. For AML cases treated according to AMLCG92 (adult) and AML‐BFM93 (children) protocols, respectively, expression patterns were correlated with clinical data: In adult AML (n = 51), low expression of survivin‐2B correlated with a better overall survival (p = 0.05; mean survival time 19 months vs. 9 months) and a better eventfree survival (p ≤ 0.01; 27 months vs. 10 months). In childhood AML (n = 31), high survivin‐ΔEx3 expression was associated with a shorter overall survival (p ≤ 0.05; 24 months vs. 43 months). We conclude that certain survivin splice variants have potential prognostic impact for long‐term therapy outcome in adult as well as childhood de novo AML. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Background, rationale, and design of a clinical trial to assess the effects of platelet dose on bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic patients
Authors: Slichter Sherrill J.
Published: April 2006

Outlined is the background and rationale for the initiation of a randomized prospective platelet transfusion trial to evaluate the effects of platelet dose on hemostasis and platelet utilization rates. This clinical trial is being performed by the newly established Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis Clinical Trial Network supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The trial will randomize 1,350 patients into three platelet transfusion arms based on body surface area (BSA). The lower dose will be 1.1 × 1011 platelets/m2, the medium dose will be 2.2 × 1011 platelets/m2, and the higher dose will be 4.4 × 1011 platelets/m2. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of Grade 2 bleeding; i.e., gross hemorrhage without the need for red cell transfusion. Major secondary outcome measures will be the total number of platelets transfused, the total number of platelet transfusion events, the highest grade of bleeding, and bleeding severity. It is expected that this clinical trial will change platelet transfusion practice by identifying whether low‐dose platelet transfusion therapy provides adequate hemostasis and what is the most cost‐effective strategy for providing platelet transfusions. J. Clin. Apheresis 21: 78–84, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rituximab therapy for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A proposed study of the Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis Clinical Trials Network with a systematic review of rituximab therapy for immune‐mediated disorders
Authors: George James N. , Woodson Robert D. , Kiss Joseph E. , Kojouri Kiarash , Vesely Sara K.
Published: April 2006

The rationale for immunosuppressive therapy of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was established by observations that TTP may be caused by autoantibodies to ADAMTS13. Patients with high‐titer autoantibodies to ADAMTS13 may have a higher mortality, and survivors may require prolonged plasma exchange therapy in spite of adjunctive glucocorticoid treatment. More intensive immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab may provide benefit for many of these patients. The Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis Clinical Trials Network is developing a randomized, clinical trial to test the hypothesis that addition of rituximab to standard treatment of TTP with plasma exchange and glucocorticoids will decrease initial treatment failure rates as well as subsequent relapses over the following 3 years. To provide the background data for this clinical trial, a systematic review of all published reports on rituximab treatment of immune‐mediated disorders was performed. Twelve articles have reported 27 patients treated with rituximab for TTP, with benefit described in 25 (93%) of the patients. Additional reports have described rituximab treatment of 37 other immune‐mediated disorders, with clinical response in most patients. These observations from small uncontrolled case series provide the background and rationale for a randomized clinical trial to establish the role of rituximab in the management of patients with TTP. J. Clin. Apheresis. 21: 49–56, 2006 © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Androgen receptor action in hormone‐dependent and recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Agoulnik Irina U. , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: April 2006

The importance of androgens and androgen receptors (AR) in primary prostate cancer is well established. Metastatic disease is usually treated with some form of androgen ablation, which is effective for a limited amount of time. The role of AR in prostate cancers that recur despite androgen ablation therapy is less certain. Most of these tumors express prostate specific antigen (PSA), an androgen‐regulated gene; moreover, AR is generally highly expressed in recurrent prostate cancer. We propose that AR continues to play a role in many of these tumors and that it is not only the levels of AR, ligands, and co‐regulators, but also the changes in cell signaling that induce AR action in recurrent prostate cancer. These pathways are, therefore, potential therapeutic targets. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 362–372, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T‐cell cytokine induction of BMP‐2 regulates human mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation and mineralization
Authors: Rifas Leonard
Published: April 2006

