bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symbolic power and group-making: On Pierre Bourdieu’s reframing of class
Authors: Wacquant Loïc
Published: May 2013

Pierre Bourdieu’s recasting of the question of class exemplifies the major features of his sociology and the way he extends, melds, and mends classical views into a distinctive framework. Bourdieu’s approach is relational, agonistic, and synthetic; it spotlights the symbolic dimension of group formation as practical achievement while fusing theory and research, and it introduces multiple correspondence analysis as a statistical technique suited to grasping constellations of plural capitals. Bourdieu reformulates the problem of domination by questioning the ontological status of collectives and by forging tools for elucidating the politics of group-making: the sociosymbolic alchemy whereby a mental construct is turned into a historical reality through the inculcation of schemata of perception and their deployment to draw, enforce, or contest social boundaries. The article traces the impetus behind the key conceptual shifts Bourdieu effects, from class structure to social space, from class consciousness to habitus, from ideology to symbolic violence, and from ruling class to field of power. It also points to recent studies that have tried, tested, and refined the core tenets of his model and it offers a bibliography of Bourdieu’s publications on class documenting a twofold empirical and analytic shift towards a sociology of the realization of categories that spotlights the constitutive power of symbolic structures.
Natural law, state formation and the foundations of social theory
Authors: Thornhill Chris
Published: May 2013

This article proceeds from the claim that the earliest examples of sociological method were linked by a critique of the theories of natural law proposed in the Enlightenment. It illustrates this point by surveying the rise of social theory in the aftermath of the French Revolution and by examining approaches to natural law in key texts in the history of sociology. However, the article claims that natural law remains a blind spot for sociological method, and the original sociological dismissal of natural law as a formal body of normative postulates has prevented the formation of sociology as a comprehensive system of social interpretation. Using a series of historical examples, the article then argues that natural law theory needs in itself to be viewed sociologically, and, throughout modern history, ius-natural thinking has served not only to establish formal norms for evaluating social and political practices, but also to form the positive preconditions for the evolution of contemporary society in its distinctive differentiated form. The article concludes by arguing that a sociological reconstruction of natural law points the way towards a sociological theory of theory, which has typically proved elusive for sociological methodologies.
Alasdair MacIntyre on morality, community and natural law
Authors: Turner Bryan S.
Published: May 2013

This article explores Alasdair MacIntyre’s social philosophy, which is regarded as both a sweeping criticism of the moral incoherence of modern society and a wide-ranging challenge to value-neutral and descriptive sociology. MacIntyre argues that any moral philosophy presupposes sociology, and hence the following discussion outlines his sociology as the underpinning of his criticisms of emotivism – the proposition that what is pleasurable to me and aesthetically satisfying is the good – in modern philosophy. MacIntyre is criticized on two grounds: firstly his work creates a nostalgic picture of the coherence of past communities; and secondly it neglects the growth of human rights and international law as instances of a shared moral system that is not based on emotivism. Indeed his Dependent Rational Animals can offer a notion of the ontology of human rights based on human vulnerability. The article concludes with a comparison of MacIntyre and Jacques Maritain, who, from the work of Aristotle and Aquinas, contributed to the construction of human rights as the modern version of natural rights. The growth of international law and human rights suggests that MacIntyre’s pessimistic view of the collapse of a common moral vocabulary is unfounded.
Jürgen Habermas: Modern social theory as postmetaphysical natural law
Authors: Chernilo Daniel
Published: May 2013

This article revisits Jürgen Habermas’s long-lasting engagement with the tradition of natural law and argues that his work is unique in the contemporary context because it takes place without seeking to sever all possible connections to natural law. Its goals are then twofold: on the one hand, the article reconstructs what Habermas understands by natural law in order to account for its wider relevance as an intellectual resource in modern social theory; on the other, it reassesses the natural law elements that still reside in Habermas’s own thinking. In terms of structure, the article starts by revisiting Habermas’s definition of natural law and its role in modernity’s claim to normative self-foundation. The second section focuses on the role Habermas gives to sociology as the discipline through which the theory of communicative action was systematically elaborated. Being simultaneously an empirical approach and a normative theory of modern society, the sociological tradition is reconstructed in connection rather than in opposition to natural law. The last part turns to the universalistic foundations of Habermas’s social theory as way of recovering its moment of ‘unconditionality’. As they centre on the question of universalism, all three sections come together in the idea that Habermas’s social theory be depicted as postmetaphysical natural law.
Numerical modelling of scattered Lamb waves through varied damage size in challenging geometry
Authors: Ong Wern H , Chiu Wing K
Published: May 2013

