bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLGA Microspheres Incorporated Gelatin Scaffold: Microspheres Modulate Scaffold Properties
Authors: Banerjee Indranil , Mishra Debasish , Maiti Tapas K.
Published: March 2009

Freeze drying is one of the popular methods of fabrication for poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres incorporated polymer scaffolds. However, the consequence of microspheres incorporation on physical and biological properties of scaffold has not been studied yet. In this study, attempt has been made to characterize the effect of PLGA microsphere incorporation on the physical properties of freeze‐dried gelatin scaffold and its influence on cytocompatibility. Scaffolds loaded with varying amount of PLGA microspheres (10%, 1%, 0.1% w/w) were subjected to microarchitecture analysis, swelling, porosity, mechanical properties, biodegradation, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation studies. Results revealed that an increase in percentage loading of microspheres reduced the pore size and uniformity of the pore structure. Moreover, loading of PLGA microspheres up to 1% w/w significantly increased porosity, swelling, and mechanical properties of the scaffold but variations were not proportional for 10% w/w loading. Results also showed that PLGA microspheres have no significant effect on cell adhesion but influenced the growth kinetics.
The Interaction of Oxidative Stress Response with Cytokines in the Thyrotoxic Rat: Is There a Link?
Authors: Makay Balahan , Makay Ozer , Yenisey Cigdem , Icoz Gokhan , Ozgen Gokhan , Unsal Erbil , Akyildiz Mahir , Yetkin Enis
Published: March 2009

Oxidative stress is regarded as a pathogenic factor in hyperthyroidism. Our purpose was to determine the relationship between the oxidative stress and the inflammatory cytokines and to investigate how melatonin affects oxidative damage and cytokine response in thyrotoxic rats. Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups. Group A served as negative controls. Group B had untreated thyrotoxicosis, and Group C received melatonin. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and nitric oxide derivates (Nx), and plasma IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were measured. MDA, GSH, Nx, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels increased after L-thyroxine induction. An inhibition of triiodothyronine and thyroxine was detected, as a result of melatonin administration. MDA, GSH, and Nx levels were also affected by melatonin. Lowest TNF-alpha levels were observed in Group C. This study demonstrates that oxidative stress is related to cytokine response in the thyrotoxic rat. Melatonin treatment suppresses the hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative damage as well as TNF-alpha response.
On Reliable Transmission of Data over Simple Wireless Channels
Authors: Gburzynski Pawel , Kaminska Bozena , Rahman Ashikur
Published: March 2009

Standard protocols for reliable data transmission over unreliable channels are based on various Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) schemes, whereby the sending node receives feedback from the receiver and retransmits the missing data. We discuss this issue in the context of one‐way data transmission over simple wireless channels characteristic of many sensing and monitoring applications. Using a specific project as an example, we demonstrate how the constraints of a low‐cost embedded wireless system get in the way of a workable solution precluding the use of popular schemes based on windows and periodic acknowledgments. We also propose an efficient solution to the problem and demonstrate its advantage over the traditional protocols.
Inhibitory Effects of Ketamine on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Microglial Activation
Authors: Chang Yi , Lee Jie-Jen , Hsieh Cheng-Ying , Hsiao George , Chou Duen-Suey , Sheu Joen-Rong
Published: March 2009

Microglia activated in response to brain injury release neurotoxic factors including nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β). Ketamine, an anesthetic induction agent, is generally reserved for use in patients with severe hypotension or respiratory depression. In this study, we found that ketamine (100 and 250 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO and IL-1βrelease in primary cultured microglia. However, ketamine (100 and 250 μM) did not significantly inhibit the LPS-induced TNF-αproduction in microglia, except at the higher concentration (500 μM). Further study of the molecular mechanisms revealed that ketamine markedly inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase stimulated by LPS in microglia. These results suggest that microglial inactivation by ketamine is at least partially due to inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
Five-Year Efficacy and Safety Analysis of the Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib Trial
Authors: Bertagnolli Monica M. , Eagle Craig J. , Zauber Ann G. , Redston Mark , Breazna Aurora , Kim KyungMann , Tang Jie , Rosenstein Rebecca B. , Umar Asad , Bagheri Donya , Collins Neal T. , Burn John , Chung Daniel C. , Dewar Thomas , Foley T. Raymond , Hoffman Neville , Macrae Finlay , Pruitt Ronald E. , Saltzman John R. , Salzberg Bruce , Sylwestrowicz Thomas , Hawk Ernest T. ,   for the Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib Study Investigators
Published: March 2009

The Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib Trial examined the efficacy and safety of the cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, for sporadic colorectal adenoma prevention in patients at high risk for colorectal cancer. The trial randomized 2,035 subjects to receive either placebo, celecoxib 200 mg twice daily, or celecoxib 400 mg twice daily. The primary study safety and efficacy analyses involved 3 years of treatment. The results showed significant antitumor effect but also indicated increased cardiovascular adverse events in patients treated with celecoxib compared with placebo. A total of 933 patients participated in an extension of the Adenoma Prevention with Celecoxib Trial, with a planned total treatment and surveillance duration of 5 years. Study medication was stopped early, resulting in a median treatment duration of 3.1 years for those with a year 5 colonoscopy. Patients treated on the placebo arm had a cumulative adenoma incidence of 68.4% over 5 years of observation. This figure was 59.0% (P < 0.0001) for those receiving low-dose celecoxib, and 60.1% (P < 0.0001) for those receiving high-dose celecoxib. The cumulative incidence of advanced adenomas over 5 years was 21.3% of those taking placebo, 12.5% (P < 0.0001) of those taking low dose celecoxib and 15.8% (P < 0.0001) of those taking high-dose celecoxib. Investigator reported treatment emergent adverse events were similar across all treatment groups for categories including renal and hypertensive events and gastrointestinal ulceration and hemorrhage events. For a category composed of cardiovascular and thrombotic events, the risk relative to placebo was 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.0, 2.5) for those using 200 mg twice daily celecoxib and 1.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.2, 3.1) for those using 400 mg twice daily celecoxib. Secondary analysis showed an interaction between a baseline history of atherosclerotic heart disease and study drug use with respect to cardiovascular and thrombotic adverse events (P = 0.004). These results confirm the inhibitory effect of celecoxib on colorectal adenoma formation, and provide additional safety data indicating an elevated risk for cardiovascular and thrombotic adverse events, particularly for patients with preexisting atherosclerotic heart disease.
CREB-Mediated IL-6 Expression Is Required for 15(S)-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid–Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration
Authors: Chava Koteswara R. , Karpurapu Manjula , Wang Dong , Bhanoori Manjula , Kundumani-Sridharan Venkatesh , Zhang Qiuhua , Ichiki Toshihiro , Glasgow Wayne C. , Rao Gadiparthi N.
Published: April 2009

Objective—

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from media to intima is a key event in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and restenosis. The lipoxygenase products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were shown to play a role in these diseases. cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) has been implicated in the regulation of VSMC growth and motility in response to thrombin and angiotensin II. The aim of the present study was to test the role of CREB in an oxidized lipid molecule, 15(S)-HETE–induced VSMC migration and neointima formation.

Methods and Results—

15(S)-HETE stimulated VSMC migration in CREB-dependent manner, as measured by the modified Boyden chamber method. Blockade of MEK1, JNK1, or p38MAPK inhibited 15(S)-HETE–induced CREB phosphorylation and VSMC migration. 15(S)-HETE induced expression and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), as analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Neutralizing anti–IL-6 antibodies blocked 15(S)-HETE–induced VSMC migration. Dominant-negative mutant-mediated blockade of ERK1/2, JNK1, p38MAPK, or CREB suppressed 15(S)-HETE–induced IL-6 expression in VSMCs. Serial 5′ deletions and site-directed mutagenesis of IL-6 promoter along with chromatin immunoprecipitation using anti-CREB antibodies showed that cAMP response element is essential for 15(S)-HETE–induced IL-6 expression. Dominant-negative CREB also suppressed balloon injury–induced IL-6 expression, SMC migration from media to intimal region, and neointima formation. Adenovirus-mediated transduction of 15-lipoxygenase 2 (15-LOX2) caused increased production of 15-HETE in VSMCs and enhanced IL-6 expression, SMC migration from media to intimal region, and neointima formation in response to arterial injury.

Conclusions—

The above results suggest a role for 15-LOX2–15-HETE in the regulation of VSMC migration and neointima formation involving CREB-mediated IL-6 expression.
Circulating Plasma Surfactant Protein Type B as Biological Marker of Alveolar-Capillary Barrier Damage in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Magrì Damiano , Brioschi Maura , Banfi Cristina , Schmid Jean Paul , Palermo Pietro , Contini Mauro , Apostolo Anna , Bussotti Maurizio , Tremoli Elena , Sciomer Susanna , Cattadori Gaia , Fiorentini Cesare , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: March 2009

Background—

Surfactant protein type B (SPB) is needed for alveolar gas exchange. SPB is increased in the plasma of patients with heart failure (HF), with a concentration that is higher when HF severity is highest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma SPB and both alveolar-capillary diffusion at rest and ventilation versus carbon dioxide production during exercise.

Methods and Results—

Eighty patients with chronic HF and 20 healthy controls were evaluated consecutively, but the required quality for procedures was only reached by 71 patients with HF and 19 healthy controls. Each subject underwent pulmonary function measurements, including lung diffusion for carbon monoxide and membrane diffusion capacity, and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. Plasma SPB was measured by immunoblotting. In patients with HF, SPB values were higher (4.5 [11.1] versus 1.6 [2.9],
P
=0.0006, median and 25th to 75th interquartile), whereas lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (19.7�4.5 versus 24.6�6.8 mL/mm Hg per min,
P
<0.0001, mean�SD) and membrane diffusion capacity (28.9�7.4 versus 38.7�14.8,
P
<0.0001) were lower. Peak oxygen consumption and ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope were 16.2�4.3 versus 26.8�6.2 mL/kg per min (
P
<0.0001) and 29.7�5.9 and 24.5�3.2 (
P
<0.0001) in HF and controls, respectively. In the HF population, univariate analysis showed a significant relationship between plasma SPB and lung diffusion for carbon monoxide, membrane diffusion capacity, peak oxygen consumption, and ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (
P
<0.0001 for all). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, membrane diffusion capacity (β, −0.54; SE, 0.018;
P
<0.0001), peak oxygen consumption (β, −0.53; SE, 0.036;
P
=0.004), and ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (β, 0.25; SE, 0.026;
P
=0.034) were independently associated with SPB.

