bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of the JIP–JNK interaction
Authors: Chen Tracy , Kablaoui Natasha , Little Jeremy , Timofeevski Sergei , Tschantz William R. , Chen Ping , Feng Junli , Charlton Maura , Stanton Robert , Bauer Paul
Published: February 2009

JNK1 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1) plays a crucial role in the regulation of obesity-induced insulin resistance and is implicated in the pathology of Type 2 diabetes. Its partner, JIP1 (JNK-interacting protein 1), serves a scaffolding function that facilitates JNK1 activation by MKK4 [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) kinase 4] and MKK7 (MAPK kinase 7). For example, reduced insulin resistance and JNK activation are observed in JIP1-deficient mice. On the basis of the in vivo efficacy of a cell-permeable JIP peptide, the JIP–JNK interaction appears to be a potential target for JNK inhibition. The goal of the present study was to identify small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt the JIP–JNK interaction to provide an alternative approach for JNK inhibition to ATP-competitive inhibitors. High-throughput screening was performed by utilizing a fluorescence polarization assay that measured the binding of JNK1 to the JIP peptide. Multiple chemical series were identified, revealing two categories of JIP/JNK inhibitors: ‘dual inhibitors’ that are ATP competitive and probably inhibit JIP–JNK binding allosterically, and ‘JIP-site binders’ that block binding through interaction with the JIP site. A series of polychloropyrimidines from the second category was characterized by biochemical methods and explored through medicinal-chemistry efforts. As predicted, these inhibitors also inhibited full-length JIP–JNK binding and were selective against a panel of 34 representative kinases, including ones in the MAPK family. Overall, this work demonstrates that small molecules can inhibit protein–protein interactions in vitro in the MAPK family effectively and provides strategies for similar approaches within other target families.
Spin configuration of hexagonal shaped ferromagnetic elements arranged in different structures
Authors: Lua S. Y. H. , Kushvaha S. S. , Wu Y. H. , Teo K. L. , Chong T. C.
Published: February 2009

We report on magnetic imaging study of regular hexagonal shaped NiFe elements arranged in different configurations. By making use of stray field with moderate strength and well-defined symmetry, which is lacking in vortices formed in circular elements, it is possible to control the relative chirality of vortex in a ring network of hexagons unlike in an array network. However, the alternating chirality of the hexagons disappears when the interelemental spacing becomes large, an element is missing from the ring network, or they are arranged in linear chains. The results can be understood by the symmetry and direction of the stray field generated by the individual elements.
A study on the irreversible magnet demagnetization in single-phase line-start permanent magnet motor
Authors: Kim Tae Heoung , Hong Jung-Pyo
Published: February 2009

The large demagnetizing currents in a single-phase line-start permanent magnet motor are generated by a starting and locked rotor condition. Thus, irreversible magnet demagnetization occurs due to the external demagnetizing field by these currents. In this paper, we present the phenomenon of the irreversible magnet demagnetization using two-dimensional finite-element method (2-D FEM). The nonlinear analysis of a permanent magnet is added to 2-D FEM to consider irreversible demagnetization. As a result, design techniques which are effective in avoiding irreversible demagnetization are proposed.
Spectral-domain low coherence interferometry/optical coherence tomography system for fine needle breast biopsy guidance
Authors: Iftimia N. V. , Mujat M. , Ustun T. , Ferguson R. D. , Danthu V. , Hammer D. X.
Published: February 2009

A novel technology and instrumentation for fine needle aspiration (FNA) breast biopsy guidance is presented. This technology is based on spectral-domain low coherence interferometry (SD-LCI). The method, apparatus, and preliminary in vitro/in vivo results proving the viability of the method and apparatus are presented in detail. An advanced tissue classification algorithm, preliminarily tested on breast tissue specimens and a mouse model of breast cancer is presented as well. Over 80% sensitivity and specificity in differentiating all tissue types and 93% accuracy in differentiating fatty tissue from fibrous or tumor tissue was obtained with this technology and apparatus. These results suggest that SD-LCI could help for more precise needle placement during the FNA biopsy and therefore could substantially reduce the number of the nondiagnostic aspirates and improve the sensitivity and specificity of the FNA procedures.
Noniterative reconstruction of tokamak equilibria
Authors: Rodrigues Paulo , Bizarro João P. S.
Published: February 2009

Unlike iterative approaches, noniterative equilibria reconstruction schemes are designed to keep two measured internal profiles fixed along a given chord while solving a sequence of linear differential equations, providing a unique and asymptotic solution to the Grad–Shafranov (GS) equation directly in laboratory coordinates. A noniterative algorithm is extended to handle plasma configurations that are not symmetric with respect to the tokamak midplane and then used to compute an equilibrium solution from an actual experimental data set. A number of issues concerning how available experimental data can be handled and provided as input to the GS solver in practical situations are also discussed.
Effects of external global noise on the catalytic CO oxidation on Pt(110)
Authors: Bodega P. S. , Alonso S. , Rotermund H. H.
Published: February 2009

