bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two normative models of science in the public sphere: human genome sequencing in German and US mass media
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen , Schäfer Mike S.
Published: January 2009

The public sphere and particularly the mass media have become increasingly important for the legitimation of science. Many publications on the issue explicitly or implicitly deal with the question of how science should be treated in the mass media, putting forward normative models of an ideal “scientific public sphere.” In this article, we first present two ideal types of normative models identified in the literature: the “science-dominated scientific public sphere” and the “contextualized scientific public sphere.” Whereas the first model calls for scientific dominance in mass media debates, the second model argues that science should be contextualized also with non-scientific actors and arguments. The second part of the article outlines how these two models translate into specific demands for mass media debates and proposes how to measure whether concrete cases of science coverage correspond with one of the normative models. We confront the two normative models with the example of media coverage on human genome research in Germany and in the United States in the third part of the article. Our findings show that the mass media debate on this issue is dominated by bio-scientists, affirmative positions, and scientific and medical frames in both countries. Hence, human genome research as an empirical case corresponds to the demands of the scientific dominance model, while failing to meet the demands for more contextualized mass media coverage.
Marginal voices in the media coverage of controversial health interventions: how do they contribute to the public understanding of science?
Authors: Hivon M. , Lehoux P. , Denis J.-L. , Rock M.
Published: January 2009

While the media are a significant source of information for the public on science and technology, journalists are often accused of providing only a partial picture by neglecting the points of view of vulnerable stakeholders. This paper analyzes the press coverage of four controversial health interventions in order to uncover what voices are treated marginally in the media and what the relative contributions of these voices are to the stories being told. Our empirical study shows that: 1) patterns of source utilization vary depending on the health intervention and less dominant stakeholders are in fact represented; and 2) the use of marginal voices fills certain information gaps but the overall contribution of such voices to the controversies remains limited. In order to strengthen the media coverage of science and technology issues, we suggest that further research on journalistic practices: 1) move beyond the dichotomy between journalists and scientists, and 2) explore how different categories of readers appraise the meaning and relevance of media content.
Juggling the books: the use of accounting information in circus in Australia
Authors: Cummings Lorne , St Leon Mark Valentine
Published: January 2009

This article outlines the role of accounting information in circus in Australia in the approximate period 1847—1963. Responding to the call for an increased historical narrative in accounting, we have studied the literature, documentation and personal memoirs concerning circus in Australia. From our examination, we have abstracted and analysed material that expresses, or implies, the use of accounting information. Themes identified include the magnitude and nature of capital investments; ticket pricing and revenues; the nature and composition of operational costs; standards of internal control; insolvencies and liquidations. We have established that, despite elementary levels of education, many circus people exhibited an intuitive grasp of fundamental accounting principles, albeit in a rudimentary form. Nevertheless, since financial and management reporting practises were typically unsystematic, and even non-existent, in all but the largest circus enterprises, Australian circus management may not have been optimized.
The Second World War and Soviet accounting
Authors: Djatej Arsen , Sarikas Robert
Published: January 2009

This article examines the rapid changes to Soviet accounting practice during World War II. The adaptation of the pre-war accounting system was required to meet the extraordinary demands of a conflict that saw as much as 40 percent of the national population under German occupation. Many large production facilities were rapidly relocated out of the war zone to the Urals, Central Asia, and the Far East. Soviet wartime accounting was focused only on contributing to victory. Sometimes this meant establishing extremely simplified allocation procedures; sometimes this meant creating new accounts for enterprise assets temporarily under enemy control, and sometimes this meant extensive and thorough procedures to safeguard economic resources and military property. For scholars the war provided an example of how accounting can rapidly evolve to meet changing national priorities.
Turnover decisions of women accountants: using personal histories to understand the relative influence of domestic obligations
Authors: Lightbody Margaret G.
Published: January 2009

Studies of accountants' turnover intentions have been unable to demonstrate a clear link between conventional job-related antecedents and women's higher rates of turnover. This study utilizes narrative histories of three women, including the author herself, who have exhibited actual turnover behaviour to examine the factors underpinning their turnover decisions. The findings demonstrate that while the study participants did identify job related factors, their turnover decisions were more significantly influenced by a complex interaction of job and domestic factors. This article thus recommends that an understanding of women's turnover decisions must first utilize research methods such as narrative history that allow the complexity of factors influencing their decisions to be identified and second, must incorporate greater consideration of specific domestic drivers of the cumulative workload/stresses of both job and domestic factors.
Accounting in ancient Sri Lanka: some evidence of the accounting and auditing practices of Buddhist monasteries during 815—1017 AD
Authors: Liyanarachchi Gregory A.
Published: January 2009