Lamb waves have been accepted as a potential technology for damage detection. However, industry has not adopted the technology due to the fundamental nature of current studies. This article attempts to bring together several areas of knowledge to make a step towards adoption. Commonly, readings from damaged specimens are compared with baseline readings to establish damage. A quantitative approach (scatter calculation) is taken in this article to reveal areas or sensitivity and possible quantification of damage. This method is applied to displacement fields collected through laser vibrometry and numerical simulations. The numerical simulations are performed alongside to assess their usefulness and feasibility when paired with scatter calculations. Analysis of two specimens is presented here: an idealised flat plate and representative aircraft lower wing skin are progressively cut to investigate their response to damage. Despite similar crack-actuator placement in both specimens, the damage-sensitive areas are significantly impacted by geometry changes. This leads to a shift in optimal location of sensors and corresponding prospects of damage quantification.
Comparison of 2 Diagnostic Criteria for the Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Costa Sónia , Suárez-Calvet Marc , Antón Sofia , Dols-Icardo Oriol , Clarimón Jordi , Alcolea Daniel , Fortea Juan , Carmona María , Sala Isabel , Sánchez-Saudinós M. Belén , Blesa Rafael , Lleó Alberto
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the applicability of the 1998 consensus diagnostic criteria for the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) with the recently proposed diagnostic criteria of the International bvFTD Criteria Consortium (FTDC).

Methods

We reviewed each individual item in the 1998 and FTDC criteria in 30 patients with bvFTD followed in a memory clinic (including 2 with the C9orf72 gene repeat expansion).

Results

All patients fulfilled the FTDC criteria (40% possible, 60% probable bvFTD) but only 66.7% fulfilled the 1998 criteria. One of the C9orf72 expansion carriers did not fulfill the 1998 criteria. This discordance was always due to the presence of exclusion features in the 1998 criteria, the most common being spatial disorientation and early severe amnesia.

Conclusion

The new FTDC criteria are less restrictive and hence more sensitive for the diagnosis of bvFTD.
The Role of β-Adrenergic Blockers in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lương Khanh vinh quốc , Nguyễn Lan Thi Hoàng
Published: May 2013

Genetic studies have identified numerous factors linking β-adrenergic blockade to Parkinson’s disease (PD), including human leukocyte antigen genes, the renin–angiotensin system, poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1, nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. β-Adrenergic blockade has also been implicated in PD via its effects on matrix metalloproteinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase 2, and nitric oxide synthase. β-Adrenergic blockade may have a significant role in PD; therefore, the characterization of β-adrenergic blockade in patients with PD is needed.
Understanding ‘quality’ in probation practice: Frontline perspectives in England & Wales
Authors: Robinson Gwen , Priede Camilla , Farrall Stephen , Shapland Joanna , McNeill Fergus
Published: May 2013

In the context of ‘ordinary’ probation practice, quality is a contested concept, as well as an under-researched one. In this article we present the findings of a study which sought to capture, via interviews inspired by Appreciative Inquiry, the views of probation staff about the meaning(s) of ‘quality’ in probation practice. The interviews revealed a ‘frontline’ perspective on quality which has not previously been exposed or articulated as such. Drawing upon theoretical concepts developed by Bourdieu, it is argued that despite significant recent changes in the penal and probation fields in England & Wales, and some signs of adaptation in normative conceptions of probation work, there exists a culture or ‘probation habitus’ among frontline staff that is relatively cohesive and resilient.
Current attitudes on self-use and prescription of hormone therapy among New York City gynaecologists
Authors: Devi Gayatri , Sugiguchi Fumitaka , Pedersen Anette Tønnes , Abrassart Dana , Glodowski Michele , Nachtigall Lila
Published: May 2013

Objective

The results of the Women’s Health Initiative studies dramatically altered hormone therapy use around the world. In countries outside the United States, self-use in physicians remained unaltered while prescription use declined, implying that physicians may not concur with the findings. We wished to explore prevailing attitudes among American physicians by examining New York City obstetrician-gynaecologists’ self-use and prescription use of hormone therapy.

Study design

All board-certified obstetrician-gynaecologists in New York City were invited to complete and return a detailed, previously validated questionnaire concerning hormone therapy use.

Results

Two hundred and nine questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 12% (209/1797). Gynaecologists agreed with the findings from the Women’s Health Initiative studies regarding indications and contraindications to hormone therapy use. Even so, three-quarters of female gynaecologists and female partners of male gynaecologists (74%; 67/91) use or have previously used hormone therapy. However, only 27.3% (21/77) of male gynaecologists and 12.3% (14/114) of female gynaecologists recommend hormone therapy to all menopausal women regardless of contraindications. Gynaecologists remain divided in their attitude toward hormone therapy; 30% of gynaecologists felt that hormone therapy use generally prolonged women’s lives, 36% felt it was not useful in prolonging women’s lives, and 33% were unsure.

