bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Outcome in Relation to Perceived Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Verdecchia Paolo , Angeli Fabio , Borgioni Claudia , Gattobigio Roberto , Reboldi Gianpaolo
Published: February 2007

Sleep deprivation induced by cuff inflations during overnight blood pressure (BP) monitoring might interfere with the prognostic significance of nighttime BP. In 2934 initially untreated hypertensive subjects, we assessed the perceived quantity of sleep during overnight BP monitoring. Overall, 58.7%, 27.7%, 9.7%, and 4.0% of subjects reported a sleep duration perceived as usual (group A), <2 hours less than usual (group B), 2 to 4 hours less than usual (group C), and >4 hours less than usual (group D). Daytime BP did not differ across the groups (all
P
s not significant). Nighttime BP increased from group A to D (124/75, 126/76, 128/77, and 129/79 mm Hg, respectively; all
P
s for trend <0.01). Over a median follow-up period of 7 years there were 356 major cardiovascular events and 176 all-cause deaths. Incidence of total cardiovascular events and deaths was higher in the subjects with a night/day ratio in systolic BP >10% compared with those with a greater day–night BP drop in the group with perceived sleep duration as usual or <2 hours less than usual (both
P
<0.01), not in the group with duration of sleep ≥2 hours less than usual (all
P
s not significant). In a Cox model, the independent prognostic value of nighttime BP for total cardiovascular end points and all-cause mortality disappeared in the subjects with perceived sleep deprivation ≥2 hours. In conclusion, nighttime BP rises and loses its prognostic significance in the hypertensive subjects who perceive a sleep deprivation by ≥2 hours during overnight monitoring.
Temporal and Anatomic Risk Profile of Brain Injury With Neonatal Repair of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: McQuillen Patrick S. , Barkovich A. James , Hamrick Shannon E.G. , Perez Marta , Ward Phil , Glidden David V. , Azakie Anthony , Karl Tom , Miller Steven P.
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose—

Brain injury is common in newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring neonatal surgery. The purpose of this study is to define the risk factors for preoperative and postoperative brain injuries and their association with functional cardiac anatomic groups.

Methods—

Sixty-two neonates with CHD were studied with preoperative MRI, and 53 received postoperative scans. Clinical and therapeutic characteristics were compared in newborns with and without newly acquired brain injuries. A subset of 16 consecutive patients was monitored with intraoperative cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy.

Results—

Brain injury was observed in 56% of patients. Preoperative brain injury, seen in 39%, was most commonly stroke and was associated with balloon atrial septostomy (
P
=0.002). Postoperative brain injury, seen in 35%, was most commonly white matter injury and was particularly common in neonates with single-ventricle physiology and aortic arch obstruction (
P
=0.001). Risk factors associated with acquired postoperative brain injury included cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with regional cerebral perfusion (
P
=0.01) and lower intraoperative cerebral hemoglobin oxygen saturation during the myocardial ischemic period of CPB (
P
=0.008). In a multivariable model, new postoperative white matter injury was specifically associated with low mean blood pressure during the first postoperative day (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Specific modifiable risk factors can be identified for preoperative and postoperative white matter injury and stroke associated with neonatal surgery for CHD. The high incidence of postoperative injury observed despite new methodologies of CPB indicates the need for ongoing evaluation to optimize neurological outcome.
Behavioral, Temporal, and Spatial Targets for Cellular Transplants as Adjuncts to Rehabilitation for Stroke
Authors: Dobkin Bruce H.
Published: February 2007

Stem cell and more differentiated neural cell transplantation strategies are an intriguing approach for neural repair to augment rehabilitation interventions after stroke. In the cortex, exogenous cells could create, augment, or extend in time endogenous peri-infarct and remote molecular signals, such as those for neurogenesis, cell differentiation, axonal and dendritic sprouting, network connectivity, and long-term potentiation, as well as deliver engineered genes and provide replacement cells in a network. If demyelinated axons exist in the periphery of an infarct, they could be targets for remyelination to reestablish conductivity. Much is unknown, however, about the mechanisms by which pluripotent embryonic and multipotent neural stem cells serve as agents of therapeutic plasticity. The robustness of their effects on neuromodulation, reorganization, regeneration, and behavioral recovery is a work in progress. Invasive interventions may have adverse effects not appreciated in preclinical testing. These should initially be offered only to patients with specific profound impairments after it is clinically certain that major disabilities will not improve. If a cellular strategy is very safe, it may be offered to subjects with moderate impairments when they are no longer likely to make further functional gains. Clinical trial designs are suggested that take into account the optimal timing after stroke and specific targets for cellular therapies to foster repair, remapping, and modulation of neural circuits. Cell-mediated rehabilitation would then use task-specific therapies in an optimal dose to maximize training-induced reorganization and learning and, most important, reduce unwanted disability.
Maturation-Dependent Vulnerability of Perinatal White Matter in Premature Birth
Authors: Back Stephen A. , Riddle Art , McClure Melissa M.
Published: February 2007

