bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Timely Prophet? The Doomsday Clock as a Visualization of Securitization Moves with a Global Referent Object
Authors: Vuori Juha A.
Published: June 2010

There have been numerous calls to include images in the analysis of securitization and the social construction of security issues. The present article answers these calls by examining a longstanding process of securitization in which speech acts have been interwoven with a powerful symbol. Looking into the past and a visualization of possible futures, the article traces the resets of the so-called Doomsday Clock of the Atomic Scientists as securitization/desecuritization moves with a global referent object. While the Scientists’ securitization arguments have pleaded to rationality, the symbol of the Clock has worked to evoke people’s sensibilities. The article reasons that while images and symbols can facilitate, or impede, securitization moves, it is difficult to fathom how images, without anchorage, could bring about securitization that would not have been institutionalized previously.
Playing with numbers
Authors: McLoughlin Caroline
Published: June 2010

This ethnographic examination of practices of quantification among competitive recreational runners focuses particularly on New York City-based writers and the [ING] New York Marathon. Precision timing, race management, differing conceptions of time, time-based training practices, and the publication, exchanges, and circulation of times, as well as meanings attached thereto, are discussed. Numbers allow for competition to take place and personal meanings to be embedded in mass participation athletics by representing and structuring the experience of the individual runner as a unique set of events within a mass context. This abstraction further extends comparison to other bodies, in other races, on other courses. In contrast to many popular understandings of numbers in social life, number, with its status as empirical data, here emerges as a locus of pleasure and play, even as it remains an index and icon of seriousness and work.
Some qualitative mathematics in China
Authors: Stafford Charles
Published: June 2010

In this article, inspired by Lévi-Strauss’s comments on ‘qualitative mathematics’, I outline some features of Chinese cultural practices related to number and quantification. More specifically, I note that Chinese numerological practices are embedded in a more generally ‘structuralist’ and mathematical way of conceiving experience; that taken together they comprise a loose, and even ‘creative’ (rather than precise/rationalistic) type of life-accounting; and that number use in China is often emotionally loaded.
Sick currencies and public numbers
Authors: Neiburg Federico
Published: June 2010

Focusing on the empirical cases of Brazilian and Argentinean sick currencies (attacked by inflation), this article explore the processes of public denaturalization of currency value, as a contribution to the anthropology of numbers and money. Situated on the border between the anthropology of science (economics) and the anthropology of monetary cultures, the article looks at one of the main devices created by specialists to ‘measure and cure’ inflation (index numbers) as a true cultural device. The aim is to outline the social and cultural meanings of money and index numbers through an analysis of the interconnections between academic and everyday monetary (and number) ideas and practices.
Sociocultural anthropology’s encounters with large public data sets
Authors: Bledsoe Caroline H.
Published: June 2010

This article asks how socioculturally inspired questions can be illuminated by exploiting large demographic data sets. Focusing on people represented in the annually updated Spanish Municipal Register (the Padrón Municipal) who report themselves as citizens of countries outside Spain, it treats demographic numbers as texts that can speak to us as plainly as words about something as challenging as the dynamics of identity and belonging.
Notes on providing a formal definition of equivalence
Authors: Martino Gabrielle
Published: June 2010

This paper presents an outline of the definition of equivalence in mathematics. The supporting language of set theory is informally presented. Definitions are provided for Cartesian product, relation and equivalence relation. Equivalence classes and partitions are touched on, though they are not developed in detail. The exposition is presented with brief examples which are drawn from the world of numbers, objects and people in order to illuminate the definitions. The examples are not belabored or complete; the intent is to provoke thinking about the process of creating the definitions that are necessary to impose the formal structures of mathematics.
Math lessons from Liberia
Authors: Lave Jean
Published: June 2010

Over five years of ethnographic research in Monrovia, Liberia (1973—8), I was engaged in research in a mud-pathed alley at the edge of the commercial district, lined with 20 shacks, housing 100 Vai and Gola tailors, their treadle sewing machines, and 150 apprentices. Given the variety of relations math entered into during the course of the tailors’ lives, it became increasingly important to explore what it might mean to understand Vai and Gola tailoring lives in their quantitatively practiced aspects. At the same time an inquiry into math in Vai and Gola tailor shops was part of a struggle I take to be fundamental to anthropology to confront and make more starkly clear our own (high-)cultural premises and commitments as part of our craft of inquiry. Very briefly, this is an account of a struggle to comprehend situated mathematical practice through critical ethnographic practice.
Husserl, intersubjectivity and anthropology
Authors: Duranti Alessandro
Published: June 2010