Conclusion—

Circulating plasma SPB levels are related to alveolar gas diffusion, overall exercise performance, and efficiency of ventilation showing a link between alveolar-capillary barrier damage, gas exchange abnormalities, and exercise performance in HF.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrioventricular Block in the Fetus Exposed to Maternal Anti-SSA/Ro-SSB/La Antibodies
Authors: Rein A.J.J.T. , Mevorach D. , Perles Z. , Gavri S. , Nadjari M. , Nir A. , Elchalal U.
Published: March 2009

Background—

A fetus exposed to maternal anti-SSA/Ro or anti-SSB/La antibodies (or both) may develop complete atrioventricular block (AVB), which results in high prenatal and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Until recently, only high-grade AVB could be diagnosed in utero. The tissue velocity–based fetal kinetocardiogram (FKCG) enables accurate measurement of AV conduction time and diagnosis of low-grade AVB. In the present multicenter observational study, we used FKCG to detect first-degree AVB in fetuses at risk.

Methods and Results—

FKCG was performed in 70 fetuses of 56 mothers who were positive for anti-SSA/Ro and/or anti-SSB/La. Fetuses were monitored with weekly FKCG from 13 to 24 weeks’ gestation, followed by monthly assessments until delivery in unaffected fetuses and weekly assessments in affected fetuses. AV conduction in 70 at-risk and 109 normal fetuses was compared. FKCG was obtained readily in all fetuses; 6 showed first-degree AVB (AV conduction time >2
z
scores above normal mean) at 21 to 34 gestational weeks. Immediate maternal treatment with dexamethasone resulted in normalization of AV conduction in all affected fetuses within 3 to 14 days. AV conduction time in the remaining 64 untreated fetuses remained normal throughout gestation. The ECG PR interval immediately after birth was normal in all affected newborns. No child developed AVB or cardiomyopathy in the subsequent 1- to 6-year (median 4-year) follow-up.

Conclusions—

The present findings suggest that an FKCG can detect first-degree AVB in the fetus exposed to maternal anti-SSA/Ro or anti-SSB/La antibodies (or both). Dexamethasone given on detection was associated with normalized AV conduction in fetuses with first-degree AVB. No fetus in the present study developed complete prenatal or postnatal AVB.
Benefits and Risks of Corticosteroid Prophylaxis in Adult Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ho Kwok M. , Tan Jen Aik
Published: March 2009

Background—

Cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery are associated with a significant systemic inflammatory response that may increase postoperative complications. This meta-analysis assessed whether the benefits and risks of corticosteroid use were dose dependent in adult cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—

Randomized controlled trials of the use of corticosteroid prophylaxis in adult cardiac surgery (>18 years of age) requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were selected from MEDLINE (1966 to August 1, 2008), EMBASE (1988 to August 1, 2008), and the Cochrane controlled trials register without any language restrictions. A total of 3323 patients from 50 randomized controlled trials were identified and subject to meta-analysis. Corticosteroid prophylaxis reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation (25.1% versus 35.1%; number needed to treat, 10; relative risk, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63 to 0.86;
P
<0.01) and length of stay in the intensive care unit (weighted mean difference, −0.37 days; 95% CI, −0.21 to −0.52;
P
<0.01) and hospital (weighted mean difference, −0.66 days; 95% CI, −0.77 to −1.25;
P
=0.03) compared with placebo. The use of corticosteroid was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause infection (relative risk, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.41;
P
=0.73), but hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion after corticosteroid prophylaxis was common (28.2%; relative risk, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.01;
P
<0.01). No additional benefits were found on all outcomes beyond a total dose of 1000 mg hydrocortisone, and very high doses of corticosteroid were associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions—

Evidence suggests that low-dose corticosteroid is as effective as high-dose corticosteroid in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation and duration of mechanical ventilation but with fewer potential side effects in adult cardiac surgery.
Current GCMs’ Unrealistic Negative Feedback in the Arctic
Authors: Boé Julien , Hall Alex , Qu Xin
Published: March 2009