Survivors of premature birth have a predilection for perinatal brain injury, especially to periventricular cerebral white matter. Periventricular white matter injury (PWMI) is now the most common cause of brain injury in preterm infants and the leading cause of chronic neurological morbidity. The spectrum of chronic PWMI includes focal cystic necrotic lesions (periventricular leukomalacia) and diffuse myelination disturbances. Recent neuroimaging studies support that the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia is declining, whereas focal or diffuse noncystic injury is emerging as the predominant lesion. In a significant number of infants, PWMI appears to be initiated by perturbations in cerebral blood flow that reflect anatomic and physiological immaturity of the vasculature. Ischemic cerebral white matter is susceptible to pronounced free radical–mediated injury that particularly targets immature stages of the oligodendrocyte lineage. Emerging experimental data supports that pronounced ischemia in the periventricular white matter is necessary but not sufficient to generate the initial injury that leads to PWMI. The developmental predilection for PWMI to occur during prematurity appears to be related to both the timing of appearance and regional distribution of susceptible oligodendrocyte progenitors. Injury to oligodendrocyte progenitors may contribute to the pathogenesis of PWMI by disrupting the maturation of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. There has been substantial recent progress in the understanding of the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of PWMI. The oligodendrocyte progenitor is a key target for preventive strategies to reduce ischemic cerebral white matter injury in premature infants.
Detection of Coronary Microembolization by Doppler Ultrasound in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Bahrmann Philipp , Werner Gerald S. , Heusch Gerd , Ferrari Markus , Poerner Tudor C. , Voss Andreas , Figulla Hans R.
Published: February 2007

Background—

Intracoronary Doppler guidewires can be used for real-time detection and quantification of microembolism during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). We investigated whether the frequency of Doppler-detected microembolism is related to the incidence of myonecrosis during elective PCI.

Methods and Results—

The study population included 52 consecutive patients (aged 64±10 years; 36 men, 16 women) with coronary artery disease who underwent elective PCI of a single-vessel stenosis. Using intracoronary Doppler ultrasound, we compared the frequency of microembolism during PCI in 22 patients with periprocedural non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (pNSTEMI) and 30 patients without pNSTEMI. The 2 groups were comparable with regard to their clinical and procedural characteristics. In the group with pNSTEMI, the total number of coronary microemboli after PCI (27±10 versus 16±8,
P
<0.001) was higher than in the group without pNSTEMI. Although high-sensitivity C-reactive protein plasma levels were similar before PCI (2.9±2.2 versus 3.4±1.7 mg/L,
P
=NS), they were higher in the group with pNSTEMI after PCI (12.6±10.4 versus 6.1±5.1 mg/L,
P
<0.05). Microembolic count independently correlated to postprocedural cardiac troponin I elevation (
r
=0.565,
P
<0.001), coronary flow velocity reserve (
r
=−0.506,
P
<0.001), and baseline average peak velocity (
r
=0.499,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Patients with pNSTEMI had a significantly higher frequency of coronary microembolization during PCI, and their systemic inflammatory response and microvascular impairment after PCI were more pronounced. Intracoronary Doppler ultrasound provides evidence that pNSTEMI in patients undergoing elective PCI is caused by microembolization during the procedure.
The Integrated Study of Time: A Call for Reciprocal Literacy
Authors:   Fraser
Published: February 2007

This essay sketches a family of time-related problems that characterize the globalizing world. It then recommends that they be explored by employing the skill of critical interdisciplinarity, developed in the integrated study of time.
Time's Social Discourses
Authors: Torre Ramón Ramos
Published: February 2007

This essay adresses the analysis of social discourses on time, i.e., the ways social agents suppose time is. Using the data furnished by a sociological research made in Spain on the meaning of working time and its compatibility with personal and family life, I propose to focus on some important and recurrent ambivalences and images of time in social life. Time shows itself as ambivalent because it both unifies and separates two different orders of experience. The paper analyses three ambivalences: to be time and to be in time; temporal presence and absence; temporal repetition and innovation. Time also shows itself in images. Three are specially widespread: the image of time as a resource to be used in action; the image of time as an environment we must adapt to; the image of time as a horizon where we can contemplate in the present what is past and what has nos yet occurred.
Mobile Phones and Service Stations: Rumour, Risk and Precaution
Authors: Burgess Adam
Published: February 2007

The apparent erosion of public trust has become a defining feature of our age (Fukuyama, 1996; Sztompka, 2000). Collapse of trust in the political process is the subject of intellectual concern and reaction (Warren, 1999; Bentley, 2005). Another important focus for analysis and response to mistrust is science and technology risk management. Sociology is at the forefront of problematizing science and technology risk management, proposing a renegotiation of the relationship between science, citizens and policy (Irwin, 1995; Irwin and Wynne, 1996; Wynne, 2000; Stilgoe, Wilsdon and Wynne, 2005). Science is admonished in the now influential sociological critique for failing to communicate the uncertainty that is central to their endeavours, instead continuing to insist upon a ‘top-down’ process of science communication. Science is presented as having unreflectively brought about a scientific and technological revolution without regard for the consequences that the resulting ‘risk society’ is now struggling to come to terms with (Beck, 1992, 1995). An influential review of specific examples of 20th-century scientific and technological innovations argues the ‘late lessons’ that can be drawn are the failure to heed ‘early warnings’ that could have been detected about potentially damaging impacts (Harremoës et al., 2002). A new, precautionary approach is urged - one that can avoid the mistakes of the past.
A Theory of How Rumours Arise
Authors: Bronner Gérald
Published: February 2007

