bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cylinder with charged anisotropic source
Authors: Sharif M. , Fatima H. Ismat
Published: December 2011

In this study, we consider a charged anisotropic fluid cylinder with no external pressure acting on the fluid. This is a cylindrical version of Krori and Barua’s method to explore the field equations with an anisotropic fluid. We discuss models with positive matter density and pressure that satisfy all of the energy and stability conditions. It is found that charge does not vanish at the center of the cylinder. The equilibrium condition as well as the physical conditions are discussed. Further, we highlight the connection between our solutions and charged strange quark stars and dark matter including charged massive particles. A graphical analysis of the matter variables versus charge is given, which indicates a physically reasonable matter distribution.
Quark–pion coupling strength and ground state baryon spectra in a chiral potential model
Authors: Jena S.N. , Mishra R.N. , Mohapatra P.K. , Sahoo S.
Published: December 2011

Chiral symmetry is incorporated into a relativistic independent-quark model with a square root confining potential and the quark–pion coupling strength, Gqqπ for quarks in a nucleon is estimated. The values of ([Formula: see text]/4π) obtained with the approximation of a point pion as well as finite size pion are quite comparable with those estimated earlier by other researchers. Under the assumption that the baryon is an assembly of independent quarks confined in a first approximation by the square root potential that represents the nonperturbative gluon interactions, the model is also adopted to study the ground-state baryon spectrum taking into account perturbatively the contribution of the residual quark–pion coupling and that of the quark–gluon coupling in the baryon over and above the necessary center-of-mass correction. The physical masses of the ground state baryons calculated with the quark–gluon coupling constant αc = 0.227 agree reasonably well with experimental data.
Electromagnetic and gravitational waves: the third dimension
Authors: Marsh Gerald E.
Published: December 2011

Plane electromagnetic and gravitational waves interact with particles in such a way as to cause them to oscillate not only in the transverse direction but also along the direction of propagation. The electromagnetic case is usually shown by use of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation and the gravitational by a transformation to a local inertial frame. Here, the covariant Lorentz force equation and the second-order equation of geodesic deviation followed by the introduction of a local inertial frame are, respectively, used. It is often said that there is an analogy between the motion of charged particles in the field of an electromagnetic wave and the motion of test particles in the field of a gravitational wave. This analogy is examined and found to be rather limited. It is also shown that a simple special relativistic relation leads to an integral of the motion, characteristic of plane waves, which is satisfied in both cases.
DIRECTED ELECTROCHEMICAL NANOWIRE ASSEMBLY: PRECISE NANOSTRUCTURE ASSEMBLY VIA DENDRITIC SOLIDIFICATION
Authors: FLANDERS BRET N.
Published: December 2011

The electrode-nanowire-target architecture, where the target is a second electrode or, say, a biological cell, is critical to fundamental experiments and high performance devices in low dimensional charge transport and nanomaterials based bio-instrumentation. The relatively new technique of directed electrochemical nanowire assembly, which is based on the diffusion limited process of dendritic solidification, permits the single step fabrication of electrode-nanowire-target assemblies. Hence, this technique is reviewed here in order to assess its current state and to elucidate aspects where further study of the underlying solidification process would be likely to expand its capabilities and applications.
TRANSITION FREQUENCY OF WEAK-COUPLING IMPURITY BOUND MAGNETOPOLARON IN AN ANISOTROPIC QUANTUM DOT
Authors: WANG CHENG-SHUN , XIAO JING-LIN
Published: December 2011

We study the first excited-state energy, the excitation energy and the transition frequency between the first excited- and the ground-state of weak-coupling magnetopolaron in an anisotropic quantum dot. The effects of the Coulomb bound potential, the cyclotron frequency of the magnetic field, the electron–phonon interaction and the transverse and the longitudinal effective confinement lengths are taken into account by using the linear combination operator method. It is found that studied quantities will increase with increasing Coulomb bound potential and the cyclotron frequency of the magnetic field. They are decreasing functions of the effective confinement lengths, which can be attributed to the interesting quantum size confining effect. The first excited-state energy is a decreasing function of the electron–phonon coupling strength.
Euryhaline pufferfish NBCe1 differs from nonmarine species NBCe1 physiology
Authors: Chang Min-Hwang , Plata Consuelo , Kurita Yukihiro , Kato Akira , Hirose Shigehisa , Romero Michael F.
Published: December 2011

