bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Perpendicular Coercivity Electroless Cobalt Alloy Films with 25 nm Thicknesses
Authors: Ouchi Takanari , Arikawa Yuki , Kuno Taisuke , Homma Takayuki
Published: April 2010

This paper describes the development of Co alloy films thinner than 50 nm with high perpendicular magnetic coercivity using an electroless deposition process. In order to obtain these films, we used a Cu underlayer for a heteroepitaxial growth of the Co alloys and an optimized bath composition which included sodium hypophosphite and hydrazine as reductants. As a results, the perpendicular coercivity of the films turned to be higher 3000 Oe at the initial deposition stage with the thickness lower than 80 nm. In particular, the high perpendicular magnetic coercivity of the film as thin as 25 nm thick was obtained. These results indicate that electroless deposition is applicable for formation of the films with high perpendicular magnetic coercivity by optimizing the deposition conditions.
Magnetoelectrochemical Surface Structuring: Electrodeposition of Structured Metallic Layers in Magnetic Gradient Fields
Authors: Tschulik Kristina , Koza Jakub Adam , Uhlemann Margitta , Gebert Annett , Schultz Ludwig
Published: April 2010

Structured copper layers were prepared by superimposition of inhomogeneous magnetic fields during the electrodeposition process. Self-made magnetic field templates were utilized for this purpose in order to demonstrate that even moderate magnetic flux densities applied at the working electrode are sufficient for this new structuring technique. The structuring effect was demonstrated for use of magnetic stray fields of magnetized Fe-wires as well as of permanent NdFeB-magnets. It was found that maxima of deposit thickness result in regions of maximum magnetic flux density. On the contrary, thickness minima are observed where the magnetic flux density at the working electrode is low. The results are discussed with respect to the acting magnetic forces and their influence on the deposition process.
Effect of Cold Rolling on Passive Film on Pure Iron in pH 8.4 Borate Buffer Solution
Authors: Yamamoto Takatoshi , Fushimi Koji , Miura Seiji , Konno Hidetaka
Published: April 2010

The influence of substrate dislocations on passivation behavior of a pure iron in pH 8.4 borate buffer solution was investigated. Cold rolling was employed to induce dislocation in the annealed substrate. The dislocation density on the cold rolled substrate depended on the reduction ratio (Red) and was maximum at Red = 60%. The electric charge consumed in the passivation and the passivity-maintaining current increased with increase in the dislocation density. EIS revealed that the dislocation exposed to the iron surface increased donor density in the passive film and reduced charge transfer resistance for the film aging. It was also demonstrated by rf-GDOES that a thick passive film formed on the cold rolled iron compared with that on annealed iron. These results suggest that substrate dislocations enhance the reactions at the substrate/film interface, resulting in the formation of the highly defective passive film.
SVET Study of the Descaling of Thermal Scales Formed on AISI 1095 and AISI 52100 Steels
Authors: Hernandez Pedro C. , Dick Luis Frederico P.
Published: April 2010

Aiming to elucidate the chemical descaling of thermally produced oxides during the hot rolling of steels, laboratory and industrially produced scales were analyzed by Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET) and voltammetry in chloride containing electrolytes. The scales were characterized by SEM and low energy EDS with the use of mineral standards and µ-Raman spectroscopy. The FeO|Fe inetrface was observed to be electrochemically very active and related to the delamination mechanism of scales.
Barrier Layer Growth and Nanopore Initiation During Anodic Oxidation of Tungsten and Niobium
Authors: Bojinov Martin S. , Karastoyanov Vasil I. , Tzvetkov Bogdan T.
Published: April 2010

A quantitative model of the processes of formation and dissolution of barrier films on Nb and W in sulphate solutions with small additions of fluoride is described. It includes a recombination reaction between oppositely charged point defects at the film/solution interface, as well as a scheme for metal dissolution through the film mediated by cation vacancies. Model parameters were determined by simultaneous fitting of the current-potential curve and impedance spectra in a wide potential range and were consistent with XPS estimates of the thickness and composition of the film on W. As a next step, a conceptual view of nanopore initiation is proposed, based on the recently advanced ideas of perturbation of surface energy, as well as spatial separation of the reactions of film formation and dissolution at the barrier layer/electrolyte interface. This concept was supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic and SEM data for nanoporous oxides on Nb.
Improvement in the Device Characteristics of Tin Oxide Thin-film Transistors by Adopting Ultralow-Pressure Sputtering
Authors: Huh Myung Soo , Yang Bong Sop , Oh Seungha , Won Seok-Jun , Jeong Jae Kyeong , Hwang Cheol Seong , Kim Hyeong Joon
Published: April 2010

Here in, thin film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated with the tin oxide channel, deposited by using ultralow-pressure sputtering (ULPS), are reported. The effect of ULPS on the device performance of the tin oxide TFTs was investigated. The TFTs with tin oxide channel, deposited by conventional sputtering pressure (CSP), did not show a promising performance. However, the saturation mobility and threshold voltage of the ULPS SnOx TFTs were improved to ~ 3.9 cm2/Vs and ~ 0.6 V, respectively. The improved device performance of ULPS film was attributed to the decreased carrier concentration, which was originated from the formation of nano-crystalline phase and the higher film density compared to CSP film. We also compared the crystalline structure of ULPS and CSP film by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
Mn-Mo-Sn Oxide Anodes for Oxygen Evolution in Seawater Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production
Authors: El-Moneim Ahmed A. , Bhattarai Jagadeesh , Kato Zenta , Izumiya Koichi , Kumagai Naokazu , Hashimoto Koji
Published: April 2010

