bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant Other Primes and Behavior: Motivation to Respond to Social Cues Moderates Pursuit of Prime-Induced Goals
Authors: Morrison Kimberly Rios , Wheeler S. Christian , Smeesters Dirk
Published: November 2007

Significant others can automatically activate a variety of goals, including goals that significant others have for an individual and the individual's personal goals that are associated with the significant others. Across three studies, this article shows that the effects of significant other primes (i.e., mother, roommate) on behavior depend on individual differences in both personal goals and responsiveness to social cues (i.e., self-monitoring, need to belong). Specifically, individuals who are motivated to respond to social cues assimilate to a goal that their primed significant other has for them, regardless of whether they personally hold the goal. Individuals not so motivated, on the other hand, assimilate to the goal only when it is one that they also personally hold. Implications of these findings for research on the prime-to-behavior relationship and interpersonal goal pursuit are discussed.
Marital Construction of Family Power Among Male-Out-Migrant Couples in a Chinese Village
Authors: Jiping Zuo
Published: November 2007

This study examines marital construction of family power among male-out-migrant couples in a Chinese village in Guangxi Province. In-depth interviews show that male-out-migrant couples prefer joint decision making. When couples are in disputes, power tends to go to the ones who shoulder greater household-based responsibilities; in this case, they are mainly married women. The couples achieve power—responsibility congruence by following relation-oriented exchange, which emphasizes spouses' obligations to the family and relational harmony, as opposed to equity-oriented exchange, which stresses the importance of comparative resources in one's ability to wield power. Consequently, family power among male-out-migrant couples is group serving and enhances marital harmony. However, married women's greater family power constrains as well as empowers them precisely because of the power—responsibility congruence. The unique power processes generated from relation-oriented exchange observed in this study are attributable to ecological and institutional constraints facing the village couples.
Capitalism and Metaphysics
Authors: Lash Scott
Published: November 2007

Contemporary capitalism is becoming increasingly metaphysical. The article contrasts a ‘physical’ capitalism – of the national and manufacturing age – with a ‘metaphysical capitalism’ of the global information society. It describes physical capitalism in terms of (1) extensity, (2) equivalence, (3) equilibrium and (4) the phenomenal, which stands in contrast to metaphysical capitalism’s (1) intensity, (2) inequivalence (or difference), (3) disequilibrium and (4) the noumenal. Most centrally: if use-value or the gift in pre-capitalist society is grounded in concrete inequivalence, and exchange-value in physical capitalism presumes abstract equivalence, then value in contemporary society presumes abstract inequivalence. The article argues that the predominantly physical causation of the earlier epoch is being superseded by a more metaphysical causation. This is discussed in terms of the four Aristotelian causes. Thus there is a shift in efficient cause from abstract homogenous labour to abstract heterogeneous life. Material cause changes from the commodity’s units of equivalence to consist of informational units of inequivalence. Formal cause takes place through the preservation of form as a disequilibriate system through operations of closure. These operations are at the same time information interchanges with a form’s environment. Final (and first) cause becomes the deep-structural generation of information from a compressed virtual substrate. This may have implications for method in the social and human sciences. The article illustrates this shift with a brief discussion of global finance.
In Pursuit of the `Good European' Identity
Authors: Szakolczai Arpad
Published: November 2007

This article argues that Nietzsche’s preoccupation with the figure of Dionysos can be best understood as a visionary insight concerning the distant roots of European culture in Minoan civilization. While the opportunity offered by the discovery of ancient Crete for continuing Nietzsche’s genealogical work into the sources of Greek culture was ignored by the vast archive of literature on Nietzsche, this project was pursued in a book by the mythologist Károly Kerényi, published posthumously. Using the classic work of Henrietta Groenewegen- Frankfort, this article identifies the ‘spirit’ of Minoan Crete with its attempt to manifest the gracefulness of life. The sudden emergence of Minoan Palace civilization, its peaceful character shown by the absence of fortified walls, and the importance of epiphany scenes in various works of art all indicate the centrality of religion for ancient Crete. The article offers the hypothesis that the origins of this culture can be traced to similar transcendental experiences such as those in ancient Judaism. The basic difference is that in the Cretan case epiphanies were connected to female figures, leading not to a prophetic tradition of divine grace through the revealed word and public law, rather the transmission of a secret tradition and the manifestation of its truth through spectacular public rituals and graceful works of art. While direct awareness of Minoan civilization was lost, its central concern survived in the value attributed to the manifestation of radiant, indestructible truth, a central characteristic of European identity, periodically revitalized in a series of renascences.
Validity and topic generality of a writing performance test
Authors: Lee Hee-Kyung , Anderson Carolyn
Published: November 2007

