bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS ON ELECTRONIC STRUCTURES OF TiO2 ANATASE (101) SURFACES WITH N IMPURITIES
Authors: CHEN QI LI , ZHENG GUANG , HE KAI HUA , LI BO
Published: December 2010

The electronic structures of nitrogen ( N )-doped TiO 2 anatase (101) surfaces have been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) plane-wave pseudopotential method with general gradient approximation (GGA) + U (Hubbard coefficient) method being adopted to describe the exchange-correlation effects. Both substitutional and interstitial N doping have been considered in this paper as well as the case of surface N adsorption. The results demonstrated that there is no obvious band gap narrowing observed by introducing N impurities except several N 2p states lying in the gap, whereas the introduction of oxygen vacancy was confirmed playing an important role on band gap narrowing. The results accord well with some experimental results.
EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS CAN BE CHAOTIC: A FIRST EXAMPLE
Authors: DERCOLE FABIO , RINALDI SERGIO
Published: December 2010

We present in this paper the first example of chaotic evolutionary dynamics in biology. We consider a Lotka–Volterra tritrophic food chain composed of a resource, its consumer, and a predator species, each characterized by a single adaptive phenotypic trait, and we show that for suitable modeling and parameter choices the evolutionary trajectories approach a strange attractor in the three-dimensional trait space. The study is performed through the bifurcation analysis of the so-called canonical equation of Adaptive Dynamics, the most appropriate modeling approach to long-term evolutionary dynamics.
MODELING AND BIFURCATION BEHAVIOR OF MULTI-PHASE SIMIMO DC–DC SWITCHING REGULATORS
Authors: MORENO-FONT V. , EL AROUDI A. , BENADERO L.
Published: December 2010

In this paper, different discrete-time models in the form of maps are proposed and analyzed in order to describe the dynamics of single inductor multiple-input multiple-output (SIMIMO) switching DC–DC converters. These systems can be used to regulate generally multiple (positive and/or negative) outputs by means of individual switches associated to each of the outputs. These switches are current mode controlled through corresponding channels. The discrete-time approach allows the dynamical behavior of these systems to be accurately predicted as well as to detect possible subharmonic oscillations and chaotic behavior. Under certain operating conditions, for which the system can be modeled by a one-dimensional piecewise constant vector field, a simple one-dimensional and piecewise-linear (PWL) map can be obtained. Some closed form expressions for ensuring stability are derived from this map in terms of a stability index λ, which is, in turn, expressed in terms of system parameters. However, some discrepancies have been found between the switched model and this simpler map, and therefore a full order model is derived to obtain more accurate information about the actual dynamical behavior of these converters. The theoretical results are confirmed by one-dimensional bifurcation diagrams and codimension 1 two-parameter bifurcation curves obtained by standard continuation methods applied to the derived discrete-time models as well as from computer simulations from the switched model.
FRACTAL DETRENDED FLUCTUATION ANALYSIS OF CHINESE ENERGY MARKETS
Authors: ZHANG JUNHUAN , WANG JUN
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we analyze and compare long-range power-law correlations of returns, absolute returns, squared returns, cubed returns and square waved returns for sixteen individual stocks from the block of energy sources of Chinese stock market and five stock indices (Shanghai Composite Index, Shenzhen Component Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average index, Nasdaq Composite Index, the Standard and Poor's 500 Index) by using a detrended fluctuation analysis approach. The empirical evidence suggests that Shanghai Composite Index is very close to Shenzhen Component Index and Nasdaq, DJIA is very close to S&P 500 in all cases. And the exponent trends of the returns are close to that of square waved returns. Also, five indices deviate from other sixteen individual energy stocks in all cases except square waved returns. Further, there are long-range correlations and persistence in volatility series of absolute returns and squared returns. Moreover, we investigate the long-term memory of these returns by applying Lo's modified rescaled range statistic. We find that the China energy market exhibits fractal and persistence properties.
Mechanisms of vasopressin-induced intracellular Ca2+oscillations in rat inner medullary collecting duct
Authors: Yip Kay-Pong , Sham James S. K.
Published: December 2010

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) causes increase in intracellular Ca2+concentration with an oscillatory pattern. Ca2+mobilization is required for AVP-stimulated apical exocytosis in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). The mechanistic basis of these Ca2+oscillations was investigated by confocal fluorescence microscopy and flash photolysis of caged molecules in perfused IMCD. Photorelease of caged cAMP and direct activation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) by photorelease of caged cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) both mimicked the AVP-induced Ca2+oscillations. Preincubation of IMCD with 100 μM 8-bromo-cADPR (a competitive inhibitor of cADPR) delayed the onset and attenuated the magnitude of AVP-induced Ca2+oscillations. These observations indicate that the cADPR/RyR pathway is capable of supporting Ca2+oscillations and endogenous cADPR plays a major role in the AVP-induced Ca2+oscillations in IMCD. In contrast, photorelease of caged inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) induced Ca2+release but did not maintain sustained Ca2+oscillations. Removal of extracellular Ca2+halted ongoing AVP-mediated Ca2+oscillation, suggesting that it requires extracellular Ca2+entry. AVP-induced Ca2+oscillation was unaffected by nifedipine. Intracellular Ca2+store depletion induced by 20 μM thapsigargin in Ca2+-free medium triggered store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE) in IMCD, which was attenuated by 1 μM GdCl3and 50 μM SKF-96365. After incubation of IMCD with 1 nM AVP in Ca2+-free medium, application of extracellular Ca2+also triggered Ca2+influx, which was sensitive to GdCl3and SKF-96365. In summary, our observations are consistent with the notion that AVP-induced Ca2+oscillations in IMCD are mediated by the interplay of Ca2+release from RyRs and a Ca2+influx mechanism involving nonselective cation channels that resembles SOCE.
Disrupted Thalamic T-Type Ca2+Channel Expression and Function During Ethanol Exposure and Withdrawal
Authors: Graef J. D. , Huitt T. W. , Nordskog B. K. , Hammarback J. H. , Godwin D. W.
Published: December 2010

