bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of haeme oxygenase‐1 in resolution of oxidative stress‐related pathologies: focus on cardiovascular, lung, neurological and kidney disorders
Authors: Haines D. D. , Lekli I. , Teissier P. , Bak I. , Tosaki A.
Published: November 2011

The present review examines the role of the cytoprotective enzyme haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in adaptive responses to inflammatory disease and explores strategies for its clinical use, with particular emphasis on use of therapeutic use of the enzyme using phytochemical inducers of HO‐1 such as extracts of Ginkgo biloba, curcumin, and flavonoids extracted from seeds of the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). This laboratory has identified strategies by which combinations of dietary phytochemicals may be configured to synergistically strengthen immunoregulatory mechanisms that normally prevent inflammation from leading to disease. A major focus of this research initiative has been HO‐1, which is capable of substantially reducing oxidative stress by several mechanisms. HO‐1 metabolizes haeme that accumulates in tissues because of red blood cell turnover. Two products of this degradation – carbon monoxide (CO) and bilirubin – have potent capacity for reducing oxidative stress and for counteracting its effects. A description will be provided of how HO‐1 products maintain healthy tissue function and remediate oxidative tissue damage. This will be explored in four major organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, the lungs, the central nervous system and the kidneys. Particular focus will be given to the physiological coordination of cardiovascular functions mediated by CO produced by HO‐1 and to nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous second messenger expressed by nitric oxide synthetase. A major unifying theme of the present review is an exploration of the potential use of dietary phytochemical formulations as tools for the clinical application of HO‐1 in therapeutic reduction of oxidative stressors, with resultant improved treatment of inflammatory pathologies.
A Study of the Randomly Fluctuating Microbial Counts in Foods and Water Using the Expanded Fermi Solution as a Model
Authors: Peleg Micha , Normand Mark D. , Corradini Maria G.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Randomly fluctuating industrial microbial count records, with and without zero counts, were simulated with a version of the Expanded Fermi Solution, originally developed for risk assessment. The basic assumption has been that each individual count is determined by the multiplicative effect of several random factors, which augment or suppress the microbial population size, and in the case of sporadic pathogens, determine the probability of their initial presence too. Records were generated by a series of Monte Carlo simulations in which the factors were specified by ranges and their values chosen randomly within them. The process has been automated and posted as a freely downloadable Wolfram Demonstration on the Internet. The program allows the user to enter and alter the series length, parameters’ ranges, and count level deemed dangerous with sliders on the screen. The display includes the chosen factors’ ranges, the corresponding generated count record and its histogram, and an estimate of the risk of surpassing the dangerous threshold. Where the record contains no zero counts, the histogram is accompanied by the lognormal distribution, which naturally emerges from the fluctuations’ mathematical model. Once the factors are identified and their ranges specified, the method could be used as a tool to analyze, compare, and quantify microbial risks in foods and water.
Non‐local genotypes of a resident grass species reduce invertebrate species richness
Authors: VANDEGEHUCHTE MARTIJN L. , De La PEÑA EDUARDO , BREYNE PETER , BONTE DRIES
Published: November 2011

1. Effects of the genotypic identity of a plant can extend beyond the individual phenotype to the community. Because plant material is moved around at an increasing rate, introductions of non‐local plant genotypes that are difficult to distinguish from local ones are probably common. Even though such introductions can cause cryptic invasions, their effects on local communities remain largely unexplored.

2. Ammophila arenaria is transported and planted throughout the world for dune stabilisation. We used this grass to address the impact of the introduction of non‐local genotypes on the diversity of the local invertebrate community. We installed plants from the local population and five introduced populations from regions throughout the natural range in a common environment and identified all naturally colonising aboveground invertebrates.

3. The diversity of the entire invertebrate community, as well as that of herbivores, decreased with increasing geographical distance of the plants’ location of origin. Differences between plant populations in predator and detritivore diversity were less consistent with this pattern. Invertebrate species turnover was not related to genetic distance between populations.

4. Our study demonstrates that introduction of non‐local genotypes of a resident plant species can negatively affect the invertebrate community. This confirms the idea that caution should be exerted when selecting plant material for restoration or sand stabilisation purposes. Hitherto, explanations for the invasiveness of A. arenaria in other continents have been sought in its release from belowground pathogens. Our observation of lower shoot herbivore diversity on non‐local plants, however, may indicate a role for release from aboveground enemies.
Rebuilding Haiti: Lessons from Post‐Conflict Experiences
Authors: Kozul‐Wright Richard , Fortunato Piergiuseppe , Paunovic Igor
Published: November 2011

The earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 tipped the country into a state of socioeconomic despair from which it will be difficult to escape without a fresh start, made not only by its own political and economic elites, but also by the international community. Making a fresh start will require an honest assessment of Haiti’s predicament and a bold vision of its future prospects. By this, lessons can usefully be drawn from the experiences of countries emerging from a period of conflict. From this perspective, Haiti needs to move beyond the neoliberal consensus which has dominated policy since the overthrow of the Duvalier regime and adopt a more integrated policy approach to creating jobs, boosting economic security, diversifying economic activity and repairing a dangerously frayed social contract. Such an approach critically depends on establishing a developmental state with an inclusive national agenda that can move Haiti out of an initial and unavoidable state of aid dependence to effective mobilization of domestic resources. For the international community, the Marshall Plan offers useful lessons in forging a more effective development partnership to support such a state‐building exercise and the efforts at recovery and rebuilding.