The goal of the current study was to examine the validity and topic generality of a writing performance test designed to place international students into appropriate ESL courses at a large mid-western university. Because for each test administration the test randomly rotates three academic topics integrated with listening and reading sources, it is necessary to investigate the extent to which the three topics are compatible in terms of difficulty and generality across a diverse group of examinees. ESL Placement Test (EPT) scores from more than 1,000 examinees were modeled using multinomial logistic regression. Possible explanatory variables were identified as the assigned writing topic, students' majors, and their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Results indicate that after controlling for general English proficiency as measured by the TOEFL, students' majors were not related to their writing performance; however, the different topics did affect performance. In light of test validity, the demonstrated topic effect argues against the comparability of the three topics. Nevertheless, the absence of effect from the interaction of essay topic and writers' majors supports the generality of each topic for examinees from a wide range of disciplinary areas. Study limitations and future research suggestions are discussed.
Characterization of Concrete Composites for Energy Absorption
Authors: Sivaraja M. , Kandasamy S.
Published: November 2007

Seismic resistance calls for energy absorption in critical location of building/structural systems. Energy dissipation through moment—rotation—flexibility and load—deflection—ductility is aimed at in the development of composites. The present constructions are mostly in brick, mud and concrete and these materials are notoriously weak in tension and have meager energy absorbing capabilities. Hence the focus of the present study is to characterize the structure related and durability properties of locally available organic and inorganic waste composites like plastics, rubber, corn, rice husk, coir etc., for achieving reasonable energy absorbing capacity. In this characterization stress—strain, moment-rotation and load—deflection will be identified and the energy enhancement over conventional concrete will be characterized.
Thermal Vibration, Buckling and Dynamic Stability of Functionally Graded Cylindrical Shells Embedded in an Elastic Medium
Authors: Sheng G.G. , Wang X.
Published: November 2007

This article is the result of an investigation on the effect of thermal load on vibration, buckling and dynamic stability of functionally graded cylindrical shells embedded in an elastic medium, based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) considering rotary inertia and the transverse shear strains. A heat conduction equation along the width of the shell is applied to determine the temperature distribution. Material properties are assumed to be graded with distribution along the width according to a power-law in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Calculations, effects of material composition, thermal loading, static axial loading, medium stiffness and shell geometry parameters on vibration, buckling and the parametric resonance are described. The new features of thermal vibration, buckling and dynamic stability of functionally graded cylindrical shells embedded in an elastic medium and some meaningful and interesting results in this paper are helpful for the application and design of functionally graded structures under thermal and mechanical loads.
Optimization of the Corrosion Behavior of AA7075 Al/SiCP and Al/Al2O3 Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Balasubramanian V. , Senthilkumar J. , Balasubramanian M.
Published: November 2007

In this investigation an attempt has been made to fabricate Al-SiC p and Al-Al2O3 composite materials by powder metallurgy technique at different volume percentage of reinforcement (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%). The corrosion behavior of the composites were analyzed using AC Gill potentiostat with 3.5 wt% NaCl medium. Four factor, five level, central composite, rotatable design matrix is used to optimize the required number of experiments. The mathematical models were developed by the response surface method (RSM). The developed models have been checked for their adequacy and significance by the F-test and t-test, respectively. The results obtained from the mathematical models have been optimized and also tested using conformity test runs.
Wanting Sex and Wanting to Wait: Young Adults' Accounts of Sexual Messages from First Significant Dating Partners
Authors: Morgan Elizabeth M. , Zurbriggen Eileen L.
Published: November 2007

This study provided a qualitative analysis of 79 young adults' descriptions of sexual and relational messages they received from their first significant dating partner. For both men and women, the most frequent theme concerned the negotiation of first sexual intercourse with that partner; other themes di fered by gender. Women reported receiving messages from male partners that indicated a high interest in sexual activity as well as pressure to engage in sexual activity. Women's responses to these messages often involved giving in to unwanted sexual activity. Men reported receiving messages from female partners concerning setting sexual boundaries; they responded to these messages with both acceptance and frustration. Accounts of first significant dating relationships also included discussions of having learned from these relationships, suggesting that experiences with first significant dating partners may have lasting sexual and relational influences. These results suggest the presence of complementary gendered messages that contribute to the reproduction of compulsory heterosexuality, gendered power imbalances, and sexual coercion.
Economic and Social Returns To Educational Choices
Authors: Jæger Mads Meier
Published: November 2007

Recent sociological rational choice theories argue that educational decisions are made with the objective of maximizing both economic and social returns to education. Economic returns are, for example, earnings, while social returns include the preservation of existing peer groups and social networks. In this article I develop a rational choice model of educational decision making in which both economic and social returns form the total expected utility of education. Furthermore, I propose and test two rational decision rules that utility-maximizing students should follow when choosing education that are empirically distinguishable from alternative and `non-rational' decision rules. When analyzing data on the choice of secondary education from the Danish PISA survey, I find that students' educational choices are consistent with the hypothesis that they attempt to maximize both economic and social returns to education. Furthermore, the findings suggest that economic returns to education are somewhat more important than social returns.
Learning to Do Qualitative Data Analysis: An Observational Study of Doctoral Work
Authors: Li Sarah , Seale Clive
Published: November 2007

