bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting Mourning to Work
Authors: Engle Karen J.
Published: January 2007

This article investigates the work of mourning following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. Combining discussions of mourning, kitsch and sentimentality, I examine the perverse transformation of grief into patriotic nationalism. Linking Freud’s description of mourning as work with Derrida’s articulation of grief as ‘a work working at its own unproductivity’, I explore how grief has been paired with icons of American nostalgia, such as Norman Rockwell, as well as kitschy souvenirs from Ground Zero vendors, and, through this pairing, been transformed into a motive force for war. A central part of this operation, I argue, is the process of identification with the traumatic event. Identification, what Freud describes as a ‘binding force’, takes place across diverse fields - from White House speeches, to kitsch memorabilia made available immediately following the attacks. Identification with the event enables identification with the nation - an operation immediately reifying the official rhetoric of ‘Us against Them’ propounded by President Bush and his advisers. As grief over 9/11 is transformed into a perpetual rationale for war, that day becomes a new origin conveniently obliterating all that came before regarding the history of US nation-building and its own brand of terrorism.
Liquid Modernity, Complexity and Turbulence
Authors: Bryant Antony
Published: January 2007

The main ideas underlying Bauman’s liquid modernity are explained and then extended to incorporate current ideas about complexity and turbulence. This combination is used to argue that although Bauman himself refuses to offer any resolution to the paradoxes of liquid modernity, complexity theory may be useful: in particular the argument that the seemingly chaotic may actually result in some sort of order. The section also points to the ways in which liquid modernity provides a constant reminder of the underside of contemporary existence; vagabonds and waste as well as tourists and flexibility.
The Ambiguity of the Modern Conception of Autonomy and the Paradox of Culture
Authors: Bouchet Dominique
Published: January 2007

Grounded in newer French socio-political philosophy, this text deals with the paradoxical situation in which the interpretation of society as well as the relation between the individual and the social remains ambiguous even though autonomy and interrogation of the social emerges: Autonomy remains trapped between transcendence and immanence. Modernity is when society claims to know that it has to produce its own myths. Traditional societies did not relate to their myths as if they were their own products. Nevertheless, as soon as the traditional religious points of reference are disclosed and disappear, the community gives itself new points of reference in order to put the social at a distance. Thus the social creates a distance to itself and a mirror for itself in order to perceive itself and work upon itself. The article explores the questions of why this is so and the difference between heteronomous and autonomous autotranscendence.
Castoriadis and Autopoiesis
Authors: Adams Suzi
Published: January 2007

Castoriadis’s encounter with autopoiesis was a decisive factor for his philosophical trajectory. Its influence can be seen on four interconnected levels of his thought: his reconsideration of Greek sources for his later interpretation of trans-regional being as self-creating; his rethinking of objective knowledge; his ventures into philosophical cosmology; and his re-evaluation of the living being, especially in light of his dialogue with Varela. In brief, Castoriadis’s engagement with autopoiesis was significant for his shift towards an ontology of radical physis. His shift to radical physis does not point so much to a rejection of the project of autonomy, however, as, paradoxically, its simultaneous radicalization and relativization.
Development and Relative Assessments of Models for Characterizing the Current Dependent Hysteresis Properties of Magnetorheological Fluid Dampers
Authors: Xiao Qing Ma  , Rakheja S. , Su Chun-Yi
Published: January 2007

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers exhibit hysteretic and nonlinear force— velocity characteristics, which are strongly dependent upon the nature of the excitation and applied current. A number of reported models for characterizing such hysteretic and nonlinear force—velocity properties are reviewed in view of their applicability for predicting the hysteretic damping force under varying applied current and excitation conditions. It is concluded that the vast majority of these models lack consideration of damping force dependence upon the control current, and the frequency and magnitude of excitation. An independent current function is proposed that could enhance the current-dependent damping force prediction ability of the selected models, when integrated with the hysteretic force function. The parameters of the resulting modified models are identified on the basis of the measured data acquired for a MR-damper under wide ranges of excitation amplitudes and frequencies, and applied currents. These include modified linear biviscous, polynomial, extended Bouc—Wen and generalized sigmoid function models. The validity of modified models and the proposed current function is examined by comparing the model results with measured data under different currents and excitation conditions. The results show that the integration of the proposed current function could significantly enhance the performance of all models in predicting the current-dependent hysteretic damping force. The relative error analyses reveal that modified Bouc—Wen and sigmoid function models can provide reasonably good characterization of nonlinear and hysteretic MR-damping force over a range of current and excitation conditions considered in the study.
Active Suppression of Plate Vibration Excited by Acoustic Pressure in a Chamber: Cluster-mode Approach
Authors: Kato Hiroki , Matsuzaki Yuji
Published: January 2007