The large spread of the response to anthropogenic forcing simulated by state-of-the-art climate models in the Arctic is investigated. A feedback analysis framework specific to the Arctic is developed to address this issue. The feedback analysis shows that a large part of the spread of Arctic climate change is explained by the longwave feedback parameter. The large spread of the negative longwave feedback parameter is in turn mainly due to variations in temperature feedback. The vertical temperature structure of the atmosphere in the Arctic, characterized by a surface inversion during wintertime, exerts a strong control on the temperature feedback and consequently on simulated Arctic climate change. Most current climate models likely overestimate the climatological strength of the inversion, leading to excessive negative longwave feedback. The authors conclude that the models’ near-equilibrium response to anthropogenic forcing is generally too small.
The Dark Side of Analytic Conviction: Impasses of Omniscience and Complacency
Authors: Goldberg Steven , Grusky Zenobia
Published: April 2009

It is common for analysts to struggle with substantial periods of impasse, and with the associated subjective feelings of shame and failure, while analyzing patients who rely heavily on narcissistic defenses. Facing the feelings that accompany periods of impasse, while at the same time pushing oneself to take necessary creative risks, is a huge and painful task for the analyst if it is deeply confronted. These patients engage in false uses of the analytic process in which the pursuit of understanding is systematically undermined. In response, the analyst is susceptible to being drawn in to processes of mutual seduction, false conviction, and impasse. Through the analyst's partial living out of the patient's projective identifications (and eventually observing the patient's living out of the analyst's projective identifications), the analyst is able to gain a depth of understanding of the patient, of him- or herself, and of the interaction that might not otherwise be possible. Because analysts tend to employ theory defensively, it is essential that they attend, through self-analysis and consultation, to the ways in which they use it. Two cases are presented in which prolonged impasses were eventually understood and resolved.
The Lure of Hypocrisy
Authors: Kris Anton O.
Published: April 2009

Why are we susceptible to hypocrisy? Four preconditions for falling prey to hypocrisy are delineated. The reasons for our complex attitude to hypocrisy, both condoning and condemning it, are also explored. Hypocrisy is the false claim to virtue. It always refers to consciously intended deception by a person in a position of trust. Making use of literary examples, the investigation starts with the delineation of three readily apparent preconditions for falling prey to hypocrisy. Idealization of the hypocrite is seen as a defense against a dread of uncertainty on the part of the person who succumbs to hypocrisy . The addition of a third precondition, the force of powerful desire, completes the introduction. A selective review of historical and philosophical studies of hypocrisy over the past twenty-five hundred years situates the problem of the susceptibility to hypocrisy. Application of psychoanalytic formulations and clinical data, principally from the study of patients whose psychoanalysts committed ethical violations, produces a fourth precondition for succumbing to hypocrisy: transference, with a regression from mature trust to a condition of unmodified basic trust.
Risk Assessment With Young Offenders
Authors: Olver Mark E. , Stockdale Keira C. , Wormith J. Stephen
Published: April 2009

The current investigation is a meta-analysis of the predictive accuracy of three well-known forensic instruments used to appraise risk with young offenders: youth adaptations of the Level of Service Inventory and Psychopathy Checklist and the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk for Youth. Through several avenues, 49 potentially suitable published and unpublished studies (across 44 samples representing 8,746 youth) were identified and evaluated for inclusion. Predictive accuracy for general, nonviolent, violent, and sexual recidivism was examined for the three sets of measures. Mean weighted correlations for each of the three measures were significant in the prediction of general, nonviolent, and violent recidivism, with no single instrument demonstrating superior prediction. Separate analyses of specific young offender groups further supported the predictive accuracy of youth adaptations of the Level of Service Inventory among male, female, Aboriginal, and non-Aboriginal youth. Implications regarding the utility of young offender risk measures for enhancing clinical service provision with youth clientele are discussed.
Eastern University's MBA in Economic Development
Authors: Ridington M. Thomas , Kapp Chris
Published: April 2009

Evangelical Christian development organizations have long realized that mission effectiveness is largely contingent on the skills and abilities possessed by their human capital. A crucial way to create that human capital is through development-oriented academic programs, especially those focused on developing skills required by grassroots personnel and their support organizations. A review of Eastern University's MBA in economic development, celebrating its 25th anniversary, provides six conclusions and recommendations for implementing and assessing effective NGO management educational programs.
Group-Based Assessment as a Dynamic Approach to Marketing Education
Authors: Bicen Pelin , Laverie Debra A.
Published: April 2009

Assessment is a prominent issue in education today. However, assessment of learning often occurs only at the end of the semester to satisfy accreditation agencies. An alternative is to conduct assessments during the course, not only to assess if learning goals are being met but also to assess student learning during the course. Assessment for learning puts assessment at the heart of the learning process. In this approach, students are active participants in the assessment process. The authors propose a new approach to assessment—group-based assessment (GBA), which includes in-class group learning, peer assessment, and peer and instructor feedback. They develop their approach based on theoretical underpinnings of the dynamic assessment theory and the zone of proximal development theory to develop GBA. The authors test the effectiveness of this approach in a study conducted with students using a one group pretest—posttest quasi-experimental design. The results of this study provide empirical support that GBA is related to students' intrinsic motivation, self-regulated learning strategies, perceived autonomy, perceived competence, task mastery orientation, and actual performance. In addition, guidelines for implementing GBA are provided.
Repeat Revision of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Wegrzyn Julien , Chouteau Julien , Philippot Rémi , Fessy Michel-Henri , Moyen Bernard
Published: March 2009

Background

To the authors’ knowledge, no previous published study has focused on management and outcome of repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of functional result and meniscus and articular cartilage status.