Marine fish drink seawater and eliminate excess salt by active salt transport across gill and gut epithelia. Euryhaline pufferfish ( Takifugu obscurus , mefugu) forms a CaCO3 precipitate on the luminal gut surface after transitioning to seawater. NBCe1 (Slc4a4) at the basolateral membrane of intestinal epithelial cell plays a major role in transepithelial intestinal HCO3− secretion and is critical for mefugu acclimation to seawater. We assayed fugu-NBCe1 (fNBCe1) activity in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Similar to NBCe1 found in other species, fNBCe1 is an electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter and sensitive to the stilbene inhibitor DIDS. However, our experiments revealed several unique and distinguishable fNBCe1 transport characteristics not found in mammalian or other teleost NBCe1-orthologs: electrogenic Li+/ nHCO3− cotransport; HCO3− independent, DIDS-insensitive transport; and increased basal intracellular Na+ accumulation. fNBCe1 is a voltage-dependent Na+/ nHCO3− cotransporter that rectifies, independently from the extracellular Na+ or HCO3− concentration, around −60 mV. Na+ removal (0Na+ prepulse) is necessary to produce the true HCO3−-elicited current. HCO3− addition results in huge outward currents with quick current decay. Kinetic analysis of HCO3− currents reveals that fNBCe1 has a much higher transport capacity (higher maximum current) and lower affinity (higher Km) than human kidney NBCe1 (hkNBCe1) does in the physiological range (membrane potential = −80 mV; [HCO3−] = 10 mM). In this state, fNBCe1 is in favor of operating as transepithelial HCO3− secretion, opposite of hkNBCe1, from blood to the luminal side. Thus, fugu-NBCe1 represents the first ortholog-based tool to study amino acid substitutions in NBCe1 and how those change ion and voltage dependence.
Bridging the gap between structure and kinetics of human SGLT1
Authors: Sala-Rabanal Monica , Hirayama Bruce A. , Loo Donald D. F. , Chaptal Vincent , Abramson Jeff , Wright Ernest M.
Published: December 2011

The Na+-glucose cotransporter hSGLT1 is a member of a class of membrane proteins that harness Na+ electrochemical gradients to drive uphill solute transport. Although hSGLT1 belongs to one gene family (SLC5), recent structural studies of bacterial Na+ cotransporters have shown that Na+ transporters in different gene families have the same structural fold. We have constructed homology models of hSGLT1 in two conformations, the inward-facing occluded (based on vSGLT) and the outward open conformations (based on Mhp1), mutated in turn each of the conserved gates and ligand binding residues, expressed the SGLT1 mutants in Xenopus oocytes, and determined the functional consequences using biophysical and biochemical assays. The results establish that mutating the ligand binding residues produces profound changes in the ligand affinity (the half-saturation concentration, K0.5); e.g., mutating sugar binding residues increases the glucose K0.5 by up to three orders of magnitude. Mutation of the external gate residues increases the Na+ to sugar transport stoichiometry, demonstrating that these residues are critical for efficient cotransport. The changes in phlorizin inhibition constant ( Ki) are proportional to the changes in sugar K0.5, except in the case of F101C, where phlorizin Ki increases by orders of magnitude without a change in glucose K0.5. We conclude that glucose and phlorizin occupy the same binding site and that F101 is involved in binding to the phloretin group of the inhibitor. Substituted-cysteine accessibility methods show that the cysteine residues at the position of the gates and sugar binding site are largely accessible only to external hydrophilic methanethiosulfonate reagents in the presence of external Na+, demonstrating that the external sugar (and phlorizin) binding vestibule is opened by the presence of external Na+ and closes after the binding of sugar and phlorizin. Overall, the present results provide a bridge between kinetics and structural studies of cotransporters.
Identification of cis elements necessary for glucocorticoid induction of growth hormone gene expression in chicken embryonic pituitary cells
Authors: Heuck-Knubel Kristina , Proszkowiec-Weglarz Monika , Narayana Jyoti , Ellestad Laura E. , Prakobsaeng Nattiya , Porter Tom E.
Published: December 2011

Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment of rat or chicken embryonic pituitary (CEP) cells induces premature production of growth hormone (GH). GC induction of the GH gene requires ongoing protein synthesis, and the GH genes lack a canonical GC response element (GRE). To characterize cis-acting elements and identify trans-acting proteins involved in this process, we characterized the regulation of a luciferase reporter containing a fragment of the chicken GH gene (−1727/+48) in embryonic day 11 CEP cells. Corticosterone (Cort) increased luciferase activity and mRNA expression, and mRNA induction was blocked by protein synthesis inhibition. Through deletion analysis, we identified a GC-responsive region (GCRR) at −1045 to −954. The GCRR includes an ETS-1 binding site and a degenerate GRE (dGRE) half site. Nuclear proteins, including ETS-1, bound to a GCRR probe in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and Cort regulated protein binding. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we found that ETS-1 and GC receptor (GR) were associated with the GCRR in CEP cells, and Cort increased GR recruitment to the GCRR. Mutation of the ETS-1 site or dGRE site in the −1045/+48 GH reporter abolished Cort responsiveness. We conclude that GC regulation of the GH gene during development requires cis-acting elements in the GCRR and involves ETS-1 and GR binding to these elements. Similar ETS-1 elements/dGREs are located in the 5′-flanking regions of GH genes in mammals, including rodents and humans. This is the first study to demonstrate involvement of ETS-1 in GC regulation of the GH gene during embryonic development in any species, enhancing our understanding of GH regulation in vertebrates.
Persistent disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis after acute kidney injury
Authors: Funk Jason A. , Schnellmann Rick G.
Published: December 2011

