bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking Management and Leadership within Colleges and Schools Somewhat Differently: A Practice-based, Actor-Network Theory Perspective
Authors: Mulcahy Dianne , Perillo Suzanne
Published: December 2010

This article examines the significance of materiality for management and leadership in education using resources provided by actor—network theory (ANT). Espousing the idea that human interactions are mediated by material objects and that these objects participate in the production of practices, ANT affords thinking management and leadership in a somewhat different way. Drawing on empirical data collected over the course of examining management and leadership in vocational education institutions in Australia and innovation and change in Australian schools, it is argued that educational management is primarily to be seen not in terms of the intrinsic capabilities or potentialities of managers and leaders but rather enactments of management. It can, with profit, be conceptualized as a field of practices constituted and enacted contingently by people and objects in complex networks. Moving educational management from individual attribute to contingent enactment makes it possible to study its specific workings including how it operates to produce, and also challenge, the generalizing logics of market and economism that characterize contemporary education (Ball, 2007). It makes visible mundane and material forms of power that frequently go unrecognized yet can serve crucially to make this challenge.
The ‘right to know vs knowing what’s right’: tabloid ethics and news reporting in the Iraq War
Authors: Rusciano Frank Louis
Published: December 2010

This article describes how ‘tabloid ethics’ have infiltrated and transformed traditional notions of journalistic objectivity and is divided into four parts.The first part describes the development of the ‘contract by convention’ for objective reporting from earlier modes of behavior during the period of partisan journalism. The second part describes the collapse of that contract due to market pressures caused by the rapid availability of news on cable channels and the internet. The third part describes the ‘tabloid mentality’ that infects all news outlets to some degree, and illustrates this problem by focusing on two incidents from the Iraq War: the capture and rescue of Private Jessica Lynch and the controversy of the roll call of American soldiers killed in Iraq on the television show ‘Nightline’. The article concludes by arguing that tabloid journalism currently creates a ‘simulacrum of objectivity’ that most resembles the entertainment model of ‘reality shows’.
Structural determinants of vascular endothelial growth factor-D receptor binding and specificity
Authors: Leppänen Veli-Matti , Jeltsch Michael , Anisimov Andrey , Tvorogov Denis , Aho Kukka , Kalkkinen Nisse , Toivanen Pyry , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Ballmer-Hofer Kurt , Alitalo Kari
Published: December 2010

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR-1-3) are central mediators of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGFR-3 ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D are produced as precursor proteins with long N- and C-terminal propeptides and show enhanced VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 binding on proteolytic removal of the propeptides. Two different proteolytic cleavage sites have been reported in the VEGF-D N-terminus. We report here the crystal structure of the human VEGF-D Cys117Ala mutant at 2.9 Å resolution. Comparison of the VEGF-D and VEGF-C structures shows similar extended N-terminal helices, conserved overall folds, and VEGFR-2 interacting residues. Consistent with this, the affinity and the thermodynamic parameters for VEGFR-2 binding are very similar. In comparison with VEGF-C structures, however, the VEGF-D N-terminal helix was extended by 2 more turns because of a better resolution. Both receptor binding and functional assays of N-terminally truncated VEGF-D polypeptides indicated that the residues between the reported proteolytic cleavage sites are important for VEGF-D binding and activation of VEGFR-3, but not of VEGFR-2. Thus, we define here a VEGFR-2–specific form of VEGF-D that is angiogenic but not lymphangiogenic. These results provide important new insights into VEGF-D structure and function.
Application of Wavelet Packet Transform to detect genetic polymorphisms by the analysis of inter-Alu PCR patterns
Authors: Cardelli Maurizio , Nicoli Matteo , Bazzani Armando , Franceschi Claudio
Published: December 2010

Background

The analysis of Inter-Alu PCR patterns obtained from human genomic DNA samples is a promising technique for a simultaneous analysis of many genomic loci flanked by Alu repetitive sequences in order to detect the presence of genetic polymorphisms. Inter-Alu PCR products may be separated and analyzed by capillary electrophoresis using an automatic sequencer that generates a complex pattern of peaks. We propose an algorithmic method based on the Haar-Walsh Wavelet Packet Transformation (WPT) for an efficient detection of fingerprint-type patterns generated by PCR-based methodologies. We have tested our algorithmic approach on inter-Alu patterns obtained from the genomic DNA of three couples of monozygotic twins, expecting that the inter-Alu patterns of each twins couple will show differences due to unavoidable experimental variability. On the contrary the differences among samples of different twins are supposed to originate from genetic variability. Our goal is to automatically detect regions in the inter-Alu pattern likely associated to the presence of genetic polymorphisms.

Results

We show that the WPT algorithm provides a reliable tool to identify sample to sample differences in complex peak patterns, reducing the possible errors and limits associated to a subjective evaluation. The redundant decomposition of the WPT algorithm allows for a procedure of best basis selection which maximizes the pattern differences at the lowest possible scale. Our analysis points out few classifying signal regions that could indicate the presence of possible genetic polymorphisms.