Using examples from written assignments and supervisory dialogues, the authors report a longitudinal observational case study of a doctoral research project, focusing on the teaching and learning of qualitative data analysis on a project that involved coding and analysis of nursing talk. Written drafts contain concrete exemplars illustrating the problems and solutions discussed in supervisions. Early problems include the difficulty of knowing where to start with coding, ambiguities in the definition of codes, inaccurate reporting and recording of data, failure to distinguish researcher and actor categories, and overinterpretation of evidence. Solutions to these problems required their accurate identification, communication of practical solutions, and care in the interactional management of delivery and receipt of feedback. This detailed analysis informs readers of sources of validity, rigor, and, eventually, creativity in carrying out a social research project. It also assists in explicating an apprenticeship model for the learning of research skills.
Qualitative Science Policy
Authors: Mitcham Carl
Published: November 2007

Qualitative research struggles against a tide of quantitative methods. To assist in this struggle, it is useful to consider the historical and philosophical origins of quantitative methods as well as criticisms that have been raised against them. Although these criticisms have often been restricted to discussions in the philosophy of science, they have become increasingly prominent in debates regarding science policy. This article thus reviews current science policy debates concerning scientific autonomy and the linear model of science—society relationships. Then, having considered the multiple meanings of quality, it argues for a science policy reassessment of quantitative research, for deeper engagements between science policy and the social sciences, and finally, for a more explicit alliance between science policy and qualitative methods.
Violence Against Police Officers
Authors: Rabe-Hemp Cara E. , Schuck Amie M.
Published: November 2007

Violence against officers is an important topic not only because of the negative consequences to the officer but also because it is at the core of one of the most debated issues regarding female officers—their ability to deal with hostile citizens. Using arrest data from several metropolitan departments, the research compared gender differences in assaults on officers, as well as situational and individual officer factors related to the assaults. The findings suggest that when compared to male officers, female officers are at an increased risk for being assaulted in family conflict situations. Furthermore, the results suggest that female officers are at the greatest risk of being assaulted in family conflict situations when the assailant is impaired. More research is needed to better understand why family conflict situations and intoxicated assailants are especially dangerous for female officers and what policies can be instituted to mitigate this potentially threatening situation.
Evaluating Last Call
Authors: Homant Robert J. , Kennedy Daniel B. , Evans Warren C.
Published: November 2007

Recently the Wayne County (Michigan) Sheriff's Department implemented the Last Call program to pursue outstanding warrants involving drinking and driving. Two two-person patrol cars make visits to offenders' home and work sites to make arrests. The Last Call program was assessed by examining a sample of cases, by field observation, and by analysis of Michigan State Police data on drinking-related accidents. An arrest was made in approximately half of program cases. These arrests were accompanied by an ongoing increase in highway safety and reduced drinking and driving that dates from before the program. The Last Call program appears to be a useful addition to the fight against drunk driving, although limitations in the data prevent attributing improvements in Wayne County statistics directly to the program. Suggestions are made for research to further clarify Last Call's contribution, and for modifications to make the program even more effective.
Review Essay: Racial Relations and Racism in Brazil
Authors: Lima Marcus Eugênio Oliveira
Published: November 2007

Edward Telles' book Race in Another America: The Significance of Skin Color in Brazil (2006) has contributed to the understanding of racial and skin color relations in Brazil. The main aspects of the past and present of racism in Brazil are discussed, such as whitening, mestizaje , and the ideology of racial democracy, and some additional data are presented. This work reflects on and brings to light the reflections of Telles and of other researchers of racism about a future of more equalitarian racial and social relations in Brazil.
A Comparison Study of Urban and Rural Residents' Indoor Environmental Consciousness during Decoration in Northern China
Authors: Hongjuan Qu , Shengji Luan , Slanina Sjaak , Huapeng Qin
Published: November 2007

China still remains a predominantly rural society with 58% of the population currently living in rural areas. Indoor air pollution problems produced during indoor decoration (ID) have been chosen as examples to illustrate new types of pollution problems due to house building and construction in the cadre of New Rural Construction in China. Indoor environmental consciousness is chosen to evaluate the indoor health risk to northern rural Chinese. The awareness of the impact of indoor pollution has been assessed by a comparison between urban and rural residents regarding aspects like attitude, knowledge, and abatement behavior of indoor environmental pollution due to ID. The consumers of decoration materials in Beijing city and Qing County are investigated by questionnaires handed out at random and special interviews in some typical cases. Based on the analysis, the main health risks during ID have been explored, some factors influencing rural people's awareness of indoor pollution are discussed, and some policy suggestions are brought forward.
Experimental Study of the Photocatalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde in Indoor Air using a Nano-particulate Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst
Authors: Yu Huili , Zhang Kaili , Rossi Carole
Published: November 2007

