bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Power: Economic, Safety, Health, and Environmental Issues of Near-Term Technologies
Authors: Ramana M.V.
Published: October 2009

Nuclear power is confronted with a number of challenges in the near term. One major constraint is the economics of nuclear power, driven by both the high capital costs and financial uncertainties. The second is concern about catastrophic accidents; despite the development of newer reactor designs, the possibility of such an accident has not been completely eliminated. A third is to find a way of disposing nuclear waste that is technically feasible and politically acceptable to the public.
We Speak for the Trees: Media Reporting on the Environment
Authors: Boykoff Maxwell T.
Published: October 2009

This review article surveys the role of the media in communicating environmental issues. Media representations—from news to entertainment—provide critical links between formal environmental science and politics and the realities of how people experience and interact with their environments. People abundantly turn to media—such as television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and Internet—to help make sense of the many complexities relating to environmental science and governance that (un)consciously shape our lives. I examine how multiscale factors have shaped media coverage in complex, dynamic, and nonlinear ways. These inquiries are situated in historical context as well as in larger processes of cultural politics and environmental change. Discussions here also touch on how media portrayals influence ongoing public understanding and engagement. Connections between media information and behaviors are not straightforward, as coverage does not determine engagement. Nonetheless, this article explores how media reports influence the spectrum of possibilities for different forms of environmental governance.
Homocysteine promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration by induction of the adipokine resistin
Authors: Jiang Changtao , Zhang Heng , Zhang Weizhen , Kong Wei , Zhu Yi , Zhang Hongquan , Xu Qingbo , Li Yin , Wang Xian
Published: October 2009

Adipokines may represent a mechanism linking insulin resistance to cardiovascular disease. We showed previously that homocysteine (Hcy), an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can induce the expression and secretion of resistin, a novel adipokine, in vivo and in vitro. Since vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is a key event in vascular disease, we hypothesized that adipocyte-derived resistin is involved in Hcy-induced VSMC migration. To confirm our hypothesis, Sprague-Dawley rat aortic SMCs were cocultured with Hcy-stimulated primary rat epididymal adipocytes or treated directly with increasing concentrations of resistin for up to 24 h. Migration of VSMCs was investigated. Cytoskeletal structure and cytoskeleton-related proteins were also detected. The results showed that Hcy (300–500 μM) increased migration significantly in VSMCs cocultured with adipocytes but not in VSMC cultured alone. Resistin alone also significantly increased VSMC migration in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Resistin small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly attenuated VSMC migration in the coculture system, which indicated that adipocyte-derived resistin mediates Hcy-induced VSMC migration. On cell spreading assay, resistin induced the formation of focal adhesions near the plasma membrane, which suggests cytoskeletal rearrangement via an α5β1-integrin-focal adhesion kinase/paxillin-Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) pathway. Our data demonstrate that Hcy promotes VSMC migration through a paracrine or endocrine effect of adipocyte-derived resistin, which provides further evidence of the adipose-vascular interaction in metabolic disorders. The migratory action exerted by resistin on VSMCs may account in part for the increased incidence of restenosis in diabetic patients.
Force augmentation and stimulated actin polymerization in swine carotid artery
Authors: Tejani Ankit D. , Rembold Christopher M.
Published: October 2009

The phenomenon of posttetanic potentiation, in which a single submaximal contraction or series of submaximal contractions strengthens a subsequent contraction, has been observed in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. In this study, we describe a similar phenomenon in swine carotid arterial smooth muscle. We find that a submaximal K+ depolarization increases the force generation of a subsequent maximal K+ depolarization; we term this “force augmentation.” Force augmentation was not associated with a significant increase in crossbridge phosphorylation or shortening velocity during the maximal K+ depolarization, suggesting that the augmented force was not caused by higher crossbridge phosphorylation or crossbridge cycling rates. We found that the characteristics of the tissue before the maximal K+ depolarization predicted the degree of force augmentation. Specifically, measures of stimulated actin polymerization (higher prior Y118 paxillin phosphorylation, higher prior F-actin, and transition to a more solid rheology evidenced by lower noise temperature, hysteresivity, and phase angle) predicted the subsequent force augmentation. Increased prior contraction alone did not induce force augmentation since readdition of Ca2+ to Ca2+-depleted tissues induced a partial contraction that was not associated with changes in noise temperature or with subsequent force augmentation. These data suggest that stimulated actin polymerization may produce a substrate for increased crossbridge mediated force, a process we observe as force augmentation.
Developmental and functional studies of the SLC12 gene family members from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sun Qifei , Tian E. , Turner R. James , Ten Hagen Kelly G.
Published: October 2009

