bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histamine Deficiency Decreases Atherosclerosis and Inflammatory Response in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice Independently of Serum Cholesterol Level
Authors: Wang Ke-Yong , Tanimoto Akihide , Guo Xin , Yamada Sohsuke , Shimajiri Shohei , Murata Yoshitaka , Ding Yan , Tsutsui Masato , Kato Seiya , Watanabe Teruo , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Hirano Ken-Ichi , Kohno Kimitoshi , Sasaguri Yasuyuki
Published: January 2011

Objective—

Histamine and histamine receptors are found in atherosclerotic lesions, and their signaling and subsequent proatherogenic or proinflammatory gene expression are involved in atherogenesis. In the present study, we generated apolipoprotein E (apoE) and histamine synthesizing histidine decarboxylase double knockout (DKO) mice on a C57BL/6J (wild-type mice) background to clarify the roles of histamine in atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Wild-type, apoE knockout (KO), and DKO mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet to analyze hyperlipidemia-induced atherosclerosis. Compared with wild-type mice, apoE-KO mice showed increased expression of histamine and its receptors, corresponding to increased atherosclerotic lesion areas and expression of inflammatory regulators, such as nuclear factor-κB, scavenger receptors, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases. Histamine deficiency after deletion of histidine decarboxylase reduced atherosclerotic areas and expression of a range of the inflammation regulatory genes, but serum cholesterol levels of DKO mice were higher than those of apoE-KO mice.

Conclusion—

These results indicate that histamine is involved in the development of atherosclerosis in apoE-KO mice by regulating gene expression of inflammatory modulators, an action that appears to be independent of serum cholesterol levels. In addition to acute inflammatory response, histamine participates in chronic inflammation, such as hyperlipidemia-induced atherosclerosis, and might be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
RhoA-Mediated Signaling in Notch-Induced Senescence-Like Growth Arrest and Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Venkatesh Deepak , Fredette Natalie , Rostama Bahman , Tang Yuefeng , Vary Calvin P.H. , Liaw Lucy , Urs Sumithra
Published: January 2011

Objective—

Notch signaling has a critical role in vascular development and morphogenesis. Activation of Notch in endothelial cells led to a senescence-like phenotype with loss of barrier function. Our objective was to understand the molecular pathways mediating this phenotype.

Methods and Results—

Human primary endothelial cells increase expression of Notch receptors and ligands during propagation in vitro toward natural senescence. This senescence was induced at low passage with Notch activation. We characterized the pathways activated downstream of Notch signaling. Notch was activated by Delta-like 4 ligand or constitutively active Notch receptors and measured for cell proliferation, migration, and sprouting. Notch signaling triggered early senescence in low-passage cells, characterized by increased p53 and p21 expression. The senescence phenotype was associated with hyperpermeability of the monolayer, with disrupted vascular endothelial cadherin and β-catenin levels and localization. Consistent with changes in cell shape and contact, we demonstrated that Notch activation increases myosin light chain phosphorylation by activating Rho kinase. Inhibition of Rho abrogated Notch-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation and led to enhanced barrier function by reorganizing F-actin to β-catenin-containing cell-cell adherens junctions.

Conclusion—

Our findings show that RhoA/Rho kinase regulation by Notch signaling in endothelial cells triggers a senescence phenotype associated with endothelial barrier dysfunction.
Genetic Inactivation of Prokineticin Receptor-1 Leads to Heart and Kidney Disorders
Authors: Boulberdaa Mounia , Turkeri Gulen , Urayama Kyoji , Dormishian Mojdeh , Szatkowski Cécilia , Zimmer Luc , Messaddeq Nadia , Laugel Virginie , Dollé Pascal , Nebigil Canan G.
Published: January 2011

Objective—

Prokineticins are potent angiogenic hormones that use 2 receptors, prokineticin receptor-1 (PKR1) and PKR2, with important therapeutic use in anticancer therapy. Observations of cardiac and renal toxicity in cancer patients treated with antiangiogenic compounds led us to explore how PKR1 signaling functioned in heart and kidney in vivo.