As it happens, we are quite well aware of the origin of a group belief. For instance, the history of baseball in the USA is a kind of contemporary myth whose origin, however, is not mysterious. In the US there is a place called the Hall of Fame dedicated to the great figures in baseball history. The spot can be found in Cooperstown, a small American town in the middle of New York state, that is otherwise totally unremarkable. Why was a building put up there to celebrate the sport that is so emblematic of the United States? Simply because the famous baseball is supposed to have been invented there by one Abner Doubleday in 1839. The date is precise but the myth of origins associated with it is no less so. In the early 19th century Doubleday is alleged to have interrupted some children playing marbles behind the shop belonging to the town's tailor. Then he is supposed to have started to teach them the rules of a new, more exciting game which he had just invented (if we adhere to this myth of origins) and which he proposed to call ‘baseball’. So he marked out a small-scale field on the ground: the first game of this typically American sport could now begin.
The micro-petrography of the rock-gypsum of Nottinghamshire
Authors: Richardson W. Alfred
Published: February 2007

Rock-gypsum occurs as extensive deposits of considerable economic importance in the neighbourhood of Nottingham. The mode of occurrence and origin have been studied by several geologists, to whose work references were given in a recent communication to this Society. I Investigations have proceeded chiefly on field lines and microscopic examination has been somewhat neglected, except with respect to the contact relations of gypsum and anhydrite. Nevertheless, examination of thin slices from specimens collected in different parts of the district yields information of considerable interest and. it may be, of importance.
Dengue virus type 2: replication and tropisms in orally infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Salazar Ma Isabel , Richardson Jason H , Sánchez-Vargas Irma , Olson Ken E , Beaty Barry J
Published: February 2007

Background

To be transmitted by its mosquito vector, dengue virus (DENV) must infect midgut epithelial cells, replicate and disseminate into the hemocoel, and finally infect the salivary glands, which is essential for transmission. The extrinsic incubation period (EIP) is very relevant epidemiologically and is the time required from the ingestion of virus until it can be transmitted to the next vertebrate host. The EIP is conditioned by the kinetics and tropisms of virus replication in its vector. Here we document the virogenesis of DENV-2 in newly-colonized Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from Chetumal, Mexico in order to understand better the effect of vector-virus interactions on dengue transmission.

Results

After ingestion of DENV-2, midgut infections in Chetumal mosquitoes were characterized by a peak in virus titers between 7 and 10 days post-infection (dpi). The amount of viral antigen and viral titers in the midgut then declined, but viral RNA levels remained stable. The presence of DENV-2 antigen in the trachea was positively correlated with virus dissemination from the midgut. DENV-2 antigen was found in salivary gland tissue in more than a third of mosquitoes at 4 dpi. Unlike in the midgut, the amount of viral antigen (as well as the percent of infected salivary glands) increased with time. DENV-2 antigen also accumulated and increased in neural tissue throughout the EIP. DENV-2 antigen was detected in multiple tissues of the vector, but unlike some other arboviruses, was not detected in muscle.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the EIP of DENV-2 in its vector may be shorter that the previously reported and that the tracheal system may facilitate DENV-2 dissemination from the midgut. Mosquito organs (e.g. midgut, neural tissue, and salivary glands) differed in their response to DENV-2 infection.
Police contact within 3 months of suicide and associated health
service contact
Authors: Linsley Keith R. , Johnson Neil , Martin Jessica
Published: February 2007

We evaluated police contact with individuals prior to suicide, using a
systematic study of suicides within County Durham and Darlington over a
3-year period and analysis of police computer records covering the same
area. Atotal of 205 cases of suicide were identified. A fifth of these
(n=41) had a documented contact with police within 3
months prior to the suicide, there was an equal mixture of victims and
alleged perpetrators of crime, and a significant number of those with police
contact had also seen a health professional recently. As many people see a
police officer in the 3 months prior to their suicide as see a mental health
professional within 12 months prior to suicide. Our findings have
implications for suicide prevention.
Regulatory policies on medicines for psychiatric disorders: is
Europe on target?
Authors: Barbui Corrado , Garattini Silvio
Published: February 2007