Oxidation reaction of CO on a single platinum crystal is a reaction-diffusion system that may exhibit bistable, excitable, and oscillatory behavior. We studied the effect of a stochastic signal artificially introduced into the system through the partial pressure of CO. First, the external signal is employed as a turbulence suppression tool, and second, it modifies the boundaries in the bistable transition between the CO and oxygen covered phases. Experiments using photoemission electron microscopy together with numerical simulations performed with the Krischer–Eiswirth–Ertl model are presented.
Do independent-particle-model broken-symmetry solutions contain more physics than the symmetry-adapted ones? The case of homonuclear diatomics
Authors: Li Xiangzhu , Paldus Josef
Published: February 2009

We explore spin-preserving, singlet stability of restricted Hartree–Fock (RHF) solutions for a number of closed-shell, homonuclear diatomics in the entire relevant range of internuclear separations. In the presence of such instabilities we explore the implied broken-symmetry (bs) solutions and check their stability. We also address the occurrence of vanishing roots rendered by the stability problem in the case of bs solutions. The RHF bs solutions arise primarily due to the symmetry breaking of the relevant, mostly frontier, molecular orbitals, which approach atomic-type orbitals in the dissociation limit. The resulting bs RHF solutions yield more realistic potential energy curves (PECs) than do the symmetry adapted (sa) solutions. These PECs are shown to be very similar to those rendered by the density functional theory (DFT). Moreover, the sa DFT solutions are found to be stable in a much wider range of internuclear separations than are the RHF solutions, and their bs analogs differ very little from the sa ones. Finally, we examine a possible usefulness of bs RHF solutions in post-HF correlated approaches to the many-electron problem, specifically in the limited configuration interaction and coupled-cluster methods.
On possible simplifications in the theoretical description of gas phase atomic cluster dissociation
Authors: Mella Massimo
Published: February 2009

In this work, we investigate the possibility of describing gas phase atomic cluster dissociation by means of variational transition state theory (vTST) in the microcanonical ensemble. A particular emphasis is placed on benchmarking the accuracy of vTST in predicting the dissociation rate and kinetic energy release of a fragmentation event as a function of the cluster size and internal energy. The results for three Lennard-Jones clusters (LJn,  n=8,14,19) indicate that variational transition state theory is capable of providing results of accuracy comparable to molecular dynamics simulations at a reduced computational cost. Possible simplifications of the master equation formalism used to model a dissociation cascade are also suggested starting from molecular dynamics results. In particular, it is found that the dissociation rate is only weakly dependent on the cluster total angular momentum J for the three cluster sizes considered. This would allow one to partially neglect the J-dependency of the kinetic coefficients, leading to a substantial decrease in the computational effort needed for the complete description of the cascade process. The impact of this investigation on the modeling of the nucleation process is discussed.
Theoretical characterization of electronic states in interacting chemical systems
Authors: Amadei Andrea , D’Alessandro Maira , D’Abramo Marco , Aschi Massimiliano
Published: February 2009

In this article we characterize, by means of the perturbed matrix method, the response of the electronic states of a chemical system to the perturbing environment. In the theory section we describe in detail the basic derivations and implications of the method, extending its theoretical framework to treat possible excitonic effects, and we show how to characterize the perturbed electronic states. Finally, by using a set of chemical systems interacting with complex atomic-molecular environments, we describe the nature and general features of the electronic state mixing and transitions as caused by atomic and molecular interactions.
Topological quantum codes on compact surfaces with genus g≥2
Authors: Albuquerque C. D. , Palazzo R. , Silva E. B.
Published: February 2009

In this paper we propose a construction procedure of a class of topological quantum error-correcting codes on surfaces with genus g≥2. This generalizes the toric codes construction. We also tabulate all possible surface codes with genus 2–5. In particular, this construction reproduces the class of codes obtained when considering the embedding of complete graphs Ks, for s≡1 mod 4, on surfaces with appropriate genus. We also show a table comparing the rate of different codes when fixing the distance to 3–5.
Locality properties of the energy flux in turbulence
Authors: Domaradzki J. Andrzej , Teaca Bogdan , Carati Daniele
Published: February 2009

The scale locality functions, originally introduced by Kraichnan, are computed from results of direct numerical simulations of forced isotropic turbulence. It is found that a curve with the classical, asymptotic scaling exponent of 4/3 provides the lower bound for the numerical data in the infrared limit and the upper bound in the ultraviolet limit, i.e., the nonlocality effects are stronger in the infrared and weaker in the ultraviolet than the theoretical result obtained for an infinite inertial range. The departures from the 4/3 scaling are substantial for fully resolved direct numerical simulations at lower Reynolds number but decrease for forced simulations that impose the −5/3 spectrum outside the energy containing range.
Dose dependence of ferromagnetism in Co-implanted ZnO
Authors: Akdogan Numan , Zabel Hartmut , Nefedov Alexei , Westerholt Kurt , Becker Hans-Werner , Gök Safak , Khaibullin Rustam , Tagirov Lenar
Published: February 2009