A cluster-mode control analysis of coupled structural and acoustic vibrations of a double-wall chamber system, which consists of four solid walls and elastic outer and inner plates placed opposite, as well as air occupying the chamber is presented in this article. The outer plate is externally driven to induce acoustic vibrations in the chamber, which consequently force the inner plate to oscillate. To understand complicated mechanical coupling of the structural and acoustic vibrations, the cluster-mode approach of filtering, sensing, and actuating is used. The coupled vibrations of the system are analytically grouped into four clusters in such a way that each clustered mode can be treated independently. As one may have a simpler view on the coupling in each cluster, it is easier to overview the coupled behaviors and control the oscillation of the system effectively. In numerical analysis, a feedforward control to the inner plate and a direct velocity feedback control (DVFBC) to the outer plate are applied. Numerical results show that the introduction of the cluster-mode filtering is useful in comprehending the complicated mechanical behavior of the coupled system. The hybrid use of optimum clustered feedforward control and clustered DVFBC has well suppressed the vibration of the internal plate.
eQTL Viewer: visualizing how sequence variation affects genome-wide transcription
Authors: Zou Wei , Aylor David L , Zeng Zhao-Bang
Published: January 2007

Background

Expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) mapping methods have been used to identify the genetic basis of gene expression variations. To map eQTL, thousands of expression profiles are related with sequence polymorphisms across the genome through their correlated variations. These eQTL distribute in many chromosomal regions, each of which can include many genes. The large number of mapping results produced makes it difficult to consider simultaneously the relationships between multiple genomic regions and multiple expressional profiles. There is a need for informative bioinformatics tools to assist the visualization and interpretation of these mapping results.

Results

We have developed a web-based tool, called eQTL Viewer, to visualize the relationships between the expression trait genes and the candidate genes in the eQTL regions using Scalable Vector Graphics. The plot generated by eQTL Viewer has the capacity to display mapping results with high resolutions at a variety of scales, and superimpose biological annotations onto the mapping results dynamically.

Conclusion

Our tool provides an efficient and intuitive way for biologists to explore transcriptional regulation patterns, and to generate hypotheses on the genetic basis of transcriptional regulations.
Amyloid-like aggregates of neuronal tau induced by formaldehyde promote apoptosis of neuronal cells
Authors: Nie Chun Lai , Wang Xing Sheng , Liu Ying , Perrett Sarah , He Rong Qiao
Published: January 2007

Background

The microtubule associated protein tau is the principle component of neurofibrillar tangles, which are a characteristic marker in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease; similar lesions are also observed after chronic alcohol abuse. Formaldehyde is a common environmental contaminant and also a metabolite of methanol. Although many studies have been done on methanol and formaldehyde intoxication, none of these address the contribution of protein misfolding to the pathological mechanism, in particular the effect of formaldehyde on protein conformation and polymerization.

Results

We found that unlike the typical globular protein BSA, the natively-unfolded structure of human neuronal tau was induced to misfold and aggregate in the presence of ~0.01% formaldehyde, leading to formation of amyloid-like deposits that appeared as densely staining granules by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and bound the amyloid-specific dyes thioflavin T and Congo Red. The amyloid-like aggregates of tau were found to induce apoptosis in the neurotypic cell line SH-SY5Y and in rat hippocampal cells, as observed by Hoechst 33258 staining, assay of caspase-3 activity, and flow cytometry using Annexin V and Propidium Iodide staining. Further experiments showed that Congo Red specifically attenuated the caspase-3 activity induced by amyloid-like deposits of tau.

Conclusion

The results suggest that low concentrations of formaldehyde can induce human tau protein to form neurotoxic aggregates, which could play a role in the induction of tauopathies.
Resource allocation within the National AIDS Control Program of Pakistan: a qualitative assessment of decision maker's opinions
Authors: Husain Sara , Kadir Masood , Fatmi Zafar
Published: January 2007

Background

Limited resources, whether public or private, demand prioritisation among competing needs to maximise productivity. With a substantial increase in the number of reported HIV cases, little work has been done to understand how resources have been distributed and what factors may have influenced allocation within the newly introduced Enhanced National AIDS Control Program of Pakistan. The objective of this study was to identify perceptions of decision makers about the process of resource allocation within Pakistan's Enhanced National AIDS Control Program.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken and in-depth interviews of decision makers at provincial and federal levels responsible to allocate resources within the program were conducted.

Results

HIV was not considered a priority issue by all study participants and external funding for the program was thought to have been accepted because of poor foreign currency reserves and donor agency influence rather than local need. Political influences from the federal government and donor agencies were thought to manipulate distribution of funds within the program. These influences were thought to occur despite the existence of a well-laid out procedure to determine allocation of public resources. Lack of collaboration among departments involved in decision making, a pervasive lack of technical expertise, paucity of information and an atmosphere of ad hoc decision making were thought to reduce resistance to external pressures.

