bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a novel in situ forming gel based on hydrogel dispersions
Authors: Wu Jun Jim , Shek Pang N.
Published: March 2009

This report describes the synthesis and characterization of hydrogel dispersions for the potential use as an in situ gel‐forming wound sealant. A series of polyacrylamide (PAAm) particles (solid content 5–10 wt %) were prepared by dispersion polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) in a solvent mixture of ethanol/water (90/10 w/w). These particles are characterized by the presence of a “core” [ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) crosslinked PAAm] surrounded by a “shell” [acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEMA) or 2‐aminoethylmethacrylate‐containing PAAm, named as AAEMA‐xPAAm and NH2‐xPAAm, respectively; x represents “crosslinked”]. Two “2‐in‐1” working systems were prepared: (1) AAEMA‐xPAAm mixed with NH2‐xPAAm and (2) AAEMA‐xPAAm mixed with 1,6‐diaminohexane [AAEMA:NH2 (1:1 mol/mol in (1) and (2)]. These systems appeared to possess essential characteristics for their potential use as wound sealants. For example, at 37°C (and/or room temperature), both systems (1) and (2) formed transparent films, within 2 min upon applying them to a substrate; a rapid, concomitant crosslinking reaction occurred between AAEMA and –NH2 on their outer “shells,” knitting the EGDMA‐crosslinked PAAm micro‐“gel” together into a macro one. In contrast to other reported wound sealants, which are in either solution form or powder form, the advantages of hydrogel dispersion‐based sealant may include ease of application (sprayable due to its low viscosity), species encapsulation and protection, and so forth. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on designing a wound sealant based on micro‐particle dispersions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Characterization of the behavior of porous hydrogels in model osmotically‐conditioned articular cartilage systems
Authors: Spiller Kara L. , Laurencin Samuel J. , Lowman Anthony M.
Published: March 2009

The evaluation of hydrogel swelling behavior is a vital step in development of new materials for biomedical applications. Phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) is the most commonly chosen swelling medium to model hydrogel behavior in articular cartilage (AC). However, the use of PBS does not fully elucidate the osmotic pressure hydrogels will face in many tissues in vivo. Thus, there is a critical need to assess the performance of hydrogels in a model system that can better reflect the native tissues for a specified application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties, porosity, and swelling behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with a degradable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) phase in synthetic models and in ex vivo AC model systems. The controlled degradation of the PLGA phase reflected the dynamic nature of native tissues and allowed for the assessment of hydrogel swelling characteristics under fluctuating osmotic pressures. When hydrogels were implanted ex vivo into bovine AC, their swelling ratios and water contents significantly decreased. This response was matched by hydrogels immersed in a solution of PEG having an osmotic pressure matching AC. The hydrogels were further characterized over 6 weeks in PEG and in PBS, with each system having unique affects on the hydrogel swelling behavior and material properties. The results show that a PEG solution conditioned to an osmotic pressure of AC is a strong model for the effects of the osmotic environment on hydrogels and that PBS is an ineffective predictor of swelling changes in vivo. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Dwindling forest resources and economic vulnerability among tribal communities in a dry/ sub‐humid region in India
Authors: Shah Amita , O.G. Sajitha
Published: March 2009

The paper examines livelihood conditions and explores policy options for mitigating poverty among tribal communities in Gujarat state, which is experiencing rapid economic growth and widening disparities where tribals are the most poor and deprived. While labour force diversification and migration are important coping mechanisms, these alone may not help lift a large number of the poor out of the poverty trap, which to a large extent is linked to degradation and lack of proper entitlement for managing and using forest resources among these communities. Forest‐based livelihood options assume special significance especially in the wake of the emerging policy framework for adaptation and mitigation of climate change, where the main thrust could be on combining regeneration and conservation of forests with right kind of incentives for ensuring sustainable management and use of forest resources within the region. The mechanism of ‘compensated conservation’ proposed by India could prove very useful in this context. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myoanatomy of the marine tardigrade Halobiotus crispae (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae)
Authors: Halberg Kenneth Agerlin , Persson Dennis , Møbjerg Nadja , Wanninger Andreas , Kristensen Reinhardt Møbjerg
Published: March 2009

The muscular architecture of Halobiotus crispae (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae) was examined by means of fluorescent‐coupled phalloidin in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy and computer‐aided three‐dimensional reconstruction, in addition to light microscopy (Nomarski), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The somatic musculature of H. crispae is composed of structurally independent muscle fibers, which can be divided into a dorsal, ventral, dorsoventral, and a lateral musculature. Moreover, a distinct leg musculature is found. The number and arrangement of muscles differ in each leg. Noticeably, the fourth leg contains much fewer muscles when compared with the other legs. Buccopharyngeal musculature (myoepithelial muscles), intestinal musculature, and cloacal musculature comprise the animal's visceral musculature. TEM of stylet and leg musculature revealed ultrastructural similarities between these two muscle groups. Furthermore, microtubules are found in the epidermal cells of both leg and stylet muscle attachments. This would indicate that the stylet and stylet glands are homologues to the claw and claw glands, respectively. When comparing with previously published data on both heterotardigrade and eutardigrade species, it becomes obvious that eutardigrades possess very similar numbers and arrangement of muscles, yet differ in a number of significant details of their myoanatomy. This study establishes a morphological framework for the use of muscular architecture in elucidating tardigrade phylogeny. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase Biaxility in Smectic‐A Side‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Storz Rebekka , Komp Ansgar , Hoffmann Anke , Finkelmann Heino
Published: March 2009