Conclusion

Since the publication of the Women’s Health Initiative findings, New York City gynaecologists prescribe hormone therapy to fewer patients. However, they continue to self-use hormone therapy at much higher rates, even as they seem to concur with Women’s Health Initiative recommendations, contributing to the ongoing controversy surrounding the validity of the Women’s Health Initiative findings.
Androgens and cardiovascular disease: Gender-related differences
Authors: Spoletini Ilaria , Caprio Massimiliano , Vitale Cristiana , Rosano Giuseppe MC
Published: May 2013

Androgens are known to play a pivotal role in cardiovascular function. However, a definitive explanation as to how their impact differs between genders is yet to be provided. In this review, the existing studies on the link between androgens and cardiovascular disease have been analysed, with a particular focus on the gender-specific differences. Several studies agree that both direct and indirect effects of testosterone on cardiovascular function show a gender-related dimorphism. Consistently, men and women display different responses to androgen supplementation treatment. Post-menopausal women may particularly benefit from testosterone supplementation therapy. Future studies should further clarify the optimal dose and route of administration of testosterone, and more women should be included in clinical trials, in order to identify novel gender-specific targets, and finally to develop therapeutic strategies.
Culture of Honor and Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence in Latinos
Authors: Dietrich Dorothee M. , Schuett Jessica M.
Published: May 2013

Adherence to culture of honor is examined in relationship to attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) in Latinos. Prior research suggests that high honor culture adherence may be associated with more tolerance for IPV. In the present study, Latino participants ( N = 72) completed questionnaires on culture of honor and attitudes toward various aspects of IPV, including attitudes toward the violence itself, toward the perpetrator, toward the victim, and toward victim help-seeking. High and low reputation threat conditions were depicted in vignettes of IPV to manipulate for honor adherence. Findings suggest that participants who adhere more greatly to culture of honor are more accepting of IPV, more approving of the perpetrator, and less approving of seeking help.
Neuro-Music Therapy for Recent-Onset Tinnitus
Authors: Grapp Miriam , Hutter Elisabeth , Argstatter Heike , Plinkert Peter K. , Bolay Hans Volker
Published: May 2013

The aim of this pilot study was the evaluation of the neuro-music therapy approach as a new treatment option for patients with recent-onset tinnitus whose tinnitus symptoms were enduring after initial pharmacological treatment. In all, 15 patients with recent-onset tinnitus took part in our manualized short-term music-therapeutic treatment. Tinnitus severity and individual tinnitus distress were assessed by the German version of the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ) and the Attention and Performance Self-Assessment Scale (APSA) at three different measurement times: baseline (T0), start of treatment (T1), and end of treatment (T2). Score changes in TQ and APSA from start to end of treatment indicated significant improvements in tinnitus-related distress. According to the Jacobson and Truax reliable change index (RC), 73.3% of the patients showed a reliable reduction in individual TQ-score. The neuro-music therapy for recent-onset tinnitus according to the “Heidelberg Model” introduced in this pilot study seems to provide an effective treatment option for patients with recent-onset tinnitus.
Reading Yoga
Authors: Markula Pirkko
Published: May 2013

Postural yoga has become a very popular physical activity in the United States. In this process, yoga has also transformed into multiple different forms. In this article, I employ Foucault’s theoretical work to understand how yoga has become appropriated in the U.S. media by analyzing the covers of a popular yoga magazine, the Yoga Journal. My Foucauldian discourse analysis indicated that while the Yoga Journal covers have changed quite significantly over 35 years, the magazine appeared to offer a model for “holistic arts of living” for contemporary (middle class) Americans. These “arts” evolved into a simple life of love, joy, and inner strength in the middle of the modern distractions. However, on the Yoga Journal covers, postural yoga also developed into a practice of finding one’s “true self,” creating a lithe yoga body, and becoming a conscious consumer. When read through the covers of a popular magazine, postural yoga Americanized, feminized, and commercialized into a Western fitness practice increasingly governed by the neoliberal rationale.
Disparities in Mental Health Care among HIV-Infected Youth
Authors: Whiteley Laura B. , Brown Larry K. , Swenson Rebecca , Kapogiannis Bill G. , Harper Gary W.
Published: May 2013

Objective:

Untreated psychiatric illness is detrimental to the health and well-being of HIV-infected youth. This study examines the relationships between social and demographic variables and the rates of psychiatric treatment among HIV-infected youth.

Methods:

Analyses are from a cross-sectional survey of 1706 HIV-infected youth (13-26 years) in care at treatment sites or affiliates of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions from 2010 to 2011. Among the youth who reported recent significant mental health symptoms, comparisons on demographic variables (including race, ethnicity, language spoken, level of education, sexual orientation, and household income) were made.

Results:

Psychiatrically symptomatic black youth were significantly less likely than symptomatic nonblack peers to receive mental health care (37.4% versus 48.6%) and psychiatric medications (19.3% versus 26.9%).