In this article, the notion of intersubjectivity is re-examined by going back to its original formulation by the philosopher Edmund Husserl at the beginning of the 20th century. On the basis of a careful reading of Husserl’s books and lecture notes, four claims are put forward that help clarify in what sense intersubjectivity is a broader and more fundamental notion than currently assumed in the social sciences. In particular, it is argued that for Husserl intersubjectivity is more than shared or mutual understanding and is closer to the notion of the possibility of being in the place where the Other is. Furthermore, intersubjectivity is the source of objectivity and not always or necessarily something to be achieved or negotiated through verbal communication or other means. In fact, in its most basic sense, Husserlian intersubjectivity includes a mode of participation in the natural and material world that does not even require an immediately perceivable human presence. Following this discussion, it is suggested that the full range of meanings of intersubjectivity found in Husserl’s writings can be used as the basis for a study of the human condition that has a chance to unite all subfields of anthropology as practiced in the US. With this goal in mind, six related but distinct domains of intersubjectivity are proposed.
Endoluminal Control of the Inferior Vena Cava During Resection of a Level III Tumor Thrombus Associated With Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kanka Kristin C. , Tabibian Leila , Alexander Jason
Published: June 2010

Removal of tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) associated with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents a surgical challenge. Traditional techniques for vena caval control and thrombectomy for level III and IV thrombi require considerable added surgical morbidity. We present a case employing an endoluminal approach using balloon occlusion for vascular control and subsequent tumor resection. We also review other minimally invasive techniques described recently in the literature and compare these techniques with our own.
Review: Soluble innate immune pattern-recognition proteins for clearing dying cells and cellular components: implications on exacerbating or resolving inflammation
Authors: Litvack Michael L. , Palaniyar Nades
Published: June 2010

Soluble innate immune pattern-recognition proteins (sPRPs) identify non-self or altered-self molecular patterns. Dying cells often display altered-self arrays of molecules on their surfaces. Hence, sPRPs are ideal for recognizing these cells and their components. Dying cell surfaces often contain, or allow the access to different lipids, intracellular glycoproteins and nucleic acids such as DNA at different stages of cell death. These are considered as ‘eat me’ signals that replace the native ‘don’t eat me’ signals such as CD31, CD47 present on the live cells. A programmed cell death process such as apoptosis also generates cell surface blebs that contain intracellular components. These blebs are easily released for effective clearance or signalling. During late stages of cell death, soluble components are also released that act as ‘find me’ signal (e.g. LysoPC, nucleotides). The sPRPs such as collectins, ficolins, pentraxins, sCD14, MFG-E8, natural IgM and C1q can effectively identify some of these specific molecular patterns. The biological end-point is different depending on sPRP, tissue, stage of apoptosis and the type of cell death. The sPRPs that reside in the immune-privileged surfaces such as lungs often act as opsonins and enhance a silent clearance of dying cells and cellular material by macrophages and other phagocytic cells. Although the recognition of these materials by complement-activating proteins could amplify the opsonic signal, this pathway may aggravate inflammation. Clear understanding of the involvement of specific sPRPs in cell death and subsequent clearance of dying cell and their components is essential for devising appropriate treatment strategies for diseases involving infection, inflammation and auto-antibody generation.
PPARγ as a potential therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sutliff Roy L. , Kang Bum-Yong , Hart C. Michael
Published: June 2010

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder of the pulmonary circulation associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathobiology of PH involves a complex series of derangements causing endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction and abnormal proliferation of pulmonary vascular wall cells that lead to increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure. Recent evidence indicates that the ligand-activated transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) can have a favorable impact on a variety of pathways involved in the pathogenesis of PH. This review summarizes PPARγ biology and the emerging evidence that therapies designed to activate this receptor may provide novel approaches to the treatment of PH. Mediators of PH that are regulated by PPARγ are reviewed to provide insights into potential mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of PPARγ ligands in PH.
Emerging therapies in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Anderson Paula
Published: June 2010

The life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a lethal inherited disease, has been greatly extended by advances in therapy. Currently, there are a number of potential drugs for treatment of CF lung disease in clinical trials. These therapies are targeted at all points in the pathogenesis of lung disease, from gene transfer to drugs that treat mucus, infection and inflammation in the airways. An exciting development is that of modulation of the abnormal protein that causes CF, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), where drugs are targeted at specific defects in CFTR transcription, processing or functioning. Inhaled therapies are being developed to augment airway surface liquid height, either by modulating the abnormal ion channel function in the airway epithelial cell or by rehydrating with osmotic agents. Anti-inflammatory therapy is also of great interest in CF and there are several candidate drugs in clinical trials. A number of antibacterial agents formulated for inhalation are at various stages of study or newly approved, which should improve options for chronic management of airway infection. Hopefully, many of these potential therapies will come to market and will further extend the life expectancy of people with CF.
Reaction of Thiochamphor with Disulfur Dichloride: Novel Formation of α-Disulfine
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Tsubota Toshiaki , Tabuchi Miki , Kanto Masayuki , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Shioji Kosei , Yokomori Yoshinobu
Published: June 2010

Reaction of thiocamphor with disulfur dichloride afforded six- and seven-membered tricyclic polysulfanes, which were oxidized by m-CPBA to afford bicyclic (E,E)-α-disulfine stereoselectively. Reaction of α-disulfine with the Lawesson reagent afforded tetrasulfane in 70% yield.
A New Pyridyloxadiazole Incorporated Acridone Offering Selective Optical Detection of Fluoride
Authors: Mashraqui Sabir H , Tripathi Sapna , Betkar Rupesh , Chandiramani Mukesh
Published: June 2010