2H NMR investigations on the biaxial phase behavior of smectic‐A liquid crystalline side‐chain elastomers are presented. Biaxiality parameters were determined by measuring the quadrupolar splitting of two spin probes, namely benzene‐d6 and hexamethylbenzene‐d18, at various angles between the principal director and the external magnetic field: while for a uniaxial sample the angular dependence can be described by the second Legendre polynomial, an additional asymmetric term needs to be included to fit the data of the two investigated biaxial systems. Two elastomers synthesized from mesogens that differ in the molecular geometry in order to study the molecular origin of biaxiality were compared. Biaxiality is observed for both elastomers when approaching the glass transition, suggesting that the network dynamics dominate the formation of the biaxial phase.

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 6/2009
Authors: Lee Sun Hee , Lee Chang Kee , Shin Su Ryon , Kim Sun I. , So Insuk , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: March 2009

Back Cover: By controlling the concentration of salt and pH, DNA hydrogel fibers with a porous structure exhibit a fast and large transition in length. The DNA hydrogel fibers show an effective actuation under biological conditions. Further details can be found in the article by S. H. Lee, C. K. Lee, S. R. Shin, S. I. Kim, I. So, and S. J. Kim* on page 430.
Potential role of cytochrome P450‐1B1 in the metabolic activation of 4‐aminobiphenyl in humans
Authors: Ketelslegers Hans B , Godschalk Roger WL , Eskens Bart JM , Dallinga Jan W , Gottschalk Ralph W.H. , van Schooten Frederik J. , van Delft Joost H.M. , Kleinjans Jos C.S.
Published: March 2009

Metabolites of the human carcinogen 4‐aminobiphenyl (4‐ABP) form hemoglobin (Hb) adducts, which represent a useful biomarker for exposure. However, not every individual responds to a similar degree to 4‐ABP exposure, and variations in 4‐ABP‐Hb adduct formation might be explained by genetic polymorphisms in genes coding for enzymes involved in 4‐ABP metabolism. 4‐ABP‐Hb adducts were measured in blood samples from 57 smoking and 10 non‐smoking volunteers. An association was found between cigarette smoking and 4‐ABP‐Hb adduct levels in smokers (R2 = 0.5, P < 0.001). Subsequently, subjects were genotyped for 12 polymorphisms in seven genes involved in biotransformation reactions. From this selection of polymorphisms, a significant impact was found for the CYP1B1 Leu432Val polymorphism (P = 0.021), which has been reported to lead to a decrease in enzyme activity. Indeed higher levels of 4‐ABP‐Hb adducts were observed in homo‐ and heterozygous carriers of the CYP1B1 432Leu as compared to the double CYP1B1 432Val genotype. A significant interaction between these CYP1B1 genotypes and the level of exposure was found (P = 0.003). Noteworthy, a saturation effect was observed for 4‐ABP‐Hb adduct formation at high smoking doses limited to carriers of the CYP1B1 432Leu allele. No effect of polymorphisms in other genes were found. This is the first study in humans suggesting a crucial role of the CYP1B1 enzyme in 4‐ABP metabolism, indicating a protective effect of the CYP1B1 Leu432Val polymorphism against the formation of 4‐ABP‐Hb adduct levels, depending on the smoking dose. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring of Emulsion Polymerisation Processes using Ion Mobility Spectrometry—A Pilot Study
Authors: Vautz Wolfgang , Mauntz Wolfgang , Engell Sebastian , Baumbach Jörg Ingo
Published: March 2009

Online monitoring of monomer concentrations in (semi‐) batch emulsion polymerisation reactors is important for safe and cost‐efficient operation of production plants. In the present pilot study, ion mobility spectrometry was applied for monitoring the concentration during emulsion polymerisation of vinyl acetate (VA) using UV light for ionisation of the headspace of a continuous sample flow. Satisfactory sensitivity for online process monitoring of the monomer concentration in the reactor was observed (LOD 400 ng · L−1 air, equivalent to <1%). Furthermore, it is possible to discriminate between VA and other common monomers [butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA)]. Using the more efficient β‐radiation ionisation, monomer concentration could be measured even in the final latex as a measure of the final product properties.

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Immunological microenvironment in prostate cancer: High mast cell densities are associated with favorable tumor characteristics and good prognosis
Authors: Fleischmann Achim , Schlomm Thorsten , Köllermann Jens , Sekulic Nikolina , Huland Hartwig , Mirlacher Martina , Sauter Guido , Simon Ronald , Erbersdobler Andreas
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND

Number of intratumoral mast cells predicts survival in various cancers. The prognostic significance of such mast cells in surgically treated prostate cancer is unknown.

