bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of NOD-like receptors in human B lymphocytes and crosstalk between NOD1/NOD2 and Toll-like receptors
Authors: Petterson Terese , Jendholm Johan , Månsson Anne , Bjartell Anders , Riesbeck Kristian , Cardell Lars-Olaf
Published: September 2010

NLRs are recently discovered PRRs detecting substructures of peptidoglycans and triggering innate immunity. NLRs are expressed in several cell types, but the presence in human B lymphocytes is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate expression and function of NLRs in human B lymphocytes. B cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA and protein expression. The functional responsiveness of NOD1 and NOD2 was investigated upon stimulation with the cognate ligands, with or without stimulation via IgM/IgD/CD40 and/or selected TLR agonists. A differential expression of NLRs was demonstrated in blood-derived and tonsillar B cells, whereas no variations were found among naive, germinal center, or memory B cells. Stimulation with the ligands alone did not induce B cell activation. However, upon concomitant BCR triggering, an increase in proliferation was seen, together with an induction of cell surface markers (CD27, CD69, CD71, CD80, CD86, and CD95) and prolonged survival. Peripheral B cells were activated by NOD1 and NOD2 ligands, whereas tonsil-derived B cells responded solely to NOD1. In contrast, costimulation with CD40L failed to induce activation. Additionally, it was found that NLR ligands could enhance TLR-induced proliferation of B cells. The present study demonstrates expression of functional NLRs in human B cells. We show that NOD1 and NOD2 have the ability to augment the BCR-induced activation independently of physical T cell help. Hence, NLRs represent a new pathway for B cell activation and a potentially important host defense system against bacterial infections.
New formulas derived from seismic interferometry to simulate phase velocity estimates from correlation methods using microtremor
Authors: Yokoi Toshiaki
Published: September 2010

I have developed two theoretical formulas on the basis of the power partition ratios among different modes of Rayleigh waves that are newly derived theoretically from seismic interferometry (SI). These formulas, one for the spatial autocorrelation method (SPAC) and another for the centerless circular array method (CCA), are used to simulate the estimates of the dispersion curves that can be obtained from the correlation methods using microtremor in situations when the higher normal modes are present along with the fundamental mode. The formulas can provide a way to overcome the problem caused by the assumption of the dominance of the fundamental mode, which is not always true. In addition, I have conducted a numerical validation check using the synthetic microtremor waveform data that were produced by the finite-difference method. I have found that the CCA can be an alternative to the SPAC to estimate the dispersion curves. The formula for the CCA can well simulate the dispersion curves estimated by the SPAC and CCA methods, and are better than the formula based on the above-mentioned assumption. Moreover, using the data mentioned above, I have discovered that the dual-mode inversion, which considers the presence of the fundamental and first higher modes on the basis of the formula for the CCA, performs better than the conventional single-mode inversion, which rests on the above-mentioned assumption. These positive results partially support the theoretical consequence of SI, i.e., the power partition ratio, and, further, SI itself on which the theoretically derived formulas fully rely.
Mice Lacking Bone Sialoprotein (BSP) Lose Bone after Ovariectomy and Display Skeletal Site-Specific Response to Intermittent PTH Treatment
Authors: Wade-Gueye Ndéye Marième , Boudiffa Maya , Laroche Norbert , Vanden-Bossche Arnaud , Fournier Carole , Aubin Jane E. , Vico Laurence , Lafage-Proust Marie-Hélène , Malaval Luc
Published: September 2010

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) belongs to the small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family, whose members play multiple and distinct roles in the development, turnover, and mineralization of bone and dentin. The functions of BSP in bone remodeling are not yet well established. We previously showed that BSP knockout (BSP−/−) mice exhibit a higher trabecular bone volume, concomitant with lower bone remodeling, than wild-type (BSP+/+) mice. To determine whether bone turnover can be stimulated in the absence of BSP, we subjected BSP+/+ and BSP−/− mice to catabolic [ovariectomy (OVX)] or anabolic (intermittent PTH administration) hormonal challenges. BSP−/− mice progressively develop hypocalcemia and high serum PTH between 2 and 4 months of age. Fifteen and 30 d after OVX, microtomography analysis showed a significant decrease of trabecular bone volume in tibiae of both genotypes. Histomorphometric parameters of bone formation and resorption were significantly increased by OVX. PTH treatment resulted in an increase of trabecular thickness and both bone formation and resorption parameters at all skeletal sites in both genotypes and a decrease of trabecular bone volume in tibiae of BSP+/+ but not BSP−/− mice. PTH increased cortical thickness and bone area in BSP+/+ but not BSP−/− mice and stimulated the bone formation rate specifically in the endosteum of BSP+/+ mice and the periosteum of BSP−/− mice. PTH enhanced the expression of RANKL, MEPE, and DMP1 in both genotypes but increased OPG and OPN expression only in BSP−/− mice. In conclusion, despite the low basal turnover, both catabolic and anabolic challenges increase bone formation and resorption in BSP−/− mice, suggesting that compensatory pathways are operative in the skeleton of BSP-deficient mice. Although up-regulation of one or several other SIBLINGs is a possible mechanism, further studies are needed to analyze the interplay and cross-regulation involved in compensating for the absence of BSP.
Progesterone Increases Systemic and Local Uterine Proportions of CD4+CD25+ Treg Cells during Midterm Pregnancy in Mice
Authors: Mao Guanping , Wang Junpeng , Kang Youmin , Tai Ping , Wen Jing , Zou Qiang , Li Ge , Ouyang Hong , Xia Guoliang , Wang Bin
Published: September 2010