Policy Implications

 State building is an integral part of development policy in countries adjusting to large external shocks.

 It is a mistake to privilege a set of predetermined policy instruments to be used to manage the adjustment to external shocks, regardless of actual circumstances.

 Mobilizing domestic resources is key to sustainable long‐term growth and development, including in countries recovering from crisis.

 Distributional issues are an integral part of successful strategies to improve domestic resource mobilization.

 Avoiding dual public sectors is essential for effective state building in countries receiving large aid inflows.

 The Marshall Plan continues to hold lessons for how the international community should behave towards countries recovering from large shocks and crises.
Competition and Cooperation between Europe and China in the Wind Power Sector
Authors: Lema Rasmus , Berger Axel , Schmitz Hubert , Song Hong
Published: November 2011

This paper uses a value chain lens to examine the prospects for competition and cooperation between Europe and China in the global wind power sector. Drawing on insights from fieldwork conducted in 2010 combined with secondary industry data, we find that Chinese and European industries are developing distinct models of industrial‐technological organisation. The usual headlines emphasising Sino‐European competition or conflict fail to capture the complexity of current reality. While competition among lead firms is increasing, there are also considerable prospects for increased collaboration between firms across the value chains. China, Europe and the world can benefit from such collaboration to drive down the costs of the technology, improve quality, enhance innovation capabilities and make wind power a more credible energy option for the world. Policy initiatives in and between China and Europe have a big role to play in securing mutually beneficial relationships for the future.
Process Control of Laser Grooving Using Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Chryssolouris G. , Sheng P. , von Alvensleben F.
Published: November 2011

This paper discusses a closed-loop control concept for laser machining. A key development in the proposed control scheme is an acoustic sensor for inferring hole, kerf, and groove geometry in real time during laser machining. By sensing the acoustic signal emitted from the impingement of a gas jet on the erosion front, correlations between resonant frequency and hole, kerf or groove geometry were found. A process model was developed from applying the wave equation to the case of an elliptically-expanding or a constant-area jet. Experiments showed an inverse relationship between depth of cut and resonant frequency for grooving, cutting, and drilling cases. The paper also includes preliminary simulation results of a closed-lop control scheme for laser grooving using acoustic sensing and a PID controller.
Fixture Planning With Friction
Authors: Lee Soo Hong , Cutkosky M. R.
Published: November 2011

A fixture planning module is being developed as part of a computational system for concurrent product and process design. The module employs symbolic and numerical analyses at different levels of detail, from fast geometric checks to more time consuming force and friction analyses, depending on the completeness of the machining plan. In this paper we focus on the approaches used for analyzing fixture kinematics and clamping forces, including the analysis of friction. Since many fixture arrangements rely on friction to hold a part, the ability to reason about friction is an important component of fixture planning. Limit surfaces in force/moment space are introduced as a convenient formalism to check whether parts will slip and to help in specifying clamping forces.
Experimental Techniques for Bearing Impedance Measurement
Authors: Goodwin M. J.
Published: November 2011

The dynamic characteristics of rotating machinery are almost always influenced by the impedances of the machine bearings (including the bearing supports) and it is particularly important to know of their likely values at the design stage when predicting machine critical speeds, unbalance response, and stability. In many instances the vital data may be obtained from theory which must be confirmed by experimental measurement beforehand, or alternatively the data may be obtained directly from experimental measurement when the appropriate bearing has already been manufactured. The experimental techniques available for use in the measurement of bearing impedances are varied, both in their experimental procedure and in the theoretical treatment of the data that is gathered. The aim of this paper is to provide a concise account of these techniques, and to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of each approach. In this document, the procedures described are classified in terms of the type of experimental measuring equipment required. These vary from the simplest of test rigs, which provide only a static load in one direction and where impedances can be evaluated by hand calculation, to sophisticated apparatus capable of providing static and dynamic loads in several directions and which require computer software to extract the bearing impedances from the measured data. The type of experimental procedure selected by the rotor dynamicist will depend upon the experimental facilities available, on the time available to carry out the testing, and on the required reliability of results. Each of these considerations is discussed for each procedure described. It is concluded that measurements made using multifrequency test signals provide more reliable data, although all measurement methods yield coefficient values which agree with theoretical predictions to within about 20 percent in general, and all methods have a significant scatter of results associated with their use.
A Metamaterial Acoustic Concentrator With Regular Polygonal Cross Section
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Huang Ming , Yang Chengfu , Cai Guanghui
Published: November 2011