The electroneutral cation-chloride cotransporter gene family, SLC12, contains nine members in vertebrates. These include seven sodium and/or potassium-coupled chloride transporters and two membrane proteins of unknown function. Although SLC12 family members have been identified in a number of lower species, the functional properties of these proteins are unknown. There are five SLC12 homologues in Drosophila melanogaster , including at least one member on each of the four main branches of the vertebrate phylogenetic tree. We have employed in situ hybridization to study the expression patterns of the Drosophila SLC12 proteins during embryonic development. Our studies indicate that all five members of this family are expressed during early embryogenesis ( stages 1–6), but that spatial and temporal expression patterns become more refined as development proceeds. Expression during late embryogenesis was seen predominantly in the ventral nerve cord, salivary gland, gut, and anal pad. In parallel studies, we have carried out transport assays on each of the five Drosophila homologues, expressed as recombinant proteins in the cultured insect cell line High Five. Under our experimental conditions, we found that only one of these proteins, CG4357, transported the potassium congener 86Rb. Additional experiments established that rubidium transport via CG4357 was saturable ( Km = 0.29 ± 0.05 mM), sodium-dependent (half-saturation constant = 53 ± 11 mM), chloride-dependent (half-saturation constant = 48 ± 5 mM), and potently inhibited by bumetanide (inhibitor constant = 1.17 ± 0.08 μM), a specific inhibitor of Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporters. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence that CG4357 is an insect ortholog of the vertebrate Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporters.
Connexin 37 is localized in renal epithelia and responds to changes in dietary salt intake
Authors: Stoessel Adelina , Himmerkus Nina , Bleich Markus , Bachmann Sebastian , Theilig Franziska
Published: October 2009

Connexins are the main components of gap junction channels, which are important for intercellular communication. In the kidney, several members of the connexin (Cx) family have been identified. Renal vascular expression and hemodynamic impacts have so far been shown for Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43. Additionally, Cx30, Cx30.3, and Cx43 have been identified to be part of tubular epithelial gap junctions and/or hemichannels. However, the localization and role of other Cx family members in renal epithelial structures remain undetermined. We aimed to localize Cx37 in the kidney to obtain information on its epithelial expression and potential functions. Immunohistochemistry in rodent kidney showed characteristic punctate patterns in the vasculature and along the nephron. Strong basolateral expression was found in the thick ascending limb and distal convoluted tubule. Weaker abundances were found in the proximal tubule and the collecting duct also at the basolateral side. In situ hybridization and real-time PCR of isolated nephron segments confirmed this distribution at the mRNA level. Ultrastructurally, Cx37 immunostaining was confined to basolateral cell interdigitations and infoldings. As a functional approach, rats were fed low- or high-salt diets. Compared with control and high-salt diets, rats treated with low-salt diet showed significantly increased Cx37 mRNA and protein levels. This may be indicative of an adaptive tubular response to changes in sodium reabsorption. In summary, renal epithelia express Cx37 in their basolateral membranes. Here, the formation of Cx37 gap junctions may be involved in cellular communication and adjustments of vectorial epithelial transport.
Effect of Notch activation on the regenerative response to acute renal failure
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Li Shunan , Abedin Md. J. , Wang Lawrence , Schneider Eric , Najafian Behzad , Rosenberg Mark
Published: October 2009

Episodes of acute renal failure (ARF) are not always fully reversible and may lead to chronic disease, due in part to an inadequate regenerative response. The Notch signaling pathway is involved in determining cell fate during development, and tissue maintenance and repair in adult organs. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the Notch pathway in renal regeneration following ARF. Kidney injury, induced by ischemia-reperfusion, resulted in early activation of the Notch pathway, as evidenced by increased expression of Notch1 and Notch2 intracellular domain (cleaved Notch). The effect of exogenous administration of the Notch ligand Delta-like-4 (DLL4) on recovery from ARF was then studied. Rats were pretreated by intraperitoneal injection of DLL4 or vehicle control. Two days following the last DLL4 dose, ARF was induced by bilateral renal artery clamping for 45 min followed by reperfusion. The severity of renal injury was similar in DLL4 and control rats. Renal recovery was facilitated by DLL4 treatment, as evidenced by faster return of serum creatinine to baseline by 48 h in DLL4-treated rats as against 5 days in vehicle-treated control rats. Cell proliferation was higher in the DLL4-treated group. In conclusion, activation of the Notch pathway occurs following ARF. Pretreatment with the Notch ligand DLL4 enhanced recovery from ARF and represents a potential novel therapeutic option for regenerating the injured kidney.
Accelerated senescence in kidneys of low-birth-weight rats after catch-up growth
Authors: Luyckx Valerie A. , Compston Catharine A. , Simmen Thomas , Mueller Thomas F.
Published: October 2009