Formaldehyde in the indoor environment may be degraded using nano-particulate titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis to improve air quality. In the work described, a polytetrafluoroethylene filter is employed as the substrate for a nano-particulate TiO2 coating. This is mounted in an experimental setup developed for the tests, similar to an actual air purification system, which are conducted at room temperature. The effects on the formaldehyde photocatalytic degradation rate of some key factors are investigated, including initial concentration, stream flow rate, reaction temperature, light source intensity, and relative humidity. Within the experimental ranges studied, the degradation rate increases with the enhancement of initial concentration and light intensity. The stream flow rate and reaction temperature have dual effects on the degradation rate. It is shown that the degradation rate is relatively high under low relative humidity.
Embodying the subject
Authors: Lafrance Marc
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a three-part reflection on the status of the lived body in feminist theory. In the first part, I argue that many influential feminist arguments have neglected questions of embodied experience. In the second part, I introduce the work of five clinically grounded psychoanalysts — Esther Bick, Frances Tustin, Donald Meltzer, Thomas Ogden and Didier Anzieu — while showing that it has much to offer those interested in making a critical return to the concrete specificities of the body. In the third part, I explore the work of feminist psychoanalyst Sue Grand. In doing so, I argue that reading feminist texts alongside clinical texts is a useful approach for thinking the subjective experience of bodily life.
The Social Dimension of the European Union
Authors: Threlfall Monica
Published: November 2007

Regional integration processes can learn from the particularities of the European Union's social dimension, despite its apparent inconsistencies and sui generis form of development. The article provides a comprehensive retrospective overview of developments, and pays particular attention to the political and technical procedures adopted for progressing social policy. It argues that a regional integration process in a wide range of social fields has developed in the EU despite facing dissent and dilemmas for over 50 years. It claims that the EU now enjoys a working and workable apparatus of policies, practices and laws in a broad social dimension, that are not only far more extensive than first envisaged in the Treaty of Rome, but are also destined to expand further. In particular, the article moves beyond previous accounts in arguing that procedural complexity has been an intrinsic and creative part of the social dimension to European integration.
Strategic Regionalism and Regional Social Policy in the FTAA Process
Authors: Briceño Ruiz José
Published: November 2007

This article analyses the US proposal to establish a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and argues that two approaches to the FTAA exist, as evidenced during the negotiating process. The first approach is strategic regionalism. Promoted by an alliance of the US and Multinational Enterprises, the objective is to promote regional economic integration based on a radical liberalization of markets accompanied by limited regulation of certain `trade related issues', notably intellectual property, government procurement and investment. The second approach proposes a gradual liberalization of markets, common industrial development and a regional social policy. Advocates of this approach include governments, regional groupings, some business groups and civil society organizations. This article explores the ways in which these Latin American actors have confronted the `strategic regionalism' approach and argues that their strategies of opposition and contestation are a major cause of current collapse in the FTAA negotiation process.
Research on the flow of international students to UK universities
Authors: Naidoo Vikash
Published: November 2007

Using time series data over the 1985—2003 period, this article examines some of the determinants of international student mobility to universities in the UK. The research found that some of the main factors influencing international student mobility to the UK include access to domestic education opportunities in the source country, the level of tuition fees in the host country and the level of involvement of the source country in the global economy. At a time when recruiting international students is getting more competitive, these findings will provide the international student recruiter with an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of the international education sector.
International school accreditation
Authors: Fertig Michael
Published: November 2007

This article examines the nature of international school accreditation and seeks to place it within a wider accreditation framework encompassing both internal and external evaluation. The tensions between the self-study dimension of such accreditation and the use of external standards are explored, and the article concludes by indicating that the increasing use of generic indicators has the potential to lead to international schools that are less diverse and more homogenous.
A Hidden Markov Model to estimate population mixture and allelic copy-numbers in cancers using Affymetrix SNP arrays
Authors: Lamy Philippe , Andersen Claus L , Dyrskjot Lars , Torring Niels , Wiuf Carsten
Published: November 2007

Background

Affymetrix SNP arrays can interrogate thousands of SNPs at the same time. This allows us to look at the genomic content of cancer cells and to investigate the underlying events leading to cancer. Genomic copy-numbers are today routinely derived from SNP array data, but the proposed algorithms for this task most often disregard the genotype information available from germline cells in paired germline-tumour samples. Including this information may deepen our understanding of the "true" biological situation e.g. by enabling analysis of allele specific copy-numbers. Here we rely on matched germline-tumour samples and have developed a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to estimate allelic copy-number changes in tumour cells. Further with this approach we are able to estimate the proportion of normal cells in the tumour (mixture proportion).