Conclusion

Development of a unified program vision through a consultative process and advocacy is necessary to understand goals to be achieved, to enhance program ownership and develop consensus about how money and effort should be directed. Enhancing public sector expertise in planning and budgeting is essential not just for the program, but also to reduce reliance on external agencies for technical support. Strengthening available databases for effective decision making is required to make financial allocations based on real, rather than perceived needs. With a large part of HIV program funding dedicated to public-private partnerships, it becomes imperative to develop public sector capacity to administer contracts, coordinate and monitor activities of the non-governmental sector.
Usefulness of cancer-testis antigens as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Grizzi Fabio , Franceschini Barbara , Hamrick Cody , Frezza Eldo E , Cobos Everardo , Chiriva-Internati Maurizio
Published: January 2007

Despite advances in our cellular and molecular knowledge, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the major public health problems throughout the world. It is now known to be highly heterogeneous: it encompasses various pathological entities and a wide range of clinical behaviors, and is underpinned by a complex array of gene alterations that affect supra-molecular processes.

Four families of HCC tumour markers have been recently proposed: a) onco-fetal and glycoprotein antigens; b) enzymes and iso-enzymes; c) cytokines and d) genes. A category of tumour-associated antigens called cancer-testis (CT) antigens has been identified and their encoding genes have been extensively investigated. CT antigens are expressed in a limited number of normal tissues as well as in malignant tumors of unrelated histological origin, including the liver. Given that cancers are being recognized as increasingly complex, we here review the role of CT antigens as liver tumour biomarkers and their validation process, and discuss why they may improve the effectiveness of screening HCC patients and help in determining the risk of developing HCC.
Distraction osteogenesis in a severe mandibular deficiency
Authors: Ortakoglu Kerim , Karacay Seniz , Sencimen Metin , Akin Erol , Ozyigit Aykut H , Bengi Osman
Published: January 2007

Objective

Distraction osteogenesis is an alternative treatment method for the correction of mandibular hypoplasia. In this case report, distraction with a multidirectional extraoral device was performed to gradually lengthen the corpus and ramus of a patient who had a severe hypoplastic mandible.

Materials and methods

The patient underwent bilateral extraoral ramus and corpus distraction osteogenesis. After seven days of latency period, distraction was performed 0.5 mm twice a day. Subsequent consolidation period was 12 weeks.

Results

The patient's mandible was elongated successfully. Cephalometric analysis revealed that ANB angle decreased from 13° to 6°, overjet of 15 mm decreased to 4 mm, corpus length increased from 49 mm to 67 mm, and ramus length increased from 41 mm to 43 mm. Posterior airway space (PAS) also increased due to advancement of the mandible. In stereolithographic model evaluation it was determined that the distances from condylion to gonion and from gonion to pogonion increased.

Conclusion

Satisfactory results from both aesthetic and functional standpoints were obtained by distraction osteogenesis of the ramus and corpus.
Combining global genome and transcriptome approaches to identify the candidate genes of small-effect quantitative trait loci in collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Yu Xinhua , Bauer Kristin , Koczan Dirk , Thiesen Hans-Jürgen , Ibrahim Saleh M
Published: January 2007

Quantitative traits such as complex diseases are controlled by many small-effect genes that are difficult to identify. Here we present a novel strategy to identify the candidate genes for small-effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) using global genome and transcriptome approaches. First, we performed genome linkage analysis in F2 progeny of the CIA susceptible and resistant strains to search for small-effect QTL. Second, we detected gene expression patterns of both strains during CIA. The candidate genes were identified using three criteria: they are located in a genomic region linked to CIA; they are disease-specific differentially expressed during CIA; and they are strain-specific differentially expressed regarding the two parental strains. Eight small-effect QTL controlling CIA severity were identified. Of 22,000 screened genes, 117 were both strain-specific and disease-specific differentially expressed during CIA. Of these 117 genes, 21 were located inside the support intervals of the 8 small-effect QTL and thus were considered as candidate genes.
Genetic variants of CYP3A5, CYP2D6, SULT1A1, UGT2B15 and tamoxifen response in postmenopausal patients with breast cancer
Authors: Wegman Pia , Elingarami Sauli , Carstensen John , Stål Olle , Nordenskjöld Bo , Wingren Sten
Published: January 2007

Introduction

Tamoxifen therapy reduces the risk of recurrence and prolongs the survival of oestrogen-receptor-positive patients with breast cancer. Even if most patients benefit from tamoxifen, many breast tumours either fail to respond or become resistant. Because tamoxifen is extensively metabolised by polymorphic enzymes, one proposed mechanism underlying the resistance is altered metabolism. In the present study we investigated the prognostic and/or predictive value of functional polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 3A5 CYP3A5 (*3), CYP2D6 (*4), sulphotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1; *2) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B15 (UGT2B15; *2) in tamoxifen-treated patients with breast cancer.