How T‐cells, attracted to local sites of inflammation in arthritides, affect heterotopic ossification is presently unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that T‐cell cytokines play a role in the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (HMSC) into the osteoblast phenotype by inducing autologous BMP‐2, providing a possible mechanism for heterotopic ossification. HMSC from multiple donor bones were treated with either activated T‐cell conditioned medium (ACTTCM) or physiological concentrations of the major inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17 (TTII), individually or in combinations. ACTTCM induced BMP‐2 protein in a time‐dependent manner over a 48 h period and alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) within 7 days. In combination, TTII, like ACTTCM, induced AlkP and synergistically induced BMP‐2 protein. Either individually, or in combinations of up to three, the T‐cell cytokines failed to induce BMP‐2 above control levels while a combination of all four cytokines synergistically induced BMP‐2 10‐fold as assessed by ELISA. TTII induced mineralized matrix as effectively as dexamethasone. Inhibition of p38 MAPK completely inhibited TTII‐induced BMP‐2 production and matrix mineralization. Real time RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated a striking early (within 4 h) increase in BMP‐2 gene expression by TTII, which was suppressed by p38 MAP kinase inhibition. In localized chronic inflammatory diseases, T‐cell cytokines released at localized sites of inflammation may be the driving force for differentiation of local mesenchymal stromal cells into the osteoblast phenotype thereby playing a significant role in the heterotopic ossification observed in these diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 706–714, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repression of transcription by TSGA/Jmjd1a, a novel interaction partner of the ETS protein ER71
Authors: Knebel Julia , De Haro Luciano , Janknecht Ralf
Published: April 2006

Testis‐specific gene A (TSGA) was originally identified in rat and shown to be expressed within the testes. Here, we have cloned the murine homolog [also known as jumonji domain‐containing 1a (Jmjd1a)] and for the first time characterized the TSGA protein and its functions. Although murine TSGA is expressed in testes, its mRNA is also present in many other tissues, including heart, thymus, liver, and skin. Immunostaining revealed that TSGA is a nuclear protein, whose N‐terminus contains a putative nuclear localization signal. TSGA displays significant homology to a suspected tumor suppressor and coactivator (5qNCA), to a thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein (TRIP8) and to the corepressor Hairless, pointing at a role of TSGA in transcription regulation. Indeed, TSGA contains several functional transcription repression domains. In addition, TSGA interacts both in vitro and in vivo with ER71 (ETS related 71), a transcription factor that is expressed in the testes of adult mice and during embryogenesis. Specifically, the N‐terminus of TSGA and the C‐terminus of ER71 are primarily engaged in their complex formation. Furthermore, TSGA impairs the ability of ER71 to activate transcription from the matrix metalloproteinase‐1 promoter. Thus, TSGA may modulate the function of ER71 and thereby affect spermatogenesis as well as embryonic development. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm chemotaxis in marine invertebrates—molecules and mechanisms
Authors: Kaupp U.B. , Hildebrand E. , Weyand I.
Published: April 2006

Sperm are attracted by chemical substances which are released by the egg. This process is called chemotaxis. Several molecules that are involved in chemotactic signaling of sperm from marine invertebrates are described and a model of the signaling pathway is presented. We discuss the motor response during chemotaxis and propose a model of the navigation strategy of sperm. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 487–494, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FHL2 interacts with both ADAM‐17 and the cytoskeleton and regulates ADAM‐17 localization and activity
Authors: Canault Matthias , Tellier Edwige , Bonardo Bernadette , Mas Eric , Aumailley Monique , Juhan‐Vague Irène , Nalbone Gilles , Peiretti Franck
Published: April 2006

ADAM‐17 is a metalloprotease‐disintegrin responsible for the ectodomain shedding of several transmembrane proteins. Using the yeast two‐hybrid system, we showed that ADAM‐17 interacts with the Four and Half LIM domain 2 protein (FHL2), a LIM domain protein that is involved in multiple protein‐protein interaction. We demonstrated that this interaction involved the amino‐acid sequence of ADAM‐17 from position 721 to739. In the cardiomyoblast cells H9C2, ADAM‐17 and FHL2 colocalize with the actin‐based cytoskeleton and we showed that FHL2 binds both ADAM‐17 and the actin‐based cytoskeleton. We found that mainly the mature form of ADAM‐17 associates with the cytoskeleton, although the maturation of ADAM‐17 by furin is not necessary for its binding to the cytoskeleton. Interestingly, less ADAM‐17 was detected at the surface of wild‐type mouse macrophages compared to FHL2 deficient macrophages. However, wild‐type cells have a higher ability to release ADAM‐17 substrates under PMA stimulation. Altogether, these results demonstrate a physical and functional interaction between ADAM‐17 and FHL2 that implies that FHL2 has a role in the regulation of ADAM‐17. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 363–372, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isothermal frontal polymerization: Confirmation of the isothermal nature of the process and the effect of oxygen and polymer seed molecular weight on front propagation
Authors: Evstratova Svetlana I. , Antrim Daniel , Fillingane Chip , Pojman John A.
Published: April 2006

