bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The control of sirex wood wasp using biological control agents in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Collett N. G. , Elms S.
Published: March 2009

1 The sirex woodwasp, Sirex noctilio has been a significant pest of radiata pine plantations in Victoria since 1961. Outbreaks are usually associated with susceptible trees being under some form of stress including the effects of drought and overcrowding.

2 This paper reviews the spread of sirex and the history and efficacy of biological control programmes implemented against sirex in Victoria from 1970 to 2006.

3 Of the numerous biological control agents released, the most effective in managing sirex have been the nematode Beddingia siricidicola and the parasitic wasp Ibalia leucospoides. Several other parasitic wasps such as Schlettererius cinctipes and Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni have also established but provide only minimal control.

4 While rates of I. leucospoides parasitism have improved over time, it is unlikely that this improvement will continue substantially past current levels.

5 In recent years, issues have arisen regarding a decline in the infectivity of B. siricidicola necessitating a re‐evaluation of strategies and development of techniques to overcome this problem.

6 Ongoing research using Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) testing is underway to accurately determine nematode strains and associated infectivity present in plantations in the field in order to develop management strategies to re‐introduce more effective strains.
Two‐year audit of computed tomographic colonography in a teaching hospital: are we meeting the standard?
Authors: Grant L. A. , Griffin N. , Shaw A.
Published: March 2009

Objective  We aimed to determine whether adopting the published recommendations has led to successful implementation of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in a teaching hospital setting outside the context of a clinical trial.

Method  An audit of all the CTC examinations between April 2005 and June 2007 was conducted to determine the following: adequacy of bowel preparation, CTC indications and findings (compared with available colonoscopy), complications and experience of reporting radiologist.

Results  The most common indications for the 111 CTC patients reviewed included exclusion of synchronous colonic tumours, incomplete colonoscopy and altered bowel habit. Only 16% of ascending colon/caecal segments was clear of faecal or fluid contamination. The rectum and sigmoid colon were free of contamination in 78% and 74% of cases respectively. Appropriately trained radiologists reported 91% of studies. Thirty‐two percent of studies were normal. The most common positive findings were diverticular disease or a rectal tumour. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were 89%, 94% and 90% respectively (all polyps) with a sensitivity of 98.5% for lesions > 5 mm in size. Twenty‐five percent of patients had extra colonic abnormalities. There were no recorded complications.

Conclusion  Our CTC practice is within accepted published guidelines. Bowel preparation is suboptimal in a significant proportion of cases and faecal tagging is being implemented.
Comparing two types of botulinum‐A toxin detrusor injections in patients with severe neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a case‐control study
Authors: Grosse Joachim , Kramer Guus , Jakse Gerhard
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of two types of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A; DysportTM, Ipsen Ltd, Slough, UK) or BotoxTM (Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) and examine the possible dose‐effect relation for Dysport in those patients, as multifocal detrusor injections with BTX‐A are effective for severe neurogenic detrusor overactivity in adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was an open‐label, observational case‐control study comparing Dysport and Botox, and the dose‐effect relation for Dysport. The patients included were treated with either Dysport (cases; 500, 750, or 1000 IU), or with Botox (controls: 300 IU, and exceptionally 200 or 400 IU). The continence volume (primary), mean and maximum catheterized volume, and antimuscarinic use were assessed, and cystometric variables measured were overactivity volume (primary), detrusor compliance, and cystometric capacity. All variables were assessed at baseline, 3 and 9 months after treatment, and results analysed using analysis of variance (paired) t‐tests, chi‐square tests and regression analysis.

RESULTS

There were 28 cases and 28 matched controls; their demographic characteristics, bladder management, and baseline values were comparable between the groups. At 3 months there was a significant improvement in cystometric variables and continence volume in both groups, but in mean catheterized volume and reduced use of antimuscarinics in cases only. At 9 months there was no significant improvement over baseline except for the continence volume in the cases. There were no significant differences in results between the groups except for the continence volume at 3 months (459 mL after Dysport and 396 mL after Botox; P = 0.015). There was no dose‐related response for Dysport at 3.8 months of follow‐up. The interval between injections (9.5, 14.5 and 16.1 months for Dysport 500, 750, and 1000 IU; 10.1 months for Botox) was not significant. There were nine non‐responders in the Dysport group and seven in the Botox group; the patient characteristics and baseline data were comparable to those of the responders. There was transient hypoasthenia in one of the responders (750 IU Dysport).