Conclusions

The WPT algorithm based on the Haar-Walsh wavelet is an efficient tool for a non-supervised pattern classification of inter-ALU signals provided by a genetic analyzer, even if it was not possible to estimate the power and false positive rate due to the lacking of a suitable data base. The identification of non-reproducible peaks is usually accomplished comparing different experimental replicates of each sample. Moreover, we remark that, albeit we developed and optimized an algorithm able to analyze patterns obtained through inter-Alu PCR, the method is theoretically applicable to whatever fingerprint-type pattern obtained analyzing anonymous DNA fragments through capillary electrophoresis, and it could be usefully applied on a wide range of fingerprint-type methodologies.
Novel variation associated with species range expansion
Authors: Buckley James , Bridle Jon R , Pomiankowski Andrew
Published: December 2010

When species shift their ranges to track climate change, they are almost certain to experience novel environments to which they are poorly adapted. Otaki and co-workers document an explosion of wing pattern variation accompanying range expansion in the pale grass blue butterfly. This pattern can be replicated in the laboratory using artificial selection on cold shocked pupae, at temperature extremes typical of recently colonized environments. We discuss how this phenotypic plasticity may be associated with successful colonization and how significant local adaptation is likely to re-establish developmental control. Integrating knowledge of trait plasticity into current genetic models of adaptation is central to our understanding of when and where a colonising population will be able to persist and adapt in novel surroundings.
Arabidopsis brassinosteroid biosynthetic mutant dwarf7-1exhibits slower rates of cell division and shoot induction
Authors: Cheon Jinyeong , Park So-Young , Schulz Burkhard , Choe Sunghwa
Published: December 2010

Background

Plant growth depends on both cell division and cell expansion. Plant hormones, including brassinosteroids (BRs), are central to the control of these two cellular processes. Despite clear evidence that BRs regulate cell elongation, their roles in cell division have remained elusive.

Results

Here, we report results emphasizing the importance of BRs in cell division. An Arabidopsis BR biosynthetic mutant,dwarf7-1, displayed various characteristics attributable to slower cell division rates. We found that theDWARF4gene which encodes for an enzyme catalyzing a rate-determining step in the BR biosynthetic pathways, is highly expressed in the actively dividing callus, suggesting that BR biosynthesis is necessary for dividing cells. Furthermore,dwf7-1showed noticeably slower rates of callus growth and shoot induction relative to wild-type control. Flow cytometric analyses of the nuclei derived from either calli or intact roots revealed that the cell division index, which was represented as the ratio of cells at the G2/M vs. G1 phases, was smaller indwf7-1plants. Finally, we found that the expression levels of the genes involved in cell division and shoot induction, such asPROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN2(PCNA2) andENHANCER OF SHOOT REGENERATION2(ESR2), were also lower indwf7-1as compared with wild type.

Conclusions

Taken together, results of callus induction, shoot regeneration, flow cytometry, and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis suggest that BRs play important roles in both cell division and cell differentiation in Arabidopsis.
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein-delta (C/EBP-delta) regulates cell growth, migration and differentiation
Authors: Yu Xueyan , Si Junling , Zhang Yingjie , DeWille James W
Published: December 2010

Background

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-delta (C/EBP-delta) is a member of the highly conserved C/EBP family of basic region leucine zipper transcription factors. C/EBP family members regulate cell growth and differentiation and "loss of function" alterations in C/EBPs have been reported in a variety of human cancers. C/EBP-delta gene expression is upregulated by G0 growth arrest, IL-6 family cytokines and endotoxin treatments. C/EBP-delta exhibits properties of a tumor suppressor gene, including reduced expression and promoter methylation-induced silencing in transformed cell lines and primary tumors. In addition, C/EBP-delta gene expression is repressed by c-Myc, an oncogene that is over-expressed in a wide range of human cancers. "ChIP-chip" studies demonstrated that C/EBP-delta functions as a transcriptional activator of target genes that function in intracellular signal transduction, transcription, DNA binding/repair, cell cycle control, cell adhesion, and apoptosis. Despite progress in determining the biochemical functions of C/EBP-delta, the specific cellular defects that are induced by C/EBP-delta "loss of function" alterations are poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of C/EBP-delta "loss of function" alterations on growth arrest, migration/invasion and differentiation in nontransformed mouse mammary epithelial cells (MECs) and primary mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs).

Results

C/EBP-delta siRNA transfected MECs exhibited ~90% reduction in C/EBP-delta mRNA and protein levels. C/EBP-delta siRNA treatment resulted in defective growth arrest as demonstrated by persistently elevated BrdU labeling, 3H-thymidine incorporation and cyclin D1 levels in response to growth arrest treatments. C/EBP-delta siRNA treatment also resulted in increased migration/invasion and defective differentiation. C/EBP-delta knockout MEFs exhibited defective growth arrest and increased proliferation/migration. Re-introduction of C/EBP-delta expression restored the growth arrest response of C/EBP-delta knockout MEFs. Finally, deletion of the C/EBP-delta DNA binding domain or the C/EBP-delta bZIP domain resulted in the loss of C/EBP-delta growth inhibition in clonogenic assays.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that C/EBP-delta functions in the regulation of critical cell fate determining programs such as growth arrest, migration, and differentiation. These results support the tumor suppressor function of C/EBP-delta and identify potential mechanisms in which "loss of function" alterations in C/EBP-delta could promote cell transformation and tumorigenesis.
The ERK MAP kinase-PEA3/ETV4-MMP-1 axis is operative in oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Keld Richard , Guo Baoqiang , Downey Paul , Gulmann Christian , Ang Yeng S , Sharrocks Andrew D
Published: December 2010