Methods and Results—

We generated mice with a conditional disruption of the PKR1 gene. We observed that PKR1 loss led to cardiomegaly, severe interstitial fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction under stress conditions, accompanied by renal tubular dilation, reduced glomerular capillaries, urinary phosphate excretion, and proteinuria at later ages. Abnormal mitochondria and increased apoptosis were evident in both organs. Perturbation of capillary angiogenesis in both organs was restored at the adult stage potentially via upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and proangiogenic factors. Compensatory mechanism could not revoke the epicardial and glomerular capillary networks, because of increased apoptosis and reduced progenitor cell numbers, consistent with an endogenous role of PKR1 signaling in stimulating epicardin+ progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation.

Conclusion—

Here, we showed for the first time that the loss of PKR1 causes renal and cardiac structural and functional changes because of deficits in survival signaling, mitochondrial, and progenitor cell functions in found both organs.
Impaired Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis Reduces Atherosclerosis and Prevents Lipotoxic Cardiac Dysfunction in ApoE
−/−
Mice
Authors: Cole Laura K. , Dolinsky Vernon W. , Dyck Jason R.B. , Vance Dennis E.
Published: January 2011

Rationale:

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the predominant phospholipid component of circulating lipoproteins. The majority of PC is formed by the choline pathway. However, approximately one-third of hepatic PC can also be synthesized by phosphatidylethanolamine
N
-methyltransferase (PEMT). PEMT is required for normal secretion of very-low-density lipoproteins from the liver. We hypothesized that lack of PEMT would attenuate atherosclerosis and improve myocardial function.

Objective:

Investigate the contribution of PEMT to atherosclerotic lesion formation and cardiac function in mice that lack apolipoprotein E.

Methods and Results:

Mice deficient in apolipoprotein E (
Pemt
+/+
/
Apoe
−/−
) and mice lacking both PEMT and apoE (
Pemt
−/−
/
Apoe
−/−
) were fed a chow diet for 1 year. The atherogenic lipoprotein profile of plasma of
Apoe
−/−
mice was significantly improved by PEMT deficiency, with lower levels of triacylglycerol (45%) and cholesterol (≈25%) in the very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density/intermediate-density lipoprotein fractions, respectively (
P
<0.05). Atherosclerotic lesion area was reduced by ≈30%, and aortic cholesteryl ester and cholesterol content were also reduced by ≈40% by PEMT deficiency (
P
<0.05). By in vivo echocardiography, we detected a ≈50% improvement in systolic function in the
Pemt
−/−
/
Apoe
−/−
compared with
Pemt
+/+
/
Apoe
−/−
mice (
P
<0.05). This was accompanied by a significant reduction in cardiac triacylglycerol (34%) in mice lacking PEMT.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that treatment strategies aimed at inhibition of PEMT might prevent the accumulation of cardiac triacylglycerol that predisposes individuals to compromised cardiac function.
Poor Performance of Current Prognostic Scores for Early Risk of Recurrence After Minor Stroke
Authors: Chandratheva Arvind , Geraghty Olivia C. , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

The ABCD
2
score predicts the early risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack. The early risk of recurrence after minor stroke is as high but the only validated prognostic scores for use in minor stroke predict long-term risk of recurrence: the Essen Stroke Risk Score and the Stroke Prognosis Instrument II.

Methods—

We determined the prognostic value of the ABCD
2
score, Essen Stroke Risk Score, and Stroke Prognosis Instrument II in a prospective population-based study in Oxfordshire, UK, of all incident and recurrent stroke (Oxford Vascular Study). Minor stroke was defined as an National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 at the time of first assessment. The 90-day risks of recurrent stroke were determined in relation to each score. Areas under the receiver operator curves indicated predictive value.