Isothermal frontal polymerization is a directional polymerization that utilizes the Norish‐Trommsdorff (gel) effect to produce optical gradient materials. When a solution of methyl methacrylate and thermal initiator contacts a polymer seed (a small piece of poly(methyl methacrylate), a viscous region is formed in which the polymerization rate is faster than in the bulk solution. We obtained definitive evidence of the isothermal nature of the process by placing thermocouples above the propagating front. Using the optical technique of laser line deflection (Weiner's method), we studied the front propagation to determine the induction period, and the maximum distance propagated as a function of the molecular weight of the seed. We determined that the polymer seed must have a minimum molecular weight to initiate a front. We also determined that oxygen would act as a bulk polymerization inhibitor and increase the front propagation distance, but after purging the monomer–initiator solution with oxygen for several hours, the distance was shortened. We ascribed this behavior to the formation of peroxy radicals from the slow decomposition of the initiator and subsequent reaction with oxygen. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3601–3608, 2006
Computational determination of the relative polarizabilities of molecular components
Authors: Jin Ping , Murray Jane S. , Politzer Peter
Published: April 2006

It is well known that the polarizabilities of both atoms and molecules correlate well with their volumes (V). We have shown in earlier work that these relationships can be further improved by including an inverse dependence on the average local ionization energy ($\bar{I}$S,ave) over the surface of the atom or molecule. We have recently suggested that this be extended to the components of molecules (atoms or groups) and that V/$\bar{I}$S,ave be viewed as a measure of their relative polarizabilities (α). We have now extended this approach computationally to a total of nine atoms and groups: F, Cl, Br, OH, SH, NH2, CH3, CN, and NO2. The transferability of $\bar{I}$S,ave, V, and V/$\bar{I}$S,ave for a given component from one molecule to another is analyzed in detail, and it is shown that components of molecules containing the nitro group are likely to have anomalously low polarizabilities. By converting our α to absolute αi via a correlation with Miller's values, we are able to predict the polarizabilities of a large number of molecules. The agreement with available experimental data is quite reasonable (average absolute difference = 0.23 A3), given the inevitable uncertainty associated with the concept of component properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Conformational studies on parathion
Authors: Ford‐Green Jason , Majumdar D. , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: April 2006

Theoretical conformational studies have been carried out at the density functional theory (DFT) level on parathion (O,O‐diethyl‐O‐p‐nitrophenyl phosphorothioate), to correlate the conformational properties of this molecule with its biological activity. Different conformers of parathion have been taken into account, and the accuracy of our theoretical approach has been gauged against the results of the second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation calculations. The aqueous solvation of these molecules has been studied at the DFT level, using a polarized continuum model (PCM) with a conductor‐like screening reaction field approach. The results show that parathion has high conformational flexibility in the gas phase, as well as in an aqueous medium, and the barriers to transition to different low‐energy conformers are thermally allowed. The molecular electrostatic potential surfaces of the various low‐energy conformers of this molecule have been compared with the related non‐aged enzyme‐bound organophosphorus structure to investigate the role of the calculated conformers on the biological activity of this molecule. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Comparative analysis of ArnCl2 (2 ≤ n ≤ 30) clusters taking into account molecular relaxation effects
Authors: Ferreira G. G. , Borges E. , Braga J. P. , Belchior J. C.
Published: April 2006

Cluster structures are discussed in a nonrigid analysis, using a modified minima search method based on stochastic processes and classical dynamics simulations. The relaxation process is taken into account considering the internal motion of the Cl2 molecule. Cluster structures are compared with previous works in which the Cl2 molecule is assumed to be rigid. The interactions are modeled using pair potentials: the Aziz and Lennard–Jones potentials for the ArAr interaction, a Morse potential for the ClCl interaction, and a fully spherical/anisotropic Morse–Spline–van der Waals (MSV) potential for the ArCl interaction. As expected, all calculated energies are lower than those obtained in a rigid approximation; one reason may be attributed to the nonrigid contributions of the internal motion of the Cl2 molecule. Finally, the growing processes in molecular clusters are discussed, and it is pointed out that the growing mechanism can be affected due to the nonrigid initial conditions of smaller clusters such as ArnCl2 (n ≤ 4 or 5), which are seeds for higher‐order clusters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Polaron stability under collision with different defects in conjugated polymers
Authors: Lima Matheus Paes , e Silva Geraldo Magela
Published: April 2006

Polarons are charge carriers generated by doping or photo‐excitation in conjugated polymers. The dynamics of polaron–soliton and polaron–bipolaron collisions in conjugated polymers is numerically studied using the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model extended to include an external electric field, Coulomb interactions, and impurities interactions. The time‐dependent unrestricted Hartree–Fock approximation is considered. The stability of polarons determines whether the charge transport by these structural defects are modified under these collisions. An energetic analysis determines whether the energy levels associated with solitons, polarons, and bipolarons change with collisions. We show that these structural defects have great stability in collisions. The bipolaron mobility does not change under polaron–bipolaron collisions. In contrast, we find that there is a great exchange of linear momentum in the collisions between solitons and polarons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Evolution of an international joint venture: The case of a French‐Brazilian joint venture
Authors: Prevot Frèdèric , Meschi Pierre‐Xavier
Published: April 2006