While mitochondrial dysfunction is a pathological process that occurs after acute kidney injury (AKI), the state of mitochondrial homeostasis during the injury and recovery phases of AKI remains unclear. We examined markers of mitochondrial homeostasis in two nonlethal rodent AKI models. Myoglobinuric AKI was induced by glycerol injection into rats, and mice were subjected to ischemic AKI. Animals in both models had elevated serum creatinine, indicative of renal dysfunction, 24 h after injury which partially recovered over 144 h postinjury. Markers of proximal tubule function/injury, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urine glucose, did not recover during this same period. The persistent pathological state was confirmed by sustained caspase 3 cleavage and evidence of tubule dilation and brush-border damage. Respiratory proteins NDUFB8, ATP synthase β, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I), and COX IV were decreased in both injury models and did not recover by 144 h. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that COX IV protein was progressively lost in proximal tubules of the kidney cortex after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Expression of mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 was elevated after injury in both models, whereas the fusion protein Mfn2 was elevated after glycerol injury but decreased after I/R AKI. LC3-I/II expression revealed that autophagy increased in both injury models at the later time points. Markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, such as PGC-1α and PRC, were elevated in both models. These findings reveal that there is persistent disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis and sustained tubular damage after AKI, even in the presence of mitochondrial recovery signals and improved glomerular filtration.
Transcriptional analysis of infiltrating T cells in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury reveals a pathophysiological role for CCR5
Authors: Ko Gang Jee , Linfert Douglas , Jang Hye Ryoun , Higbee Elizabeth , Watkins Tonya , Cheadle Chris , Liu Manchang , Racusen Lorraine , Grigoryev Dmitry N. , Rabb Hamid
Published: December 2011

Although T cells have been shown to play a direct role in kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that studying the transcriptional responses in kidney-infiltrating T cells would help elucidate novel therapeutic targets for kidney IRI. Unilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min was performed in male C57BL/6 mice, and CD3+ T cells were isolated from the kidney and purified. Transcriptional activities of T cell were measured by array-based PCR compared between ischemic kidneys and contralateral nonischemic kidneys. Among total of 89 genes analyzed, 24, 22, 24, and 37 genes were significantly changed at 6 h, day 3, day 10, and day 28 after IRI. Genes associated with cytokines, chemokines, and costimulatory molecules were upregulated. Pathway analysis identified CC motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) as a candidate pathophysiological pathway. CCR5 upregulation was validated at the protein level, and CCR5 blockade improved renal function after kidney IRI. Using discovery techniques to identify transcriptional responses in purified kidney-infiltrating cells enabled the elucidation of novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets for IRI.
Isolated interstitial nodal spaces may facilitate preferential solute and fluid mixing in the rat renal inner medulla
Authors: Layton Anita T. , Gilbert Rebecca L. , Pannabecker Thomas L.
Published: December 2011

Recent anatomic findings indicate that in the upper inner medulla of the rodent kidney, tubules, and vessels are organized around clusters of collecting ducts (CDs). Within CD clusters, CDs and some of the ascending vasa recta (AVR) and ascending thin limbs (ATLs), when viewed in transverse sections, form interstitial nodal spaces, which are arrayed at structured intervals throughout the inner medulla. These spaces, or microdomains, are bordered on one side by a single CD, on the opposite side by one or more ATLs, and on the other two sides by AVR. To study the interactions among these CDs, ATLs, and AVR, we have developed a mathematical compartment model, which simulates steady-state solute exchange through the microdomain at a given inner medullary level. Fluid in all compartments contains Na+, Cl−, urea and, in the microdomain, negative fixed charges that represent macromolecules (e.g., hyaluronan) balanced by Na+. Fluid entry into AVR is assumed to be driven by hydraulic and oncotic pressures. Model results suggest that the isolated microdomains facilitate solute and fluid mixing among the CDs, ATLs, and AVR, promote water withdrawal from CDs, and consequently may play an important role in generating the inner medullary osmotic gradient.
Enhancement in Photoelectrochemical Efficiency by Fabrication ofBiVO4@MWCNT Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yu Jianqiang , Wang Hongwei , Sun Mengmeng , Bu Yuyu , Yu Deshuang , Li Weibing
Published: December 2011

An enormous enhancement in the photo-to-current conversion efficiency over the nanocomposite material composed by BiVO4on the surface of MWCNTs, with respect to electrode of pure BiVO4, was observed. The heterojunction formed between MWCNTs and nano-BiVO4is beneficial for the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, resulting in more electrons that are able to transport efficiently to the surface and therefore enhance the photoefficiency.
Effect of Fluorescent Particle Size on the Modulation Efficiency of Ultrasound-Modulated Fluorescence
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yuan Baohong , Vignola Joseph
Published: December 2011