Results—

Of 1247 first events in the study period, 488 were transient ischemic attacks, 520 were minor strokes, and 239 were major strokes. The ABCD
2
score was modestly predictive (area under the receiver operator curve, 0.64; 0.53 to 0.74;
P
=0.03) of recurrence at 7 days after minor stroke and at 90 days (0.62; 0.54 to 0.70;
P
=0.004). Neither Essen Stroke Risk Score (0.50; 0.42 to 0.59;
P
=0.95) nor Stroke Prognosis Instrument II (0.48; 0.39 to 0.60;
P
=0.92) were predictive of 7-day or 90-day risk of recurrent stroke. Of the traditional vascular risk factors, etiologic classification (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) and variables in the ABCD
2
score, only blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg (hazard ratio, 2.75; 1.18 to 6.38;
P
=0.02) and large artery disease (hazard ratio, 2.21; 1.00 to 4.88;
P
=0.05) were predictive of 90-day risk.

Conclusions—

The predictive power of the ABCD
2
score is modest in patients with minor stroke, and neither the Essen Stroke Risk Score nor the Stroke Prognosis Instrument II predicts early recurrence. More reliable early risk prediction after minor stroke is required.
Innovative Approaches Helpful to Enhance Knowledge on Weather-Related Stroke Events Over a Wide Geographical Area and a Large Population
Authors: Morabito Marco , Crisci Alfonso , Vallorani Roberto , Modesti Pietro Amedeo , Gensini Gian Franco , Orlandini Simone
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

Results on the effect of weather on stroke occurrences are still confusing and controversial. The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate in Tuscany (central Italy) the weather-related stroke events through the use of an innovative source of weather data (Reanalysis) together with an original statistical approach to quantify the prompt/delayed health effects of both cold and heat exposures.

Methods—

Daily stroke hospitalizations and meteorologic data from the Reanalysis 2 Achieve were obtained for the period 1997 to 2007. Generalized linear and additive models and an innovative modeling approach, the constrained segmented distributed lag model, were applied.

Results—

Both daily averages and day-to-day changes of air temperature and geopotential height (a measure that approximates the mean surface pressure) were selected as independent predictors of all stroke occurrences. In particular, a 5°C temperature decrease was associated with 16.5% increase of primary intracerebral hemorrhage of people ≥65 years of age. A general short-term cold effect on hospitalizations limited to 1 week after exposure was observed and, for the first time, a clear harvesting effect (deficit of hospitalization) for cold-related primary intracerebral hemorrhage was described. Day-to-day changes of meteorologic parameters disclosed characteristic U- and J-shaped relationships with stroke occurrences.

Conclusions—

Thanks to the intrinsic characteristic of Reanalysis, these results might simply be implemented in an operative forecast system regarding weather-related stroke events with the aim to develop preventive health plans.
Changes in Intracortical Excitability After Transient Ischemic Attack Are Associated With ABCD
2
Score
Authors: Edwards Jodi D. , Meehan Sean K. , Levy Adrian R. , Teal Philip A. , Linsdell Meghan A. , Boyd Lara A.
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief ischemic episode characterized by rapid clinical resolution and not associated with permanent cerebral infarction. Whether changes in intracortical excitability persist and are related to clinical predictors of stroke risk after TIA remains unknown.

Methods—

Participants were individuals with clinically resolved motor TIA with no structural lesions and healthy age-matched control participants. Single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure intracortical excitability. Recruitment curves for percent inhibition and facilitation were used to derive excitability thresholds. Correlations between threshold asymmetries and ABCD
2
score were performed.

Results—

Results showed a significant 3-way interaction with reduced inhibition and enhanced facilitation in the affected compared with unaffected hemisphere after TIA. No significant differences were present in healthy participants. Asymmetries in intracortical inhibition and facilitation were significantly correlated with ABCD
2
score.