Mechanisms maintaining the growth of a “semi-foreign” fetus within the maternal uterus via immune tolerance remain unclear. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells have been implicated in the maintenance of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Additionally, 17β-estradiol (E2) is able to initiate immune suppression through CD4+CD25+ Treg cells during early pregnancy. Little is known, however, regarding the relationship between progesterone (P4) and immune tolerance during midterm pregnancy, an important period, characterized by higher levels of P4 but lower levels of E2 in the serum. Here, we examined the effects of P4 on the expansion and function of systemic and local uterine CD4+CD25+ Treg cells during midterm pregnancy in mice. Using in vivo and in vitro models, we provide the first evidence that P4 not only increases the proportion of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells and IL-10 expression but also enhances their suppressive function. Moreover, at physiological doses relevant to midterm pregnancy, P4, but not E2, converts CD4+CD25− T cells into CD4+CD25+ Treg cells. This conversion was inhibited in vitro by the nuclear P4 receptors antagonist RU 486 and in vivo in P4-treated ovariectomized and pseudopregnant mice models, suggesting that P4 expands Treg populations via nuclear P4 receptors. Furthermore, RU 486 significantly reduced the quantity and function of Treg cells in the fetal-maternal interface before the onset of induced abortion. Interestingly, with decreasing Foxp3, proinflammatory factors increased. Together, the present results demonstrate that P4 is an important regulator of systemic and local CD4+CD25+ Treg cells, which are involved in maintaining maternal-fetal immune tolerance during midterm pregnancy.
Developmental Programming: Differential Effects of Prenatal Testosterone Excess on Insulin Target Tissues
Authors: Nada Shadia E. , Thompson Robert C. , Padmanabhan Vasantha
Published: September 2010

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of infertility in reproductive-aged women with the majority manifesting insulin resistance. To delineate the causes of insulin resistance in women with PCOS, we determined changes in the mRNA expression of insulin receptor (IR) isoforms and members of its signaling pathway in tissues of adult control (n = 7) and prenatal testosterone (T)-treated (n = 6) sheep (100 mg/kg twice a week from d 30–90 of gestation), the reproductive/metabolic characteristics of which are similar to women with PCOS. Findings revealed that prenatal T excess reduced (P < 0.05) expression of IR-B isoform (only isoform detected), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), protein kinase B (AKt), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) but increased expression of rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (rictor), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in the liver. Prenatal T excess increased (P < 0.05) the IR-A to IR-B isoform ratio and expression of IRS-1, glycogen synthase kinase-3α and -β (GSK-3α and -β), and rictor while reducing ERK1 in muscle. In the adipose tissue, prenatal T excess increased the expression of IRS-2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), PPARγ, and mTOR mRNAs. These findings provide evidence that prenatal T excess modulates in a tissue-specific manner the expression levels of several genes involved in mediating insulin action. These changes are consistent with the hypothesis that prenatal T excess disrupts the insulin sensitivity of peripheral tissues, with liver and muscle being insulin resistant and adipose tissue insulin sensitive.
Basal α-Cell Up-Regulation in Obese Insulin-Resistant Adolescents
Authors: Weiss Ram , D'Adamo Ebe , Santoro Nicola , Hershkop Karen , Caprio Sonia
Published: September 2010

Context: The aim of this analysis was to evaluate glucagon and c-peptide concentrations in two scenarios: euglycemic hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemia. We postulated that worsening obesity and insulin resistance will be reflected as an up-regulated (less suppressible) islet secretion profile.

Methods: Eighty-two [34 obese with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 30 obese with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 18 nonobese with NGT] subjects underwent a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) and a hyperglycemic clamp. C-peptide and glucagon were evaluated at basal and steady-state (SS) conditions.

Results: Basal glucagon was significantly elevated in obese insulin-resistant and obese IGT subjects as was basal c-peptide. SS glucagon and c-peptide levels during the EHC were lower in the lean and obese insulin-sensitive subjects compared with the obese insulin-resistant subjects with NGT or IGT. Fasting glucagon was the only significant determinant (β = 0.66, P < 0.001) of SS glucagon during the EHC (R2 = 0.57). In a longitudinal follow-up of a subsample, those who converted from normal to IGT significantly increased their fasting glucagon concentration in comparison with those who remained with NGT.