Chronic ethanol exposure produces profound disruptions in both brain rhythms and diurnal behaviors. The thalamus has been identified as a neural pacemaker of both normal and abnormal rhythms with low-threshold, transient (T-type) Ca2+channels participating in this activity. We therefore examined T-type channel gene expression and physiology in the thalamus of C57Bl/6 mice during a 4-wk schedule of chronic intermittent ethanol exposures in a vapor chamber. We found that chronic ethanol disrupts the normal daily variations of both thalamic T-type channel mRNA levels and alters thalamic T-type channel gating properties. The changes measured in channel expression and function were associated with an increase in low-threshold bursts of action potentials during acute withdrawal periods. Additionally, the observed molecular and physiological alterations in the channel properties in wild-type mice occurred in parallel with a progressive disruption in the normal daily variations in theta (4–9 Hz) power recorded in the cortical electroencephalogram. Theta rhythms remained disrupted during a subsequent week of withdrawal but were restored with the T-type channel blocker ethosuximide. Our results demonstrate that a key ion channel underlying the generation of thalamic rhythms is altered during chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal and may be a novel target in the management of abnormal network activity due to chronic alcoholism.
Multimodal Integration After Unilateral Labyrinthine Lesion: Single Vestibular Nuclei Neuron Responses and Implications for Postural Compensation
Authors: Sadeghi Soroush G. , Minor Lloyd B. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: December 2010

Plasticity in neuronal responses is necessary for compensation following brain lesions and adaptation to new conditions and motor learning. In a previous study, we showed that compensatory changes in the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) following unilateral vestibular loss were characterized by dynamic reweighting of inputs from vestibular and extravestibular modalities at the level of single neurons that constitute the first central stage of VOR signal processing. Here, we studied another class of neurons, i.e., the vestibular-only neurons, in the vestibular nuclei that mediate vestibulospinal reflexes and provide information for higher brain areas. We investigated changes in the relative contribution of vestibular, neck proprioceptive, and efference copy signals in the response of these neurons during compensation after contralateral vestibular loss in Macaca mulata monkeys. We show that the time course of recovery of vestibular sensitivity of neurons corresponds with that of lower extremity muscle and tendon reflexes reported in previous studies. More important, we found that information from neck proprioceptors, which did not influence neuronal responses before the lesion, were unmasked after lesion. Such inputs influenced the early stages of the compensation process evidenced by faster and more substantial recovery of the resting discharge in proprioceptive-sensitive neurons. Interestingly, unlike our previous study of VOR interneurons, the improvement in the sensitivity of the two groups of neurons did not show any difference in the early or late stages after lesion. Finally, neuronal responses during active head movements were not different before and after lesion and were attenuated relative to passive movements over the course of recovery, similar to that observed in control conditions. Comparison of compensatory changes observed in the vestibuloocular and vestibulospinal pathways provides evidence for similarities and differences between the two classes of neurons that mediate these pathways at the functional and cellular levels.
A Constructive Sharp Approach to Functional Quantization of Stochastic Processes
Authors: Junglen Stefan , Luschgy Harald
Published: December 2010

We present a constructive approach to the functional quantization problem of stochastic processes, with an emphasis on Gaussian processes. The approach is constructive, since we reduce the infinite‐dimensional functional quantization problem to a finite‐dimensional quantization problem that can be solved numerically. Our approach achieves the sharp rate of the minimal quantization error and can be used to quantize the path space for Gaussian processes and also, for example, Lévy processes.
Thrombin A-Chain: Activation Remnant or Allosteric Effector?
Authors: Carter Isis S. R. , Vanden Hoek Amanda L. , Pryzdial Edward L. G. , MacGillivray Ross T. A.
Published: December 2010

Although prothrombin is one of the most widely studied enzymes in biology, the role of the thrombin A-chain has been neglected in comparison to the other domains. This paper summarizes the current data on the prothrombin catalytic domain A-chain region and the subsequent thrombin A-chain. Attention is given to biochemical characterization of naturally occurring prothrombin A-chain mutations and alanine scanning mutants in this region. While originally considered to be simply an activation remnant with little physiologic function, the thrombin A-chain is now thought to play a role as an allosteric effector in enzymatic reactions and may also be a structural scaffold to stabilize the protease domain.
Unilateral Optic Disc Edema in a Paediatric Patient: Diagnostic Dilemmas and Management
Authors: Kanonidou Evgenia , Chatziralli Irini , Kanonidou Christina , Parava Maria , Ziakas Nikolas
Published: December 2010