An acridone-based receptor, Acridox-P, offers sensitive and selective detection of F− by means of color change from yellow to orange and emission switch-on response. Other anions, AcO−, Cl−, Br−, I−, NO3−, SCN−, and HSO4− revealed none or at best weak optical perturbation even at 10-fold higher concentration. The N–H deprotonation is supported by 1H NMR and the detection limit is 1.93 × 10−7 mol L−1.
Chemical Synthesis of Silver Nanowires Using N,N-Dimethyldodecylamine Oxide
Authors: Matsune Hideki , Kuramitsu Yudai , Takenaka Sakae , Kishida Masahiro
Published: June 2010

This paper describes a new approach for the synthesis of uniform silver nanowires (AgNWs) using zwitterionic amphiphile, N,N-dimethyldodecylamine oxide (DDAO). Heating of AgCl and DDAO in the presence of silver nanoparticles at 135 °C for 3 h produces longer AgNWs. The DDAO serves as a source of both a reducing and capping agent in the process.
[2 + 2 + 1] Cycloaddition between Alkynes, Acrylates, and Titanocene(II): Regioselective Formation of 5-Alkoxycarbonyltitanacyclopent-2-enes and Their Addition to Carbonyls
Authors: Oishi Shigeki , Ohomika Kaoru , Tsubouchi Akira , Takeda Takeshi
Published: June 2010

5-Alkoxycarbonyltitanacyclopent-2-enes were produced regioselectively by the [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition between alkynes, acrylates, and titanocene(II) reagent Cp2Ti[P(OEt)3]2. Although the titanacycles were inactive toward carbonyl compounds, their addition proceeded in the presence of titanocene(II).
Synthesis of MTW-type Zeolites in the Absence of Organic Structure-directing Agent
Authors: Iyoki Kenta , Kamimura Yoshihiro , Itabashi Keiji , Shimojima Atsushi , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: June 2010

The synthesis of MTW-type aluminosilicate zeolites in the absence of organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs) was successfully attained by the addition of calcined ZSM-12 seeds to (Li, Na)-aluminosilicate gels. In this system, Li cation plays a crucial role in the growth of the MTW crystals.
Design of a SNARF-based Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Esterase
Authors: Nakata Eiji , Yukimachi Yoshihiro , Nazumi Yoshijiro , Uto Yoshihiro , Hashimoto Toshihiro , Okamoto Yasuko , Hori Hitoshi
Published: June 2010

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe for esterase has been developed based on the SNARF scaffold. The new SNARF derivative was used to monitor the activity of porcine liver esterase by ratiometric emission spectrum change.
Amniotic fluid α-fetoprotein microheterogeneity in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital disorders of glycosylation type Ia
Authors: Marklová Eliška , Albahri Ziad
Published: June 2010

Background: Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a group of clinically and biochemically diverse defects. The current screening method (based on analysis of transferrin), which is used postnatally for the most frequent types, is however not suitable for prenatal diagnosis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether alterations in the microheterogeneity of α-fetoprotein would provide more reliable results.

Methods: During the 14th–19th weeks of gestation, 140 amniotic fluid samples were obtained by amniocentesis and tested for fetal developmental abnormalities. α-Fetoprotein was analyzed using isoelectric focusing on Immobiline DryPlate pH 4–7, rehydrated in urea (8 mol/L), and molecular forms of the glycoprotein were detected by immunofixation and silver staining.

Results: A difference in the relative proportion of individual α-fetoprotein bands (particularly increase of band II density) was found in a case where a congenital disorder of glycosylation was diagnosed postnatally, and in two other samples from pregnancies which resulted in termination, without further examination.

Conclusions: Our potential for further testing is limited; thus far, no other congenital disorders of glycosylation-positive samples have been available. Verification of our results in another laboratory with the exclusion of several potentially pertinent variables is advisable.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1281–5.
Sermo and Stoic Sociality in Cicero's De Officiis
Authors: Kennerly Michele
Published: June 2010

In his avowedly Stoic De Officiis, Cicero publicizes the persuasive power of a conversational manner, a communicative style consonant with Stoicism's emphasis on human togetherness. The relationships between and among conversation (sermo), Stoicism, and rhetoric call for scrutiny, especially since in other works Cicero decries the uselessness of Stoicism to orators of res publica. By connecting Stoicism with sermo, and sermo with oratory-glory, Cicero fits Stoicism to Rome's political contours and also ushers future leaders of public affairs into both rhetorical and philosophical conversation—mild-mannered modes of discourse—during a politically turbulent time.
L'eros nelle declamazioni latine (una pozione di contro-amore)
Authors: Calboli Gualtiero
Published: June 2010

Eros appears frequently in the four groups of Latin declamations, but two of the 19 major declamations are particularly interesting in this regard. In declamation XIV a meretrix gives her lover a hate potion and is accused of poisoning. In declamation XV we have the defense of the meretrix. These two declamations are interesting also because, together with declamations XVIII and XIX, they are the only ones which have accusation and defense, exploring similar arguments.
Gendered Sexuality over the Life Course: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Carpenter Laura M.
Published: June 2010