Epidemiological studies show a strong association between low birth weight and hypertension, renal, and cardiovascular disease, especially after catch-up growth. Senescence is an important contributor to the progression of chronic disease. Developmentally programmed premature senescence may be a link among low birth weight, catch-up growth, and adult disease. Low birth weight was induced by feeding pregnant rats a low-protein diet from day 12 of gestation to 10 days postdelivery. Low- and normal-birth-weight male offspring were weaned onto regular or high-calorie diets to enhance catch-up growth. Kidneys and hearts of offspring were analyzed for RNA and protein markers of stress-induced senescence (p16, p21, p53, Rb). Markers of mitochondrial stress (p66Shc) and activation of endoplasmic reticulum protein secretion (Ero1α) were analyzed as regulators of reactive oxygen species generation. Reactive oxygen species are known to be associated with premature aging. Senescence markers were not different in low- or normal-birth-weight kidneys at birth. During rapid catch-up growth, p16 and p21 increased significantly in low-birth-weight kidneys and hearts ( P < 0.01). Renal p16 levels increased progressively and were significantly higher in low-birth-weight kidneys at 3 and 6 mo ( P ≤ 0.02). Renal p66Shc and Ero1α were significantly higher in low- compared with normal- birth-weight kidneys at 6 mo, suggesting reactive oxygen species generation ( P ≤ 0.03). Low-birth-weight rats exhibit accelerated senescence in kidneys and hearts after rapid catch-up growth, a likely important link between early growth and subsequent hypertension, renal, and cardiovascular disease.
Secretory Leukoprotease Inhibitor: A Native Antimicrobial Protein in the Innate Immune Response in a Rat Model ofS. aureusKeratitis
Authors: Reviglio Victor E. , Grenat Andres , Pegoraro Federico , Sambuelli Ruben H. , Rana Tayyib , Kuo Irene C.
Published: October 2009

Purpose. To describe the presence of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a cationic peptide with antimicrobial and antiprotease activity in the innate immune reaction in a rat model ofStaphylococcus aureuskeratitis.Methods. Forty female Lewis rats were divided into 2 groups: the infectious keratitis and the epithelial defect groups. Eyes were processed for immunohistochemical studies for SLPI, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase-8.Results. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed high levels of SLPI, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 expression in eyes withS. aureuskeratitis and with epithelial defects, in contrast to undetectable SLPI expression in the normal control corneas.Conclusions. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to demonstrate the presence of SLPI with increased amounts of proinflammatory cytokines in inflamed and infected corneas.
A Strong Convergence Theorem for a Family of Quasi-"Equation missing" -Nonexpansive Mappings in a Banach Space
Authors: Zhou Haiyun , Gao Xinghui
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified hybrid projection algorithm and prove a strong convergence theorem for a family of quasi-"Equation missing"-nonexpansive mappings. The strong convergence theorem is proven in the more general reflexive, strictly convex, and smooth Banach spaces with the property (K). The results of this paper improve and extend the results of S. Matsushita and W. Takahashi (2005), X. L. Qin and Y. F. Su (2007), and others.
Automation of cDNA Synthesis and Labelling Improves Reproducibility
Authors: Klevebring Daniel , Gry Marcus , Lindberg Johan , Eidefors Anna , Lundeberg Joakim
Published: October 2009

Background. Several technologies, such as in‐depth sequencing and microarrays, enable large‐scale interrogation of genomes and transcriptomes. In this study, we asses reproducibility and throughput by moving all laboratory procedures to a robotic workstation, capable of handling superparamagnetic beads. Here, we describe a fully automated procedure for cDNA synthesis and labelling for microarrays, where the purification steps prior to and after labelling are based on precipitation of DNA on carboxylic acid‐coated paramagnetic beads. Results. The fully automated procedure allows for samples arrayed on a microtiter plate to be processed in parallel without manual intervention and ensuring high reproducibility. We compare our results to a manual sample preparation procedure and, in addition, use a comprehensive reference dataset to show that the protocol described performs better than similar manual procedures. Conclusions. We demonstrate, in an automated gene expression microarray experiment, a reduced variance between replicates, resulting in an increase in the statistical power to detect differentially expressed genes, thus allowing smaller differences between samples to be identified. This protocol can with minor modifications be used to create cDNA libraries for other applications such as in‐depth analysis using next‐generation sequencing technologies.
Generalization of Okamoto′s Equation to Arbitrary 2 × 2 Schlesinger System
Authors: Korotkin Dmitry , Samtleben Henning
Published: October 2009

The 2 × 2
Schlesinger system for the case of four regular singularities is equivalent to the Painlevé VI equation. The Painlevé VI equation can in turn be rewritten in the symmetric form of Okamoto′s equation; the dependent variable in Okamoto′s form of the PVI equation is the (slightly transformed) logarithmic derivative of the Jimbo‐Miwa tau‐function of the Schlesinger system. The goal of this note is twofold. First, we find a universal formulation of an arbitrary Schlesinger system with regular singularities in terms of appropriately defined Virasoro generators. Second, we find analogues of Okamoto′s equation for the case of the 2 × 2
Schlesinger system with an arbitrary number of poles. A new set of scalar equations for the logarithmic derivatives of the Jimbo‐Miwa tau‐function is derived in terms of generators of the Virasoro algebra; these generators are
expressed in terms of derivatives with respect to singularities of the Schlesinger system.
Discovery of a Symptomatic Left Anomalous Coronary Artery from the Opposite Sinus and Postoperative Considerations
Authors: Slim Ahmad , Thurlow John , Blevins Jennifer , Martinho Shaun , Markelz Brian
Published: October 2009