Results

We show that our method is able to recover the underlying copy-number changes in simulated data sets with high accuracy (above 97.71%). Moreover, although the known copy-numbers could be well recovered in simulated cancer samples with more than 70% cancer cells (and less than 30% normal cells), we demonstrate that including the mixture proportion in the HMM increases the accuracy of the method. Finally, the method is tested on HapMap samples and on bladder and prostate cancer samples.

Conclusion

The HMM method developed here uses the genotype calls of germline DNA and the allelic SNP intensities from the tumour DNA to estimate allelic copy-numbers (including changes) in the tumour. It differentiates between different events like uniparental disomy and allelic imbalances. Moreover, the HMM can estimate the mixture proportion, and thus inform about the purity of the tumour sample.
Functional evolution of the vitamin D and pregnane X receptors
Authors: Reschly Erica J , Bainy Afonso Celso Dias , Mattos Jaco Joaquim , Hagey Lee R , Bahary Nathan , Mada Sripal R , Ou Junhai , Venkataramanan Raman , Krasowski Matthew D
Published: November 2007

Background

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) are nuclear hormone receptors of the NR1I subfamily that show contrasting patterns of cross-species variation. VDR and PXR are thought to have arisen from duplication of an ancestral gene, evident now as a single gene in the genome of the chordate invertebrateCiona intestinalis(sea squirt). VDR genes have been detected in a wide range of vertebrates including jawless fish. To date, PXR genes have not been found in cartilaginous fish. In this study, the ligand selectivities of VDRs were compared in detail across a range of vertebrate species and compared with those of theCionaVDR/PXR. In addition, several assays were used to search for evidence of PXR-mediated hepatic effects in three model non-mammalian species: sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), zebrafish (Danio rerio), and African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis).

Results

Human, mouse, frog, zebrafish, and lamprey VDRs were found to have similar ligand selectivities for vitamin D derivatives. In contrast, using cultured primary hepatocytes, only zebrafish showed evidence of PXR-mediated induction of enzyme expression, with increases in testosterone 6β-hydroxylation activity (a measure of cytochrome P450 3A activity in other species) and flurbiprofen 4-hydroxylation activity (measure of cytochrome P450 2C activity) following exposure to known PXR activators. A separate assay in vivo using zebrafish demonstrated increased hepatic transcription of another PXR target, multidrug resistance gene (ABCB5), following injection of the major zebrafish bile salt, 5α-cyprinol 27-sulfate. The PXR target function, testosterone hydroxylation, was detected in frog and sea lamprey primary hepatocytes, but was not inducible in these two species by a wide range of PXR activators in other animals. Analysis of the sea lamprey draft genome also did not show evidence of a PXR gene.

Conclusion

Our results show tight conservation of ligand selectivity of VDRs across vertebrate species from Agnatha to mammals. Using a functional approach, we demonstrate classic PXR-mediated effects in zebrafish, but not in sea lamprey or African clawed frog liver cells. Using a genomic approach, we failed to find evidence of a PXR gene in lamprey, suggesting that VDR may be the original NR1I gene.
In silico genetic robustness analysis of microRNA secondary structures: potential evidence of congruent evolution in microRNA
Authors: Shu Wenjie , Bo Xiaochen , Ni Ming , Zheng Zhiqiang , Wang Shengqi
Published: November 2007

Background

Robustness is a fundamental property of biological systems and is defined as the ability to maintain stable functioning in the face of various perturbations. Understanding how robustness has evolved has become one of the most attractive areas of research for evolutionary biologists, as it is still unclear whether genetic robustness evolved as a direct consequence of natural selection, as an intrinsic property of adaptations, or as congruent correlate of environment robustness. Recent studies have demonstrated that the stem-loop structures of microRNA (miRNA) are tolerant to some structural changes and show thermodynamic stability. We therefore hypothesize that genetic robustness may evolve as a correlated side effect of the evolution for environmental robustness.

Results

We examine the robustness of 1,082 miRNA genes covering six species. Our data suggest the stem-loop structures of miRNA precursors exhibit a significantly higher level of genetic robustness, which goes beyond the intrinsic robustness of the stem-loop structure and is not a byproduct of the base composition bias. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the phenotype of miRNA buffers against genetic perturbations, and at the same time is also insensitive to environmental perturbations.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the increased robustness of miRNA stem-loops may result from congruent evolution for environment robustness. Potential applications of our findings are also discussed.
Co-inherited mutations of Fas and caspase-10 in development of the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Cerutti Elisa , Campagnoli Maria F , Ferretti Massimo , Garelli Emanuela , Crescenzio Nicoletta , Rosolen Angelo , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Lenardo Michael J , Ramenghi Ugo , Dianzani Umberto
Published: November 2007

Background

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by defective function of Fas, autoimmune manifestations that predominantly involve blood cells, polyclonal accumulation of lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes with lymphoadenomegaly and/or splenomegaly, and expansion of TCRαβ+ CD4/CD8 double-negative (DN) T cells in the peripheral blood. Most frequently, it is due to Fas gene mutations, causing ALPS type Ia (ALPS-Ia). However, other mutations, namely of the FasL gene (ALPS-Ib) and the caspase-10 gene (ALPS-II) are occasionally detected, whereas some patients do not present any known mutations (ALPS-III). Recently, mutations of the NRAS gene have been suggested to cause ALPS-IV.