To investigate whether the size of fluorescent particles affects the modulation efficiency of ultrasound-modulated fluorescence (UMF), we measured UMF and DC (direct current) signals of the fluorescence emission from four different-sized fluorescent particles: (1) three carboxylate-modified fluorescent microspheres (FM) with diameters of 20 nm, 200 nm, and 1.0 μm and (2) streptavidin-conjugated Alexa Fluor 647 with a diameter of approximately 5 nm. The UMF and DC signals were simultaneously measured using a broadband lock-in amplifier and a narrowband amplifier, respectively. The ratio of the UMF strength to the DC signal strength is defined as the modulation efficiency. This modulation efficiency was then used to evaluate the effects of fluorophore size and concentration. Results show that the modulation efficiency was improved by approximately a factor of two when the size of the fluorescent particles is increased from 5 nm to 1 μm. In addition, the linear relationship between the UMF strength and ultrasound pressure (observed in our previous study) was maintained regardless of the fluorescent particle sizes.
Cationic Albumin Nanoparticles for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Treat Breast Cancer: Preparation and In Vitro Assessment
Authors: Abbasi Sana , Paul Arghya , Shao Wei , Prakash Satya
Published: December 2011

Most anticancer drugs are greatly limited by the serious side effects that they cause. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic agent, commonly used against breast cancer. However, it may lead to irreversible cardiotoxicity, which could even result in congestive heart failure. In order to avoid these harmful side effects to the patients and to improve the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin, we developed DOX-loaded polyethylenimine- (PEI-) enhanced human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles. The formed nanoparticles were ~137 nm in size with a surface zeta potential of ~+15 mV, prepared using 20 μg of PEI added per mg of HSA. Cytotoxicity was not observed with empty PEI-enhanced HSA nanoparticles, formed with low-molecular weight (25 kDa) PEI, indicating biocompatibility and safety of the nanoparticle formulation. Under optimized transfection conditions, approximately 80% of cells were transfected with HSA nanoparticles containing tetramethylrhodamine-conjugated bovine serum albumin. Conclusively, PEI-enhanced HSA nanoparticles show potential for developing into an effective carrier for anticancer drugs.
Betaine Treatment Attenuates Chronic Ethanol-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Alterations to the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Proteome
Authors: Kharbanda Kusum K. , Todero Sandra L. , King Adrienne L. , Osna Natalia A. , McVicker Benita L. , Tuma Dean J. , Wisecarver James L. , Bailey Shannon M.
Published: December 2011

Introduction. Mitochondrial damage and disruption in oxidative phosphorylation contributes to the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that the hepatoprotective actions of betaine against alcoholic liver injury occur at the level of the mitochondrial proteome.Methods. Male Wister rats were pair-fed control or ethanol-containing liquid diets supplemented with or without betaine (10 mg/mL) for 4-5 wks. Liver was examined for triglyceride accumulation, levels of methionine cycle metabolites, and alterations in mitochondrial proteins.Results. Chronic ethanol ingestion resulted in triglyceride accumulation which was attenuated in the ethanol plus betaine group. Blue native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) revealed significant decreases in the content of the intact oxidative phosphorylation complexes in mitochondria from ethanol-fed animals. The alcohol-dependent loss in many of the low molecular weight oxidative phosphorylation proteins was prevented by betaine supplementation. This protection by betaine was associated with normalization of SAM : S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratios and the attenuation of the ethanol-induced increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide generation in the liver.Discussion/Conclusion. In summary, betaine attenuates alcoholic steatosis and alterations to the oxidative phosphorylation system. Therefore, preservation of mitochondrial function may be another key molecular mechanism responsible for betaine hepatoprotection.
Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein in Normal Pregnancy at 11–13 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Bredaki Foteini E. , Wright David , Akolekar Ranjit , Cruz Grasielle , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: December 2011

Objective: To establish a reference distribution of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at 11–13 weeks’ gestation and define the contribution of maternal variables that influence the measured concentration of AFP. Methods: Serum concentration of AFP at 11–13 weeks was measured in 1,500 singleton pregnancies which were not complicated by hypertensive disorders or diabetes mellitus and resulted in the live birth at or after 37 weeks of phenotypically normal neonates with birth weights above the 5th and below the 95th percentile. Multiple regression analysis was used to account for maternal characteristics that influence the measured concentration of AFP and a distribution of log multiples of the median (MoM) values was fitted. Results: Log10 AFP increased with gestational age, decreased with maternal weight and was significantly affected by maternal racial origin, smoking status and method of conception. Compared with values in Caucasian women who were non-smokers and conceived spontaneously, AFP MoM was on average 23% higher in Afro-Caribbeans and 8% lower in East Asians, 11% higher in smokers and 10% higher in those conceiving by in vitro fertilization. Conclusion: In normal pregnancies at 11–13 weeks, serum AFP increases with gestational age and is affected by maternal race, weight, smoking status and method of conception.
Cellular Prion Protein Mediates Toxic Signaling of Amyloid Beta
Authors: Resenberger Ulrike K. , Winklhofer Konstanze F. , Tatzelt Jörg
Published: December 2011