Introduction. We report a case of unilateral optic disc edema in a paediatric patient and discuss the concerns involved in diagnosis and management of similar cases.Materials and Methods. Female aged 10 years was referred to our clinic due to progressive visual loss of the LE over a few days. Her visual acuities (VA) were RE 10/10, LE 3/10, and she had a relative afferent pupillary defect and decreased colour vision in her LE and normal and painless eye movements. Fundoscopy showed a remarkably swollen disc of the LE, and visual field (VF) examination revealed enlargement of the blind spot and presence of horizontal inferior papillomacular scotoma. Neurological examination, CT of brain and orbits and blood tests were normal. Visual evoked potentials revealed an obstacle in the myelin substance before the optic chiasma of the LE.Results. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednoslone for 3 days and with oral methylprednizole for 15 days in progressively diminished daily doses. This led to gradual improvement of VA, colour vision, and visual field and resolution of optic disc oedema.Discussion. Concerns that have to be taken into account regarding diagnosis and management of similar cases are related to lumbar puncture indications, treatment with corticosteroids, and appropriate followup.
Milestones in the Development of Iterative Solution Methods
Authors: Axelsson Owe
Published: December 2010

Iterative solution methods to solve linear systems of equations were originally formulated as basic iteration methods of defect‐correction type, commonly referred to as Richardson′s iteration method. These methods developed further into various versions of splitting methods, including the successive overrelaxation (SOR) method. Later, immensely important developments included convergence acceleration methods, such as the Chebyshev and conjugate gradient iteration methods and preconditioning methods of various forms. A major strive has been to find methods with a total computational complexity of optimal order, that is, proportional to the degrees of freedom involved in the equation. Methods that have turned out to have been particularly important for the further developments of linear equation solvers are surveyed. Some of them are presented in greater detail.
Regulating the Regulators: The Post‐Translational Code of Class I HDAC1 and HDAC2
Authors: Segré Chiara V. , Chiocca Susanna
Published: December 2010

Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) are cellular enzymes expressed in many tissues and play crucial roles in differentiation, proliferation, and cancer. HDAC1 and HDAC2 in particular are highly homologous proteins that show redundant or specific roles in different cell types or in response to different stimuli and signaling pathways. The molecular details of this dual regulation are largely unknown. HDAC1 and HDAC2 are not only protein modifiers, but are in turn regulated by post‐translational modifications (PTMs): phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, nitrosylation, and carbonylation. Some of these PTMs occur and crosstalk specifically on HDAC1 or HDAC2, creating a rational “code” for a differential, context‐related regulation. The global comprehension of this PTM code is central for dissecting the role of single HDAC1 and HDAC2 in physiology and pathology.
Targeting the p53 Pathway in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Neilsen Paul M. , Pishas Kathleen I. , Callen David F. , Thomas David M.
Published: December 2010

The p53 tumour suppressor plays a pivotal role in the prevention of oncogenic transformation. Cancers frequently evade the potent antitumour surveillance mechanisms of p53 through mutation of theTP53gene, with approximately 50% of all human malignancies expressing dysfunctional, mutated p53 proteins. Interestingly, genetic lesions in theTP53gene are only observed in 10% of Ewing Sarcomas, with the majority of these sarcomas expressing a functional wild-type p53. In addition, the p53 downstream signaling pathways and DNA-damage cell cycle checkpoints remain functionally intact in these sarcomas. This paper summarizes recent insights into the functional capabilities and regulation of p53 in Ewing Sarcoma, with a particular focus on the cross-talk between p53 and the EWS-FLI1 gene rearrangement frequently associated with this disease. The development of several activators of p53 is discussed, with recent evidence demonstrating the potential of small molecule p53 activators as a promising systemic therapeutic approach for the treatment of Ewing Sarcomas with wild-type p53.
Construction and Characterization of an Infectious Murine Gammaherpesivrus‐68 Bacterial Artificial Chromosome
Authors: Wu Ting-Ting , Liao Hsiang-I , Tong Leming , Leang Ronika Sitapara , Smith Greg , Sun Ren
Published: December 2010

Here we describe the cloning of a sequenced WUMS isolate of murine gammaherpesvirus‐68 (MHV‐68, γHV‐68, also known as MuHV‐4) as a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). We engineered the insertion of the BAC sequence flanked by loxP sites into the left end of the viral genome before the M1 open reading frame. The infectious viruses were reconstituted following transfection of the MHV‐68 BAC DNA into cells. The MHV‐68 BAC‐derived virus replicated indistinguishably from the wild‐type virus in cultured cells. Excision of the BAC insert was efficiently achieved by coexpressing the Cre recombinase. Although the BAC insertion did not significantly affect acute productive infection in the lung, it severely compromised the ability of MHV‐68 to establish splenic latency. Removal of the BAC sequence restored the wild‐type level of latency. Site‐specific mutagenesis was carried out by RecA‐mediated recombination to demonstrate that this infectious BAC clone can be used for genetic studies of MHV‐68.
Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Mutagenesis Using Recombineering
Authors: Narayanan Kumaran , Chen Qingwen
Published: December 2010