CONCLUSIONS

A single treatment session with either Dysport or Botox in a setting combined with antimuscarinics might improve the patient’s condition for up to a year. There was no clear dose‐related effect for Dysport in adults.
NOTES TOWARD A SCIENCE OF VALUE +
Authors: ECKHARDT WILLIAM
Published: March 2009

In the two articles that follow, William Eckhardt's “Notes Toward a Science of Value” and Hanna Newcombe's “Venn Diagrams of Value: Peace, Justice, Freedom, Love”, the authors examine the dimensions of value systems that would inform a more peaceful society. Such discussion is a basic theoretical question for this journal and it would welcome additional articles on this subject.
REVIEW ESSAY: “Henry A. Wallace and the Agony of American Liberalism: A Political Pariah in the Cold War.”*
Authors: Bernstein Barton J.
Published: March 2009

I am not sure he /Wallace/ is as fundamentally sound intellectually as I had thought./He/ is a pacifist 100 per cent. He wants us to disband our armed forces, give Russia our atomic secrets and trust a bunch of adventurers in the Kremlin Politbureau. I do not understand a “dreamer” like that The Reds, phonies and “parlor pinks” seem to be banded together and are becoming a national danger.

I am afraid they are a sabotage front for Uncle Joe Stalin. They can see no wrong in Russia's four and one‐half million armed force, in Russia's loot of Poland, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Manchuria.1 Harry S. Truman, Sept. 19, 1946
MASS SOCIETY AND THE BOMB
Authors: Smith R. Allen
Published: March 2009

The accepted division of the pacifist‐dominated antinuclear movement in the late 1950s into radical pacifism, nuclear pacifism, and traditional pacifism rests primarily on an analysis of the different tactics that each group employed against the bomb. Yet pacifists never confined themselves to foreign and nuclear policy. Only by examining a broader intellectual context can certain pacifist ideas, as well as intrapacifist political disputes, be fully understood. In fact, different views of mass societyndashone of the most debated concepts in postwar intellectual circlesndashunderlay the different tactical choices. Pacifists concerned themselves with the bomb not only because of possible nuclear devastation but also because the weapon symbolized the power of mass society to annihilate an individual's destiny. They thus both responded to a threat to peace and fostered a broader discourse concerning the nature of American society.
ANALYZING CONFLICT AND VIOLENCE
Authors: Kent George
Published: March 2009

This study offers a conceptual framework for the analysis of concrete conflicts and also the violence that can result from conflicts. A conflict situation is the background setting in a particular time and place in which the important parties, issues, and possible outcomes are embedded. A party is an individual, entity, organization, or agency of some sort that has a distinct set of preferences relating to the possible outcomes of a situation. Preferences are indications of the choices a party would make among the possible outcomes of a situation. Parties generally have some capacities, which are resources or powers they can use to assure that their preferences are fulfilled. Conflict is an incompatibility of preferences in a situation with several different possible outcomes. There are two basic kinds of conflict: dilemmas, or internal conflicts, are cases in which one party has difficulty making a choice; and disputes, or social conflicts, occur where there are two (or more) parties, and their preferences are incompatible. Thus the bask architecture of social conflicts is made up of a few basic elements: in a situation there are different parties with certain capacities to pursue their preferences with regard to a variety of issues, and their preferences are incompatible. Violence means doing harm to others in the pursuit of one's own preferences. Peace is the absence of violence, negative peace is the absence of physical violence, and positive peace is the absence of all kinds of violencendashphysical, economic, political, and cultural. It can be useful for conflicting parties to analyze their conflict themselves. With systematic conflict analysis through interactive procedures, the representation of the conflict is not introduced by outsiders but is built up, step by step, by the conflicting parties. Repeated reconstruction of conflict descriptions carried out jointly by the parties can be an important tool of conflict resolution.
THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Authors: Jackson William D.
Published: March 2009

This essay examines the problems of characterizing the environment or “space” in which international relations take place in the late twentieth century. Varied usages and problematic aspects of the concepts of world community and world society are considered It is concluded that social science has yet to develop standard and precise conceptual tools for describing the international space. The importance of studying changes in patterns of discourse and perception of the international context is argued.
GENDERING CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Authors: Berg Ellen Ziskind
Published: March 2009

Feminhm has focused our aittention on gender coflicts; but paradoxically, it has long embraced the ideal of an egalitarian and peaceful social onder. Three theories are plumbed for their contributions to this ideal: the social construction perpective, the theory of gender differences, and the theoretical dmmand for epistemological revision. Among those theorists given sustained attention are Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, Gerda Lerner Carol Gilligan, and Susan Griffin. The relevance of numerous feminist ideas to other areas of conflict resolution is noied.
REVOLUTIONARY PACIFISM AND WAR RESISTANCE Jessie Wallace Hughan's “War against War”
Authors: Early Frances H.
Published: March 2009

This article discusses the antiwar work and pacifist writings of the founder of the War Resisters League. Jessie Wallace Hugh. The intertwining of the biographical and organizational narrative approach to writing history permits the author to explore the interplay of the personal and political in the life of Jessie Hughan. The author argues that Hughan played a central role in the new pacifist movement of the post‐World War I era. This view of Hughan is contextualized in terms of what scholars are now discovering about the interconnections among progressive and left‐wing politics, feminism, and pacifism in the era that spans World War I and World War II.
GERMAN PACIFIST WOMEN IN EXILE, 1933‐1945
Authors: Holl Karl
Published: March 2009