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) is the regulatory body that provides
the institutions of the European Community with the best possible scientific
advice on the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products. Drugs
approved by the EMEA are automatically marketable in all the European member
states. Since the beginning of the EMEA's activities a number of drugs
acting on the central nervous system obtained marketing authorisation. This
editorial highlights some aspects of the EMEA rules that may negatively
affect the evaluation of medicines for psychiatric disorders.
Significance of Autologous Interleukin‐6 Production in the HA22T/VGH Cell Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: LABBOZZETTA MANUELA , NOTARBARTOLO MONICA , POMA PAOLA , GIANNITRAPANI LYDIA , CERVELLO MELCHIORRE , MONTALTO GIUSEPPE , D'ALESSANDRO NATALE
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Cancer cells may often support their own growth, survival, and drug resistance by autocrine/paracrine loops based on the production of different factors; results from us and others have shown that similar interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐related loops are operative in multiple myeloma and prostate or renal cancer. Because this aspect has not been investigated in detail for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we have examined it in HA22T/VGH cells. These differ from other primary liver cancer cell lines (that is, HepG2, HuH‐6, and HuH‐7) in that enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed the HA22T/VGH cells to secrete remarkable amounts of IL‐6 (16.8 ng/106 cells/24 h); this production, due to constitutive activation of NF‐κB, is inhibited by agents like curcumin and dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), which interfere with the transcription factor. Flow cytometry, ELISA, mRNA, and Western blotting analyses were performed to characterize the status of the IL‐6 receptor in HA22T/VGH cells. Two transmembrane glycoproteins that form the functional IL‐6 receptor have been identified: the ligand‐binding gp80 and the signal‐transducer gp130. Soluble forms of gp80 also trigger membrane gp130 signaling when complexed with IL‐6, while soluble forms of gp130 inhibit the same process. Our results showed that HA22T/VGH cells express gp130 at their surface, but release only traces of its soluble form. For gp80, the cells produced the mRNAs of both its membrane and soluble form. However, in immunoblotting they exhibited a very faint content of the same subunit, which, in addition, was neither expressed at the cell surface nor secreted. In MTT assays, incubation with a neutralizing anti‐IL‐6 antibody for up to 7 days did not affect the growth of HA22T/VGH cells. Also, other specific anti‐IL‐6 approaches (siRNA or AODN) failed to produce this result. In conclusion, autostimulatory loops mediated by IL‐6 are less likely to occur in HCC than in other kinds of cancer. However, since release of IL‐6 is frequent in HCC, especially in its more advanced stages, the use of agents like curcumin or DHMEQ might be beneficial to counteract its adverse systemic effects (e.g., cachexia).
Genetic Abnormalities as Targets for Molecular Therapies in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: CILLONI DANIELA , MESSA EMANUELA , MESSA FRANCESCA , CARTURAN SONIA , DEFILIPPI ILARIA , ARRUGA FRANCESCA , ROSSO VALENTINA , CATALANO RENATA , BRACCO ENRICO , NICOLI PAOLO , SAGLIO GIUSEPPE
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Recent advances in molecular genetics have increased knowledge regarding the mechanisms leading to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and therapy‐induced MDS. Many genetic defects underlying MDS and AML have been identified thereby allowing the development of new molecular‐targeted therapies. Several new classes of drugs have shown promise in early clinical trials and may probably alter the standard of care of these patients in the near future. Among these new drugs are farnesyltransferase inhibitors and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors including FLT3 and VEGF inhibitors. These agents have been tested in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies such as AML and MDS. Most of the studies in MDS are still in early stages of development. The DNA hypomethylating compounds azacytidine and decitabine may reduce hypermethylation and induce re‐expression of key tumor suppressor genes in MDS. Biochemical compounds with histone deacetylase inhibitory activity, such as valproic acid (VPA), have been tested as antineoplastic agents. Finally, new vaccination strategies are developing in MDS patients based on the identification of MDS‐associated antigens. Future therapies will attempt to resolve cytopenias in MDS, eliminate malignant clones, and allow differentiation by attacking specific mechanisms of the disease.
Clinical Relevance of Cytogenetics in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: BERNASCONI PAOLO , BONI MARINA , CAVIGLIANO PAOLA MARIA , CALATRONI SILVIA , GIARDINI ILARIA , ROCCA BARBARA , ZAPPATORE RITA , DAMBRUOSO IRENE , CARESANA MARILENA
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of heterogeneous stem cell disorders with different clinical behaviors and outcomes. Conventional cytogenetics (CC) studies have demonstrated that the majority of MDS patients harbor clonal chromosome defects. The probability of discovering a chromosomal abnormality has been increased by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which has revealed that about 15% of patients with a normal chromosome pattern on CC may instead present cryptic defects. Cytogenetic abnormalities, except for the interstitial long‐arm deletion of chromosome 5 (5q−), are not specific for any French‐American‐British (FAB)/World Health Organization (WHO) MDS subtypes, demonstrate the clonality of the disease, and identify peculiar morphological entities, thus confirming clinical diagnosis. In addition, chromosome abnormalities are independent prognostic factors predicting overall survival and the likelihood of progression in acute myeloid leukemia.
Antihormones in Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: PONZONE RICCARDO , BIGLIA NICOLETTA , JACOMUZZI MARIA ELENA , MARIANI LUCA , DOMINGUEZ ANNELISE , SISMONDI PIERO
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Breast cancer has the highest incidence of all types of cancer in women. Age and family history are the strongest risk factors, but sex hormones also play an important role, as demonstrated by epidemiological studies reporting a consistent association by reproductive personal history and breast cancer risk. The acceptability of preventive strategies by healthy women is closely related to their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Although surgical prevention may be considered in carriers of BRCA1/2 mutation, this option cannot be advocated for the majority of women whose risk is only moderately increased. In these women, chemoprevention with tamoxifen may reduce the incidence of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast carcinoma by 30–50%. Other drugs such as raloxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are currently being tested in this setting. Tamoxifen has been the most successful hormonal treatment over the last 30 years and, until recently, the most active drug in endocrine‐sensitive breast cancer. In premenopausal breast cancer, tamoxifen still represents the therapy of choice, alone or in association with ovarian suppression. Conversely, in postmenopausal women it has been overtaken by third‐generation AIs as first‐choice drugs both in the adjuvant and metastatic settings. Many other issues, such as the optimal sequence between tamoxifen and AIs, the duration of AIs treatment, and the association of ovarian suppression and AIs in premenopausal patients still await the completion of randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, it is likely that treatment tailoring will be increased by the definition of patient subgroups that could derive larger benefits from AIs (progesterone receptor–negative, HER‐2‐overexpressing) or other new drugs.
Phase II Trial of Irinotecan in Children With Relapsed or Refractory Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Joint Study of the French Society of Pediatric Oncology and the United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group
Authors: Vassal Gilles , Couanet Dominique , Stockdale Elizabeth , Geoffray Anne , Geoerger Birgit , Orbach Daniel , Pichon Fabienne , Gentet Jean Claude , Picton Susan , Bergeron Christophe , Cisar Laura , Assadourian Sylvie , Morland Bruce
Published: February 2007