Hypothesis

Repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction improves knee stability, but with inferior results for functional outcome compared with primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Meniscal tears and subsequent articular cartilage degeneration are more prevalent with successive revisions due to recurrent laxity.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Materials and Methods: Between February 2003 and November 2006, a consecutive series of 10 patients with an average age at 30 years (range, 17-48) were operated on for a repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (2 revisions after a primary reconstruction) with arthroscopic procedures. A clinical and a radiographic evaluation were performed to assess anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failures, outcome of revisions, and causes of failures. Meniscal tears and articular cartilage lesions were analyzed.

Results

The average follow-up of the second revision was 38 months (range, 12-61). At latest follow-up, final International Knee Documentation Committee assessment was excellent or good in 7 cases. Postoperatively, only 2 patients recovered to the same sports activity level they had before their first anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Four had a lower level, and 4 discontinued sports activity. The postoperative average side-to-side KT-1000 arthrometer maximum manual difference was 1.3 ± 1.9 mm. Nine patients had meniscal tears and 7 had articular cartilage lesions. Meniscal tears, meniscectomies, and articular cartilage degeneration increased after the second revision ( P = .016, P = .0098, and P = .0197, respectively). Severe articular cartilage degeneration (International Cartilage Repair Society grade III and IV lesions) was found in patients with bad functional outcome (final International Knee Documentation Committee assessment C or D) ( P = .0472). Incidence of articular cartilage degeneration was found to be more prevalent in cases of meniscal tears and partial meniscectomy at the same tibiofemoral compartment ( P = .0157). Index anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and first revision failures were caused by recurrent trauma (60% and 70%, respectively) or a surgical technical error with tunnel malpositioning (40% and 10%, respectively).

Conclusion

Outcome of repeat revision of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was excellent or good in 70% of the cases, although decreased after the second revision, in relation to the occurrence of meniscal tears and articular cartilage lesions. Meniscal and articular cartilage lesions were more frequent and more severe with recurrent laxity. The cause of failures was mainly recurrent trauma, followed by surgical technical errors.
Temporally Restricted Role of Retinal PACAP: Integration of the Phase-Advancing Light Signal to the SCN
Authors: Beaulé Christian , Mitchell Jennifer W. , Lindberg Peder T. , Damadzic Ruslan , Eiden Lee E. , Gillette Martha U.
Published: April 2009

Circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior are temporally synchronized to the day/night cycle through the action of light on the circadian clock. In mammals, transduction of the photic signal reaching the circadian oscillator in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) occurs through the release of glutamate and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP). The authors' study aimed at clarifying the role played by PACAP in photic resetting and entrainment. They investigated the circadian response to light of PACAP-null mice lacking the 5th exon of the PACAP coding sequence. Specifically, they examined free-running rhythms, entrainment to 12-h light:12-h dark (LD) cycles, the phase-response curve (PRC) to single light pulses, entrainment to a 23-h T-cycle, re-entrainment to 6-h phase shifts in LD cycles, and light-induced c-Fos expression. PACAP-null and wild-type mice show similar free-running periods and similar entrainment to 12:12 LD cycles. However, the PRC of PACAP-null mice lacks a phase-advance portion. Surprisingly, despite the absence of phase advance to single light pulses, PACAP-null mice are able to entrain to a 23-h T-cycle, but with a significantly longer phase angle of entrainment than wild types. In addition, PACAP-null mice re-entrain more slowly to a 6-h phase advance of the LD cycle. Nevertheless, induction of c-Fos by light in late night is normal. In all experiments, PACAP-null mice show specific behavioral impairments in response to phase-advancing photic stimuli. These results suggest that PACAP is required for the normal integration of the phase-advancing light signal by the SCN.
Framing the Field
Authors: Muukkonen Martti
Published: March 2009

This article considers how to frame the area of scholarship that deals with concepts such as third sector, nonprofit, voluntary sector, civil society, philanthropy, nongovernmental organizations, social economy, and public benefit organizations. In spite of more than 30 years' history of the field, which we refer to here broadly as civil society studies, there is not one single term that covers the whole sphere. This article focuses on the different concepts and evaluates their content and connotations. It suggests that attempts to use categorizations should be replaced with the Wittgensteinian idea of family resemblance.
Should We Tell the Truth? Why Families in Japan Chose to Tell Their Loved Ones They Were Victims of Iatrogenic HIV Infection
Authors: Seki Yukiko , Yamazaki Yoshihiko , Mizota Yuri , Inoue Yoji
Published: March 2009