For hydrogen production by seawater electrolysis the anodic reaction should be oxygen evolution without forming chlorine. The durability of anode was significantly extended by determining factors influencing the lifetime in preparation of the electrocatalysts and by improving the intermediate layer preventing oxidation of the titanium substrate in the anode. The electrocatalysts for durable anode should not be too thin and too thick. The specific resistance of deposit affected the thickness of electrocatalysts deposited anodically. Mo6+ increases the specific resistance while W6+ and Sn4+ decrease it. The best composition of the electrolyte for preparation of Mn1-x-yMoxSnyO2+x electrocatalyst was determined on the basis of the roles of additive elements. The lifetime was significantly extended by repetitive deposition for 30 min three times with washing and drying of the anode and renewing of the electrolyte at every intermission. The intermediate layer consisting of Sn1-x-yIrxSbyO2+0.5x instead of IrO2 prevented effectively oxidation of titanium.
Stimulation of proliferation in the colorectal mucosa by gastrin precursors is blocked by desferrioxamine
Authors: Ferrand Audrey , Lachal Shamilah , Bramante Gianni , Kovac Suzana , Shulkes Arthur , Baldwin Graham S.
Published: April 2010

Precursors of the peptide hormone gastrin stimulate proliferation in the colorectal mucosa and promote the development of colorectal carcinoma. Gastrins bind two ferric ions selectively and with high affinity, and the biological activity of glycine-extended gastrin (Ggly) in vitro is dependent on the presence of ferric ions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not iron is required for biological activity of progastrin and Ggly in vivo. Rats that had undergone a colostomy were infused with Ggly, and proliferation was measured in the defunctioned rectal mucosa. Proliferation was also measured in the colonic mucosa of hGAS and MTI-Ggly mice, which, by definition, overexpress progastrin and Ggly, respectively. The requirement for iron was assessed by thrice-weekly injection of the chelating agent desferrioxamine (DFO). The proliferation index in the defunctioned rectal mucosa was significantly increased in the Ggly-infused rats, and the increase was significantly reduced after treatment with DFO. Treatment with DFO significantly reduced the crypt height and proliferation index in the colonic mucosa of hGAS and MTI-Ggly mice but had no effect on the same variables in wild-type mice. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the biological activity of progastrin and Ggly in vivo is dependent on the presence of ferric ions and further suggest that chelating agents may block the stimulatory effects of gastrin precursors in the development of colorectal carcinoma.
Effect of sterol carrier protein-2 gene ablation on HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux from cultured primary mouse hepatocytes
Authors: Storey Stephen M. , Atshaves Barbara P. , McIntosh Avery L. , Landrock Kerstin K. , Martin Gregory G. , Huang Huan , Ross Payne H. , Johnson Jeffery D. , Macfarlane Ronald D. , Kier Ann B. , Schroeder Friedhelm
Published: April 2010

Although HDL-mediated cholesterol transport to the liver is well studied, cholesterol efflux from hepatocytes back to HDL is less well understood. Real-time imaging of efflux of 22-( N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-amino)-23,24-bisnor-5-cholen-3β-ol (NBD-cholesterol), which is poorly esterified, and [3H]cholesterol, which is extensively esterified, from cultured primary hepatocytes of wild-type and sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) gene-ablated mice showed that 1) NBD-cholesterol efflux was affected by the type of lipoprotein acceptor, i.e., HDL3 over HDL2; 2) NBD-cholesterol efflux was rapid (detected in 1–2 min) and resolved into fast [half time ( t½) = 2.4 min, 6% of total] and slow ( t½= 26.5 min, 94% of total) pools, consistent with protein- and vesicle-mediated cholesterol transfer, respectively; 3) SCP-2 gene ablation increased efflux of NBD-cholesterol, as well as [3H]cholesterol, albeit less so due to competition by esterification of [3H]cholesterol, but not NBD-cholesterol; and 4) SCP-2 gene ablation increased initial rate (2.3-fold) and size (9.7-fold) of rapid effluxing sterol, suggesting an increased contribution of molecular cholesterol transfer. In addition, colocalization, double-immunolabeling fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and electron microscopy, as well as cross-linking coimmunoprecipitation, indicated that SCP-2 directly interacted with the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), in hepatocytes. Other membrane proteins in cholesterol efflux [SRB1 and ATP-binding cassettes (ABC) A-1, ABCG-1, ABCG-5, and ABCG-8] and several soluble/vesicle-associated proteins facilitating intracellular cholesterol trafficking (StARDs, NPCs, ORPs) were not upregulated. However, loss of SCP-2 elicited twofold upregulation of liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), a protein with lower affinity for cholesterol but higher cytosolic concentration than SCP-2. Ablation of SCP-2 and L-FABP decreased HDL-mediated NBD-cholesterol efflux. These results indicate that SCP-2 expression plays a significant role in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux by regulating the size of rapid vs. slow cholesterol efflux pools and/or eliciting concomitant upregulation of L-FABP in cultured primary hepatocytes.
Evidence for a role of opioids in epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-induced cardioprotection in rat hearts
Authors: Gross Garrett J. , Baker John E. , Hsu Anna , Wu Hsiang-en , Falck John R. , Nithipatikom Kasem
Published: April 2010