Conclusions: Islet up-regulation manifesting as basal elevated glucagon and c-peptide secretion that determines the suppressive effects of hyperinsulinemia appears early in the course of deteriorating glucose tolerance.
The World's Hardest Target: United States Intelligence on Iran
Authors: Giraldi Philip
Published: September 2010

Despite more than thirty years of trying to collect significant information, the United States intelligence community is not well informed on many important questions relating to Iran. Decision-making by the Iranian government as well as its political alignments, capabilities, and intentions are poorly understood. Many intelligence professionals consider Iran to be the hardest intelligence target in the world. Solid intelligence does exist about the regime's nuclear program, as reported in the 2007 Iran National Intelligence Estimate. There is no evidence that Iran has decided to develop a nuclear weapon, but the decision to reactivate a weapons program could be made at any time.
PERFORMATIVE POLITICS IN ISRAELI QUEER ANTI-OCCUPATION ACTIVISM
Authors: Ziv Amalia
Published: September 2010

The essay discusses the Israeli queer activist group Black Laundry that emerged in 2001 following the outbreak of the second Intifada. The analysis underscores Black Laundry's move away from the assimilationist politics of the LGBT community in Israel with its narrow understanding of identity politics in terms of group interests, for which the group substituted a “politics of identification” rooted in a marginalized sexual and gendered positioning. Focusing on the group's practices, and reading them for their political and theoretical implications, the essay examines the relation of performative practices to a politics of identification and inquires into the links between political performativity and the performative construction of identity. More broadly, it interrogates how sexual and gender dissidence translates into identification across national and ethnic divides. Finally, the group's insistence on linking queer and feminist issues with the struggle against the occupation, together with its emphasis on bodily practices and utterances, is shown to have far-reaching implications for the very understanding of political agency.
Nickel/Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Aryl- and Alkenylcyanation of Unsaturated Bonds
Authors: Yada Akira , Ebata Shiro , Idei Hiroaki , Zhang Di , Nakao Yoshiaki , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: September 2010

Lewis acid cocatalysts such as organoaluminum and -boron compounds dramatically improve the efficiency of the nickel-catalyzed arylcyanation of alkynes. Electron-rich aryl cyanides, which exhibit poor reactivity in the absence of Lewis acids, smoothly undergo the arylcyanation reaction under the nickel/Lewis acid dual catalysis. Excellent chemoselectivity is observed for aryl cyanides having a chloro or bromo group, which allows a single-step access to a synthetic intermediate of P-3622, a squalene synthetase inhibitor. The scope of the arylcyanation is also expanded to norbornadiene. Alkenylcyanation of alkynes is achieved under the nickel/Lewis acid dual catalysis to give cyano-substituted 1,3-dienes stereoselectively.
Morally Motivated Self-Regulation
Authors: Baron David P
Published: September 2010

Self-regulation is the private provision of public goods and private redistribution. This paper examines the scope of self-regulation motivated by altruistic moral preferences that are reciprocal and stronger the closer are citizens in a socioeconomic distance. The focus is on the role of organizations in increasing self-regulation by mitigating free-rider problems. Social label and certification organizations can expand the scope of self-regulation but not beyond that with unconditional altruism. Enforcement organizations expand the scope of self-regulation farther, and for-profit enforcement is more aggressive than non-profit enforcement. Enforcement through social pressure imposed by NGOs also expands the scope of self-regulation. (JEL D64, H41, L51)
Technology Capital and the US Current Account
Authors: McGrattan Ellen R , Prescott Edward C
Published: September 2010

The US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) estimates that the return on investments of foreign subsidiaries of US multinational companies over the period 1982–2006 averaged 9.4 percent annually after taxes; US subsidiaries of foreign multinationals averaged only 3.2 percent. BEA returns on foreign direct investment (FDI) are distorted because most intangible investments made by multinationals are expensed. We develop a multicountry general equilibrium model with an essential role for FDI and apply the BEA's methodology to construct economic statistics for the model economy. We estimate that mismeasurement of intangible investments accounts for over 60 percent of the difference in BEA returns. (JEL F23, F32)
Determinants of Redistributive Politics: An Empirical Analysis of Land Reforms in West Bengal, India
Authors: Bardhan Pranab , Mookherjee Dilip
Published: September 2010

We investigate political determinants of land reform implementation in the Indian state of West Bengal. Using a village panel spanning 1974–1998, we do not find evidence supporting the hypothesis that land reforms were positively and monotonically related to control of local governments by a Left Front coalition vis-à-vis the right-centrist Congress party, combined with lack of commitment to policy platforms. Instead, the evidence is consistent with a quasi-Downsian theory stressing the role of opportunism (reelection concerns) and electoral competition.(JEL D72, O13, O17, Q15)
Monopoly Price Discrimination and Demand Curvature
Authors: Aguirre Iñaki , Cowan Simon , Vickers John
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a general analysis of the effects of monopolistic third-degree price discrimination on welfare and output when all markets are served. Sufficient conditions—involving straightforward comparisons of the curvatures of the direct and inverse demand functions in the different markets—are presented for discrimination to have negative or positive effects on social welfare and output. (JEL D42)
Preemption Games: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Anderson Steven T , Friedman Daniel , Oprea Ryan
Published: September 2010