The German peace movement in general, and women's pacifism in particular, lost ground as part of the general decline of the Weimar Republic. Adolf Hitler's seizure of power in1933 meant the end of organized pacifism in Germany, and it exposed all activists of the peace movement‐men and women alike‐to physical threats. Many women pacifists went into exile including Anita Augspurg, Lida Gustavo Heymann, Helene Stöcker, Elsbeth Bruck, Constanze Hallgarten, and Gertrud Baer. This article briefly examines the experience of such exiles.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Empowerment and Disempowerment
Authors: Bendaña Alejandro
Published: March 2009

From the standpoint of the left, the field of conflict resolution can no longer be summarily dismissed, nor can it be uncritically appropriated into theory and practice. It must be given its due place between the abandonment of socialist ideals and perspectives on the one hand and a stifling, dogmatic clinging to past certainties on the other. Conflict resolution has its place in the theoretical revision of socialist thought and in the debate over shifting modes of struggle as witnessed by the recourse to civic, electoral engagement in South Africa, El Salvador, and elsewhere.
READING McNAMARA: VIETNAM AND KENT STATE
Authors: Gitlin Todd
Published: March 2009

The Vietnam War followed from systematic misconceptions about American innocence. The movement against the war has been misconstrued as strictly self‐interested when, in fact, it was largely patriotic. The killings at Kent State in May 1970 prompted the most widespread demonstrations against the war of that era—as well as severe polarization in American society. The antiwar movement succeeded in limiting U.S. military operations and breathed new life into democracy. Robert S. McNamara's account of the war fails to strike deeply enough at the assumptions on which the war was reared.
“THE GUERRILLERO”: ALBALUCÍA ANGEL AND THE DYNAMICS OF TERRORISM
Authors: Legge Valerie
Published: March 2009

The work of Colombian writer Albalucía Angel well illustrates the necessity for and the ability of fictional narrative to counter the hegemony of oppressive regimes. In Angel's testimonio, “The Guerrillero,” we find the compelling story of the empowerment of a marginalized villager, Felicidad Mosquera. and the transformation of silence from apathy and withdrawal to active resistance. Thus does writing become a site of revolution; the text is an alternative script for new values drawn from courage and sacrifice.
It Takes Two: The Interplay of Individual and Group Theology on Social Embeddedness
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P. , Adamczyk Amy
Published: March 2009

Prior research argues that religious homophily in social networks is a product of overlapping interests and activities unintentionally leading to relationships or the intentional seeking of relationships with people of similar religious beliefs. This article advances research on religious homophily by including the role that exclusive theological beliefs play in explaining religious homophily among friends. We lay out three propositions for individual‐, congregational‐, and cross‐level effects on the relationship between exclusive theology and embeddedness within one's congregation. Using multilevel models and data from the U.S. Congregational Life Survey (USCLS), we find support for our three propositions. We discuss our findings in terms of how exclusive theologies may contribute to bonding forms of social capital, but limit exposure to diverse social perspectives and bridging forms of social capital.
Descartes' dreams
Authors: Withers Robert
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  René Descartes is often regarded as the ‘father of modern philosophy’. He was a key figure in instigating the scientific revolution that has been so influential in shaping our modern world. He has been revered and reviled in almost equal measure for this role; on the one hand seen as liberating science from religion, on the other as splitting soul from body and man from nature. He dates the founding of his philosophical methods to the night of 10th November 1619 and in particular to three powerful dreams he had that night. This article utilizes Descartes' own interpretations of the dreams, supported by biographical material, as well as contemporary neuroscientific and psychoanalytic theory, to reach a new understanding of them. It is argued that the dreams can be understood as depicting Descartes' personal journey from a state of mind‐body dissociation to one of mind‐body deintegration. This personal journey may have implications for a parallel journey from Renaissance to modern culture and from modernity to post‐modern culture.
Differences between smooth pursuit and optokinetic eye movements using limited lifetime dot stimulation: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Schraa‐Tam Caroline K. L. , Van Der Lugt Aad , Smits Marion , Frens Maarten A. , Van Broekhoven P. C. A. , Van Der Geest Josef N.
Published: March 2009

In this study, we examined possible differences in brain activation between smooth pursuit and optokinetic reflexive (OKR) eye movements using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Eighteen healthy subjects performed two different eye movement paradigms. In the first paradigm, smooth pursuit eye movements were evoked by a single moving dot. In the second paradigm, optokinetic eye movements without a foveal smooth pursuit component were evoked by a moving pattern of multiple dots with a limited lifetime. As expected, the two eye movement systems show overlapping pathways, but the direct comparison of the activation patterns between the two experiments showed that the frontal eye field, MT/V5 and cerebellar area VI appear to be more activated during smooth pursuit than during optokinetic eye movements. These results showed that the smooth pursuit and optokinetic eye movement systems can be differentiated with fMRI using limited lifetime dots as an effective OKR stimulus.
Humus Form Development during Forest Restoration in Exclosures of the Tigray Highlands, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Descheemaeker Katrien , Muys Bart , Nyssen Jan , Sauwens Wim , Haile Mitiku , Poesen Jean , Raes Dirk , Deckers Jozef
Published: March 2009

