bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
σ1-Receptor stimulation with fluvoxamine ameliorates transverse aortic constriction-induced myocardial hypertrophy and dysfunction in mice
Authors: Tagashira Hideaki , Bhuiyan Shenuarin , Shioda Norifumi , Hasegawa Hideyuki , Kanai Hiroshi , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: August 2010

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known to reduce post-myocardial infarction-induced morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular mechanism underlying SSRI-induced cardioprotection remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of σ1-receptor (σ1R) stimulation with fluvoxamine on myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac functional recovery. Male ICR mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in the cardiac aortic arch. To confirm the cardioprotective role of fluvoxamine by σ1R stimulation, we treated mice with fluvoxamine (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) orally once per day for 4 wk after the onset of aortic banding. Interestingly, in untreated mice, σ1R expression in the left ventricle (LV) decreased significantly over the 4 wk as TAC-induced hypertrophy increased. In contrast, fluvoxamine administration significantly attenuated TAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy concomitant with recovery of σ1R expression in the LV. Fluvoxamine also attenuated hypertrophy-induced impaired LV fractional shortening. The fluvoxamine cardioprotective effect was nullified by treatment with a σ1R antagonist [NE-100 (1 mg/kg)]. Importantly, another SSRI with very low affinity for σ1Rs, paroxetine, did not elicit antihypertrophic effects in TAC mice and cultured cardiomyocytes. Fluvoxamine treatment significantly restored TAC-induced impaired Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in the LV. Our findings suggest that fluvoxamine protects against TAC-induced cardiac dysfunction via upregulated σ1R expression and stimulation of σ1R-mediated Akt-eNOS signaling in mice. This is the first report of a potential role for σ1R stimulation by fluvoxamine in attenuating cardiac hypertrophy and restoring contractility in TAC mice.
Pretreatment with the nitric oxide donor SNAP or nerve transection blocks humoral preconditioning by remote limb ischemia or intra-arterial adenosine
Authors: Steensrud Tor , Li Jing , Dai Xiaojing , Manlhiot Cedric , Kharbanda Rajesh K. , Tropak Michael , Redington Andrew
Published: August 2010

We have previously shown that remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) by transient limb ischemia leads to the release of a circulating factor(s) that induces potent myocardial protection. Intra-arterial injection of adenosine into a limb also leads to cardioprotection, but the mechanism of its signal transduction is poorly understood. Eleven groups of rabbits received saline control or rIPC or adenosine administration with additional pretreatment with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase blocker NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, the NO donor S-nitroso- N-acetylpenicillamine, its non-NO-donating derivative N-acetylpenicillamine, or femoral nerve section. Blood was then drawn from each animal, and the dialysate of the plasma was used to perfuse a naïve heart from an untreated donor. Infarct size was measured after 30 min of global ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. When compared with that of the control, mean infarct size was significantly smaller in groups treated with rIPC alone ( P < 0.01) and intra-arterial adenosine ( P < 0.01). Pretreatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester or N-acetylpenicillamine did not affect the level of protection induced by rIPC ( P = not significant, compared with rIPC alone) or intra-arterial adenosine ( P = not significant, compared with intra-arterial adenosine alone), but prior femoral nerve transection or pretreatment with S-nitroso- N-acetylpenicillamine abolished the cardioprotective effect of intra-arterial adenosine and rIPC. Intra-arterial adenosine, like rIPC, releases a blood-borne cardioprotective factor(s) that is dependent on an intact femoral nerve and is inhibited by pretreatment with a NO donor. These results may be important when designing or assessing the results of clinical trials of adenosine or rIPC cardioprotection, where NO donors are used as part of therapy.
Protease corin expression and activity in failing hearts
Authors: Chen Shenghan , Sen Subha , Young David , Wang Wei , Moravec Christine S. , Wu Qingyu
Published: August 2010

Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) regulate blood pressure and cardiac function. In patients with heart failure (HF), plasma levels of pro-ANP and pro-BNP, the precursor forms of ANP and BNP, are highly elevated, but the mechanism underlying the apparent deficiency in natriuretic peptide processing is unclear. Corin is a cardiac protease that activates natriuretic peptides. In this study, we examined corin protein expression and activity in mouse and human failing hearts. Tissue samples were obtained from a mouse model of HF induced by myotrophin overexpression and from human nonfailing, hypertrophic, and failing hearts. Corin protein levels in the membrane fraction and tissue lysate were measured by Western blotting and ELISA. Corin catalytic and biological activities were measured by fluorescent substrate and pro-ANP processing assays. In mice, corin protein levels did not change with age in normal hearts but increased significantly in failing hearts. In humans, corin protein levels were similar in the atrium from nonfailing and failing hearts but were increased in the ventricle in failing hearts compared with those in nonfailing or hypertrophic hearts. Unlike the protein level, however, corin activity did not increase in failing hearts, as measured by fluorogenic substrate and pro-ANP processing assays. Our results indicate that corin activation is a rate-limiting step in failing hearts. Insufficient corin activation is expected to prevent natriuretic peptide processing and may contribute to body fluid retention and impaired cardiac function in patients with HF.
Limb movement-induced hyperemia has a central hemodynamic component: evidence from a neural blockade study
Authors: Trinity Joel D. , Amann Markus , McDaniel John , Fjeldstad Anette S. , Barrett-O'Keefe Zachary , Runnels Sean , Morgan David E. , Wray D. Walter , Richardson Russell S.
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to partially remove feedback from type III/IV skeletal muscle afferents and determine how this feedback influences the central and peripheral hemodynamic responses to passive leg movement. Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure, leg vascular conductance (LVC), and leg blood flow (LBF) were measured during 2 min of passive knee extension in eight young men before and after intrathecal fentanyl injection. Passive movement increased HR by 14 beats/min from baseline to maximal response during control (CON) (65 ± 4 to 79 ± 5 beats/min, P < 0.05), whereas HR did not significantly increase with the fentanyl block (BLK). LBF and LVC increased in both conditions; however, these increases were attenuated and delayed during BLK [%change from baseline to maximum, LBF: CON 295 ± 109 vs. BLK 210 ± 86%, ( P < 0.05); LVC: CON 322 ± 40% vs. BLK 231 ± 32%, ( P < 0.04)]. In CON, HR, SV, CO, and LVC increased contributing to the hyperemic response. However, under BLK conditions, statistically insignificant increases in HR and SV combined to yield a small, but significant, increase in CO and an attenuated hyperemic response. Therefore, partially blocking skeletal muscle afferent feedback blunts the central hemodynamic response due to passive limb movement, which then results in an attenuated and delayed movement-induced hyperemia. In combination, these findings provide evidence that limb movement-induced hyperemia has a significant central hemodynamic component induced by peripheral nerve activation.
Folic acid mitigated cardiac dysfunction by normalizing the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase and homocysteine-metabolizing enzymes postmyocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Qipshidze Natia , Tyagi Neetu , Sen Utpal , Givvimani Srikanth , Metreveli Naira , Lominadze David , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: August 2010

Myocardial infarction (MI) results in significant metabolic derangement, causing accumulation of metabolic by product, such as homocysteine (Hcy). Hcy is a nonprotein amino acid generated during nucleic acid methylation and demethylation of methionine. Folic acid (FA) decreases Hcy levels by remethylating the Hcy to methionine, by 5-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (5-MTHFR). Although clinical trials were inconclusive regarding the role of Hcy in MI, in animal models, the levels of 5-MTHFR were decreased, and FA mitigated the MI injury. We hypothesized that FA mitigated MI-induced injury, in part, by mitigating cardiac remodeling during chronic heart failure. Thus, MI was induced in 12-wk-old male C57BL/J mice by ligating the left anterior descending artery, and FA (0.03 g/l in drinking water) was administered for 4 wk after the surgery. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and by a Millar pressure-volume catheter. The levels of Hcy-metabolizing enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 5-MTHFR, were estimated by Western blot analyses. The results suggest that FA administered post-MI significantly improved cardiac ejection fraction and induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, CBS, CSE, and 5-MTHFR. We showed that FA supplementation resulted in significant improvement of myocardial function after MI. The study eluted the importance of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and FA supplementation in cardiovascular disease.
Gene silencing of myofibrillogenesis regulator-1 by adenovirus-delivered small interfering RNA suppresses cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II in mice
Authors: Dai Wenjian , He Weiqing , Shang Guangdong , Jiang Jiandong , Wang Yiguang , Kong Weijia
Published: August 2010

Our previous studies proved that myofibrillogenesis regulator (MR)-1 has a close relationship with cardiac hypertrophy induced by ANG II. In the present study, we developed a recombinant adenoviral vector (AdSiR-MR-1) driving small interfering (si)RNA against MR-1 to evaluate its effect on cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by chronic ANG II infusion in mice; AdSiR-MR-1 was administered via the jugular vein through one bolus injection. Thirteen days after the injection, viral DNA was still detectable in the heart, validating the efficiency of gene transfer. Expression levels of MR-1 mRNA and protein were increased by 2.5-fold in the heart after ANG II infusion; AdSiR-control, which contained a scrambled siRNA sequence, had no effect on them. AdSiR-MR-1 treatment abolished the upregulation of MR-1 induced by ANG II. The silencing effect of AdSiR-MR-1 was observed in many other tissues, such as the liver, lung, and kidney, except skeletal muscle. ANG II-induced cardiac hypertrophy was suppressed in mice treated with AdSiR-MR-1, as determined by echocardiography. Morphological and immnohistochemical examinations revealed that interstitial cardiac fibrosis as well as infiltrating inflammatory cells were increased after ANG II infusion; AdSiR-MR-1 greatly ameliorated these disorders. In ANG II-infused mice, MR-1 silencing also blocked the upregulation of other genes related to cardiac hypertrophy or metabolism of the extracellular matrix. In summary, our results demonstrate the feasibility of MR-1 silencing in vivo and suggest that MR-1 could be a potential new target to treat cardiac hypertrophy induced by ANG II.
Genetically manipulated progenitor cell sheet with diprotin A improves myocardial function and repair of infarcted hearts
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Huang Wei , Dai Bo , Zhao Tiemin , Ashraf Atif , Millard Ronald W. , Ashraf Muhammad , Wang Yigang
Published: August 2010