We have studied the structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of Co-implanted ZnO(0001) films grown on Al2O3 (112¯0) substrates for different implantation doses and over a wide temperature range. Strong room temperature ferromagnetism is observed with magnetic parameters depending on the cobalt implantation dose. A detailed analysis of the structural and magnetic properties indicates that there are two magnetic phases in Co-implanted ZnO films. One is a ferromagnetic phase due to the formation of long range ferromagnetic ordering between implanted magnetic cobalt ions in the ZnO layer and the second one is a superparamagnetic phase, which occurs due to the formation of metallic cobalt clusters in the Al2O3 substrate. Using x-ray resonant magnetic scattering, the element specific magnetization of cobalt, oxygen, and Zn was investigated. Magnetic dichroism was observed at the Co L2,3 edges as well as at the O K edge. In addition, the anomalous Hall effect is also observed, supporting the intrinsic nature of ferromagnetism in Co-implanted ZnO films.
An analytical model for the capacitance between probe tip and dielectric film deduced by high-frequency electromagnetic-field simulations
Authors: Naitou Y. , Yasaka A. , Ookubo N.
Published: February 2009

An analytical model for the capacitance between a probe tip and a dielectric film is presented based on the high-frequency electromagnetic-field simulation of the three-dimensional tip and dielectric film system. We examined the effects of the probe-tip geometry and film properties on the tip-sample capacitance and deduced empirically the analytical model expressed by a simple logarithmic dependence on the tip-film distance, Z. Furthermore, the parameters in the analytical model could describe the probe-tip shape, dielectric permittivity, and film thickness. Based on these results, we discuss the capabilities to probe quantitatively the nanoscale dielectric properties of a thin film.
Imaging of variation in charge/orbital/spin ordering structure in Sm1−xSrxMnO3 (x=0.55 and 0.6)
Authors: Yu X. Z. , Tomioka Y. , Asaka T. , Kimoto K. , Arima T. , Tokura Y. , Matsui Y.
Published: February 2009

Imaging of charge/orbital ordering (CO/OO) structure and canted antiferromagnetic (AFM) domain structure in Sm1−xSrxMnO3 (x=0.55 and 0.6) has successfully been demonstrated. In the x=0.55 compound, the commensurate CO/OO structure with modulation vector Q=(0,1/3,0) was observed above the AFM transition temperature (TNA∼180 K). This modulation structure changes to an incommensurate one below TNA. In the x=0.6 compound, the typical 180° magnetic domains were observed in the (110) plane below 50 K indicating the canted AFM structure. This AFM structure locally collapses because of the existence of the short-range CO.
Bimolecular recombination in solution-processed 6, 13-bis(pentylphenylethynyl) pentacene thin-film transistor
Authors: Kim Chang Hyun , Kim Sung Hoon , Lee Sun Hee , Han Seung Hoon , Choi Min Hee , Jeon Tae Woo , Jang Jin
Published: February 2009

We have studied the light intensity dependence of drain current under illumination for the organic thin-film transistor using 6, 13-bis (pentylphenylethynyl)pentacene, having photosensitivity of up to 107. The carrier concentration in the channel could be achieved by comparing the currents at dark induced by gate potential and those generated under illumination at zero gate voltage. It increases with illumination intensity with a power law of 0.61, suggesting that the bimolecular recombination is the dominant one during the light illumination, resulting in no photocurrent at high gate potential.
Fabrication of graphene nanoribbon by local anodic oxidation lithography using atomic force microscope
Authors: Masubuchi S. , Ono M. , Yoshida K. , Hirakawa K. , Machida T.
Published: February 2009

We conducted local anodic oxidation (LAO) lithography in single-layer, bilayer, and multilayer graphenes using tapping-mode atomic force microscope. The width of insulating oxidized area depends systematically on the number of graphene layers. An 800-nm-wide bar-shaped device fabricated in single-layer graphene exhibits the half-integer quantum Hall effect. We also fabricated a 55-nm-wide graphene nanoribbon (GNR). The conductance of the GNR at the charge neutrality point was suppressed at low temperature, which suggests the opening of an energy gap due to lateral confinement of charge carriers. These results show that LAO lithography is an effective technique for the fabrication of graphene nanodevices.
How Many Arms Make a Pair? Perceptual Illusion of Having an Additional Limb
Authors: Ehrsson H Henrik
Published: February 2009

What are the natural constraints for the human body representation? Here I report a perceptual illusion where healthy individuals experience having two right arms, with both sensing touches applied to them. This effect reveals how visual and tactile signals from the body are integrated in a probabilistic fashion, resulting in a single limb being represented at two locations at the same time, giving rise to a perceptual duplication of this limb. This is an important observation because it suggests that even the gross morphology that we experience of ourselves is a construct resulting from dynamic and integrative processes in the perceptual systems.
Options for increasing the biological cycling of phosphorus in low-input and organic agricultural systems
Authors: Guppy C. N. , McLaughlin M. J.
Published: February 2009

