bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathways in the mouse kidney
Authors: Jackson Edwin K. , Ren Jin , Cheng Dongmei , Mi Zaichuan
Published: June 2011

The renal extracellular 2′,3′-cAMP-adenosine and 3′,5′-cAMP-adenosine pathways (extracellular cAMPs→AMPs→adenosine) may contribute to renal adenosine production. Because mouse kidneys provide opportunities to investigate renal adenosine production in genetically modified kidneys, it is important to determine whether mouse kidneys express these cAMP-adenosine pathways. We administered (renal artery) 2′,3′-cAMP and 3′,5′-cAMP to isolated, perfused mouse kidneys and measured renal venous secretion rates of 2′,3′-cAMP, 3′,5′-cAMP, 2′-AMP, 3′-AMP, 5′-AMP, adenosine, and inosine. Arterial infusions of 2′,3′-cAMP increased ( P < 0.0001) the mean venous secretion of 2′-AMP (390-fold), 3′-AMP (497-fold), adenosine (18-fold), and inosine (adenosine metabolite; 7-fold), but they did not alter 5′-AMP secretion. Infusions of 3′,5′-cAMP did not affect venous secretion of 2′-AMP or 3′-AMP, but they increased ( P < 0.0001) secretion of 5′-AMP (5-fold), adenosine (17-fold), and inosine (6-fold). Energy depletion (metabolic inhibitors) increased the secretion of 2′,3′-cAMP (8-fold, P = 0.0081), 2′-AMP (4-fold, P = 0.0028), 3′-AMP (4-fold, P = 0.0270), 5′-AMP (3-fold, P = 0.0662), adenosine (2-fold, P = 0.0317), and inosine (7-fold, P = 0.0071), but it did not increase 3′,5′-cAMP secretion. The 2′,3′-cAMP-adenosine pathway was quantitatively similar in CD73 −/− vs. +/+ kidneys. However, 3′,5′-cAMP induced a 6.7-fold greater increase in 5′-AMP, an attenuated increase (61% reduction) in inosine and a similar increase in adenosine in CD73 −/− vs. CD73 +/+ kidneys. In mouse kidneys, 1) 2′,3′-cAMP and 3′,5′-cAMP are metabolized to their corresponding AMPs, which are subsequently metabolized to adenosine; 2) energy depletion activates the 2′,3′-cAMP-adenosine, but not the 3′,5′-cAMP-adenosine, pathway; and 3) although CD73 is involved in the 3′,5′-AMP-adenosine pathway, alternative pathways of 5′-AMP metabolism and reduced metabolism of adenosine to inosine compensate for life-long deficiency of CD73.
Dynamics of a Stage‐Structured Leslie‐Gower Predator‐Prey Model
Authors: Huo Hai-Feng , Wang Xiaohong , Castillo-Chavez Carlos
Published: June 2011

A generalized version of the Leslie‐Gower predator‐prey model that incorporates the prey population structure is introduced. Our results show that the inclusion of (age) structure in the prey population does not alter the qualitative dynamics of the model; that is, we identify sufficient conditions for the ‘‘trapping’’ of the dynamics in a biological compact set—albeit the analysis is a bit more challenging. The focus is on the study of the boundedness of solutions and identification of sufficient conditions for permanence. Sufficient conditions for the local stability of the nonnegative equilibria of the model are also derived, and sufficient conditions for the global attractivity of positive equilibrium are obtained. Numerical simulations are used to illustrate our results.
On Epiorthodox Semigroups
Authors: Du Shouxu , Xu Xinzhai , Shum K. P.
Published: June 2011

It has been well known that the band of idempotents of a naturally
ordered orthodox semigroup satisfying the “strong Dubreil‐Jacotin condition” forms a normal band. In the literature, the naturally ordered orthodox semigroups satisfying the strong Dubreil‐Jacotin condition were first considered by Blyth and Almeida Santos in 1992. Based on the name “epigroup” in the paper of Blyth and Almeida Santos and also the name “epigroups” proposed by Shevrin in 1955; we now call the naturally ordered orthodox semigroups satisfying the Dubreil‐Jacotin condition
the epiorthodox semigroups. Because the structure of this kind of orthodox
semigroups has not yet been described, we therefore give a structure theorem
for the epi‐orthodox semigroups.
Vicia fabaHypersensitivity and ASA Intolerance in a Farmer: A Case Report
Authors: Damiani Elisabetta , Aloia Anna Maria , Priore Maria Giovanna , Pastore Angela , Nardulli Stefania , Lippolis Cristina , Macchia Luigi , Ferrannini Antonio
Published: June 2011

The IgE-mediated allergic reactions to food are caused, generally, by ingestion. However, they can be rarely induced by exposure to airborne food particles through the handling or the cooking.Vicia fabais a vegetable which belongs to Legumes orFabaceaefamily,Fabalesorder. Allergic reactions after ingestion of legumes and cases of asthma after exposure to the cooking vapors have been reported in the literature. A paper assessed the volatile substances (insect repellents) released byV. faba. The authors demonstrated that this plant produces several chemical substances, such as small quantities of methyl salicylate. We describe a case of occupational allergy, induced by handling during picking up of fresh broad beans, in a farmer with history of adverse reaction after eating the cooked and raw vegetable.
Colony Structure and Nest Location of Two Species of Dacetine Ants:Pyramica ohioensis(Kennedy & Schramm) andPyramica rostrata(Emery) in Maryland (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Duffield Richard M. , Alpert Gary D.
Published: June 2011