Several impatient investors with private costs Ci face an indivisible irreversible investment opportunity whose value V is governed by geometric Brownian motion. The first investor i to seize the opportunity receives the entire payoff, V-Ci. We characterize the symmetric Bayesian Nash equilibrium for this game. A laboratory experiment confirms the model's main qualitative predictions: competition drastically lowers the value at which investment occurs; usually the lowest-cost investor preempts the other investors; observed investment patterns in competition (unlike monopoly) are quite insensitive to changes in the Brownian parameters. Support is more qualified for the prediction that markups decline with cost. (JEL C73, D44, D82, G31)
Efficiency Gains from Team-Based Coordination—Large-Scale Experimental Evidence
Authors: Feri Francesco , Irlenbusch Bernd , Sutter Matthias
Published: September 2010

The need for efficient coordination is ubiquitous in organizations and industries. The literature on the determinants of efficient coordination has focused on individual decision making so far. In reality, however, teams often have to coordinate with other teams. We present a series of coordination experiments with a total of 1,101 participants. We find that teams of three subjects each coordinate much more efficiently than individuals. This finding adds one important cornerstone to the recent literature on the conditions for successful coordination. We explain the differences between individuals and teams using the experience weighted attraction learning model. (JEL C71, C91, D23, D83, M54)
Avoiding Bad Press: Interpersonal Influence in Relations Between CEOs and Journalists and the Consequences for Press Reporting About Firms and Their Leadership
Authors: Westphal James D. , Deephouse David L.
Published: September 2010

In this study we consider how and when interpersonal relations between chief executive officers (CEOs) and journalists can influence the content of journalists' reporting about corporate leaders and their firms. Specifically, we draw from the social psychological literature on interpersonal influence and social exchange to suggest (i) how the disclosure of relatively low corporate earnings may prompt the CEO to engage in ingratiatory behavior toward journalists, and (ii) how such behavior may be effective in prompting journalists to issue relatively positive reports about the CEO's firm. We also extend our theory to consider how relatively negative journalist reports may prompt CEOs to retaliate against individual journalists by limiting or cutting off communication with the offending journalist, and how such retaliation may deter other journalists from issuing negative reports about the firm in the future. We find support for our hypotheses in a unique data set that includes large-sample survey data on CEO–journalist relations. We discuss how our research contributes to the growing literature in organization theory and strategy on the social processes by which corporate leaders influence the behavior of information intermediaries and other external constituents toward their firms. Moreover, we suggest that an implication of our findings is that top executives can actively influence the reputation of their firms, as well as their own reputations as corporate leaders, by engaging in interpersonal influence processes toward journalists.
Electrochemical Immunosensor for Simultaneous Detection of Dual Cardiac Markers Based on a Poly(Dimethylsiloxane)-Gold Nanoparticles Composite Microfluidic Chip: A Proof of Principle
Authors: Zhou Fang , Lu Min , Wang Wei , Bian Zhi-Ping , Zhang Jian-Rong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

The emergence of microfluidic immunosensors has provided a promising tool for improving clinical diagnoses. We developed an electrochemical immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP), based on microfluidic chips.

METHODS

The quantitative methodology was based on ELISA in poly(dimethylsiloxane)-gold nanoparticle composite microreactors. CdTe and ZnSe quantum dots were bioconjugated with antibodies for sandwich immunoassay. After the CdTe and ZnSe quantum dots were dissolved, Cd2+ and Zn2+ were detected by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry to enable the quantification of the 2 biomarkers. The 2 biomarkers were measured in 20 human serum samples by using the proposed method and commercially available methods.

RESULTS

This immunosensor allowed simultaneous detection of serum cTnI and CRP. The linear range of this assay was between 0.01 and 50 μg/L and 0.5 and 200 μg/L, with the detection limits of approximately 5 amol and approximately 307 amol in 30-μL samples corresponding to cTnI and CRP, respectively. Slopes close to 1 and the correlation coefficient over 0.99 were obtained for both analytes.

CONCLUSIONS

This strategy demonstrates a proof of principle for the successful integration of microfluidics with electrochemistry that can potentially provide an alternative to protein detection in the clinical laboratory.
Diagnostic Accuracy and User-Friendliness of 5 Point-of-Care D-Dimer Tests for the Exclusion of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Geersing Geert-Jan , Toll Diane B , Janssen Kristel JM , Oudega Ruud , Blikman Marloes JC , Wijland René , de Vooght Karen MK , Hoes Arno W , Moons Karel GM
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care D-dimer tests have recently been introduced to enable rapid exclusion of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) without the need to refer a patient for conventional laboratory-based D-dimer testing. Before implementation in practice, however, the diagnostic accuracy of each test should be validated.

METHODS

We analyzed data of 577 prospectively identified consecutive primary care patients suspected to have DVT, who underwent 5 point-of-care D-dimer tests—4 quantitative (Vidas®, Pathfast™, Cardiac®, and Triage®) and 1 qualitative (Clearview Simplify®)—and ultrasonography as the reference method. We evaluated the tests for the accuracy of their measurements and submitted a questionnaire to 20 users to assess the user-friendliness of each test.