METHODS

Mast cell densities were determined in prostate cancer samples of more than 2,300 hormone‐naïve patients using a tissue microarray format in correlation with clinical follow‐up data. Mast cells were visualized immunohistochemically (c‐kit). All patients were homogeneously treated by radical prostatectomy at a single institution.

RESULTS

Mast cells were present in 95.9% of the tumor samples. Median mast cell number on the tissue spot was 9 (range: 0–90; median density: 31 mast cells/mm2). High mast cell densities were significantly associated with more favorable tumors having lower preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (P = 0.0021), Gleason score (P < 0.0001) and tumor stage (P < 0.0001) than tumors with low mast cell densities. Prostate‐specific antigen recurrence‐free survival significantly (P = 0.0001) decreased with decline of mast cell density showing poorest outcome for patients without intratumoral mast cells. In multivariate analysis mast cell density narrowly missed to add independent prognostic information (P = 0.0815) for prostate‐specific antigen recurrence.

CONCLUSION

High intratumoral mast cell density is associated with favorable tumor characteristics and good prognosis in prostate cancer. This finding is consistent with a role of mast cells in the immunological host‐defense reaction on prostate cancer. Triggering mast cell activity might expand immunotherapeutic strategies in prostate cancer. Prostate 69: 976–981, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kesterite absorber layer uniformity from electrodeposited pre‐cursors
Authors: Kurihara Masato , Berg Dominik , Fischer Johannes , Siebentritt Susanne , Dale Phillip J.
Published: March 2009

Spatially resolved measurements of kesterite absorber layer uniformity were made using single wavelength photocurrent and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) measurements. The p‐type kesterite absorber layers consisting nominally of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) were synthesised by sequentially electrodepositing layers of Cu, Sn, and Zn from unstirred baths and subsequently annealing the stacked pre‐cursors in a sulphur containing atmosphere. The photocurrent and EDX measurements showed the samples to have deviations in their photo‐response, thickness, and composition over a scale of a few millimetres. The deviations were shown to be due to the uncontrolled mass transport of the depositing ions on to the Mo substrate surface. When the mass transport was controlled pre‐cursors of uniform thickness and annealed kesterites with uniform composition resulted. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A furanquinone from Paulownia tomentosa stem for a new cathepsin K inhibitor
Authors: Park Youmie , Kong Jae Yang , Cho Heeyeong
Published: March 2009

In the search for novel inhibitors of cathepsin K, a new furanquinone compound, methyl 5‐hydroxy‐dinaphtho[1,2‐2′3′]furan‐7,12‐dione‐6‐carboxylate (1a), showed in vitro inhibitory activities for cathepsin K. Compound 1a was isolated originally from Paulownia tomentosa stem and its derivatives were synthesized. Furanquinone compounds (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d) were also found to be capable of inhibiting cathepsin L, which is closely related to cathepsin K. The inhibitory activity of the parent compound 1a (IC50 = 21 µm) for cathepsin K was slightly higher than those of the other three derivatives that have a methoxy (1b), propoxy (1c) or acetoxy (1d) group (IC50 = 33–66 µm) in the 5‐position of compound 1a. This implies that the 5‐hydroxyl functional group of 1a may have favorable effects on the reduction potential which are related to the cathepsin K inhibitory activities of furanquinone compounds. Therefore, the cathepsin K inhibitory activity of a new furanquinone compound is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ocimum sanctum induces apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells and suppresses the in vivo growth of lewis lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Magesh Venkataraman , Lee Jang‐Choon , Ahn Kwang Seok , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Lee Hyo‐Jeong , Lee Eun‐Ok , Shim Bum Sang , Jung Hee Jae , Kim Jin Sung , Kim Dae Keun , Choi Seung‐Hoon , Ahn Kyoo‐Seok , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: March 2009

Although Ocimum sanctum has been used extensively for its medicinal values in India and China, its antitumor activity against human nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) A549 cells has not been investigated until now. Therefore, the antitumor mechanism of ethanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum (EEOS) was elucidated in A549 cells in vitro and the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) animal model. EEOS exerted cytotoxicity against A549 cells, increased the sub‐G1 population and exhibited apoptotic bodies in A549 cells. Furthermore, EEOS cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP), released cytochrome C into cytosol and simultaneously activated caspase‐9 and ‐3 proteins. Also, EEOS increased the ratio of proapoptotic protein Bax/antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2 and inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in A549 cancer cells. In addition, it was found that EEOS can suppress the growth of LLC inoculated onto C57BL/6 mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Overall, these results demonstrate that EEOS induces apoptosis in A549 cells via a mitochondria caspase dependent pathway and inhibits the in vivo growth of LLC, suggesting that EEOS can be applied to lung carcinoma as a chemopreventive candidate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aboriginal principles for sustainable development as told in traditional law stories
Authors: Sveiby Karl‐Erik
Published: March 2009