Gene expression from bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones has been demonstrated to facilitate physiologically relevant levels compared to viral and nonviral cDNA vectors. BACs are large enough to transfer intact genes in their native chromosomal setting together with flanking regulatory elements to provide all the signals for correct spatiotemporal gene expression. Until recently, the use of BACs for functional studies has been limited because their large size has inherently presented a major obstacle for introducing modifications using conventional genetic engineering strategies. The development of in vivo homologous recombination strategies based on recombineering in E. coli has helped resolve this problem by enabling facile engineering of high molecular weight BAC DNA without dependence on suitably placed restriction enzymes or cloning steps. These techniques have considerably expanded the possibilities for studying functional genetics using BACs in vitro and in vivo.
MDC1 Cleavage by Caspase-3: A Novel Mechanism for Inactivating the DNA Damage Response during Apoptosis
Authors: Solier Stéphanie , Pommier Yves
Published: December 2010

Recently, we identified the “apoptotic ring,” containing phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), as an early chromatin modification during apoptosis. Because γ-H2AX initiates the DNA damage response (DDR), we tested whether the apoptotic H2AX response leads to the full recruitment of the DDR factors that normally coordinate DNA repair and cell-cycle checkpoints. We show that the apoptotic H2AX response does not recruit the DDR factors because MDC1 (mediator of DNA damage checkpoint protein 1), which normally binds to γ-H2AX in response to DNA damage and amplifies the DDR, is cleaved by caspase-3. This cleavage separates the BRCT and FHA domains of MDC1 and constitutes a novel mechanism for the inactivation of DNA repair in apoptotic cells. Also, we show that downregulation of MDC1 increases the apoptotic response to TRAIL. Together, these results implicate MDC1 in the cellular apoptotic response. Cancer Res; 71(3); 906–13. ©2010 AACR.
Angiocrine Factors Modulate Tumor Proliferation and Motility through EphA2 Repression of Slit2 Tumor Suppressor Function in Endothelium
Authors: Brantley-Sieders Dana M. , Dunaway Charlene M. , Rao Meghana , Short Sarah , Hwang Yoonha , Gao Yandong , Li Deyu , Jiang Aixiang , Shyr Yu , Wu Jane Y. , Chen Jin
Published: December 2010

It is well known that tumor-derived proangiogenic factors induce neovascularization to facilitate tumor growth and malignant progression. However, the concept of “angiocrine” signaling, in which signals produced by endothelial cells elicit tumor cell responses distinct from vessel function, has been proposed, yet remains underinvestigated. Here, we report that angiocrine factors secreted from endothelium regulate tumor growth and motility. We found that Slit2, which is negatively regulated by endothelial EphA2 receptor, is one such tumor suppressive angiocrine factor. Slit2 activity is elevated in EphA2-deficient endothelium. Blocking Slit activity restored angiocrine-induced tumor growth/motility, whereas elevated Slit2 impaired growth/motility. To translate our findings to human cancer, we analyzed EphA2 and Slit2 expression in human cancer. EphA2 expression inversely correlated with Slit2 in the vasculature of invasive human ductal carcinoma samples. Moreover, analysis of large breast tumor data sets revealed that Slit2 correlated positively with overall and recurrence-free survival, providing clinical validation for the tumor suppressor function for Slit2 in human breast cancer. Together, these data support a novel, clinically relevant mechanism through which EphA2 represses Slit2 expression in endothelium to facilitate angiocrine-mediated tumor growth and motility by blocking a tumor suppressive signal. Cancer Res; 71(3); 976–87. ©2010 AACR.
Role of Ribosomal Protein RPS2 in Controlling let-7a Expression in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Min , Hu Youji , Amatangelo Michael D. , Stearns Mark E.
Published: December 2010