This article identifies evidence of the accounting and auditing practices that prevailed in ancient Sri Lanka (from 815 to 1017 AD) and discusses motives for using such practices by a religious institution. The archival method is used to collect data. The main sources of data collected are detailed translations of rock inscriptions, which have been carried out by various personnel. Archival evidence shows that the Buddhist monasteries were required to keep accounting records and to annually read these records aloud publicly. Considering the peculiar nature of the Buddhist monastery, this study concludes that accounting was relied upon to maintain the reputation of a monastery and that of its members, and to maintain goodwill among Buddhist monks, rulers, and people. The prevalence of accounting and auditing practices in ancient Sri Lanka adds further support to the theory that the origin of record keeping and accounting practices dates back to ancient times.
“In the interests of the children”: accounting in the control of Aboriginal family endowment payments
Authors: Greer Susan
Published: January 2009

This article contributes to an expanding literature concerned with the instrumentality of accounting and the consequences of its use within government—Indigenous relations. It examines a single case of how accounting was employed within the Australian state of New South Wales to manipulate the income and spending of Aboriginal women. The article explores how ccounting was integral to the control and administration of the New South Wales Family Endowment Payments; a policy intended to reconstitute Aboriginal women according to particular norms of citizenship. The article not only allows us to better understand the roles of accounting in such historical practices of social engineering, but also illustrates that the objectives for such programmes are not simple and that often they attempt to satisfy the competing interests of the social and the economic.
Managing Grief and Relationship Roles Influence Which Forms of Social Support the Bereaved Needs
Authors: Benkel Inger , Wijk Helle , Molander Ulla
Published: January 2009

Social support is important during the bereavement period and influences which form of social support the grieving person needs. This study shows 2 different strategies for coping with grief which also revealed which form of social support the grieving persons needed depend on what they found difficult to manage. The coping strategies are called grief management and involve different strategies and the roles in the relationship with the diseased. Systematically monitoring the bereaved makes it possible to understand the strategies they use in the grieving process and to identify when these strategies are insufficient so professional support can be offered.
From the Colony to the Corporation
Authors: Mir Raza , Mir Ali
Published: January 2009

In this article, the authors empirically study the transfer of knowledge across international boundaries through a case study. Using data from field-based research in India, they comment on the similarities between the encounter between a multinational corporation (MNC) and its contractor located in the third world and older relationships between institutions in the era of colonialism. The authors contend that even though the MNC was able in this case to appropriate a value-creating process from its contractor over the short term, its actions are still potentially counterproductive in the long run. They analyze this episode of knowledge transfer using the theoretical constructs of signification and hegemony, where dominant social groups seek to manufacture the consent of subordinate groups, an act that often remains incomplete and contested.
Currying the Heart: Curcumin and Cardioprotection
Authors: Srivastava Geetika , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: January 2009

Curcumin (diferuoylmethane) is the active ingredient of turmeric (curcuma longa). There has been a surge of research in its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, and its cardiovascular effects. A host of studies in in vitro and in vivo models of cardiac injury show that curcumin treatment reduces reactive oxygen species generation, monocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells, and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, and subsequent downstream signals. These alterations lead to preservation of myocardial function following ischemic or biochemical insult to the heart. Recent studies in models of pressure overload show that curcumin can reduce cardiac remodeling by altering reninangiotensin-system—transforming growth factor β1 and collagen axis. Studies need to be done in humans to define the potential of curcumin in limitation of cardiac injury and preservation of cardiac function following ischemia.
Explaining Fruit and Vegetable Intake Using a Consumer Marketing Tool
Authors: Della Lindsay J. , DeJoy David M. , Lance Charles E.
Published: January 2009

In response to calls to reinvent the 5 A Day fruit and vegetable campaign, this study assesses the utility of VALS™, a consumer-based audience segmentation tool that divides the U.S. population into groups leading similar lifestyles. The study examines whether the impact of theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs varies across VALS groups in a cross-sectional sample of 1,588 U.S. adults. In a multigroup structural equation model, the VALS audience group variable moderated latent TPB relationships. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control explained 57% to 70% of the variation in intention to eat fruit and vegetables across 5 different VALS groups. Perceived behavioral control and intention also predicted self-reported consumption behavior ( R 2 = 20% to 71% across VALS groups). Bivariate z tests were calculated to determine statistical differences in parameter estimates across groups. Nine of the bivariate z tests were statistically significant ( p ≤ .04), with standardized coefficients ranging from .05 to .70. These findings confirm the efficacy of using the TPB to explain variation in fruit and vegetable consumption as well as the validity of using a consumer-based algorithm to segment audiences for fruit and vegetable consumption messaging.
An Examination of Attendee Brand Loyalty: Understanding the Moderator of Behavioral Brand Loyalty
Authors: Lee Jin-Soo , Back Ki-Joon
Published: January 2009