Sustainable development has become an arena where people bring already existing political and philosophical outlooks to a debate characterized by fundamental dichotomies. This paper presents an analysis of ten Australian Aboriginal law stories to derive a range of principles for how the Nhunggabarra people of Australia sustained their society against three such dichotomies: holism versus fragmentation, ‘strong’ versus ‘weak’ SD and growth versus no‐growth economy. The Aboriginal sustainability model is possibly the oldest we have some evidence of, with a successful track record of several tens of thousands of years. It is a surprisingly ‘realistic’ model: neither representative of strong SD, nor giving arguments to no‐growth proponents. The paper argues against a common perception that modern industrialized societies cannot learn from indigenous societies: it is a matter of perspective. Although many practices and solutions are not viable for our time, we can learn from the principles and the governance models as a whole. The Nhunggabarra society model provides a set of such principles, with a sustainability track record. Australia, therefore, has two models, the Aboriginal and the industrial, both implemented on a continent, which can be seen as a bellwether for the planet as a whole – a unique learning opportunity for the discourse on sustainable development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Reviewing the arguments for market based approaches to water distribution: a critical assessment for sustainable water management in Spain
Authors: Honey‐Rosés Jordi
Published: March 2009

Countries in dry climates need to find more efficient water management practices to meet growing water demand. Traditional command‐and‐control water policies are associated with inefficiencies and have motivated the exploration of market based approaches, including water trading. Water trading has its intellectual origin with the theory of Pareto optimality and the Coase theorem, which asserts that resources will be allocated efficiently given well defined property rights and no transaction costs. This research reviews the case for water trading and finds that, in the Spanish context, institutional innovations and reforms are needed to address externalities in the water market and lower transaction costs before water trading can become viable. Policies based purely on market incentives are unlikely to produce desirable results. The challenge for Spanish policy‐makers will be to create the appropriate mix of market incentives and institutional conditions that will promote an efficient distribution of water resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Elements of a cybernetic epistemology: Design rules for complex goal‐orientated systems
Authors: Nechansky Helmut
Published: March 2009

Feedback systems have often been considered as relevant for an understanding of the brain. But obviously most biological systems have a much more complicated structure. Surprisingly the functional and structural necessities determining the route from simple feedback systems to complex goal‐orientated systems like the brain have never been investigated. Therefore this paper studies systematically the possibilities for adding functional elements like sensors, memory, effectors etc. to a feedback system. Then it investigates which combinations of functional elements are necessary to get to working goal‐orientated systems. Based on that necessities and options of data organization and the resulting cognitive possibilities are analysed. This abstract analysis delivers design rules for complex—technical and biological—goal‐orientated systems and basic epistemological facts how additional functional elements can add to their cognitive abilities. Finally, a ‘design for a simple brain’ illustrates the application of these design rules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lokale Lithiumfluktuationen mit niedriger Aktivierungsenergie in zwei Festkörperphasen des Lithiumsilylamids [(Me2SiNtBuLi)2O]2
Authors: Veith Michael , Zimmer Michael , Huch Volker
Published: March 2009

Local Lithium Fluctuations with low Activation Energies in two solid Phases of the Lithiumsilylamide [(Me2SiNtBuLi)2O]2

The dilithium silylamide [(Me2SiNtBuLi)2O]2 shows in the temperature range between ambient temperature and 150 K three solid state phases with transition points at 253 K and 163 K which were characterised by means of X‐ray diffraction andsolid state NMR spectroscopy. In the high temperature phase the dimeric molecules of [(Me2SiNtBuLi)2O]2 crystallize in the tetragonal space group P42/nmc. It can be deducted from X‐ray diffraction studies that, at room temperature, the four lithium atoms in [(Me2SiNtBuLi)2O]2 are statistically distributed on two split positions at a distance of 0.89(1) Å. By cooling below 253 K the crystal transforms into an intermediate phase with space group P42/n. The symmetry of the molecule ist reduced from point symmetry 2m (D2d) to (S4). The split positions of the lithium atoms are found in different planes and their distance is slightly reduced from0.89 Å to 0.81 Å. Solid state NMR spectroscopic measurements and powder diffraction analysis reveal the existence of a monoclinic low temperature phase below 163 K. From 7Li MAS and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopic measurements follows furthermore that the disorder of the lithium atoms in the two higher temperature phases (above 163 K) is due to a local dynamic exchange of the four lithium atoms over eight possible positions in the molecule. 7Li NMR measurements at variable MAS rates reveal a very small activation energy of 11 KJ/mol for the dynamic process with exchange rates of the lithium atoms in the order of 5 to 15 KHz. With respect to the lithium motions, the dynamics are intramolecular with an intermolecular coupling process due to van‐der‐Waals forces.
Habitat differences affect life history tactics of a pulsed resource consumer, the edible dormouse (Glis glis)
Authors: Bieber Claudia , Ruf Thomas
Published: March 2009