The phenomenon of near-field concentration of sound wave plays an important role in harnessing of sound wave in underwater sonar or similar devices, where high pressure field is required. Material parameters for the metamaterial-assisted acoustic concentrators with arbitrary N-sided regular polygonal cross section are derived based on coordination transformation approach. Acoustic intensity enhancement of the concentrator has been shown by full-wave simulation. All theoretical and numerical results validate the generality and effectiveness of the proposed designing method.
A Numerical Study on Ground-Based Vibration Response of a Spinning Cyclic Symmetric Rotor With Cracks
Authors: Kim Hyunchul , Shen I. Y.
Published: November 2011

This paper is to study how presence of cracks affects ground-based vibration response of a spinning cyclic symmetric rotor via a numerical simulation. A reference system used in this study is a spinning disk with four pairs of brackets, representing a fourfold cyclic symmetric rotor. A crack with a variable depth is introduced at one of the eight disk-bracket interfaces. Both radial and circumferential cracks are simulated. The ground-based vibration response of the spinning disk-bracket system is simulated using an algorithm introduced by Shen and Kim published in 2006. Compared with a perfectly cyclic symmetric rotor, the crack introduces additional resonances when the crack size is large enough. Frequencies of these additional resonances can be predicted accurately and may be used as a way to detect presence of cracks.
Modeling the Effects of the PCB Motion on the Response of Microstructures Under Mechanical Shock
Authors: Ramini Abdallah H. , Younis Mohammad I. , Miles Ronald
Published: November 2011

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are often used in portable electronic devices that are vulnerable to mechanical shock or impact, such as that induced due to accidental drops on the ground. This work presents a modeling and simulation effort to investigate the effect of the vibration of a printed circuit board (PCB) on the dynamics of MEMS microstructures when subjected to shock. Two models are investigated. In the first model, the PCB is modeled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam to which a lumped model of a MEMS device is attached. In the second model, a special case of a cantilever microbeam is studied and modeled as a distributed-parameter system, which is attached to the PCB. These lumped-distributed and distributed-distributed models are discretized into ordinary differential equations, using the Galerkin method, which are then integrated numerically over time to simulate the dynamic response. Results of the two models are compared against each other for the case of a cantilever microbeam and also compared to the predictions of a finite-element model using the software ANSYS. The influence of the higher order vibration modes of the PCB, the location of the MEMS device on the PCB, the electrostatic forces, damping, and shock pulse duration are presented. It is found that neglecting the effects of the higher order modes of the PCB and the location of the MEMS device can cause incorrect predictions of the response of the microstructure and may lead to failure of the device. It is noted also that, for some PCB designs, the response of the microstructure can be amplified significantly causing early dynamic pull-in and hence possibly failure of the device.
A software‐based x‐ray scatter correction method for breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Jia Feng Steve Si , Sechopoulos Ioannis
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To develop a software‐based scatter correction method for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging and investigate its impact on the image quality of tomosynthesis reconstructions of both phantoms and patients.

Methods:

A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of x‐ray scatter, with geometry matching that of the cranio‐caudal (CC) view of a DBT clinical prototype, was developed using the Geant4 toolkit and used to generate maps of the scatter‐to‐primary ratio (SPR) of a number of homogeneous standard‐shaped breasts of varying sizes. Dimension‐matched SPR maps were then deformed and registered to DBT acquisition projections, allowing for the estimation of the primary x‐ray signal acquired by the imaging system. Noise filtering of the estimated projections was then performed to reduce the impact of the quantum noise of the x‐ray scatter. Three dimensional (3D) reconstruction was then performed using the maximum likelihood‐expectation maximization (MLEM) method. This process was tested on acquisitions of a heterogeneous 50/50 adipose/glandular tomosynthesis phantom with embedded masses, fibers, and microcalcifications and on acquisitions of patients. The image quality of the reconstructions of the scatter‐corrected and uncorrected projections was analyzed by studying the signal‐difference‐to‐noise ratio (SDNR), the integral of the signal in each mass lesion (integrated mass signal, IMS), and the modulation transfer function (MTF).

Results:

The reconstructions of the scatter‐corrected projections demonstrated superior image quality. The SDNR of masses embedded in a 5 cm thick tomosynthesis phantom improved 60%–66%, while the SDNR of the smallest mass in an 8 cm thick phantom improved by 59% (p < 0.01). The IMS of the masses in the 5 cm thick phantom also improved by 15%–29%, while the IMS of the masses in the 8 cm thick phantom improved by 26%–62% (p < 0.01). Some embedded microcalcifications in the tomosynthesis phantoms were visible only in the scatter‐corrected reconstructions. The visibility of the findings in two patient images was also improved by the application of the scatter correction algorithm. The MTF of the images did not change after application of the scatter correction algorithm, indicating that spatial resolution was not adversely affected.