Conclusion:

Care providers should be alerted to the potential disparities in mental health care treatment that exist for black youth living with HIV.
Complement activation by heme as a secondary hit for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Frimat Marie , Tabarin Fanny , Dimitrov Jordan D. , Poitou Caroline , Halbwachs-Mecarelli Lise , Fremeaux-Bacchi Veronique , Roumenina Lubka T.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Heme activates complement alternative pathway in serum and on endothelial cell surfaces. Heme-induced complement activation in the presence of complement mutations contributes as a secondary hit to the development of aHUS.
Torricellian points in normed linear spaces
Authors: Dragomir Sever S , Comǎnescu Dan , Kikianty Eder
Published: May 2013

Given a set of n (distinct) points

A

in a normed space, we consider the set of Torricellian points, that is, the set of points which minimises the sum of distances to the points in

A

. We introduce the Torricellian functional associated to a set of distinct points

A

, which calculates the sum of distances of a point x to the points in

A

. The Torricellian point is defined as the infimum (over all vectors) of this functional. We discuss the existence of Torricellian points in reflexive normed spaces, non-expansive subspaces and evidently, inner product spaces. A case for collinear points is given and is utilised to characterise strict convexity. For a non-collinear case, it is shown that the set of Torricellian points contains a unique point when the space is strictly convex. However, we show that the uniqueness of Torricellian point of a non-collinear set does not characterise strict convexity. We consider a particular example of the Torricellian problem in a space endowed with the Taxicab geometry.

MSC:46B20, 49J27.
Characterization of Stra8 in Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis): evidence for its role in meiotic initiation
Authors: Dong Ranran , Yang Shijie , Jiao Jing , Wang Tingru , Shi Hongjuan , Zhou Linyan , Zhang Yaoguang , Wang Deshou
Published: May 2013

Background

RA (retinoic acid) signal pathway has been proved to be required for germ cell meiotic initiation in mammals, aves and amphibians. Stra8 (Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) is an important factor in RA signal pathway. However, the role of RA and Stra8 in germ cell meiotic initiation in teleosts is poorly characterized.

Results

In this study, the full length cDNA of Stra8 was cloned from Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis), and its spatio-temporal expression profiles were analyzed. The Stra8 cDNA (1606 bp) includes 163 bp 5’-UTR (untranslated region), 456 bp 3’-UTR, and an ORF (open reading frame) of 987 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 328 aa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed its existence in some primitive teleosts, such as Siluriformes and Salmoniformes. Tissue distribution analysis by RT-PCR showed that Stra8 is specifically expressed in gonads. By real-time PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the highest expression level of Stra8/ Stra8 was detected in 50 and 130 dah (day after hatching), the premeiotic stage of germ cells in XX and XY gonads, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Stra8 might be involved in germ cell meiotic initiation in S. meridionalis as it did in tetrapods.
Characteristic mTOR activity in Hodgkin-lymphomas offers a potential therapeutic target in high risk disease – a combined tissue microarray, in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Márk Ágnes , Hajdu Melinda , Váradi Zsófia , Sticz Tamás Béla , Nagy Noémi , Csomor Judit , Berczi Lajos , Varga Viktória , Csóka Monika , Kopper László , Sebestyén Anna
Published: May 2013

Background

Targeting signaling pathways is an attractive approach in many malignancies. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is activated in a number of human neoplasms, accompanied by lower overall and/or disease free survival. mTOR kinase inhibitors have been introduced in the therapy of renal cell carcinoma and mantle cell lymphoma, and several trials are currently underway. However, the pathological characterization of mTOR activity in lymphomas is still incomplete.

Methods

mTOR activity and the elements of mTOR complexes were investigated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays representing different human non-Hodgkin-lymphomas (81 cases) and Hodgkin-lymphomas (87 cases). The expression of phospho-mTOR, phospho-4EBP1, phospho-p70S6K, phospho-S6, Rictor, Raptor and Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Survivin and NF-kappaB-p50 were evaluated, and mTOR activity was statistically analyzed along with 5-year survival data. The in vitro and in vivo effect of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin was also examined in human Hodgkin-lymphoma cell lines.

Results

The majority (>50%) of mantle cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin-lymphoma cases showed higher mTOR activity compared to normal lymphoid tissues. Hodgkin-lymphoma was characterized by high mTOR activity in 93% of the cases, and Bcl-xL and NF-kappaB expression correlated with this mTOR activity. High mTOR activity was observed in the case of both favorable and unfavorable clinical response. Low mTOR activity was accompanied by complete remission and at least 5-year disease free survival in Hodgkin-lymphoma patients. However, statistical analysis did not identify correlation beetween mTOR activity and different clinical data of HL patients, such as survival. We also found that Rictor (mTORC2) was not overexpressed in Hodgkin-lymphoma biopsies and cell lines. Rapamycin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in Hodgkin-lymphoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, moreover, it increased the apoptotic effect of chemotherapeutic agents.

Conclusions

Targeting mTOR activity may be a potential therapeutic tool in lymphomas. The presence of mTOR activity probably indicates that the inclusion of mTOR inhibition in the therapy of Hodgkin-lymphomas may be feasible and beneficial, especially when standard protocols are ineffective, and it may also allow dose reduction in order to decrease late treatment toxicity. Most likely, the combination of mTOR inhibitors with other agents will offer the highest efficiency for achieving the best clinical response.
ADAR2 editing activity in newly diagnosed versus relapsed pediatric high-grade astrocytomas
Authors: Tomaselli Sara , Galeano Federica , Massimi Luca , Di Rocco Concezio , Lauriola Libero , Mastronuzzi Angela , Locatelli Franco , Gallo Angela
Published: May 2013