Retention of brand-loyal attendees induces deep commitment to an association meeting and great resistance to other conferences'marketing efforts, thereby contributing to high revenue and market share. This study provides additional information about the path from brand satisfaction to attitudinal brand loyalty (ABL) via brand trust through updated expectation of brand value (UEBV) as a mediator on the brand satisfaction—brand trust path. Also, the study investigates the differential tendencies to ABL by high and low behavioral brand loyalty (BBL) attendees within the conceptual model. According to the structural invariance test across two groups, (a) all paths showed significantly positive signs, (b) UEBV was found to serve as a mediator, and (c) BBL was supported as a moderator except for the brand trust—ABL path. Unexpectedly, low BBL attendees showed a stronger tendency toward the path from brand satisfaction to brand trust than did high BBL attendees. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The Effect of Preconsumption Mood and Service Recovery Measures On Customer Evaluations and Behavior in a Strategic Alliance Setting
Authors: Weber Karin , Sparks Beverley
Published: January 2009

In recent years, researchers have devoted considerable attention to the study of service failure and recovery, predominantly focusing on the impact of a single service failure event. More recently, several researchers have begun to investigate how multiple service failures over an extended time period influence consumer evaluations. However, current research has ignored the impacts of service failures and recovery measures in situations in which two or more service organizations are involved in the service provision, as is the case in a strategic alliance setting. The present study reports on an experiment that investigated the impact of preconsumption mood and service recovery measures on consumer evaluations in an airline alliance setting. The implications of the study results, both theoretical and managerial, will be discussed and future research directions proposed.
Modernity with Limits: The Narrative Construction of Intimate Relationships, Sex and Social Change in Carlos Cuauhtémoc Sánchez's Juventud en Éxtasis
Authors: Nehring Daniel
Published: January 2009

In this article, I explore the narrative construction of sexualities and intimate relationships in the self-help novel Youth in Sexual Ecstasy by Mexican writer Carlos Cuauhtémoc Sánchez. Self-help texts may be understood as being indicative of the reconstitution of the cultural logics of intimate life in relation to processes of modernization and globalization. The popular work of Cuauhtémoc Sánchez in particular points to respective cultural transformations and tensions emerging in Latin American contexts. The text is firmly embedded in the political project of reasserting a hegemonic construction of Mexican sexual identity based on the nation's patriarchal Christian heritage in the face of social change and tendencies towards a pluralization of sexual understandings and practices.
Sexual Tourism and the Excitement of the Strange: Heterosexuality and the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade
Authors: Mason Gail , Lo Gary
Published: January 2009

The Sydney gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade is one of the largest public celebrations of queer sexuality in the world today. This article seeks to understand the attraction of the Mardi Gras parade for heterosexual spectators who feel ambivalent or negative towards homosexuality. Drawing upon the concepts of 'the stranger' and 'the tourist' we suggest that the parade has several liminoid features that enable these spectators to momentarily suspend sexual norms that would otherwise inhibit them from attending. In this way, the parade provides an almost ideal opportunity for the ambivalent sexual tourist to experience the pleasure of the strange.
Journalists and intellectuals in the origins of the Brazilian press (1808—22)
Authors: Candiani Heci Regina
Published: January 2009

Brazilian journalism, at its onset in the 19th century, was an activity mainly associated with the colonial aristocracy, the Catholic Church and the intellectual elite. As a result, this heritage led to an almost complete blurring of the distinction between journalists and intellectuals, especially in the early years of the consolidation of the Brazilian journalistic field. Intense debate — not always polite or moderate — was the basis of the newspapers circulating in the country at that time. This tradition still feeds the perception of journalists as intellectuals to the present time although journalistic activity is becoming increasingly technical. The aim of this article is to dissect the origins of this perception by reviewing the production of two pioneer journalists, Hipólito José da Costa and José da Silva Lisboa, who were instrumental in establishing the argumentative practice of the Brazilian fourth estate.
Journalism in the age of the information society, technological convergence, and editorial segmentation
Authors: Castilhos Karam Francisco José
Published: January 2009

The present work discusses some theoretical, technical, and ethical issues that relate to journalism in the process of technological and digital convergence, and in the new setting of journalism within the information and knowledge society, in which professional routines are modified and in which journalistic information competes in wider markets and in shorter and shorter periods of time with other kinds of information. This work also situates contemporary transformations in the process of emission and reception of messages and data of journalistic value, changes which substantially modify the activity and double the need to reinforce and consolidate a professional culture in the area. In addition, this work involves studies on both information abundance and deficiency, which are simultaneous phenomena, and the international tendency of editorial segmentation when facing contemporary social rhythm and the great volume of facts and interpretations that spreads over the world.
Old Lamps for New
Authors: Carter Susan
Published: January 2009

The mnemonic techniques of the past, like mind maps, metaphors, and narrative theory, offer research students, especially doctoral candidates, another cognitive support. These techniques pre-date computers (and possibly literacy), so shift cognitive organization from the page or the computer screen to the mind. This article compares early memory theory and the process of research thinking. Three useful pointers to the thesis writer emerge from mnemonics: the use of concrete images to conceptualize the abstract; the use of mental architecture to conceive of structure; and recognition that the cognitive structuring process is ontologically significant. It is hoped that in an age of electronics a reminder of the capacity of the human mind to establish an architectural filing system may be encouraging to doctoral students engaged with structuring their theses.
`Interface: Virtual Environments in Art, Design and Education'
Authors: Hanrahan Siún , de Pietro Peter , Brown Laurie Halsey , Haw Alex , Malins Julian , Milojevic Michael , Raevaara Martti , Sonvilla Barbara , Weckman Jan Kenneth
Published: January 2009