Japanese families traditionally avoid disclosing diagnoses of terminal illnesses to patients, seeking to protect the patient from emotional pain and shock. Using awareness theory, in this study we aimed to investigate the attitudes toward disclosure among bereaved families of Japanese hemophiliacs with iatrogenic HIV/AIDS. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 34 bereaved family members. Qualitative content analysis centered around three main issues: (a) family attitudes toward physician nondisclosure of HIV diagnosis; (b) family attitudes regarding the consequences of nondisclosure; and (c) family attitudes regarding the impact of nondisclosure on patient—family relationships. Our findings suggest that families favored disclosure because they felt that knowledge of the iatrogenic HIV infection would benefit the patient.
Molecular Genetics
Authors: Commoner Barry
Published: March 2009

This essay examines the current state of knowledge of molecular biology, and how well this science has been conveyed into the public understanding. The article starts by providing a primer on the key concepts of molecular genetics. What this shows is that DNA is not the sole governing component of biological inheritance and cellular reproduction. Rather, the nature of life is the outcome of a complex interaction among DNA, RNA, and proteins. The limitations of genetic theory are evident from the findings of the National Institutes of Health's Encyclopedia of DNA Elements Project (ENCODE). Summarizing a large number of scientific reports created by this project, it is argued that the ENCODE study has replaced the original pattern of colinear transfer of genetic information from simple genes to specific proteins and their engendered inherited traits with a vastly more complex network of overlapping and interlaced relationships. Thus, the ENCODE project has undermined the notion of genetics that underlies much the practices of genetic engineering of crop plants or genetic screening for diseases. Yet there virtually been no press coverage of this fundamental challenge to the core genetic theory and the public remains uninformed about this issue. This unacknowledged issue in molecular genetics creates a crisis in biology. Because the responsible scientific community has not sought to inform the public, there is a serious problem of public information regarding the status of genetic theory and the nature of the risks engendered in genomic research.
Why Barry Commoner Matters
Authors: Egan Michael
Published: March 2009

The biologist Barry Commoner has been instrumental in shaping American environmentalism over the past fifty years. The breadth of Commoner's activism—against nuclear fallout and the synthetic productions of the petrochemical industry—marked a new direction for American environmental activism that sought to raise awareness about the kinds of technological decisions that were giving rise to an environmental crisis. Similarly, his concerns over air pollution, energy production, and waste management demonstrate that Commoner considered not just individual problems but also the larger systems that spawned them. Just as significantly, however, Commoner's activism introduced a new praxis that stressed the importance of an informed citizenry and a new relationship between experts and the public. Commoner invented the science information movement, a method of disseminating accessible scientific facts to the public so that they could participate in decision making. This essay seeks to situate his historical significance within the broader context of American environmental history. I outline Commoner's contributions in three related avenues: science, democracy, and environment. Commoner saw these three pillars of his activity not as independent aspects of his political sensibilities but as part of a single, intrinsic whole. That science, democracy, and environment should be so related is indicative of Commoner's deep-seated conviction that human societies, their politics and economies, and their physical environments functioned in larger, holistic systems. The intersections between science, society, and the environment that serve as the cornerstone of Commoner's career and work are not simply historical points of interest but remain vitally relevant to contemporary debates and struggles to address toxic contaminants, energy productions crises, and global climate change.
The Future Gaze: City Panoramas as Politico-Emotive Geographies
Authors: Jansson André , Lagerkvist Amanda
Published: March 2009

In this article, we show how the abstract city — media representations of city panoramas and the factual physical silhouette standing in for the city itself in the distance — is constituted as an emotive geography and how the production of such vistas is a political project, whose aim is to activate a future gaze . Through analysing two cities — Montreal in 1967 and contemporary Shanghai — we demonstrate how the mediatized production of urban panoramas sustains a sense of futurity through two (overlapping) forms: the conjunctional and the hyper-representational. We argue that together these panoramas invite an emotive future gaze which, through the combination of practical enactment, haptic movement in the city and political vision, constitutes an ideological force of modern urbanism. By introducing the conceptual framework of encapsulation/decapsulation, we propose a way of deepening the understanding of the symbolic and emotional negotiations involved in the production of spectacular city landscapes.
The division of moral labour and the basic structure restriction
Authors: Porter Thomas
Published: April 2009

Justice makes demands upon us. But these demands, important though they may be, are not the only moral demands that we face. Our lives ought to be responsive to other values too. However, some philosophers have identified an apparent tension between those values and norms, such as justice, that seem to transcend the arena of small-scale interpersonal relations and those that are most at home in precisely that arena. How, then, are we to engage with all of the values and norms that we take to apply to us? In this article, I discuss one way that we might hope to resolve the tension and its relation to John Rawls's `basic structure restriction'. The prospect of resolution is offered by the idea of a `division of moral labour', according to which the pursuit of certain values is assigned to institutions and not to individuals. According to Rawls's basic structure restriction, principles of justice are applicable only to the institutions of the basic structure of society. The possibility of a connection between the division of moral labour and the basic structure restriction readily suggests itself. Taking G.A. Cohen's well-known `incentives' critique of the basic structure restriction as a starting point, I consider five ways in which that restriction might be defended by appeal to the division of moral labour. I conclude that none of these defences succeeds, for none convinces that the conditions in which it makes sense to apply the division of moral labour idea obtain for Rawls's conception of distributive justice. Although the division of moral labour is an attractive proposal, it can do no work in a Rawlsian context.
The Influence of Cultural Empathy and Gender on Perceptions of Diversity Programs
Authors: Cundiff Nicole L. , Nadler Joel T. , Swan Alicia
Published: April 2009