We previously demonstrated that several epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) produce reductions in myocardial infarct size in rats and dogs. Since a recent study demonstrated the release of opioids in mediating the antinociceptive effect of 14,15-EET, we hypothesized that endogenous opioids may also be involved in mediating the cardioprotective effect of the EETs. To test this hypothesis, we used an in vivo rat model of infarction and a rat Langendorff model. In the infarct model, hearts were subjected to 30 min occlusion of the left coronary artery and 2 h reperfusion. Animals were treated with 11,12-EET or 14,15-EET (2.5 mg/kg) alone 15 min before occlusion or with opioid antagonists [naloxone, naltrindole, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), and d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Om-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP), a nonselective, a selective δ, a selective κ, and a selective μ receptor antagonist, respectively] 10 min before EET administration. In four separate groups, antiserum to Met- and Leu-enkephalin and dynorphin-A-(1–17) was administered 50 min before the 11,12-EET administration. Infarct size expressed as a percent of the area at risk (IS/AAR) was 63.5 ± 1.2, 45.3 ± 1.0, and 40.9 ± 1.2% for control, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET, respectively. The protective effects of 11,12-EET were abolished by pretreatment with either naloxone (60.5 ± 1.8%), naltrindole (60.8 ± 1.0%), nor-BNI (62.3 ± 2.8%), or Met-enkephalin antiserum (63.2 ± 1.7%) but not CTOP (42.0 ± 3.0%). In isolated heart experiments, 11,12-EET was administered to the perfusate 15 min before 20 min global ischemia followed by 45 min reperfusion in control hearts or in those pretreated with pertussis toxin (48 h). 11,12-EET increased the recovery of left ventricular developed pressure from 33 ± 1 to 45 ± 6% ( P < 0.05) and reduced IS/AAR from 37 ± 4 to 20 ± 3% ( P < 0.05). Both pertussis toxin and naloxone abolished these beneficial effects of 11,12-EET. Taken together, these results suggest that the major cardioprotective effects of the EETs depend on activation of a Gi/o protein-coupled δ- and/or κ-opioid receptor.
Role of skeletal muscles impairment and brain oxygenation in limiting oxidative metabolism during exercise after bed rest
Authors: Porcelli Simone , Marzorati Mauro , Lanfranconi Francesca , Vago Paola , Pišot Rado , Grassi Bruno
Published: April 2010

“Central” and “peripheral” limitations to oxidative metabolism during exercise were evaluated in 10 young males following a 35-day horizontal bed rest (BR). Incremental exercise (IE) and moderate- and heavy-intensity constant-load exercises (CLE) were carried out on a cycloergometer before and 1–2 days after BR. Pulmonary gas exchange, cardiac output (Q̇; by impedance cardiography), skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis), and brain (frontal cortex) oxygenation (by near-infrared spectroscopy) were determined. After BR, “peak” (values at exhaustion during IE) workload, peak O2 uptake (V̇o2peak), peak stroke volume, Q̇peak, and peak skeletal muscle O2 extraction were decreased (−18, −18, −22, −19, and −33%, respectively). The gas exchange threshold was ∼60% of V̇o2peak both before and after BR. At the highest workloads, brain oxygenation data suggest an increased O2 extraction, which was unaffected by BR. V̇o2 kinetics during CLE (same percentage of peak workload before and after BR) were slower (time constant of the “fundamental” component: 31.1 ± 2.0 s before vs. 40.0 ± 2.2 s after BR); the amplitude of the “slow component” was unaffected by BR, thus it would be greater, after BR, at the same absolute workload. A more pronounced “overshoot” of skeletal muscle O2 extraction during CLE was observed after BR, suggesting an impaired adjustment of skeletal muscle O2 delivery. The role of skeletal muscles in the impairment of oxidative metabolism during submaximal and maximal exercise after BR was identified. The reduced capacity of peak cardiovascular O2 delivery did not determine a “competition” for the available O2 between skeletal muscles and brain.
Effects of region and sex on the mechanical properties of the glenohumeral capsule during uniaxial extension
Authors: Voycheck Carrie A. , Rainis Eric J. , McMahon Patrick J. , Weiss Jeffrey A. , Debski Richard E.
Published: April 2010

Surgical repair of the glenohumeral capsule after dislocation ignores regional boundaries of the capsule and is not sex specific. However, each region of the capsule functions to stabilize the joint in different positions, and differences in joint laxity between men and women have been found. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of region (axillary pouch and posterior capsule) and sex on the material properties of the glenohumeral capsule. Boundary conditions derived from experiments were used to create finite-element models that applied tensile deformations to tissue samples from the capsule. The material coefficients of a hyperelastic constitutive model were determined via inverse finite-element optimization, which minimized the difference between the experimental and finite-element model-predicted load-elongation curve. These coefficients were then used to create stress-stretch curves representing the material properties of the capsule regions for each sex in response to uniaxial extension. For the axillary pouch, the C1(men: 0.28 ± 0.39 MPa and women: 0.23 ± 0.12 MPa) and C2(men: 8.2 ± 4.1 and women: 7.7 ± 3.0) material coefficients differed between men and women by only 0.05 MPa and 0.5, respectively. Similarly, the posterior capsule coefficients differed by 0.15 MPa (male: 0.49 ± 0.26 MPa and female: 0.34 ± 0.20 MPa) and 0.6 (male: 7.8 ± 2.9 and female: 7.2 ± 3.0), respectively. No differences could be detected in the material coefficients between regions or sexes. As a result, surgeons may not need to consider region- and sex-specific surgical repair techniques. Furthermore, finite-element models of the glenohumeral joint may not need region- or sex-specific material coefficients when using this constitutive model.
Phrenicotomy alters phrenic long-term facilitation following intermittent hypoxia in anesthetized rats
Authors: Sandhu M. S. , Lee K. Z. , Fregosi R. F. , Fuller D. D.
Published: April 2010