Conclusions—

The present study is the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate altered intracortical inhibition and facilitation in the affected hemisphere after TIA. These changes occurred on average 2 weeks after clinical signs of TIA resolved and in the absence of structural lesions and were not present in healthy age-matched control participants. Furthermore, this study is the first, to our knowledge, to report that changes in intracortical excitability after TIA are associated with ABCD
2
score.
Mesoscale Simulation of Tropical Cyclones in the South Pacific: Climatology and Interannual Variability
Authors: Jourdain Nicolas C. , Marchesiello Patrick , Menkes Christophe E. , Lefèvre Jérome , Vincent Emmanuel M. , Lengaigne Matthieu , Chauvin Fabrice
Published: January 2011

The Weather Research and Forecast model at ⅓° resolution is used to simulate the statistics of tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the present climate of the South Pacific. In addition to the large-scale conditions, the model is shown to reproduce a wide range of mesoscale convective systems. Tropical cyclones grow from the most intense of these systems formed along the South Pacific convergence zone (SPCZ) and sometimes develop into hurricanes. The three-dimensional structure of simulated tropical cyclones is in excellent agreement with dropsondes and satellite observations. The mean seasonal and spatial distributions of TC genesis and occurrence are also in good agreement with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) data. It is noted, however, that the spatial pattern of TC activity is shifted to the northeast because of a similar bias in the environmental forcing. Over the whole genesis area, 8.2 ± 3.5 cyclones are produced seasonally in the model, compared with 6.6 ± 3.0 in the JTWC data. Part of the interannual variability is associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO-driven displacement of the SPCZ position produces a dipole pattern of correlation and results in a weaker correlation when the opposing correlations of the dipole are amalgamated over the entire South Pacific region. As a result, environmentally forced variability at the regional scale is relatively weak, that is, of comparable order to stochastic variability (±1.7 cyclones yr−1), which is estimated from a 10-yr climatological simulation. Stochastic variability appears essentially related to mesoscale interactions, which also affect TC tracks and the resulting occurrence.
Effects of Relative and Absolute Sea Surface Temperature on Tropical Cyclone Potential Intensity Using a Single-Column Model
Authors: Ramsay Hamish A. , Sobel Adam H.
Published: January 2011

The effects of relative and absolute sea surface temperature (SST) on tropical cyclone potential intensity are investigated using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) single-column model. The model is run in two modes: (i) radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) to represent the convective response to uniform warming of the ocean as in a homogeneous aqua planet, and (ii) weak temperature gradient (WTG) to represent the convective response to warming over a limited area of ocean while the SST outside that area remains unchanged. The WTG calculations are taken to represent the sensitivity of the atmospheric state to relative SST changes, while the RCE calculations are taken to represent the sensitivity to absolute SST changes occurring in the absence of relative SST changes. The potential intensity is computed using temperature and moisture profiles from the two sets of experiments for various values of SST. The computed potential intensity is more sensitive to relative SST than to absolute SST, with slopes of between about 7 and 8 m s−1 °C−1 (depending on choice of input parameters in the model’s convection scheme and other details of the model configuration) in the WTG calculations and about 1 m s−1 °C−1 in RCE. The sensitivity to relative SST obtained from these calculations is quantitatively similar to that obtained previously by G. Vecchi and B. J. Soden from global climate model output. The greater sensitivity of potential intensity to SST in the WTG simulations (relative to RCE) can be attributed primarily to larger changes in the air–sea thermodynamic disequilibrium in those calculations as SST changes, which results from the inability of the free troposphere to adjust to the SST in WTG as it does in RCE.
On the Significance of the Sensible Heat Supply from the Ocean in the Maintenance of the Mean Baroclinicity along Storm Tracks
Authors: Hotta Daisuke , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: January 2011