Purpose

This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of irinotecan administered intravenously once every 3 weeks in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory rhabdomyosarcoma.

Patients and Methods

A total of 35 patients younger than age 20 years, with refractory or relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma for which standard treatments have failed, received irinotecan at 600 mg/m2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every 3 weeks. Concomitant treatments included atropine for cholinergic symptoms, loperamide for diarrhea at the first liquid stool, and preventive antiemetic treatment. Tumor response was assessed every two cycles until progression according to WHO criteria.

Results

The best overall response rate to irinotecan was 11.4% (95% CI, 3.2 to 26.7%; 2.9% complete responses, 8.5% partial responses) from all patients recruited. The median times to progression and survival were 1.4 and 5.8 months, respectively. A total of 112 cycles were administered, with a median number of two cycles per patient (range, 1 to 16). The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (46%), abdominal pain or cramping (17%), cholinergic syndrome (14%), nausea/vomiting (11%), anemia (11%), thrombocytopenia (9%), and diarrhea (6%).

Conclusion

In heavily pretreated children with a high tumor burden who have been treated with multiagent chemotherapy, irinotecan administered intravenously as a single agent, at 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, showed an interesting objective response rate and a good tolerance profile in rhabdomyosarcoma.
Short-Term Manipulation of Plasma Free Fatty Acids Does Not Change Skeletal Muscle Concentrations of Ceramide and Glucosylceramide in Lean and Overweight Subjects
Authors: Serlie M. J. , Meijer A. J. , Groener J. E. , Duran M. , Endert E. , Fliers E. , Aerts J. M. , Sauerwein H. P.
Published: February 2007

Context: Increased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations may be in part responsible for the increased levels of ceramide in skeletal muscle of obese subjects.

Objective: We studied the effect of lowering and increasing plasma FFA levels on muscle ceramide and glucosylceramide concentrations in lean and obese subjects.

Design: Plasma FFAs were either increased or decreased for 6 h by infusing a lipid emulsion or using Acipimox, respectively. Muscle biopsies were performed before and after the intervention for measurements of ceramide and glucosylceramide.

Study Subjects: Eight lean [body mass index 21.9 (range, 19.6–24.6) kg/m2] and six overweight/obese [body mass index 34.4 (27.8–42.5) kg/m2] subjects without type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measure: Differences in muscle ceramide and glucosylceramide upon manipulation of plasma FFAs were measured.

Results: There were no differences in muscle ceramide and glucosylceramide between lean and obese subjects, respectively. Increasing or decreasing plasma FFAs for 6 h had no effect on ceramide [high FFAs: 24 (19–25) vs. 24 (22–27) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.46; and 22 (20–28) vs. 24 (18–26) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.89 in lean and obese, respectively; low FFAs: 26 (24–35) vs. 23 (18–27) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.17 and 24 (15–44) vs. 24 (19–42) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.6 in lean and obese, respectively] and glucosylceramide [high FFAs: 2.0 (1.7–4.3) vs. 3.4 (2.1–4.6) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.17; and 3.0 (1.3–6.7) vs. 2.6 (1.2–3.9) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.89 in lean and obese, respectively; low FFAs: 2.2 (1.0–4.4) vs. 1.7 (1.4–3.0) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.92; and 6.6 (1.0–25.0) vs. 4.3 (1.3–7.6) pmol/mg muscle, P = 0.7 in lean and obese, respectively] concentrations in skeletal muscle.