The discovery of numerousPyramica ohioensisandP. rostratacolonies living in acorns, as well as the efficient recovery of colonies from artificial nests placed in suitable habitats, opens a new stage in the study of North American dacetine ants. Here we present detailed information, based on 42 nest collections, on the colony structure of these two species.P. ohioensiscolonies are smaller than those ofP. rostrata. Both species are polygynous, but nests ofP. ohioensiscontain fewer dealate queens than those ofP. rostrata. This is the first report of multiple collections ofPyramicacolonies nesting in fallen acorns, and of the use of artificial nesting cavities to sample for dacetines in the soil and leaf litter. We describe an artificial cavity nest design that may prove useful in future investigations.
Real-Time Communication Support for Cooperative, Infrastructure-Based Traffic Safety Applications
Authors: Böhm Annette , Jonsson Magnus
Published: June 2011

The implementation of ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) services offers great potential to improve the level of safety, efficiency and comfort on our roads. Although cooperative traffic safety applications rely heavily on the support for real-time communication, the Medium Access Control (MAC) mechanism proposed for the upcoming IEEE 802.11p standard, intended for ITS applications, does not offer deterministic real-time support, that is, the access delay to the common radio channel is not upper bounded. To address this problem, we present a framework for a vehicle-to-infrastructure-based (V2I) communication solution extending IEEE 802.11p by introducing a collision-free MAC phase assigning each vehicle an individual priority based on its geographical position, its proximity to potential hazards and the overall road traffic density. Our solution is able to guarantee the timely treatment of safety-critical data, while minimizing the required length of this real-time MAC phase and freeing bandwidth for best-effort services (targeting improved driving comfort and traffic efficiency). Furthermore, we target fast connection setup, associating a passing vehicle to an RSU (Road Side Unit), and proactive handover between widely spaced RSUs. Our real-time MAC concept is evaluated analytically and by simulation based on a realistic task set from a V2I highway merge assistance scenario.
Sharp Bounds for Power Mean in Terms of Generalized Heronian Mean
Authors: Gao Hongya , Guo Jianling , Yu Wanguo
Published: June 2011

For 1 < r < +∞, we find the least value α and the greatest value β such
that the inequality Hα(a, b) < Ar(a, b) < Hβ(a, b) holds for all a, b > 0 with a ≠ b. Here, Hω(a, b) and Ar(a, b) are the generalized Heronian
and the power means of two positive numbers a and b, respectively.
A Dog with Pseudo-Addison Disease Associated withTrichuris vulpisInfection
Authors: Venco Luigi , Valenti Valentina , Genchi Marco , Grandi Giulio
Published: June 2011

A female Rottweiler dog was presented with a history of intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea, dysorexia, weakness, and weight loss. Haemocytometry and biochemistry values were within normal ranges except for electrolyte analyses, that demonstrated hyponatremia and hyperkalemia with a decreased sodium/potassium ratio. A diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism was suspected. Basal and post-ACTH stimulation cortisolemia were within the normal values. Electrocardiography was normal, and thoracic radiography showed no significant modifications. On abdominal ultrasonography, adrenal glands appeared normal, while the bowel was distended, and several thin linear hyperechoic objects floating in the lumen were observed. Two adult female whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) were collected following bowel irrigation. Anthelmintic treatment against the parasite was curative.
Solution and Attractivity for a Rational Recursive Sequence
Authors: Elsayed E. M.
Published: June 2011

This paper is concerned with the behavior of solution of the nonlinear difference
equation xn+1 = axn−1 + bxnxn−1/(cxn + dxn−2), n = 0, 1, …, where the initial conditions x−2, x−1, x0 are arbitrary positive real numbers
and a, b, c, d are positive constants. Also, we give specific form of the solution of four special cases of this equation.
Contribution of Riverine Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen Flux to New Production in the Coastal Northern Indian Ocean: An Assessment
Authors: Singh Arvind , Ramesh R.
Published: June 2011

Rivers are known to be one of the major sources of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to the coastal ocean and contribute to the primary productivity in the sunlit upper ocean. This study provides an analysis of DIN fluxes and its possible contribution to new production in the coastal northern Indian Ocean based on the literature data. Most of the riverine DIN flux (~81% in the case of the Arabian Sea and 96% in the case of the Bay of Bengal) is not transported to the coastal ocean and is consumed on the course of the rivers or in the estuaries. Coastal Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea receive ~0.38 Tg N year−1 (1 Tg = 1012 g) and ~0.06 Tg N year−1, respectively, through rivers. A large variation in the contribution of DIN through river fluxes to new production is found in both of these basins.
Combination of Conservative and Interventional Therapy Strategies for Intra- and Extrahepatic Cholangiocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Survival Analysis
Authors: Knüppel M. , Kubicka S. , Vogel A. , Malek N. P. , Schneider M. , Papendorf F. , Greten T. , Wedemeyer J. , Schneider A.
Published: June 2011