Funded as part of an EU collaboration, under the Socrates/Minerva initiative, the key motivation for the Interface: Virtual Environments in Art, Design and Education Conference was a sense that, while VLEs and the use of ICT tools are a growing facet of third-level education, and indeed play an important role at the cutting edge of contemporary practice in both design and fine art, their relevance to educational practice in `hands-on' or practice-based disciplines such as art and design is less clear. While the range of presentations within the conference sought to excite conversation amongst artists and designers as well as art and design educators, those selected for inclusion here specifically address VLEs and ICT tools in a higher education context. Further, the emphasis accorded to those described here reflects the wider conference objective of engaging with questions arising out of practice-based educational contexts, from art and design to archaeology.
LGBT Employee Groups: Goals and Organizational Structures
Authors: Githens Rod P. , Aragon Steven R.
Published: January 2009

The problem and the solution. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees oftentimes face isolation, difficult workplace climates, and inequitable benefits and policies. LGBT employee groups offer a space for social support and provide an organized platform from which employees can advocate for changes within their workplaces.We provide a social and historical background on LGBT employee groups and provide a framework/continuum for understanding different approaches to operating these groups.These groups vary in their organizational structures and in their goals. Groups can adopt emergent organizational styles or take more orderly and structured approaches to organizing. Goals for these groups include bringing broader social change and improving organizational effectiveness. These groups provide human resource development that benefits individuals, organizations, communities, and societies.
Sonographic Assessment of the Neonatal Spine and the Potential for New Technologies to Aid in Diagnoses
Authors: Patterson Shanna
Published: January 2009

Many spinal disorders, whether congenital or acquired, are likely to have an improved outcome if they are promptly identified. A rapid diagnosis may eliminate progressive sequela and provide insight to possible treatment plans. Although there are various medical imaging modalities for evaluating the neonatal spine, diagnostic medical sonography provides a safe (no exposure to ionizing radiation), quick, and inexpensive approach. Spinal diagnostic medical sonography can be performed in neonates as long as the vertebral column is not completely ossified. Diagnostic medical sonography is a valuable technique that, in addition to 2D imaging, provides 3D, extended field of view (EFOV), and M-mode imaging. Diagnostic medical sonography can identify normal spinal anatomy and variants, congenital malformations, and acquired diseases subsequent to birth-related trauma and lumbar punctures. This article discusses the normal embryology of the spine. Indications for neonatal spinal diagnostic medical sonography are reviewed along with a description of sonographic examination techniques. A review of spinal pathology and their embryological origin will be outlined as well as normal variants seen with sonography. A detailed literature review is provided evaluating case studies and their findings.
Rare Presentation of Twin Gestation With Acardiac Parabiotic Twin
Authors: Mahale Ajit , Mahale Nina , Arora Ankur , Subas Joshi Kirti , Manohar Yuvraj
Published: January 2009

Acardiac parabiotic twinning, also known as a twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, is a rare occurrence found only in monozygotic twin fetuses whose vascular systems are connected. The circulation of the acardiac twin is accomplished solely by the heart of the other fetus. Although antenatal diagnosis of the TRAP sequence has been reported by several authors, the pathogenesis remains controversial. This case was incidentally detected during routine antenatal sonographic examination at 29 weeks of gestation.
Paratubal Cyst With Isolated Torsion of the Fallopian Tube
Authors: Bloom Rachel Katherine , Larusso Salvatore
Published: January 2009

Isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a rare condition in which the fallopian tube torses without any ovarian involvement. This condition most often occurs in perimenarchal girls and usually presents with pain on the side of torsion. A patient in her teens presented with worsening pain. Sonographic evaluation revealed a midline cystic structure displacing the uterus. The cyst was originally thought to be ovarian, but there was no sonographic evidence to support attachment to an ovary. Because of the differential diagnosis and possibility of fallopian tube torsion, the patient was sent to surgery. Surgery confirmed the differential diagnosis of a paratubal cyst with right-sided isolated fallopian tube torsion.
Atypical Hepatic Hemangioma
Authors: Beussink Lauren S.
Published: January 2009