Forest restoration in protected exclosures has become a common practice to fight land degradation in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. Insights into ecosystem processes governing restoration in these formerly degraded areas are gained through the study of humus forms and factors influencing humus formation during vegetation recovery. Humus forms of 135 sample plots located in different land use types were morphologically described. The subsequent classification into six humus form types was based on principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Where areas are closed for a longer time, humus profiles are commonly more developed and higher organic matter accumulation is noticed as well as increased nutrient stocks. The combined effects of seasonal drought conditions and low fresh litter quality account for an overall slow decomposition, which explains the high importance of litter input for organic matter accumulation. Based on a correlation analysis, vegetation cover, litter production, litter quality, soil nutrient content, soil moisture, and topography were identified as important factors influencing humus formation. It is inferred that humus formation leads to improvements in soil fertility and structure, microclimate development, and soil protection and therefore forms part of the restoration processes taking place in exclosures.
Adipose tissue remodeling in lipedema: adipocyte death and concurrent regeneration
Authors: Suga Hirotaka , Araki Jun , Aoi Noriyuki , Kato Harunosuke , Higashino Takuya , Yoshimura Kotaro
Published: March 2009

Lipedema is a disease with unknown etiology presenting as bilateral and symmetric enlargement of the lower extremities due to subcutaneous deposition of the adipose tissue. Here we describe the histopathological features of the lipedema tissue and nonaffected adipose tissue obtained from a typical patient with severe lipedema. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated degenerative and regenerative changes of the lipedema tissue, characterized by crown‐like structures (necrotizing adipocytes surrounded by infiltrating CD68+ macrophages; a feature commonly seen in obese adipose tissue) and proliferation of adipose‐derived stem/progenitor/stromal cells (Ki67+CD34+ cells), respectively. These findings suggested increased adipogenesis in the lipedema tissue, which may further lead to hypoxia similar to that seen in obesity, resulting in adipocyte necrosis and macrophage recruitment. The confinement to the lower extremities and the difference from systemic obesity warrants further elucidation in future studies.
Depletion of l‐ascorbic acid alternating with its supplementation in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Park Chan H. , Kimler Bruce F. , Yi Seong Yoon , Park Se Hoon , Kim Kihyun , Jung Chul Won , Kim Sun Hee , Lee Eun Ryung , Rha Miyong , Kim Seonwoo , Park Mary H. , Lee Sook J. , Park Hye K. , Lee Mark H. , Yoon Sung Soo , Min Yoo Hong , Kim Bong Seog , Kim Jeong‐A. , Kim Won Seog
Published: March 2009

Purpose:  l‐ascorbic acid (LAA) modifies the in vitro growth of leukemic cells from ∼50% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). To test the hypothesis that depletion of LAA, alternating with supplementation to prevent scurvy, would provide therapeutic benefit, a single‐arm pilot trial was conducted (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00329498).

Experimental results:  During depletion phase, patients with refractory AML or MDS were placed on a diet deficient in LAA; during supplementation phase, patients received daily intravenous administration of LAA. An in vitro assay was performed pretherapy for LAA sensitivity of leukemic cells from individual patients.

Results:  Of 18 patients enrolled, eight of 16 evaluable patients demonstrated a clinical response. Responses were obtained during depletion (four patients) as well as during supplementation (five patients) but at a pharmacologic plasma level achievable only with intravenous administration. Of nine patients for whom the in vitro assay indicated their leukemic cells were sensitive to LAA, seven exhibited a clinical response; compared with none of six patients who were insensitive to LAA.

Conclusions:  The clinical benefit, along with a conspicuous absence of significant adverse events, suggests that further testing of LAA depletion alternating with pharmacologic dose intravenous supplementation in patients with these and other malignancies is warranted.
Fatal acute Chagas disease in a chimpanzee
Authors: Bommineni Yugendar R. , Dick Jr Edward J. , Estep J. Scot , Van de Berg John L. , Hubbard Gene B.
Published: March 2009

Background Chagas disease (CD) or American trypanosomiasis is caused by a hemoflagellate protozoan,Trypanosoma cruzi. This organism has been isolated from more than 100 mammalian species and several insect vectors demonstrating a wide host distribution and low host specificity.

Methods A 23‐year‐old male chimpanzee died acutely and a complete necropsy was performed to evaluate gross and microscopic pathologic changes. After observation of trypanosomal amastigotes in the myocardium, PCR and immunohistochemistry was employed to confirm the diagnosis ofT. cruzi.