Because of changes in demography and the emphasis on diversity programming, organizational leaders need to understand how employees' empathy toward diverse groups affects diversity program perceptions. This study examines whether individual ethnic/cultural empathy toward diverse groups relates to intentions to attend and interest in diversity initiatives. The sample consisted of 294 college students at a moderate sized Midwestern University. There were moderate significant relationships found. Women and those higher in ethnic/cultural empathy reported higher behavioral intentions to attend and positive perceptions of diversity programs. Managers and human resource personnel could use these findings to assess the diversity climate of their organization allowing for better targeted interventions based on current workforce attitudes and levels of cultural empathy.
What Factors Need to be Considered to Understand Emotional Memories?
Authors: Kensinger Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2009

In my original review (Kensinger, 2009), I proposed that to understand the effects of emotion on memory accuracy, we must look beyond effects of arousal and consider the contribution of valence. In discussing this proposal, the commentators raise a number of excellent points that hone in on the question of when valence does (and does not) account for emotion's effects on memory accuracy. Though future research will be required to resolve this issue more fully, in this brief response, I address some of the concerns outlined by the commentators and suggest a few steps that may help to elucidate the dimensions that should be incorporated in models of emotional memory.
Gender, Emotion, and the Embodiment of Language Comprehension
Authors: Glenberg Arthur M. , Webster Bryan J. , Mouilso Emily , Havas David , Lindeman Lisa M.
Published: April 2009

Language comprehension requires a simulation that uses neural systems involved in perception, action, and emotion. A review of recent literature as well as new experiments support five predictions derived from this framework. 1. Being in an emotional state congruent with sentence content facilitates sentence comprehension. 2. Because women are more reactive to sad events and men are more reactive to angry events, women understand sentences about sad events with greater facility than men, and men understand sentences about angry events with greater facility than women. 3. Because it takes time to shift from one emotion to another, reading a sad sentence slows the reading of a happy sentence more for women than men, whereas reading an angry sentence slows the reading of a happy sentence more for men than for women. 4. Because sad states motivate affiliative actions and angry states motivate aggressive action, gender and emotional content of sentences interact with the response mode. 5. Because emotion simulation requires particular action systems, adapting those action systems will affect comprehension of sentences with emotional content congruent with the adapted action system. These results have implications for the study of language, emotion, and gender differences.
Neuroscientific Evidence for Simulation and Shared Substrates in Emotion Recognition: Beyond Faces
Authors: Heberlein Andrea S. , Atkinson Anthony P.
Published: April 2009

According to simulation or shared-substrates models of emotion recognition, our ability to recognize the emotions expressed by other individuals relies, at least in part, on processes that internally simulate the same emotional state in ourselves. The term “emotional expressions” is nearly synonymous, in many people's minds, with facial expressions of emotion. However, vocal prosody and whole-body cues also convey emotional information. What is the relationship between these various channels of emotional communication? We first briefly review simulation models of emotion recognition, and then discuss neuroscientific evidence related to these models, including studies using facial expressions, whole-body cues, and vocal prosody. We conclude by discussing these data in the context of simulation and shared-substrates models of emotion recognition.
Embodied and Disembodied Emotion Processing: Learning From and About Typical and Autistic Individuals
Authors: Winkielman Piotr , McIntosh Daniel N. , Oberman Lindsay
Published: April 2009

Successful social functioning requires quick and accurate processing of emotion and generation of appropriate reactions. In typical individuals, these skills are supported by embodied processing, recruiting central and peripheral mechanisms. However, emotional processing is atypical in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals with ASD show deficits in recognition of briefly presented emotional expressions. They tend to recognize expressions using rule-based, rather than template, strategies. Individuals with ASD also do not spontaneously and quickly mimic emotional expressions, unless the task encourages engagement. When processing emotional scenes, ASD individuals show atypical basic motivational responses, despite intact ability to verbally determine stimulus valence. We discuss how these findings highlight the contribution of both embodied and disembodied mechanisms to typical and atypical emotional functioning.
The subcellular localization of IGFBP5 affects its cell growth and migration functions in breast cancer
Authors: Akkiprik Mustafa , Hu Limei , Sahin Aysegul , Hao Xishan , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2009

Background

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) has been shown to be associated with breast cancer metastasis in clinical marker studies. However, a major difficulty in understanding how IGFBP5 functions in this capacity is the paradoxical observation that ectopic overexpression of IGFBP5 in breast cancer cell lines results in suppressed cellular proliferation. In cancer tissues, IGFBP5 resides mainly in the cytoplasm; however, in transfected cells, IGFBP5 is mainly located in the nucleus. We hypothesized that subcellular localization of IGFBP5 affects its functions in host cells.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we generated wild-type and mutant IGFBP5 expression constructs. The mutation occurs within the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of the protein and is generated by site-directed mutagenesis using the wild-type IGFBP5 expression construct as a template. Next, we transfected each expression construct into MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells to establish stable clones overexpressing either wild-type or mutant IGFBP5.