Hepatic hemangioma is a common incidental finding discovered with abdominal sonography. These lesions consist of collections of atypical blood vessels; structurally, the irregular vessels create blood-filled cystic spaces separated by fibrous connective tissue and endothelial cells. Although these benign lesions typically appear sonographically as small, hyperechoic, and well-circumscribed hepatic masses, atypical hemangiomas make up around one third of hemangiomas diagnosed with sonography. Giant hemangiomas, in particular, are of special significance to the sonographer because their atypical size may create symptoms that mimic other abdominal pathology, such as gallstones or pancreatitis; they may also lead to potentially deadly complications such as rupture, Budd-Chiari syndrome, or Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. If these large vascular lesions become symptomatic, surgical excision may be necessary. A case of hepatic hemangioma is presented that demonstrates the sonographic features of atypical hemangioma and emphasizes the potential of sonography as a high-quality first-line imaging modality.
Ductility, structural quality, and fracture toughness of Al–Cu–Mg–Ag (A201) alloy castings
Authors: Tiryakioclu M. , Campbell J.
Published: January 2009

The yield strength–elongation relationship in cast Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloys (A201) castings has been investigated by analysing 11 datasets from the literature on premium quality castings. The data representing the elongation for a given yield strength have been found to fall within an envelope, the top limit of which represents the ductility potential of A201 alloy castings. A new quality index for A201 alloy castings is introduced. Moreover, using the fracture toughness equation by Hahn and Rosenfield, the estimated intrinsic fracture toughness values have been found to be consistent with the data reported in the literature.
Positive correlation between gene coexpression and positional clustering in the zebrafish genome
Authors: Ng Yen Kaow , Wu Wei , Zhang Louxin
Published: January 2009

Background

Co-expressing genes tend to cluster in eukaryotic genomes. This paper analyzes correlation between the proximity of eukaryotic genes and their transcriptional expression pattern in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome using available microarray data and gene annotation.

Results

The analyses show that neighbouring genes are significantly coexpressed in the zebrafish genome, and the coexpression level is influenced by the intergenic distance and transcription orientation. This fact is further supported by examining the coexpression level of genes within positional clusters in the neighbourhood model. There is a positive correlation between gene coexpression and positional clustering in the zebrafish genome.

Conclusion

The study provides another piece of evidence for the hypothesis that coexpressed genes do cluster in the eukaryotic genomes.
The external validity of published randomized controlled trials in primary care
Authors: Jones Ritu , Jones Robert O , McCowan Colin , Montgomery Alan A , Fahey Tom
Published: January 2009

Background

A criticism of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in primary care is that they lack external validity, participants being unrepresentative of the wider population. Our aim was to determine whether published primary care-based RCTs report information about how the study sample is assembled, and whether this is associated with RCT characteristics.

Methods

We reviewed RCTs published in four primary care journals in the years 2001–2004. Main outcomes were: (1) eligibility fraction (proportion eligible of those screened), (2) enrolment fraction (proportion randomised of those eligible), (3) recruitment fraction (proportion of potential participants actually randomised), and (4) number of patients needed to be screened (NNS) in order to randomize one participant.

Results

A total of 148 RCTs were reviewed. One hundred and three trials (70%) reported the number of individuals assessed by investigators for eligibility, 119 (80%) reported the number eligible for participation, and all reported the actual number recruited. The median eligibility fraction was 83% (IQR 40% to 100%), and the median enrolment fraction was 74% (IQR 49% to 92%). The median NNS was 2.43, with some trials reportedly recruiting every patient or practice screened for eligibility, and one trial screening 484 for each patient recruited. We found no association between NNS and journal, trial size, multi- or single-centre, funding source or type of intervention. There may be associations between provision of sufficient recruitment data for the calculation of NNS and funding source and type of intervention.

Conclusion

RCTs reporting recruitment data in primary care suggest that once screened for eligibility and found to match inclusion criteria patients are likely to be randomized. This finding needs to be treated with caution as it may represent inadequate identification or reporting of the eligible population. A substantial minority of RCTs did not provide sufficient information about the patient recruitment process.
Atomic structures and functional implications of the archaeal RecQ-like helicase Hjm
Authors: Oyama Takuji , Oka Hayato , Mayanagi Kouta , Shirai Tsuyoshi , Matoba Kyoko , Fujikane Ryosuke , Ishino Yoshizumi , Morikawa Kosuke
Published: January 2009

Background

Pyrococcus furiosus Hjm (Pfu Hjm) is a structure-specific DNA helicase that was originally identified by in vitro screening for Holliday junction migration activity. It belongs to helicase superfamily 2, and shares homology with the human DNA polymerase Θ (PolΘ), HEL308, and Drosophila Mus308 proteins, which are involved in DNA repair. Previous biochemical and genetic analyses revealed that Pfu Hjm preferentially binds to fork-related Y-structured DNAs and unwinds their double-stranded regions, suggesting that this helicase is a functional counterpart of the bacterial RecQ helicase, which is essential for genome maintenance. Elucidation of the DNA unwinding and translocation mechanisms by Pfu Hjm will require its three-dimensional structure at atomic resolution.