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) can induce a persistent increase in neural drive to the respiratory muscles known as long-term facilitation (LTF). LTF of phrenic inspiratory activity is often studied in anesthetized animals after phrenicotomy (PhrX), with subsequent recordings being made from the proximal stump of the phrenic nerve. However, severing afferent and efferent axons in the phrenic nerve has the potential to alter the excitability of phrenic motoneurons, which has been hypothesized to be an important determinant of phrenic LTF. Here we test the hypothesis that acute PhrX influences immediate and long-term phrenic motor responses to hypoxia. Phrenic neurograms were recorded in anesthetized, ventilated, and vagotomized adult male rats with intact phrenic nerves or bilateral PhrX. Data were obtained before (i.e., baseline), during, and after three 5-min bouts of isocapnic hypoxia. Inspiratory burst amplitude during hypoxia (%baseline) was greater in PhrX than in phrenic nerve-intact rats ( P < 0.001). Similarly, burst amplitude 55 min after IH was greater in PhrX than in phrenic nerve-intact rats (175 ± 9 vs. 126 ± 8% baseline, P < 0.001). In separate experiments, phrenic bursting was recorded before and after PhrX in the same animal. Afferent bursting that was clearly observable in phase with lung deflation was immediately abolished by PhrX. The PhrX procedure also induced a form of facilitation as inspiratory burst amplitude was increased at 30 min post-PhrX ( P = 0.01 vs. pre-PhrX). We conclude that, after PhrX, axotomy of phrenic motoneurons and, possibly, removal of phrenic afferents result in increased phrenic motoneuron excitability and enhanced LTF following IH.
The Tumor Suppressor UCHL1 Forms a Complex with p53/MDM2/ARF to Promote p53 Signaling and Is Frequently Silenced in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Lili , Tao Qian , Jin Hongchuan , van Hasselt Andrew , Poon Fan Fong , Wang Xian , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Jia Wei-Hua , Zeng Yi-Xin , Chan Anthony T.C. , Cao Ya
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prevalent in southern China and Southeast Asia, with distinct geographic and ethnic distribution. One candidate susceptibility locus has been identified at 4p11-14, with the associated candidate gene(s) not identified yet. This study investigated the role of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma pathogenesis.

Experimental Design: UCHL1 expression and methylation were examined in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Furthermore, the mechanism of its tumor-suppressive function was elucidated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Results: Through genomewide expression profiling, we identified UCHL1, a 4p14 gene normally expressed in normal upper respiratory tract tissues, being silenced in all nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. Its silencing is mediated by CpG methylation because UCHL1 promoter methylation was detected in all silenced cell lines, and pharmacologic demethylation reactivated UCHL1 expression along with concomitant promoter demethylation. UCHL1 methylation was also frequently detected in primary tumors but only weakly detected in few normal nasopharyngeal tissues, indicating that the methylation-mediated silencing of UCHL1 is important in nasopharyngeal carcinoma pathogenesis. Ectopic UCHL1 expression dramatically inhibited the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through promoting tumor cell apoptosis. We further found that UCHL1 formed a complex with p53/p14ARF/Mdm2 p53 binding protein homolog (mouse), MDM2 and activated the p53 signaling pathway. UCHL1 expression extended p53 and p14ARF protein half-life and shortened MDM2 protein half-life.

Conclusions: These results indicate that UCHL1 could deubiquitinate p53 and p14ARF and ubiquitinate MDM2 for p53 stabilization to promote p53 signaling, thus involved in nasopharyngeal carcinoma pathogenesis, whereas it is frequently silenced in this tumor. Clin Cancer Res; 16(11); 2949–58. ©2010 AACR.
Cognition and Function in Alzheimer’s Disease: Identifying the Transitions from Moderate to Severe Disease
Authors: Schwam Elias , Xu Yikang
Published: April 2010

Background/Aims: Cognitive and functional decline define the transition from moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, specific relationships between deteriorating cognition and functional abilities are less well characterized. Such relationships are important in care planning and understanding patient needs. Objectives of this post hoc analysis of data from a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study were to describe changes in Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) scores over 6 months in patients with moderate to severe AD (MSAD), including an assessment of donepezil treatment on SIB scores, and to potentially identify a cognitive transition point associated with predicted functional disability. Methods: The study comprised 290 patients with MSAD (standardized Mini-Mental State Examination score, 5–17) treated with donepezil 5–10 mg/day or matching placebo. Measurements were SIB, Functional Rating Scale, and Disability Assessment for Dementia. Results: The largest decline in ability to perform basic activities of daily living (bADLs) occurred in placebo-treated patients with a baseline SIB score of approximately 70. Changes were reduced in the donepezil-treated group. Conclusions: This post hoc exploratory analysis suggests that a transition point between moderate and severe AD exists at a SIB score of approximately 70 and is associated with predictably declining bADLs.
Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates Homocysteine-Mediated Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Sen Utpal , Munjal Charu , Qipshidze Natia , Abe Oluwasegun , Gargoum Riyad , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: April 2010