RESULTS

All D-dimer tests showed negative predictive values higher than 98%. Sensitivity was high for all point-of-care tests, with a range of 0.91 (Clearview Simplify) to 0.99 (Vidas). Specificity varied between 0.39 (Pathfast) and 0.64 (Clearview Simplify). The quantitative point-of-care tests showed similar and high discriminative power for DVT, according to calculated areas under the ROC curves (range 0.88–0.89). The quantitative Vidas and Pathfast devices showed limited user-friendliness for primary care, owing to a laborious calibration process and long analyzer warm-up time compared to the Cardiac and Triage. For the qualitative Clearview Simplify assay, no analyzer or calibration was needed, but interpretation of a test result was sometimes difficult because of poor color contrast.

CONCLUSIONS

Point-of-care D-dimer assays show good and similar diagnostic accuracy. The quantitative Cardiac and Triage and the qualitative Clearview Simplify D-dimer seem most user-friendly for excluding DVT in the doctor's office.
A Dual-Monoclonal Sandwich ELISA Specific for Hepcidin-25
Authors: Butterfield Anthony M , Luan Peng , Witcher Derrick R , Manetta Joseph , Murphy Anthony T , Wroblewski Victor J , Konrad Robert J
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, binds to the iron transporter ferroportin to cause its degradation. In humans, hepcidin deficiency has been linked to hemochromatosis and iron overload, whereas increased concentrations have been reported in anemia of cancer and chronic disease. There is currently an unmet clinical need for a specific immunoassay with a low limit of quantification to measure serum concentrations of hepcidin-25, the active form of the protein.

METHODS

We generated 2 antihepcidin-25 monoclonal antibodies and used them to build a sandwich ELISA. We correlated ELISA results to hepcidin-25 measurements by LC-MS and used ELISA to measure serum hepcidin-25 concentrations in normal individuals, cancer patients, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS

The sandwich ELISA was highly specific for hepcidin-25, having a limit of quantification of 0.01 μg/L (10 pg/mL). Serum concentrations of hepcidin-25 measured by ELISA correlated with hepcidin-25 concentrations measured by using an independent LC-MS assay (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). Hepcidin-25 concentrations were increased in patients with cancer (median 54.8 μg/L, 25%–75% range 23.2–93.5 μg/L, n = 34) and rheumatoid arthritis (median 10.6 μg/L, 25%–75% range 5.9–18.4 μg/L, n = 76) compared with healthy individuals (median 1.20 μg/L, 25%–75% range 0.42–3.07 μg/L, n = 100).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 2 monoclonal antibodies in a sandwich ELISA format provides a robust and convenient method for measuring concentrations of the active form of hepcidin. This ELISA should help to improve our understanding of the role of hepcidin in regulating iron metabolism.
Jakob Schlaepfer: A case study in laser innovation and the unexpected
Authors: Huddleston Rob , Whittaker Paul
Published: September 2010

This report aims to counter some assumptions about the nature of industrial technology by exploring the creative potential of the distancing effect inherent in laser materials processing.

A case study of an industrially based project involving the textile company Jakob Schlaepfer,
based in St Gallen, Switzerland, will provide the research material and underpin the report. The case study presents the development and expansion, by Schlaepfer, of self-customized laser technologies and how different laser processes have come to form an integral part of the design and production
innovation process. Through this historical picture of Schlaepfer's commitment to new technologies and investments that encourage innovation, we aim to offer two propositions that are facilitated by the distance inherent in the creative use of lasers. Firstly, that it is possible to utilize
technologies normally linked with impersonalized standardization in production, to instead create experimental products; and secondly, that technologies normally used to replicate the unexpected and unique capacities of traditional making, can be in-themselves capable of un-programmed unpredictability.
Review: Metallic Sound by Kinor Jiang and Junichi Arai
Authors: Townsend Katherine
Published: September 2010

Metallic Sound by Kinor Jiang and Junichi Arai Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University, 18 January17 February 2010
Healing the wounds of the northern Uganda insurgency
Authors: Bongyereirwe Henry
Published: September 2010

War has raged in northern Uganda for the last two decades. The conflict between rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony, and the government of President Yoweri Museveni has left hundreds dead and many more maimed. According to a recent count, nearly two million
had been displaced by the insurgency. As a result of this conflict, many inhabitants of northern Uganda were fled their homes to live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in appalling conditions. Women and children have been at the heart of the suffering. Child abductions were the order
of the day in the region. Most children today testify how they were forced by the rebels to fight and commit atrocities. Many girls have been raped and others have been forcefully married to the rebels. However, the reconstruction effort is now underway following a series of peace negotiations
between the two warring parties. Government, civil society, donor agencies and media institutions are joining the northern Uganda reconstruction campaign. This visual essay presents images of reconstruction efforts that are normally absent in mainstream media. It is concerned with showing
the resilience of the human spirit.
Digital switchover of terrestrial broadcasting in Korea: legal background and major policy issues
Authors: In-Sook Jung
Published: September 2010