Results

We determined the crystal structures of Pfu Hjm, in two apo-states and two nucleotide bound forms, at resolutions of 2.0–2.7 Å. The overall structures and the local conformations around the nucleotide binding sites are almost the same, including the side-chain conformations, irrespective of the nucleotide-binding states. The architecture of Hjm was similar to that of Archaeoglobus fulgidus Hel308 complexed with DNA. An Hjm-DNA complex model, constructed by fitting the five domains of Hjm onto the corresponding Hel308 domains, indicated that the interaction of Hjm with DNA is similar to that of Hel308. Notably, sulphate ions bound to Hjm lie on the putative DNA binding surfaces. Electron microscopic analysis of an Hjm-DNA complex revealed substantial flexibility of the double stranded region of DNA, presumably due to particularly weak protein-DNA interactions. Our present structures allowed reasonable homology model building of the helicase region of human PolΘ, indicating the strong conformational conservation between archaea and eukarya.

Conclusion

The detailed comparison between our DNA-free Pfu Hjm structure and the structure of Hel308 complexed with DNA suggests similar DNA unwinding and translocation mechanisms, which could be generalized to all of the members in the same family. Structural comparison also implied a minor rearrangement of the five domains during DNA unwinding reaction. The unexpected small contact between the DNA duplex region and the enzyme appears to be advantageous for processive helicase activity.
Antiphospholipid antibodies: Paradigm in transition
Authors: Horstman Lawrence L , Jy Wenche , Bidot Carlos J , Ahn Yeon S , Kelley Roger E , Zivadinov Robert , Maghzi Amir H , Etemadifar Masoud , Mousavi Seyed Ali , Minagar Alireza
Published: January 2009

Objectives

This is a critical review of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Most prior reviews focus on the aPL syndrome (APS), a thrombotic condition often marked by neurological disturbance. We bring to attention recent evidence that aPL may be equally relevant to non-thrombotic autoimmune conditions, notably, multiple sclerosis and ITP.

Organization

After a brief history, the recent proliferation of aPL target antigens is reviewed. The implication is that many more exist. Theories of aPL in thrombosis are then reviewed, concluding that all have merit but that aPL may have more diverse pathological consequences than now recognized. Next, conflicting results are explained by methodological differences. The lupus anticoagulant (LA) is then discussed. LA is the best predictor of thrombosis, but why this is true is not settled. Finally, aPL in non-thrombotic disorders is reviewed.

Conclusion

The current paradigm of aPL holds that they are important in thrombosis, but they may have much wider clinical significance, possibly of special interest in neurology.
Multiple signaling pathways contribute to synergistic TLR ligand-dependent cytokine gene expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Mäkelä Sanna M , Strengell Mari , Pietilä Taija E , Österlund Pamela , Julkunen Ilkka
Published: January 2009

TLRs are innate immune receptors that recognize pathogen-associated structures. Binding of ligands to different TLRs can induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines in a synergistic manner. We have analyzed the molecular mechanisms of synergy in TLR ligand-stimulated human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells (moDCs). Stimulation of moDCs with the TLR8 ligand together with the TLR3 or TLR4 ligand led to synergistic IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α mRNA expression and cytokine production. DNA-binding assays showed that TLR3 and TLR8 stimulation induced binding of multiple IFN regulatory factor (IRF) and STAT transcription factors to the IL-12p35 gene promoter IFN-stimulated response element in moDCs and macrophages but with different binding profiles and kinetics. We also demonstrate that NF-κB, MAPKs and PI-3K pathways have an important role in TLR-induced cytokine gene expression, as pharmacological inhibitors of these signaling pathways inhibited TLR3, TLR4, and TLR8 ligand-induced cytokine mRNA expression and protein production. Especially, synergistic IL-12p70 production was abolished completely in NF-κB, MAPK p38, and PI-3K inhibitor-treated moDCs. Our data suggest that TLR-dependent, synergistic cytokine gene expression results from enhanced activation and cooperation among NF-κB, IRF, MAPK, PI-3K, and STAT signaling pathways.
Overcoming CYP1A1/1A2 Mediated Induction of Metabolism by Escalating Erlotinib Dose in Current Smokers
Authors: Hughes Andrew N. , O'Brien Mary E.R. , Petty W. Jeffrey , Chick Jonathan B. , Rankin Elaine , Woll Penella J. , Dunlop David , Nicolson Marianne , Boinpally Ramesh , Wolf Julie , Price Allan
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Cigarette smoking induces CYP1A1/1A2 and is hypothesized to alter erlotinib pharmacokinetics. This study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of erlotinib in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who smoke and compare the pharmacokinetics of erlotinib at the MTD in current smokers with 150 mg.

Patients and Methods

Cohorts of NSCLC patients currently smoking ≥ 10 cigarettes per day for ≥ 1 year received escalating doses of erlotinib for 14 days until dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). A separate cohort of patients was then randomly assigned to erlotinib at either MTD or 150 mg daily with pharmacokinetics assessed at day 14. Erlotinib was continued until progression or intolerable toxicity.