We discovered that an inverse relationship exists in the expression of ras/c-myc and ribosomal protein RPS2 with pre-let-7a-1/let-7a/let-7f miRNA and prostate tumor cell malignancy. Nonmalignant IBC-10a cells expressed low levels of ras/RPS2 and elevated pre-let-7a-1/let-7a/let-7f miRNA, whereas the reverse occurred in malignant PCa-20a and PC-3ML cells. Stable transfection of IBC-10a cells with pBABE.ras and pBABE.RPS2 induced ras, c-myc, and RPS2 expression, whereas the levels of let-7a/let-7f miRNA dropped to near zero. Conversely, in pBABE.pre-let-7a-1 transfected PCa-20a and PC-3ML clones, let-7a/let-7f increased whereas ras, RPS2, and c-myc dropped greater than 5-fold. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, antibody “supershift” assays and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that RPS2 specifically binds pre-let-7a-1 to block RNA processing. Immunoflourescent studies and Northern blots confirmed that RPS2 complexes with pre-let-7a-1 (i.e., in episomal structures) to block processing to let-7a/let-7f, indicating RPS2 may prevent let-7a miRNA expression to indirectly promote oncogene expression. Functional studies further showed that the colony-forming ability (CFA) and invasive activities of IBC-10a cells were significantly enhanced in pBABE-ras.IBC-10a and pBABE-RPS2-IBC-10a clones. Conversely, with the “knockdown” of ras and RPS2 in malignant PC-3ML cells (i.e., in pLKO.TRC.shRNA.ras.PC3-ML, pLKO.TRC.shRNA.RPS2.PC-3ML transfected cells), there was both a loss of these functions and a loss of tumorigenesis in SCID mice. Likewise, with the overexpression of let-7a/let-7f in pBABE.pre-let-7a-1.PC-3ML clones (and PCa-20a clones), CFAs, invasive activities in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo were significantly reduced. These results show for the first time that RPS2 blocks pre-let-7a-1 processing to enable ras and c-myc expression and the transformation of primary tumor cells. Mol Cancer Res; 9(1); 36–50 ©2011 AACR.
Evaluation of the South Pacific Convergence Zone in IPCC AR4 Climate Model Simulations of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Brown Josephine R. , Power Scott B. , Delage Francois P. , Colman Robert A. , Moise Aurel F. , Murphy Bradley F.
Published: December 2010

Understanding how the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) may change in the future requires the use of global coupled atmosphere–ocean models. It is therefore important to evaluate the ability of such models to realistically simulate the SPCZ. The simulation of the SPCZ in 24 coupled model simulations of the twentieth century is examined. The models and simulations are those used for the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The seasonal climatology and interannual variability of the SPCZ is evaluated using observed and model precipitation. Twenty models simulate a distinct SPCZ, while four models merge intertropical convergence zone and SPCZ precipitation. The majority of models simulate an SPCZ with an overly zonal orientation, rather than extending in a diagonal band into the southeast Pacific as observed. Two-thirds of models capture the observed meridional displacement of the SPCZ during El Niño and La Niña events. The four models that use ocean heat flux adjustments simulate a better tropical SPCZ pattern because of a better representation of the Pacific sea surface temperature pattern and absence of cold sea surface temperature biases on the equator. However, the flux-adjusted models do not show greater skill in simulating the interannual variability of the SPCZ. While a small subset of models does not adequately reproduce the climatology or variability of the SPCZ, the majority of models are able to capture the main features of SPCZ climatology and variability, and they can therefore be used with some confidence for future climate projections.
Remediation in Higher Education: The Role of Information
Authors: Tierney William G. , Garcia Lisa D.
Published: December 2010

Remediation in higher education has received a great deal of attention over the past decade. This article describes one intervention to curb the number of students who need such remediation. California State University’s Early Assessment Program (EAP) provides students with information about their college readiness before their senior year of high school. Using qualitative methods, the authors investigate how students use this information to prepare for and apply to college. The authors conclude that information alone, although potentially useful, is an insufficient remedy for overcoming remediation or increasing access to college.
Morphologic Changes Associated with Intrathecal Catheters for Direct Delivery to the Central Nervous System in Preclinical Studies
Authors: Butt Mark T.
Published: December 2010

A retrospective analysis of microscopic evaluation data from control (device and/or saline-treated) animals in intrathecal studies in monkeys, dogs, sheep, and rats was conducted. The studies were performed by multiple testing facilities. All slide preparation and microscopic evaluation were conducted in the laboratory of the author. The data were of observations made at the level of the catheter tip, which typically was located in the intrathecal space near the thoracolumbar region of the spinal canal. The most common microscopic changes in control animals were meningeal infiltrates, catheter track (CT) inflammation, spinal cord compression (at the CT), CT fibrosis, spinal cord gliosis (at the CT), and spinal cord nerve fiber degeneration. Although variable between studies (even within species), in general the average severity of these findings was minimal or less in control animals. CT inflammatory mass/pyogranuloma formation, a known complication following the administration of morphine at higher concentrations/doses, was noted in 3 of 25 control dogs and 2 of 77 control monkeys. These data show that inflammatory mass/pyogranuloma formation may occur in control animals, and this occurrence is most common in dogs as compared to monkeys, sheep, and rats.
Modernity and diversity: reflections on the controversy between modernization theory and multiple modernists
Authors: Schmidt Volker H.
Published: December 2010

The article revisits modernization theory’s convergence claim, which has been strongly criticized by multiple modernists, who maintain that emerging realities have not borne out its underlying premises. Based on a thorough reading of classical texts, the article reconstructs the term’s meaning within a modernization-theoretical frame of reference and then considers the evidence that multiple modernists hold against it. It finds that none of the observations cited by leading multiple modernists are able to challenge modernization theory, which can easily accommodate the kinds of difference invoked by its critics. East-Asian modernity in particular, to which both sides assign special weight for any test of modernization theory, appears remarkably similar to Western modernity when viewed through the lenses of this theory. At the same time, the literature on multiple modernities, despite pleading to take difference seriously, is silent about differences that large parts of the less-developed world exhibit vis-a-vis the West and East Asia in social-structural and cultural respects, indicating different degrees of modernization. The article concludes with a brief note on the differential weight of different kinds of diversity for different reference problems and a suggestion for a constructive resolution of the conflict between the two approaches.
The divergences between Bourdieu’s and Coleman’s notions of social capital and their epistemological limits
Authors: Luiz Coradini Odaci
Published: December 2010