Conclusions:

Our software‐based scatter correction algorithm exhibits great potential in improving the image quality of DBT acquisitions of both phantoms and patients. The proposed algorithm does not require a time‐consuming MC simulation for each specific case to be corrected, making it applicable in the clinical realm.
Complete Genome Sequence of NBRC 3288, a Unique Cellulose-Nonproducing Strain of
Gluconacetobacter xylinus
Isolated from Vinegar
Authors: Ogino Hidetaka , Azuma Yoshinao , Hosoyama Akira , Nakazawa Hidekazu , Matsutani Minenosuke , Hasegawa Akihiro , Otsuyama Ken-ichiro , Matsushita Kazunobu , Fujita Nobuyuki , Shirai Mutsunori
Published: November 2011

Gluconacetobacter xylinus
is involved in the industrial production of cellulose. We have determined the genome sequence of
G. xylinus
NBRC 3288, a cellulose-nonproducing strain. Comparative analysis of genomes of
G. xylinus
NBRC 3288 with those of the cellulose-producing strains clarified the genes important for cellulose production in
Gluconacetobacter
.
PREDICTING PATTERN FORMATION IN PARTICLE INTERACTIONS
Authors: VON BRECHT JAMES H. , UMINSKY DAVID , KOLOKOLNIKOV THEODORE , BERTOZZI ANDREA L.
Published: November 2011

Large systems of particles interacting pairwise in d dimensions give rise to extraordinarily rich patterns. These patterns generally occur in two types. On one hand, the particles may concentrate on a co-dimension one manifold such as a sphere (in 3D) or a ring (in 2D). Localized, space-filling, co-dimension zero patterns can occur as well. In this paper, we utilize a dynamical systems approach to predict such behaviors in a given system of particles. More specifically, we develop a nonlocal linear stability analysis for particles uniformly distributed on a d - 1 sphere. Remarkably, the linear theory accurately characterizes the patterns in the ground states from the instabilities in the pairwise potential. This aspect of the theory then allows us to address the issue of inverse statistical mechanics in self-assembly: given a ground state exhibiting certain instabilities, we construct a potential that corresponds to such a pattern.
Some New Delay Integral Inequalities in Two Independent Variables on Time Scales
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhang Yaoming , Feng Qinghua
Published: November 2011

Some new Gronwall‐Bellman‐type delay integral inequalities in two independent variables on time scales are established, which can be used as a handy tool in the research of boundedness of solutions of delay dynamic equations on time scales. Some of the established results are 2D extensions of several known results in the literature, while some results unify existing continuous and discrete analysis.
Intrauterine Adhesions following Conservative Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Gambadauro Pietro , Gudmundsson Johannes , Torrejón Rafael
Published: November 2011

Uterine fibroids are common in women of reproductive age and various conservative treatments are available. In order to achieve a successful conservative treatment of fibroids, functional integrity of the uterus is as important as tumor removal or symptoms relief. In this context, intrauterine adhesions must be recognized as a possible complication of conservative management of uterine fibroids, but diagnostic pitfalls might justify an underestimation of their incidence. Hysteroscopic myomectomy can cause adhesions as a result of surgical trauma to the endometrium. The average reported incidence is around 10% at second-look hysteroscopy, but it is higher in certain conditions, such as the case of multiple, apposing fibroids. Transmural myomectomies also have the potential for adhesion, especially when combined with uterine ischemia. Uterine arteries embolization also carries a risk of intracavitary adhesions. Prevention strategies including bipolar resection, barrier gel or postoperative estradiol, might be useful, but stronger evidence is needed. In view of current knowledge, we would recommend a prevention strategy based on a combination of surgical trauma minimization and identification of high-risk cases. Early hysteroscopic diagnosis and lysis possibly represents the best means of secondary prevention and treatment of postoperative intrauterine adhesions.
Is Alexithymia Associated with Specific Mental Disorders
Authors: Leweke Frank , Leichsenring Falk , Kruse Johannes , Hermes Sandra
Published: November 2011

Background: Alexithymia is characterized by restrictions in the perception, differentiation and regulation of affects. It is considered to be an important vulnerability factor for the development of mental disorders. Little is known, however, of whether alexithymia is associated with specific mental disorders. Sampling and Methods: Data from 1,461 patients of an outpatient clinic for psychosomatic medicine with various mental disorders (depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, somatoform disorders, eating disorders, and psychological and behavioral factors of physical illness) were collected between January 2007 and October 2009. The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was administered to study alexithymia. The diagnoses were made following ICD-10 guidelines. Results: In our sample, the total prevalence of alexithymia (TAS-20 ≧61) was 21.36%. The percentage of alexithymic patients was significantly increased in the group of patients with depressive disorders (26.9%) as compared to other diagnostic groups. Using TAS-20 as a continuous measure, multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that higher TAS-20 total scores were significantly associated with depressive and anxiety disorders. However, after controlling for the level of depression, the association of anxiety disorders with alexithymia was no longer significant. With regard to TAS-20 subscales, ‘difficulty describing feelings’ (subscale 2) was also significantly related to depressive disorders. Conclusions: According to the results, the prevalence of alexithymia is relatively high in patients with mental disorders. The increased prevalence of highly alexithymic subjects suggests that alexithymia is associated with a higher vulnerability to mental illness. The prevalence of alexithymia was especially increased for depressive disorders. Thus, further evidence supporting the concept of ‘alexithymic depression’ was provided. From a therapeutic perspective, treatments should be developed that take the specific needs of highly alexithymic patients into account.
Psychiatric Literacy and the Personality Disorders
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Winceslaus Julian
Published: November 2011