In all systems, phosphorus (P), particularly phosphate, is inexorably drawn to sorption surfaces or precipitated, and is removed from the readily plant-available P pools. Mobilising this less-available P is a significant challenge in organic and low-input agro-ecosystems where readily available P sources may not be applied regularly. Although good-quality inputs, with low C : P ratio, and rotations may be effective in managing organic P cycles in pasture and forestry systems, extensive cropping systems will remain problematic. Two conceptual models are proposed to use organic matter additions to transfer this recalcitrant P into the biocycle, one involving highly labile organic matter and the other involving less-labile organic additions. Current literature provides some evidence for the efficacy of both models, but further work is necessary to clarify which is optimal for agro-ecosystems relying on either low inputs of P or forms of P that are allowed in organic agricultural systems, such as manures or rock phosphate. The microbial biomass is integral to P biocycling in organic systems, but further work is necessary to clarify the role of fungal and bacterial decomposers in decomposition processes. Identifying P-efficient cultivars with low translocation from roots to shoots to provide an ‘organic’ P source for following crops, essentially optimal rotation sequences for mobilising P using plants, is an avenue of promising research potential. Enzyme activation of recalcitrant organic P sources is unlikely to be effective if applied to bulk soils; however, further research on enzyme activities in the rhizosphere holds promise. We strongly recommend that further research be directed toward understanding and limiting reactions of inorganic P with soil colloids and minerals, either through chemical means (pH change, competitive sorption) or introduction and manipulation of organic materials. The research issues identified above overlap considerably with conventional agricultural concerns and benefits will accrue to both conventional and organic producers where further research is promoted.
Hedgehog signaling is restricted to the stromal compartment during pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Tian Hua , Callahan Christopher A. , DuPree Kelly J. , Darbonne Walter C. , Ahn Christina P. , Scales Suzie J. , de Sauvage Frederic J.
Published: February 2009

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been implicated in pancreatic cancer but its role remains controversial. To delineate the cell populations able to respond to Hh ligand stimulation, we expressed an oncogenic allele of
Smoothened
(
SmoM2
) to cell autonomously activate Hh signaling in the mouse pancreas. Surprisingly, we found that expression of SmoM2 in epithelial cells was not able to activate the pathway and had no impact on pancreatic development or neoplasia. In contrast, activation of Smo in the mesenchyme led to Hh pathway activation, indicating that only the tumor stroma is competent to transduce the Hh signal. Using a Ptc-LacZ reporter mouse, we show that Hh signaling is active in stromal cells surrounding Hh-expressing tumor epithelium in various mouse pancreatic cancer models. Activation of the Hh pathway in the tumor stroma of human pancreatic and metastatic cancer specimens was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR of microdissected tissue samples. These data support a paracrine model of Hh-mediated tumorigenesis, in which tumor cells secrete Hh ligand to induce tumor-promoting Hh target genes in adjacent stroma.
Cytokinin regulates root meristem activity via modulation of the polar auxin transport
Authors: Růžička Kamil , Šimášková Mária , Duclercq Jerome , Petrášek Jan , Zažímalová Eva , Simon Sibu , Friml Jiří , Van Montagu Marc C. E. , Benková Eva
Published: February 2009

Plant development is governed by signaling molecules called phytohormones. Typically, in certain developmental processes more than 1 hormone is implicated and, thus, coordination of their overlapping activities is crucial for correct plant development. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the hormonal crosstalk are only poorly understood. Multiple hormones including cytokinin and auxin have been implicated in the regulation of root development. Here we dissect the roles of cytokinin in modulating growth of the primary root. We show that cytokinin effect on root elongation occurs through ethylene signaling whereas cytokinin effect on the root meristem size involves ethylene-independent modulation of transport-dependent asymmetric auxin distribution. Exogenous or endogenous modification of cytokinin levels and cytokinin signaling lead to specific changes in transcription of several auxin efflux carrier genes from the PIN family having a direct impact on auxin efflux from cultured cells and on auxin distribution in the root apex. We propose a novel model for cytokinin action in regulating root growth: Cytokinin influences cell-to-cell auxin transport by modification of expression of several auxin transport components and thus modulates auxin distribution important for regulation of activity and size of the root meristem.
Mechanistic studies of the immunochemical termination of self-tolerance with unnatural amino acids
Authors: Grünewald Jan , Hunt Grady S. , Dong Liqun , Niessen Frank , Wen Ben G. , Tsao Meng-Lin , Perera Roshan , Kang Mingchao , Laffitte Bryan A. , Azarian Sassan , Ruf Wolfram , Nasoff Marc , Lerner Richard A. , Schultz Peter G. , Smider Vaughn V.
Published: February 2009