Conclusion: Short-term manipulation of plasma FFAs has no effect on ceramide and glucosylceramide concentrations in skeletal muscle from lean and obese subjects.
Development of high-volume low-lime and high-lime fly-ash-incorporated self-consolidating concrete
Authors: Şahmaran M. , Yaman Ö. , Tokyay M.
Published: February 2007

The current article presents an experimental study on the use of two types of fly ash (low lime and high lime) as mineral admixtures in producing self-consolidating concrete (SCC) with the objective of assessing the effects of both types of fly ash on the fresh and hardened properties of SCCs. Within the scope of an experimental programme, SCCs were prepared by keeping the total mass of cementitious materials constant at 500 kg/m3, in which 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70% of cement, by mass, was replaced by high-lime and low-lime fly ash. The workability-related fresh properties of SCCs were observed through slump flow time and diameter, V-funnel flow time, L-box height ratio, GTM sieve stability test and the rheological parameters (relative yield stress and relative plastic viscosity). Setting times and temperature rise of SCCs were also determined as part of fresh properties. The hardened properties that were monitored for a year included the compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, drying shrinkage and chloride permeability. It was observed that the geometry and surface characteristics of fly ash affected the workability properties of SCC mixtures. Nonetheless, the compressive strength of SCC mixtures with 30–40% low-lime fly ash replacement was slightly greater than the control SCC mixture at the end of the year, as the amount of fly ash replacement increased losses in compressive strength. As a result of this experimental study, it could be concluded that SCCs incorporating a fly ash replacement of 70% could be produced with improved fresh and permeation properties and sufficient compressive strength.
Flat‐plate encapsulation solution for OLED displays using a printed getter
Authors: Buseman‐Williams Janine , Frischknecht Kyle D. , Hubert Matt D. , Saafir Ameen K. , Tremel James D.
Published: February 2007

Abstract— The encapsulation of organic light‐emitting layers is a key development item on the road‐map to OLED commercialization and needs to be resolved in order to compete with the incumbent LCD technology. DuPont™ Drylox™ cover glass is a product developed by DuPont Displays to improve the features of the OLED encapsulation solution. Thin displays, low design cycle time, and substantial reduction in encapsulation cost are the driving forces for the product improvement. This paper discusses permeation theory, describes a manufacturing method, and documents the performance characteristics achieved to date.
Color displays and flexible displays using quick‐response liquid‐powder technology for electronic paper
Authors: Sakurai Ryo , Ohno Shingo , Kita Shin‐ichi , Masuda Yoshitomo , Hattori Reiji
Published: February 2007

Abstract— Color displays and flexible displays that use electronic liquid powder have been developed. Novel types of color displays using either a colored powder or a color filter are discussed. We have also developed a flexible display with low‐cost substrate films with a high‐throughput roll‐to‐roll manufacturing method. These technologies enable a QR‐LPD to be widely used as an electronic‐paper display.
Novel WV film for wide‐viewing‐angle TN‐mode LCDs
Authors: Oikawa Tokuju , Yasuda Shoji , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Sakai Eiichi , Mori Hiroyuki
Published: February 2007

Abstract— A new optical compensation film refered to as WV‐EA film for TN‐mode TFT‐LCDs has been developed, resulting in higher contrast ratio, wider‐viewing‐angle characteristics, and improved color shift than their predecessors, especially in the horizontal direction. These features of the new WV film were achieved as a result of haze reduction and optimizing the optical characteristics of the polymerized discotic material layer and TAC film. These features are suitable for large‐sized and wide‐aspect‐ratio LCD monitors and TVs.
An IPS‐LCD with a high contrast ratio of over 80:1 at all viewing angles
Authors: Kajita D. , Hiyama I. , Utsumi Y. , Miyazaki K. , Hasegawa M. , Ishii M.
Published: February 2007

Abstract— A 32‐in. IPS‐LCD with a significantly wide‐viewing‐angle performance has been developed using a new optical compensation method. It provides a contrast ratio of over 80:1 at all viewing angles, which enhances its color saturation at oblique angles. According to our study, it is important to shorten the path of the optical compensation in the Poincaré sphere. We have found an effective method using two retardation films, one with an Nz value larger than 0.5 and one with a value smaller than 0.5.
Improvisation in African-American Vernacular Dancing
Authors: Jackson Jonathan David
Published: February 2007

The excellent body of literature on African-American (or black) expressive culture often refers to the importance of improvisation in black vernacular dancing. In their discussion of key precepts upon which black vernacular dancing is based, Marshall and Jean Stearns explain that dance in the African diaspora “places great importance upon improvisation, satirical and otherwise, allowing freedom for individual expression; this characteristic makes for flexibility and aids the evolution and diffusion of other African characteristics” (1968, 15). Jacqui Malone notes that black vernacular dancing is “an additive process…a way of experimenting with new ideas; that mindset is Africa's most important contribution to the Western Hemisphere” (1996, 33). She goes on to declare:

All African American social dances allow for some degree of improvisation, even in the performance of such relatively controlled line dances as the Madison and the stroll of the fifties…the idea of executing any dance exactly like someone else is usually not valued…. Black idiomatic dancers always improvise with intent—they compose on the spot—with the success of the improvisations depending on the mastery of nuances and the elements of craft called for by the idiom. (33–34)
Ecological benefits of myrmecochory for the endangered chaparral shrub Fremontodendron decumbens (Sterculiaceae)
Authors: Boyd Robert S.
Published: February 2007

Fremontodendron decumbens grows in a single county in central California, USA. Prior research showed that its elaiosome‐bearing seeds are dispersed by the harvester ant Messor andrei. I tested several hypotheses regarding the positive role of ant‐mediated dispersal to F. decumbens: (1) Does ant‐mediated seed dispersal facilitate seed escape from rodent predation?; (2) Does ant processing of seeds stimulate germination?; (3) Are ant middens more suitable microsites for seed or seedling survival in unburned chaparral areas?; and (4) Do survival benefits of dispersal occur post‐fire in the form of differences in seedling survival probabilities and, if so, why? Results of tests of each hypothesis were: (1) similar percentages of seeds placed on ant middens and under F. decumbens shrub canopies were destroyed by rodents, but seeds from which elaiosomes had been removed were more likely to escape rodent predation; (2) seeds processed by ants did not germinate more readily than seeds removed directly from shrub branches; (3) seedling predation was a major cause of mortality in unburned chaparral on both ant middens and under shrubs, and overall seedling survival did not differ between the two microsites; (4) post‐burn seedling survival was significantly greater for seedlings dispersed away from F. decumbens shrub canopies, because dispersed seedlings were both less likely to be killed by predators and more likely to be growing in a gap created by the fire‐caused death of an established shrub. I concluded that the major ecological benefit to F. decumbens of ant‐mediated seed dispersal was elevated post‐fire seedling survival resulting from enhanced escape by dispersed seedlings from both predation and competition.
Mechanisms of differential pollen donor performance in wild radish, Raphanus sativus (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Marshall Diane L. , Diggle Pamela K.
Published: February 2007

In order to understand the characters on which sexual selection might operate in plants, it is critical to assess the mechanisms by which pollen competition and mate choice occur. To address this issue we measured a number of postpollination characters, ranging from pollen germination and pollen tube growth to final seed paternity, in wild radish. Crosses were performed using four pollen donors on a total of 16 maternal plants (four each from four families). Maternal plants were grown under two watering treatments to evaluate the effects of maternal tissue on the process of mating. The four pollen donors differed significantly in number of seeds sired and differed overall in the mating characters measured. However, it was difficult to associate particular mechanistic characters with ability to sire seeds, perhaps because of interactions among pollen donors within styles or among pollen donors and maternal plants. The process of pollen tube growth and fertilization differed substantially among maternal watering treatments, with many early events occurring more quickly in stressed plants. Seed paternity, however, was somewhat more even among pollen donors used on stressed maternal plants, suggesting that when maternal tissue is more competent, mating is slowed and is more selective.
Size‐dependent sex allocation within flowers of the annual herb Clarkia unguiculata (Onagraceae): ontogenetic and among‐plant variation
Authors: Mazer Susan J. , Dawson Kelly Ann
Published: February 2007

The relative allocation of resources to male and female functions may vary among flowers within and among individual plants for many reasons. Several theoretical models of sex allocation in plants predict a positive correlation between the resource status of a flower or individual and the proportion of reproductive resources allocated to female function. These models assume that, independent of resource status, a negative correlation exists between male and female investment. Focusing on the allocation of resources within flowers, we tested these theoretical predictions and this assumption using the annual Clarkia unguiculata (Onagraceae). We also sought preliminary evidence for a genetic component to these relationships. From 116 greenhouse‐cultivated plants representing 30 field‐collected maternal families, multiple flowers and fruits per plant were sampled for gamete production, pollen : ovule ratio, seed number, ovule abortion, seed biomass/fruit, mean individual seed mass, and petal area. If sex allocation changes as predicted, then (1) assuming that flowers produced early have access to more resources than those produced later, basal flowers should exhibit a higher absolute and proportional investment in female function than distal flowers and (2) plants of high resource status (large plants) should produce flowers with a higher proportional investment in female function than those of low resource status. Within plants, variation in floral traits conformed to the first prediction. Among plants and families, no significant effects of plant size (dry stem biomass) on intrafloral proportional sex allocation were observed. We detected no evidence for a negative genetic correlation between male and female investment per flower, even when controlling for plant size.
Time to chill: effects of simulated global change on leaf ice nucleation temperatures of subarctic vegetation
Authors: Beerling D. J. , Terry A. C. , Mitchell P. L. , Callaghan T. V. , Gwynn‐Jones D. , Lee J. A.
Published: February 2007