The relative importance between the sensible heat supply from the ocean and latent heating is assessed for the maintenance of near-surface mean baroclinicity in the major storm-track regions, by analyzing steady linear responses of a planetary wave model to individual components of zonally asymmetric thermal forcing taken from a global reanalysis dataset. The model experiments carried out separately for the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and south Indian Oceans indicate that distinct local maxima of near-surface baroclinicity observed along the storm tracks can be reinforced most efficiently as a response to the near-surface sensible heating. The result suggests the particular importance of the differential sensible heat supply from the ocean across an oceanic frontal zone for the efficient restoration of surface baroclinicity, which acts against the relaxing effect by poleward eddy heat transport, setting up conditions favorable for the recurrent development of transient eddies to anchor a storm track. Unlike what has been suggested, the corresponding reinforcement of the near-surface baroclinicity along a storm track as the response to the latent heating due either to cumulus convection or large-scale condensation is found less efficient. As is well known, poleward eddy heat flux convergence acts as the primary contributor to the reinforcement of the surface westerlies, especially in the core of a storm track. In its exit region, a substantial contribution to the reinforcement arises also from a planetary wave response to the sensible heat supply from the ocean. In contrast, the surface wind acceleration as a planetary wave response to the latent heating is found to contribute negatively to the maintenance of the surface westerlies along any of the major storm tracks.
Weather Regimes in the Euro-Atlantic and Mediterranean Sector, and Relationship with West African Rainfall over the 1989–2008 Period from a Self-Organizing Maps Approach
Authors: Polo Irene , Ullmann Albin , Roucou Pascal , Fontaine Bernard
Published: January 2011

Weather regimes (WRs) have been defined over the Euro-Mediterranean region (15°–70°N, 60°W–60°E) from May to October using the daily sea level pressure, 700-hPa geopotential height, and specific humidity from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA)-Interim over the 1989–2008 period. Computations are based on a neural network classification technique referred to as self-organizing maps, and the WRs produced can be used by the scientific community for comparison with other periods, projection onto model outputs, seasonal prediction, or teleconnection studies. The article particularly examines the relationship between WRs and West Africa (WA) rainfall, and the study’s results suggest that changes in particular WR frequencies can account for a part of the WA’s interannual rainfall variability. Thus, during anomalous wet (dry) years in WA rainfall, both more occurrences of WRs related to the negative (positive) summer North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)–like pattern and fewer occurrences of WRs related to the positive (negative) summer NAO-like pattern are attested in July and August (SN− and SN+, respectively). This is associated with a zonal symmetric pattern, consistent along the midtroposphere—that is, a low pressure anomaly centered over 50°N, 20°W and Eurasia (Greenland) and a high pressure anomaly centered over Iceland (central Europe) for SN− (SN+). Another striking characteristic of SN− (SN+) are southeastward (southwestward) anomalous surface winds flowing from (to) the Atlantic Ocean at 20°N; therefore able to enhance (weaken) wet convection. That sea surface temperature associated with SN− shows a warming of the Mediterranean in July and the opposite with SN+ in August suggests that temperature anomalies could be a precursor in the change of frequency of SN− and SN+.
Intensification of Precipitation Extremes with Warming in a Cloud-Resolving Model
Authors: Muller Caroline J. , O’Gorman Paul A. , Back Larissa E.
Published: January 2011

A cloud-resolving model is used to investigate the effect of warming on high percentiles of precipitation (precipitation extremes) in the idealized setting of radiative-convective equilibrium. While this idealized setting does not allow for several factors that influence precipitation in the tropics, it does allow for an evaluation of the response of precipitation extremes to warming in simulations with resolved rather than parameterized convection. The methodology developed should also be applicable to less idealized simulations.

Modeled precipitation extremes are found to increase in magnitude in response to an increase in sea surface temperature. A dry static energy budget is used to relate the changes in precipitation extremes to changes in atmospheric temperature, vertical velocity, and precipitation efficiency. To first order, the changes in precipitation extremes are captured by changes in the mean temperature structure of the atmosphere. Changes in vertical velocities play a secondary role and tend to weaken the strength of precipitation extremes, despite an intensification of updraft velocities in the upper troposphere. The influence of changes in condensate transports on precipitation extremes is quantified in terms of a precipitation efficiency; it does not change greatly with warming.