Background

Many members of the ETS-domain transcription factor family are important drivers of tumourigenesis. In this context, their activation by Ras-ERK pathway signaling is particularly relevant to the tumourigenic properties of many ETS-domain transcription factors. The PEA3 subfamily of ETS-domain transcription factors have been implicated in tumour metastasis in several different cancers.

Results

Here, we have studied the expression of the PEA3 subfamily members PEA3/ETV4 and ER81/ETV1 in oesophageal adenocarcinomas and determined their role in oesophageal adenocarcinoma cell function. PEA3 plays an important role in controlling both the proliferation and invasive properties of OE33 oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells. A key target gene is MMP-1. The ERK MAP kinase pathway activates PEA3 subfamily members and also plays a role in these PEA3 controlled events, establishing the ERK-PEA3-MMP-1 axis as important in OE33 cells. PEA3 subfamily members are upregulated in human adenocarcinomas and expression correlates with MMP-1 expression and late stage metastatic disease. Enhanced ERK signaling is also more prevalent in late stage oesophageal adenocarcinomas.

Conclusions

This study shows that the ERK-PEA3-MMP-1 axis is upregulated in oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells and is a potentially important driver of the metastatic progression of oesophageal adenocarcinomas.
The effects of obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome on serum lipocalin-2 levels: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Panidis Dimitrios , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Koiou Ekaterini , Kandaraki Eleni A , Tsourdi Elena , Delkos Dimitrios , Kalaitzakis Emmanuil , Katsikis Ilias
Published: December 2010

Background

Lipocalin-2 is a novel adipokine that appears to play a role in the development of insulin resistance. Serum lipocalin-2 levels are elevated in obese patients. Obesity and insulin resistance are cardinal characteristics of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, there are limited data on serum lipocalin-2 levels in patients with PCOS. The aim of the present study was to assess serum lipocalin-2 levels in PCOS.

Methods

We studied 200 patients with PCOS and 50 healthy female volunteers.

Results

Serum lipocalin-2 levels were slightly higher in women with PCOS compared with controls (65.4 +/- 34.3 vs. 60.3 +/- 26.0 ng/ml, respectively) but this difference did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, lipocalin-2 levels were higher in overweight/obese women with PCOS than in normal weight women with the syndrome (76.2 +/- 37.3 vs. 54.5 +/- 27.2 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Serum lipocalin-2 levels were also higher in overweight/obese controls compared with normal weight controls (70.1 +/- 24.9 vs. 50.5 +/- 23.7 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.004). In the total study population (patients with PCOS and controls), lipocalin-2 levels were independently correlated with the body mass index (p < 0.001). In women with PCOS, lipocalin-2 levels were independently correlated with the waist (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with elevated serum lipocalin-2 levels. In contrast, PCOS does not appear to affect lipocalin-2 levels.
Waist to hip ratio and trunk to extremity fat (DXA) are better surrogates for IMCL and for visceral fat respectively than for subcutaneous fat in adolescent girls
Authors: Savgan-Gurol Eray , Bredella Miriam , Russell Melissa , Mendes Nara , Klibanski Anne , Misra Madhusmita
Published: December 2010

Background

Increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) are associated with increased metabolic risk. Clinical and DXA body composition measures that are associated with VAT are generally even more strongly associated with subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) reflecting general adiposity, and thus are not specific for VAT. Measures more strongly associated with VAT than SAT (thus more specific for VAT), and predictors of IMCL have not been reported.

Subjects/Methods

We studied 30 girls 12-18 years; 15 obese, 15 normal-weight. The following were assessed: (1) anthropometric measures: waist circumference at the umbilicus and iliac crest (WC-UC and WC-IC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), (2) DXA measures: total fat, percent body fat (PBF), percent trunk fat (PTF), trunk-to-extremity fat ratio (TEFR), (3) MRI and 1H-MRS: VAT and SAT (L4-L5), soleus-IMCL.

Results

Group as a whole:
WC, trunk fat and PBF were more strongly associated with SAT than VAT; none were specific for VAT. In contrast, PTF and TEFR were more significantly associated with VAT (r = 0.83 and 0.81 respectively, p <0.0001 for both) than SAT (r = 0.77 and 0.75, p < 0.0001 for both). Strongest associations of S-IMCL were with WHR (r = 0.66, p = 0.0004).
Subgroup analysis:
In obese girls, WHR and WHtR were more strongly correlated with VAT (r = 0.62 and 0.82, p = 0.04 and 0.001) than SAT (r = 0.41 and 0.73, p not significant and 0.007), and for DXA measures, PTF and TEFR were more significantly associated with VAT (r = 0.70 and 0.72, p = 0.007 and 0.006) than SAT (r = 0.52 and 0.53, p = 0.07 and 0.06). In controls, PTF and TEFR were more strongly correlated with VAT (r = 0.79, p = 0.0004 for both) than SAT (r = 0.71 and 0.72, p = 0.003 for both). WHR was associated with IMCL in obese girls (r = 0.78, p = 0.008), but not controls.