Considering the situation of low performance of joint ventures, a certain number of studies have concluded that there is a close relationship between the initial conditions of creation of joint ventures and their success or failure. Nevertheless, other explanatory factors can be identified through dynamic analysis of the joint venture. For this purpose, on the basis of the case of the Franco‐Brazilian Algar‐Bull joint venture in the information technology sector, from its creation in 1983 to its dissolution in 1998, the aim of our research is to study the influence of external evolution processes ( partners' adaptive strategies and changes in environmental constraints) on the success or failure of a joint venture. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An exploratory case study of hotel e‐marketing in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Bui Tung X. , Le Truc , Jones Wayne D.
Published: April 2006

Many developing countries have made tourism their top national priority for economic development, and e‐tourism is being promoted due to its relatively low start‐up costs and its high potential to attract foreign capital. However, with a low overall level of e‐readiness, deploying e‐tourism is a rather overwhelming endeavor. This article presents a case study that uses extensive field data collection to assess the effectiveness of Web technology in promoting tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This city was selected because its tourism industry has been recognized for making a concerted effort to target foreign visitors and its hotels have been among the most important adopters of e‐commerce in the country. This study assists in better understanding the opportunities, challenges, and guidance necessary for e‐tourism to be effective in developing economies. Most interestingly, e‐commerce—intended to be the enabler of a seamless, highly competitive economy—can be a key competitive advantage for those who use it effectively in a less than perfect e‐market. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Banking on global success: Internationalization strategy and its limitations (the case of Allied Irish Banks)
Authors: Lawton Thomas C. , Harrington Denis G.
Published: April 2006

This article explores the choices and challenges facing Ireland's leading financial services corporation, Allied Irish Banks (AIB), in its strategy for international market growth. It begins with an examination of the company's internationalization strategies within the global banking context. It then considers the limitations of international market expansion and transnational management control for a company with low brand recognition outside of its home market and limited experience of international operations. Finally, it elaborates on the strategic challenges that face the organization and reflects on the lessons for other midsized international companies competing in consolidating, globalized industries.© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social Class, Race, and Ethnicity: Career Interventions for Women Domestic Violence Survivors
Authors: Chronister Krista M.
Published: April 2006

This story describes a community intervention study conducted with women domestic violence survivors and a research dilemma related to the complex interrelationships between women's social class, race and ethnicity, and career development needs and experiences. The author presents diversity and research dilemmas related to facilitating women's critical consciousness of power dynamics at work in their lives. The influence of community context, career intervention curricula, and research team members' values on research decisions are described. This story highlights the importance of researchers examining their values and how those values impact the communities that they serve.
1979 and All That: Periodization in Postwar British Theatre History
Authors: Gibson Melissa Dana
Published: April 2006

Until recently, postwar British theatre history was shaped and bounded by a very stable periodization that located its origin in the premiere of John Osborne's Look Back in Anger at the Royal Court Theatre on 8 May 1956. As the story goes, the new kind of theatre ushered in by the Revolution of 1956 at the Royal Court grew more politicized with a second revolution, the birth of the alternative, or Fringe, theatre in 1968. Ultimately that revolutionary fervor was crushed by the conservative cultural and economic policies of Margaret Thatcher, who was elected prime minister in 1979. Contained within this history are many elements not directly related to the 1956|1968|1979 period markers; however this revolution model and its tripartite division of the era affected the conceptualization and positioning of all events within postwar theatre history.
Writing the History of an Alternative-Theatre Company: Mythology and the Last Years of Joint Stock
Authors: Freeman Sara
Published: April 2006

The work of Joint Stock Theatre Company is the stuff of alternative theatre mythology. A self-defined socialist company that premiered plays like David Hare's Fanshen and Caryl Churchill's Cloud Nine, the group is known as one of Britain's most enduringly innovative alternative-theatre groups, in part because of those playwrights' success, in part because of such famous actors and directors as Max Stafford-Clark and Bill Gaskill, whose visions forged the group. But the history of Joint Stock's final years is not well known, despite the existence of a company history, The Joint Stock Book. Although it might seem that the group lost touch with its artistic imperative after 1985 and that it closed amid the generally harsh climate for alternative theatre created by the arts-funding policies of the conservative government of Margaret Thatcher (in office during 1979–90), that is not entirely true. Reorganized in 1985–6 to maximize racial and gender parity in the company, Joint Stock produced significant work and traversed important cultural and political terrain until 1989, when it closed both because of lost funding and because of the decisions of individual artists.