For more than 2 centuries active immunotherapy has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent infectious disease [Waldmann TA (2003)Nat Med9:269–277]. However, the decreased ability of the immune system to mount a robust immune response to self-antigens has made it more difficult to generate therapeutic vaccines against cancer or chronic degenerative diseases. Recently, we showed that the site-specific incorporation of an immunogenic unnatural amino acid into an autologous protein offers a simple and effective approach to overcome self-tolerance. Here, we characterize the nature and durability of the polyclonal IgG antibody response and begin to establish the generality ofp-nitrophenylalanine (pNO2Phe)-induced loss of self-tolerance. Mutation of several surface residues of murine tumor necrosis factor-α (mTNF-α) independently to pNO2Phe leads to a T cell-dependent polyclonal and sustainable anti-mTNF-α IgG autoantibody response that lasts for at least 40 weeks. The antibodies bind multiple epitopes on mTNF-α and protect mice from severe endotoxemia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Immunization of mice with a pNO2Phe43mutant of murine retinol-binding protein (RBP4) also elicited a high titer IgG antibody response, which was cross-reactive with wild-type mRBP4. These findings suggest that this may be a relatively general approach to generate effective immunotherapeutics against cancer-associated or other weakly immunogenic antigens.
Water may inhibit oxygen binding in hemoprotein models
Authors: Collman James P. , Decréau Richard A. , Dey Abhishek , Yang Ying
Published: February 2009

Three distal imidazole pickets in a cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) model form a pocket hosting a cluster of water molecules. The cluster makes the ferrous heme low spin, and consequently the O
2
binding slow. The nature of the rigid proximal imidazole tail favors a high spin/low spin cross-over. The O
2
binding rate is enhanced either by removing the water, increasing the hydrophobicity of the gas binding pocket, or inserting a metal ion that coordinates to the 3 distal imidazole pickets.
Impact of climate-change-enhanced salinity stress on rice and maintaining productivity in the future.
Authors: Suja George Suja George , Ajay Parida Ajay Parida
Published: February 2009

The earth is experiencing a faster change in climate in the twenty-first century than it has in the past. The global average temperature has increased over recent years and if the temperature prediction models are anything to go by, the earth's future is going to be hotter. The increasing temperature is accompanied by increased events of flooding, drought and both decreased and increased rainfall and evaporation rate in different parts of the world. A secondary effect of these extreme weather events is changes in water and soil salinity. Salinity patterns under future climate change scenarios (CCSs) have indicated that as the CCSs become more severe, the soil area under higher salinity category will increase. Rice, a primary source of food for more than half the world's population, is a salt-sensitive crop. So far rice productivity has kept pace with the increasing world population, thanks to the 'Green Revolution' and existing farming practices. The world population is still increasing, whereas the gains in agricultural output provided by the 'Green Revolution' have reached a plateau. Recent statistics reveal that rice production and productivity need to be increased by 40% and from the current 4.5 tonnes/ha to 7.5 tonnes/ha, respectively, by 2030 to satisfy the growing demand without affecting the resource base adversely. A considerable portion of the world's cultivated land is affected by salinity, which limits its productivity potential. Cleaning up of salt from these lands is uneconomical and impractical on a large scale, whereas improvement of rice germplasm for salinity tolerance is a feasible and promising alternative for maintaining stable global food production.
The antioxidant potential of parsley and its constituents.
Authors: Elisia I. , Kitts D. D.
Published: February 2009

The use of parsley as a meaningful source of dietary antioxidants has been overlooked due to the more common practice of using this herb as a garnish for improving the organoleptic qualities of foods. Notwithstanding this however, is the fact that parsley is comprised of a unique makeup of bioactive flavonoids, which includes both flavones (e.g. apigenin) and essential oil components (e.g. myristicin and apiol). Information on the antioxidant activity of parsley has been evaluated using a variety of chemical and cell-based antioxidant assays, and on a variety of parsley samples derived from different solvent extracts and originating from different anatomic parts of the herb. Studies have shown parsley to contain both bioactive phytochemical constituents that possess antioxidant activity, while also containing other components that have a carryover effect that yields defined chemopreventative activity in cell systems that are exposed to oxidative stress. For example, apigenin, the primary flavone characteristic to parsley exhibits weak reducing and free-radical scavenging activity, albeit that it also has a strong affinity to sequester free metal ions that otherwise could be involved in Fenton-reaction-induced free-radical generation. Alternatively, this flavone can stimulate the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while concomitantly inducing apoptosis in cultured cancer cell lines, thereby suggesting a strong chemoprevention activity rather than acting purely as an antioxidant. On the other hand, essential oil recovered from parsley leaves exhibits notable antioxidant capacity in assays designed to measure reducing power and free-radical scavenging activity. Apiol is a stronger antioxidant than myristicin, and a primary contributor to the antioxidant activity found in parsley essential oil. The objective of this review is to assess the data derived from
in vitro
-chemical- and cell-based and
in vivo
studies that have shown potential antioxidant activity of parsley and its constituents; relevant to both improving food quality as well as having a carryover effect that can enhance human health.
Impacts of avian influenza virus on animal production in developing countries.
Authors: Otte J. , Hinrichs J. , Rushton J. , Roland-Holst D. , Zilberman D.
Published: February 2009