Background

High-grade (WHO grade III and IV) astrocytomas are aggressive malignant brain tumors affecting humans with a high risk of recurrence in both children and adults. To date, limited information is available on the genetic and molecular alterations important in the onset and progression of pediatric high-grade astrocytomas and, even less, on the prognostic factors that influence long-term outcome in children with recurrence. A-to-I RNA editing is an essential post-transcriptional mechanism that can alter the nucleotide sequence of several RNAs and is mediated by the ADAR enzymes. ADAR2 editing activity is particularly important in mammalian brain and is impaired in both adult and pediatric high-grade astrocytomas. Moreover, we have recently shown that the recovered ADAR2 activity in high-grade astrocytomas inhibits in vivo tumor growth. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether changes may occur in ADAR2-mediated RNA editing profiles of relapsed high-grade astrocytomas compared to their respective specimens collected at diagnosis, in four pediatric patients.

Methods

Total RNAs extracted from all tumor samples and controls were tested for RNA editing levels (by direct sequencing on cDNA pools) and for ADAR2 mRNA expression (by qRT-PCR).

Results

A significant loss of ADAR2-editing activity was observed in the newly diagnosed and recurrent astrocytomas in comparison to normal brain. Surprisingly, we found a substantial rescue of ADAR2 editing activity in the relapsed tumor of the only patient showing prolonged survival.

Conclusions

High-grade astrocytomas display a generalized loss of ADAR2-mediated RNA editing at both diagnosis and relapse. However, a peculiar Case, in complete remission of disease, displayed a total rescue of RNA editing at relapse, intriguingly suggesting ADAR2 activity/expression as a possible marker for long-term survival of patients with high-grade astrocytomas.
Increased incidence of autoimmune markers in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyris , Zacharis George , Oikonomou Anastasia , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Margaritopoulos George , Koutsopoulos Anastasios , Antoniadis Antonis , Koulelidis Andreas , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Boglou Panagiotis , Bakali Matina , Froudarakis Marios , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: May 2013

Background

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is an umbrella term encompassing upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe pulmonary fibrosis with pathogenesis elusive. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of autoimmune markers in patients with CPFE.

Methods

In this multicenter study we retrospectively evaluated records from patients with CPFE (n=40) and IPF (n=60) without emphysema. Baseline demographic characteristics, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), spirometry, histopathological, treatment, serum immunologic and survival data were investigated. B cell presence was estimated with CD20 immunostaining in representative lung biopsy samples from CPFE patients and control subjects.

Results

A statistically significant increased number of CPFE patients with elevated serum ANA with or without positive p-ANCA titers compared to patients with IPF without emphysema was observed. Patients with CPFE and positive autoimmune markers exhibited improved survival compared to patients with a negative autoimmune profile. A massive infiltration of clusters of CD20+ B cells forming lymphoid follicles within the fibrotic lung in CPFE patients with positive serum immunologic profile compared to patients with negative profile, was noted and positively correlated with improved survival.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients with CPFE may present with underlying auto-immune disorders that may reside insidiously and be associated with favorable prognosis. Early identification of these patients using a panel of auto-antibodies may lead to more targeted and effective therapeutic applications.
SERS substrates formed by gold nanorods deposited on colloidal silica films
Authors: Tsvetkov Mikhail Yu , Khlebtsov Boris N , Khanadeev Vitaly A , Bagratashvili Victor N , Timashev Peter S , Samoylovich Mikhail I , Khlebtsov Nikolai G
Published: May 2013

We describe a new approach to the fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using gold nanorod (GNR) nanopowders to prepare concentrated GNR sols, followed by their deposition on an opal-like photonic crystal (OPC) film formed on a silicon wafer. For comparative experiments, we also prepared GNR assemblies on plain silicon wafers. GNR-OPC substrates combine the increased specific surface, owing to the multilayer silicon nanosphere structure, and various spatial GNR configurations, including those with possible plasmonic hot spots. We demonstrate here the existence of the optimal OPC thickness and GNR deposition density for the maximal SERS effect. All other things being equal, the analytical integral SERS enhancement of the GNR-OPC substrates is higher than that of the thick, randomly oriented GNR assemblies on plain silicon wafers. Several ways to further optimize the strategy suggested are discussed.
Boginia virus, a newfound hantavirus harbored by the Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens) in Poland
Authors: Gu Se Hun , Markowski Janusz , Kang Hae Ji , Hejduk Janusz , Sikorska Beata , Liberski Paweł P , Yanagihara Richard
Published: May 2013

Background

Guided by decades-old reports of hantaviral antigens in the Eurasian common shrew (Sorex araneus) and the Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens) in European Russia, we employed RT-PCR to analyze lung tissues of soricine shrews, captured in Boginia, Huta Dłutowska and Kurowice in central Poland during September 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Findings

In addition to Seewis virus (SWSV), which had been previously found in Eurasian common shrews elsewhere in Europe, a genetically distinct hantavirus, designated Boginia virus (BOGV), was detected in Eurasian water shrews captured in each of the three villages. Phylogenetic analysis, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods, showed that BOGV formed a separate lineage distantly related to SWSV.