Results

Four dose levels were evaluated in 22 patients: 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg. DLT was observed in one of six patients at 300 mg (rash) and two of five patients at 350 mg (acneiform dermatitis and fatigue/decreased Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status). Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to 150 mg or 300 mg. Common adverse events (all grades) were: skin toxicity (150 mg, 29%; 300 mg, 67%), diarrhea (150 mg, 18%; 300 mg, 50%), and fatigue (150 mg, 12%; 300 mg, 17%). Erlotinib exposure was dose-proportional within dose range tested. Median steady-state trough erlotinib plasma concentrations were 0.375 and 1.22 μg/mL for 150 mg and 300 mg, respectively.

Conclusion

The MTD of erlotinib in NSCLC patients who smoke was 300 mg. Steady-state trough plasma concentrations and incidence of rash and diarrhea in smokers at 300 mg were similar to those in former or never smokers receiving 150 mg in previous studies. The potential benefit of higher erlotinib doses in current smokers warrants further evaluation.
Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Protein as an Independent Predictor of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Subjects with Hyperalphalipoproteinemia
Authors: West Michael , Greason Erin , Kolmakova Antonina , Jahangiri Anisa , Asztalos Bela , Pollin Toni I. , Rodriguez Annabelle
Published: January 2009

Context: In mice, scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) receptor protein deficiency is associated with elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

Objective: Our objective was to determine the relationship between SR-BI protein and HDL-C levels in humans.

Design: This was a prospective study of adults with hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Fasting blood was obtained for lipid and lipoprotein measurement, genomic DNA, and monocyte-derived macrophages. SR-BI protein levels were measured by Western blots, and SR-BI activity was measured by cholesteryl ester (CE) uptake of each donor’s radiolabeled HDL with their monocyte-derived macrophages, or by degradation and specific cell association of dual-labeled HDL in vitro.

Setting: The study was performed in a tertiary university teaching hospital.

Results: The mean age was 57.2 ± 10.9 yr (n = 65). SR-BI protein levels were inversely associated with HDL-C levels (P < 0.002), HDL particle size (P < 0.05), and positively associated with CE uptake (P < 0.004); there was no association with plasma apolipoprotein levels. SR-BI protein levels (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of HDL-C levels. Subjects who were carriers of the A allele for the rs4238001 (glycine to serine at position 2) polymorphism [single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)] had lower SR-BI protein levels (P = 0.01), whereas carriers of the C allele for the rs2278986 SNP also had lower SR-BI protein levels (P = 0.02). Body mass index (P = 0.05), rs4238001 (P = 0.01), and rs2278986 (P = 0.01) SNPs were independent predictors of SR-BI protein levels. In vitro studies of murine macrophages stably expressing the glycine to serine at position 2 SNP showed less degradation (P < 0.0004) and specific cell association (P < 0.0004) of [125I, 3H]-CE-labeled HDL.

Conclusions: SR-BI protein has an independent effect on HDL-C levels in women with hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Two SNPs were significantly associated with lower SR-BI protein levels.
Identification of direct T-box target genes in the developing zebrafish mesoderm
Authors: Garnett Aaron T. , Han Tina M. , Gilchrist Michael J. , Smith James C. , Eisen Michael B. , Wardle Fiona C. , Amacher Sharon L.
Published: January 2009

The zebrafish genes spadetail (spt) and no tail(ntl) encode T-box transcription factors that are important for early mesoderm development. Although much has been done to characterize these genes,the identity and location of target regulatory elements remain largely unknown. Here, we survey the genome for downstream target genes of the Spt and Ntl T-box transcription factors. We find evidence for extensive additive interactions towards gene activation and limited evidence for combinatorial and antagonistic interactions between the two factors. Using in vitro binding selection assays to define Spt- and Ntl-binding motifs, we searched for target regulatory sequence via a combination of binding motif searches and comparative genomics. We identified regulatory elements for tbx6 and deltaD, and, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, in vitro DNA binding assays and transgenic methods, we provide evidence that both are directly regulated by T-box transcription factors. We also find that deltaD is directly activated by T-box factors in the tail bud, where it has been implicated in starting the segmentation clock, suggesting that spt and ntl act upstream of this process.
Development of a novel laser dual-axis five- degrees-of-freedom measuring system
Authors: Jywe W , Jeng Y-R , Liu C-H , Teng Y-F
Published: January 2009

In this paper, it presents a useful dual-axial five-degrees-of-freedom measuring system with five degrees of freedom (DoFs) for the simultaneous measurement of five-DoF motion errors of a nano-stage. The system integrates a miniature fibre-coupled laser interferometer with specially designed optical paths and quadrant detectors, capable of measuring five-DoF motion errors. It presents a new precision five-DoF measuring system which has been developed and implemented for the simultaneous measurement of five-DoF motion errors (two linear positions, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw) of a nano-stage. In this paper, the five-DoF laser interferometer was produced by designing the optical path from the one-DoF laser interferometer. The system employs two three-DoF interferometers to detect two position errors and three angular errors of the nano-stage. The experimental set-ups and measuring procedure and a systematic calculated method for the error verification are presented as well. The resolution of measuring the angular errors component is about 0.06″.
Development of a new swirl-measurement method for an engine cylinder head by automating the swirl-measuring process
Authors: Kim K I , Lee C H
Published: January 2009