Despite increasing interest in gendered sexuality over the life course, a comprehensive conceptual model, applicable to all aspects of sexual life and incorporating recent developments in life course sociology, feminist theory, and sexuality studies, has yet to be elaborated. The model presented here posits that sexual beliefs and behaviors result from individuals' lifelong accumulation of advantageous and disadvantageous experiences, and adoption/rejection of sexual scripts, within socio-historical contexts. Women and men follow distinctive sexual trajectories insofar as they accrue gender-specific experiences and scripts and as their sexuality and gender trajectories intertwine. Empirical examples include virginity loss and involuntary celibacy, (de)coupling, and chronic illness/disability. The proposed framework helps explain the coexistence of differences and similarities among individuals and cohorts and holds particular promise for studying lifelong aspects of sexuality like agency and interest. It also suggests improvements on interactionist theory, conventional life course models, and the sexual scripting approach.
What Does “White” Mean? Interpreting the Choice of “Race” by Mixed Race Young People in Britain
Authors: Song Miri , Hashem Ferhana
Published: June 2010

Despite the often cited idea that racial identities are socially constructed, and potentially fluid, much public policy is still based on surveys that elicit only one measure of racial identity. A number of U.S. studies have employed “best single race” questions on racial identification, in which multiracial respondents are asked to choose only one race to describe themselves. We extend some American studies by examining responses to a “best single race” survey question posed to a small sample of multiracial young people in Britain. In-depth interviews with British multiracial respondents are employed to investigate the extent to which a “best single race” (BSR) question captures someone's sense of attachment and belonging to a particular ethnic or racial group. In particular, we focus on how we should interpret East Asian/white respondents' choice of “white” as their BSR.
Sufism, Spirituality and Sustainability / Rethinking Islamic Mysticism through Contemporary Sociology
Authors: Akman Kubilay
Published: June 2010

People are looking for therapeutic ways to deal with the damaging rhythms and handicaps of modern life styles which threaten the physical, social and psychological endurance of human-beings. Reconsideration of "old" philosophies, ancient wisdom and spiritual/mystical paths in a contemporary context was among the solutions that were launched to overwhelm the modern sense of alienation in the second half of 20th Century and this tendency is still going on nowadays no comma at the first decade of 21st Century. Sufism has been one of the traditions from which modern individuals expected answers to their ontological dilemmas produced in daily life by the society, social relations, media and finally by themselves. The purpose of this paper is to discuss sociologically whether Sufism, the mystical, peaceful and tolerant way of Islam could be an answer to the social problems of modern societies. What is the social alternative of Sufi traditions regarding the contemporary issues such as: social and technological alienation, sustainable development and environmental/ecological crisis? This paper is an attempt to emphasize the possibilities of Sufism beyond spirituality, with a discussion based on the sociological conception of the subject.
An African version of the Taliban? The Islamic Courts Union in Somalia (2006) and the Taliban Afghanistan (1996)
Authors: Mantzikos Ioannis
Published: June 2010

This paper seeks to analyze the dynamics of state collapse in Somalia and Afghanistan and the extent to which the emergence of the Taliban and the UIC was a local Islamist response rather than a reinforcement of foreign jihad and foreign terrorists. This paper argues that the rise of the new religious movements was created from a warrior culture that nurtured the dynamic force to mobilize society in a very rapid and swift way. This rapid mobilization changed the traditional formation of people and mobilized societies into different social and political structures as well as a greater vulnerability among the faithful to calls for extremist action.
A Mystery of Revelation: ‘Caedmon’s Hymn’ and the Quran
Authors: Monette Connell
Published: June 2010

This article examines (as an analogous pair) the narrative in Venerable Bede’s account of ‘Caedmon’s Hymn’, and in Ibn Hisham’s account of the Prophet’s first revelation at Mt Hira (Q 96:1-5). The author examines their respective manuscript traditions, their general narrative structures, and the issue of thematic or formulaic parallels in the angelic revelations themselves. The essay concludes with a discussion of the problems in assigning possible explanations for the analogous traditions.
Avicenna's Conception of Problematic Identity
Authors: Younesie Mostafa
Published: June 2010

Identity is one of the eternal issues for every conscious human beings. Thus it is possible that every scholar and discipline from its specific perspective explore this subject. Here we will examine Avicenna's conception of human identity on the basis of substance as a universal category that is not devoid of particular dimension. But for this connection a heuristic concept named paiwand (in philosophical meaning) is needed and in other words has to mediate.
Melkites, Mutakallim?n and al-Ma’m?n: Depicting the Religious Other in Medieval Arabic Dialogues
Authors: Bertaina David
Published: June 2010