Background/Aims: In this study we tested the hypothesis that H2S regulates collagen deposition, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and inflammatory molecules during hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) resulting in attenuation of glomerulosclerosis and improved renal function. Materials and Methods: A genetic model of HHcy, cystathionine β-synthase heterozygous (CBS+/–) and wild-type (WT) 2-kidney (2K) mice were used in this study and supplemented with or without NaHS (30 µmol/l, H2S donor) in drinking water for 8 weeks. To expedite the renal damage associated with HHcy, uninephrectomized (1K) mice of similar groups were also used. Results: Results demonstrated that NAD(P)H oxidase (p47phoxsubunit) and blood pressure were upregulated in WT 1K, CBS+/– 2K and CBS+/– 1K mice with downregulation of H2S production and reduced glomerular filtration rate. These changes were normalized with H2S supplementation. Both pro- and active MMP-2 and -9 and collagen protein expressions and glomerular depositions were also upregulated in WT 1K, CBS+/– 2K and CBS+/– 1K mice. Increased expressions of inflammatory molecules, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, as well as increased macrophage infiltration, were detected in WT 1K, CBS+/– 2K and CBS+/– 1K mice. These changes were ameliorated with H2S supplementation. Conclusion: Together, these results suggest that increased oxidative stress and decreased H2S in HHcy causes matrix remodeling and inflammation resulting in glomerulosclerosis and reduced renal function.
High Absolute Coronary Disease Risk among Turks: Involvement of Risk Factors Additional to Conventional Ones
Authors: Onat Altan , Can Günay , Hergenç Gülay , Küçükdurmaz Zekeriya , Uğur Murat , Yüksel Hüsniye
Published: April 2010

Objectives:To confirm previous findings on excess absolute coronary heart disease (CHD) risk among Turks. Methods: The observed incident CHD risk of a representative population sample was compared with that anticipated by Fra- mingham risk scores (FRS). At 7.4 years of follow-up of 3,027 participants free of CHD at baseline, risk estimation was contrasted in the 398 cases of newly developed fatal and nonfatal CHD. Results:CHD developed at a rate 2.2 times higher than the anticipated risk. In sex-specific quintiles of FRS, the 10-year incidence of CHD events in males in the 2 highest quintiles was 2 times the anticipated levels. In women, the 3 highest quintiles displayed an incidence 2.7 times the anticipated risk. Such individuals typically had abdominal obesity and evidence of dysfunctional apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. Men had high levels of non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total apoC-III, apoB and triglycerides. In Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, the 10-year probability of remaining free of CHD was low (81.1% in men, 84.2% in women). Women exhibited C-reactive protein as an independent predictor of CHD, lack of protection by HDL cholesterol and no conferred risk from current smoking. The observed excess CHD risk was primarily attributed to central obesity and related dysfunction of HDL, apoC-III and apoA-I. Conclusion: Dysfunction of protective serum proteins associated with metabolic syndrome impacts on CHD events, in addition to conventional risk factors.
Overstressed Mechanical Stretching Activates Survival and Apoptotic Signals in Fibroblasts
Authors: Boccafoschi F. , Sabbatini M. , Bosetti M. , Cannas M.
Published: April 2010

The interest of scientists in the effects of mechanical stresses on cells is growing, in order to reproduce and understand cell behaviour in an environment closely reproducing physiological conditions. There have been many studies showing that mechanical stimulations are involved in regulating the proliferation, apoptosis and synthesis of proteins and cell morphology. In this study, we have considered the effects of a 20% stretching mechanical stress on MRC5 lung fibroblast cells in order to verify the role of survival/apoptotic pathways. As a survival pathway, the activation of Akt has been studied in association with pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic signals such as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleavage of caspases 3 and 9. Findings have shown the effects of overstressed cellular stretching to be a balance of a cause-and-effect reaction between survival and apoptosis.
Flying with Respiratory Disease
Authors: Tzani Panagiota , Pisi Giovanna , Aiello Marina , Olivieri Dario , Chetta Alfredo
Published: April 2010

Patients with respiratory diseases may be at risk during flight because at cruising altitude an important hypobaric hypoxia may occur. The only absolute contraindications to flying in these patients are pneumothorax, bronchogenic cyst and severe pulmonary hypertension. In order to evaluate the risks related to air travel in patients with respiratory diseases, an evaluation of their fitness to fly, including the hypoxia altitude simulation test, is required. The fitness to fly evaluation can identify patients requiring supplemental oxygen during flight which is provided by most airlines when prescribed by the passenger’s physician. This review deals with the cardiorespiratory effects of flight, the risks associated with respiratory diseases during air travel and the procedures to follow in order to assess fitness to fly in patients with respiratory disorders.
Endothelial-Specific Transgenesis of TNFR2 Promotes Adaptive Arteriogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Luo Yan , Xu Zhe , Wan Ting , He Yun , Jones Dennis , Zhang Haifeng , Min Wang
Published: April 2010

Objective—

We have previously shown that the tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) protein is highly upregulated in vascular endothelium in response to ischemia, and a global deletion of TNFR2 in mice blunts ischemia-induced arteriogenesis and angiogenesis. However, the role of endothelial TNFR2 is not defined. In this study, we used endothelial cell (EC)–specific transgenesis of TNFR2 (TNFR2-TG) in mice to determine the in vivo function of TNFR2 in arteriogenesis and angiogenesis.