Background. Due to the predominantly advanced stage at the time of diagnosis treatment of cholangiocarcinoma is difficult. Apart from surgical resection, interventional treatment strategies are increasingly used in advanced stage tumours. The aim of the study was a retrospective comparison of the effect of the various forms of treatment on morbidity and mortality.Method. A total of 195 patients, received either chemotherapy or a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and chemotherapy.Results. The median survival rate for all patients was 15.6 months, 50.8% were still alive 1 year after diagnosis. Patients, who had previously undergone surgery, survived 17.1 months longer than those without surgical treatment (). Chemotherapy prolonged the survival by 9.2 months (). Palliative patients under combination of chemotherapy and PDT survived on average 1.8 months longer (), with chemotherapy and TACE 9.8 months longer () compared to chemotherapy alone.Conclusions. It appears that surgical treatment and chemotherapy combined with PDT or TACE may prolong survival.
Genetic and Functional Studies Implicate HIF1α as a 14q Kidney Cancer Suppressor Gene
Authors: Shen Chuan , Beroukhim Rameen , Schumacher Steven E. , Zhou Jing , Chang Michelle , Signoretti Sabina , Kaelin William G.
Published: June 2011

Kidney cancers often delete chromosome 3p, spanning the VHL tumor suppressor gene, and chromosome 14q, which presumably harbors ≥1 tumor suppressor genes. pVHL inhibits the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF), and HIF2α is a kidney cancer oncoprotein. In this article, we identify focal, homozygous deletions of the HIF1α locus on 14q in clear cell renal carcinoma cell lines. Wild-type HIF1α suppresses renal carcinoma growth, but the products of these altered loci do not. Conversely, downregulation of HIF1α in HIF1α-proficient lines promotes tumor growth. HIF1α activity is diminished in 14q-deleted kidney cancers, and all somatic HIF1α mutations identified in kidney cancers tested to date are loss of function. Therefore, HIF1α has the credentials of a kidney cancer suppressor gene.

Significance: Deletion of 14q is a frequent event in clear cell renal carcinoma and portends a poor prognosis. In this study, we provide genetic and functional evidence that HIF1α is a target of 14q loss in kidney cancer. Cancer Discovery; 1(3); 222–35. © 2011 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Pal and Figlin, p. 198

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 189
The Enduring Presence of Heinz Kohut
Authors: Goldberg Arnold
Published: June 2011

This paper expands upon and further develops the centrality of empathy in psychoanalysis as offered by Heinz Kohut. Using clinical examples, it differentiates sustained empathy as the distinctive component of psychoanalysis, and it demonstrates some of the difficulties in determining the boundaries of empathy in the practice of psychoanalysis. A further distinction is from mind reading, a purely cognitive exercise, as is intuition (Carruthers 2009). To pursue a psychoanalytic perception of empathy one must confront its limitations and go beyond the somewhat simplistic claim of its unquestioned therapeutic effect. Empathy is more than a cognitive act, and as sustained over time it can be difficult to achieve, can be misunderstood, and can at times have no therapeutic effect.
The Waiting Room as Boundary and Bridge Between Self-States and Unformulated Experience
Authors: Kieffer Christine C.
Published: June 2011

For both patient and analyst, the waiting room serves containing and expressive functions. The waiting room may serve as both a boundary between the analytic couple and a bridge to engagement. At times it can provide a means of titrating the intensity and duration of the affects activated by immersion in the analytic process: it can also serve to extend the boundaries of the analytic frame by providing a holding environment to facilitate metabolizing the impact of comings and goings. It also may be viewed as a membrane between self-states through which oscillating facets of dissociated or unformulated experience are enacted. Clinical material from the analysis of an adolescent girl illustrates these ideas.
Silent Cries, Dancing Tears
Authors: Aragno Anna
Published: June 2011

Against the backdrop of a broad survey of the literature on applied psychoanalysis, a number of concepts underpinning the metapsychology of art are revisited and revised: sublimation; interrelationships between primary and secondary processes; symbolization; “fantasy”; and “cathexis.” Concepts embedded in dichotomous or drive/energic contexts are examined and reformulated in terms of a continuum of semiotic processes. Freudian dream structure is viewed as a biological/natural template for nonrepressive artistic forms of sublimation. The synthesis presented proposes a model of continuous rather than discontinuous processes, in a nonenergic, biosemiotic metatheoretical framework.
Polycarbosilane-derived silicon carbide-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and influence on the polyethersulfone nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar S. , Rajasekhar R. , Nayak G.C. , Das C.K.
Published: June 2011