Conclusion

Overall, WHR (anthropometry), and PTF and TEFR (DXA) are good surrogates for IMCL and for visceral fat respectively in adolescent girls.
Luminal and mucosal-associated intestinal microbiota in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Carroll Ian M , Chang Young-Hyo , Park Jiwon , Sartor R Balfour , Ringel Yehuda
Published: December 2010

Background

Recent studies have suggested a role for an altered intestinal microbiota in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, no consensus has been reached regarding the association between specific enteric bacterial groups and IBS. The aim of this study was to investigate the fecal and mucosal-associated microbiota using two independent techniques in intestinal samples from diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS) and healthy controls.

Methods

Fecal and colonic mucosal biopsy samples were obtained from 10 D-IBS patients and 10 healthy controls. Colonic tissue was collected during a un-sedated un-prepped flexible sigmoidoscopy. Fecal and tissue samples were processed immediately upon collection for culture under aerobic and anaerobic conditions or frozen for further molecular analysis. DNA was extracted from all frozen samples and used to enumerate specific bacterial groups using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

Results

Culture analysis of intestinal samples demonstrated a significant reduction in the concentration of aerobic bacteria in fecal samples from D-IBS patients when compared to healthy controls (1.4 × 107 vs. 8.4 × 108 CFUs/g feces, P = 0.002). qPCR analysis demonstrated a significant 3.6 fold increase (P = 0.02) in concentrations of fecal Lactobacillus species between D-IBS patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our culture and molecular data indicate that quantitative differences exist in specific bacterial groups in the microbiota between D-IBS and healthy subjects.
Experiences of women who have lost young children to AIDS in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Demmer Craig
Published: December 2010

Background

AIDS continues to be the leading cause of death in South Africa. Little is known about the experiences of mothers who have lost a young child to AIDS. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the attitudes and experiences of women who had lost a young child to HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu‐Natal Province, South Africa.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 10 women who had lost a child to AIDS. The average age of the deceased children was six years. Interviews were also conducted with 12 key informants to obtain their perspectives on working with women who had lost a child to AIDS. A thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed.

Results

In addition to the pain of losing a child, the women in this study had to endure multiple stresses within a harsh and sometimes hostile environment. Confronted with pervasive stigma and extreme poverty, they had few people they could rely on during their child's sickness and death. They were forced to keep their emotions to themselves since they were not likely to obtain much support from family members or people in the community. Throughout the period of caring for a sick child and watching the child die, they were essentially alone. The demands of caring for their child and subsequent grief, together with daily subsistence worries, took its toll. Key informants struggled to address the needs of these women due to several factors, including scarce resources, lack of training around bereavement issues, reluctance by people in the community to seek help with emotional issues, and poverty.

Conclusions

The present study offers one of the first perspectives on the experiences of mothers who have lost a young child to AIDS. Interventions that are tailored to the local context and address bereavement issues, as well as other issues that affect the daily lives of these mothers, are urgently needed. Further studies are needed to identify factors that promote resilience among these women.
Adiponectin Increases LPL Activity via RhoA/ROCK-Mediated Actin Remodelling in Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ganguly Riya , Schram Kristin , Fang Xiangping , Kim Minsuk , Rodrigues Brian , Thong Farah S. L. , Sweeney Gary
Published: December 2010

Cardiomyocyte substrate utilization is important in maintaining optimal cardiac function. Adiponectin has been shown to confer cardioprotective effects in part via regulating glucose and fatty acid uptake and oxidation in cardiomyocytes. Here we investigated mechanisms whereby adiponectin mediates a particular metabolic effect by focusing on lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme that increases free fatty acid availability to the heart by breakdown of chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins in circulation. We used primary adult rat cardiomyocytes and demonstrate that adiponectin increased LPL translocation to the cell surface where it could be released at least partly in its active form, as evidenced by measuring basal and heparin-releasable LPL activity. Furthermore, these effects of adiponectin were mediated via remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. We quantitatively assessed the filamentous to globular actin ratio and show that increased stress fiber formation, visualized by rhodamine-phalloidin immunofluorescence, in response to adiponectin, is achieved via stimulating Ras homolog gene family A (RhoA) activity, determined using G-LISA™ RhoA activation assay kit. We also demonstrate that adiponectin induces phosphorylation and inhibition of cofilin, leading to a reduction in actin treadmilling. Increased cofilin phosphorylation and stress fiber formation in response to adiponectin were prevented by inhibition of either RhoA or its downstream kinase Rho-associated protein kinase. Importantly, inhibition of cytoskeletal remodeling prevented adiponectin-stimulated plasma membrane LPL content detected by immunofluorescence and also subsequent LPL activity. In summary, we show that adiponectin mediates actin cytoskeleton remodeling to translocate LPL and allow subsequent activation.
Mechanism and Effects of Glucose Absorption during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Among Females and Males
Authors: Anderwald Christian , Gastaldelli Amalia , Tura Andrea , Krebs Michael , Promintzer-Schifferl Miriam , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Stadler Marietta , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Pacini Giovanni , Bischof Martin G.
Published: December 2010

abstract

Background:

Several epidemiological studies revealed sex-specific differences during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), such as higher prevalence of glucose intolerance (i.e. increased glucose at the end of the OGTT) in females, which was not yet explained. Thus, we aimed to analyze sex-related distinctions on OGTT glucose metabolism, including gut absorption, in healthy humans.