We investigated the effects of long‐term (7‐yr) in situ CO2 enrichment (600 μmol/mol) and increased exposure to UV‐B radiation, the latter an important component of global change at high latitudes, on the ice nucleation temperatures of leaves of several evergreen and deciduous woody ericaceous shrubs in the subarctic (68° N). Three (Vaccinium uliginosum, V. vitis‐idaea, and Empetrum hermaphroditum) of the four species of shrubs studied showed significantly higher ice nucleation temperatures throughout the 1999 growing season in response to CO2 enrichment and increased exposure to UV‐B radiation relative to the controls. The same species also showed a strong interactive effect when both treatments were applied together. In all cases, leaves cooled to below their ice nucleation temperatures failed to survive the damage resulting from intracellular ice formation. Our results strongly suggest that future global change on a decadal time scale (atmospheric CO2 increases and polar stratospheric O3 destruction) will lead to increased foliage damage of subarctic vegetation by severe late spring or early autumnal frosting events. Indeed, in support of our experimental findings, there is now some evidence that increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration over the past three to four decades may already have acted in this manner on high‐elevation arboreal plants in the Swedish Scandes. The implications for vegetation modeling in a future “greenhouse” world and palaeoclimate estimates from high‐latitude plant fossils dating to the high‐CO2 environment of the Mesozoic are discussed.
Analysis of inflorescence organogenesis in eastern gamagrass, Tripsacum dactyloides (Poaceae): the wild type and the gynomonoecious gsf1 mutant
Authors: Orr Alan R. , Kaparthi Rahkee , Dewald Chester L. , Sundberg Marshall D.
Published: February 2007

Inflorescence organogenesis of a wild‐type and a gynomonoecious (pistillate) mutant in Tripsacum dactyloides was studied using scanning electron microscopy. SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis indicated that wild‐type T. dactyloides (Eastern gamagrass) expressed a pattern of inflorescence organogenesis that is observed in other members of the subtribe Tripsacinae (Zea: maize and teosinte), family Poaceae. Branch primordia are initiated acropetally along the rachis of wild‐type inflorescences in a distichous arrangement. Branch primordia at the base of some inflorescences develop into long branches, which themselves produce an acropetal series of distichous spikelet pair primordia. All other branch primordia function as spikelet pair primordia and bifurcate into pedicellate and sessile spikelet primordia. In all wild‐type inflorescences development of the pedicellate spikelets is arrested in the proximal portion of the rachis, and these spikelets abort, leaving two rows of solitary sessile spikelets. Organogenesis of spikelets and florets in wild‐type inflorescences is similar to that previously described in maize and the teosintes. Our analysis of gsf1 mutant inflorescences reveals a pattern of development similar to that of the wild type, but differs from the wild type in retaining (1) the pistillate condition in paired spikelets along the distal portion of the rachis and (2) the lower floret in sessile spikelets in the proximal region of the rachis. The gsf1 mutation blocks gynoecial tissue abortion in both the paired‐spikelet and the unpaired‐spikelet zone. This study supports the hypothesis that both femaleness and maleness in Zea and Tripsacum inflorescences are derived from a common developmental pathway. The pattern of inflorescence development is not inconsistent with the view that the maize ear was derived from a Tripsacum genomic background.
Flowering phenology, display size, and fruit set in an understory dioecious shrub, Aucuba japonica (Cornaceae)
Authors: Abe Tetsuto
Published: February 2007

I investigated the effects of display size and flowering phenology on fruit set in Aucuba japonica, an understory dioecious shrub pollinated by opportunistic insects. Natural variations in display size, flowering phenology, and fruit set were monitored in 1997. A hand‐pollination experiment was also conducted to check whether pollen limitation was a factor in fruit set in the field. Increases in floral display size did not affect fruit set; the proportion of flowers that set fruit was almost constant irrespective of the total number of flowers per inflorescence, the total number of inflorescences per plant, and the total number of flowers per plant. The hand‐pollination experiment showed that fruit set was not pollen limited despite the low mating probability that resulted from the combination of dioecism and the species' dependence on opportunistic pollinators. This was due, in part, to the fact that female flowers did not have a predetermined period of receptivity, but instead remained receptive until they received pollen. In contrast, flowering phenology did affect fruit set. Fruit set was most abundant when male and female flowering was most abundant. This suggests there was some degree of pollen limitation during the part of the flowering season when male flowers were scarce.
Embolisms and refilling in the maize leaf lamina, and the role of the protoxylem lacuna
Authors: Canny Martin J.
Published: February 2007

The proportion of embolized vessels in the veins of maize leaf laminas was measured during 24 h by direct counting in snap‐frozen samples in the cryo‐scanning electron microscope. All vessels were sap filled at night. Vessels of intermediate and small veins, and the small tracheary elements of lateral veins, were sap filled throughout the 24 h. The large metaxylem vessels of lateral veins were embolized during the day. The percentage of these vessels embolized was maximum (>70%) at 1400, and declined during the afternoon to 20% at dusk. Leaf water potential reached a minimum (−1.2 MPa) at dusk. The protoxylem lacuna of the lateral veins was much less embolized than the large vessels, although it was of comparable diameter. The observations are interpreted in terms of the refilling hypothesis that is part of the compensating pressure theory of water transport.