Background: This study was concerned with investigating the mental health literacy of lay people in regard to the personality disorders. Method: 223 participants responded to a questionnaire entitled ‘eccentric people’ which contained vignettes of 10 personality disorders which they rated as well as labelled. Results: Lay people recognize people with personality disorders as being unhappy, unsuccessful at work and as having poor personal relationships, but do not associate these problems with psychological causes. Rates of correct labelling were under 7% for 7/10 personality disorders. Cluster A (apart from paranoid) was commonly labelled as depression or as an autism spectrum disorder. Clusters B and C (apart from obsessive-compulsive) were commonly labelled as ‘low self-esteem’. History of psychological education and illness were positively correlated with correct recognition of 70 and 60% of the personality disorders, respectively. Conclusion: The mental health literacy of lay people in regard to the personality disorders is low. This raises concerns for health-seeking behaviour and diagnosis, as well as stigma and social neglect of people living with personality disorders. The question of cultural influences on the manifestation, diagnosis and recognition of mental illnesses, and the personality disorders in particular, is discussed.
From Depersonalization to Hallucination
Authors: Graux Jérôme , Lemoine Maël , El Hage Wissam , Camus Vincent
Published: November 2011

Henri Ey suggested that all hallucinations occur against the background of depersonalization, which is an alteration in experience that people find hard to describe, where the subject feels a strangeness pervading the world and her/his own body, emotions and thoughts. Embracing Ey’s proposal, this paper draws a comparison between depersonalization in hallucinations and depersonalization in some delusional states (especially the Capgras and the Cotard syndromes), which by the most recent models used in cognitive neuroscience is considered to be a disruption in so-called ‘affective familiarity’. Sensory information regarding the world is divided into the ‘overt pathway’ of perceptual inputs and the ‘covert pathway’ of ‘atmospheric cues’. In hallucinating subjects, we suggest that a breakdown of the grasping of atmospheric qualities in the environment triggers a compensatory process consisting of the production of hypotheses that make sense of the world perceived. Finally, we report on a case that illustrates our proposal.
Critical Micronutrients in Pregnancy, Lactation, and Infancy: Considerations on Vitamin D, Folic Acid, and Iron, and Priorities for Future Research
Authors: Hermoso Maria , Vollhardt Christiane , Bergmann Karin , Koletzko Berthold
Published: November 2011

The Early Nutrition Academy and the European Commission-funded EURRECA Network of Excellence jointly sponsored a scientific workshop on critical micronutrients in pregnancy, lactation, and infancy. Current knowledge and unresolved questions on the supply of vitamin D, folic acid, and iron for pregnant women, lactating women, and infants, and their health effects were discussed. The question was addressed of whether, and under which circumstances, supplementation with these micronutrients in addition to usual dietary intakes is advisable. The workshop participants concluded that public health strategies for improving supplementation with these micronutrients in pregnancy, lactation, and infancy are required. Further research priorities should focus on adequately powered human intervention trials to obtain a stronger evidence base for the amounts of vitamin D, folic acid, and iron that have optimal effects on health. The conclusions of the workshop should help to inform the scientific community as well as public health policy strategies.
Vitamin D Recommendations – Beyond Deficiency
Authors: Biesalski Hans K.
Published: November 2011