Prion diseases in humans and animals comprise a group of invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the formation of a pathogenic protein conformer designated PrPSc and infectious particles denoted prions. The cellular prion protein (PrPC) has a central role in the pathogenesis of prion disease. First, it is the precursor of PrPSc and infectious prions and second, its expression on neuronal cells is required to mediate toxic effects of prions. To specifically study the role of PrPC as a mediator of toxic signaling, we have developed novel cell culture models, including primary neurons prepared from PrP-deficient mice. Using these approaches we have been able to show that PrPC can interact with and mediate toxic signaling of various β-sheet-rich conformers of different origins, including amyloid β, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the prion protein beyond prion diseases.
The Protective Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women with Early Breast Cancer Treated with Sequential Tamoxifen and Letrozole: A Prospective, Randomized, Phase II Trial
Authors: Safra Tamar , Bernstein-Molho Rinat , Greenberg Julia , Pelles-Avraham Sharon , Stephansky Irina , Sarid David , Inbar Moshe J. , Stemmer Salomon M. , Geffen David B.
Published: December 2011

Objective: This study reports the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal patients receiving an aromatase inhibitor (AI) following tamoxifen. Methods: Postmenopausal patients with stage I–III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who received tamoxifen for 2.5–3 years were randomized to receive letrozole (2.5 mg/day) with (n = 47) or without (n = 43) ZOL (4 mg i.v. every 6 months) for 2 years. The primary endpoint was percent change from baseline in lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) up to 60 months. Results: Ninety patients (86 evaluable) with a median age of 59 years (42.9–83.6), 50/86 of whom had previously been treated with chemotherapy, were followed for a median time of 41.4 months. While the control group showed a significant decrease in LS T-score (p = 0.0005), the ZOL group presented an increase over time (p = 0.0143). Change over time in LS T-score was significantly different between groups, favoring ZOL (p < 0.0001 at 24 and 48 months). No fractures, renal dysfunction or osteonecrosis of the jaw were reported. The toxicity profile was similar to those previously reported for each drug. Conclusion: The addition of ZOL to letrozole was safe and efficacious in maintaining LS BMD in postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and who were receiving letrozole following 2.5–3 years of tamoxifen.
Empowering Adult Stem Cells for Myocardial Regeneration
Authors: Mohsin Sadia , Siddiqi Sailay , Collins Brett , Sussman Mark A.
Published: December 2011

Treatment strategies for heart failure remain a high priority for ongoing research due to the profound unmet need in clinical disease coupled with lack of significant translational progress. The underlying issue is the same whether the cause is acute damage, chronic stress from disease, or aging: progressive loss of functional cardiomyocytes and diminished hemodynamic output. To stave off cardiomyocyte losses, a number of strategic approaches have been embraced in recent years involving both molecular and cellular approaches to augment myocardial structure and performance. Resultant excitement surrounding regenerative medicine in the heart has been tempered by realizations that reparative processes in the heart are insufficient to restore damaged myocardium to normal functional capacity and that cellular cardiomyoplasty is hampered by poor survival, proliferation, engraftment, and differentiation of the donated population. To overcome these limitations, a combination of molecular and cellular approaches must be adopted involving use of genetic engineering to enhance resistance to cell death and increase regenerative capacity. This review highlights biological properties of approached to potentiate stem cell–mediated regeneration to promote enhanced myocardial regeneration, persistence of donated cells, and long-lasting tissue repair. Optimizing cell delivery and harnessing the power of survival signaling cascades for ex vivo genetic modification of stem cells before reintroduction into the patient will be critical to enhance the efficacy of cellular cardiomyoplasty. Once this goal is achieved, then cell-based therapy has great promise for treatment of heart failure to combat the loss of cardiac structure and function associated with acute damage, chronic disease, or aging.
Modeling Regular Polysemy: A Study on the Semantic Classification of Catalan Adjectives
Authors: Boleda Gemma , Schulte im Walde Sabine , Badia Toni
Published: December 2011

We present a study on the automatic acquisition of semantic classes for Catalan adjectives from distributional and morphological information, with particular emphasis on polysemous adjectives. The aim is to distinguish and characterize broad classes, such as qualitative (gran ‘big’) and relational (pulmonar ‘pulmonary’) adjectives, as well as to identify polysemous adjectives such as econòmic (‘economic ∣ cheap’). We specifically aim at modeling regular polysemy, that is, types of sense alternations that are shared across lemmata. To date, both semantic classes for adjectives and regular polysemy have only been sparsely addressed in empirical computational linguistics.