Results

This work reports two patients that are combined heterozygous for single nucleotide substitutions in the Fas and caspase-10 genes. The first patient carried a splice site defect suppressing allele expression in the Fas gene and the P501L substitution in caspase-10. The second had a mutation causing a premature stop codon (Q47X) in the Fas gene and the Y446C substitution in caspase-10. Fas expression was reduced and caspase-10 activity was decreased in both patients. In both patients, the mutations were inherited from distinct healthy parents.

Conclusion

These data strongly suggest that co-transmission of these mutation was responsible for ALPS.
A unique population of effector memory lymphocytes identified by CD146 having a distinct immunophenotypic and genomic profile
Authors: Elshal Mohamed F , Khan Sameena S , Raghavachari Nalini , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Barb Jennifer , Bailey James J , Munson Peter J , Solomon Michael A , Danner Robert L , McCoy J Philip
Published: November 2007

Background

CD146 is a well described homotypic adhesion molecule found on endothelial cells and a limited number of other cell types. In cells from the peripheral circulation, CD146 has also been reported to be on activated lymphocytesin vitroandin vivo. The function associated with CD146 expression on lymphoid cells is unknown and very little information is available concerning the nature of CD146+ lymphocytes. In the current study, lymphocytes from healthy donors were characterized based upon the presence or absence of CD146 expression.

Results

CD146 was expressed on a low percentage of circulating T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and NK cells in healthy individuals. CD146 expression can be induced and upregulatedin vitroon both B cells and T cells, but does not correlate with the expression of other markers of T cell activation. CD146 positive T cells do not represent clonal expansions as determined with the use of anti Vβ reagents. Data suggest that CD146 positive cells have enhanced adherence to endothelial monolayers in vitro. Gene profiling and immunophenotyping studies between CD146+ and CD146- T cells revealed several striking genotypic distinctions such as the upregulation of IL-8 and phenotypic differences including the paucity of CCR7 and CD45RA among CD146 positive T cells, consistent with effector memory function. A number of genes involved in cell adhesion, signal transduction, and cell communication are dramatically upregulated in CD146+ T cells compared to CD146- T cells.

Conclusion

CD146 appears to identify small, unique populations of T as well as B lymphocytes in the circulation. The T cells have immunophenotypic characteristics of effector memory lymphocytes. The characteristics of these CD146+ lymphocytes in the circulation, together with the known functions in cell adhesion of CD146 on endothelial cells, suggests that these lymphocytes may represent a small subpopulation of cells primed to adhere to the endothelium and possibly extravasate to sites of inflammation.
Evaluation of a new arterial pressure-based cardiac output device requiring no external calibration
Authors: Prasser Christopher , Bele Sylvia , Keyl Cornelius , Schweiger Stefan , Trabold Benedikt , Amann Matthias , Welnhofer Julia , Wiesenack Christoph
Published: November 2007

Background

Several techniques have been discussed as alternatives to the intermittent bolus thermodilution cardiac output (COPAC) measurement by the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). However, these techniques usually require a central venous line, an additional catheter, or a special calibration procedure. A new arterial pressure-based cardiac output (COAP) device (FloTrac™, Vigileo™; Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) only requires access to the radial or femoral artery using a standard arterial catheter and does not need an external calibration. We validated this technique in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) using COPAC as the method of reference.

Methods

We studied 20 critically ill patients, aged 16 to 74 years (mean, 55.5 ± 18.8 years), who required both arterial and pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. COPAC measurements were performed at least every 4 hours and calculated as the average of 3 measurements, while COAP values were taken immediately at the end of bolus determinations. Accuracy of measurements was assessed by calculating the bias and limits of agreement using the method described by Bland and Altman.

Results

A total of 164 coupled measurements were obtained. Absolute values of COPAC ranged from 2.80 to 10.80 l/min (mean 5.93 ± 1.55 l/min). The bias and limits of agreement between COPAC and COAP for unequal numbers of replicates was 0.02 ± 2.92 l/min. The percentage error between COPAC and COAP was 49.3%. The bias between percentage changes in COPAC (ΔCOPAC) and percentage changes in COAP (ΔCOAP) for consecutive measurements was -0.70% ± 32.28%. COPAC and COAP showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.58 (p < 0.01), while the correlation coefficient between ΔCOPAC and ΔCOAP was 0.46 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Although the COAP algorithm shows a minimal bias with COPAC over a wide range of values in an inhomogeneous group of critically ill patients, the scattering of the data remains relative wide. Therefore, the used algorithm (V 1.03) failed to demonstrate an acceptable accuracy in comparison to the clinical standard of cardiac output determination.
Are coronary event rates declining slower in women than in men – evidence from two population-based myocardial infarction registers in Finland?
Authors: Lehto Hanna-Riikka , Lehto Seppo , Havulinna Aki S , Ketonen Matti , Lehtonen Aapo , Kesäniemi Y Antero , Airaksinen Juhani , Salomaa Veikko ,   the FINAMI Study Group
Published: November 2007

Background

Studies have suggested that the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease may not have been as effective in women as in men. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether the incidence, attack rate and mortality of myocardial infarction (MI) events have declined less in women than in men.