This paper reviews the (predominantly grey) literature on impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain H5N1 and control responses on the livestock sector and associated industries in developing countries. The authors distinguish between impacts that arise directly through HPAI-related morbidity and mortality, those that are a consequence of public intervention to control or eradicate HPAI, and impacts that are mediated through market reactions. The paper further considers how these impacts propagate up- and downstream through related supply and distribution networks, how short-term reactions are followed by longer-term adjustments, how impacts include direct cost elements and foregone income, and why losses to the poultry sector will, at least to some extent, be 'passed on' on the one hand, for example through compensation, and, on the other hand, be compensated for by gains in other livestock subsectors. Differences in methodology applied in the reviewed reports result in a lack of comparability of estimates for HPAI 'costs/impacts' across countries and even within countries and are compounded by information deficits. Despite these shortcomings, the literature permits some significant conclusions to be drawn on the relative importance of direct and indirect impacts and on their distribution across different types of poultry producers. The paper ends by outlining directions of future research that combine epidemiology and economics to provide a framework for disease control decision-making.
Outdoor recreation planning: a comprehensive approach to understanding use interaction.
Authors: Marcouiller D. W. , Scott I. , Prey J.
Published: February 2009

Growing demands for outdoor recreation have led to increased levels of crowding, displacement, competition and antagonism among alternative recreational uses. Recreational activities interact with differing degrees of compatibility resulting in various outcomes. In this review, we critique the relevant literature on recreation conflict, use compatibility and additivity with a focus on the interaction that takes place among alternative recreational uses. Results suggest that the literature is replete with theoretical and empirical studies focused on recreational conflict, while more comprehensive interaction types remain less studied and, in general, lacking overarching conceptual and analytical approaches. Further, there exists a need to link comprehensive approaches that address recreational use interaction with empirical analyses and management-specific strategies that allow for proactive planned outcomes that are positive-sum. We forward an approach to recreation planning that focuses on managing for relative compatibilities that involves maximizing those uses thought to be complementary and supplementary, while segregating and/or regulating those uses that are competitive and antagonistic.
The impact of genistein on osteoporosis.
Authors: Horiuchi T.
Published: February 2009

Genistein, one of the isoflavones, has an activity in terms of affinity to oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and oestrogen receptor β (ERβ) and a biological activity similar to oestrogen. The serum concentrations of genistein in Japanese people range from nanomolar to millimolar levels, since soya proteins are absorbed in the gut and conjugated and metabolized by intestinal microflora in humans.
In vivo
studies demonstrated that genistein acts on bone as an agonist. The lower doses of genistein associated with soya foods were expected to act similarly to oestrogens, with a beneficial effect on bone tissue.
In vitro
studies demonstrated that genistein increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA levels and protein production in primary lumbar trabecular osteoblasts. However, recent studies have indicated that oestrogens induce apoptosis of osteoclasts through ERα in the osteoclasts. Genistein might be same or different from oestrogen action in terms of protection from bone loss. Further studies should be performed to examine the effect of genistein on the prevention of fractures and on increase of bone mineral density (BMD).
Communicable diseases in occupational settings.
Authors: Phoon WaiOn Phoon WaiOn
Published: February 2009

In the past few years, there has been a renewed emphasis on the importance of communicable diseases in the occupational setting. The dramatic but evanescent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is described in some detail. The recent upsurge in human cases of avian influenza, which to date has afflicted mainly poultry-handlers and their families in Asia, is also described. Recent trends in well-known communicable diseases, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria, brucellosis and viral hepatitis, are also mentioned, with particular emphasis on the social and epidemiological aspects relating to occupational activities. Emphasis is laid on the effects of transmigration of labour and globalization, and the effects of air travel on the rapidity of transmission of these diseases. The review concludes with the need for continuing vigilance to identify and control new communicable diseases, such as SARS, and to watch for new patterns of distribution or manifestations of already well-known infections.
Technological tools to address the food crises.
Authors: Asenso-Okyere K. , Babu S.
Published: February 2009

Many causes have been proposed for the recent food crises that are currently afflicting the world, especially the developing countries. These causes include both the demand- and supply-side factors. One major cause identified was low productivity of agriculture, which has led to the inability of the sector to satisfy traditional and new demands for food. Yet, the food crisis offers an opportunity to revive food and agricultural systems and improve their productivity. This paper identifies various technological tools and options for addressing the food crisis through increased agricultural productivity. The present paper concludes that in order to tackle the problems of low productivity, effective organization, and management of national agricultural research and innovation systems is imperative. Equally important are the institutional innovations that will help close the food demand-supply gaps.
Understanding the function of the corpus luteum and the onset of puberty in buffalo.
Authors: Campanile G. , Vecchio D. , Baruselli P. S. , Palo R. di , Neglia G. , D'Occhio M. J. , Zicarelli L.
Published: February 2009