We postulated that the combination of overexpression of CXCR4 in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) with diprotin A would enhance MSC recruitment and penetration into ischemic myocardium, leading to an improvement in heart function after myocardial infarction (MI). Male rat MSC were genetically engineered with adenoviral vectors coexpressing CXCR4 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (MSCCXCR4), GFP alone (MSCNull, control), or siRNA-targeted CXCR4 (MSCsiRNA). Cell sheets were applied over the surface of infarcted left ventricle (LV) in female rats 7 days after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) pretreated with either vehicle (VEH) or diprotin A (DIP). At 28 days after cell sheet implantation, echocardiography was performed. Hearts were harvested for histological analysis 7 days after LAD ligation or 28 days after cell sheet implantation. DPP-IV and stroma-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) in the LV were analyzed. Efficacy of engraftment was determined by the presence of Y chromosome in nuclei (Ych+). LV blood vessel density and apoptosis were also analyzed. Myocardial SDF-1α was elevated before placement of the cell sheet in the DIP group compared with vehicle group on day 7 after LAD. On day 28 after cell sheet transplantation, the number of Ych+was increased in the MSCCXCR4+ VEH group compared with the MSCNull+ VEH group and further increased in the MSCCXCR4+ DIP treated group. This enhanced response was associated with increased angiogenesis in both sides of epicardium and improvement of LV function. Combination of gene-manipulated MSCCXCR4patch with DIP pretreatment inhibits myocardial ischemia-induced apoptosis, promotes tissue angiogenesis, and enhances cell engraftment, leading to improved LV mechanical function after MI.
Transforming growth factor-β1regulation of C-type natriuretic peptide expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells: dependence on TSC22D1
Authors: Mendonça Maria C. , Koles Nancy , Doi Sonia Q. , Sellitti Donald F.
Published: August 2010

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) possesses nitric oxide-like signaling mechanisms and actions in the vasculature, including the inhibition of fibrosis and vascular remodeling through counterregulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. The leucine zipper protein transforming growth factor stimulated clone 22 domain 1 (TSC22D1), cloned via its presumed binding to a GC-rich element in the CNP promoter, was the first protein to be described as a CNP transcription factor, but the lack of supporting evidence since its discovery and its lack of a classical DNA-binding site have left in question its role in the regulation of CNP by TGF-β and other factors. To define a specific role for TSC22D1 in CNP transcription, we have examined the effects of the profibrotic growth factors TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB on CNP mRNA expression in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) in which TSC22D1 expression was suppressed with small interfering RNA. Results showed that TGF-β and PDGF-BB significantly increased CNP expression in all three SMC types. Twenty-four-hour TGF-β-induced elevations in CNP were strongly correlated with changes in TSC22D1 mRNA levels, and both genes exhibited their greatest response to TGF-β1 in coronary artery SMC. Furthermore, siRNA suppression of TSC22D1 expression in coronary artery and aortic SMC by ∼90% resulted in 45–65% reductions of both PDGF- and TGF-β-stimulated CNP expression, respectively. These results support a postulated role of TSC22D1 as an enhancer of CNP transcription and suggest that TGF-β-induced upregulation of CNP expression in SMC may be mediated in part by increased transcription of TSC22D1.
Radiation-Guided Drug Delivery to Mouse Models of Lung Cancer
Authors: Hariri Ghazal , Yan Heping , Wang Hailun , Han Zhaozhong , Hallahan Dennis E.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to achieve improved cancer-specific delivery and bioavailability of radiation-sensitizing chemotherapy using radiation-guided drug delivery.

Experimental Design: Phage display technology was used to isolate a recombinant peptide (HVGGSSV) that binds to a radiation-inducible receptor in irradiated tumors. This peptide was used to target nab-paclitaxel to irradiated tumors, achieving tumor-specificity and enhanced bioavailability of paclitaxel.