The article describes a literary dialogue said to have occurred in 829/214 between the Arab Melkite Christian bishop Theodore Ab? Qurra, several Muslim scholars, and the caliph al-Ma’m?n. The text contains two types of dialogue: Ab? Qurra versus the Muslim scholars and Ab? Qurra with al-Ma’m?n. The former is distinguished by its antagonism on both sides, while the latter is noted for its polite discourse. The evidence indicates that the Muslim caliph al-Ma’m?n held an admired place in the Melkite Christian community’s memory. The author’s analysis concludes that the dialogue presupposes Christian Arab identity was integrated into the dominant Islamic culture in a symbiotic relationship that recognized the reality of religious pluralism and disparate truth claims. The author also argues that the text placed value on the dialogical approach as a process of identity formation by constructing boundaries with religious others while simultaneously internalizing these other religious worldviews.
Islam and War: Tradition versus Modernity
Authors: Spoerl Joseph S
Published: June 2010

Islamic thinking on war divides roughly into two main schools, classical and modern. The classical (or medieval) view commands offensive war to spread Islamic rule ultimately across the entire world. The modernist view, predominant since the nineteenth century, limits war to defensive aims only. This paper compares the views of two important Muslim scholars, the classical scholar Ibn Ishaq (d. 767) and the modernist scholar Mahmud Shaltut (d. 1963). This comparison reveals that the modernist project of rethinking the Islamic law of war is a promising though as-yet-unfinished project that can benefit from the insights of Western scholars applying the historical-critical method to the study of early Islamic sources.
Islam, Democracy and the State in Algeria, Lessons for the Western Mediterranean and Beyond, Michael Bonner et al (eds) and The Political Thought of Ayatullah Murtaza Mutahhari: An Iranian Theoretician of the Islamic State. Mahmood T. Davari
Authors: Jawad Haifaa
Published: June 2010

Islam, Democracy and the State in Algeria, Lessons for the Western Mediterranean and Beyond, edited by Michael Bonner, Megan Reif and Mark Tessler, Routledge, 2005. Hb. pp., 232. ISBN-13: 9780415348294.

The Political Thought of Ayatullah Murtaza Mutahhari: An Iranian Theoretician of the Islamic State, by Mahmood T. Davari. Routledge. 2005, Hb. 216 pp., $180.00, ISBN-13: 9780415341592; Pb. 2009, Pb. $35.96,

201 pp., ISBN-13: 9780415573504.
The Changing Faces of the Terror of Cultism in Nigerian Society: An Islamic Perspective
Authors: Kilani Abdulrazaq
Published: June 2010

The menace of cultism in Nigeria society in general and our educational institutions in particular has reached an alarming stage that requires affirmative actions from all stakeholders. The scourge of cultism has claimed many lives of our youths and no serious authority can fold its arms and allow it to continue. It appears that the various efforts at curbing the menace have yielded no result. The corruption in most facets of our national life has finally subdued the educational institutions, which used to be the pride of place in the past. Most families are astonished to find out that children sent to school to learn and become better human beings in the society have initiated themselves into cult groups. The emergency of secret cultism has been characterized by some violent activities which include, physical torture of new recruits, maiming and killing of rival cult members and elimination of real and perceived enemies. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups with 36 states and one federal territory (Abuja). There are three major religions namely Islam (50%), Christianity (40%), and Africa Indigenous Religions (10%). The effect of globalization is also making other new religious movements to be making inroads into Nigeria. Nigeria has a population of about 141 million people (2006 census). Nigeria which is rich in both human and material resources is a country that is facing a lot of developmental challenges in almost all sectors due to poor leadership. The menace of cultism especially among youths and some influential people in the society represents one of the distortion facing the popular ‘giant’ of Africa. The aim of this chapter is to bring into the fore the menace of cultism in modern Nigeria as a brand of terrorism mind not the fact that there are even religious cults in both the developed and developing societies. The paper also adopted an Islamic lens to provide an analysis of the terror of cultism in contemporary Nigeria.
In Honor of W.E. Moerner: Confining Molecules for Single‐Molecule Spectroscopy
Authors: Cohen Adam E. , Fields Alexander P. , Hou Jennifer H. , Leslie Sabrina R. , Shon Min Ju
Published: June 2010

Single‐molecule spectroscopy provides a wealth of information on the dynamics and interactions of complex biological molecules. Yet these measurements are extremely challenging, partly because Brownian motion prevents molecules in free solution from remaining stationary. Here we describe several techniques that our lab has developed for confining single molecules for optical spectroscopy. These alternatives to surface immobilization provide confinement that is gentle enough to minimize perturbations to the molecule, but strong enough to allow long‐time imaging of single fluorescent molecules, often in the presence of a high fluorescent background.
Studies of Single Molecules in their Natural Form
Authors: Lindner Moshe , Nir Guy , Dietrich Heidelinde R.C. , Young Ian T. , Tauber Elad , Bronshtein I. , Altman Liat , Garini Yuval
Published: June 2010

Single molecule studies make possible the characterization of molecular processes and the identification of biophysical sub‐populations that are not accessible through ensemble studies. We describe tethered particle motion, a method that allows one to study single molecules in their natural form without having to apply any external forces. The method combines darkfield microscopy with a metal nano‐bead. It permits the study of the biophysical properties of the tethered particles, as well as protein–DNA interactions. The method is not suitable for in vivo studies, and we therefore describe two other methods that are appropriate for live‐cell imaging
Three‐dimensional Flow Mapping in Microfluidic Channels with Widefield Cross‐correlation Microscopy
Authors: Nicovich Philip R. , Dickson Robert M.
Published: June 2010