Conclusions

Although the pathogenic potential of BOGV and other recently identified shrew-borne hantaviruses is still unknown, clinicians should be vigilant for unusual febrile diseases and clinical syndromes occurring among individuals reporting exposures to shrews.
Ethnobotanical knowledge on indigenous fruits in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions in Northern Namibia
Authors: Cheikhyoussef Ahmad , Embashu Werner
Published: May 2013

Background

Indigenous communities in Namibia possess a rich indigenous knowledge expressed within many practices of these communities. Indigenous wild edible fruits are available along the Namibian 13 regions of which it forms a rich source of vitamins, fibres, minerals and a heterogeneous collection of bioactive compounds referred to as phytochemicals for indigenous people’s diet. The aim of this study was to record the different IKS practices on the indigenous fruit trees in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions of Namibia.

Methods

An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect information from local communities from 23-29 October 2011. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and personal interviews during field trips in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. A total of 65 respondents were interviewed; 54%; women, 38%; men and 8%; both in group interviews.

Results

The majority of the people interviewed were in their thirty’s, with the youngest being 18 years old and the oldest being 98 years old. Forty three plant specimens were collected from the two regions; these specimens belong to 20 genera and 25 species. Regarding to the indigenous knowledge; 87%; of the respondents indicated that their knowledge on indigenous fruits was learnt mainly through their parent. Indigenous people’s perception on declining indigenous fruits revealed that 56.3%; of the respondents reported that indigenous fruits were declining. Only a 42.2%; indicated that the indigenous fruits populations are increasing. Regarding to the management practices to improve the production of these indigenous fruit trees; 38.6%; reported that there are some efforts on management practices; on the other hand 61.4%; reported there are no management practices on the indigenous fruit trees in their areas. Four species were found to be the most frequently used and mentioned fruits which need to be given high preference in terms of conservation are: Berchemia discolor, Hyphaene petersiana, Sclerocarya birrea and Diospyros mespiliformis. The following diseases and ailments have been reported to be treated by the indigenous fruit trees which include: toothache, diarrhoea, cough, tonsillitis, burns, skin allergy, stomach ache, snake bit, constipation, etc. 28%; of the respondents mentioned an ethno veterinary use(s) of these fruits, e.g. the use of the Ziziphus mucronata roots to treat diarrhoea in cattle, the bark of eembe (Berchemia discolor) to treat calf weakness.

Conclusions

The local communities in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions have relatively good knowledge and practices regarding the indigenous fruit. This study enhances our understanding on the indigenous fruit in Namibia and their uses by local communities.
DFT investigations on the interaction of oxygen reduction reaction intermediates with Au (100) and bimetallic Au/M (100) (M = Pt, Cu, and Fe) surfaces
Authors: Jalili Seifollah , Isfahani Asghar Zeini , Habibpour Razieh
Published: May 2013

Background

Density functional theory was used to demonstrate how the presence of second metals can modify the adsorption energies of oxygen reduction intermediates on Au (100) surfaces. Taking the importance of the modification of oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cell activity into consideration, the adsorption energy and the stable adsorption sites for the intermediates of this reaction in Au (100) and bimetallic Au/M (100) (M = Pt, Cu, and Fe) systems were closely examined. After optimization of the structures, calculations of the density of states, d-band center, electron charge transfer, and adsorption energies of the intermediates of oxygen reduction reaction were accomplished.

Results

The d-band center has been shown to be shifted because of strain and ligand effects in these bimetallic systems. The important role of hydroxyl species (OH) on catalytic surfaces was revealed while studying intermediates of oxygen reduction reaction. Hydroxyl species are strongly adsorbed on the catalytic surfaces and decrease the kinetic of oxygen reduction reaction by occupying the active adsorption sites.

Conclusions

Au-Pt-Au (100) has the biggest OH adsorption energy. Therefore, it can be concluded that the presence of the submonolayer of Pt in this bimetallic system has helped hydroxyl species occupy the active sites, and consequently, it is not an appropriate catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.
Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases: key mediators of leukocyte function
Authors: Marco Marta , Fortin Carl , Fulop Tamas
Published: May 2013

Leukocytes are major cellular effectors of the immune response. To accomplish this task, these cells display a vast arsenal of proteinases, among which, members of the MMP family are especially important. Leukocytes express several members of the MMP family, including secreted- and membrane-anchored MT- MMPs, which synergistically orchestrate an appropriate proteolytic reaction that ultimately modulates immunological responses. The MT-MMP subfamily comprises TM- and GPI-anchored proteinases, which are targeted to well-defined membrane microdomains and exhibit different substrate specificities. Whereas much information exists on the biological roles of secreted MMPs in leukocytes, the roles of MT-MMPs remain relatively obscure. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the expression of MT-MMPs in leukocyte and their contribution to the immune responses and to pathological conditions.
Optimal nonlinear design of marine borehole seismic surveys
Authors: Coles Darrell , Yang Yi , Djikpesse Hugues , Prange Michael , Osypov Konstantin
Published: May 2013