Methods

Two large population-based MI registers, the FINAMI register and the Finnish Cardiovascular Disease Register (CVDR) were used for comparing the event rates among men and women aged ≥35 years in two time periods, 1994–1996 and 2000–2002.

Results

In the FINAMI register a total of 5,252 events were recorded in men and 4,898 in women. Corresponding numbers in the CVDR were 78,709 and 70,464. Both FINAMI and CVDR data suggested smaller declines in incidence and attack rate of MI events in women than in men. In CVDR data the decline in mortality was also smaller in women than in men, while in FINAMI data this difference did not reach statistical significance. In the large CVDR data set, negative binomial regression models revealed smaller declines in incidence (p = 0.006), attack rate (p = 0.008) and mortality (p = 0.04) in women than in men aged <55 years. In persons ≥55 years no difference was observed between women and men.

Conclusion

The incidence and attack rate of MI events have declined less in women aged <55 than in men of similar age. In older persons no significant differences were observed. Further studies are warranted to find out the reasons why the development has been less favourable for young women than for men.
CADASIL in Arabs: clinical and genetic findings
Authors: Bohlega Saeed , Al Shubili Asmahan , Edris Abdulrahman , Alreshaid Abdulrahman , AlKhairallah Thamer , AlSous M Walid , Farah Samir , Abu-Amero Khaled K
Published: November 2007

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is increasingly recognized as an inherited arterial disease leading to a step-wise decline and eventually to dementia. CADASIL is caused by mutations in NOTCH3 epidermal growth factor-like repeat that maps to chromosome 19. CADASIL cases have been identified in most countries of Western and Central Europe, the Americas, Japan, Australia, the Caribbean, South America, Tanzania, Turkey, South Africa and Southeast Asia, but not in Arabs.

Methods

We studied three families from Saudi Arabia (Family A), Kuwait (Family B) and Yemen (Family C) with 19 individuals affected by CADASIL.

Results

The mean age of onset was 31 ± 6 and the clinical presentation included stroke in 68%, subcortical dementia in 17% and asymptomatic leukoariosis detected by MRI in 15%. Migraine and depression were frequently associated, 38% and 68% respectively. The mean age of death was 56 ± 11. All NOTCH3 exons were screened for mutations, which revealed the presence of previously reported mutations c.406C>T (p.Arg110>Cys) in two families (family A&B) and c.475C>T (p.Arg133>Cys) mutation in family C.

Conclusion

CADASIL occurs in Arabs, with clinical phenotype and genotype similar to that in other ethnic groups.
Associations of social and material deprivation with tobacco, alcohol, and psychotropic drug use, and gender: a population-based study
Authors: Baumann Michèle , Spitz Elisabeth , Guillemin Francis , Ravaud Jean-François , Choquet Marie , Falissard Bruno , Chau Nearkasen ,   Lorhandicap group
Published: November 2007

Background

The aim was to assess the relationships between social and material deprivation and the use of tobacco, excessive alcohol and psychotropic drugs by both sexes and in various age groups. Greater knowledge concerning these issues may help public health policy-makers design more effective means of preventing substance abuse.

Methods

The sample comprised 6,216 people aged ≥ 15 years randomly selected from the population in north-eastern France. Subjects completed a post-mailed questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, occupation, employment, income, smoking habit, alcohol abuse and "psychotropic" drug intake (for headache, tiredness, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia). A deprivation score (D) was defined by the cumulative number of: low educational level, manual worker, unemployed, living alone, nationality other than western European, low income, and non-home-ownership. Data were analysed using adjusted odds ratios (ORa) computed with logistic models.

Results

Deprivation was common: 37.4% of respondents fell into category D = 1, 21.2% into D = 2, and 10.0% into D ≥ 3. More men than women reported tobacco use (30.2% vs. 21.9%) and alcohol abuse (12.5% vs. 3.3%), whereas psychotropic drug use was more common among women (23.8% vs. 41.0%). Increasing levels of deprivation were associated with a greater likelihood of tobacco use (ORa vs. D = 0: 1.16 in D = 1, 1.49 in D = 2, and 1.93 in D ≥ 3), alcohol abuse (1.19 in D = 1, 1.32 in D = 2, and 1.80 in D ≥ 3) and frequent psychotropic drug intake (1.26 in D = 1, 1.51 in D = 2, and 1.91 in D ≥ 3). These patterns were observed in working/other non-retired men and women (except for alcohol abuse in women). Among retired people, deprivation was associated with tobacco and psychotropic drug use only in men.