This is the case of an 18 year old active duty soldier with symptoms of exertional chest pressure and syncope who was found to have anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) from the right coronary cusp (RCC) traveling partially between the great vessels before taking a septal approach between the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Anomalous origin of coronary arteries is a rare condition that carries an increased risk of angina, myocardial ischemia, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Surgical treatment of such anomalies with both high and lower risk features can be challenging, and traditional benefit from surgical correction may not be achieved due to complex anatomy. As evident by our patient, this rare condition even though benign from sudden death standpoint could be debilitating despite best efforts and available resources.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Multiple Recurrences of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Holler Theresa , Theriault Jenna , Payne Richard J. , Clark Jonathan , Eski Spiro , Freeman Jeremy L.
Published: October 2009

Introduction.Patients with multiple recurrences of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) have markedly reduced overall survival when compared with those who have 1 recurrence of their disease. The purpose of this investigation is to identify prognostic factors for mortality in this subgroup.Methods.Patients with multiple recurrences of WDTC were retrospectively identified from the thyroid cancer database at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto (1963–2000). Data on patient, tumor, and recurrence characteristics were collected, and each patient was given aMACIS score.Results.A total of 31 patients were identified (11 male, 20 female; 16–83 years). Using univariate analysis, age 45, stage disease, distant metastasis, vascular invasion, MACIS score 6, and time to recurrence of 12 months were found to be significant predictors for mortality in this subgroup.Conclusions.Patients with multiple recurrences of WDTC follow a distinct clinical course, marked with multiple treatment failures and a substantial risk of mortality.
Decreased Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content Contributes to Increased Survival in Human Colon Cancer
Authors: Oraldi Manuela , Trombetta Antonella , Biasi Fiorella , Canuto Rosa A. , Maggiora Marina , Muzio Giuliana
Published: October 2009

Among diet components, some fatty acids are known to affect several stages of colon carcinogenesis, whereas others are probably helpful in preventing tumors. In light of this, our aim was to determine the composition of fatty acids and the possible correlation with apoptosis in human colon carcinoma specimens at different Duke's stages and to evaluate the effect of enriching human colon cancer cell line with the possible reduced fatty acid(s). Specimens of carcinoma were compared with the corresponding non-neoplastic mucosa: a significant decrease of arachidonic acid, PPARα, Bad, and Bax and a significant increase of COX-2, Bcl-2, and pBad were found. The importance of arachidonic acid in apoptosis was demonstrated by enriching a Caco-2 cell line with this fatty acid. It induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner via induction of PPARαthat, in turn, decreased COX-2. In conclusion, the reduced content of arachidonic acid is likely related to carcinogenic process decreasing the susceptibility of cancer cells to apoptosis.
Extensional Seismogenic Stress and Tectonic Movement on the Central Region of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Jiren , Zhao Zhixin
Published: October 2009

Various earthquake fault types, mechanism solutions and stress fields, as well as GPS and geothermal data are analyzed for the study of the crustal movements on the Tibetan plateau and their tectonic implications. The results show that a lot of the normal faulting type-event concentrated at altitudes greater than 4000 m on the central Tibetan plateau. The altitudes concentrating normal faulting type-events can be zoned two parts: the western part, the Lhasa block, and the eastern part, the Qiangtang-Changdu region. The azimuths of T-axes are in a general E-W direction in the Lhasa block and NW-SE or NNW-SSE in the Qiangtang-Changdu region at the altitudes of the Tibetan plateau. The tensional stresses in E-W direction and NW-SE direction predominate normal faulting earthquake occurrence in the Lhasa block and the Qiangtang-Changdu region, respectively. The slipping displacements of the normal-faulting-type events have great components in near E-W direction and NW-SE direction in the Lhasa block and the Qiangtang-Changdu region, respectively. The extensions are probably an eastward or southeastward extensional motion, being mainly tectonic activity phenomena in the plateau altitudes. The extensional motions due to normal-fault earthquakes are important tectonic activity regimes on the high altitudes of the plateau. The easterly crustal extensions on the plateau are attributable to the gravitational collapse of the high plateau and eastward extrusion of hotter mantle materials beneath the eastern boundary of the plateau. Numbers of thrust-fault and strike-slip-fault earthquakes with strong compressive stress in a general NNE-SSW direction occur on the edges of the plateau.
Acute Abdomen: A Rare Presentation of Lung Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Guérin E. , Gilbert O. , Dequanter D.
Published: October 2009

Surgical emergencies caused by bowel metastases from carcinoma of the lung are very rare. We describe two cases of symptomatic gastrointestinal metastatic small cell carcinoma: the first one concerns a 69-year-old man with an acute abdomen and the second is a 72-year-old man complaining of a gastric ulcer symptoms. We also discuss the current management and the prognosis of these patients.
Umbanda and Hybridity
Authors: Engler Steven
Published: October 2009