We explore [Formula: see text]-optimization, a recently introduced method in optimal experimental design theory, as a tool to minimize the forecasted postinversion model uncertainty in marine borehole seismic applications. The [Formula: see text]-criterion is a design objective function crafted specifically for nonlinear data-model relationships and, when used in conjunction with greedy, sequential optimization algorithms, is among the first of its kind to be computationally efficient enough for industrial-scale applications. The benefits and disadvantages of greedy algorithms are briefly discussed, and one of the most popular, the Construction algorithm, is confirmed to take (nearly) linear time, as predicted by theory. The [Formula: see text]-criterion is rederived here to show that restrictive assumptions in its original derivation were unnecessary. This new derivation is cast in terms of expected likelihood ratios, which quantify the discriminability of geomodels constrained by observed seismic data. A 3D vertical seismic profiling (VSP) survey and a walkaway VSP survey are [Formula: see text]-optimized for a site in the Gulf of Mexico, from which several potential applications are identified, including: (1) prescribing the maximum radius of 3D VSP spirals; (2) a novel annular-spiral 3D VSP geometry to reduce acquisition time and cost; (3) a novel azimuthal-walkaway geometry for presurvey acquisition; (4) identifying optimal data for rapid postacquisition quality control and quick-look inversion; (5) optimizing data decimation to facilitate the analysis of massive data sets which cannot be practically analyzed in toto; and (6) optimizing source vessel placement for offset/azimuth checkshots.
Transdimensional inversion of ambient seismic noise for 3D shear velocity structure of the Tasmanian crust
Authors: Young Mallory K. , Rawlinson Nicholas , Bodin Thomas
Published: May 2013

Ambient seismic noise tomography has proven to be a valuable tool for imaging 3D crustal shear velocity using surface waves; however, conventional two-stage inversion schemes are severely limited in their ability to properly quantify solution uncertainty and account for inhomogeneous data coverage. In response to these challenges, we developed a two-stage hierarchical, transdimensional, Bayesian scheme for inverting surface wave dispersion information for a 3D shear velocity structure and apply it to ambient seismic noise data recorded in Tasmania, southeast Australia. The key advantages of our Bayesian approach are that the number and distribution of model parameters are implicitly controlled by the data and that the standard deviation of the data noise is treated as an unknown in the inversion. Furthermore, the use of Bayesian inference — which combines prior model information and observed data to quantify the a posteriori probability distribution — means that model uncertainty information can be correctly propagated from the dispersion curves to the phase velocity maps and finally onward to the 1D shear models that are combined to form a composite 3D image. We successfully applied the new method to ambient noise dispersion data (1–12-s period) from Tasmania. The results revealed an east-dipping anomalously low shear velocity zone that extends to at least a 15-km depth and can be related to the accretion of oceanic crust onto the eastern margin of Proterozoic Tasmania during the mid-Paleozoic.
Inducible Brown Adipose Tissue, or Beige Fat, Is Anabolic for the Skeleton
Authors: Rahman Sima , Lu Yalin , Czernik Piotr J. , Rosen Clifford J. , Enerback Sven , Lecka-Czernik Beata
Published: May 2013

It is known that insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with increased fractures and that brown adipose tissue (BAT) counteracts many if not all of the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. By the use of FoxC2AD+/Tg mice, a well-established model for induction of BAT, or beige fat, we present data extending the beneficial action of beige fat to also include a positive effect on bone. FoxC2AD+/Tg mice are lean and insulin-sensitive and have high bone mass due to increased bone formation associated with high bone turnover. Inducible BAT is linked to activation of endosteal osteoblasts whereas osteocytes have decreased expression of the Sost transcript encoding sclerostin and elevated expression of Rankl. Conditioned media (CM) collected from forkhead box c2 (FOXC2)-induced beige adipocytes activated the osteoblast phenotype and increased levels of phospho-AKT and β-catenin in recipient cells. In osteocytes, the same media decreased Sost expression. Immunodepletion of CM with antibodies against wingless related MMTV integration site 10b (WNT10b) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) resulted in the loss of pro-osteoblastic activity, and the loss of increase in the levels of phospho-AKT and β-catenin. Conversely, CM derived from cells overexpressing IGFBP2 or WNT10b restored osteoblastic activity in recipient cells. In conclusion, beige fat secretes endocrine/paracrine activity that is beneficial for the skeleton.
Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of CYP2J2 Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Male Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Ma Ben , Xiong Xiaojv , Chen Chen , Li Huaping , Xu Xizhen , Li Xuguang , Li Rui , Chen Guangzhi , Dackor Ryan T. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Wang Dao Wen
Published: May 2013