Results: Optical imaging studies showed that HVGGSSV-guided nab-paclitaxel selectively targeted irradiated tumors and showed 1.48 ± 1.66 photons/s/cm2/sr greater radiance compared with SGVSGHV-nab-paclitaxel, and 1.49 ± 1.36 photons/s/cm2/sr greater than nab-paclitaxel alone (P < 0.05). Biodistribution studies showed >5-fold increase in paclitaxel levels within irradiated tumors in HVGGSSV-nab-paclitaxel–treated groups as compared with either nab-paclitaxel or SGVSGHV-nab-paclitaxel at 72 hours. Both Lewis lung carcinoma and H460 lung carcinoma murine models showed significant tumor growth delay for HVGGSSV-nab-paclitaxel as compared with nab-paclitaxel, SGVSGHV-nab-paclitaxel,and saline controls. HVGGSSV-nab-paclitaxel treatment induced a significantly greater loss in vasculature in irradiated tumors compared with unirradiated tumors, nab-paclitaxel, SGVSGHV-nab-paclitaxel, and untreated controls.

Conclusions: HVGGSSV-nab-paclitaxel was found to bind specifically to the tax-interacting protein-1 (TIP-1) receptor expressed in irradiated tumors, enhance bioavailability of paclitaxel, and significantly increase tumor growth delay as compared with controls in mouse models of lung cancer. Here we show that targeting nab-paclitaxel to radiation-inducible TIP-1 results in increased tumor-specific drug delivery and enhanced biological efficacy in the treatment of cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 16(20); 4968–77. ©2010 AACR.
A Marker of Homologous Recombination Predicts Pathologic Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Graeser Monika , McCarthy Afshan , Lord Christopher J. , Savage Kay , Hills Margaret , Salter Janine , Orr Nicholas , Parton Marina , Smith Ian E. , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Dowsett Mitch , Ashworth Alan , Turner Nicholas C.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of defective homologous recombination (HR)-based DNA repair in sporadic primary breast cancers, examine the clincopathologic features that correlate with defective HR and the relationship with neoadjuvant chemotherapy response.

Experimental Design: We examined a cohort of 68 patients with sporadic primary breast cancer who received neoadjuvant anthracylcine-based chemotherapy, with core biopsies taken 24 hours after the first cycle of chemotherapy. We assessed RAD51 focus formation, a marker of HR competence, by immunofluorescence in postchemotherapy biopsies along with geminin as a marker of proliferative cells. We assessed the RAD51 score as the proportion of proliferative cells with RAD51 foci.

Results: A low RAD51 score was present in 26% of cases (15/57, 95% CI: 15%–40%). Low RAD51 score correlated with high histologic grade (P = 0.031) and high baseline Ki67 (P = 0.005). Low RAD51 score was more frequent in triple-negative breast cancers than in ER- and/or HER2-positive breast cancer (67% vs. 19% respectively; P = 0.0036). Low RAD51 score was strongly predictive of pathologic complete response (pathCR) to chemotherapy, with 33% low RAD51 score cancers achieving pathCR compared with 3% of other cancers (P = 0.011).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that defective HR, as indicated by low RAD51 score, may be one of the factors that underlie sensitivity to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Defective HR is frequent in triple-negative breast cancer, but it is also present in a subset of other subtypes, identifying breast cancers that may benefit from therapies that target defective HR such as PARP inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 16(24); 6159–68. ©2010 AACR.
Placing the Neighborhood Accessibility–Burglary Link in Social-Structural Context
Authors: Ward Jeffrey T. , Nobles Matt R. , Youstin Tasha J. , Cook Carrie L.
Published: August 2010

Foundational research on the link between neighborhood accessibility and burglary has consistently shown a positive association. However, recent research has found that less accessible neighborhoods have higher burglary rates. Geographically referenced data from 401 neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida, are used to determine whether these inconsistencies can be explained by a conditioning effect of neighborhood social-structural context. Results from spatially lagged regression models indicate that neighborhood accessibility fails to have a direct effect on burglary rates after social-structural variables are controlled; rather, the effect of neighborhood accessibility on burglary rates is conditioned by the level of concentrated disadvantage of the neighborhood. Two potential explanations for the empirical findings are offered, and implications of the results for “designing out” crime are discussed.
Disentangling the Effects of Violent Victimization, Violent Behavior, and Gun Carrying for Minority Inner-City Youth Living in Extreme Poverty
Authors: Spano Richard , Bolland John
Published: August 2010

Two waves of longitudinal data were used to examine the sequencing between violent victimization, violent behavior, and gun carrying in a high-poverty sample of African American youth. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated that violent victimization T1 and violent behavior T1 increased the likelihood of initiation of gun carrying T2 when examined separately (by 132% and 91%, respectively). However, only violent victimization T1 was a significant predictor of initiation of gun carrying T2 after controlling for violent behavior T1. More nuanced analyses uncovered no significant difference in the likelihood of initiating gun carrying when comparing offensive versus defensive gun carriers. The theoretical and policy implications of these findings are also discussed.
A Squandered Opportunity?
Authors: Wright Benjamin J. , Zhang Sheldon X. , Farabee David
Published: August 2010