Traditional swirl-measurement equipment that adopts a paddle wheel is manually operated to measure the swirl intensity generated from a helical port in an engine cylinder head. The conventional equipment was modified to operate automatically using a step motor to adjust the valve lift and an additional step motor to control the surge tank pressure. The automatic swirl-measuring equipment was operated in either steady or quasi-steady flow conditions. The surge tank pressure was controlled by automatically opening or closing a bypass valve using the step motor when the swirl flow was measured in a steady flow whereas, when the swirl flow was in a quasi-steady flow, the surge tank pressure varied naturally adapting to the valve lift in the conditions of closing the bypass valve. Several sensor signals, such as the paddle speed, differential pressures at the flow nozzle and surge tank, and intake air temperature imperative to the swirl ratio calculation, were measured and recorded automatically using a personal computer and data acquisition systems. The value of the mean swirl ratio from the cylinder head port showed nearly identical values of 2.0 in both the steady and the quasi-steady flow conditions. Compared with the conventional swirl system, the time required for 1 cycle of the swirl ratio measurement for a port in the cylinder head was drastically reduced by adopting the automatic swirl-measuring system. Moreover, in the automatic swirl-measuring system, the measuring time in the quasi-steady flow condition was less than that in the steady condition, because the target value of the surge tank pressure need not be controlled.
Comparison and evaluation of steer yaw motion controllers with an anti-lock brake system
Authors: Song Jeonghoon
Published: January 2009

This study proposes two new steer yaw motion controller (SYMC) systems designed to increase lateral stability and controllability for comparison with two brake yaw motion controller (BYMC) systems. The SYMC systems control the steering angle of the rear wheels to make the vehicle track reference values. A non-linear vehicle model and an anti-lock braking system controller are used to validate these systems for a vehicle operating on a slippery road at a high speed. Test results show that the SYMC systems extend the limit of adhesion between the road and the tyre to improve controllability and stability. SYMC systems provide enhanced steerability for a vehicle executing a manoeuvre such as a J-turn or sinusoidal steering. They also reduce the deviation from the centre-line for a vehicle operating on a split- μ road and decrease the steering effort when changing lanes. The performance of SYMC systems is generally similar to that of BYMC systems, except for lane changes on a snow-covered road surface where the SYMC performance is superior.
Varicose vein surgery performed by a surgical care practitioner
Authors: Hickey N C , Cooper K
Published: January 2009

A surgical care practitioner (SCP) completed a structured training programme to perform all aspects of varicose vein surgery including sapheno-femoral disconnection and long saphenous vein stripping. Over a four-year period, she performed 152 groin procedures, closed 191 groin wounds and undertook phlebectomies on 91 legs with excellent results. A SCP can be used to improve theatre utilization and efficiency with no obvious drawbacks.
Echo-guided foam sclerotherapy treatment of venous malformation involving the sciatic nerve
Authors: Gianesini S , Menegatti E , Tacconi G , Scognamillo F , Liboni A , Zamboni P
Published: January 2009

Primary sciatic nerve varices (SNV) lie within the sciatic nerve possibly causing chronic venous disease and sciatic pain as well. We report a series of 12 consecutive patients affected by symptomatic SNV. All of them were treated by echo-guided Tessari foam sclerotherapy (EGFSCL). Mean follow up lasted two years. Reflux through the sciatic veins, as the connected superficial varicose veins, disappeared in the entire cohort and only minor complications have emerged. EGFSCL seems to be both safe and effective, so representing a reliable and minimally invasive treatment.
Dynamic Pricing with Online Learning and Strategic Consumers: An Application of the Aggregating Algorithm
Authors: Levina Tatsiana , Levin Yuri , McGill Jeff , Nediak Mikhail
Published: January 2009

We study the problem faced by a monopolistic company that is dynamically pricing a perishable product or service and simultaneously learning the demand characteristics of its customers. In the learning procedure, the company observes the sales history over consecutive learning stages and predicts consumer demand by applying an aggregating algorithm (AA) to a pool of online stochastic predictors. Numerical implementation uses finite-sample distribution approximations that are periodically updated using the most recent sales data. These are subsequently altered with a random step characterizing the stochastic predictors. The company's pricing policy is optimized with a simulation-based procedure integrated with AA. The methodology of the paper is general and independent of specific distributional assumptions. We illustrate this procedure on a demand model for a market in which customers are aware that pricing is dynamic, may time their purchases strategically, and compete for a limited product supply. We derive the form of this demand model using a game-theoretic consumer choice model and study its structural properties. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the learning procedure is robust to deviations of the actual market from the model of the market used in learning.