With the ongoing expansion of the uses of the concept of social capital, the literature critical on these uses has also grown. The principal references in the literature on social capital are Coleman’s and Bourdieu’s conceptual definitions, with a strong quantitative prominence of the former. Bourdieu’s definition of social capital is generally taken as a positive counterpoint, but it is merely allusive and does not go deeply into the theoretical and analytical implications. The principal objective of the present article is to demonstrate that one of the main problems in these criticisms revolving around the notion of social capital stems from its non-contextualized use, irrespective of its theoretical and epistemological bases. Such eclecticism can be very common in the social sciences, but in this specific case it is aggravated by the nominal coincidence of the notions originating in the work of Coleman and Bourdieu, which have different meanings.
Evaluation of dielectric behavior of bio-waste reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Mishra SC , Aireddy H.
Published: December 2010

Coir dust reinforced polymer composites are prepared with epoxy resin as the matrix. The dielectric parameters (relative permittivity ε′, dielectric loss ε′′), AC conductivity σ, and resistivity ρ of pure epoxy resin and composites with different weight percent of coir dust were obtained in a frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz, and temperature range of 30—150°C. The experimental results show that ε′, ε′′, and σ are increased and ρ is decreased with the addition of coir dust in epoxy resin. It is also observed that the dielectrical properties of the composites showed a strong dependence on frequency and temperature. The ε′ and ε′′ increases with increasing temperature because of greater movement of the dipole molecular chains and decreases with increasing frequency due to the orientation polarization. The conductivity of the composite is increased, and the resistivity of composite is decreased with increasing frequency.
Acquired Toxoplasmosis Accompanied by Facial Nerve Palsy in an Immunocompetent 5-Year-Old Child
Authors: Galli-Tsinopoulou Assimina , Kyrgios Ioannis , Giannopoulou Eleni Z. , Gourgoulia Styliani , Maggana Ioanna , Katechaki Elina , Chatzidimitriou Dimitrios , Evangeliou Athanasios E.
Published: December 2010

Acquired toxoplasmosis, although relatively common in children, is usually asymptomatic but can also be clinically manifested by a benign and self-limited infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome. Neurological complications are very rare in immunocompetent children. The authors report a 5-year-old boy who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy because of acquired toxoplasmosis accompanied with unilateral facial nerve paralysis. Toxoplasma gondii DNA detection in blood by polymerase chain reaction, as well as elevated specific immunoglobulin M antibodies against it, established the diagnosis. Characteristic brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging were absent and ophthalmologic examination revealed no inflammatory lesions in the retina and choroid. Treatment with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folic acid resulted in a complete recovery after 2 months of therapy. Although rare, acute facial nerve paralysis of unknown origin can be caused by acquired toxoplasmosis even in the immunocompetent pediatric population. Elevated titers of specific antibodies and the presence of parasite’s DNA are key findings for the correct diagnosis.
De Novo Sustained Refractory Status Epilepticus and Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Fong Joanna S. , Hantus Stephen , Erbayat Altay Ebru , Tuxhorn Ingrid
Published: December 2010

Refractory status epilepticus is a devastating persistent seizure state with a poor prognosis that requires emergency medical management. Recent studies have reported de novo, idiopathic refractory status epilepticus of unclear etiology in healthy young patients followed by severe neurologic sequelae. We present a series of 7 cases of de novo sustained refractory status epilepticus. We found that all patients were young and previously healthy and that, prior to the onset of refractory status epilepticus, all had prodromal viral-like symptoms. The onset of refractory status epilepticus was explosive and intractable, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and dependence on multiple antiepileptic medications. Clinical outcome was poor in all 7 patients. The laboratory findings suggest a possible immune activation that can have persisted in the nervous system after a nonspecific infection. We report on these patients so as to raise awareness of this unique entity to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Predictors of “New Economy” Career Orientation in an Australian Sample of Late Adolescents
Authors: Creed Peter , Macpherson Jennifer , Hood Michelle
Published: December 2010

The authors surveyed 207 late adolescents on measures of new economy career orientation (protean and boundaryless career orientation), career adaptability (planning, self-exploration, environmental exploration, decision making, and self-regulation), disposition (proactive disposition), and environmental support (social support) and hypothesized (a) that new economy career orientation would be associated with career adaptability, disposition, and environmental support and (b) that career adaptability would mediate the relationship between disposition and career orientation and between environmental support and career orientation. The main predictor of new economy career orientation was self-regulation, which also mediated between proactive disposition and career orientation. Planning predicted one aspect of boundaryless career (mobility preference), while social support predicted a second (boundaryless mind-set). Overall, the results suggest that adolescents with higher self-regulatory skills, social support, a tendency to not overplan, and a disposition to be proactive, will be more positive toward changing work environments.
Relation of Vocational Identity Statuses to Interest Structure Among Swiss Adolescents
Authors: Hirschi Andreas
Published: December 2010