Having adopted digital terrestrial television relatively early on, South Korea is set to complete its digital switchover by the end of 2012, when analogue terrestrial television broadcasting is scheduled to be switched off nationwide. Of Korea's 17 million households, approximately
90 per cent subscribe to pay TV, but digital switchover on this timetable remains a challenge, after the delay the country experienced in reviewing its choice of technical standards. A pilot project in three cities in 2010 will be followed by a full analogue switch-off in Jeju area in 2011.
At the end of 2009, the levels of public awareness and digital TV take-up were below 50 per cent point. This study examines the legal background behind Korea's digital switchover process and major policy issues noted in the progress.
Digitalization of TV broadcasting in Slovakia
Authors: Barmoov Lucia
Published: September 2010

Television has been transformed by many technical changes since its creation and digital television is now growing, driven by the aim of improving the quality of broadcasts (higher quality of picture and sound) and releasing valuable spectrum for other services and bidders. Slovakia's
dominant television services the commercial operators Markza (CME) and JOJ (J&T Media Enterprises) and the public service television STV (Slovak Television) have set one major condition to agree to follow the national technical switchover plan to be able to launch additional channels.
Slovak digital law, which was in preparation for more than three years, guarantees licences for single-theme channels for these current broadcasters. The objective of this article is to show how the process of digitalization in Slovakia runs, including the obstacles encountered.
An evolving present within a past a history of screenwriting practices in popular Hindi cinema
Authors: Yadav Anubha
Published: September 2010

This article studies the mutual and exclusive relationship between the history of popular Hindi cinema and the writing of the screenplay by finding dominant points of reference in their individual and overlapping histories. It connects the unique storytelling tradition of Hindi cinema
with the subsumed creative identity of a screenwriter. To do this the article focuses on significant historical markers in Hindi cinema: the Silent era, the Talkies, the Golden era of the 1950s, the New Wave of the 1960s, the SalimJaved era of the 1970s and the New New Wave of today. The New
New Wave in Hindi popular cinema aims to recognize and legitimize the presence of the story and the screenwriter. The article studies the evolution of this recent phenomenon and examines the academic and industrial variants that have led to the coming of this change in Hindi cinema.
RIA Failure of High Burnup Fuel Rod Irradiated in the Leibstadt Reactor: Out-of-Pile Mechanical Simulation and Comparison with Pulse Reactor Tests
Authors: Grigoriev V. , Jakobsson R. , Schrire D. , Ledergerber G. , Sugiyama T. , Nagase F. , Fuketa T. , Hallstadius L. , Valizadeh S.
Published: September 2010

A high burnup boiling water reactor fuel rod was subjected to reactivity initiation accident (RIA) tests in a research reactor. Two ramp tests were carried out under almost identical irradiation conditions, resulting in cladding failure in a room temperature test, while no failure was observed in a high temperature test. An adjacent segment of the same rod was used for mechanical expansion-due-to-compression (EDC) testing simulating the pellet-cladding mechanical interaction loadings on the cladding during an in-reactor RIA. The EDC tests show the existence of a transition temperature where an abrupt increase in the specimen hoop strain at failure occurs. Additional tests revealed that the transition temperature depends on hydrogen concentration. A possible effect of the rapid heating, which is a specific condition for an in-reactor RIA compared to the static heating in the EDC tests, was verified in the rapid heating/loading tests on unirradiated hydrided Zircaloy, when both loading and heating are performed simultaneously within 50–80 ms. It was shown that strain to failure is dependent on the instantaneous material temperature and is not affected by the pre-heating history. The results show good consistency between the EDC and in-reactor pulse test data. It is concluded that the EDC test can provide valuable information to predict the in-reactor RIA fuel failure.
Texture Evolution of Zircaloy-2 During Beta-Quenching: Effect of Process Variables
Authors: Romero Javier , Preuss Michael , Quinta da Fonseca João , Comstock Robert J. , Dahlbäck Mats , Hallstadius Lars
Published: September 2010

The nuclear industry is interested in developing thermomechanical processes to produce random crystallographic orientation (texture) from cold-rolled Zircaloy-2 sheets used to manufacture boiling water reactor (BWR) channels. Randomized textures are beneficial because they minimize anisotropic irradiation-assisted growth, which in turn reduces bowing and uncontrolled deformation of BWR channels during service. The texture evolution of cold-rolled Zircaloy-2 sheets during the allotropic α→β→α phase transformation was characterized by using synchrotron X-ray diffraction in situ and electron backscatter diffraction. The initial strong rolling texture is weakened only if the α→β→α phase transformation is complete. Plastic deformation and grain growth in the β-phase lead to changes in the β texture and modify the inherited α texture. The global texture evolution is not sensitive to levels of stress that do not cause β plastic deformation. These findings demonstrate that accurate temperature control of the β-quenching process is of utmost importance in order to minimize undesirable irradiation growth of BWR channels during service, and that plastic deformation in the β phase can be employed to modify the inherited α texture. BWR channels with β-quenched textures will exhibit minimum irradiation growth caused by texture.
Shadow Corrosion-Induced Bow of Zircaloy-2 Channels
Authors: Mahmood Sheikh T. , Cantonwine Paul E. , Lin Yang-Pi , Crawford Douglas C. , Mader E. V. , Edsinger K.
Published: September 2010