We studied flexibility of life history tactics, in terms of habitat‐dependent survival and reproduction, in a pulsed resource consumer, the edible dormouse (Glis glis). We compared capture–mark–recapture data from three subpopulations of dormice: one in a homogeneous beech forest (Forest), and two in patches of woodland (Grove/Hedge), with more constant but less energy‐rich food availability (e.g., fleshy fruits), over a period of 5 years. The general seasonal pattern of hibernation and reproduction was similar in all three subpopulations. Juveniles were born in only 3 out of 5 years at all study sites, which was paralleled by the occurrence of strong seed production in beech. Reproductive output (number of juveniles/female) was lower at the two sites with low seed tree abundance (Grove: 1.3; Hedge: 2.0) than in the Forest (4.4). Yearly survival probability of adults was significantly lower in the Forest (0.57, CI = 0.42–0.70) than in the areas Grove and Hedge (0.83, CI = 0.70–0.91). Despite their shortened lifespan, estimated lifetime reproductive success of females in the Forest was higher (6.2 young) than in the areas Grove/Hedge (4.8 young). Together, these data indicate that, in more constant habitats (Grove/Hedge), lower reproductive investment was associated with increased longevity. However, dormice apparently maximise lifetime reproductive success by a ‘sit tight’ strategy that synchronises reproduction with energy rich seed pulses in deciduous forests.
Threshold facilitations of interacting species
Authors: Økland Bjørn , Skarpaas Olav , Kausrud Kyrre
Published: March 2009

The dynamics of species interactions are of central importance for the understanding of ecological coexistence, community structure and the effects of biological invasions. Using bark beetles that colonize the same habitat as an example, we explore species interactions in a resource‐based model system with positive feedback between insect abundance and resource availability. The net interspecies interaction was found to be highly dynamic and may alternate in time between competition and mutualism. When both bark beetle species were able to kill trees (“aggressive”), our simulations showed strong facilitations between beetle species. This may lead to escape from control by competition, and increase the frequency of outbreaks of tree‐killing. The frequency of net positive interactions varied with interaction strengths and the relative aggressiveness of the species and was highest when both species were strongly aggressive; which predicts disastrous outbreaks if, e.g., the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus and the North American spruce beetle Dendroctonus rufipennis should become interacting species due to introductions. In imbalanced pairs, the relatively less aggressive species was facilitated more often than the aggressive species. Net positive interactions did not occur for strongly inferior species, but their survival was an increasing function of interaction strength with aggressive species and availability of resources. The benefits for the inferior species in the model are consistent with the structure of one aggressive and several less aggressive or non‐aggressive species, which is common in bark beetle communities in many parts of the world.
Differential regulation of the STARD1 subfamily of START lipid trafficking proteins in human macrophages
Authors: Borthwick Faye , Taylor Janice M. , Bartholomew Chris , Graham Annette
Published: March 2009

The STARD1 subfamily of ‘START’ lipid trafficking proteins can reduce macrophage lipid content and inflammatory status (STARD1; StAR), and traffic cholesterol from endosomes (STARD3/MLN64). During macrophage differentiation, STARD1 mRNA and protein increase with sterol content, while the reverse is true for STARD3. Sterol depletion (methyl beta‐cyclodextrin) enhances STARD3, and represses STARD1 expression. Agonists of Liver X receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐gamma and retinoic acid X receptors increase STARD1 expression, while hypocholesterolaemic agent, LY295427, reveals both STARD1 and STARD3 as putative SREBP‐target genes. Pathophysiological ‘foam cell’ formation, induced by acetylated or oxidized LDL, significantly reduced both STARD1 and STARD3 gene expression. Differential regulation of STARD1 and D3 reflects their distinct roles in macrophage cholesterol metabolism, and may inform anti‐atherogenic strategies.
Conserved recoding RNA editing of vertebrate C1q‐related factor C1QL1
Authors: Sie Christina P. , Maas Stefan
Published: March 2009

A‐to‐I RNA editing can lead to recoding of pre‐mRNAs with profound functional consequences for the ensuing proteins. Here we show that complement component 1, q subcomponent‐like 1 (C1QL1) undergoes RNA editing in vivo causing non‐synonymous amino acid substitutions in human, mouse as well as zebrafish. The major editing site had previously been annotated as a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in human, but our analysis reveals that post‐transcriptional modification is the cause for the sequence variation. Remarkably, although editing of C1QL1 is conserved across vertebrate species, the predicted RNA secondary structure mediating editing involves different regions in zebrafish versus mammals.
The courtship of proteins: Understanding the encounter complex
Authors: Ubbink Marcellus
Published: March 2009

The formation of protein complexes involves an encounter complex, in which proteins show few specific interactions and assume many orientations. Recent kinetic and structural studies have shed light on this elusive state. It is generally dominated by electrostatic interactions, although hydrophobic interactions can play a role. During the encounter phase the proteins remain largely solvated. In extreme cases, the proteins only form an encounter complex, and in many other complexes, the encounter state constitutes a significant amount (5% or more), indicating that the energy difference between encounter and productive complexes is small. Thus, the encounter complex represents an essential part of protein complexes.
Dynamic capabilities through continuous improvement infrastructure
Authors: Anand Gopesh , Ward Peter T. , Tatikonda Mohan V. , Schilling David A.
Published: March 2009