Results Gross findings were consistent with mild congestive heart failure. Microscopic findings included multifocal myocardial necrosis associated with severe lymphocytic to mixed inflammatory infiltrates, edema, and mild chronic interstitial fibrosis. Multifocal intracytoplasmic amastigotes morphologically consistent withT. cruziwere observed in cardiac myofibers.Trypanosoma cruziwas confirmed by PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first fatal spontaneous case ofT. cruziinfection in a chimpanzee.
Shakespeare and Narrative
Authors: Meek Richard
Published: March 2009

This article explores recent critical work on Shakespeare and narrative. This is a particularly apt time for a reconsideration of this topic, not least because of current debates in Shakespeare studies regarding his status as a ‘literary’ dramatist, and a resurgence of critical interest in rhetorical and aesthetic concerns. The article argues that one can discern an ‘anti‐narrative prejudice’ among several twentieth‐century critics, particularly those who argue that Shakespeare's plays are more fully realised on the stage than on the page. Since the 1990s, however, critics have been more positive about Shakespeare's handling of narrative, and in recent years several commentators have noted his interest in ekphrasis– a term that refers to the verbal representation of visual representation, and, more broadly, to vivid narrative description that has the capacity to make us see. Far from being a kind of necessary evil, the narrative passages in Shakespeare's plays are part of a wider interest in rhetoric and the arts of language, and the ability of words to describe, depict and create pictorial effects.
Full‐length adiponectin protects hepatocytes from palmitate‐induced apoptosis via inhibition of c‐Jun NH2 terminal kinase
Authors: Jung Tae Woo , Lee Yong J. , Lee Myung W. , Kim Seon M. , Jung Tae Woo
Published: March 2009

Hepatic apoptosis is elevated in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and is correlated with the severity of the disease. Long‐chain saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate, induce apoptosis in liver cells. The present study examined adiponectin‐mediated protection against saturated fatty acid‐induced apoptosis in the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. Cells were cultured in a control media (i.e. without fatty acids) or the same media containing 250 μmol·L−1 of albumin‐bound oleate or palmitate for 24 h. The adiponectin concentrations used were: 0, 1, 10 or 100 μg·mL−1 (n = 4–6 per treatment). Palmitate and thapsigargin, but not oleate, activated caspase‐3 and decreased cell viability in the absence of adiponectin. Adiponectin reduced palmitate‐ and thapsigargin‐induced activation of caspase‐3 and cell death in a dose‐dependent manner. Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and AMP‐activated protein kinase inhibitors abolished the effects of adiponectin. Adiponectin‐induced inhibition of palmitate‐ and thapsigargin‐induced apoptosis was not the result of an augmentation in the unfolded protein response or the increased expression of genes encoding the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, inhibitor of apoptosis protein‐2 and X‐linked mammalian inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Palmitate and thapsigargin, but not oleate, increased c‐Jun NH2 terminal kinase phosphorylation in the absence of adiponectin. Adiponectin blocked palmitate‐ and thapsigargin‐induced activation of c‐Jun NH2 terminal kinase and reduced apoptosis. These data suggest that adiponectin is an important determinant of saturated fatty acid‐induced apoptosis in liver cells and may have implications for fatty acid‐mediated liver cell injury in adiponectin‐deficient individuals.
New allele name of some HLA‐DRB1*1401: HLA‐DRB1*1454
Authors: Yang K. L. , Chen M. J. , Lee S. K. , Lin C. C. , Tsai M. J. , Chiu H. M. , Jiang S. , Chao Y. C. , Chen S. P. , Lin S. , Shyr M. H. , Lin P. Y.
Published: March 2009

The primary function of MHC polymorphism is considered as the foundation of self‐defense mechanism of the host in surveillance against countless diverse invading pathogens. However, this biological function can also elicit undesirable immunological responses that jeopardize transplantations when compatibility between donors and recipients is unfavourable.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A allele, A*1131, in a Taiwanese
Authors: Chen M. J. , Chu C. C. , Shyr M. H. , Lin P. Y. , Yang K. L.
Published: March 2009

Here we report the identification and sequence analysis of a new HLA‐A11* variant, A*1131 allele, found in a Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donor. The novel A*11 variant is identical to A*1125 in exon 2 but differs from A*1125 in exon 3 by one nucleotide substitution at position 527 causing an amino acid change at codon 152 E→V (GAG→GTG). In comparison with HLA‐A*110101, allele A*1131 has three nucleotide differences in exon 3: 527 C→T, 538 C→T and 539 A→T leading to two amino acid variations at residues 152 A→V and 156 Q→L.
Autoimmune thyroid diseases: genetic susceptibility of thyroid‐specific genes and thyroid autoantigens contributions
Authors: Hadj‐Kacem H. , Rebuffat S. , Mnif‐Féki M. , Belguith‐Maalej S. , Ayadi H. , Péraldi‐Roux S.
Published: March 2009