Results

Functional analysis revealed that cells overexpressing wild-type IGFBP5 had significantly lower cell growth rate and motility than the vector-transfected cells, whereas cells overexpressing mutant IGFBP5 demonstrated a significantly higher ability to proliferate and migrate. To illustrate the subcellular localization of the proteins, we generated wild-type and mutant IGFBP5-pDsRed fluorescence fusion constructs. Fluorescence microscopy imaging revealed that mutation of the NLS in IGFBP5 switched the accumulation of IGFBP5 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of the protein.

Conclusion

Together, these findings imply that the mutant form of IGFBP5 increases proliferation and motility of breast cancer cells and that mutation of the NLS in IGFBP5 results in localization of IGFBP5 in the cytoplasm, suggesting that subcellular localization of IGFBP5 affects its cell growth and migration functions in the breast cancer cells.
Pre-hospital antibiotic treatment and mortality caused by invasive meningococcal disease, adjusting for indication bias
Authors: Perea-Milla Emilio , Olalla Julián , Sánchez-Cantalejo Emilio , Martos Francisco , Matute-Cruz Petra , Carmona-López Guadalupe , Fornieles Yolanda , Cayuela Aurelio , García-Alegría Javier ,   the ANCA Group
Published: April 2009

Background

Mortality from invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) has remained stable over the last thirty years and it is unclear whether pre-hospital antibiotherapy actually produces a decrease in this mortality. Our aim was to examine whether pre-hospital oral antibiotherapy reduces mortality from IMD, adjusting for indication bias.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made of clinical reports of all patients (n = 848) diagnosed with IMD from 1995 to 2000 in Andalusia and the Canary Islands, Spain, and of the relationship between the use of pre-hospital oral antibiotherapy and mortality. Indication bias was controlled for by the propensity score technique, and a multivariate analysis was performed to determine the probability of each patient receiving antibiotics, according to the symptoms identified before admission. Data on in-hospital death, use of antibiotics and demographic variables were collected. A logistic regression analysis was then carried out, using death as the dependent variable, and pre-hospital antibiotic use, age, time from onset of symptoms to parenteral antibiotics and the propensity score as independent variables.

Results

Data were recorded on 848 patients, 49 (5.72%) of whom died. Of the total number of patients, 226 had received oral antibiotics before admission, mainly betalactams during the previous 48 hours. After adjusting the association between the use of antibiotics and death for age, time between onset of symptoms and in-hospital antibiotic treatment, pre-hospital oral antibiotherapy remained a significant protective factor (Odds Ratio for death 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.93).

Conclusion

Pre-hospital oral antibiotherapy appears to reduce IMD mortality.
A novel HIV-1 restriction factor that is biologically distinct from APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases in a human T cell line CEM.NKR
Authors: Zhou Tao , Han Yanxing , Dang Ying , Wang Xiaojun , Zheng Yong-Hui
Published: April 2009

Background

Isolation of novel retroviral restriction factors will open new avenues for anti-HIV/AIDS treatment. Although HIV-1 replication is restricted by APOBEC3G/APOBEC3F, TRIM5α, and CD317, none defend HIV-1 infection under natural conditions. Previously, we demonstrated a host factor from the human T cell line CEM.NKR that potently restricted wild-type HIV-1 replication. Interestingly, this restriction resembled the APOBEC3G/APOBEC3F pattern in that viral replication was inhibited from the second round of replication cycle at a post-entry step.

Results

Here, we further characterized this factor and found it distinguishable from the known anti-HIV APOBEC3 proteins. Although CEM.NKR cells expressed both APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F, their levels were at least 10 or 4-fold lower than those in H9 cells, and importantly, Vif effectively neutralized their activity. Among eight subclones isolated from CEM.NKR cells, one was relatively permissive, four were semi-permissive, and three were completely non-permissive for HIV-1 replication. When the levels of APOBEC3 expression were determined, all these clones retained similar low levels of APOBEC3DE, APOBEC3F, APOBEC3G and APOBEC3H expression, and no APOBEC3B expression was detected. Since theviffrom SIVmac can effectively neutralize APOBEC3B and APOBEC3H, recombinant HIV-1 expressing this SIV gene were created. However, these viruses still failed to replicate in CEM.NKR cells. We also confirmed that HIV-1 restriction in CEM.NKR was not due to a loss of calnexin expression.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results not only demonstrate that all these aforementioned anti-HIV APOBEC3 proteins do not contribute to this HIV-1 restriction, but also shed light on a novel and potent HIV-1 inhibitor in CEM.NKR cells.