Methods

In all, 677 tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal patients with breast cancer, of whom 238 were randomised to either 2 or 5 years of tamoxifen, were genotyped by using PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism or PCR with denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The prognostic evaluation performed in the total population revealed a significantly better disease-free survival in patients homozygous for CYP2D6*4. For CYP3A5, SULT1A1 and UGT2B15 no prognostic significance was observed. In the randomised group we found that for CYP3A5, homozygous carriers of the *3 allele tended to have an increased risk of recurrence when treated for 2 years with tamoxifen, although this was not statistically significant (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.68 to 11.99, P = 0.15). In the group randomised to 5 years' tamoxifen the survival pattern shifted towards a significantly improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) among CYP3A5*3-homozygous patients (HR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.55, P = 0.002). No reliable differences could be seen between treatment duration and the genotypes of CYP2D6, SULT1A1 or UGT2B15. The significantly improved RFS with prolonged tamoxifen treatment in CYP3A5*3 homozygotes was also seen in a multivariate Cox model (HR = 0.13, CI = 0.02 to 0.86, P = 0.03), whereas no differences could be seen for CYP2D6, SULT1A1 and UGT2B15.

Conclusion

The metabolism of tamoxifen is complex and the mechanisms responsible for the resistance are unlikely to be explained by a single polymorphism; instead it is a combination of several mechanisms. However, the present data suggest that genetic variation in CYP3A5 may predict response to tamoxifen therapy.
Paediatric Preputial Pathology: Are we Circumcising Enough?
Authors: Yardley IE , Cosgrove C , Lambert AW
Published: January 2007

INTRODUCTION

Preputial problems are a common reason for referral to the paediatric surgical out-patient department. Many boys referred do not need surgical intervention. One indication for intervention is balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), a potentially serious condition previously considered rare in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive boys referred to a paediatric general surgical out-patient department with problems relating to their prepuce during a period of 4 years were included. The out-patient diagnosis and management was recorded. All foreskins excised were sent for histological analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 422 boys were referred, median age 6 years 2 months (range, 3 months to 16 years). Over half the boys referred simply required re-assurance that all was normal with their penis. However, 186 boys (44.1%) were listed for surgical procedures – 148 circumcision, 33 preputial adhesiolysis, and 5 frenuloplasty. There were histological abnormalities in 110 specimens (84.8%); chronic inflammation (n = 69; 46.6%), BXO (n = 51; 34.5%), and fibrosis(n = 4; 2.7%). Nineteen (12.8%) specimens were reported as histologically normal. The overall prevalence of BXO in the boys referred was 12.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, the percentage of boys circumcised and the prevalence of BXO were both higher than in other published series. BXO may be more common and present at a younger age than previously thought.
Surgery for Fractured Neck of Femur – are Patients Adequately Consented?
Authors: Probert Nick , Malik Atif A , Lovell Martyn E
Published: January 2007

INTRODUCTION

Obtaining valid consent is a legal and ethical obligation when performing any procedure in clinical practice. This study was performed to identify the validity and effectiveness of the new consent form and any potential improvement that could be made when taking consent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case notes of 173 patients undergoing surgery for fractured neck of femur were retrospectively reviewed. Risks and complications of the surgery as listed on the consent form were noted. Sixty-five cases were excluded from the study as they had either old consent forms with no risks recorded or a consent form signed by a consultant due to patient inability to consent. Six of the consent forms could not be located in the notes. This left 102 consent forms to be analysed.

RESULTS

The number of risks documented on each form ranged from 0–8 (mean, 3.92). No risks were recorded in 2 of these 102 forms. Most commonly recorded risks were infection (95.1%), DVT/PE (81.4%) and failure of procedure (59.8%). It was shown that many of the consent forms analysed did not have all the serious or frequently occurring risks recorded on them and that a large proportion of the forms had acronyms or phrases that may mean nothing to the patient. Comparison of documented risks for different hip surgery were made using Fisher's exact test showing no significant difference between the risks recorded on the forms for each type of procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Although documentation of risks has been improved compared to old consent forms, patients are not necessarily given the most appropriate information to ensure consent is valid. Further refining of consent forms may be necessary to ensure that all major risks are explained and understood by patients and that there is satisfactory recording of this information.
Relationship between metabolic hormones and ovulation of dominant follicle during the first follicular wave post-partum in high-producing dairy cows
Authors: Kawashima Chiho , Fukihara Saori , Maeda Mayumi , Kaneko Etsushi , Montoya Carlos Amaya , Matsui Motozumi , Shimizu Takashi , Matsunaga Nobuyoshi , Kida Katsuya , Miyake Yoh-Ichi , Schams Dieter , Miyamoto Akio
Published: January 2007