For the past 10 years, the frequency of channel-control blade interference has been greater than before because of shadow corrosion-induced bow. Shadow corrosion-induced bow is caused by differential hydrogen concentration on channel sides adjacent to and away from the control blade. The differential hydrogen concentration is a result of increased shadow corrosion on the channel side adjacent to the control blade, hence the description of this mechanism as shadow corrosion-induced bow. Channel bow measurements and post-irradiation examinations (PIEs) confirmed that shadow corrosion-induced bow occurs independent of fluence gradient-induced bow. Specifically, bow of channels that experienced early-life control (i.e., shadow corrosion) was significantly greater than expected assuming only fluence gradient-induced bow. In addition, it was found that plants with smaller channel-to-channel gaps had greater channel bow, consistent with the gap dependence of shadow corrosion. PIE revealed that the elevated hydrogen concentrations in the metal were found only on those channel sides and elevations that experienced shadow corrosion. A model was developed that related this measured differential hydrogen to the observed channel bow that supports the increased volume of hydrides as the underlying cause. However, questions about the time/exposure dependence of shadow corrosion-induced bow remain. The PIE of shadow corrosion-induced bow at low exposure (one cycle) indicates that little shadow corrosion-induced bow occurs after the first cycle even though shadow corrosion is observed on the side adjacent to the control blade. The differentials in oxide thickness and hydrogen concentration between opposite channel sides are considerably less than those measured later in service lifetime (i.e., after additional cycles of operation). The data indicate that the larger differential hydrogen at high exposure/residence time is a result of a larger difference in oxide thickness and a corresponding increase in percent hydrogen pick up that developed at higher exposures/residence times.
Teaching Basic Lab Skills Using Diverse Microbial Communities in a Biologically Relevant Context
Authors: Brooke Joanna S. , Funk Phillip E. , Silliker Margaret E. , Sparkes Timothy C.
Published: September 2010

We present a laboratory-based exercise that is used to teach basic lab skills (e.g., aseptic technique and enumeration) using naturally occurring microbial communities in a real biological context. Students examine the colonization by microbial communities of leaves that fall into streams. Leaf decomposition reflects enzymatic activity by microorganisms such as aquatic fungi and bacteria and maceration by invertebrate shredders. The microorganisms help facilitate the cycling of nutrients and energy in the stream's ecosystem. This exercise effectively teaches students to use lab skills to quantify microorganisms found in nature, investigates groups of microorganisms involved in leaf degradation in streams, and stimulates interest in both microbiology and ecology.
Impact of long-term trials on crop production research and education
Authors: Jolánkai M. , Nyárai F. , Kassai K.
Published: September 2010

Long-term trials have a twofold role in life sciences, acting as both live laboratories and public collections. Long-term trials are not simply scientific curios or the honoured relics of a museum, but highly valuable live ecological models that can never be replaced or restarted if once terminated or suspended. These trials provide valuable and dynamic databases for solving scientific problems. The present paper is intended to give a brief summary of the crop production aspects of long-term trials.
Effect of sowing date on the weed infestation of winter wheat a in long-term experiment
Authors: Bónis P. , Balázs F. , Balázs J. , Kismányoky T.
Published: September 2010

Detailed coenological studies were made at four developmental stages during the vegetation period in three sowing date variants in a long-term multifactorial experiment carried out in the Crop Production Institute of Pannon University. Both experimental years had poor rainfall supplies. The Balázs-Ujvárosi scoring method was used to register the extent of weed infestation and how it changed over the vegetation period. Both the wheat grain yield and the level of weed infestation were greatly influenced by the sowing date. Averaged over the two years, the largest volume of weeds was recorded in March. After the wheat started shooting, the weeds were suppressed. The three sowing dates had the greatest effect on weed growth from the stage of initial development to shooting. After late sowing, the smallest number of weeds was observed during this period in both years. By the time the crop matured the level of weed infestation had changed, with the largest number of weeds in the late-sown variant, where the wheat did not form a closed canopy. Averaged over all samplings in both years, the following five species had the highest abundance:
Stellaria media
(4.86%),
Veronica hederifolia
(3.38%),
Papaver rhoeas
(1.97%),
Capsella bursa pastoris
(1.41%),
Matricaria maritima
(0.96%).
Importance of long-term experiments in studying the effects of climate change
Authors: Harnos N. , Erdélyi É. , Árendás T.
Published: September 2010

Nowadays, studying the impact of climate change on agricultural crops is of great importance in national and international projects. Research on the effects of climate change on agricultural cultivars is supported by crop growth models. Simulations provide facilities for the low cost investigation of the effects of many factors, both independently of each other and in combination. These models require parameterisation and testing, which can be done using data measurements. In order to test the correctness of the simulations of meteorological and nutrient supply effects, it is necessary to use the results of long-term field experiments with many replicates.In the present study, the Ceres Wheat and AFRCWHEAT2 winter wheat crop growth models were tested, utilizing the data of a five-year sowing date experiment and the relevant meteorological data. An analysis was made of whether changes in the sowing date were able to influence or eliminate the negative effects of the changing climate. It was found that choosing the optimum sowing date could be the key to adapting to changing conditions.
Role of maize research in Martonvásár on trends in Hungarian maize yields from 1950 to 2000
Authors: Marton L.
Published: September 2010