Methods:

Females (n = 48) and males (n = 26) with comparable age (females, 45 ± 1 yr; males, 44 ± 2 yr) and body mass index (both, 25 ± 1 kg/m2) but different height (females, 166 ± 1 cm; males, 180 ± 2 cm; P < 0.000001), all normally glucose tolerant, as tested by frequently sampled, 3-h (75-g) OGTTs, underwent hyperinsulinemic [40 mU/(min · m2)] isoglycemic clamp tests with simultaneous measurement of endogenous glucose (d-[6,6-2H2]glucose) production (EGP). EGP and glucose disappearance during OGTT were calculated from logarithmic relationships with clamp test insulin concentrations. After reliable model validation by double-tracer technique (r = 0.732; P < 0.007), we calculated and modeled gut glucose absorption (ABS).

Results:

Females showed lower (P < 0.05) fasting EGP [1.4 ± 0.1 mg/(kg · min)] than males [1.7 ± 0.1 mg/(kg · min)] but comparable whole-body insulin sensitivity in clamp tests [females, 8.1 ± 0.4 mg/(kg · min); males, 8.3 ± 0.6 mg/(kg · min)]. Plasma glucose OGTT concentrations were higher (P < 0.04) from 30–40 min in males but from 120–180 min in females. Glucose absorption rates were 21–46% increased in the initial 40 min in males but in females by 27–40% in the third hour (P < 0.05). Gut glucose half-life was markedly higher in females (79 ± 2 min) than in males (65 ± 3 min, P < 0.0001) and negatively related to body height (r = −0.481; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

This study in healthy, glucose-tolerant humans shows for the first time different ABS rates during OGTT in women and men and a negative relationship between body height and gut glucose half-life. Prolonged ABS in females might therefore contribute to higher plasma glucose concentrations at the end of OGTT.
Effect of Endocrine Therapies on Bone in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Santen R. J.
Published: December 2010

abstract

Context:

Two common strategies are used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in women: tamoxifen to inhibit estrogen action, and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to block estrogen biosynthesis. Recent data suggest that AIs are more effective than tamoxifen in the adjuvant and advanced disease settings and are now being more commonly used. Tamoxifen, as a selective estrogen receptor modulator, exerts estrogenic effects to preserve bone, whereas the AIs profoundly lower estrogen levels and cause bone loss. Recent comparative studies of these agents provide extensive data on fracture rates, bone mineral density, and markers of bone formation and resorption.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to review the mechanistic effects of estrogen on bone and clinical data regarding bone density, bone turnover markers, and fracture rates in women with breast cancer taking tamoxifen or AIs.

Evidence Acquisition and Synthesis:

Data presented reflect a review of the literature and data integration from the perspective of the author's knowledge of the field.

Results:

Tamoxifen increases bone density and reduces fractures in postmenopausal women with breast cancer, whereas AIs increase rate of fracture, accelerate loss of bone mineral density, and enhance levels of markers of bone formation and resorption. Bisphosphonates and denosumab counteract the effects of the AIs on bone. Guidelines for management of AI-induced bone loss are available from several sources, but a simple algorithm guides decision making most effectively.

Conclusions:

Endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women with breast cancer exerts substantial effects on bone, and guidelines are available to assist in the management of bone-related problems.
Clinical and Molecular Evaluation of SHOX/PAR1 Duplications in Léri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS)
Authors: Benito-Sanz S. , Barroso E. , Heine-Suñer D. , Hisado-Oliva A. , Romanelli V. , Rosell J. , Aragones A. , Caimari M. , Argente J. , Ross J. L. , Zinn A. R. , Gracia R. , Lapunzina P. , Campos-Barros A. , Heath K. E.
Published: December 2010

abstract

Context:

Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature and the Madelung deformity of the forearm. SHOX mutations and pseudoautosomal region 1 deletions encompassing SHOX or its enhancers have been identified in approximately 60% of LWD and approximately 15% of idiopathic short stature (ISS) individuals. Recently SHOX duplications have been described in LWD/ISS but also in individuals with other clinical manifestations, thus questioning their pathogenicity.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the pathogenicity of SHOX duplications in LWD and ISS.

Design and Methods:

Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification is routinely used in our unit to analyze for SHOX/pseudoautosomal region 1 copy number changes in LWD/ISS referrals. Quantitative PCR, microsatellite marker, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis were undertaken to confirm all identified duplications.