Autoimmune thyroid diseases are common polygenic multifactorial disorders with the environment contributing importantly to the emergence of the disease phenotype. Some of the disease manifestations, such as severe thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy, pretibial myxedema and thyroid antigen/antibody immune complex nephritis are unusual to rare. The spectrum of autoimmune thyroid diseases includes: Graves’ disease (GD), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), atrophic autoimmune thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis unrelated to pregnancy and thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy. This spectrum present contrasts in terms of thyroid function, disease duration and spread to other anatomic location. The genetic basis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is complex and likely to be due to genes of both large and small effects. In GD the autoimmune process results in the production of thyroid‐stimulating antibodies and lead to hyperthyroidism, whereas in HT the end result is destruction of thyroid cells and hypothyroidism. Recent studies in the field of autoimmune thyroid diseases have largely focused on (i) the genes involved in immune response and/or thyroid physiology with could influence susceptibility to disease, (ii) the delineation of B‐cell autoepitopes recognized by the main autoantigens, thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase and TSH receptor, to improve our understanding of how these molecules are seen by the immune system and (iii) the regulatory network controlling the synthesis of thyroid hormones and its dysfunction in AITD. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the relation existing between some susceptibility genes, autoantigens and dysfunction of thyroid function during AITD.
Multiple shoot formation, somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from seed‐derived shoot apical meristems in ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis)
Authors: Ishigaki Genki , Gondo Takahiro , Suenaga Kazuhiro , Akashi Ryo
Published: March 2009

We have established a plant regeneration system via multiple shoot formation, or somatic embryogenesis from seed‐derived shoot apical meristems of ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis). Shoot apices as initial explants were isolated from aseptically germinated seedlings, and cultured in vitro. The most effective treatments for multiple shoots and embryogenic calli formation were 0.5 mg L−1 2,4‐dichlorophnoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) plus 2.0 mg L−1 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 4.0 mg L−1 2,4‐D plus 0.2 mg L−1 BAP, respectively. Plant regeneration from multiple shoot‐clumps was achieved by culturing on solid MS medium containing 1.0 mg L−1 BAP or 2.0 mg L−1 kinetin plus 2.0 mg L−1 gibberellic acid. Somatic embryos regenerated plantlets on a MS medium without plant hormones. Regenerated shoots were germinated precociously on MS medium containing 0.01 or 0.1 mg L−1 naphthalene acetic acid and 2.0 mg L−1 BAP. All regenerants were successfully grown up to maturity. The plant regeneration via multiple‐shoot clumps and embryogenic calli formation can be used as an alternative regenerable target tissue for genetic transformation using particle bombardment of ruzigrass.
Social Categorization and StereotypingIn vivo: The VUCA Challenge
Authors: Bodenhausen Galen V. , Peery Destiny
Published: March 2009

A substantial literature has examined the nature of social categorization, a fundamental process having important implications for a wide variety of social phenomena. The great majority of this research has focused on the role of particular, clearly identified social categories (e.g. race, nationality, etc.) while ignoring or holding constant other identity dimensions. This approach has afforded considerable leverage for understanding how salient social identities influence perception, judgment, and behavior. However, it leaves unaddressed many questions about how particular social identities become salient and how (and whether) identities might be inferred when category membership is ambiguous or unknown. Everyday social perception often occurs under conditions of volatility (dynamic contexts), uncertainty (missing information), complexity (multiple bases for categorization), and ambiguity (unclear meaning of available cues). As a consequence, research must address how these factors might qualify basic processes of social categorization. Available evidence is reviewed, and directions for future research are discussed.
Microsatellite loci for Euglossa annectans (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and their variability in other orchid bees
Authors: PAXTON ROBERT J. , ZOBEL MARION U. , STEINER JOSEFINA , ZILLIKENS ANNE
Published: March 2009

Orchid or euglossine bees are conspicuous Hymenoptera of the Neotropics, where they pollinate numerous plants, including orchids. Allozyme‐based analyses have suggested that their populations suffer from inbreeding, as evidenced by so‐called diploid male production. We have developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the widespread Euglossa annectans, with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.143 to 0.952 and between 2 and 9 alleles per species. These loci will be useful for analysis of relatedness, population genetic structure and diploid male production in this and related species.
Experimental Study of Flow Critical Heat Flux in Alumina-Water, Zinc-Oxide-Water, and Diamond-Water Nanofluids
Authors: Kim Sung Joong , McKrell Tom , Buongiorno Jacopo , Hu Lin-Wen
Published: March 2009

It is shown that addition of alumina, zinc-oxide, and diamond particles can enhance the critical heat flux (CHF) limit of water in flow boiling. The particles used here were in the nanometer range (<100 nm) and at low concentration (≤0.1 vol %). The CHF tests were conducted at 0.1 MPa and at three different mass fluxes (1500 kg/m2 s, 2000 kg/m2 s, and 2500 kg/m2 s). The thermal conditions at CHF were subcooled. The maximum CHF enhancement was 53%, 53%, and 38% for alumina, zinc oxide, and diamond, respectively, always obtained at the highest mass flux. A postmortem analysis of the boiling surface reveals that its morphology is altered by deposition of the particles during boiling. Additionally, the wettability of the surface is substantially increased, which seems to correlate well with the observed CHF enhancement.
Optimal Control of Vortex Shedding by an Electro-Magnetic Field (Keynote)
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Aubry Nadine
Published: March 2009