In the past decade, the push for evidence-based programs has taken on unprecedented prominence in the fields of substance abuse and correctional treatment as a key determinant for intervention funding. The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), managed and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, was established in 1997 to aid community agencies in adopting intervention models for their particular clientele. Although well intentioned, the NREPP has also created opportunities that invite conflicts of interests and promulgate programs with questionable efficacy. After an exhaustive review of the literature that purports to have provided the “empirical evidence” for the NREPP registered programs, the authors found numerous irregularities in the studies with findings often based on small sample sizes. A more troubling finding is that much of the supporting literature is produced by the program developers themselves. There is a general lack of independent verification of the claimed treatment effects. If the NREPP is to fulfill its intended function, a tighter vetting process is needed for programs to be registered so that community agencies and treatment practitioners can consult with confidence.
DIF Trees: Using Classification Trees to Detect Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Vaughn Brandon K. , Wang Qiu
Published: August 2010

A nonparametric tree classification procedure is used to detect differential item functioning for items that are dichotomously scored. Classification trees are shown to be an alternative procedure to detect differential item functioning other than the use of traditional Mantel—Haenszel and logistic regression analysis. A nonparametric classification rule is examined through simulation and real data, and Type I error and power are compared with equivalent Mantel—Haenszel, logistic regression, and discriminant analyses.
Effect of Silane Treatment on the Mechanical and Interfacial Properties of Calcium Alginate Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composite
Authors: Khan Avik , Huq Tanzina , Saha M. , Khan Ruhul A. , Khan Mubarak A. , Gafur M.A.
Published: August 2010

Calcium alginate fibers were treated with vinyl triethoxy silane [H 2C=CH-Si-(OC2H5)3] (5%, v/v) to reduce the strong hydrophilic nature of the fiber and also to improve the mechanical and interfacial properties of the calcium alginate fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites (10 wt% fiber). The composites were fabricated by compression molding. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, bending modulus, and impact strength of both the composite systems (PP/untreated calcium alginate fiber and PP/silane-treated calcium alginate fiber) were found to be 25 MPa, 1090 MPa, 36 MPa, 1480 MPa, and 17 kJ/m2 and 31 MPa, 1510 MPa, 48 MPa, 2270 MPa, and 21 kJ/m2, respectively. Degradation tests of composites were performed for 16 weeks in soil and it was found that the silane treated composites retained almost 84% of its original strength. The interfacial properties of the composite were investigated by using single fiber fragmentation test.
Predicting the thermal conductivity of multiple carbon fillers in polypropylene-based resins
Authors: López Gaxiola Daniel , Keith Jason M , Na Mo  , King Julia A , Johnson Beth A
Published: August 2010

In this research, three different carbon fillers (Thermocarb TC-300 synthetic graphite, Ketjenblack EC-600 JD carbon black and Hyperion Catalysis International’s FIBRIL TM carbon nanotubes) are added to a polypropylene matrix to produce single and multiple filler composites with filler concentrations of up to 80 wt% synthetic graphite, 15 wt% carbon black, and 15 wt% carbon nanotubes. The through-plane and in-plane thermal conductivities are measured for these formulations and compared favorably with predictions from the Nielsen thermal conductivity model. Good results are obtained from an empirical in-plane thermal conductivity model for all single filler composites and one multiple filler composite.
Are Teen Delinquency Abstainers Social Introverts?: A Test of Moffitt’s Theory
Authors: Chen Xiaojin , Adams Michele
Published: August 2010

Prior research has identified a small group of adolescents who completely refrain from delinquent behavior. Researchers have hypothesized that these adolescents may be excluded from normative peer activities and are thus insulated from delinquent peer role models. A central argument in Moffitt’s account of delinquency abstention, for example, is that delinquency abstainers are socially isolated due to certain unappealing physical/personality characteristics. Using the detailed friendship network data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), the authors attempt to test Moffitt’s account of delinquency abstention, particularly the association between social exclusion and delinquency. Their results do not suggest strong empirical support for the hypothesis that delinquency abstention is ‘‘correlated with unpopularity and social isolation.’’ The complex associations between adolescent friendship network characteristics and delinquency abstention highlight the necessity for future research on peer contexts in which adolescents are embedded. The authors’ findings appear to challenge Moffitt’s theory, suggesting the need for certain modifications.
Examining the Direct and Interactive Effects of Changes in Racial and Ethnic Threat on Sentencing Decisions
Authors: Wang Xia , Mears Daniel P.
Published: August 2010

Minority threat theory has been used to explain sentencing decisions, but rarely has the theory’s logic been assessed by examining changes in threat. Building on prior theoretical and empirical research, we develop hypotheses about the direct and interactive effects of changes in racial and ethnic threat on sentencing. We test the hypotheses using data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ State Court Processing Statistics program and other sources. The results indicate that increased racial threat contributes to a greater probability of receiving a prison sentence when baseline levels of threat are high. Less support is found for an effect of changes in ethnic threat. We find no support for arguments that minority threat effects are greater among minority defendants, but we do find support for the argument that threat effects are greater among violent and drug offenders. We discuss the implications of the findings for theory, research, and policy.
Effects of Hurricane Katrina and Other Adverse Life Events on Adolescent Female Offenders: A Test of General Strain Theory
Authors: Robertson Angela R. , Stein Judith A. , Schaefer-Rohleder Lacey
Published: August 2010