Methods and Results—

In a femoral artery ligation model, TNFR2-TG mice had enhanced limb perfusion recovery and ischemic reserve capacity. TNFR2-TG mice also exhibited significantly enhanced arteriogenesis in the upper limb, whereas capillary formation and maturation in the lower limb were associated with reduction in cellular apoptosis and increased proliferation. Consistently, ischemia-induced TNFR2-dependent bone marrow tyrosine kinase in chromosome X–vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 proangiogenic signaling was augmented in TNFR2-TG mice. To further determine whether EC-expressed TNFR2 is sufficient to mediate ischemia-induced angiogenesis, we crossed TNFR2-TG with TNFR2-deficient mice to generate TNFR2-knockout (KO)/TG mice, in which only vascular ECs express TNFR2. The EC-expressed TNFR2 partially rescued the defects of TNFR2-KO in ischemia-induced angiogenic signaling and flow recovery.

Conclusion—

These in vivo data support a critical role for endothelial TNFR2 in ischemia-mediated adaptive angiogenesis. Therefore, specific expression and activation of TNFR2 in ECs may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease.
Serum Osteocalcin Is Associated With Measures of Insulin Resistance, Adipokine Levels, and the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Saleem Umer , Mosley Thomas H. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: April 2010

Objective—

Osteocalcin has been reported to influence insulin secretion in experimental animals. We investigated whether serum osteocalcin was associated with measures of insulin resistance, circulating adipokine levels, and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn).

Methods and Results—

Serum osteocalcin was measured by solid-phase sandwich immunoassay in 1284 blacks (64±9 years; 71% women) and 1209 non-Hispanic whites (59±10 years; 57% women) belonging to hypertensive sibships. MetSyn was defined per Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The prevalence of MetSyn was 50% in blacks and 49% in non-Hispanic whites. In each ethnic group, after adjustment for age and gender, osteocalcin levels were inversely correlated with body mass index, fasting glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides, and leptin, and positively correlated with adiponectin (
P
<0.001 for each variable). In multivariable regression analyses that adjusted for age, gender, smoking, serum creatinine, and statin and estrogen use, osteocalcin levels in the highest quartile (compared with the lowest quartile) were associated with a lower odds ratio (OR) of having MetSyn: OR (95% CI) in blacks, 0.33 (0.23 to 0.46); OR in non-Hispanic whites, 0.43 (0.31 to 0.63).

Conclusion—

Serum osteocalcin is associated with measures of insulin resistance, adipokine levels, and the presence of MetSyn, suggesting a novel cross-talk between bone and adipose tissue.
Erythropoietin Activates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Couples Red Cell Mass to Mitochondrial Mass in the Heart
Authors: Carraway Martha S. , Suliman Hagir B. , Jones W. Schuyler , Chen Chien-Wen , Babiker Abdelwahid , Piantadosi Claude A.
Published: April 2010

Rationale
:

Erythropoietin (EPO) is often administered to cardiac patients with anemia, particularly from chronic kidney disease, and stimulation of erythropoiesis may stabilize left ventricular and renal function by recruiting protective effects beyond the correction of anemia.

Objective
:

We examined the hypothesis that EPO receptor (EpoR) ligand-binding, which activates endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), regulates the prosurvival program of mitochondrial biogenesis in the heart.

Methods and Results
:

We investigated the effects of EPO on mitochondrial biogenesis over 14 days in healthy mice. Mice expressing a mitochondrial green fluorescent protein reporter construct demonstrated sharp increases in myocardial mitochondrial density after 3 days of EPO administration that peaked at 7 days and surpassed hepatic or renal effects and anteceded significant increases in blood hemoglobin content. Quantitatively, in wild-type mice, complex II activity, state 3 respiration, and mtDNA copy number increased significantly; also, resting energy expenditure and natural running speed improved, with no evidence of an increase in left ventricular mass index. Mechanistically, EPO activated cardiac mitochondrial biogenesis by enhancement of nuclear respiratory factor-1, PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α), and mitochondrial transcription factor-A gene expression in wild-type but not in eNOS
−/−
or protein kinase B (Akt1)
−/−
mice. EpoR was required, because EpoR silencing in cardiomyocytes blocked EPO-mediated nuclear translocation of nuclear respiratory factor-1.

Conclusions
:

These findings support a new physiological and protective role for EPO, acting through its cell surface receptor and eNOS-Akt1 signal transduction, in matching cardiac mitochondrial mass to the convective O
2
transport capacity as erythrocyte mass expands.
Life Events and Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Shiue Ivy , Arima Hisatomi , Anderson Craig S.
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

Because little evidence exists and the topic often raises concerns, we aimed to determine the relationship between life events and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a population-based case–control setting.

Methods—

In 388 SAH incident cases and 473 frequency-matched community SAH-free control subjects, information on the occurrence of 12 types of adverse life events in the preceding 1 and 2 to 12 months was obtained by interview using a questionnaire based on the Social Behavior Assessment Schedule. Analyses involved logistic regression models with adjustment for confounding variables.

Results—

Among 12 life events, only 2 (“financial/legal problems” and “other”) in the past month were marginally associated with SAH (
P
=0.04 and 0.03, respectively), whereas “physical attack/assault” and “injury/disease of a relative/friend/pet” during the past 2 to 12 months also showed similarly marginally significant and imprecise associations (inversely) with SAH. There were no clear associations between multiple life events and SAH for both the prior month and 2 to 12 months (both
P
>0.4).