An approach to enhance the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) within a polymer matrix is reported. MWCNT surface was modified with a second type of particle, which constitutes a third phase. MWCNT were modified with polycarbosilane-derived silicon carbide (SiC) particles. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of β-SiC particles. At a loading level of 1.5 wt%, a fine dispersion of MWCNT throughout the polyethersulfone (PES) was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), but at a higher loading (2.5 wt%), agglomerates of carbon nanotubes were observed. At 2.5 wt% loading, the incorporation of SiC-modified MWCNT in PES showed a homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes throughout the matrix as confirmed by SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM analysis also confirmed the synergistic interactions and improved dispersion of MWCNT within the polymer matrix. Incorporation of SiC-modified MWCNT (SiC-MWCNT) significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of PES composites compared to pure PES and a composite containing an equal amount of unmodified MWCNT. The increased quality and improved state of dispersion in the case of a SiC-MWCNT-filled composite can be correlated to an increase of electrical resistivity.
Effective thermal conductivity of silicone/phosphor composites
Authors: Zhang Qin , Pi Zhihua , Chen Mingxiang , Luo Xiaobing , Xu Ling , Liu Sheng
Published: June 2011

The effective thermal conductivity of silicone/phosphor composites is studied experimentally and numerically. Thermal conductivity measurements are conducted from 30°C to 150°C for the composites with phosphor volume fraction up to 40%. In the numerical study, a finite element model with empirical particle size distribution and random particle position is constructed using a probability density function and the Monte Carlo method, and the interfacial thermal resistance layer between phases also introduced in the model. The results indicate that when phosphor concentration is below 25 vol.%, the conductivity of the composite increases slightly with either phosphor volume fraction or temperature, and the Kapitza radius of the composite is 0.8 µm. When phosphor concentration is above 25 vol.%, the increase of conductivity correlates positively with phosphor volume fraction significantly but negatively with the temperature, and the Kapitza radius is 0.032 µm.
Shrinkage reduction of dental composites by addition of expandable zirconia filler
Authors: Skovgaard M. , Almdal K. , Sørensen B.F. , Linderoth S. , van Lelieveld A.
Published: June 2011

A problem with dental resin composites is the polymerization shrinkage, which makes the filling loosen from the tooth or induces crack formation. We have developed an expandable metastable tetragonal zirconia filler, which upon reaction with water, is able to counter the polymer shrinkage. The shrinkage of the composite was calculated from density measurements using Archimedes method. The rate of the phase transformation in resin was measured by determining the volume fraction of monoclinic zirconia ( vm). The composite had a vm of 0.5 after 8 h of water storage. The overall shrinkage of the composites was reduced from 3.2% (initially) to 1.7%.
Leucine-rich Amelogenin Peptides Regulate Mineralization in vitro
Authors: Le Norcy E. , Kwak S.-Y. , Wiedemann-Bidlack F.B. , Beniash E. , Yamakoshi Y. , Simmer J.P. , Margolis H.C.
Published: June 2011

Amelogenin’s capacity to regulate enamel formation is related to its conserved N- and C-terminal domains, its ability to self-assemble, and its ability to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) – a capacity enhanced by amelogenin phosphorylation. This in vitro study provides further insight into amelogenin function, using variations of the Leucine-Rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP), an alternative splice product comprised solely of amelogenin’s N- and C-terminal domains. Peptide self-assembly was studied by dynamic light-scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM, selected area electron diffraction, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy were also used to determine the effect of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated LRAP on calcium phosphate formation. Results show that phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated LRAP can self-assemble into chain-like structures in a fashion dependent on the C-terminal domain. Notably, this capacity was enhanced by added calcium and to a much greater degree for phosphorylated LRAP. Furthermore, phosphorylated LRAP was found to stabilize ACP and prevent its transformation to hydroxyapatite (HA), while aligned HA crystals formed in the presence of non-phosphorylated LRAP. The N- and C-terminal amelogenin domains in non-phosphorylated LRAP are, therefore, sufficient to guide ACP transformation into ordered bundles of apatite crystals, making LRAP an excellent candidate for biomimetic approaches for enamel regeneration.
Quantization-based new integration methods for stiff ordinary differential equations
Authors: Migoni Gustavo , Kofman Ernesto , Cellier François
Published: June 2011

In this paper we introduce new classes of numerical ordinary differential equation (ODE) solvers that base their internal discretization method on state quantization instead of time slicing. These solvers have been coined quantized state system (QSS) simulators. The primary result of the research described in this article is a first-order accurate QSS-based stiff system solver, called the backward QSS (BQSS). The numerical properties of this new algorithm are discussed, and it is shown that this algorithm exhibits properties that make it a potentially attractive alternative to the classical numerical ODE solvers. Some simulation examples illustrate the advantages of this method. As a collateral result, a first-order accurate QSS-based solver designed for solving marginally stable systems is briefly outlined as well. This new method, called the centered QSS (CQSS), is successfully applied to a challenging benchmark problem describing a high-order system that is simultaneously stiff and marginally stable. However, the primary emphasis of this article is on the BQSS method, that is, on a stiff system solver based on state quantization.
William Jennings Bryan, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and the King James Version of the Bible
Authors: Noll Mark A.
Published: June 2011

During 1911 three of the United States’ leading statesmen (Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and William Jennings Bryan) delivered lengthy speeches to commemorate the tercentenary of the King James Bible. While all three emphasized this Bible’s important contribution to American democratic ideals, Bryan also stressed the Bible’s role in revealing Jesus Christ as ‘Son of God and Saviour of Mankind’. Shades of difference in how these leaders spoke of the Bible and in how their careers promoted progressive politics suggests the range of meanings to which the King James Version has been put in American history.
Study on Dynamic Fatigue Properties of Solution-Polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber T2000R
Authors: Xuehong Sun  , Fei Zhao  , Shugao Zhao
Published: June 2011