Widefield cross‐correlation microscopy enables large area measurements of flow vectors in microfluidic devices. Extending fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy, all points within each image give flow maps from image stacks acquired on a spinning‐disk confocal microscope. The greater noise tolerance and efficient data collection for large volumes of interest enable even motion of single antibodies to be measured. A three‐dimensional flow map for a typical microfluidic channel is evaluated, yielding full flow vector information. The method presented is general towards the input data, so applications concerning not only flow in microstructures, but biological transport and other microscopic motion phenomena are possible.
Electronic Excitation Energy Transfer in Multichromophoric Assemblies: A Single Molecule Insight
Authors: Basché Thomas
Published: June 2010

In recent years, single molecule spectroscopy has provided novel insights into the fundamentals of electronic excitation energy transfer in molecular aggregates. In order of increasing structural complexity, we have studied simple molecular dimers and multichromophoric dendrimers. It will be shown that the combination of frequency‐selective single molecule spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy at 1.4 K is a unique tool to study energy transfer processes in these systems. In particular, from the line widths of single molecule excitation spectra, rate constants of energy transfer can be deduced directly. A detailed analysis shows that, for several cases, the mechanism of energy transfer cannot be described by the simple Förster model (dipole–dipole coupling). Furthermore, novel experiments with dual color pulsed excitation are discussed which allow for controlling the excitation energy flow in individual molecular dimers.
The Orientation Factor in Single‐Molecule Förster‐Type Resonance Energy Transfer, with Examples for Conformational Transitions in Proteins
Authors: Yang Haw
Published: June 2010

Incertitude in the orientation factor, κ2, in Förster‐type resonance energy transfer (FRET) has thus far hindered the evaluation of donor–acceptor distances in single‐molecule measurements. In part, the confusion arises from directly applying ideas developed for ensemble‐averaged experiments. By carefully considering the fundamental difference between single‐molecule and bulk measurements, it is shown that, regardless of the excited‐state lifetime of the chromophores, the idealized value of 2/3 is a very good approximation (within 10% relative error) for a broad range of parameter space for single‐molecule FRET applications. Implications for interpreting and designing single‐molecule FRET experiments are also discussed.
Stochasticity in Gene Expression as Observed by Single‐molecule Experiments in Live Cells
Authors: Friedman Nir , Cai Long , Xie X. Sunney
Published: June 2010

The process of gene expression has two seemingly opposite characteristics: it is highly regulated on one hand, but on the other hand it is inherently random, due to the low copy number of molecules involved. Recent advances in detection techniques allow for direct observations of stochastic molecular events in live cells, with single molecule sensitivity. Here we describe the main methods used for dynamic single molecule detection of mRNA and protein production in live cells. Random bursts of protein production were observed, as well as of mRNA production in some cases. In all experiments to date, bursts occur at random times and the number of molecules per burst is exponentially distributed. We discuss these results using a theoretical model which relates the dynamic process of protein production in bursts to the distribution of protein levels in a population of cells. We propose the gamma distribution as a useful tool for analysis of protein level distributions, both in and out of steady‐state. This model can provide quantitative information on the dynamic parameters describing protein production based on measured distributions of protein levels in populations of cells, which are much easier to obtain than dynamic data.
Respostas fenológicas de cultivares brasileiras de trigo à vernalização e ao fotoperíodo
Authors: Ribeiro Tanaka Lima Parreira , Cunha Gilberto Rocca da , Pires João Leonardo Fernandes , Pasinato Aldemir
Published: June 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes combinações de vernalização e fotoperíodo no desenvolvimento de cinco cultivares brasileiras de trigo. O experimento foi realizado em Passo Fundo, RS, em três épocas de semeadura: 23/6, 25/7 e 27/8 de 2003. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subsubdivididas e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de: três regimes fotoperiódicos - fotoperíodo natural (FN), fotoperíodo estendido em quatro horas (FE 4) e fotoperíodo estendido até completar vinte horas de luz (FE 20) - locados na parcela principal; dois regimes de vernalização - não vernalizado (NV) e vernalizado com 30 dias (V) -, na subparcela; e cinco cultivares de trigo - BRS 179, BRS 194, BRS 207, BRS Figueira e BRS Umbu, avaliadas nas subsubparcelas. Houve interação entre fotoperíodo e cultivar (semeadura em 23/6), e todas as cultivares tiveram o ciclo reduzido com o aumento do fotoperíodo, enquanto nas plantas com épocas de semeadura 25/7 e 27/8, houve interação entre fotoperíodo e cultivar e entre vernalização e cultivar. Essas variáveis aceleraram o ciclo de desenvolvimento da cultura e interferiram na duração dos subperíodos importantes para a formação dos componentes do rendimento de grãos.
Análise AMMI com dados imputados em experimentos de interação genótipo x ambiente de algodão
Authors: Arciniegas-Alarcón Sergio , Dias Carlos Tadeu dos Santos
Published: June 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a conveniência de definir o número de componentes multiplicativos dos modelos de efeitos principais aditivos com interação multiplicativa (AMMI) em experimentos de interações genótipo x ambiente de algodão com dados imputados ou desbalanceados. Um estudo de simulação foi realizado com base em uma matriz de dados reais de produtividade de algodão em caroço, obtidos em ensaios de interação genótipo x ambiente, conduzidos com 15 cultivares em 27 locais no Brasil. A simulação foi feita com retiradas aleatórias de 10, 20 e 30% dos dados. O número ótimo de componentes multiplicativos para o modelo AMMI foi determinado usando o teste de Cornelius e o teste de razão de verossimilhança sobre as matrizes completadas por imputação. Para testar as hipóteses, quando a análise é feita a partir de médias e não são disponibilizadas as repetições, foi proposta uma correção com base nas observações ausentes no teste de Cornelius. Para a imputação de dados, foram considerados métodos usando submodelos robustos, mínimos quadrados alternados e imputação múltipla. Na análise de experimentos desbalanceados, é recomendável escolher o número de componentes multiplicativos do modelo AMMI somente a partir da informação observada e fazer a estimação clássica dos parâmetros com base nas matrizes completadas por imputação.
Agronomical and molecular characterization of banana germplasm
Authors: Mattos Lorenna Alves , Amorim Edson Perito , Amorim Vanusia Batista de Oliveira , Cohen Kelly de Oliveira , Ledo Carlos Alberto da Silva , Silva Sebastião de Oliveira e
Published: June 2010