Results:

During the routine analysis of 122 LWD and 613 ISS referrals, a total of four complete and 10 partial SHOX duplications or multiple copy number (n > 3) as well as one duplication of the SHOX 5′ flanking region were identified in nine LWD and six ISS cases. Partial SHOX duplications appeared to have a more deleterious effect on skeletal dysplasia and height gain than complete SHOX duplications. Importantly, no increase in SHOX copy number was identified in 340 individuals with normal stature or 104 overgrowth referrals.

Conclusion:

MLPA analysis of SHOX/PAR1 led to the identification of partial and complete SHOX duplications or multiple copies associated with LWD or ISS, suggesting that they may represent an additional class of mutations implicated in the molecular etiology of these clinical entities.
Regulation of Glucocorticoid Receptor Activity by a Stress Responsive Transcriptional Cofactor
Authors: Davies Laura , Paraskevopoulou Elissavet , Sadeq Malihah , Symeou Christiana , Pantelidou Constantia , Demonacos Constantinos , Krstic-Demonacos Marija
Published: December 2010

The activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is modulated by posttranslational modifications, protein stability, and cofactor recruitment. In this report, we investigated the role of the stress-responsive activator of p300/tetratricopeptide repeat domain 5 (TTC5), in the regulation of the GR. TTC5 is a member of the TTC family of proteins and has previously been shown to participate in the cellular response to DNA damage and heat shock. Here, we demonstrate that TTC5 is an important cofactor for the nuclear hormone receptors GR and estrogen receptor. GR and TTC5 interact through multiple tetratricopeptide repeat and LXXLL motifs. TTC5 stabilizes GR and increases its half-life, through a proteasome-dependent process and by inhibiting the actions of the ubiquitin ligase murine double minute 2. Cellular stress, including DNA damage, proteasome inhibition, and heat shock, modulates the interaction pattern of GR/TTC5, thereby altering GR stability and transcriptional activity. Furthermore, GR transcriptional activity is regulated by TTC5 in both a positive and negative fashion under DNA damage conditions in a target gene-specific way. In this report we provide evidence supporting the notion that TTC5 is a novel cofactor regulating GR function in a stress-dependent manner.
A Simple Fluorescent Chemosensor for Mg2+ Based on C=N Isomerization with Highly Selectivity and Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Zhaodi , Xu Huajie , Song Chongfu , Huang Deqian , Sheng Liangquan , Shi Ronghua
Published: December 2010

A simple fluorescent chemosensor based on naphthalene has been prepared. It was shown to be selective for Mg2+ in acetonitrile based on C=N isomerization. The free ligand showed quite weak fluorescence emission due to the isomerization of C=N double bond in the excited state, however, after addition of Mg2+, fluorescence emission results in a prominent fluorescence enhancement.
The Changing Incidence of Geography
Authors: Anderson James E , Yotov Yoto V
Published: December 2010

The incidence of bilateral trade costs is calculated here using neglected properties of the structural gravity model, disaggregated by commodity and region, and re-aggregated into forms useful for economic geography. For Canada's provinces, 1992–2003, sellers' incidence is on average some five times higher than buyers' incidence. Sellers' incidence falls over time due to specialization, despite constant gravity coefficients. This previously unrecognized globalizing force drives big reductions in “constructed home bias,” the disproportionate predicted share of local trade; and large but varying gains in real GDP. (JEL F11, F14, R12)
Asymmetric Contests with Conditional Investments
Authors: Siegel Ron
Published: December 2010

This paper studies equilibrium behavior in a class of games that models asymmetric competitions with unconditional and conditional investments. Such competitions include lobbying settings, labor-market tournaments, and R&D races, among others. I provide an algorithm that constructs the unique equilibrium in these games and apply it to study competitions in which a fraction of each competitor's investment is sunk and the rest is paid only by the winners. Complete-information all-pay auctions are a special case. (JEL D44, D72, D82)
Inventories, Lumpy Trade, and Large Devaluations
Authors: Alessandria George , Kaboski Joseph P , Midrigan Virgiliu
Published: December 2010

We document that delivery lags and transaction-level economics of scale matter for international trade, leading importers to import infrequently and hold additional inventory. In a model with these frictions calibrated to empirical measures of inventory and trade lumpiness, these frictions have a large (20 percent) tariff equivalent, mostly due to inventory carrying costs. These frictions also alter the dynamics of imports and prices. Consistent with evidence from large devaluation episodes in six developing economies, following terms-of-trade and interest rate shocks, the model generates a short-term implosion of imports and a gradual increase in the retail price of imports. (JEL D92, F14, G31, L81, M11)
Persuasion by Cheap Talk
Authors: Chakraborty Archishman , Harbaugh Rick
Published: December 2010

We consider the credibility, persuasiveness, and informativeness of multidimensional cheap talk by an expert to a decision maker. We find that an expert with state-independent preferences can always make credible comparative statements that trade off the expert's incentive to exaggerate on each dimension. Such communication benefits the expert—cheap talk is “persuasive”—if her preferences are quasiconvex. Communication benefits a decision maker by allowing for a more informed decision, but strategic interactions between multiple decision makers can reverse this gain. We apply these results to topics including product recommendations, voting, auction disclosure, and advertising. (JEL D44, D72, D82, D83, M37)
Doing Well by Doing Good? Green Office Buildings
Authors: Eichholtz Piet , Kok Nils , Quigley John M
Published: December 2010