Tropical precipitation extremes have previously been found to increase at a greater fractional rate than the amount of atmospheric water vapor in observations of present-day variability and in some climate model simulations with parameterized convection. But the fractional increases in precipitation extremes in the cloud-resolving simulations are comparable in magnitude to those in surface water vapor concentrations (owing to a partial cancellation between dynamical and thermodynamical changes), and are substantially less than the fractional increases in column water vapor.
Influence of Karst Landscape on Planetary Boundary Layer Atmosphere: A Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model–Based Investigation
Authors: Leeper Ronnie , Mahmood Rezaul , Quintanar Arturo I.
Published: January 2011

Karst hydrology provides a unique set of surface and subsurface hydrological components that affect soil moisture variability. Over karst topography, surface moisture moves rapidly below ground via sink holes, vertical shafts, and sinking streams, reducing surface runoff and moisture infiltration into the soil. In addition, subsurface cave blockage or rapid snowmelt over karst can lead to surface flooding. Moreover, regions dominated by karst may exhibit either drier or wetter soils when compared to nonkarst landscape. However, because of the lack of both observational soil moisture datasets to initialize simulations and regional land surface models (LSMs) that include explicit karst hydrological processes, the impact of karst on atmospheric processes is not fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of karst hydrology on planetary boundary layer (PBL) atmosphere using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). This research is a first attempt to identify the impacts of karst on PBL. To model the influence of karst hydrology on atmospheric processes, soil moisture was modified systematically over the Western Kentucky Pennyroyal Karst (WKYPK) region to produce an ensemble of dry and wet anomaly experiments. Simulations were conducted for both frontal- and nonfrontal-based convection. For the dry ensemble, cloud cover was both diminished downwind of karst because of reduced atmospheric moisture and enhanced slightly upwind as moist air moved into a region of increased convection compared to control simulations (CTRL). Moreover, sensible (latent) heat flux and PBL heights were increased (decreased) compared to CTRL. In addition, the wet ensemble experiments reduced PBL heights and sensible heat flux and increased cloud cover over karst compared to CTRL. Other changes were noted in equivalent potential temperature (θe) and vertical motions and development of new mesoscale circulation cells with alterations in soil moisture over WKYPK. Finally, the location of simulated rainfall patterns were altered by both dry and wet ensembles with the greatest sensitivity to simulated rainfall occurring during weakly forced or nonfrontal cases. Simulated rainfall for the dry ensemble was more similar to the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) than CTRL for the nonfrontal case. Furthermore, the initial state of the atmosphere and convective triggers were found to either enhance or diminish simulated atmospheric responses.
Expanding imperialism, exporting expertise: International social work and the Greek project, 1946—74
Authors: Ioakimidis Vasilios
Published: January 2011

Although dominant interpretations of international social work history argue that the profession has always been unconditionally committed to social justice, the Greek case demonstrates otherwise. The development of the Greek project was in close collaboration with authoritarian regimes and served as a tool for Anglo-American interests in the region.
Ethnic sensitivity: A challenge for social work
Authors: Urh Špela
Published: January 2011

Ethnicity is becoming a recognizable constituent of social work which is shown also in its growing integration in the education programme in social work, as in Slovenia. In order to break the historical silence and the neutral or passive attitude to ethnic differences it is necessary to fight for institutional changes in social work and the transcendence of institutional, cultural and personal racism.The article is concerned mainly with the Roma ethnic minority, being one of the most and historically marginalized ethnic-minority groups in Slovenia. It presents two main areas relevant to social work: the legal and sociological perspective (how minorities are treated in Slovenia) and the social work perspective (how social work has responded to minority needs and how social work education has adapted).
Anatomy of a Haitian Tragedy: When the Fury of Nature Meets the Debility of the State
Authors: Gros Jean-Germain
Published: January 2011

On January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent history. In terms of fatalities, only the Bangladesh cyclone of 1970 and the Tangshan earthquake of 1976 in China surpassed the Haitian tragedy. This article argues that geography and geology sparked the Haitian earthquake, but the extent of the destruction was due to the massive failure of Haitian institutions, in particular the state, and international policy, which predated the earthquake. In sum, the Haitian tragedy combined the fury of Nature and the ineptitude of “Man.” The article demonstrates the logic, mechanisms, and consequences of institutional failure. Furthermore, it deems Haitian state building an existential imperative and suggests a road map to its achievement.
The Earthquake, the Missionaries, and the Future of Vodou
Authors: Germain Felix
Published: January 2011