We examine the content of continuous improvement strategies and identify infrastructure decision areas that are important for continuous improvement initiatives. We present a framework of infrastructure based on the idea that continuous improvement can serve as a dynamic capability when it includes a comprehensive organizational context. Further, we study continuous improvement initiatives in five companies to investigate the practices used by them in each of the decision areas of our framework. This research adds to the conceptual understanding of continuous improvement and results in grounded propositions about critical areas of infrastructure for continuous improvement.
B‐RAF V600E mutational analysis of fine needle aspirates correlates with diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Bentz Brandon G. , Miller Brian T. , Holden Joseph A. , Rowe Leslie R. , Bentz Joel S.
Published: March 2009

Objective

A mutation of B‐type RAF kinase (B‐RAF) represents the most common genetic alteration in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), possibly signifying a more aggressive biology. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) represents the most useful initial diagnostic tool of thyroid nodules. Molecular analysis of the mutation status of B‐RAF in thyroid nodule FNAs may provide guidance for treatment planning.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective chart review was undertaken for clinically relevant data of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), follicular variant of PTC (FV‐PTC), and nonmalignant goiters. After blinded pathologic review, histologic and cytologic samples were analyzed by LightCycler PCR (LCPCR) with allele‐specific fluorescent probe melting curve analysis (FMCA) for the V600E mutation of B‐RAF.

Results

Of the 45 patient samples analyzed, B‐RAF mutation was found to be significantly higher in papillary carcinomas when compared to follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas (55.6% vs 14.3%, P = 0.05). Pathologic B‐RAF mutational status significantly correlated with cytologic B‐RAF mutational status (P < 0.0001), cytologic interpretation (P = 0.012), and histologic diagnosis (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Determination of B‐RAF V600E mutation of thyroid nodule FNAs by LCPCR may be a useful tool to guide treatment planning. These data support investigating the utility of this molecular marker in a prospective manner.
CONDITIONAL FEYNMAN INTEGRAL AND SCHRÖDINGER INTEGRAL EQUATION ON A FUNCTION SPACE
Authors: CHO DONG HYUN
Published: March 2009

Let Cr[0,t] be the function space of the vector-valued continuous paths x:[0,t]→ℝr and define Xt:Cr[0,t]→ℝ(n+1)r by Xt(x)=(x(0),x(t1),…,x(tn)), where 0<t1<⋯<tn=t. In this paper, using a simple formula for the conditional expectations of the functions on Cr[0,t] given Xt, we evaluate the conditional analytic Feynman integral Eanfq[Ft∣Xt] of Ft given by where θ(s,⋅) are the Fourier–Stieltjes transforms of the complex Borel measures on ℝr, and provide an inversion formula for Eanfq[Ft∣Xt]. Then we present an existence theorem for the solution of an integral equation including the integral equation which is formally equivalent to the Schrödinger differential equation. We show that the solution can be expressed by Eanfq[Ft∣Xt] and a probability distribution on ℝr when Xt(x)=(x(0),x(t)).
STRICT INEQUALITIES FOR MINIMAL DEGREES OF DIRECT PRODUCTS
Authors: SAUNDERS NEIL
Published: March 2009

The minimal faithful permutation degree μ(G) of a finite group G is the least non-negative integer n such that G embeds in the symmetric group Sym(n). Work of Johnson and Wright in the 1970s established conditions for when μ(H×K)=μ(H)+μ(K), for finite groups H and K. Wright asked whether this is true for all finite groups. A counter-example of degree 15 was provided by the referee and was added as an addendum in Wright’s paper. Here we provide two counter-examples; one of degree 12 and the other of degree 10.
Maternal low-protein diet programmes offspring growth in association with alterations in yolk leptin deposition and gene expression in yolk-sac membrane, hypothalamus and muscle of developing Langshan chicken embryos
Authors: Rao Kaiqing , Xie Jingjing , Yang Xiaojing , Chen Lei , Grossmann Roland , Zhao Ruqian
Published: March 2009

The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the influence of maternal low-protein (LP) diet on offspring growth in the chicken. One hundred and twenty Chinese inbred Langshan breeder hens were allocated randomly into two groups fed diets containing low (10 %, LP) or normal (15 %) crude protein levels. Low dietary protein did not affect the body weight of hens, but significantly decreased the laying rate and egg weight. The yolk leptin content was significantly lower in eggs laid by LP hens, while no differences were detected for yolk contents of corticosterone, tri-iodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine. Despite significantly lower hatch weight, the LP offspring demonstrated obviously higher serum T3 concentration, which is in accordance with the faster post-hatch growth rate achieving significantly heavier body weight and pectoralis major muscle weight 4 weeks post-hatching. Expression of 20-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20-HSD) mRNA in the yolk-sac membrane was significantly down-regulated at embryonic day 14, whereas that of transthyretin and leptin receptor (LepR) was not altered. Moreover, hypothalamic expression of 20-HSD, glucocorticoid receptors, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and LepR mRNA was significantly up-regulated in the LP group compared with their control counterparts. In the pectoralis major muscle, significantly higher expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-I receptor mRNA was observed in LP embryos. The present study provides evidence that maternal LP diet programmes post-hatch growth of the offspring. The associated alterations in yolk leptin deposition as well as in yolk-sac membrane, fetal hypothalamus and muscle gene expression may be involved in mediating such programming effect in the chicken.
The Mediterranean diet protects against waist circumference enlargement in 12Ala carriers for the PPARγ gene: 2 years' follow-up of 774 subjects at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Razquin Cristina , Alfredo Martinez J. , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Corella Dolores , Santos José Manuel , Marti Amelia
Published: March 2009