Dynamic fatigue properties of solution-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber with the trade name T2000R were studied. The influence of different cure systems, reinforcing agents, anti-degradants, and plasticizers on the flex-cracking property of T2000R vulcanizates was investigated. The results showed that T2000R cured with an effective vulcanization system had relatively high fatigue life. Vulcanizate filled with carbon black N330 with a load of 15 phr had better fatigue resistance. Then, a combination of aging resisters 6PPD and RD prolonged the fatigue life of T2000R significantly. T2000R extended with aromatic oil had a fatigue life higher than those extended with mineral oil, naphthenic oil, and courmarone. Among all the factors, aging resister and the load of carbon black contributed more to the flex-cracking properties of T2000R than other additives.
Text, Practice, and Life Narrative
Authors: Liu Fei-wen
Published: June 2011

This article explores, through the lenses of text, practice, and life narrative, how Chinese peasant women as daughters manage patrilocality and carry out—or fail to carry out—filial piety toward their parents. Based on field research in a locale in southern China conducted since 1992, this article focuses on four women’s life histories and juxtaposes how these women articulated filial piety as daughter-brides in wedding lamentations and how they practiced it after marriage. This research illuminates how peasant women perceive daughterly filial piety as a complex entailing not only emotional attachment but also peace of mind, tolerance, and material support. For these women, concerns about filial piety emerge as a focus of their maneuvering and negotiating among the strategic possibilities in their lives—their social responsibilities, personal conditions, the broader social–political milieu, and above all, the male support that is often ignored but indispensable in these women’s stories.
A simplex differential evolution algorithm: development and applications
Authors: Ali Musrrat , Pant Millie , Abraham Ajith
Published: June 2011

Population-based heuristic optimization methods like differential evolution (DE) depend largely on the generation of the initial population. The initial population not only affects the search for several iterations but often also has an influence on the final solution. The conventional method for generating the initial population is the use of computer-generated pseudo-random numbers, which may not be very effective. In the present study, we have investigated the potential of generating the initial population by integrating the non-linear simplex method of Nelder and Mead with pseudo-random numbers in a DE algorithm. The resulting algorithm named the non-linear simplex DE is tested on a set of 20 benchmark problems with box constraints and two real life problems. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme for generating the random numbers significantly improves the performance of DE in terms of fitness function value, convergence rate and average CPU time.
Everyday talk informs toddlers’ novel verb generalizations
Authors: Smith Melissa A.
Published: June 2011

This study explores the effects of discourse context on a child’s ability to generalize transitively trained novel verbs in an experimental setting and the ability to diversely use intransitive constructions in everyday talk. Two- and three-year-olds participated in novel verb training and play sessions. An effect of discourse context was found; novel verbs were used most often in training, rather than elicitation. Thirty percent of the children generalized a transitively trained novel verb to an intransitive construction. The generalizing children differed from non-generalizers in the proportion with which they used familiar intransitive verbs diversely during play. Thus, the process through which children come to generalize verbs may be influenced by their everyday verb usage on a construction by construction basis.
Clearing a Path Through the Forest: A Meta-Review of Interorganizational Relationships
Authors: Parmigiani Anne , Rivera-Santos Miguel
Published: June 2011

Interorganizational relationships (IORs) encompass a broad array of collaborative exchanges, including strategic alliances, joint ventures, buyer—supplier agreements, licensing, co-branding, franchising, cross-sector partnerships, networks, trade associations, and consortia. Scholarly work in this area typically focuses on particular forms, which has made it difficult to build a holistic understanding of why organizations engage in these relationships. This article summarizes the IOR literature by conducting a meta-review, a review of the reviews that have covered various IOR forms and theories. Through this approach, the authors highlight similarities and differences among forms and acknowledge perspectives grounded in organizational economics and organization theory. In line with March’s seminal framework, the authors identify two pure forms of IORs: co-exploration and co-exploitation. Explicating these pure forms enables the integration of different theories and the reconciliation of the empirical reality that IORs, like firms, combine exploration and exploitation. The authors conclude by suggesting directions for future work, highlighting areas rich in potential.
Human Trafficking: The Unintended Effects of United Nations Intervention
Authors: Smith Charles Anthony , Smith Heather M.
Published: June 2011

International relations literature is well developed on the effects of United Nations intervention on the duration of crises. The global human rights community has on a case-by-case basis addressed some of the unintended effects of UN intervention, namely, substantial increases in the human sex trafficking trade into crisis areas. We bridge these two literatures and evaluate the effects of UN involvement in Kosovo, Haiti and Sierra Leone.We look beyond the intended effects of UN intervention and consider the unintended effects in a systematic and generalizable way. We argue that UN involvement has the unfortunate and unintended effect of increasing the rates of human trafficking in these crisis areas. Our work concludes that the UN should proceed with caution into crisis areas and have plans in place to avoid the potentially devastating externalities of otherwise well-intentioned efforts.
Where do we go from here?
Authors: Lowi Theodore J.
Published: June 2011