Two main specific questions are tackled in this article. First, what is an adequate broad semantic classification for adjectives? We provide empirical support for the qualitative and relational classes as defined in theoretical work, and uncover one type of adjective that has not received enough attention, namely, the event-related class. Second, how is regular polysemy best modeled in computational terms? We present two models, and argue that the second one, which models regular polysemy in terms of simultaneous membership to multiple basic classes, is both theoretically and empirically more adequate than the first one, which attempts to identify independent polysemous classes. Our best classifier achieves 69.1% accuracy, against a 51% baseline.
Building legitimacy at Sport Canada: pitfalls of public value creation?
Authors: Sam Michael P
Published: December 2011

Legitimacy building is an increasingly recognized feature of bureaucratic practice under networked governance. Mark Moore's (1995) model of ‘public value creation’ captures the strategic imperative to build credibility, legitimacy and support for policies and programmes in this context. As an emerging ‘narrative’ in public organizations, it combines perspectives on managerial and political leadership and is therefore useful to explain bureaucratic experiences with legitimacy building and their implications for policy. This article investigates the efforts of Canada's federal sport agency to secure legitimacy and explores the implications of public value creation on future policy-making. Drawing from interview data as well as public and internal documents, the study outlines Sport Canada's initiatives to establish sport's ‘benefits’, collaborate widely and add value in terms of equity and ethics. Two related implications (or storylines) are considered and discussed: (a) the tendency for public value creation to reduce the policy sector to anecdotal understandings in the eyes of political authorizers, and (b) the propensity for building public value to result in over-commitment due to the accumulation and embedding of new collaborations, mandates and target populations.

Points for practitioners

Mark Moore's ‘public value’ approach resonates with practitioners because of its realist portrayal of politics in public administration. Generating support and legitimacy for existing or proposed policies and programmes is acknowledged to be particularly important in contexts where networks are prevalent. This article investigates legitimacy building within federal sport, a sector which has been reliant on networked governance since its inception and where substantive efforts have been aimed at raising its profile. The case cautions against persistent case-building and public value creation because continuous justifications may ultimately raise questions regarding the credibility of bureaucratic advice and of the likely success of programme commitments.
An ‘institutional turn’ in integrity management in China
Authors: Gong Ting
Published: December 2011

Previous unsuccessful attempts at controlling corruption have led the Chinese government to change its strategy from campaign-style anti-corruption enforcement to institutionalized integrity management, referred to as an ‘institutional turn’ in this article. The ‘turn’ is characterized by rule-guided integrity building and manifests itself in the growth of various local integrity initiatives. Drawing on a particular case – the declaration of assets by local government officials – this article details the characteristics and mechanisms of the institutional change towards integrity management in China. In addition to a conceptual discussion of the institutional turn, the broad social and political implications beyond the turn itself are examined. As the findings of the article show, China's ongoing institutional turn towards integrity management implies a paradigm shift in understanding corruption and its changing patterns.

Points for practitioners

The institutional turn towards integrity management in China has practical implications. First, integrity management is an institutionalized and rule-guided process, rather than a process of mere ideological inspiration. Second, whether covering certain specific aspects of concrete action or providing a general schema to be applied to particular circumstances, integrity management programmes should detail how a requirement is to be implemented and assessed, and what sanctions are to be imposed in cases of non-compliance. Third, integrity management relies not only on rules but also on important values, such as accountability, responsibility, transparency, and public engagement, which ensure good management of probity risks.
Governing Sub-Saharan HIV/AIDS through Gender
Authors: Ailio Jaakko
Published: December 2011

Third World gender-issues have attracted much interest because of their perceived importance for the governance of Third World maladies hindering development and security. This enthusiasm has created many gender-based efforts to govern different Third World maladies. Despite the popular celebration of such efforts, they should be examined critically, for they function within specific limits. In this spirit, this article examines gender-based governance of sub-Saharan HIV/AIDS. It is often said that one of the most important ways of governing sub-Saharan HIV/AIDS involves attention to gender inequality as a key driver of HIV/AIDS. However, when contrasted with the vast literature that emphasizes the heterogeneity and dynamism of gender relations in Africa, it becomes clear that when sub-Saharan HIV/AIDS is addressed through gender it happens at the cost of simplifications that enable sub-Saharan HIV/AIDS to be made globally governable through gender, thereby securing liberalism.
Blessed Be the Social Tie That Binds
Authors: Duwe Grant , Clark Valerie
Published: December 2011

Following recent studies in Florida and Canada, we examine the effects of prison visitation on recidivism among 16,420 offenders released from Minnesota prisons between 2003 and 2007. Using multiple measures of visitation (any visit, total number of visits, visits per month, timing of visits, and number of individual visitors) and recidivism (new offense conviction and technical violation revocation), we found that visitation significantly decreased the risk of recidivism, a result that was robust across all of the Cox regression models that were estimated. The results also showed that visits from siblings, in-laws, fathers, and clergy were the most beneficial in reducing the risk of recidivism, whereas visits from ex-spouses significantly increased the risk. The findings suggest that revising prison visitation policies to make them more “visitor friendly” could yield public safety benefits by helping offenders establish a continuum of social support from prison to the community. We anticipate, however, that revising existing policies would not likely increase visitation to a significant extent among unvisited inmates, who comprised 39% of our sample. Accordingly, we suggest that correctional systems consider allocating greater resources to increase visitation among inmates with little or no social support.
Traits, Predictors, and Consequences of Facebook Self-Presentation
Authors: Sun Tao , Wu Guohua
Published: December 2011