Conclusion

Preventive measures should be designed to improve work conditions, reduce deprivation, and help deprived populations to be more aware of risk and to find remedial measures.
Sensitivity of mice to lipopolysaccharide is increased by a high saturated fat and cholesterol diet
Authors: Huang Hong , Liu Tongzheng , Rose Jane L , Stevens Rachel L , Hoyt Dale G
Published: November 2007

Background

It was hypothesized that a pro-atherogenic, high saturated fat and cholesterol diet (HCD) would increase the inflammatory response to E. coli endotoxin (LPS) and increase its concentration in plasma after administration to mice.

Methods

C57Bl/6 mice were fed a HCD or a control diet (CD) for 4 weeks, and then treated with saline, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg LPS/kg, ip. Liver injury (alanine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, collagen staining), circulating cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interferon-γ), factors that can bind LPS (serum amyloid A, apolipoprotein A1, LPS binding protein, and CD14), and plasma levels of LPS were measured. The hepatic response was assessed by measuring vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 proteins, and VCAM-1 and iNOS mRNAs. Hepatic mRNA encoding the LPS receptor, Toll like receptor 4, was also determined.

Results

Two mg LPS/kg killed 100% of mice fed HCD within 5 d, while no mice fed CD died. All mice treated with 0 to 1 mg LPS/kg survived 24 h. HCD increased plasma alanine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and the enzymes were increased more by LPS in HCD than CD mice. Induction of plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ by LPS was greater with HCD than CD. Hepatic VCAM-1 and iNOS protein and mRNA were induced by LPS more in mice fed HCD than CD. Tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 caused by LPS was prolonged in HCD compared with CD mice. Despite the hepatic effects of HCD, diet had no effect on the LPS plasma concentration-time profile. HCD alone did not affect circulating levels of plasma apolipoprotein A1 or LPS binding protein. However, plasma concentrations of serum amyloid A and CD14, and hepatic toll-like receptor-4 mRNA were increased in mice fed HCD.

Conclusion

HCD increased the sensitivity of mice to LPS without affecting its plasma level. Although increased serum amyloid A and CD14 in the circulation may inhibit LPS actions, their overexpression, along with hepatic toll-like receptor-4 or other factors, may contribute to the heightened sensitivity to LPS.
Chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate in combination decrease the pro-resorptive properties of human osteoarthritis subchondral bone osteoblasts: a basic science study
Authors: Tat Steeve Kwan , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Vergés Josep , Lajeunesse Daniel , Montell Eulàlia , Fahmi Hassan , Lavigne Martin , Martel-Pelletier Johanne
Published: November 2007

Early in the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA), subchondral bone remodelling, which is related to altered osteoblast metabolism, takes place. In the present study, we explored in human OA subchondral bone whether chondroitin sulfate (CS), glucosamine sulfate (GS), or both together affect the major bone biomarkers, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and the pro-resorptive activity of OA osteoblasts. The effect of CS (200 μg/mL), GS (50 and 200 μg/mL), or both together on human OA subchondral bone osteoblasts, in the presence or absence of 1,25(OH)2D3 (vitamin D3) (50 nM), was determined on the bone biomarkers alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, on the expression (mRNA) and production (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of bone remodelling factors OPG and RANKL, and on the pro-resorptive activity of these cells. For the latter experiments, human OA osteoblasts were incubated with differentiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells on a sub-micron synthetic calcium phosphate thin film. Data showed that CS and GS affected neither basal nor vitamin D3-induced alkaline phosphatase or osteocalcin release. Interestingly, OPG expression and production under basal conditions or vitamin D3 treatment were upregulated by CS and by both CS and GS incubated together. Under basal conditions, RANKL expression was significantly reduced by CS and by both drugs incubated together. Under vitamin D3, these drugs also showed a decrease in RANKL level, which, however, did not reach statistical significance. Importantly, under basal conditions, CS and both compounds combined significantly upregulated the expression ratio of OPG/RANKL. Vitamin D3 decreased this ratio, and GS further decreased it. Both drugs reduced the resorption activity, and statistical significance was reached for GS and when CS and GS were incubated together. Our data indicate that CS and GS do not overly affect cell integrity or bone biomarkers. Yet CS and both compounds together increase the expression ratio of OPG/RANKL, suggesting a positive effect on OA subchondral bone structural changes. This was confirmed by the decreased resorptive activity for the combination of CS and GS. These data are of major significance and may help to explain how these two drugs exert a positive effect on OA pathophysiology.