The objective of the present work was to characterize banana accessions from the Germplasm Bank at Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura Tropical (Brazil), using agronomical, physical and physicochemical characteristics of fruit and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Twenty-six accessions were analyzed, in which high genetic variability was found, especially for the agronomical characters number of fruit and weight of bunch. Accessions with high contents of carotenoids (diploid 'Jaran'), polyphenols (triploid 'Caipira' and tetraploid 'Teparod') and vitamin C (diploid 'Tuugia' and an unknown triploid AAA) in the fruit were identified. Thirteen microsatellite primers revealed an average of 7.23 alleles, which showed high variability. A dendrogram was prepared using the Gower algorithm for the distance matrices obtained from the agronomical, physical and physicolchemical analysis of fruit and SSR markers. Adopting the average genetic divergence as the cut-off point, three clusters were found: G1, formed by the diploids 'Jaran', 028003-01 and M-48; G2, by the diploids 'Malbut' and 'Ido 110'; and G3, by 21 tri-and tetraploid accessions, including one diploid, 'Tuugia'. The triploids with the B genome 'Thap Maeo', 'Walha', 'Pacha Nadan' and 'Champa Madras' were grouped in G2. Results from this work can be used for breeding hybrids with good agronomical traits and fruit quality.
Práticas discursivas na construção de uma gastronomia polifônica
Authors: Murta Ivana Benevides Dutra , Souza Mariana Mayumi Pereira de , Carrieri Alexandre de Pádua
Published: June 2010

Objetivamos neste trabalho contextualizar o desenvolvimento da gastronomia e as mudanças de significado espacial, observando as táticas e estratégias envolvidas nesse processo. As práticas cotidianas reconstroem continuamente os significados da culinária, e, no caso de Macacos, distrito mineiro, a 30 km de Belo Horizonte, observamos que o mosaico de ofertas gastronômicas reflete tais práticas e projeta certa identidade do distrito aos turistas. Macacos apareceu como um polo ou roteiro gastronômico regional a partir de finais do século XX, mas já se desenvolveu bastante nessa área e conta com restaurantes de culinária mineira e internacional. Nesse contexto, procuramos saber: como se constroem as estratégias e táticas gastronômicas em Macacos? Para tanto, foram feitas consultas documentais, consultas às cartas dos restaurantes e entrevistas com donos e funcionários. Ao final, encontramos que a polifonia era a estratégia em todas as atividades gastronômicas em Macacos. Todavia, percebemos uma diferenciação associada à origem dos donos dos restaurantes: os empreendedores autóctones tendem a trabalhar com a elaboração de comida típica mineira, ao passo que os forasteiros, em geral, fazem questão de se classificarem como inseridos em uma gastronomia internacional. Na coexistência do típico e do exótico, a polifonia e a pictoricidade são práticas evidenciadas.
Custo de capital próprio em mercados emergentes: uma abordagem empírica no Brasil com o downside risk
Authors: Fortunato Graziela Xavier , Motta Luiz Felipe Jacques da , Russo Giuseppe
Published: June 2010