Recent studies suggest that IGF-I is a crucial regulatory factor in follicular growth during early post-partum period. The aim of the present study was to determine in detail the changing profiles of metabolic and reproductive hormones in relation to ovulation of the dominant follicle (DF) of the first follicular wave post-partum in high-producing dairy cows. Plasma concentrations of related hormones in 22 multiparous Holstein cows were measured from 4 weeks pre-partum to 3 weeks post-partum, and the development of DF was observed with colour Doppler ultrasound. Thirteen cows showed ovulation by 15.2 days post-partum. Anovulatory cows showed higher GH and lower IGF-I levels than those in ovulatory cows during the peri-partum period. Each DF developed similarly, and a clear blood flow in the follicle wall was observed despite ovulation or anovulation. In addition, detailed endocrine profiles were analyzed in 9 out of the 22 cows. Five cows showed an increase in plasma oestradiol-17β (E2) with follicular growth followed by E2 peak, LH surge and ovulation. In these cows, plasma IGF-I concentrations remained high until 10 days post-partum followed by a gradual decrease. Subsequently, the insulin level increased together with the E2 peak towards ovulation. These profiles were not observed in anovulatory cows. In conclusion, our data strongly support the concept that IGF-I and insulin represent ‘metabolic signals’ of the resumption of ovarian function post-partum in high-producing dairy cows. Moreover, we provide the first visual evidence that both ovulatory and anovulatory DFs of the first follicular wave post-partum are similarly supplied with active blood flow.
Endogenous tumor necrosis factor α mediates enhanced apoptosis of cultured villous trophoblasts from intrauterine growth-restricted placentae
Authors: Kilani R T , Mackova M , Davidge S T , Winkler-Lowen B , Demianczuk N , Guilbert L J
Published: January 2007

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has been implicated in the abnormally high levels of trophoblast apoptosis seen in placentae from pregnancies complicated by small births. We examined the hypothesis that at physiological (35–50 mmHg) oxygen tensions, the production of TNFα stimulates the apoptosis of placental trophoblasts associated with infants that are intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR). Highly purified cytotrophoblasts (CT) from IUGR-complicated pregnancies spontaneously underwent a higher rate of apoptosis after 24 h of culture at a normoxic (for villous CT) tension of 38 mmHg than did CT from normal placentae. Real-time PCR analysis of TNFαmRNA revealed ~threefold higher levels in IUGR trophoblasts afterculturing at a pO2 of 38 mmHg. A higher level of TNFα receptor p55 (which mediates apoptosis) was found in IUGR CT by western blot analysis at pO2 of <10, 38, and 140 mmHg. Neutralizing antibody to TNFα significantly inhibited the apoptosis of IUGR trophoblasts cultured at 38 mmHg and addition of TNFα significantly elevated apoptosis of normal and IUGR trophoblasts but less in IUGR cells cultured at <10 mmHg. We conclude that at physiological oxygen tensions (38 mmHg), villous CT from IUGR pregnancies, when compared with uncomplicated pregnancies, undergo more TNFα-induced apoptosis both because of elevated expression of TNFα and TNF receptor p55.
Signalling pathways involved in the control of sperm cell volume
Authors: Petrunkina A M , Harrison R A P , Tsolova M , Jebe E , Töpfer-Petersen E
Published: January 2007

The ability to maintain cellular volume is an important general physiological function, which is achieved by specific molecular mechanisms. Hypotonically induced swelling results in the opening of K+ and Cl− ion channels, through which these ions exit with accompanying water loss. This process is known as regulatory volume decrease (RVD). The molecular mechanisms that control the opening of the ion channels in spermatozoa are as yet poorly understood. The present study investigated pathways of osmo-signalling using boar spermatozoa as a model. Spermatozoa were diluted into isotonic and hypotonic Hepes-buffered saline in the presence or absence of effector drugs, and at predetermined intervals volume measurements were performed electronically. Treatment with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine, bismaleimide I and bismaleimide X led to dose-dependent increases of both isotonic and hypotonic volumes (P<0.05). However, as the isotonic volume was affected more than the hypotonic volume, the kinase inhibitors appeared to improve RVD, whereas activation of PKC with phorbol dibutyrate blocked RVD. The increase in isotonic cell volume induced by bismaleimide X was observed in chloride-containing medium but not in the medium in which chloride was replaced by sulphate, implying that PKC was involved in the control of chloride channel activity, e.g. by closing the channel after volume adjustment. The protein phosphatase PP1/PP2 inhibitors calyculin and okadaic acid increased the isotonic volume only slightly but they greatly increased the relative cell volume and blocked RVD. The activation of RVD processes was found to be cAMP-dependent; incubation with forskolin and papaverine improved volume regulation. Moreover, papaverine was able to overcome the negative effect of protein phosphatase inhibitors. The mechanism of sperm RVD appears to involve (a) alterations in protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation balance brought about by PKC and PP1 and (b) a cAMP-dependent activating pathway.
Participation of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in ovarian steroids production during the rat estrous cycle and in the development of estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary
Authors: Parra Claudio , Fiedler Jenny L , Luna S Leticia , Greiner Monika , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Lara Hernán E
Published: January 2007