This review aims to clarify some aspects of early buffalo reproduction and ovarian activity with special regard to corpus luteum (CL) activity. Puberty has been regarded as a complex event that is signalled by the first cyclic progesterone secretion at >1 ng/ml, in tight relation to other hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH). CL activity has been described in relation to the peculiarities of the oestrus cycle of the species, such as seasonal reproductive aptitude and the bull effect. The importance of the CL in pregnancy establishment and maintenance has also been revised in the light of the results of the latest research about embryo mortality in buffalo.
The need for epidural analgesia is related to birthweight – a population‐based register study
Authors: EKÉUS CECILIA , HJERN ANDERS , HJELMSTEDT ANNA
Published: February 2009

Objective. To investigate the relation between use of epidural analgesia (EDA) and maternal and fetal characteristics. Design. Population‐based register study. Setting. Nationwide study in Sweden. Population. All 106,775 primiparous women who in 2002–2005 delivered a singleton infant vaginally at term. Methods. Register study with data from the Medical Birth Registry and the Swedish Register of Education. Main outcome measure. Use of EDA during vaginal delivery. Results. A total of 47,810 women (45%) received EDA during labor. EDA was used more often in women who were either young or short, had a high body mass index or a short education, or gave birth to an infant with high birthweight. After adjustment, the positive correlation with birthweight persisted. The use of EDA was twice as high in women with infant birthweight >4,500 g, 60% higher in those with infants weighing between 4,000 and 4,500 g and 25% lower when infants weighed <3,000 g, when compared to those with newborns weighing between 3,000 and 3,500 g. Conclusion. The woman's need for EDA is strongly related to birthweight. Prolonged duration of labor and instrumental delivery usually ascribed to EDA may be due to large infants.
New Friends: Gender Relations within the Family
Authors: Friedl Erika
Published: February 2009

Trends in intra-family relationships in Iran point to fast changes in regional and class-linked cultural patterns following the rapid spread of the national culture and of modernist ideologies and practices. People redefine their responsibilities and expectations as small nuclear families increase, women aspire to higher education and employment, and the bad economic situation necessitates various adaptations. Analysis of recent ethnographic data suggests that the shift from traditional authoritarian intra-family relations to relationships based on autonomy, individuation, independence and companionship creates new intimacies but also conflicts. The prevailing ideology of “progress” in Iran likely will further weaken patrilineal ties and kin relations while strengthening ties based on friendship and collegiality.
Educating Young Women: Culture, Conflict, and New Identities in an Iranian Village
Authors: Hegland Mary Elaine
Published: February 2009

Anthropological participant observation during two different periods (1978–79 and 2003–08) documents dramatic change in gender identity and expectations in an Iranian village. While patriarchal definitions of females and their places and on-the-ground social conditions restricted female agency and kept women and girls under the authority of male supervisors 30 years ago, recent years have witnessed growing opportunities for females. Now most girls complete high school before marriage, and may even travel to other cities for higher education. In “Aliabad,” however, for the great majority, more education for females has not led to participation in the labor market. Ethnographic research focuses on how young females negotiate between the more traditional expectations and cultural constraints and the new opportunities to serve their own interests as best as possible. Although work outside of the home presents too many difficulties for the great majority of Aliabad females, who must marry in order to obtain financial support, females have used their education and the increased self-confidence, experience, status, and literacy to develop more influential positions within the marriage relationship, among kin and in-laws, and in the community. Young village women have been involved in constructing their evolving identities in an environment of social change and modernization.
Divorce Seen through Women's Cinematic Lens
Authors: Rahimieh Nasrin
Published: February 2009

The curtailment of women's rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran has received a great deal of scholarly attention. Among the legal changes that have profoundly affected women's lives are divorce laws. If the legal arena has not given women much room for maneuver, the realm of cultural representation, particularly cinematic production by women, has provided a fertile ground for self-expression and resistance. Through an analysis of Ziba Mir-Hosseini and Kim Longinotto's ethnographic documentary,Divorce Iranian Style(1998), and two feature films,Blackboards(2000) by Samira Makhmalbaf andCeasefireby Tahmineh Milani (2006), this article explores representations of the ways in which women work within and against the grain of the dominant structures of power.
Sacred Canopy: Love and Sex under the Veil
Authors: Haeri Shahla
Published: February 2009

In this article I describe what I see as the subliminal messages of desire and intimacy in the following Iranian movies: Gabbeh (1995), The Blue Scarf (1994), May Lady (1997), and Born in the Month of Mihr (2000). I argue that although the Islamic legal discourse has reasserted itself after the revolution of 1979 and appears to have become dominant, the “erotic” discourse that is ever so subtly embedded in Persian poetry and popular culture is alive and possibly thriving. Taking a light-hearted approach, I discuss representations of love and sex in these four films within the context of the dynamic tension between the legal discourse that regulates the gaze, ahkam-i nigah, and the erotic discourse that subverts the very same regulations, nazar-bazi.
The role of social capital in sustaining partnership
Authors: Dhillon Jaswinder K.
Published: February 2009

Partnership is a dominant theme in education policy and practice in England and in other western countries but remains relatively under‐researched, especially with respect to what sustains a partnership. This article draws on a study of partnership working in the field of post‐16 learning that revealed the role of dimensions of social capital in supporting and sustaining the case study partnership. The research adopted a grounded approach and used multiple methods of data gathering including observations of partnership meetings, semi‐structured interviews and documentary research. The findings reported here focus on aspects of partnership working and facets of social capital that support and sustain partnership, including multiple layers of collaboration, networks and networking, high levels of trust and shared norms and values amongst key participants. The analysis suggests that the contested concept of social capital provides a useful theoretical frame for understanding the basis of sustainability in education partnerships.
Epidemiology of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Walkey Allan J. , Reardon Christine Campbell , Sulis Carol A. , Nace R. Nicholas , Joyce-Brady Martin
Published: February 2009

Objective.