Scholars of religion continue to talk of syncretism where their colleagues have moved on to talk of hybridity. This paper reviews critiques of the latter concept and argues that “hybridity” can be a useful concept, but only if further specified. I follow Peter Wade in distinguishing between hybridity of origin (the combination of pre-existing forms), and hybridity of encounter (the result of diasporic movements). I propose a third type, hybridity of refraction, in order to highlight the manner in which religious or cultural phenomena refract social tensions within a specific nation or society, resulting in a spectrum of ritual, doctrinal and/or religious forms. The typology is not meant to be complete or mutually exclusive: it suggests the value of adopting distinct, potentially overlapping, perspectives on hybridization. I illustrate the heuristic value of this approach with the case of Umbanda, a twentieth-century Brazilian religion.
Evil and the Experience of Freedom: Nancy on Schelling and Heidegger
Authors: Roney Patrick
Published: October 2009

This essay examines Jean-Luc Nancy's re-posing of the question of freedom in The Experience of Freedom in relation to three issues—what he calls the “thought of freedom,” the reality of evil, and the closure of metaphysics. All three elements that he discusses point directly to Heidegger's engagement with Friedrich Schelling's attempt to establish a system of freedom. My intervention into the discussion between these three thinkers will address several issues. The first part draws out the implications of Nancy's argument that the thought of freedom, not the question of being as Heidegger would have it, is the ultimate matter for thinking that arises at the end of metaphysics. This in turn has important implications for Nancy's understanding of evil. The next part confronts and criticizes Nancy's contention that there is an “ontodicy” in Heidegger's thought that lends a certain justification to evil. The final part aims to show how Heidegger's engagement with Schelling and the reality of evil has to be understood within the context of the question concerning technology. This leads to a second confrontation with Nancy, who proposes a quite different interpretation of technology according to his own ontology, which he calls “being singular plural,” which amounts in effect to a liberation of technology from the being-question.
Transversality and the Philosophical Politics of Multiculturalism in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Jung Hwa Yol
Published: October 2009

This essay advances the concept of transversality by drawing philosophical insights from Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Calvin O. Schrag, and the Martinicuan francophone Edouard Glissant. By so doing, it begins with a critique of the notion of universality in modern Western philosophy. It targets Hegel—the modernist incarnate—in particular, who had a dark view of the non-Western world. His overarching Eurocentric universality is founded on the fallacious premise that what is particular in the West is universalized or universalizable, whereas what is particular in the non-West remains particular forever. As Glissant puts it succinctly, however, thinking about “One” is not thinking about “All” or “Many.” Eurocentric universality is outmoded and thus has no place in the globalization of the multicultural world. It simply ignores the reality of interlacing of multiple life-worlds. The concept of transversality, which is symbolized in the Maitreyan Middle Way, is proposed to replace universality, which tends to be nothing but the philosophical expression of a particular socio-cultural life-world. It not only reduces ethnocentric ignorance but also fosters a hybridity that in fact dissolves the binary opposition between particularism and universalism. In short, transversality is conceived of as a new paradigm in philosophical conceptualization or world philosophy. What is traditionally called “comparative philosophy” is not just a neglected branch of philosophy, but it is poised to transform radically the very conception of philosophy itself.
Did Tertullian Possess a Greek Copy or Latin Translation of Marcion's Gospel?
Authors: Roth Dieter
Published: October 2009

In his significant work on Marcion, Adolf von Harnack was the first to advance the view that Tertullian employed a Latin translation of Marcion's Euangelion when writing Adversus Marcionem. This view was quickly embraced and subsequently accepted by numerous scholars throughout the twentieth century. However, several scholars, most recently those focusing on Marcion's Apostolikon, have argued against the various attempts to advance Harnack's view. In particular, Ulrich Schmid's recent study of both the similarities and differences of the vocabulary of Tertullian's citations from his own and the Marcionite scriptures demonstrated that it is much more probable that Tertullian was translating Marcion's text ad hoc from a Greek copy of Marcion's Apostolikon. This article undertakes a similar examination of the vocabulary in Marcion's Gospel, which reveals that it in all likelihood Tertullian was working from a Greek copy, and not a Latin translation, of this text as well.
Identity: The Indigent and the Wealthy in the Homilies of John Chrysostom
Authors: Sitzler Silke
Published: October 2009

In this article, identity theory is applied to a selection of John Chrysostom's homilies in order to investigate the identities being created, negotiated and modified in his commentary on the 'poor'. It is proposed that his discourse on the poor and almsgiving seeks overwhelmingly to negotiate identities for the wealthy within his Christian community, rather than for the poor. These identities are considered through Chrysostom's use of imagery, his commentary on behaviour, and his emphasis on the benefits provided both by the poor and almsgiving. Furthermore, it is argued that in these homilies Chrysostom sought to mediate Christian identities for the wealthy that complemented rather than opposed those operating in the wider non-Christian, Greco-Roman world.
Parables, Storytelling, and Teacher Education
Authors: Bullough Robert V.
Published: October 2009