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) stimulates estradiol and progesterone release from ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Very little information is available as to the role VIP plays in the control of steroid secretion during reproductive cyclicity and in ovarian pathologies involving altered steroid secretion. In this study, we determined the involvement of VIP in regulating ovarian androgen and estradiol release during estrous cyclicity and estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovarian development in rats. Our findings show that androgen and estradiol release from ovaries obtained during different stages of rat estrous cycle mimic cyclic changes in steroid release observed in vivo with maximal release occurring during late proestrus. VIP increased androgen release from ovaries of all cycle stages except late proestrus and estradiol release from all cycle stages. Increases in VIP-induced androgen and estradiol release were maximal at early proestrus. Inclusion of saturating concentrations of androstenedione increased magnitude of VIP-induced estradiol release at diestrus and estrus but not proestrus. Magnitude of VIP-induced androgen and estradiol release tended to be greater in the ovaries from EV-treated rats with polycystic ovary compared with estrous controls. At the tissue level, ovarian VIP concentration was cycle stage dependent with highest level seen in diestrus. Maximum concentration of VIP was found in EV-treated rats. Changes in VIP were inversely related to changes in ovarian nerve growth factor, a neuropeptide involved in ovarian androgen secretion. These results strongly suggest that intraovarian VIP participates in the control of estradiol secretion during the rat estrous cycle and possibly in the maintenance of increased ovarian estradiol secretory activity of EV-treated rats.
Applications of High-Throughput RNA Interference Screens to Problems in Cell and Developmental Biology
Authors: Perrimon Norbert , Mathey-Prevot Bernard
Published: January 2007

RNA interference (RNAi) in tissue culture cells has emerged as an excellent methodology for identifying gene functions systematically and in an unbiased manner. Here, we describe how RNAi high-throughput screening (HTS) in Drosophila cells are currently being performed and emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of the approach. Further, to demonstrate the versatility of the technology, we provide examples of the various applications of the method to problems in signal transduction and cell and developmental biology. Finally, we discuss emerging technological advances that will extend RNAi-based screening methods.
Permeation grouting of a fine-grained pyroclastic soil
Authors: Lirer S. , Flora A. , Evangelista A. , Verdolotti L. , Lavorgna M. , Iannace S.
Published: January 2007

A research activity was recently started at the University of Napoli Federico II on the unusual application of permeation grouting to low-permeability soils and rocks. The project is aimed at finding a means for remedying some of the geotechnical hazards that involve the subsoil of Napoli, mostly made in its upper part of collapsible, unsaturated pyroclastic silty sands (pozzolana). This paper refers to the results obtained by treating pozzolana with sodium silicate solutions of water and a small percentage of silicates and of an inorganic additive. The results clearly indicate that the very diluted silicate grouts adopted are effective in this case, improving the mechanical properties of pozzolana not only from a physical point of view, by building up a polymeric net within the voids, but also by direct chemical interaction between the grout and the soil grains. The mechanical properties of grouted pozzolana depend on curing time, grout content and surrounding moisture conditions.

Une activité de recherche vient d´être lancée à l´Université Federico II de Naples; elle porte sur l´application inhabituelle de la cimentation infiltrante dans des sols et rochers à basse perméabilité. Ce projet a pour but de trouver comment remédier à quelques-uns des risques géotechniques que connaît le sous-sol de Naples, principalement dans sa partie supérieure de sables limoneux pyroclastiques non saturés (pozzolana). Cet exposé montre les résultats obtenus en traitant le pozzolana par des solutions d´eau contenant un petit pourcentage de silicates et un additif inorganique. Les résultats indiquent clairement que les ciments au silicate très dilués qui ont été adoptés sont efficaces dans ce cas, améliorant les propriétés mécaniques du pozzolana non seulement sur le plan physique, en créant un filet polymérique à l´intérieur des vides, mais aussi par une interaction chimique directe entre le ciment et les grains de sol. Les propriétés mécaniques du pozzolana cimenté dépendent du temps de cuisson, du contenu de ciment et des conditions humides ambiantes.
Variation in Genetic Markers and Ergovaline Production in Endophyte (Neotyphodium)‐Infected Fescue Species Collected in Italy, Spain, and Denmark
Authors: Jensen Anne Mette Dahl , Mikkelsen Lisbeth , Roulund Niels
Published: January 2007

Festuca populations (Festuca arundinacea, Festuca pratensis, and Festuca rubra) from Italy, Spain, and Denmark were investigated for Neotyphodium infection, ergovaline production, and 14 microsatellite markers. Endophytes were detected in 57, 54, and 100% of the locations surveyed in Italy, Spain, and Denmark, respectively. This is the first report of F. arundinacea endophytes from seminatural grasslands in Denmark. Sixty‐seven percent of the F. rubra and 100% of the F. pratensis populations were infected. Ergovaline production varied, even within populations. A dendrogram based on microsatellite length polymorphisms separated endophytes of each Festuca species. In addition, Danish F. arundinacea endophytes were separate from the other F. arundinacea endophytes. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated a pronounced genetic variation of F. arundinacea endophytes between countries and within the Italian and Spanish locations. Sampling strategy of endophyte‐infected Festuca spp. was evaluated by occurrence and genetic diversity. Sampling a large number of plants within locations for each of the “European geographical subgroups” is the suggested strategy for obtaining a genetically diverse array of Neotyphodium endophytes.
Forage Bermudagrass Cultivar Responses to Inoculations with Exserohilum rostratum and Bipolaris spicifera and Relationships to Field Persistence
Authors: Pratt R. G. , Brink G. E.
Published: January 2007