Este artigo visa testar empiricamente a proposta de Estrada (2000) para as empresas que compõem o Ibovespa, avaliando se para mercados emergentes existem outras medidas de risco sistemático diferentes do beta do capital asset pricing model (CAPM). Dessa forma, testou-se o downside risk que capta a parte negativa do retorno. Além de dados em cross section, utilizaram-se dados em painel, como uma contribuição adicional ao trabalho de Estrada (2000). Os resultados encontrados não confirmam que o downside risk seja uma medida apropriada ao mercado brasileiro. Outras medidas de risco apresentaram melhor correlação com o retorno, permitindo o cálculo do custo de capital com valor diferente daquele obtido pela aplicação do beta. De acordo com Estrada (2000), os resultados sugerem que os mercados emergentes estão em posição intermediária entre os mercados integrados e segmentados, tal como confirmado para o mercado brasileiro.
Conservadorismo condicional na divulgação de lucros em companhias abertas Brasileiras: diferenças entre emissoras e não emissoras de ADR e entre sistemas contábeis
Authors: Coelho Antonio Carlos Dias , Cia Joanilia Neide de Sales , Lima Iran Siqueira
Published: June 2010

O artigo examina as diferenças, em termos de qualidade informacional (conservadorismo condicional), das demonstrações contábeis de companhias brasileiras de capital aberto emissoras e não emissoras de ADR. Também são examinadas as demonstrações publicadas nos dois sistemas contábeis (PCAB e USGAAP). As hipóteses propõem que não há diferenças nos graus de conservadorismo condicional entre as firmas em razão das similaridades contratuais e institucionais, da inexistência de incentivos para alterar o comportamento dos gestores pelo processo de cross-listing e da insuficiência de motivação pela aplicação de princípios contábeis diversos. Os modelos de componentes transitórios nos lucros (BASU, 1997) e de associação entre apropriações contábeis e fluxos de caixa (BALL; SHIVAKUMAR, 2005) foram utilizados para os testes. Para estimar os coeficientes de associação dos dois modelos, utilizou-se análise de dados em painel. Os resultados confirmaram as hipóteses.
Fatores determinantes da adoção de sistemas de informação na área de saúde: um estudo sobre o prontuário médico eletrônico
Authors: Perez Gilberto , Zwicker Ronaldo
Published: June 2010

Este artigo relata pesquisa que analisou os principais fatores que afetam a adoção da inovação tecnológica em sistemas de informações na área de saúde e os reflexos dessa adoção para os indivíduos, profissionais e grupos sociais envolvidos com a inovação. Na pesquisa realizada, foi estudada a adoção do prontuário médico eletrônico em uma instituição de saúde envolvendo usuários médicos, profissionais de enfermagem e pessoal administrativo. Os dados coletados foram apurados via análise de regressão linear múltipla e modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que a adoção da inovação em sistemas de informações na área de saúde é influenciada por características percebidas pelo uso dessa inovação e acarreta reflexos na percepção de novas possibilidades de inovação no trabalho.
Um estudo sobre os processos de aprendizagem dos trabalhadores que não exercem função gerencial
Authors: Camillis Patricia Kinast de , Antonello Claudia Simone
Published: June 2010

Os processos de aprendizagem que ocorrem no local de trabalho constituem o foco deste estudo. O objetivo é identificar e analisar os processos de aprendizagem no local de trabalho de indivíduos que não exercem a função gerencial. No plano teórico, adota-se a abordagem social da aprendizagem organizacional. No plano metodológico, realiza-se um estudo qualitativo básico junto a duas equipes administrativas pertencentes a uma empresa de fertilizantes químicos. Os resultados evidenciam a importância dos processos informais de aprendizagem a partir das contribuições das experiências obtidas no contexto de trabalho dos pesquisados. Identificaram-se os objetivos, aspectos facilitadores, obstáculos e resultados dos processos de aprendizagem. A relevância da interação social, do aprender pela prática e do contexto organizacional foi destaque nos processos de aprendizagem. O estudo adiciona subsídios aos profissionais de recursos humanos na elaboração de uma análise crítica sobre as atuais práticas e políticas de desenvolvimento dos indivíduos nas organizações.
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content in cannabis samples seized in Novi Sad during 2008
Authors: Djurendic-Brenesel Maja , Ajdukovic Niksa , Stajnic-Ristic Katarina , Pilija Vladimir , Veselinovic Igor
Published: June 2010

The three main cannabinoids ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (?9- THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) were identified and determined quantitatively using a GCD (GC-EI) instrument in 280 samples of illicit herbal cannabis, seized by the Police authorities in Novi Sad, during 2008. The samples were sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Clinical Center Vojvodina, for forensic chemical analysis. The cannabinoid content of the samples enabled the classification of the cannabis into three chemical phenotypes and the differentiation into drug and textile-cannabis, using the Waller classification index. This differentiation has great forensic significance in the classification of certain cases as a criminal action. The experimental results showed that the ?9-THC content in illicitly circulated cannabis slightly decreased from January to December 2008, as did the quality of the drug-cannabis. The reasons for the quality variations could lie in the geographical origin of the cannabis plants, the conditions of plants storage, various parts of the plants in samples and the time elapsed between harvesting and chemical analysis.
The Rigid Analytical Regulator and $K_2$ of Drinfeld Modular Curves
Authors: Pál Ambrus
Published: June 2010

We evaluate a rigid analytical analogue of the Beilinson–Bloch–Deligne regulator on certain explicit elements in the

K_2

of Drinfeld modular curves, constructed from analogues of modular units, and relate its value to special values of

L

-series using the Rankin–Selberg method.