With Mowen’s Meta-theoretic Model of Motivation (3M Model) as a theoretical framework, this article examines the hierarchical trait predictors and consequence of one’s perceived ability to modify self-presentation on Facebook (Facebook self-presentation). The study identifies several hierarchical routes to Facebook self-presentation (e.g., agreeableness, need to belong, online public self-consciousness, Facebook self-presentation, or conscientiousness self-efficacy, Internet self-efficacy, Facebook self-presentation). Facebook self-presentation is also significantly correlated with its outcome variable of Facebook intensity. Theoretical implications are provided.
Whiteness in Feminist Economics: The Situation of Race in Bargaining Models of the Household
Authors: Rio Cecilia
Published: December 2011

In response to feminist criticism, economists are re-examining the gendered nature of domestic labor. Many view bargaining models and metaphors as promising feminist alternatives. This article examines how crucial racial differences relevant to the social construction of domestic labor in the US are currently situated in the bargaining power narrative and offers an assessment of this ascending paradigm within feminist economics. The bargaining power narrative fails to acknowledge racial differences that necessarily constitute women’s domestic labor and thereby privileges whiteness.
Neural network-based sliding mode variable structure control for Mars entry
Authors: Li S , Peng Y-M
Published: December 2011

To deliver a Mars entry vehicle through the Martian atmosphere to the prescribed parachute deployment point, active Mars entry guidance and control is essential. This article addresses the problem of Mars atmospheric entry control by a neural network-based sliding mode variable structure control (NNSMVSC) to reduce the effect of the bounded uncertainties on the atmospheric density and aerodynamic coefficients. First, NNSMVSC is designed to robustly track the prescribed nominal trajectory under high uncertainties and to effectively reduce the downrange error. Then, the heading alignment logic is adopted in the lateral plane to reduce the cross-range error. Finally, the validity of the control algorithm proposed in this article is demonstrated by computer simulation analysis.
The past in the present: Understanding David Claerbout’s temporal aesthetics
Authors: Barker Timothy S.
Published: December 2011

David Claerbout’s recent video and photographic works generate a distinct temporal aesthetic. In particular, these works experiment with time by situating the historical past not as a discrete moment in time, but rather as an actively engaged part of the present moment. Through the use of digital technologies Claerbout re-presents, experiments with, and opens up time as non-linear and complex, in effect producing a new experience of temporality through a mediation of the past. Using Gilles Deleuze’s concepts of time, informed by Michel Serres’ and Roland Barthes’ work on photography, I explore a theory of time through these artworks in which the past is understood as transpiring within the present, attempting to understand Deleuze’s temporal concepts aesthetically, not just philosophically.
An integrated ethical decision-making model for nurses
Authors: Park Eun-Jun
Published: December 2011

The study reviewed 20 currently-available structured ethical decision-making models and developed an integrated model consisting of six steps with useful questions and tools that help better performance each step: (1) the identification of an ethical problem; (2) the collection of additional information to identify the problem and develop solutions; (3) the development of alternatives for analysis and comparison; (4) the selection of the best alternatives and justification; (5) the development of diverse, practical ways to implement ethical decisions and actions; and (6) the evaluation of effects and development of strategies to prevent a similar occurrence. From a pilot-test of the model, nursing students reported positive experiences, including being satisfied with having access to a comprehensive review process of the ethical aspects of decision making and becoming more confident in their decisions. There is a need for the model to be further tested and refined in both the educational and practical environments.
Diagnostic Construct Validity of MMPI-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) Scale Scores
Authors: Sellbom Martin , Bagby R. Michael , Kushner Shauna , Quilty Lena C. , Ayearst Lindsay E.
Published: December 2011

In the current investigation, the authors examined the diagnostic construct validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in a patient sample. All participants were diagnosed via the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I/P). The data set used in this study was composed of 544 patients—67 with bipolar disorder, 407 with major depressive disorder, and 70 with schizophrenia. Multivariate analyses revealed a pattern of mean scale differences among patient groups that was mostly consistent with the prominent features of each diagnostic group; logistic regression analyses identified a number of scales that were strong, unique predictors in the differentiation between pairs of diagnostic groups. The higher order scales (H-O)—the Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (EID) and Thought Dysfunction (THD) scales were most useful in differentiating between patient groups. For differentiating bipolar disorder patients from the other diagnostic groups, the Activation (ACT) Specific Problem scale was most useful. Although not all hypothesized scale differences emerged; overall, the pattern of results provides support for the diagnostic construct validity of the MMPI-2-RF scales.
Reliable Digit Span
Authors: Schroeder Ryan W. , Twumasi-Ankrah Philip , Baade Lyle E. , Marshall Paul S.
Published: December 2011