The PPARγ gene regulates insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis. The Pro12Ala polymorphism of this gene has been related to fat accumulation. Our aim was to analyse the effects of a 2-year nutritional intervention with Mediterranean-style diets on adiposity in high-cardiovascular risk patients depending on the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ gene. The population consisted of a substudy (774 high-risk subjects aged 55–80 years) of the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) randomised trial aimed at assessing the effect of the Mediterranean diet for CVD prevention. There were three nutritional intervention groups: two of them of a Mediterranean-style diet and the third was a control group advised to follow a conventional low-fat diet. All the participants were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results showed that carriers of the 12Ala allele allocated to the control group had a statistically significant higher change in waist circumference (adjusted difference coefficient = 2·37 cm; P = 0·014) compared with wild-type subjects after 2 years of nutritional intervention. This adverse effect was not observed among 12Ala carriers allocated to both Mediterranean diet groups. In diabetic patients a statistically significant interaction between Mediterranean diet and the 12Ala allele regarding waist circumference change was observed ( − 5·85 cm; P = 0·003). In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet seems to be able to reduce waist circumference in a high-cardiovascular risk population, reversing the negative effect that the 12Ala allele carriers of the PPARγ gene appeared to have. The beneficial effect of this dietary pattern seems to be higher among type 2 diabetic subjects.
Roman Hegemony and Non-State Violence: A Fresh Look at Pompey's Campaign against the Pirates
Authors: TRÖSTER MANUEL
Published: March 2009

Ancient history and modern thought interact in multifarious ways. While modern concepts can help us to understand, or serve to obscure, ancient reality, the remote past can also be used as a point of reference for contemporary debates about political issues and strategies. In fact, pundits and politicians alike are used to invoking the lessons of (ancient) history in order to justify their recommendations and decisions. This is often done in a most arbitrary and selective way, without regard for the fact that the interpretation of history is too complex a task to yield uncontroversial and straightforward answers to contemporary problems. Nevertheless, it would be rash to dismiss this kind of analysis as unsuitable for academic research; for it should not be overlooked that it can help to broaden the understanding of structural patterns and give a sense of the variety of options available to decision-makers.
Prediction of empty body weight and composition from live weight and other live animal measurements in lactating dairy cows
Authors: YAN T. , PATTERSON D. C. , MAYNE C. S. , AGNEW R. E. , PORTER M. G.
Published: March 2009

Empty body (EB) composition data from 146 lactating Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were analysed, with cows selected from a large herd to represent a wide range of animal factors including parity, live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS), milk yield and stage of lactation. The objectives of the study were to examine possible relationships between EB composition and live animal characteristics and to develop prediction equations for EB weight (EBW) and EB composition. EBW was strongly related to LW with a R2 of 0·90, and addition of BCS and stage of lactation increased the R2 to 0·93 and reduced the s.e. value from 19·8 to 16·8. There was a strong relationship between LW and EB mass of crude protein (CP) or water (R2=0·89 or 0·85), and addition of BCS, milk yield and stage of lactation as supporting predictors gave little improvement in the relationship between LW and EB mass of CP or water. Similar results were also obtained for the prediction of EB ash mass, but the relationship between EB ash mass and LW or a combination of LW and parity was relatively poor (R2=0·59 or 0·63). However, including BCS and milk yield as supporting predictors in the linear relationship between LW and EB masses of lipid (0·51 v. 0·79) and dry matter (DM) (0·79 v. 0·91) and total gross energy (GE) content (0·66 v. 0·85) considerably increased the R2 values. Similar linear and multiple relationships were also developed to predict EB component proportions of lipid, CP, GE, DM and water, and the R2 values were much smaller than those for EB component masses. The equations for prediction of EB component masses were evaluated through internal validation, by developing a range of similar new equations from two-thirds of the present data and then validating these new equations with the remaining one-third of data. The validation indicated that addition of other live animal factors to support LW to predict EBW and EB masses of lipid, GE and DM considerably increased the prediction accuracy, but had little effect on the prediction accuracy for EB masses of CP, water and ash. It is concluded that in lactating dairy cows, LW is a very good predictor of EB masses of CP and water. Accurate prediction of EBW and EB masses of lipid, GE and DM can be obtained using LW together with BCS, milk yield and stage of lactation.
‘Rewritten Gospel’: The Case of Caiaphas the High Priest
Authors: Reinhartz Adele
Published: March 2009

Although the term ‘rewritten Bible’ has been used primarily of postbiblical Jewish retellings of the Hebrew Bible, the phenomenon which it describes extends to the present day, and pertains to the NT as well as the Hebrew Bible. This paper examines two examples of ‘rewritten Gospel’—Dorothy Sayers's play cycle,The Man Born to Be King(1941–2) and Sholem Asch's novel,The Nazarene(1939)—in order to argue that such postcanonical Jesus narratives should be of interest to NT scholarship just as ‘rewritten Bible’ is of interest to scholars of the Hebrew Bible.
The Material Spirit: Cosmology and Ethics in Paul
Authors: Engberg-Pedersen Troels
Published: March 2009