Arguing that teacher education has become rule bound, even in the use of teaching narratives and cases, and for the need to challenge beginning teachers’ conceptions of teaching and learning, the author suggests parables as promising means for enlivening teacher education and for stretching understanding. After defining parable, the author presents an analysis of three examples— The Storm, The Sower, and The Fish and the Turtle—to illustrate some of the rich interpretative possibilities they offer for thinking critically and imaginatively about teaching and learning and for generating fresh educational metaphors useful for guiding thought and action.
Acting on Beliefs in Teacher Education for Cultural Diversity
Authors: Gay Geneva
Published: October 2009

This discussion focuses on an aspect of teacher education for diversity that is frequently mentioned but not developed in sufficient detail. It is preservice teachers’ and teacher educators’ attitudes and beliefs about racial, cultural, and ethnic differences.These are the ideological anchors of teaching decisions and behaviors and meet Cuban’s criteria of deep structures and second-order targets of educational reform.
Normalised spectrum for flow-generated noise prediction using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Mak CM , Au KC
Published: October 2009

Flow-generated noise from in-duct strip spoilers was radiated from an open exhaust termination unit into a 70 m3 reverberation chamber and have been measured in 1/3 octave bands using sound power spectra. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package was adopted to model the strip spoilers in the air duct. Based on the results of CFD simulation of relevant configurations, the technique of Mak and Au and Mak and Oldham was adopted to normalise the experimental data. A normalised spectrum has been produced for predicting the sound power level of flow-noise produced by the strip spoilers in a rectangular air duct. The data collapse for the strip spoilers is generally good at higher Strouhal numbers, but is less efficient at lower Strouhal numbers where considerable scatter is observed. Together with the normalised spectrum, the predictive equations of Mak and his co-investigators can be used to predict the flow-generated noise produced by in-duct strip spoilers in a ventilation system at design stage using CFD.

Practical application: Together with the normalised spectrum, the predictive equations of Mak and his co-investigators can be used to predict the flow-generated noise produced by in-duct strip spoilers in a ventilation system at design stage using CFD.
The Impact of AIDS on Intergenerational Support in South Africa: Evidence From the Cape Area Panel Study
Authors: Ardington Cally , Case Anne , Islam Mahnaz , Lam David , Leibbrandt Murray , Menendez Alicia , Olgiati Analia
Published: October 2009

This study uses panel data from Cape Town to document the role played by aging parents in caring for grandchildren who lose parents due to illnesses such as AIDS. The authors quantify the probabilities that older adults and their adult children provide financial support to orphaned grandchildren. The authors find significant transfers of public and private funds to older adults caring for orphans. Perhaps because of these transfers the authors find no differences in expenditure patterns between households with orphans and other older adult households. They also find no impact of either the death of a child or taking in orphaned grandchildren on adult well-being as measured by ability to work, depression, or self-reported health. Findings suggest that the combined public and private safety net in South Africa mitigates many of the consequences older adults could suffer when an adult child dies and leaves behind grandchildren needing care.
Family Structure, Family Processes, and Well-Being Among Asian Americans: Considering Gender and Nativity
Authors: Walton Emily , Takeuchi David T.
Published: October 2009

This article examines how facets of family structure and processes are linked to self-rated health and psychological distress in a national sample of Asian Americans. The authors find little support for well-established theories predicting the effects of family structure. Marital status does not affect self-rated health and has limited effects on psychological distress. The only effects of family composition are evident among men and the U.S.-born, where the presence of extended family in the home is related to lower levels of psychological distress. The authors find important gender and nativity differences in the effects of family cohesion, which protect the physical and psychological well-being of women and the U.S.-born but not men or foreign-born individuals. Findings suggest that the effects of family structure and processes on well-being are not universal. Family studies among Asian Americans that do not account for gender and nativity differences may be overlooking underlying complexity.
Power, Resistance, and Emotional Economies in Women’s Relationships With Mothers-in-Law in Chinese Immigrant Families
Authors: Shih Kristy Y. , Pyke Karen
Published: October 2009

This interview study interrogates how cultural values of filial piety inform Chinese American daughters-in-law’s understanding of their relationship and power dynamics with immigrant Chinese American mothers-in-law. Ideals of filial respect accord limited authority to mothers-in-law, who engage other mechanisms of power, such as their domestic expertise. Using the concept of emotional economies, this study finds that this strategy works when daughters-in-law feel gratitude for their mother-in-law’s domestic expertise and child care but not when they resent it as intrusive or unnecessary. Mothers report more conflicts with their mothers-in-law than do childless respondents, and often strike “patriarchal bargains” by enlisting husbands to mediate conflicts on their behalf. Many respondents covertly resist by feigning compliance in the presence of their mother-in-law but disobeying in her absence. These findings suggest scholars should not assume Asian cultural ideals dictate actual family practices or that ritualistic displays of deference indicate powerlessness.
Maternal Influences on Asian American—Pacific Islander Adolescents’ Perceived Maternal Sexual Expectations and Their Sexual Initiation
Authors: Kao Tsui-Sui Annie , Loveland-Cherry Carol , Guthrie Barbara
Published: October 2009