In the southeastern USA, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is a principal species to which animal wastes are applied for nutrient removal. Diseases caused by Exserohilum, Bipolaris, and Curvularia spp. may limit its effectiveness for this purpose. This study evaluated responses of seven forage bermudagrass cultivars (Alicia, Brazos, Coastal, Common, Russell, Tifton 44, and Tifton 85) to two pathogens, E. rostratum (Drechs.) Leonard & Suggs and B. spicifera (Bain) Subram., and persistence of cultivars with natural infection in the field. All cultivars were susceptible to both pathogens with foliar inoculations, but differed in degrees of susceptibility. Alicia was highly susceptible to both pathogens. Coastal was least susceptible to B. spicifera, but no cultivar was consistently least susceptible to E. rostratum Persistence of cultivars for up to 1 yr in the field differed and appeared related to both sod density and susceptibility to pathogens. Dense sods appeared to enable cultivars to generate more top growth and compensate for disease losses. Common, Coastal, and Tifton 44 bermudagrasses were most persistent in the field; Tifton 85 and Alicia were least persistent. Results indicate that resistance to dematiaceous hyphomycetous pathogens, along with a strong sod‐forming ability, is desirable in forage bermudagrass cultivars to sustain their persistence and productivity on animal waste application sites.
Interseeding Novel Cool‐Season Annual Legumes to Improve Bermudagrass Paddocks
Authors: Rao S. C. , Northup B. K. , Phillips W. A. , Mayeux H. S.
Published: January 2007

Interseeding nontraditional, cool‐season legumes into bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] paddocks was evaluated as an approach to increasing the quality and duration of forage production and replacing a portion of the N fertilizer required in the southern Great Plains. We compared the effects of interseeding either grass pea (Lathyrus sativa L. ‘AC‐Greenfix’) or lentil (Lens culinaris Med. ‘Indianhead’) with N fertilizer rates of 0, 45, or 90 kg ha−1 N. All plots received 60 kg P205 ha−1 in early March. The legume and fertilizer treatments were imposed in mid‐March during 2001, 2002, and 2003. Forage samples were clipped from 0.25 m−2 quadrats on five sampling dates between 1 May and 15 July each year. Yield, N concentration, species composition, and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) were determined. Year, sampling date, and treatment showed significant (P < 0.05) effects, as did the two‐way interactions between all three factors. Total end‐of‐season standing dry matter of bermudagrass and grass pea was 5550 ± 423 (SEM) kg ha−1, which was similar to biomass production with 45 kg ha−1 N (5305 ± 570 kg ha−1) and less than that produced with 90 kg ha−1 N (7785 ± 725 kg ha−1). Forage N and IVDDM concentrations for the grass pea treatment were 34 and 6% higher than for bermudagrass, but N and IVDDM concentrations of the forage mixture were intermediate between the higher N rates. Although additional studies are needed to optimize management for the interseeded legumes, we conclude that this practice can improve the quality and duration of bermudagrass forage production in this region.
Broadway Theatre Myths
Authors: Moore Thomas Gale
Published: January 2007

The theatre is an anachronism. Once the only form of dramatic entertainment, it now survives as a handicraft industry. What the assembly line did for automobiles, movies and television have done for drama. Like hand-woven sweaters, theatre has become a luxury that can be afforded only by a very few. And because its essence is live actors performing before a live audience, attempts to mechanize it are vain. Costs per spectator, and consequently ticket prices, will always be higher than movie admissions—and the aesthetic results more uncertain than in film. It is therefore a myth to suppose that the live theatre will ever be “popular.”

A number of other beliefs about the theatre are likewise myths. Articles proclaim that the “theatre is dying” or “costs are pricing the theatre out of existence.”
The Artaud Experiment
Authors: Arnold Paul
Published: January 2007

With the intransigence of an innovator who feels himself inspired, Antonin Artaud, by an imperious gesture of the pen, by an imperious gesture of the mind, wrote off about two thousand three hundred years of theatre.

Of Western theatre.