Vitamin D plays an important role in regular bone growth and in adequate function of the innate immune system, including barrier functions of mucous membranes. A sufficient supply during pregnancy and lactation protects the child from infectious diseases. Clinical symptoms of severe vitamin D deficiency (rickets) are well known and can be easily detected. Signs and symptoms beyond deficiency, however, remain to be elucidated. Based on clinical and observational data, the plasma level of 25(OH)D may serve as a ‘marker’ to detect or define a subclinical deficiency. Levels below 50 nmol/l might be insufficient to maintain the non-bone-related activities of vitamin D. Finally, it has to be considered that all of the nonbone activities of vitamin D are in concert with vitamin A (9-cis retinoic acid). Studies combining both vitamins in sufficient amounts (cod liver oil) demonstrated a beneficial effect on the prevention of respiratory tract infections. Consequently, it should be strongly recommended to increase the intake of vitamin D and to ensure a daily intake of vitamin A as counseled.
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A as an Independent Mortality Predictor in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kalousová Marta , Benáková Hana , Kuběna Aleš Antonín , Dusilová-Sulková Sylvie , Tesař Vladimír , Zima Tomáš
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a biomarker related to vascular damage. The aim of the study was to focus on PAPP-A and related parameters and their relationship to the prognosis of long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study which included 261 long-term HD patients followed up for 5 years and 66 healthy subjects. PAPP-A, placental growth factor (PlGF), matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4), and cardiac, nutritional and inflammatory parameters were measured at the beginning of the study and tested as predictors of mortality. Results: PAPP-A, PlGF, IGF-1, IGFBP-4 and MMP-2 were significantly increased in HD patients compared to controls (PAPP-A 27.6 ± 15.5 mIU/l in HD vs. 9.4 ± 2.5 mIU/l in controls, p < 0.001). Increased PAPP-A was a significant independent predictor of overall mortality and mortality due to infection in the multivariate Cox analysis [HR (95% CI): 1.237 (1.060–1.444), p = 0.007, and 1.416 (1.115–1.798), p = 0.004, per standard deviation, respectively]. PAPP-A was not related to cardiovascular mortality. Conclusion: Increased PAPP-A is a significant independent predictor of overall mortality and mortality due to infection but it was not related to cardiovascular mortality in this study.
Optimal Plasma Progranulin Cutoff Value for Predicting Null Progranulin Mutations in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Multicenter Italian Study
Authors: Ghidoni Roberta , Stoppani Elena , Rossi Giacomina , Piccoli Elena , Albertini Valentina , Paterlini Anna , Glionna Michela , Pegoiani Eleonora , Agnati Luigi F. , Fenoglio Chiara , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela , Morbin Michela , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Binetti Giuliano , Benussi Luisa
Published: November 2011

Background: Recently, attention was drawn to a role for progranulin in the central nervous system with the identification of mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) as an important cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. GRN mutations are associated with a strong reduction of circulating progranulin and widely variable clinical phenotypes: thus, the dosage of plasma progranulin is a useful tool for a quick and inexpensive large-scale screening of carriers of GRN mutations. Objective: To establish the best cutoff threshold for normal versus abnormal levels of plasma progranulin. Methods: 309 cognitively healthy controls (25–87 years of age), 72 affected and unaffected GRN+ null mutation carriers (24–86 years of age), 3 affected GRN missense mutation carriers, 342 patients with neurodegenerative diseases and 293 subjects with mild cognitive impairment were enrolled at the Memory Clinic, IRCCS S. Giovanni di Dio-Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy, and at the Alzheimer Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy. Plasma progranulin levels were measured using an ELISA kit (AdipoGen Inc., Seoul, Korea). Results: Plasma progranulin did not correlate with age, gender or body mass index. We established a new plasma progranulin protein cutoff level of 61.55 ng/ml that identifies, with a specificity of 99.6% and a sensitivity of 95.8%, null mutation carriers among subjects attending to a memory clinic. Affected and unaffected GRN null mutation carriers did not differ in terms of circulating progranulin protein (p = 0.686). A significant disease anticipation was observed in GRN+ subjects with the lowest progranulin levels. Conclusion: We propose a new plasma progranulin protein cutoff level useful for clinical practice.
The Influence of Realia on Biblical Depictions of Childbirth
Authors: Viezel Eran
Published: November 2011

Abstract

As is well-known, the first part of a newborn’s body to emerge during a standard birth is the head. In a breech birth, which is much more rare, the baby enters the world bottom-first. There is no evidence at all of babies exiting the womb with their arms outstretched. Yet biblical accounts of childbirth contain explicit and implicit descriptions of the hand as the first limb to emerge from the womb. In this note, I argue that this erroneous depiction is a reflection of the real life situation of the biblical authors. Since men were not present at childbirth, their knowledge of the process was limited and stereotyped. In contrast, men were very familiar with the birthing of sheep and cattle. Typically, the front legs of a newborn sheep or calf emerge before the body. Male biblical authors relied upon their knowledge of the birthing of sheep and cattle to describe the births of human infants, mistakenly supposing that these two different processes were identical.
Love’s Wisdom: The Authority of Scripture’s Form and Content for Faith’s Understanding and Theological Judgment
Authors: Vanhoozer Kevin J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This essay asks whether the Bible’s authority is a matter of (propositional) content as well as (poetic) form. It extends Martha Nussbaum’s work on the importance of literature for ethics by examining the effect of the “ancient quarrel” between philosophers and poets on the relationship of biblical literature to theology. Biblical authority involves not only revealed information but also large-scale patterns of information processing, like narrative, a cognitive strategy for grasping meaningful wholes. Scripture’s literary forms perform a pedagogical function, helping disciples to make right judgments about the theodrama, and hence serve as a means of sapiential formation.
The Authority of Scripture in the Early Zurich Reformation (1522-1540)
Authors: Opitz Peter
Published: November 2011