This study tested Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) by examining the roles of anger, anxiety, and maladaptive coping in mediating the relationship between strain and three outcomes (serious delinquency, minor delinquency, and continued involvement in the juvenile justice system) among adolescent female offenders (N = 261). Strains consisted of adverse life events and exposure to Hurricane Katrina. Greater exposure to Hurricane Katrina was directly related to serious delinquency and maladaptive coping. Hurricane Katrina also had an indirect effect on minor delinquency and Post— Katrina juvenile justice involvement mediated through maladaptive coping. Adverse life events were associated with increased anger, anxiety, and maladaptive coping. Anger mediated the relationship between adverse life events and serious delinquency. Anxiety mediated the relationship between adverse life events and minor delinquency. Maladaptive coping strategies were associated with minor delinquency and juvenile justice involvement. Findings lend support to GST.
Contemporary Disorganization Research: An Assessment and Further Test of the Systemic Model of Neighborhood Crime
Authors: Bellair Paul E. , Browning Christopher R.
Published: August 2010

The systemic model posits that informal control reduces crime and that social networks reduce crime indirectly by stimulating informal control. The systemic literature consistently supports the informal control-crime relationship but reveals wider variation in the measurement and effects of network dimensions. Recognizing this pattern, some scholars advocate an explicit distinction between networks and informal control. We formally address that issue with analysis of the measurement structure of multiple network and informal control indicators using data collected in 300 Seattle neighborhoods. Results reveal several distinct network dimensions that are themselves distinct from informal control. Regression analysis supports the systemic model: informal control reduces crime victimization, and networks exhibit an indirect, negative effect through informal control. Consistent with prior research, some network measures have a positive, direct effect on crime. We conclude that a distinction between networks and informal control is essential when testing and evaluating the systemic model.
Young Girls’ and Caretakers’ Reports of Problem Behavior
Authors: Slocum Lee Ann , Simpson Sally S. , Hipwell Alison E. , Loeber Rolf
Published: August 2010

The article discusses a research instrument developed and utilized by the Pittsburgh Girls Study that asked young girls (ages 7 and 8) and their caretakers to report on the girls’ involvement in a variety of problem behaviors. In this article, the authors evaluate whether comprehension, prevalence, and caretaker–child concordance of problem behaviors varied by child age and race. Results indicate that the girls understood most questions (except for some related to drug use) and that comprehension and reported involvement increased with age. Findings show that nonwhites showed greater comprehension and reported more involvement in problem behavior than Whites. Overall, the authors find modest concordance between reports from the girls and their caretakers, with greater agreement for nonwhites and older children. The authors conclude that a more comprehensive understanding of youth problem behavior is gained when both caretakers and children provide reports.
Riociguat (BAY 63–2521) and Warfarin: A Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study
Authors: Frey Reiner , Mück Wolfgang , Kirschbaum Nina , Krätzschmar Jörn , Weimann Gerrit , Wensing Georg
Published: August 2010

Riociguat (BAY 63–2521) and warfarin are likely to be used concomitantly to treat pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this double‐blind, crossover, clinical pharmacological study in 30 healthy volunteers was to investigate potential pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between the 2 drugs. Healthy volunteers took 2.5 mg of oral riociguat or matching placebo 3 times daily for 10 days. A single oral dose of warfarin sodium (25 mg) was given 21 days before the study and on the seventh day of riociguat/placebo treatment. Twenty‐one participants valid for safety analysis reported 89 treatment‐emergent adverse events, all of mild or moderate severity. No serious adverse events occurred. The most frequently reported treatment‐emergent adverse events considered to be drug‐related were dyspepsia, headache, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Twenty‐two participants were valid for pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic analysis. Riociguat (2.5 mg 3 times daily) had no pharmacodynamic interaction with warfarin. Steady‐state plasma levels of riociguat did not affect prothrombin time, factor VII clotting activity or the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. The single dose of warfarin led to a slight decrease (16%) in maximum concentration of riociguat in plasma, which is not likely to be clinically relevant. Clinical studies will confirm the finding here that combined use of riociguat with warfarin will not require dose adaptation.
Modeling Nonprofit Employment
Authors: Lewis Gregory B.
Published: August 2010

Why are people with same-sex partners more likely than married people to work for nonprofit organizations (NPOs)? Analysis of 2000 Census data suggests that smaller gay–straight pay disparities for men in the nonprofit sector, occupational choices, and ability to afford nonprofit employment explain some overrepresentation of partnered gay men but not of partnered lesbians. Even after controlling for all these factors, people with same-sex partners remain more likely than married people to work for NPOs, suggesting that a strong desire to serve others is an important factor.
A heuristic model for the simulation of the deformation of elastic and spongy material for virtual reality applications
Authors: McKenna K. , McMenemy K. , Ferguson S.
Published: August 2010