The goal of this work is to suppress vortex shedding in the flow past a cylinder by means of a Lorentz force generated by electrodes and magnets placed on the cylinder surface alternatively. Unlike previous control schemes that were based on a crude planar structure model for the expression of the Lorentz force, our algorithm is based on an expression of the Lorentz force utilizing the electrical and magnetic potential functions, and the cylindrical structure. Asymptotic methods are used to simplify the result. The new formulation, in particular, leads to a continuous force distribution around the cylinder surface. Optimal control theory is used to derive an active feedback control algorithm aiming at determining the optimal force at each time.
A Grid-Free Method for LES of Incompressible Flow
Authors: Gharakhani Adrin
Published: March 2009

A grid-free method for the LES of turbulent incompressible flow is presented. The computational engine is based on the Lagrangian Vortex Element Method to account for the dynamics of the resolved vorticity field and the Vorticity Redistribution Method (VRM) to account for turbulent diffusion. Turbulence is modeled here using the standard Smagorinsky subgrid-scale model but work is underway to implement a dynamic version. In this paper, the accuracy and convergence rate of VRM are presented for the case of diffusion with variable viscosity. Furthermore, the adaptivity as well as the robustness of the proposed method in capturing large-scale vortex structures typical of vortex dominated turbulent flow are demonstrated using preliminary results from the LES of the collision of a pair of coaxial vortex rings, perturbed initially by the wave-number of their most unstable mode.
Computational Aerodynamics of a Winston-Cup-Series Race Car
Authors: Baysal Oktay , Meek Terry L.
Published: March 2009

Since the goal of racing is to win and since drag is a force that the vehicle must overcome, a thorough understanding of the drag generating airflow around and through a race car is greatly desired. The external airflow contributes to most of the drag that a car experiences and most of the downforce the vehicle produces. Therefore, an estimate of the vehicle’s performance may be evaluated using a computational fluid dynamics model. First, a computer model of the race car was created from the measurements of the car obtained by using a laser triangulation system. After a computer-aided drafting model of the actual car was developed, the model was simplified by removing the tires, roof strakes, and modification of the spoiler. A mesh refinement study was performed by exploring five cases with different mesh densities. By monitoring the convergence of the computed drag coefficient, the case with 2 million elements was selected as being the baseline case. Results included flow visualization of the pressure and velocity fields and the wake in the form of streamlines and vector plots. Quantitative results included lift and drag, and the body surface pressure distribution to determine the centerline pressure coefficient. When compared with the experimental results, the computed drag forces were comparable but expectedly lower than the experimental data mainly attributable to the differences between the present model and the actual car.
A Natural Sloshing Absorber for Vibration Control
Authors: So Gavin , Semercigil S. Eren
Published: March 2009

Sloshing liquid in a container may be used to suppress excessive structural vibrations. The principle of control of sloshing absorbers, is very similar to that of the conventional tuned vibration absorbers. The fluctuating pressure forces of sloshing liquid is employed to provide the control effect, instead of the intentionally resonated auxiliary oscillator of a tuned absorber. This paper presents the results of an experimental study to investigate the effectiveness of the sloshing of the raw contents of a hen’s egg. The objective is to explore the possibilities of borrowing design characteristics to enhance the effectiveness of sloshing absorbers for structural control. To this end, experimental observations are presented in the form of design charts.
Case Study: Solving Vibration Problems in High Speed Boiler Feedwater Pumps Using Experimental and Analytical Techniques
Authors: Livoti William C. , Steiger James
Published: March 2009

Entergy’s Willow Glen Unit 4 main boiler feed pumps experienced high vibration levels and short run times since installation in the 1970’s. The two 14,000 horsepower units have been rebuilt many times, with operating life averaging 18 months before vibration levels became excessive. To operate the unit until the next outage, operators had to reduce the running speed of the turbine drivers to control pump vibration and generate less electricity. Vibration and modal analysis testing coupled with lateral rotor dynamic computer models indicated that changing the stiffness of the bearing housing supports and rotor could significantly improve the pump. It was decided to proceed with design changes and as an interim solution fit the pumps with dynamic absorbers to reduce bearing housing vibrations. After the design changes were incorporated the pump operates with vibration levels in the .15 ip/s range.
A Novel Thermally Induced Draft Air Power Generation System for Very Tall, Man-Made and Natural Geo-Physical Phenomena
Authors: Di Bella Francis A. , Gwiazda Jonathan
Published: March 2009