This paper provides the first credible evidence on the economic value of “green buildings” derived from impersonal market transactions rather than engineering estimates. We analyze clusters of certified green and nearby buildings, establishing that “rated” buildings command substantially higher rents and selling prices than otherwise identical buildings. Variations in premiums are systematically related to energy-saving characteristics. Increased energy efficiency is associated with increased selling prices -- beyond the premiums paid for a labeled building. Evidence suggests that the intangible effects of the label itself may also play a role in determining the values of green buildings in the marketplace. (JEL G31,M14,Q52,R33)
Real Business Cycles in Emerging Countries?
Authors: García-Cicco Javier , Pancrazi Roberto , Uribe Martín
Published: December 2010

We use more than a century of Argentine and Mexican data to estimate the structural parameters of a small-open-economy real-business-cycle model driven by nonstationary productivity shocks. We find that the RBC model does a poor job of explaining business cycles in emerging countries. We then estimate an augmented model that incorporates shocks to the country premium and financial frictions. We find that the estimated financial-friction model provides a remarkably good account of business cycles in emerging markets and, importantly, assigns a negligible role to nonstationary productivity shocks. (JEL E13, E32, E44, F43, O11, O16)
Research on Noise and Vibration Reduction of Damped Wheel-Rail
Authors: Liu Linya , Liu Hailong , Lv Rui
Published: December 2010

The vibration and noise are the main hazards of rail transit. In order to achieve the purpose of reducing vibration and noise, we employ the constrained damping method on the wheel and rail; use finite element software to set a finite element model of standard wheel rail and damped wheel rail; then give them harmonic response analysis. The results showed that: the main resonance frequency of the standard wheels is at 2000 ∼ 4000 Hz; the main resonance frequency of the standard rail of is at 800 ∼ 4500 Hz; the reducing vibration effects of the damped wheel-rail are mainly at the centralized area of the resonant frequency response. Compared with the standard wheel and rail, the vibration response peak value of damped wheel-rail has significantly weakened. Under the wheel-rail loading, maximum axial and radial vibration response value of damped wheel-rail is around 30-35% of the standard wheel-rail, with vibration reduction rate up to 65-70%.
Integrated Optimization for Vehicle Active Suspension System Based on Vibration Control
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Hu , Xia Minmin , Qin Jinyi
Published: December 2010

Since the traditional design method, which is always to decide control parameters following structure parameters, cannot obtain the global optimum performances for active suspension system, this paper presents an approach to integrate structural and control parameters optimization for active suspension system based on improved genetic algorithm. The core of the approach is combining mechanical structure design and LQG controller design, regarding the structural parameters and control parameters as the optimization variables simultaneously, and using improved genetic algorithm to optimize the variables. The research results indicates that this integrated optimization method can effectively reduce the vibration of suspension and greatly improve the ride performance, handling stability of automobile and ride comfort. And the improved genetic algorithm has a better effect for solving complex engineering optimization problem.
A Fault Diagnosis Approach for Gears Using Multidimensional Features and Intelligent Classifier
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Yan Xinping , Yuan Chengqing , Zhao Jiangbin , Peng Zhongxiao
Published: December 2010

Gear mechanisms are an important element in a variety of industrial applications and about 80% of the breakdowns of the transmission machinery are caused by the gear failure. Efficient incipient fault detection and accurate fault diagnosis are therefore critical to machinery normal operation. A new hybrid intelligent diagnosis method is proposed in this work to identify multiple categories of gear defection. In this method, wavelet packet transform (WPT), empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Wigner-Ville distributions (WVD), combined with autoregressive (AR) model algorithm, were performed on gear vibration signals to extract useful fault characteristic information. Then, multidimensional feature sets including energy distribution, statistical features and AR parameters were obtained to represent gear operation conditions from different perspectives. The nonlinear dimensionality reduction algorithm, i.e. isometric mapping (Isomap), was employed in statistics to mine the intrinsic structure of the feature space in a low-dimensional space, and thus to speed up the training of the probabilistic neural network (PNN) classifier and enhance its diagnosis accuracy. Experiments with different gear faults were conducted, and the vibration signals were measured under different drive speeds and loads. The analysis results indicate that the proposed method is feasible and effective in the gear multi-fault diagnosis, and the isolation of different gear conditions, including normal, single crack, compound fault of wear and spalling, etc., has been accomplished. Since the recognition results are available directly from the output of PNN, the proposed diagnosis technique provides the possibility to fulfill the automatic recognition on gear multiple faults
A Second-Order Inelastic Analysis of Plane Steel Frames Using a Work-Increment-Control Solution Technique
Authors: Kim Byung Hun , Yun Young Mook
Published: December 2010