Abstract

The decisive impulse of the Zurich Reformation was not a particular theological tenet or the religious experience of one single reformer. It was the discovery of the authority of God’s Word. This discovery was essentially a liberating experience. Scripture was experienced as the place for encountering the living God, who is intrinsically a gracious God, and who correspondingly makes his will known to people. Given the circumstances of early modernity, it was, however, consequent and inevitable that in the process of restructuring a Christian society and church according to God’s Word the Bible became the authoritative scripture.
Roma Expulsions and Discrimination: The Elephant in Brussels
Authors: O’Nions Helen
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This article will critically examine the treatment of migrant Roma in Western Europe, particularly Italy and France, in the light of the obligations under the EU Citizenship Directive 2004/38. The role of the political institutions will be considered, especially the European Commission, who have yet to take a decisive position on the Roma expulsions and on the wider issue of Roma discrimination in Europe. It is argued that the focus on non-discrimination cannot address the entrenched inequality which characterises the Roma’s situation in Europe. Furthermore, that the comparative disadvantage experienced by Europe’s Roma communities constitutes a major human rights crisis which has so far been sidelined by Brussels. A European strategy is urgently required, which demands leadership from the Commission and the full participation of Roma representatives.
Mission as Ascetic Experience: Hesychasm and the Anthropology of Sergei Horujy for Mission Theology
Authors: Elliott Curtis
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This article traces the development of hesychasm, a common prayer practice in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, from the fourth century A.D. to the present and proposes an understanding of missional theology that is grounded in hesychast theological anthropology.

The theological foundation of hesychasm rests upon the view that humanity is open to the transformative union with God through prayer. This foundation reformulates the conception of mission theology as an in-depth ascetic experience of God’s presence that encompasses the various manifestations of human missional experience. The paper interacts with the development of hesychast doctrine from the fourth century in the African desert, to its formulation by Gregory Palamas in the fourteenth century, and finally culminating in the contemporary philosophical writings of Sergei Horujy. Horujy is a physicist at Moscow State University and an Orthodox theologian. His synergistic school of anthropology conceives of humanity as consisting of a triple border: ontological, ontic, and virtual. He is deeply indebted to Gregory Palamas’ distinction between essence and energies, that is, between God’s core being and his manifestations as experienced in hesychast prayer practice. Horujy applies this distinction, particularly the “energies,” as a way to conceive theological anthropology. His own project in part critiques the modern and postmodern crisis of the human subject and in part redefines the complex humanity around a spiritual core. Incorporating Horujy’s synergistic anthropology into a theology of mission means viewing humanity’s potential for union with God as both a process and outcome for mission practice. Mission can no longer be viewed as an appendage of the Christian life, but is actually a means of experiencing union with God.
Tropical Tropospheric-Only Responses to Absorbing Aerosols
Authors: Persad Geeta G. , Ming Yi , Ramaswamy V.
Published: November 2011

Absorbing aerosols affect the earth’s climate through direct radiative heating of the troposphere. This study analyzes the tropical tropospheric-only response to a globally uniform increase in black carbon, simulated with an atmospheric general circulation model, to gain insight into the interactions that determine the radiative flux perturbation. Over the convective regions, heating in the free troposphere hinders the vertical development of deep cumulus clouds, resulting in the detrainment of more cloudy air into the large-scale environment and stronger cloud reflection. A different mechanism operates over the subsidence regions, where heating near the boundary layer top causes a substantial reduction in low cloud amount thermodynamically by decreasing relative humidity and dynamically by lowering cloud top. These findings, which align well with previous general circulation model and large-eddy simulation calculations for black carbon, provide physically based explanations for the main characteristics of the tropical tropospheric adjustment. The implications for quantifying the climate perturbation posed by absorbing aerosols are discussed.
The mystery of ‘historical specificity’ or how Geoffrey Hodgson misrepresented Talcott Parsons’ life and theory
Authors: Nielsen Jens Kaalhauge , Savchenko Andrew
Published: November 2011

In this study we analyze Geoffrey Hodgson’s discussion of Talcott Parsons in which Hodgson presents Parsons as a little petty bourgeois, feebleminded and insecure yet opportunistic to the core. Indeed, Hodgson does his utmost to belittle Parsons’ theoretical creativity and cultivation. Hodgson’s attempt to discredit Parsons is a part of his project to ‘rehabilitate’ the German historical school and the institutionalist tradition. We argue that Hodgson’s interpretation of Parsons’ early career is seriously flawed, characterized by superficial command of the biographical data of Parsons’ life, as well as an amateurish command of his theory. Like Charles Camic’s stigmatizing narrative years before, the essence of Hodgson’s analysis is best characterized as an exercise in ‘social interest’ reification. Especially, Hodgson ignores the impact of Parsons’ childhood socialization and grossly overstates the influence Hamilton and Ayres had on Parsons and especially misrepresents their influence on Parsons’ concept of culture as well as well as creating a caricature of Parsons’ early years at Harvard.
Naturalism as a political-cultural enterprise
Authors: Bulle Nathalie
Published: November 2011