Vocational identity is one core component of identity construction in adolescence. The current study investigated whether vocational interest structure in terms of differentiation, coherence, elevation, and interest–aspiration congruence would differentiate among students in vocational identity achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, and diffusion. Swiss students at the beginning of eighth grade ( N = 341) participated in the study. Groups were created using cluster analysis based on the dimensions of career exploration and career commitment, and group differences were explored with discriminant analysis. Controlling for sociodemographic variables, higher interest differentiation and elevation distinguished students in achievement/moratorium from those in diffusion. More interest elevation differentiated moratorium from foreclosure.
Elevating Women’s Voices in Congress
Authors: Pearson Kathryn , Dancey Logan
Published: December 2010

The authors analyze gender differences in members’ speech participation on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Speeches increase members’ visibility and voice in the legislative process, providing opportunities for members to highlight their policy knowledge, constituents’ concerns, and partisan commitments. The authors hypothesize that women’s underrepresentation, coupled with the related challenges that female legislators face in a predominantly male institution, motivates congresswomen of both parties to speak at greater rates than congressmen. Analyzing over ten thousand floor speeches during the 103rd and 109th Congresses, the authors find strong support for their hypothesis, demonstrating that congresswomen’s participation in legislative debate increases their visibility and enhances women’s substantive representation.
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration mimicking development of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in a patient with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gracien RM , Kordulla M , Ziemann U
Published: December 2010

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare non-metastatic complication of cancer mediated by T lymphocytes and auto-antibodies directed against Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. We report a patient with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis who developed a progressive cerebellar syndrome with dysarthria, ataxic gait and vertigo mimicking development of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis but caused by anti-Yo antibody positive PCD associated with ovarian cancer, presenting an unusual diagnostic challenge.
Vocational Education and Training Manager Discursive Practices at the Frontline: Alternative Possibilities in a Victorian Setting
Authors: Foley Annette
Published: December 2010

This article looks at how the neoliberal reform process is affecting the professional identity of frontline managers in the Australian vocational education and training sector. The article examines how frontline managers are required to negotiate their working practices between their understandings and experiences as educators and the new vocationalism whereby discourses and practices of corporate managerialism and economic rationalism permeate the roles of managers. Essentially, the data from this study shows how frontline managers are juggling conflicting values as they facilitate or mediate the change process and how manager identities at the frontline are multiple and performed, not single and pre-assigned. The findings show a manager identity that is both compliant and contested.
Schools, Governance and Community: A Next Practice Intervention
Authors: Sheard Mary , Avis James
Published: December 2010

The article analyses an innovative scheme for the re-organization of school governance that sought to enhance the voice of community members and contribute towards the improvement of educational achievement. The scheme was located in the north of England, a region characterized by high levels of social disadvantage and low participation rates in higher education. The research adopted a case study methodology informed by observation, minutes of governors’ meetings, training workshops, conferences, face-to-face interviews, online surveys and local authority (LA) documentation. The fieldwork was conducted in 2007—2008. The findings suggest that although aspects of community engagement are present they are inhibited by a number of factors operating at the strategic level in LA policy. This results in an aspirational model of school governance that reflects traditional practices in which the LA intercedes as the indispensable broker and external agent for innovation and change. In order to move away from the restrictions of this approach the LA needs to expand its strategies to involve members of the community in governance and develop mechanisms to devolve greater decision-making power to the community.
Revealing the molecular relationship between type 2 diabetes and the metabolic changes induced by a very-low-carbohydrate low-fat ketogenic diet
Authors: Farrés Judith , Pujol Albert , Coma Mireia , Ruiz Jose Luis , Naval Jordi , Mas José Manuel , Molins Agustí , Fondevila Joan , Aloy Patrick
Published: December 2010

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide, accounting for 85-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Clinical trials provide evidence of benefits of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets in terms of clinical outcomes on type 2 diabetes patients. However, the molecular events responsible for these improvements still remain unclear in spite of the high amount of knowledge on the primary mechanisms of both the diabetes and the metabolic state of ketosis. Molecular network analysis of conditions, diseases and treatments might provide new insights and help build a better understanding of clinical, metabolic and molecular relationships among physiological conditions. Accordingly, our aim is to reveal such a relationship between a ketogenic diet and type 2 diabetes through systems biology approaches.

Methods

Our systemic approach is based on the creation and analyses of the cell networks representing the metabolic state in a very-low-carbohydrate low-fat ketogenic diet. This global view might help identify unnoticed relationships often overlooked in molecule or process-centered studies.

Results

A strong relationship between the insulin resistance pathway and the ketosis main pathway was identified, providing a possible explanation for the improvement observed in clinical trials. Moreover, the map analyses permit the formulation of some hypothesis on functional relationships between the molecules involved in type 2 diabetes and induced ketosis, suggesting, for instance, a direct implication of glucose transporters or inflammatory processes. The molecular network analysis performed in the ketogenic-diet map, from the diabetes perspective, has provided insights on the potential mechanism of action, but also has opened new possibilities to study the applications of the ketogenic diet in other situations such as CNS or other metabolic dysfunctions.
Antimicrobial resistance patterns and prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons in Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei isolated in Uzbekistan
Authors: Madiyarov Ruslan S , Bektemirov Amir M , Ibadova Gulnara A , Abdukhalilova Gulnara K , Khodiev Aybek V , Bodhidatta Ladaporn , Sethabutr Orntipa , Mason Carl J
Published: December 2010

Background

Shigella is a frequent cause of bacterial dysentery in the developing world. Treatment with effective antibiotics is recommended for shigellosis, but options become limited due to globally emerging resistance. One of the mechanisms for the development of resistance utilizes integrons. This study described the antibiotic susceptibility and the presence of class 1 and 2 integrons in S. flexneri and S. sonnei isolated in Uzbekistan.