A refined plastic hinge analysis method, known as one of the most effective and practical second-order inelastic analysis methods for steel frames, is able to evaluate the ultimate structural behavior of steel frames by considering the geometric and material nonlinearities. However, an appropriate advanced nonlinear solution technique has to be incorporated to help structural engineers perform the rational design of steel frames by predicting the ultimate strength and post-failure structural behavior accurately. In this study, a refined plastic hinge analysis method, combined with a work-increment-control solution technique with an iterative procedure in incremental loading steps, was presented in order to overcome the shortcomings of the load-increment-control solution techniques employed in previous studies. In the work-increment-control solution technique of present study, one convergence criterion refining the problem of using two convergence criteria in the conventional increment/iteration procedure of work-increment-control solution techniques and an automatic incremental algorithm calculating the load factor and the magnitude of incremental work for next incremental loading step were employed. To verify the accuracy and appropriateness of the present approach, three representative plane steel frames employed in previous studies were analyzed, and the analysis results were compared with those by other approaches. The present approach, that evaluated fairly accurately the load-displacement relationships, ultimate loads, plastic hinge numbers and locations, and the post-critical responses up to the formation of collapse mechanism of the plane steel frames, proved to be acceptable.
Behavior of Shallow-Beam Supported Reinforced Concrete Rectangular Slabs: Analytical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Singh Harvinder , Kwatra Naveen , Maneek Kumar
Published: December 2010

A design equation useful for proportioning the rectangular reinforced concrete slab cast monolithic with the equally spaced shallow in-built beams and resting over the simple supports on its outer boundaries is presented herein. The use of these beams becomes mandatory in buildings due to some architectural constraints. Full-scale slabs designed using the proposed design equations are experimentally validated. The actual crack pattern at the collapse load, for the two and three-panel slabs tested in the laboratory, was found to be in good agreement with the analytical results. A non-dimensional parameter, λ (= moment of resistance of beam/moment of resistance of beam required for the simultaneous formation of global and local collapse mechanism) has been proposed to distinguish the nature of shallow beams. Test slabs designed using the λ-value less than unity failed following a global-collapse mechanism with a load factor of more than 1.40. However, these slabs show more deflection at the design load than the permissible values but selecting a highest possible value of the beam depth satisfying both the serviceability criterion as well as the span/depth ratio of the shallow beam can reduce the actual deflection of the slab system under the design load. It is suggested that the actual slab-beam system with shallow beams should never be proportioned with λ-value more than unity as it leads to failure of the slab in a local-collapse mechanism with a reduced load factor.
Shear Behavior and Performance of Deep Beams Reinforced with a Honeycomb Steel Mesh
Authors: Lee H.K. , Cheong S.H. , Ha S.K.
Published: December 2010

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the structural behavior and performance of deep beams reinforced in shear with a honeycomb steel mesh (HSM). A series of four-point loading tests on five simply supported deep beams were carried out. The control beam was substantially deficient in shear strength, another beam was fully reinforced in shear by stirrups, and four other beams were reinforced with various configurations of HSM. The primary variables were the diagonal cell width and welding condition of the HSM. The shear behavior and performance of deep beams reinforced with various configurations of HSM were compared with those of the control beam and the beam reinforced in shear by stirrups. In this study, all of the tested deep beams failed in shear. Crack patterns and failure modes of the specimens were explained on the basis of the arch action. It was found from the test results that HSM was effective in reinforcing deep beams in shear. Further, the butt- welded HSM with a diagonal cell width of 100 mm was shown to be most effective in terms of stiffness, load carrying, and energy absorption capacities.
A Structural Dynamic Analysis of a Manduca Sexta Forewing
Authors: Sims Travis W. , Palazotto Anthony N. , Norris Aaron
Published: December 2010

Micro air vehicles (MAVs) are intended for future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance use. To adequately fulfill a clandestine capacity, MAVs must operate in close proximity to their intended target without eliciting counter-observation. This objective, along with DARPA's constraint of a sub-15 centimeter span, requires future MAVs to mimic insect appearance and flight characteristics. This paper describes an experimental method for conducting a structural analysis of a Manduca Sexta (hawkmoth) forewing. Geometry is captured via computed tomography (CT), and frequency data is collected using laser vibrometry in air and vacuum. A finite element (FE) model is constructed using quadratic beams and general-purpose shell elements, and an eigenanalysis is conducted. A preliminary verification of the FE model is carried out to ensure the Manduca Sexta forewing is adequately characterized, providing a basis for future fluid-structural interaction computations. Included is a study regarding the aeroelastic effects on flapping-wing insect flight, and an analysis of the structural dynamic anomalies of conventional, flat, semi-rigid flapping wings. Experimental tests revealed the first three modes of a clamped Manduca Sexta wing in vacuum are 86 Hz, 106 Hz, and 155 Hz; tests in air reveal a frequency shift of 26.5% from vacuum, indicating a possible aeroelastic contribution to frequency response. The finite element model produced first three modes of 84.6 Hz, 106.1 Hz, and 317.7 Hz, indicating that the model is limited to the second wing mode and lower frequencies. Possible sources of error include poor geometric modeling due to low CT resolution, inadequate modeling of camber, and inaccurate estimation of material properties.