We are in the early thirties. This was the period when Louis Jouvet successfully produced the masterpieces of Jean Giraudoux: the period of Electra and her half-god, half-prophet Beggar, just before the Trojan War would not take place, and a little longer before Ondine would glisten in the first rays of another world. This was the period when Charles Dullin created the terrifying protagonist of Richard III, the saraband of ‘Tis a Pity She's a Whore, tragedies as frenzied as tragedies can be, in which howling, cursing, death-bed laments alternate with love songs and sweet tenderness. This was the period when George Pitoëff preserved from mere fashionable success Chekhov's Sea Gull, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya, Ostrovsky's Storm, and an extraordinary Hamlet like Romeo.
Emotional Memory
Authors: Lewis Robert
Published: January 2007

In the second chapter of my book Method—or Madness?, the lecture analyzing the chart of the Stanislavsky system, I skipped somewhat cautiously over Item Number 17: “Emotional Memory.” Rather than take the risk, in a public talk, of adding to the dangerous nonsense that has been spread around over the years on this subject, I contented myself with a definition and let it go at that. I also felt that this was one of the most involved elements of technique in the Method and could only ultimately be made clear to the actor through actual classroom work. However, because this subject is one of the most fundamental problems of acting: namely, how to generate real, and at the same time appropriate, emotion, I would now like to expand a bit on this point.
Edward II: The Shadow of Action
Authors: Waith Eugene M.
Published: January 2007

But what are kings, when regiment is gone, But perfect shadows in a sunshine day?

The weakness of Edward II, the speaker of these lines, not only deprives him of the fascination exerted by other Marlovian heroes but affects the character of the entire play. None of the dialogue can match the glitter of the greatest speeches in Tamburlaine or Doctor Faustus or even of the remarkable opening speech of The Jew of Malta. The story of such a king inevitably lacks the magnificence radiated by one who seeks to rule the world or command the legions of hell. Yet it is a mistake to underestimate Marlowe's achievement in this play. Only Tamburlaine is more completely an artistic success. There the dramatic possibilities of what we have come to consider the typical Marlovian hero are given their logical fulfillment in a design which is both grand and neat.
Brecht, The Absurd, And The Future
Authors: Esslin Martin
Published: January 2007

Has the avant-garde of drama in the Western world today reached a dead end? And where will the next development lead to? While it is clearly futile to try to predict the future, some speculation about likely trends might well help to put the present into perspective and, at the same time, clear our minds of some prevailing misconceptions.

Above all, where does today's vanguard stand? It has more than just one spearhead. In the Anglo-Saxon countries and in France one wing of the avant-garde represents a trend that goes back to the early nineteen thirties and Brecht's Epic Theatre, which could only make its full impact felt after the downfall of Hitler (whose accession to power thirty years ago put an end to any creative experiment in Germany). The other main wing of today's avant-garde has equally remote origins. The Theatre of the Absurd is the culmination of a movement which, in surrealist painting or in the writings of Kafka and Joyce, reaches back into the nineteen twenties.
The Kathakali Theatre
Authors: Barba Eugenio
Published: January 2007

On the southern coast of India, the three-hundred-year-old Kathakali ritual theatre still flourishes, a mixture of dance and pantomime, religious inspiration and mythological tradition. This essay is neither an aesthetic analysis of Kathakali nor a study of its origins or its relationship to other forms of Indian theatre, for my main purpose in studying Kathakali was to acquaint myself with a specific technique and assess the possibilities of adapting it for the training of European actors.

According to the Kali chronogram Grahya Stutirgathaih, the gods made important contributions to the Indian theatre. Krishna appeared in Kalikut in 1657. He met a high priest and gave him a peacock feather; to celebrate this extraordinary event, the Krishnattam was created. It was a religious dance drama which glorified Krishna's exploits and the prowess of his Gopies. The spectacle soon became famous all through the state of Malabar.
Puzzling Pinter
Authors: Schechner Richard
Published: January 2007

That's typical Pinter dialogue. The form is standard English, but the conversation doesn't get anywhere. Davies can see what Aston is doing, but Aston is careful not to tell Davies any more than what he can see. Sometimes, as in A Slight Ache or The Collection, the whole play is built around non-exchange of information. Pinter's goal in these plays is to mystify us. He does it through a special brand of dramatic irony in which both character and audience are unable to solve basic riddles. The game is called “put on,” and it is Pinter's favorite. Edward is put on by the Matchseller, James is put on by Stella and Bill. Davies is put on by Mick and Aston. Stanley is put on by McCann and Goldberg. None of these victims knows what the others intend for them; nor are they able to find out until it is too late.
Algebra in Schools
Authors: Heppel G.
Published: January 2007

I am venturing to call the attention of the Association to a difficulty that I have to contend with, as a private tutor, when assisting boys fresh from school either to continue their mathematical studies or to prepare for some of the public examinations. It is of course impossible for me to assert positively that this difficulty is experienced by tutors generally, but the strong conviction that it is felt by others as well as by myself has led to my bringing the matter forward.
The Principles of Dynamics
Authors: Larden W
Published: January 2007

The writer is not attempting to construct a new system of dynamics, but merely to present in a clear form what he believes to be the principles of our existing system, and he ventures to hope that such a presentation may be of some use to those teachers of dynamics who are not specialists, and perhaps to older students. The paper is not intended for experts.

It has appeared to him that in the various text-books written on this subject, these principles are at times forgotten, with the result that there are to be found many faults, some due to incompleteness, some to vagueness, some to reasoning in a “vicious circle,” and some to the attempt to make one equation give us two or even three unknowns.