The development of the maize hybrid Martonvásári 5 gave an enormous boost to the research institute a few years after its establishment. For decades afterwards the Martonvásár maize breeding team played a successful and dominant role both in Hungarian scientific life and in the field of practical results. In addition to breeding, great emphasis was placed on agronomic research, aimed at improving the success of maize production. Martonvásár was the first to introduce hybrid maize in Hungary and to elaborate field technologies and processing techniques for hybrid maize seed production.These successes came at a time when the need was felt to modernise the whole of Hungarian agriculture, so within a few years, the whole of the maize-growing area of the country was sown to Martonvásár hybrids.Fifty years after the registration of the hybrid Martonvásári 5, even though faced by strong international competition, Martonvásár still ranks first among Hungarian breeders, and occupies the 3
rd
–4
th
place compared with the multinational companies.
Effect of climate extremes on the grain yield and quality of cereals
Authors: Bencze S. , Balla K. , Varga B. , Veisz O.
Published: September 2010

A long-term experiment was started in 2005 in the Agricultural Research Institute to monitor the effects of extreme climatic events on the grain yield, quality and disease resistance of cereals. The yield was poor in 2007 due to the long dry period from autumn till spring, while it was high in 2006 and 2008 when there was more precipitation. The grain quality was the highest in 2007, however, despite the extreme weather events. Fungicide treatment generally resulted in higher yield potential and better grain quality in every year.
Nitrogen turnover of chernozem meadow soil in a long-term mineral fertilisation trial
Authors: Izsáki Z.
Published: September 2010

The elaboration and introduction of an environment-friendly N fertilisation system requires studies on the soil N regime, and on NO
3
-N accumulation and leaching under field conditions. The present work aimed to provide data on the soil N balance and on the depth distribution and leaching of NO
3
-N in chernozem meadow soil, based on the results of an 18-year long-term mineral fertilisation experiment. The soil contained 3.0–3.2% humus and had good N-supplying ability. Averaged over 18 years, the plant N uptake on plots without N fertilisation was 126 kg ha
−1
year
−1
. At the 80 kg ha
−1
N rate the soil N balance was negative, with a mean plant N uptake of 170 kg ha
−1
year
−1
and a low rate of NO
3
-N leaching was observed. At 160 kg ha
−1
N the accumulated N balance was only slightly negative. In 7 of the 18 years plant N uptake was below 160 kg ha
−1
. Under the given experimental conditions, considering the natural N-supplying capacity of the soil, the 160 kg ha
−1
N fertiliser rate proved to be excessive, surpassing the N requirements of the potential crop yield in most years and resulting in NO
3
-N leaching. The N regime data indicated that the 240 kg ha
−1
N rate represented over-fertilisation in the given location.
Thyroglobulin measurements in washout of fine needle aspirates in cervical lymph nodes for detection of papillary thyroid cancer metastases
Authors: Zanella André B. , Meyer Erika L. Souza , Balzan Letícia , Silva Antônio C. , Camargo Joíza , Migliavacca Alceu , Guimarães José Ricardo , Maia Ana Luiza
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement of thyroglobulin in washout needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB-Tg) to detect papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) metastases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients (51.4 ± 14.6 years) with PTC diagnosis and evidence of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (LN) were included. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspicious LN was performed, for both cytological examination and measurement of FNAB-Tg. RESULTS: The median values of FNAB-Tg in patients with metastatic LN (n = 5) was 3,419 ng/mL (11.1-25,538), while patients without LN metastasis (n = 38) showed levels of 3.7 ng/mL (0.8-7.4). Considering a 10 ng/mL cutoff value for FNAB-Tg, the sensitivity and specificity was 100%. There were no differences on the median of FNAB-Tg measurements between those on (TSH 0.07 mUI/mL) or off levothyroxine (TSH 97.4 mUI/mL) therapy (3.3 vs. 3.8 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.2). CONCLUSION: The results show that evaluation of FNAB-Tg in cervical LN is a valuable diagnostic tool for PTC metastases that can be used independent of the thyroid status.
Mutations in the gene encoding paired box domain (PAX8) are not a frequent cause of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Iranian patients with thyroid dysgenesis
Authors: Mahjoubi Frouzandeh , Mohammadi Mona Malek , Montazeri Maryam , Aminii Masoud , Hashemipour Mahin
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) may be caused by defects in the thyroid or in one of the stages in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thyroid dysgenesis may be associated with mutation in the paired box transcription factor 8 (PAX8) gene. We attempted to screen PAX8 gene mutation in 50 CH patients with thyroid dysgenesis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The patients were classified in two groups as agenesis and ectopic based on biochemical and para clinical tests. By employing PCR, Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing, exons 3 to 12 of PAX8 gene with their exon-intron boundaries were studied. RESULTS: No mutation was found in these patients in any of the exons. CONCLUSION: Our results, once again, indicate that the PAX8 mutation rate is very low and can only explain a minority of the cases. Therefore, it is highly needed to further investigate the genes controlling development and function of thyroid.