Maternal influences on adolescents’ sexual initiation have been examined over two time points in 433 Asian American—Pacific Islander (AAPI) adolescents in a secondary analysis of the Add Health data set using structural equation modeling. A longitudinal model built on a preliminary qualitative study is used to examine the fit between data and model. Maternal perceived connectedness and adolescents’ perceived maternal sexual expectations in sexual timing are found to be protective for delaying AAPI adolescents’ sexual initiation. Unexpectedly, mothers’ perceptions of sexual discussion are not protective for delaying adolescents’ sexual initiation. The results suggest interventions should focus on promoting AAPI mothers’ perceptions of connectedness with their adolescents and adolescents’ perceptions of their mothers’ sexual expectations (as measured by adolescents’ perceived maternal disapproval attitudes and affects) in delaying sexual initiation.
Erosive Wear Modeling of Polymeric Composite Materials
Authors: Hebbar A. , Ouinas D. , Lousdad A. , Bachir Bouiadjra B.
Published: October 2009

To study the behavior of composite materials to erosive wear, we have carried out bench tests simulating the erosive wear according to ASTM D 673 standard. The principle consists in impacting composite specimens by an abrasive water jet containing sand particles, taking into account several parameters affecting the erosive wear. The first material consisting of thermoplastic matrix reinforced with E-glass fiber and the second with 8H Satin carbon fiber where as the thermoset matrix material was reinforced with 2/2 Twill glass fiber. Influential parameters such as composite hardness, abrasive particle size, speed, and impact angle were taken into account. During the experimental study, only the most influential parameters have been taken into account such as: hardness of the composite materials, abrasive size, abrasive particle speed, and angle of impact. Applying Design of experiment (DOE) strategy with experimental planning, a mathematical model was obtained describing the wear of these materials as a function of the most influential parameters led to the following results: Wear is maximum when the angle of incidence of the jet is normal to the specimen surfaces; wear is minimum when the angle of incidence of the jet is (α = 30°); mass loss is proportional to abrasive particle size and speed and inversely proportional to composite hardness.
AC Electrical Characterization of Epoxy/Whiskers Composites Coated with Titanium Nitride
Authors: Elimat Z.M. , Saqan S.A. , Zihlif A.M. , Ragosta G.
Published: October 2009

This article deals with the AC electrical characterization of epoxy reinforced with neat silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers and SiC whiskers coated with titanium nitride. The AC electrical characterization was studied as a function of frequency in the range from 100 kHz to 1.2 MHz, temperature in the range from 20°C to 110°C. It was found that AC electrical conductivity increases with reinforcements, temperature, and frequency. Some AC electrical characterization of SiC whiskers composites as dielectric constants, activation energy, and relaxation time were determined. The observed enhancement in AC conductivity is attributed to increase in the number of conduction paths created by the whiskers contacts in the epoxy matrix gives higher electrical conductivity. It was found that the coated whiskers enhanced AC conductivity better than the uncoated. The universal power-law model of AC conductivity is observed for composites. The calculated Power exponent (about unity) is physically acceptable within this applied model.
Tribological Performance of 3D Braided Glass Fibers Reinforced Light-curing Dimethacrylate Resin Composites
Authors: Fang He  , Yizao Wan  , Huang Yuan  , Fugang Zhou  , Yulin Wang
Published: October 2009

3D braided glass fiber reinforced visible-light-cured resin composites (denoted as G3D/EEPE) were prepared by impregnation plus light-cured technique, and their tribological properties were studied in this work. It was found that the coefficient of friction and the specific wear rate of the G3D/EEPE composites decreased with increasing Vf. Beyond a Vf of 32%, however, a slight increase in the specific wear rate of the G3D/EEPE composites was found. The decreased friction coefficient and increased specific wear rate were observed in the G 3D/EEPE composites with increasing normal load regardless of velocity. The silane coupling treatment effectively improved the wear resistance of the G3D/EEPE composites. Though the G3D/EEPE composites showed lower friction coefficient and specific wear rate at lubricated condition than at dry contact, the similar adhesive wear mechanism was observed under two conditions.
State Capacity, Local Fiscal Autonomy, and Urban—Rural Income Disparity in China
Authors: Ran Tao  , Kaizhong Yang  , Mingxing Liu
Published: October 2009

Continued urban—rural income disparity poses a serious policy challenge in China’s economic transition. As the Chinese economy booms and the state’s fiscal capacity grows, there should be a corresponding increase in the center’s capacity to redress urban—rural inequality. However, it seems that the stronger state extractive capacity since the mid-1990s has not translated into better urban—rural disparity outcomes. Based on a panel data set covering 270 prefectures in China between 1994 and 2003, the article evaluates the impact of local fiscal spending on urban—rural income disparity. Findings reveal a strong urban bias in China’s local fiscal system under an increasingly centralized fiscal system. The centralized fiscal model has in fact reinforced this tendency and ironically weakened the capacity of the central state in achieving the policy goal of reducing the urban—rural divide.
Value Formation of Basic Anthropological Connectivities
Authors: Bertelsen Preben
Published: October 2009