Conclusions—

Life events are unlikely to have appreciable effects on the risk of SAH.
Confirmation of an Association of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism rs1333040 on 9p21 With Familial and Sporadic Intracranial Aneurysms in Japanese Patients
Authors: Hashikata Hirokuni , Liu Wanyang , Inoue Kayoko , Mineharu Yohei , Yamada Shigeki , Nanayakkara Shanika , Matsuura Norio , Hitomi Toshiaki , Takagi Yasushi , Hashimoto Nobuo , Miyamoto Susumu , Koizumi Akio
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

Genetic factors are important determinants of intracranial aneurysm (IA). Recently, a multinational, genome-wide association study identified 3 loci associated with IA, located on 2q (rs700651), 8q (rs10958409), and 9p (rs1333040 and rs10757278). The aim of this study was to evaluate these associations.

Methods—

Familial and sporadic cases were investigated. Familial cases, consisting of 96 subjects with IA, and 46 subjects of unknown status from 31 pedigrees were analyzed with the transmission disequilibrium test and linkage analysis. Associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with IA were tested in 419 sporadic IA cases and in 408 control subjects. Sequencing of
CDKN2A
,
CDKN2B
, and
CDKN2BAS
revealed additional SNPs, and their associations with IA were also tested.

Results—

The transmission disequilibrium test revealed associations of 2 SNPs, rs700651 (
P
=0.036) and rs1333040 (
P
=0.002), with familial IA. Analysis of SNPs in sporadic cases revealed an allelic association of rs1333040 with IA (odds ratio=1.28; 95% CI, 1.04–1.57;
P
=0.02) but failed to show associations of rs10757278 and rs496892 with IA. We sequenced 3 candidate genes;
CDKN2A
,
CDKN2B
, and
CDKN2BAS
. All 6 index cases from IA families had the rs1333040-T allele and SNPs (rs10965215, rs10120688, and rs7341791) in
CDKN2BAS
. None of these SNPs had linkage disequilibrium with rs1333040 and was associated with IA.

Conclusions—

A region between introns 7 and 15 of
CDKN2BAS
carrying the rs1333040-T allele may confer risk for IA.
Coated Platelet Levels Correlate With Bleed Volume in Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Prodan Calin I. , Vincent Andrea S. , Dale George L.
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

Coated platelets are produced on dual agonist stimulation with collagen and thrombin. These highly procoagulant platelets are critical to normal hemostasis, and an earlier study demonstrated decreased coated platelet production in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. We have expanded this observation to investigate if coated platelet levels correlate with bleed volume in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

Coated platelet levels and bleed volume were determined in 45 patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Results—

There was an inverse relationship between coated platelet levels and bleed volume (
r
=−0.38,
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

These data support a link between decreased coated platelet synthesis and the severity of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.
Visual Art as Research: Explorations with Sona Drawings
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: April 2010

This paper describes the author's personal journey into visual art research involving the exploration, extension and generalization of the traditional sona drawings of the Tchokwe people of Angola and their application to the author's artwork.
Rembrandt's Textural Agency: A Shared Perspective in Visual Art and Science
Authors: DiPaola Steve , Riebe Caitlin , Enns James T.
Published: April 2010

The authors hypothesize that Rembrandt developed new painterly techniques in order to engage and direct the gaze of the observer. Although these methods were not based on scientific evidence at the time, they are nonetheless consistent with a contemporary understanding of human vision. The authors propose that artists in the late early-modern period developed the technique of textural agency—selective variation in image detail—to guide the observer's eye and thereby influence the viewing experience. They conclude with the presentation of laboratory evidence that Rembrandt's techniques indeed guide the modern viewer's eye as proposed.
Negative Concord and (Multiple) Agree: A Case Study of West Flemish
Authors: Haegeman Liliane , Lohndal Terje
Published: April 2010

This article examines the formalization of negative concord in terms of the Minimalist Program, focusing entirely on negative concord in West Flemish. It is shown that a recent analysis of negative concord that advocates Multiple Agree is empirically inadequate. Instead of Multiple Agree, a particular implementation of the simpler and less powerful binary Agree proves superior in deriving the data in question.
The Role of Presuppositionality in the Second Language Acquisition of English Articles
Authors: Ko Heejeong , Ionin Tania , Wexler Ken
Published: April 2010

This article investigates the role of presuppositionality (defined as the presupposition of existence) in the second language (L2) acquisition of English articles. Building upon the proposal in Wexler 2003 that young English-acquiring children overuse the with presuppositional indefinites, this article proposes that presuppositionality also influences article (mis)use in adult L2 acquisition. This proposal is supported by experimental results from the L2 English of adult speakers of Korean, a language with no articles. The experimental findings indicate that presuppositional indefinite contexts trigger overuse of the with indefinites in adult L2 acquisition, as in child L1 acquisition (cf. Wexler 2003). The effects of presuppositionality are teased apart from the effects of other semantic factors previously examined in acquisition, such as scope (Schaeffer and Matthewson 2005) and specificity (Ionin, Ko, and Wexler 2004). The results provide evidence that overuse of the in L2 acquisition is a semantic rather than pragmatic phenomenon. Implications of these findings for overuse of the in L1 acquisition are discussed. This article also has implications for the study of access to Universal Grammar in L2 acquisition, as well as for the number and type of semantic universals underlying article choice crosslinguistically.
On the Internal Structure of Tashlhiyt Berber Triconsonantal Roots
Authors: Lahrouchi Mohamed
Published: April 2010