It is well known that one of the necessities of designing very tall buildings is the need to control the internal and external airflows through the building. Presently, air flow control is required for maintaining proper ventilation for not only the occupants at 15–25 cfm per person (ref. 1) but also the electrical equipment generates heat at approx. 0.8 cfm/sq.ft. (ref. 2) for 2 to 3 W/ft2 (ref. 3). It is also well known that a 1,000+ ft. conduit (for example, an elevator shaft or an utility air chase within a skyscraper) extending into the atmosphere will have its top opening at lower atmospheric pressure and temperature than the opening at ground level. The difference is caused by the differences in the weight of the high air columns. For example, the air conditioning within the building includes considerable waste energy (albeit very low grade energy) from the building’s HVAC system. Increasing the air temperature, decreases the density of the air column achieves the desired effect: that of establishing more of a pressure differential across the inlet and outlet of the pneumatic conduit. The addition of heat certainly is energy consumption unless, as the disclosure claim states, it can be recovered from the building’s otherwise wasted energy sources. An alternative method for establishing a significant pressure differential would be to use a rather large pneumatic-ejector device on the top of the building that utilizes the Bernoulli effect to draw air upward, through the air conduit, using the high velocity air streams that are prevalent at those altitudes. If a pressure differential can be maintained then a continuous airflow (cfm) will be induced through such a conduit. A continuous air flow rate, and not one that is effected by land based obstacles or the sun’s heating and cooling of low level air masses, is ideal for generating a consistent level of electric power. This phenomenon has not been utilized for power generation. For a skyscraper, the conduits are ready-made: the under-utilized elevator columns or air chases. For this study the power generation from Pneumatic Column Power Recovery can also include free standing towers that can collect solar energy or even naturally occurring structures such as very deep mountainous chasms that could serve as a natural air draft. This paper will present an analysis of using wind-columns that are over 1,000 ft. tall together to generate power with state-of-the art wind turbine generators. The paper will conclude with a very bold, some would say: fanciful suggestion, that such power generation opportunities are available in enormous magnitudes if the formulations presented here are extended to man-made and natural geo-physical phenomenon that can be gargantuan in stature and thus produces a proportional increase in power recovery opportunity.
A Concept of Energy Network Combined With Distributed Power Generation and Internet Systems
Authors: Tone Yoichi , Mouri Kunihiko
Published: March 2009

For the near future business application, the new idea of the distributed energy network system is proposed to secure lower cost and highly reliable power and heat supply system for the limited local area such as high energy density urban area. In Japan, tariff of the electric power is same for urban consumers and rural consumers under the present power law. However the wave of the power deregulation may affect to small business users and home users and the free-market of power purchase may emerge in public domain. Towards the realization of the future active power market, the new idea is created to promote the intelligent distributed power generation systems and heat utilization systems using the Internet application and local energy network construction. This system has been discussed in the consortium, consisting of Nagoya University, Gas Company, Power utility, Trade Company, IT Company etc since May 2000. The idea of the proposed eL-power network system is to supply necessary power and heat to the only customers in the high energy density area like near the railway station using energy management by mean of the Internet technologies.
Tank Foundation Construction in Sub Zero Temperatures: Two Case Studies
Authors: Villeneuve Claudia E. , Norman Colin C.
Published: March 2009

This paper presents and compares two case studies in which gravel foundations for steel oil tanks were built in early winter. The subzero weather presented challenges in the preparation of the site and the compaction of the gravel due to water freezing in the gravel and frozen subgrades. This conference paper will be useful to the pipeline industry in planning future tank foundations constructed in subzero temperatures. The first case studies a project — Tank 46 at Hardisty — that used aluminum coils running hot water to keep the overlying sand and gravel warm prior to placement and compaction. The second case studies a dual project — Tanks 301 and 302 at Kirby Lake — that used a heated tent to cover the tank foundation work as well as “tiger torch”-heated culverts to warm the overlying gravel stockpiles. The goal was to maintain water content in the gravel unfrozen until the design compaction levels were achieved. The two cases are compared on the effectiveness of compaction, ease of workflow and costs.
Application of the ZIGZAG Concept to a Heated Pipeline in the Soft Soil of the Guanabara Bay
Authors: dos Santos Amaral Claudio , da Costa Alvaro Maia , de Oliveira Cardoso Carlos , Andueza Alejandro , Garcia Amaury
Published: March 2009

In January 2000, a buckling caused by a thermal expansion of a pipeline in the Guanabara Bay/Rio de Janeiro led to the rupture of a 16” pipeline to the leakage of heavy heated MF380 oil into the bay area. In order to avoid such undesired incident, PETROBRAS has carried out research looking for solutions for a new pipeline. As a result the concept of a pipeline with “ZIGZAG” geometry was introduced. There are very few examples of oil industries that apply this concept, especially with the soil conditions of the Guanabara Bay. Several studies were carried out to verify the thermal stability of this new pipeline structure. This paper presents a comparison between the conventional single pipeline and the ZIGZAG pipeline.