Human beings live and thrive in surroundings based on the human condition of certain basic anthropological connectivities. Amongst the vital political life, tasks can be mentioned establishing, maintaining and critically/ conformably developing these basic conditions and their political value formations. In this regard, the interdisciplinary contribution of psychology is to explore how humans as active participants can and will participate in handling such value tasks. The article presents a general, theoretical, political-psychological model, which unites precisely these two aspects: the political value formations of the basic anthropological conditions in human life, and the capability and will to participate in solving the subsequent value tasks.
The Epistemic Benefits of Reason Giving
Authors: Bortolotti Lisa
Published: October 2009

There is an apparent tension in current accounts of the relationship between reason giving and self-knowledge. Philosophers like Richard Moran (2001) claim that deliberation and justification can give rise to first-person authority over the attitudes that subjects form or defend on the basis of what they take to be their best reasons. On the other hand, the psychological evidence on introspection effects and the literature on elusive reasons suggest that engaging in explicit deliberation or justification leads subjects to report attitudes that are not consistent with their previous attitudes or with their future behavior. On the basis of these findings, Tim Wilson (2002) argues that analyzing reasons compromises self-knowledge. I shall defend a realistic account of the effects of reason giving which is compatible with the empirical findings on introspection and also with the claim that deliberation and justification have epistemic benefits.
The Physics and Chemistry of Personality
Authors: McCrae Robert R.
Published: October 2009

Physics and chemistry, two basic natural sciences, are today seamlessly integrated, but for much of their history they were separate enterprises with distinct methods and goals. Physicists have consistently sought simplicity and mathematical rigor, whereas chemists seem to have been fascinated by the challenges of complexity. Parallels between these two sciences and the two major branches of contemporary personality psychology are described in an attempt to put in perspective the daunting enterprise of constructing a unified science of human nature.
Structural Damage Detection by Changes in Natural Frequencies
Authors: Zhichun Yang  , Le Wang
Published: October 2009

Based on the new conception of natural frequency vector (NFV) and natural frequency vector assurance criterion (NFVAC), a new damage detection method using the natural frequencies as damage feature is described in detail. For a specific structure, a series of damage states can be simulated based on the finite element model of the intact structure. Then, the NFVs of these damaged structures can be calculated and used to build the damage feature database of the structure. At last, the NFVAC, which is defined by the relationship of NFVs in the damage feature database and the NFV measured on the actual structure are used as damage index. An 8-story shear frame model is adopted as an example to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. Both numerical simulations and model experiments for damage detection are performed, the results of damage detection for several damage cases demonstrate that using NFVAC as damage index, the damage location can be identified correctly and the damage extents can be estimated as well.
Prolonging the Global Age of Gentrification: Johannesburg’s Regeneration Policies
Authors: Winkler Tanja
Published: October 2009

New Urban Policy and New Conventional Wisdom are not restricted to cities of the global North, but are being imported by municipalities of the global South as ‘world class’ enabling precedents. Johannesburg may be added to the growing number of cities that are adopting economic competitiveness, responsive governance, social cohesion, and social mix strategies to facilitate urban regeneration, so that free-market economic strategies rather than social policies may act as catalysts for change. However, such strategies may lead to the social and spatial exclusion of poor inner city residents and not to a Just City conceptualization for urban planning.
A Critique of the Prevailing Comprehensive Urban Planning Paradigm in Iran: the Need for Strategic Planning
Authors: Farhoodi Rahmatoallah , Gharakhlou-N Mehdi , Ghadami Mostafa , Musa Panahandeh Khah
Published: October 2009

The comprehensive urban planning model has been used in Iran for 50 years. It was developed in Europe and North America and has been subject to much criticism and subsequently replaced by new more efficient models such as strategic planning. However, in Third World countries generally, and in Iran in particular, it has remained the hegemonic discourse in urban development. This article assesses comprehensive urban planning in Iranian cities from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. The study concludes that the Comprehensive Planning paradigm has failed to resolve urban development dilemmas in Iranian cities and emphasizes the need for strategic planning.
Unilateral Lower Limb Paralysis After Aortobifemoral Bypass Graft for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Deylgat Bert , Wallaert Paul , De Smul Gunther , Van Lysebeth Luc , Ceuppens Herman
Published: October 2009

An 81-year-old man underwent an aortobifemoral bypass graft because of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. His postoperative recovery was complicated by unilateral lower limb paralysis caused by perioperative ischemia of the lumbosacral plexus. Ischemic lumbosacral plexopathy is an uncommon complication after infrarenal aortic surgery with serious morbidity. Despite a good surgical technique and knowledge of the vascularization of the spinal cord, its occurrence remains unpredictable.