This article examines the internal structure of triconsonantal roots in Tashlhiyt Berber. It is proposed that these roots have a binary-branching head-complement structure, built upon the sonorant and the segment immediately to its left. Evidence for this structure is provided by the imperfective formation. It is argued that only roots that display such a structure undergo gemination in the imperfective. This permits an account for a number of forms that are traditionally ascribed to lexical idiosyncrasy, including verbs that are made up entirely of obstruents and those whose only sonorant is in initial position.
The Consequences of Personal Networks for Internet Use in Rural Areas
Authors: Boase Jeffrey
Published: April 2010

Why are there fewer Internet users in rural areas than in urban areas? Researchers addressing this question typically focus on the lack of Internet infrastructure and demographic factors in rural areas. Rural areas often lack affordable Internet connectivity and contain relatively high numbers of people who are unlikely to adopt Internet connections at home—specifically the elderly and those without a postsecondary education. Although infrastructure and demographics are undoubtedly important factors, equalizing Internet adoption in rural and urban areas may require more than simply providing infrastructure that is affordable to a population of the right demographic composition. Drawing on the personal network approach and the concept of direct network externality, the author argues that the composition of personal networks in rural areas may hamper general levels of Internet adoption and high-speed Internet connection at home. To examine the empirical validity of this argument, the author conducted descriptive and multivariate analyses on data collected from a random-digit dial survey of 2,200 American adults.
Newspaper Framing and Stadium Subsidization
Authors: Buist Ernest A. , Mason Daniel S.
Published: April 2010

Public subsidies continue to be used to support the construction of stadium facilities for major league sports teams in North America. Within this context, the local newspaper, as a beneficiary of pro-growth development strategies, becomes a platform for the debate surrounding the utility of public subsidization. This article examines local newspaper discourse surrounding 1984 and 1990 referenda in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and identifies four stadium subsidy frames: (a) economic development, (b) civic status, (c) civic priorities, and (d) financing. Consistent with previous research, the local newspaper was a proponent of the stadium subsidy in both cases. Another key finding relates to the presence of frame coupling in the 1990 debate. This suggests the emergence of a dynamic discourse that fused tangible and intangible stadium subsidy arguments.
Metabolic Syndrome Exacerbating Ankle-Brachial Index in Asian Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Lee I-Te , Lee Wen-Jane , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng
Published: April 2010

The aim was to assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in Asians with or without diabetes. In this cross-sectional study, the components of MetS, lipid profiles, and ABI were assessed. A total 441 participants were enrolled, and the ABI was significantly lower (1.09 ± 0.10 vs 1.12 ± 0.13, P = .015) in participants with MetS (n = 269) as compared with those without MetS (n = 172). To dissect the influence of diabetes, these 2 groups were further categorized according to either diabetes or not. Ankle-brachial index was highest in participants with neither MetS nor diabetes and lowest in those with both MetS and diabetes (P value for trend <.001). Metabolic syndrome is also an independent risk factor for low ABI in participants with diabetes (P = .018). Thus, MetS is usually associated with lower ABI, most obvious in diabetic participants.
Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Homocysteine Changes During Hormonal Therapy in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective, Matched Study
Authors: Makedos Anastasios , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Papanikolaou Alexis , Panidis Dimitrios
Published: April 2010

The study evaluated the effect of 5 hormonal regimes on serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS received (1) conjugated estrogens and cyproterone acetate (n = 22), (2) 17β-estradiol and cyproterone acetate (n = 17), (3) ethinyl-estradiol and cyproterone acetate (high dose; n = 20), (4) ethinyl-estradiol plus cyproterone acetate (low dose; n = 12), or (5) ethinyl-estradiol plus desogetrel (n = 12). Both hsCRP and Hcy levels were measured at baseline and after 4, 7, and 12 months. The 17β-estradiol/cyproterone acetate regime resulted in significant reduction of both hsCRP and Hcy levels (P < .001). The other 4 regimes only resulted in a reduction of Hcy levels (P < .001). In conclusion, the 17β-estradiol/cyproterone acetate regime had the most favorable effects in women with PCOS regarding serum levels of hsCRP and Hcy.
Effects of Tadalafil on Platelets and Endothelium in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pilot Study
Authors: De Bon Emiliano , Bonanni Guglielmo , Saggiorato Graziella , Bassi PierFrancesco , Cella Giuseppe
Published: April 2010

Activation of endothelial cells and platelets is an initial step toward the development of cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an early manifestation of endotheliopathy. We evaluated the effects of tadalafil on cyclic nucleotides (cGMP and cAMP) and soluble adhesion molecules (E- and P-selectin [ES and PS]). The patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence (10 patients) or absence (9 patients) of cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking). Nitric oxide (NO) was unmeasurable in all the patients. Tadalafil administration induced a significant increase in cGMP levels in both groups (P < .01). In contrast, cAMP significantly increased (P < .05) and PS decreased (P < .01) only in patients without cardiovascular risk factors. Tadalafil induced a beneficial effect on platelet activation in patients with ED without cardiovascular risk factors; this effect was not mediated by NO.