To characterize the epidemiology and microbiology of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH).

Design.

Retrospective study of prospectively identified cases of VAP.

Setting.

Single-center, 207-bed LTACH with the capacity to house 42 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, evaluated from April 1, 2006, through January 31, 2008.

Methods.

Data on the occurrence of VAP were collected prospectively as part of routine infection surveillance at Radius Specialty Hospital. After March 2006, Radius Specialty Hospital implemented a bundle of interventions for the prevention of VAP (hereafter referred to as the VAP-bundle approach). A case of VAP was defined as a patient who required mechanical ventilation at Radius Specialty Hospital for at least 48 hours before any symptoms of pneumonia appeared and who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for VAP. Sputum samples were collected from a tracheal aspirate if there was clinical suspicion of VAP, and these samples were semi-quantitatively cultured.

Results.

During the 22-month study period, 23 cases of VAP involving 19 patients were associated with 157 LTACH admissions (infection rate, 14.6%), corresponding to a rate of 1.67 cases per 1,000 ventilator-days, which is a 56% reduction from the VAP rate of 3.8 cases per 1,000 ventilator-days reported before the implementation of the VAP-bundle approach (P<.001). Microbiological data were available for 21 (91%) of 23 cases of VAP. Cases of VAP in the LTACH were frequently polymicrobial (mean number ± SD, 1.78 ± 1.0 pathogens per case of VAP), and 20 (95%) of 21 cases of VAP had at least 1 pathogen (Pseudomonas species, Acinetobacter species, gram-negative bacilli resistant to more than 3 antibiotics, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) cultured from a sputum sample. LTACH patients with VAP were more likely to have a neurological reason for ventilator dependence, compared with LTACH patients without VAP (69.6% of cases of VAP vs 39% of cases of respiratory failure; P = .014). In addition, patients with VAP had a longer length of LTACH stay, compared with patients without VAP (median length of stay, 131 days vs 39 days; P = .002). In 6 (26%) of 23 cases of VAP, the patient was eventually weaned from use of mechanical ventilation. Of the 19 patients with VAP, 1 (5%) did not survive the LTACH stay.

Conclusions.

The VAP rate in the LTACH is lower than the VAP rate reported in acute care hospitals. Cases of VAP in the LTACH were frequently polymicrobial and were associated with multidrug-resistant pathogens and increased length of stay. The guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that are aimed at reducing cases of VAP appear to be effective if applied in the LTACH setting.
From Emblems to Diagrams: Kepler's New Pictorial Language of Scientific Representation
Authors: Chen-Morris Raz
Published: February 2009

Kepler's treatise on optics of 1604 furnished, along with technical solutions to problems in medieval perspective, a new mathematically-based visual language for the observation of nature. This language, based on Kepler's theory of retinal pictures, ascribed a new role to geometrical diagrams. This paper examines Kepler's pictorial language against the backdrop of alchemical emblems that flourished in and around the court of Rudolf II in Prague. It highlights the cultural context in which Kepler's optics was immersed, and the way in which Kepler attempted to demarcate his new science from other modes of the investigation of nature.
Sawtooth control and the interaction of energetic particles
Authors: Chapman I.T. , Igochine V.G. , Graves J.P. , Pinches S.D. , Gude A. , Jenkins I. , Maraschek M. , Tardini G.
Published: February 2009

Long-period sawteeth have been observed to result in the low-β triggering of neo-classical tearing modes (NTMs), which can significantly degrade plasma confinement. In ITER, the stabilizing effects of the fusion-born α particles are likely to exacerbate this. Consequently, in order to avoid triggering NTMs, many techniques have been proposed to control, and in particular, to destabilize the sawtooth oscillations. Here, sawtooth behaviour in off-axis NBI-heated plasmas in JET and ASDEX Upgrade is presented. It is found that the energetic particles born outside the q = 1 surface due to off-axis NBI can destabilize the sawteeth, even in the presence of stabilizing on-axis fast particles. In order to model the stability of the n = 1 internal kink mode, which is associated with the sawtooth oscillations, both a magnetohydrodynamic code including toroidal rotation and a drift kinetic code have been employed. The modelling highlights the significant role played by both the passing energetic particles and the toroidal flow shear in determining the kink mode stability in the presence of an energetic particle population.