Naturalism in the social sciences, described in this article as ‘constitutive’, tends to substantiate a single principle of social and human development by extrapolating the modes of development for the basic forms of life to the modes of development of its superior forms. Several versions of the nature of mankind are thus put forward invoking biological inheritance, originating amorality, pure forms of original humanity or, on the contrary, the evolutionary progress of his nature thanks to adaptive processes that participate in the interdependence of the individual and the social. Along these lines, we show, through the important examples of the works of Freud, Bourdieu, Marx, Lévi-Strauss, Spencer, Baldwin and Piaget, that naturalism has served in the building of unacknowledged interpretative systems that have placed the scientific approach at the service of a political–cultural enterprise.
“May Change Name and Pretend to be Free”: A Corpus Linguistic Investigation of Surnames Adopted by Fugitive Slaves As Advertised in Colonial American Newspapers Between 1729 and 1818
Authors: Laversuch I M
Published: November 2011

AbstractTraditionally, it has been assumed that the adoption of surnames among African Americans evolved from the simple emulation of onomastic norms common among European American slave owners. In recent years, however, careful analysis has revealed that this initial assumption may have been premature. The naming behaviour of early African American residents has shown itself to be an extremely complex phenomenon, one which goes far beyond mere imitation. While this emerging scholarship has been useful in pointing out directions, there has yet to be a systematic linguistic investigation of this population. The present investigation provides an empirical analysis of surnaming patterns among fugitive slaves as advertised in colonial American newspapers between 1729 and 1818.
Influences of phosphorus and sulphur on ductility dip cracking susceptibility in multipass weld metal of alloy 690
Authors: Saida K , Nomoto Y , Okauchi H , Ogiwara H , Nishimoto K
Published: November 2011

The influence of P and S on ductility dip cracking susceptibility in the reheated weld metal of alloy 690 was evaluated by the spot Varestraint test using different alloy 690 filler metals, while varying the contents of P and S. The ductility dip cracking susceptibility was reduced with a decrease in the content of P and S in the filler metal; the amount of (P+1·2S) in the weld metal should be limited to 30 ppm in order to prevent microcracking in the multipass weld metal. A numerical simulation of cosegregation behaviour of P and S revealed that both elements were segregated at the grain boundary in the ductility dip temperature range during multipass welding. A molecular orbital analysis has suggested that ductility dip cracking can be attributed to grain boundary embrittlement due to grain boundary segregation of P and S.
Morphology and chemical composition of Cu/Sn/Cu and Cu(5 at-%Ni)/Sn/Cu(5 at-%Ni) interconnections
Authors: Wierzbicka-Miernik A , Wojewoda-Budka J , Litynska-Dobrzynska L , Kodentsov A , Zieba P
Published: November 2011

In the present paper, scanning and transmission electron microscopies as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy investigations were performed to describe the morphology and chemical composition of the intermetallic phases growing in Cu/Sn/Cu and Cu(Ni)/Sn/Cu(Ni) interconnections during the diffusion soldering process. The obtained results revealed that even a small amount of Ni addition (5 at-%) to the Cu substrate totally changes the morphology and the rate of formation of the intermetallic phase layers in the solder/substrate reaction zone of the interconnections prepared at the same time and joining temperature conditions. The presented studies are promising in terms of the shortening of the soldering time in the electronic industry.
Phosphorylation of the myosin IIA tailpiece regulates single myosin IIA molecule association with lytic granules to promote NK-cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Sanborn Keri B. , Mace Emily M. , Rak Gregory D. , Difeo Analisa , Martignetti John A. , Pecci Alessandro , Bussel James B. , Favier Rémi , Orange Jordan S.
Published: November 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that provide critical defense against virally infected and transformed cells. NK-cell cytotoxicity requires the formation of an F-actin rich immunologic synapse (IS), as well as the polarization of perforin-containing lytic granules to the IS and secretion of their contents at the IS. It was reported previously that NK-cell cytotoxicity requires nonmuscle myosin IIA function and that granule-associated myosin IIA mediates the interaction of granules with F-actin at the IS. In the present study, we evaluate the nature of the association of myosin IIA with lytic granules. Using NK cells from patients with mutations in myosin IIA, we found that the nonhelical tailpiece is required for NK-cell cytotoxicity and for the phosphorylation of granule-associated myosin IIA. Ultra-resolution imaging techniques demonstrated that single myosin IIA molecules associate with NK-cell lytic granules via the nonhelical tailpiece. Phosphorylation of myosin IIA at residue serine 1943 (S1943) in the tailpiece is needed for this linkage. This defines a novel mechanism for myosin II function, in which myosin IIA can act as a single-molecule actin motor, claiming granules as cargo through tail-dependent phosphorylation for the execution of a pre-final step in human NK-cell cytotoxicity.