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid to biologically active cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, which have potent vasodilatory, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antidiabetes properties. Here, we showed the effects of cardiac-specific overexpression of CYP epoxygenase 2J2 (CYP2J2) on diabetic cardiomyopathy and insulin resistance in high-fat (HF) diet fed, low-dose streptozotocin-treated mice. Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced by HF and streptozotocin in cardiac-specific CYP2J2 transgenic mice. Physiological parameters and systemic metabolic parameters were monitored using ELISA kits. Intraperitoneal injection glucose tolerance test and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study were implied to indicate insulin resistance. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and Millar catheter system. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used in signal pathway detection. αMHC-CYP2J2 transgenic mice showed significantly lower plasma glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, and increased cardiac glucose uptake. Furthermore, αMHC-CYP2J2 transgenic mice were significantly protected from HF-streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy. Strikingly, CYP2J2 overexpression attenuated myocardial hypertrophy induced by diabetes. We conclude that cardiac-specific overexpression of CYP2J2 significantly protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy, which may be due to improved cardiac insulin resistance, glucose uptake, and reversal of cardiac hypertrophy. Relevant mechanisms may include up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, activation of insulin receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, and inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 signal by enhanced atrial natriuretic peptide production. These results suggest that CYP2J2 epoxygenase metabolites likely play an important role in plasma glucose homeostasis, and enhancement of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids activation may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Differential Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Testosterone in Prostate and Colon Cancer Cell Apoptosis: The Role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Receptors
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Vasileia , Pediaditakis Iosif , Alkahtani Saad , Alarifi Saud A. , Schmidt Eva-Maria , Lang Florian , Gravanis Achille , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Stournaras Christos
Published: May 2013

Tumor growth is fostered by inhibition of cell death, which involves the receptiveness of tumor to growth factors and hormones. We have recently shown that testosterone exerts proapoptotic effects in prostate and colon cancer cells through a membrane-initiated mechanism. In addition, we have recently reported that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can control cell fate, activating nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors, namely tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk)A and p75 neurotrophin receptor, in primary neurons and in PC12 tumoral cells. NGF was recently involved in cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. In the present study, we explored the cross talk between androgens (testosterone and DHEA) and NGF in regulating apoptosis of prostate and colon cancer cells. DHEA and NGF strongly blunted serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, whereas testosterone induced apoptosis of both cancer cell lines. The antiapoptotic effect of both DHEA and NGF was completely reversed by testosterone. In line with this, DHEA or NGF up-regulated, whereas testosterone down-regulated, the expression of TrkA receptor. The effects of androgens were abolished in both cell lines in the presence of TrkA inhibitor. DHEA induced the phosphorylation of TrkA and the interaction of p75 neurotrophin receptor with its effectors, Rho protein GDP dissociation inhibitor and receptor interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2. Conversely, testosterone was unable to activate both receptors. Testosterone acted as a DHEA and NGF antagonist, by blocking the activation of both receptors by DHEA or NGF. Our findings suggest that androgens may influence hormone-sensitive tumor cells via their cross talk with NGF receptors. The interplay between steroid hormone and neurotrophins signaling in hormone-dependent tumors offers new insights in the pathophysiology of these neoplasias.
Constitutive Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 Activity Attenuates GH Synthesis
Authors: Ben-Shlomo Anat , Pichurin Oxana , Khalafi Ramtin , Zhou Cuiqi , Chesnokova Vera , Ren Song-Guang , Liu Ning-Ai , Melmed Shlomo
Published: May 2013

Somatostatin signals predominantly through somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtype 2 to attenuate GH release. However, the independent role of the receptor in regulating GH synthesis is unclear. Because we had previously demonstrated constitutive SSTR2 activity in mouse corticotrophs, we now analyzed GH regulation in rat pituitary somatotroph (GC) tumor cells, which express SSTR2 exclusively and are devoid of endogenous somatostatin ligand. We demonstrate that moderately stable SSTR2 overexpression (GpSSTR2WT cells) was associated with decreased GH promoter activity, GH mRNA, and hormone levels compared with those of control transfectants (GpCon cells). In contrast, levels of GH mRNA and peptide and GH promoter activity were unchanged in GpSSTR2DRY stable transfectants moderately expressing DRY motif mutated SSTR2 (R140A). GpSSTR2DRY did not exhibit an enhanced octreotide response as did GpSSTR2WT cells; however, both SSTR2WT-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) and SSTR2DRY-eYFP internalized on octreotide treatment. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, increased GH synthesis in wild-type GC cells and primary pituitary cultures. GpSSTR2WT cells induced GH synthesis more strongly on SAHA treatment, evident by both higher GH peptide and mRNA levels compared with the moderate but similar GH increase observed in GpCon and GpSSTR2DRY cells. In vivo SAHA also increased GH release from GpSSTR2WT but not from control xenografts. Endogenous rat GH promoter chromatin immunoprecipitation showed decreased baseline acetylation of the GH promoter with exacerbated acetylation after SAHA treatment in GpSSTR2WT compared with that of either GpSSTR2DRY or control cells, the latter 2 transfectants exhibiting similar GH promoter acetylation levels. In conclusion, modestly increased SSTR2 expression constitutively decreases GH synthesis, an effect partially mediated by GH promoter histone deacetylation.