This is a story about competition between a primitive political science, a modern political science, and their significance to the future of political science and the state. The old-fashioned political science is comprised of storytelling, otherwise called case studies. The modern, pure political science is committed to the incorporation of the methods of pure science. The difference between the two is the origin of an on-going debate within political science. When the state suffers a threat to its sovereignty, it seeks to suppress or coopt domestic centers of power. It patronizes the pure science because it shows some promise of valuable service. Chile is a significant example. And the older political science will suffer due to its tendency to expose pathologies and its inability to remain neutral. Thus, once the state tends toward authoritarianism, the storytelling political science is likely to suffer because thorough analyses find their way toward criticism, to pathology. Once the state has intervened, the national association may respond but with too little support, and the individual practitioners may have to retreat to their national association and to the International Political Science Association, which may speak for all of the 60+ national associations. The International Political Science Association will be the canary in the coal mine. The Nobel awaits.
A pharmacogenetic study of risperidone on histamine H3 receptor gene (HRH3) in Chinese Han schizophrenia patients
Authors: Wei Zhiyun , Wang Lei , Zhang Mengmeng , Xuan Jiekun , Wang Yang , Liu Baocheng , Shao Liyan , Li Jun , Zeng Zhen , Li Tao , Liu Jie , Wang Ti , Zhang Ming , Qin Shengying , Xu Yifeng , Feng Guoyin , He Lin , Xing Qinghe
Published: June 2011

Evidence suggests that the human histamine H3 receptor ( HRH3) may be involved in the pharmacodynamics of risperidone and influence clinical efficacy. More information on the pharmacogenetics of this receptor may therefore be useful in developing individualized therapy. However, to our knowledge, no study has been reported in this area. The aim of this investigation was to clarify whether H3 receptor polymorphism could affect risperidone efficacy. We genotyped tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HRH3 gene (rs3787429 and rs3787430) and analyzed their association with the reduction of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score in Chinese Han schizophrenia patients ( N = 129), following an eight-week period of risperidone monotherapy. The confounding effects of non-genetic factors were estimated, and then the significant one was included as the covariate for adjustment in statistical analysis. Baseline symptom score was the only significant confounding effect and thus the covariate. After adjustment, significant association of HRH3 with antipsychotic efficacy was detected (for rs3787429, p = 0.013, 0.087 after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, respectively; for rs3787430, p = 0.024, 0.010 after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, respectively) and stood up to conservative Bonferroni correction. Our results demonstrate that polymorphism of the HRH3 gene may be a potential genetic marker for predicting the therapeutic effect of risperidone, and suggest novel pharmacological links between HRH3 and risperidone. Further studies with larger samples and different ethnic populations are warranted to confirm our results.
Primary Care Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendation Patterns
Authors: Feldstein Adrianne C. , Perrin Nancy , Liles Elizabeth G. , Smith David H. , Rosales Ana G. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Lafata Jennifer E. , Myers Ronald E. , Mosen David M. , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: June 2011

Background. The relationship of a primary care provider’s (PCP’s) colorectal cancer (CRC) screening strategies to completion of screening is poorly understood. Objective. To describe PCP test recommendation patterns and associated factors and their relationship to patient test completion. Design. This cross-sectional study used a PCP survey, in-depth PCP interviews, and electronic medical records. Setting. Kaiser Permanente Northwest health maintenance organization. Participants. Participants included 132 PCPs and 49,259 eligible patients aged 51 to 75. Measurements. The authors grouped PCPs by patterns of CRC screening recommendations based on reported frequency of recommending fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), and colonoscopy. They then compared PCP demographics, reported CRC screening test influences, concerns, decision-making and counseling processes, and actual rates of patient CRC screening completion by PCP group. Results. The authors identified 4 CRC screening recommendation groups: a “balanced” group ( n = 54; 40.9%) that recommended the tests nearly equally, an FOBT group ( n = 31; 23.5%) that largely recommended FOBT, an FOBT + FS group ( n = 25; 18.9%), and a colonoscopy + FOBT group ( n = 22; 16.7%) that recommended these tests nearly equally. Internal medicine (v. family medicine) PCPs were more common in groups more frequently recommending endoscopy. The FOBT and FOBT + FS groups were most influenced by clinical guidelines. Groups recommending more endoscopy were most concerned that FOBT generates a relatively high number of false positives and FOBT can miss cancers. The FOBT and FOBT + FS groups were more likely to recommend a specific screening strategy compared to the colonoscopy + FOBT and balanced groups, which were more likely to let the patient decide. CRC screening rates were 63.9% balanced, 62.9% FOBT, 61.7% FOBT + FS, and 62.2% colonoscopy + FOBT; rates did not differ significantly by group. Limitations. Small numbers within PCP groups. Conclusions. Specialty, the influence of guidelines, test concerns, and the “jointness” of the test selection decision distinguished CRC screening recommendation patterns. All patterns were associated with similar overall screening rates.
A review of recent developments in climate change science. Part II: The global-scale impacts of climate change
Authors: Gosling Simon N. , Warren Rachel , Arnell Nigel W. , Good Peter , Caesar John , Bernie Dan , Lowe Jason A. , van der Linden Paul , O'Hanley Jesse R. , Smith Stephen M.
Published: June 2011