This essay argues that the traditional dichotomy between ‘apocalypticism’ and philosophy should be transcended with regard to Paul's understanding of thepneumain relation tosarx. The essay first analyses the cosmology of thepneumain connection with the future resurrection of believers (1 Cor 15.35–50), then considers its presence in the bodies of believers here and now (2 Corinthians 3–5), then interprets the ‘anthropology’ of 1 Thess 5.23 and 1 Cor 2.14–15 and 15.44 and its connection with Paul's ‘ethics’, and finally proposes a reading of Rom 8.1–13 in relation to 7.7–25 that is based on Paul's concrete cosmology.
The social consequences of writing Louisiana French
Authors: Brown Becky
Published: March 2009

Studies on language shift often refer to the demise of the ousted variety by detailing various stages of language decay and extinction. Problematic for these accounts are well-documented cases of intervening social phenomena, such as language revival movements, which can alter in some way the stages of decline. French Louisiana's situation illustrates language shift interacting with a strong revival movement. In the wake of the revival and in spite of continued shift, another trend is apparent – the writing of Louisiana French. Whereas shift clearly represents a stage of language decline, the creation of a written code functions as a key ingredient for language maintenance. A sociolinguistic analysis of these forces reveals the complexity and the conflict involved in the choice of the written word. (Sociolinguistics, Louisiana French, Cajun, Louisiana French Creole, variation in writing, ethnography, literacy, language maintenance)
Disagreement and concession in disputes: On the context sensitivity of preference structures
Authors: Kotthoff Helga
Published: March 2009

This article discusses disagreement sequences in German and Anglo-American disputes. It is argued that the context sensitivity of preference for agreement with assessments that Pomerantz 1984 found in her data has to be elaborated and extended. My findings suggest that the preference structure can change once a dissent-turn-sequence has been displayed; in this case, opponents are expected to defend their positions. The reduction of reluctance markers creates a new preference structure which itself has to be accomplished by all participants. Concessions, defined as a participant's agreeing to the central issue after his or her prior disagreement, show reluctance markers which are viewed as indicators of the dispreferred status in other types of talk. Concessions can be distinguished from partially agreeing presequences of dissent turns. Speakers move toward concessions stepwise. Unprepared position shifts can be regarded by the interlocutors as the inability to defend an opinion. Concessions, being an interactional achievement, reframe the dispute. (Conversation analysis, dispute, context studies, expectation management)
On puns, comebacks, verbal dueling, and play languages: Speech play in Balinese verbal life
Authors: Sherzer Joel
Published: March 2009

In Bali, speech play is a cultural focus. Several of the many forms of Balinese speech play are investigated – puns, comebacks and verbal dueling, and pig-latin type play languages. These are examined in the context of everyday, informal speech and conversation, verbal routines and events such as storytelling and bargaining, and the artistic and ritual performances for which Bali is famous, such as shadow puppet plays and dance dramas. Attention is paid to the role of multilingualism in Balinese speech play, especially the intersection of the various languages and language levels in constant use in Bali. The significance of speech play in Balinese culture and society is explored. (Ethnography of speaking, speech play, humor, Bali, Indonesia)
The semantics of certainty in Quechua and its implications for a cultural epistemology
Authors: Nuckolls Janis B.
Published: March 2009

This article contributes to attempts on the part of Quechua scholars to understand the evidential system of this language family, and thereby paves the way for a more complex understanding of Quechua speakers' language and culture. The author opposes the position that the most general meaning of the -misuffix is to indicate a direct or first-hand experience; and she holds that specific claims about Quechua speakers' epistemological orientations, based on such an analysis, cannot be supported. Evidence from speakers' use of -miindicates that it encodes two paradigmatic contrasts: one is status-like or modal, the other evidential. The patterning of -mi, including its use and nonuse in a variety of speech types, suggests that Quechua speakers from the Pastaza region of Ecuador do not share Euro-American concern for facts that transcend aesthetic and emotive significance. (Quechua language and culture, evidentiality, language in context, grammatical categories)
Diversity and contestation in linguistic ideologies: German speakers in Hungary
Authors: Gal Susan
Published: March 2009

The classic sociolinguistic opposition between status and solidarity as organizing principles of linguistic variation is currently being integrated with broader social theories of symbolic domination and resistance. However, not enough attention has yet been paid to the multiplicity and fluidity of both dominant and oppositional linguistic ideologies within a single social order. Changing elite conceptions about the links between language and social group vie with each other for supremacy, and are in turn contested by various forms of resistance among linguistic minorities. Debates surrounding the linguistic census in 19th and 20th century Hungary are used here as evidence about diverse dominant ideologies, to show how German-Hungarians have responded by producing multiple, competing, and ambiguous oppositional conceptions and linguistic practices. (Linguistic ideologies, forms of resistance, politics of language, minority languages, German speakers in Hungary).