This paper presents a practical algorithm for the simulation of interactive deformation in a 3D polygonal mesh model. The algorithm combines the conventional simulation of deformation using a spring-mass-damping model, solved by explicit numerical integration, with a set of heuristics to describe certain features of the transient behaviour, to increase the speed and stability of solution. In particular, this algorithm was designed to be used in the simulation of synthetic environments where it is necessary to model realistically, in real time, the effect on non-rigid surfaces being touched, pushed, pulled or squashed. Such objects can be solid or hollow, and have plastic, elastic or fabric-like properties. The algorithm is presented in an integrated form including collision detection and adaptive refinement so that it may be used in a self-contained way as part of a simulation loop to include human interface devices that capture data and render a realistic stereoscopic image in real time. The algorithm is designed to be used with polygonal mesh models representing complex topology, such as the human anatomy in a virtual-surgery training simulator. The paper evaluates the model behaviour qualitatively and then concludes with some examples of the use of the algorithm.
A Democracy Paradox in Studies of Science and Technology
Authors: Lövbrand Eva , Pielke Roger , Beck Silke
Published: August 2010

Today many scholars seem to agree that citizens should be involved in expert deliberations on science and technology issues. This interest in public deliberation has gained attraction in many practical settings, especially in the European Union, and holds the promise of more legitimate governance of science and technology. In this article, the authors draw on the European Commission’s (EC) report ‘‘Taking the European Knowledge Society Seriously’’ to ask how legitimate these efforts to ‘‘democratize’’ scientific expertise really are. While the report borrows from deliberative democrats’ normative accounts of legitimacy, the authors identify a tension between the principles for legitimate rule prescribed by deliberative democratic theory and the report’s celebration of diversity and dissent. While this inconsistency suggests that the legitimacy of deliberative governance arrangements is justified on empirical rather than normative grounds, it remains an open question whether studies of science and technology offer enough empirical support for such a justification. In this article, the authors address this pressing question and propose three possible responses.
The Joy of Science: Finding Success in a ‘‘Failed’’ Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Timmermans Stefan
Published: August 2010

Sociologists of science have argued that due to the institutional reward system negative research results, such as failed experiments, may harm scientific careers. We know little, however, of how scientists themselves make sense of negative research findings. Drawing from the sociology of work, the author discusses how researchers involved in a double-blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial for methamphetamine dependency informally and formally interpret the emerging research results. Because the drug tested in the trial was not an effective treatment, the staff considered the trial a failure. In spite of the disappointing results, the staff involved in the daily work with research subjects still reframed the trial as meaningful because they were able to treat people for their drug dependency. The authors of the major publication also framed the results as worthwhile by linking their study to a previously published study in a post hoc analysis. The author concludes that negative research findings offer a collective opportunity to define what scientific work is about and that the effects of failed experiments depend on individual biography and institutional context.
Interpellating Patients as Users: Patient Associations and the Project-Ness of Stem Cell Research
Authors: Langstrup Henriette
Published: August 2010

The author traces the ways in which various patients and collective associations of patients come to regard themselves as the users of future stem cell technologies. The author uses Althusser’s notion of interpellation (1971/2006), whereby an identity is the result of the situated encounter of a subject and an authority, to analyze the ways in which patient associations’ current involvement with basic research is related to the enactment of science as a series of technology development projects. The author argues that this ‘‘project-ness’’ forms a certain privileged logic that interpellates patients and their associations in specific ways. Through the listings of illnesses circulated in the mass media, which are hoped to be treatable or curable with stem cell therapies, patients come to recognize themselves as the projected users of stem cell technologies. The author fleshes out the process of this userfication and the various responses made by patients and their associations when hailed by the entrepreneurial projects of stem cell research.
The role of religiosity, coping strategies, self-efficacy and personality dimensions in the prediction of Iranian undergraduate rehabilitation interns’ satisfaction with their clinical experience
Authors: Mirsaleh YR , Rezai H. , Kivi SR , Ghorbani R.
Published: August 2010

Objective: To investigate the relationship between religiosity, coping styles, self-efficacy and personality dimensions as predictors of satisfaction with clinical experience in rehabilitation interns during transition from academic study to clinical internship.

Design: A cross-sectional survey design.

Setting: Five rehabilitation faculties.

Participants: Three hundred and eighteen undergraduate rehabilitation interns, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology students.

Main outcome measures: Islamic Religiosity Scale, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, General Self-efficacy Scale, NEO Five Factor Inventory, and Satisfaction with Clinical Experiences Questionnaire.