Results

We studied 31 isolates of S. flexneri and 21 isolates of S. sonnei isolated in Uzbekistan between 1992 and 2007 for the susceptibility or resistance to ampicillin (Am), chloramphenicol (Cl), tetracycline (Te), co-trimoxazole (Sxt), kanamycin (Km), streptomycin (Str), gentamicin (Gm), cefazolin (Czn), cefoperazone (Cpr), cefuroxime (Cur), ceftazidime (Ctz), nalidixic acid (NA) and ciprofloxacin (Cip). Am/Str/Cl/Te and Am/Str/Cl/Te/Sxt resistance patterns were found most frequently in S. flexneri. Single isolates were resistant to aminoglycoside, quinolones and cephalosporins. The resistance patterns were different in the two species. Integrons were detected in 93.5% of S. flexneri (29/31) and 81.0% of S. sonnei (17/21) isolates. In addition, 61.3% of S. flexneri (19/31) isolates and 19.0% of S. sonnei (4/21) isolates carried both classes of integrons. In 29.0% of S. flexneri (9/31) isolates, only class 1 integrons were identified. In S. flexneri isolates, the presence of class 1 integrons was associated with resistance to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Only Class 2 integrons were present in 61.9% of S. sonnei (13/21) isolates.

Conclusions

Our study documents antibiotic resistance among Shigella spp. in Uzbekistan. Ninety percent of Shigella strains were resistant to previously used antibiotics. Differences among S. flexneri and S. sonnei isolates in patterns of antimicrobial resistance to routinely used shigellosis antibiotics were observed. The majority of S. flexneri were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and streptomycin. Class 1 and 2 integrons were widely present in these Shigella strains. Resistance to ampicillin/chloramphenicol was associated with the presence of class 1 integrons. Though several mechanisms are possible, the resistance of Shigella isolates to ampicillin/chloramphenicol may be associated with the expression of genes within class 1 integrons.
Estimating permeability of sandstone samples by nuclear magnetic resonance and spectral-induced polarization
Authors: Weller Andreas , Nordsiek Sven , Debschütz Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

Two techniques to estimate permeability are compared in this paper: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and spectral-induced polarization (SIP). Both methods are based on relaxation processes. NMR records the relaxation of hydrogen nuclei after excitation in an external magnetic field. The phenomenon of induced polarization can be characterized by a relaxation of ions after excitation by an electric field. Hydrogen nuclei are concentrated in the pore water, the current flow is restricted to the pore space for most reservoir rocks, and permeability is related to the pore space geometry. Based on the similarity between fluid movement and current flow in the pore space, different relations have been published linking parameters derived from NMRand SIP data to predict permeability.

NMR, SIP and permeability data have been acquired on 53 sandstone samples of the cretaceous Bahariya Formation (Western Desert, Egypt) including 27 samples showing a lamination that causes anisotropy. We compare the applicability of known and generalized relations for permeability prediction including isotropic and anisotropic samples. Because NMR relaxation ignores directionality of pore space geometry, the known relations provide only a weak accuracy in permeability estimation. The integrating parameters derived from a Debye decomposition of SIP data are partly sensitive to anisotropy. A generalized power-law relation using resistivity, chargeability, and mean relaxation time provide a reliable permeability prediction for isotropic and anisotropic samples.
The Cyclic Pentapeptide d-Arg3FC131, a CXCR4 Antagonist, Induces Apoptosis of Somatotrope Tumor and Inhibits Tumor Growth in Nude Mice
Authors: Kim Jeong Mo , Lee Yong-ho , Ku Cheol Ryong , Lee Eun Jig
Published: December 2010

The interaction between the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 and its receptor CXCR4 plays an important role in GH production and cell proliferation in normal and tumorous pituitary somatotrope cells. Therefore, the chemokine receptor CXCR4 could be an attractive target for antitumor drugs in patients with acromegaly. A synthetic antagonist of CXCR4, cyclic pentapeptide d-Arg3FC131 (c[Gly1-d-Tyr2-d-Arg3-Arg4-Nal5]) significantly inhibited GH production and proliferation of GH3 somatotrope tumor cells in vitro. It also induced apoptosis of GH3 cells through activation of the caspase-3 pathway. Systemic administration of d-Arg3FC131 inhibited the growth of GH3 cell xenografts in immunodeficient nude mice by inducing apoptosis and suppressing the proliferation of tumor cells. These results indicate that d-Arg3FC131 might have potential for the treatment of pituitary tumors producing excess GH in patients with acromegaly.