This article presents a review of recent developments in studies assessing the global-scale impacts of climate change published since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). Literature covering six main impact sectors is reviewed: sea-level rise (SLR) and coastal impacts, ocean acidification, ecosystems and biodiversity, water resources and desertification, agriculture and food security, and human health. The review focuses on studies with a global perspective to climate change impacts assessment, although in the absence of global studies for some sectors or aspects of impacts, national and regional studies are cited. The review highlights three major emerging themes which are of importance for the policy- and decision-making process: (1) a movement towards probabilistic methods of impacts assessment and/or the consideration of climate modelling uncertainty; (2) a move towards assessing potential impacts that could be avoided under different climate change mitigation scenarios relative to a business-as-usual reference scenario; and (3) uncertainties that remain in understanding the relationship between climate and natural or human systems. Whether recent impact assessments show a changed risk of damage to human or natural systems since the AR4 depends upon the impact sector; whether the assessments are robust or not (i.e. will stand the test of time) requires additional expert judgement. However, using this judgement, overall we find an increased risk to natural systems, and in some components of human systems.
A review of recent developments in climate change science. Part I: Understanding of future change in the large-scale climate system
Authors: Good Peter , Caesar John , Bernie Dan , Lowe Jason A. , van der Linden Paul , Gosling Simon N. , Warren Rachel , Arnell Nigel W. , Smith Stephen , Bamber Jonathon , Payne Tony , Laxon Seymour , Srokosz Meric , Sitch Stephen , Gedney Nic , Harris Glen , Hewitt Helene , Jackson Laura , Jones Chris D. , O'Connor Fiona , Ridley Jeff , Vellinga Michael , Halloran Paul , McNeall Doug
Published: June 2011

This article reviews some of the major lines of recent scientific progress relevant to the choice of global climate policy targets, focusing on changes in understanding since publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4). Developments are highlighted in the following major climate system components: ice sheets; sea ice; the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation; tropical forests; and accelerated carbon release from permafrost and ocean hydrates. The most significant developments in each component are identified by synthesizing input from multiple experts from each field. Overall, while large uncertainties remain in all fields, some substantial progress in understanding is revealed.
Albert Perry Brigham: A champion of physical geography
Authors: Trudgill Stephen
Published: June 2011

In 1897 Brigham, a US geographer, made a case for the inclusion of physical geography in school teaching. The points he made may be useful to those engaged in similar efforts today. He emphasized that the understanding of earth dynamics over time and an engagement with natural events, especially through fieldwork, together with the ability to argue from evidence, enhanced a sense of citizenship.
Microelasticity of red blood cells in sickle cell disease
Authors: Maciaszek J L , Andemariam B , Lykotrafitis G
Published: June 2011

Translation of cellular mechanics findings is crucial in many diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, type II diabetes, malaria, sickle cell disease, and cancer. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is appropriate for measuring mechanical properties of living and fixed cells due to its high force sensitivity and its ability to measure local and overall properties of individual cells under physiological conditions. A systemic force–displacement curve analysis is reported on the quantification of material stiffness via AFM using two theoretical models derived from the Hertz model. This analysis was applied to red blood cells from patients with sickle cell disease to determine the Young’s modulus of these cells in the oxygenated and deoxygenated state. Sickle cell disease pathophysiology is a consequence of the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin in red blood cells upon partial deoxygenation and the impaired flow of these cells in the microcirculation. A model is presented for a four-sided pyramidal indenter that is subsequently shown to have a better fit to the obtained data than that using a model of a parabolic indenter. It is concluded that deoxygenation and therapeutic treatment have a significant impact on the stiffness. This analysis presents a new approach to addressing medical disorders.
Transmission electron microscopy investigation of colloids and particles from landfill leachates
Authors: Matura Marek , Ettler Vojtěch , Klementová Mariana
Published: June 2011

Leachates collected at two (active and closed) municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills were examined for colloids and particles by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, selected area electron diffraction and for the chemical compositions of the filtrates after the filtration to 0.1 µm and ultrafiltration to 1 kDa (~ 1 nm). Six groups of colloids/particles in the range 5 nm to 5 µm were determined (in decreasing order of abundance): carbonates, phyllosilicates (clay minerals and micas), quartz, Fe-oxides, organics and others (salts, phosphates). Inorganic colloids/particles in leachates from the active landfill predominantly consist of calcite (CaCO3) and minor clay minerals and quartz (SiO2). The colloids/particles in the leachates from the closed landfill consist of all the observed groups with dominant phyllosilicates. Whereas calcite, Fe-oxides and phosphates can precipitate directly from the leachates, phyllosilicates and quartz are more probably either derived from the waste or formed by erosion of the geological environment of the landfill. Low amounts of organic colloids/particles were observed, indicating the predominance of organic molecules in the ‘truly dissolved’ fraction (fulvic compounds). Especially newly formed calcite colloids forming particles of 500 nm and stacking in larger aggregates can bind trace inorganic contaminants (metals/metalloids) and immobilize them in landfill environments.
Brief Electroencephalography Rhythmic Discharges (BERDs) in the Neonate With Seizures
Authors: Nagarajan Lakshmi , Palumbo Linda , Ghosh Soumya
Published: June 2011