Results: Religiosity, problem-focused coping and general self-efficacy had significant positive correlation with satisfaction with clinical internship in rehabilitation students. Among personality dimensions, openness, agreement and consciousness had significant positive correlation with satisfaction with clinical experience and neuroticism had significant negative correlation with satisfaction with clinical experience. The results of regression analysis demonstrated that religiosity and self-efficacy had important roles in the prediction of satisfaction with clinical experience in all the rehabilitation intern students of three disciplines (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology).

Conclusion: Religiosity, problem-focused coping and general self-efficacy seem to be good predictors of satisfaction with clinical internship in rehabilitation students.
A quasi-experimental feasibility study to determine the effect of a systematic treatment programme on the scores of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale of individuals with visual field deficits following stroke
Authors: Taylor Lisa , Poland Fiona , Harrison Peter , Stephenson Richard
Published: August 2010

Objective: To evaluate a systematic treatment programme developed by the researcher that targeted aspects of visual functioning affected by visual field deficits following stroke.

Design: The study design was a non-equivalent control (conventional) group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental feasibility design, using multisite data collection methods at specified stages.

Setting: The study was undertaken within three acute hospital settings as outpatient follow-up sessions.

Subjects: Individuals who had visual field deficits three months post stroke were studied.

Interventions: A treatment group received routine occupational therapy and an experimental group received, in addition, a systematic treatment programme. The treatment phase of both groups lasted six weeks.

Main measures: The Nottingham Adjustment Scale, a measure developed specifically for visual impairment, was used as the primary outcome measure.

Results: The change in Nottingham Adjustment Scale score was compared between the experimental ( n = 7) and conventional ( n = 8) treatment groups using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The result of Z =  −2.028 ( P =  0.043) showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the change in Nottingham Adjustment Scale score between both groups.

Conclusions: The introduction of the systematic treatment programme resulted in a statistically significant change in the scores of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale.
Task Matters: A Structural-Instrumental Analysis of the Autonomy of Hong Kong Government Bodies
Authors: Painter Martin , Yee Wai-Hang
Published: August 2010

What might account for the varying degrees of autonomy granted to public agencies? One broad range of answers is provided by a structural-instrumental perspective on organizations, which assumes that the assignment of autonomy is a response to structural features of organizing on the one hand and to task considerations on the other. Taking the case of Hong Kong, data from a survey of chief executives of 111 government agencies on perceptions of autonomy are analyzed to explore a series of propositions concerning the relationships between structure, task, and perceived autonomy. The method of ordinary least square regression is used to analyze the data. Overall, the findings show that variables describing key features of structure and task do help to explain degrees of autonomy. However, two propositions drawn from rational choice theory concerning task-related variables are not confirmed: public service delivery organizations are under tighter, not looser control, whereas regulatory agencies show no tendency toward autonomy. Interpretation of the findings points to significant features of Hong Kong’s constitutional and political history which highlight the importance of contextualization.
Insecurity, professional sociability, and alcohol: Young freelance musicians’ perspectives on work and life in the music profession
Authors: Dobson Melissa C.
Published: August 2010

Research addressing a link between musical creativity and mental disorder has predominantly considered composers rather than performers, and has been dominated by the questionable use of retrospective biographical research methods. This article calls for research to explore more widely the stressors and challenges that living musicians face in their work and lives. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 young musicians (nine freelance classical string players and nine jazz musicians). The participants expressed concern over their lack of job and financial security, and stressed the importance of reputations in the networks of musicians in which they operate. Socializing professionally was identified as a key means of advancing work prospects, in which alcohol consumption often played a strong role. Drinking patterns were also associated with the demands of performance, with alcohol consumption arising either as a consequence of pressure or boredom. These results are discussed in light of the limited existing research investigating musicians’ uses of alcohol.
Does timbre affect pitch?: Estimations by musicians and non-musicians
Authors: Vurma Allan , Raju Marju , Kuuda Annika
Published: August 2010

The present article focuses on the question of whether the timbre difference of two sounds with harmonic spectra, produced by natural musical instruments or the singing voice, may influence subjective assessments of the pitch of one sound in relation to the pitch of the other. The authors administered a series of perception tests to a group of professional musicians ( n = 13) and a group of non-musicians ( n = 13). The tests used the following pre-recorded sounds: the singing voice, the sound of the viola, and the sound of the trumpet. The participants had to compare the pitch of pair-wise presented successive tones and decide whether the second tone was either ‘flat’, ‘sharp’ or ‘in tune’. Tests using stimuli in the pitch range around A3 (220 Hz) at a loudness level of approximately 90 phons revealed pitch shifts of significant magnitude likely to affect intonation quality in a musical performance among both musicians and non-musicians. The conclusion drawn from the study is that timbre-induced pitch shifts may attain magnitudes that are likely to lead to conflicts between subjective and fundamental-frequency-based pitch assessments. Situations are described in which such conflicts may arise in actual musical practice.