Reliable Digit Span (RDS) is a heavily researched symptom validity test with a recent literature review yielding more than 20 studies ranging in dates from 1994 to 2011. Unfortunately, limitations within some of the research minimize clinical generalizability. This systematic review and cross-validation study was conducted to address these limitations, thus increasing the measure’s clinical utility. Sensitivity and specificity rates were calculated for the ≤6 and ≤7 cutoffs when data were globally combined and divided by clinical groups. The cross-validation of specific diagnostic groups was consistent with the data reported in the literature. Overall, caution should be used when utilizing the ≤7 cutoff in all clinical groups and when utilizing the ≤6 cutoff in the following groups: cerebrovascular accident, severe memory disorders, mental retardation, borderline intellectual functioning, and English as a second language. Additional limitations and cautions are provided.
Is the Narcissistic Personality Inventory Still Relevant? A Test of Independent Grandiosity and Entitlement Scales in the Assessment of Narcissism
Authors: Miller Joshua D. , Price Joanna , Campbell W. Keith
Published: December 2011

Some scholars have called for the replacement of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) with more narrow scales measuring grandiosity and entitlement instead. In the current study, the authors examined the relations among the NPI and measures of grandiosity and entitlement, as well as in relation to a measure of the Five-Factor Model (FFM). The NPI manifested significant correlations with the alternative scales of entitlement and grandiosity and relatively similar patterns of correlations with the FFM traits. Of note, the NPI manifested significant incremental validity in the prediction of several FFM traits that are central to the conceptualization of narcissism. These findings suggest that some caution must be used before assuming that these lower-order scales can be used to replace the NPI in the assessment of narcissism.
Arg77His and Trp187Arg are the Most Common Mutations Causing FXIII Deficiency in Iran
Authors: Eshghi Peyman , Cohan Nader , Lak Manigeh , Naderi Majid , Peyvandi Flora , Menegatti Marzia , Karimi Mehran
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to review the literature for the genetic mutations causing inherited factoe XIII (FXIII) deficiency in patients from Iran, where the consanguineous marriage is common. Data were collected from 30 patients (18 males and 12 females) with FXIII deficiency, from 26 unrelated families. Data of mutation analysis were obtained from 2 previously published studies. A total of 7 mutations consisting of 5 new mutations and 2 previously reported mutations were identified. Of the 5 novel missense mutations, 2, Arg77His and Trp187Arg, were the most common in Iranian FXIII-deficient patients. In regions like Iran with high rate of consanguineous marriages, the identification of common mutations in disease like severe FXIII deficiency increases the capacity to make a precise screening and diagnosis assays to screen and diagnose families with high risk of FXIII deficiency for prevention of clinical complications in them.
Inclusion of antibacterial agent thymol on β-cyclodextrin-grafted organic cotton
Authors: Rukmani Ayiramuthu , Sundrarajan Mahalingam
Published: December 2011

Antibacterial textiles with improved efficacy and durability were produced by incorporation of the monoterpene thymol into β-cyclodextrin-grafted organic cotton. Grafting of β-cyclodextrin on fabric was done with citric acid as crosslinker in the presence of sodium hypophosphite by fixing at 150°C for 10 min. UV-Visible and FTIR spectral studies of β-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin-grafted fabric, ungrafted fabric, thymol, and thymol-loaded fabric confirmed the inclusion of thymol on grafted fabric. Thymol was recovered from ungrafted and grafted fabric by extraction with ethanol and it was quantified by performing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and its level was remarkably higher in grafted fabric. Thymol-loaded ungrafted and grafted fabrics were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by agar diffusion method and inhibition was more pronounced in E. coli. Inclusion of antibacterial agent into grafted fabric showed enhanced inhibition effect with durability after 10 cycles of washing, while it was not retained in ungrafted fabric. Grafting of cyclodextrin on fabric and inclusion of thymol into their cavity produced a durable antibacterial textile.
Mechanisms and clinical significance of BIM phosphorylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Paterson Alex , Mockridge C. Ian , Adams Jemimah E. , Krysov Sergey , Potter Kathleen N. , Duncombe Andrew S. , Cook Simon J. , Stevenson Freda K. , Packham Graham
Published: December 2011

B-cell receptor and microenvironment-derived signals promote accumulation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells through increased proliferation and/or decreased apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the regulation of BIM, a proapoptotic BCL2-related protein, which is tightly regulated by phosphorylation. Surface IgM stimulation increased phosphorylation of 2 BIM isoforms, BIMEL and BIML, in a subset of CLL samples. In contrast, in normal B cells, anti-IgM triggered selective phosphorylation of BIMEL only. In CLL, anti-IgM–induced BIM phosphorylation correlated with unmutated IGHV gene status and with progressive disease. Strikingly, it was also associated with progressive disease within the mutated IGHV gene subset. BIM phosphorylation was dependent on MEK1/2 kinase activity, and we identified BIMEL serine 69, previously linked to pro-survival responses, as the major site of phosphorylation in CLL and in Ramos cells. BIMEL/BIML phosphorylation was associated with release of the pro-survival protein MCL1. Coculture of CLL cells with HK cells, a model of the CLL microenvironment, promoted CLL cell survival and was associated with MEK1/2 activation and BIMEL phosphorylation. Hence, BIM phosphorylation appears to play a key role in apoptosis regulation in CLL cells, potentially coordinating antigen and microenvironment-derived survival signals. Antigen-mediated effects on BIM may be an important determinant of clinical behavior.