We aimed to explore the significance and prognostic implications of paroxysmal brief electroencephalography (EEG) rhythmic discharges (BERDs) in neonatal seizures. The 52 neonates in this study were divided into 3 groups: (1) BERDs only: 9 neonates, (2) BERDs + conventional EEG seizures: 11 babies, (3) Conventional EEG seizures only: 32 babies. We analyzed the BERDs and compared outcomes in the 3 groups: there was no significant difference in mortality and neurodevelopmental or background EEG impairment. Similar to conventional EEG seizures, BERDs are also associated with an increased mortality, morbidity, and EEG background abnormalities. Fewer babies with BERDS appear to develop postneonatal seizures suggesting their epileptogenic potential is less. In the appropriate clinical context, BERDs should be considered as miniseizures.
Training Teachers to Use Pivotal Response Training With Children With Autism
Authors: Suhrheinrich Jessica
Published: June 2011

Although evidence-based practices (EBPs) for educating children with autism, such as pivotal response training (PRT), exist, teachers often lack adequate training to use these practices. The current investigation examined the efficacy of a 6-hour group workshop plus individual coaching for training 20 teachers to use PRT. Results indicate that the workshop alone was only effective in training 15% of the teachers to meet mastery criteria for PRT. The majority of teachers, however, showed additional improvement following individual coaching. The findings suggest that attending a group workshop is insufficient training for most teachers to demonstrate mastery of PRT, but a modest amount of time spent in individual coaching with observation and feedback helps the majority of teachers master PRT techniques. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Effects of different contacting pressure on the transfer function between finger photoplethysmographic and radial blood pressure waveforms
Authors: Hsiu H , Hsu C-L , Wu T-L
Published: June 2011

Background: The blood pressure (BP) waveform is suggested to reflect the whole-body blood supply distribution, but its non-invasive assessment is not sufficiently user friendly for practical applications. The present authors studied the correlation between BP and photo-plethysmography (PPG) waveforms, with the aim of determining the optimal range for contact pressure stimulation (PS) to produce a reliable transfer function in their harmonic parameters. Methods: Finger PPG and radial-artery BP signals were measured simultaneously and non-invasively on healthy volunteers ( n = 45). PS of 0–200 mmHg was applied to the finger, and 1 min data sequences were recorded. In frequency-domain analysis, linear regression was applied to the calculated amplitude ratios or the first five harmonics between BP and PPG waveforms. Results: In the 60 mmHg-PS group, the BP–PPG regression of amplitude ratios was highest, and the agreements between them were also the best verified by Bland–Altman analysis. Conclusion: In the present study, frequency-domain analysis was performed to study the correlation between BP and PPG waveforms. Differences in pressure-induced-vasodilation responses underlie the different BP-PPG waveform correlations obtained by applying different PSs. The non-invasively derived PPG parameters might help to provide an easier method to acquire the radial-artery BP waveform, and hence broaden the application of BP waveform analysis.
The effect of primary stability on load transfer and bone remodelling within the uncemented resurfaced femur
Authors: Pal Bidyut , Gupta Sanjay
Published: June 2011

One of the major causes of aseptic loosening in an uncemented implant is the lack of any attachment between the implant and the bone. The implant’s stability depends on a combination of primary stability (mechanical stability) and secondary stability (biological stability). The primary stability may affect the implant–bone interface condition and thus influence the load transfer and mechanical stimuli for bone remodelling in the resurfaced femur. This paper reports the results of a study into the affect of primary stability on load transfer and bone adaptation for an uncemented resurfaced femur. Three-dimensional finite element models were used to simulate the intact and resurfaced femurs and the bone remodelling. As a first step towards assessing the immediate post-operative condition, a debonded interfacial contact condition with varying levels of the friction coefficient (0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) was simulated at the implant–bone interface. Then, using a threshold value of micromotion of 50 µm, the implant–bone interfacial condition was varied along the implant–bone boundary to mechanically represent non-osseointegrated or osseointegrated regions of the interface. The considered applied loading conditions included normal walking and stair climbing. Resurfacing leads to strain shielding in the femoral head (20–75 per cent strain reductions). In immediate post-operative conditions, there was no occurrence of elevated strains in the cancellous bone around the proximal femoral neck–component junction resulting in a lower risk of neck fracture. Predominantly, the micromotions were observed to remain below 50 µm at the implant–bone interface, which represents 97–99 per cent of the interfacial surface area. The predicted micromotions at the implant–bone interface strongly suggest the likelihood of bone ingrowth onto the coated surface of the implant, thereby enhancing implant fixation. For the osseointegrated implant–bone interface, the effect of strain shielding was observed in a considerably greater bone volume in the femoral head as compared to the initial debonded interfacial condition. A 50–80 per cent periprosthetic bone density reduction was predicted as compared to the value of the intact femur, indicating bone resorption within the superior resurfaced head. Although primary fixation of the resurfacing component may be achieved, the presence of high strain shielding and peri-prosthetic bone resorption are a major concern.