Although Duvalier used Vodou to legitimize his brutal dictatorship, the religion has traditionally empowered Haitians, particularly people from the poorest segments of the population. Historically, at Bois Caïman, Vodou inspired Haitians to rebel against the French for their freedom, and more recently Vodou priests and priestesses have served as healers, counselors, and mediators between rival families. In a highly patriarchal society, Vodou empowers women by allowing them to bring female issues into the “public eye.” Yet in the past three decades Christian missionaries from various Protestant churches have been swarming to Haiti, and unlike the Haitian Catholic church, which tolerates the presence of Vodou in society, they condemn the Afro-Haitian belief system, labeling it a satanic cult. The tragic earthquake has created new opportunities for the Christian missionaries. Seeking new recruits, the missionaries blame the devastation on Vodou practitioners, who, at times, question the integrity of their belief. Moreover, the Protestants control a substantial portion of foreign aid, schools, orphanages, and medical centers, which lures Haitians away from their indigenous religion. Although the Protestants provide relief, their constant attack on Vodou reconfigures gender relations, disempowers poor women, and generates sentiment of self-hate among Haitians who are misled into believing that their faith is the source of their plight.
Using Wenger’s Communities of Practice to Explore a New Teacher Cohort
Authors: Cuddapah Jennifer L. , Clayton Christine D.
Published: January 2011

This qualitative study explores a cohort professional development experience that brought new teachers together every few weeks from across an urban school district. Observation data were analyzed through Wenger’s (1998) Communities of Practice social learning framework. The purpose was to examine how a cohort can be a valuable resource of new teacher support, particularly in areas where novices, who are being prepared largely through alternative routes, start their careers in some of the most challenging teaching assignments. Key theoretical insights resulting from the analysis include (a) the importance of interactivity of the Wenger elements, (b) the centrality of the community component, and (c) the implications of what legitimate peripheral participation looks like for a solely novice community of practice. Implications of these theoretical considerations are discussed and then linked to possibilities for practice and research to supplement current, traditional induction and mentoring practices.
Learning to Teach in the Figured World of Reform Mathematics: Negotiating New Models of Identity
Authors: Ma Jasmine Y. , Singer-Gabella Marcy
Published: January 2011

Starting from the assertion that traditional and reform mathematics pedagogy constitute two distinct figured worlds of teaching and learning, the authors explore the initiation of prospective teachers into the figured world of reform mathematics pedagogy. To become successful teachers in reform-oriented classrooms, prospective teachers must learn more than pedagogical tools and moves: They must understand what it is to participate in the figured world of reform pedagogy, develop models of identities for participants in this world, and negotiate new constructions of mathematics. In this article the authors present three episodes from an elementary mathematics teacher education class where positions of “teacher” and “child” were offered by instructors in activities designed to approximate practice in the reform figured world. Students negotiated new models of identity and conceptions of mathematics as they took up these positions in varying ways.
“Urban, but Not Too Urban”: Unpacking Teachers’ Desires to Teach Urban Students
Authors: Watson Dyan
Published: January 2011

This study explores 16 novice, urban-trained teachers’ evaluations of their current schools. Findings suggest that teachers used the perceived behaviors, values, and beliefs of students to measure how urban a student was and, therefore, to guide their expectations and satisfaction of their placements. The less urban the students were perceived to be, the more likely these teachers were to have positive expectations about their students and their schools. Conversely, the more urban the students were perceived to be, the more likely these teachers were to have negative expectations. Importantly, these terms, urban and suburban, were tied to beliefs about race and, to a lesser degree, class.
Knowledge Expectations in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Programs in South Korea and the United States: Towards International Dialogue
Authors: Kim Rae Young , Ham Seung-Hwan , Paine Lynn W.
Published: January 2011

As a comparative analysis of teacher preparation in its sociohistorical contexts, this study examines the official educational aims and curricula of 49 mathematics teacher preparation programs in South Korea and the United States, where substantial differences have been observed in both student achievement and teacher knowledge. Overall, the findings from this study suggest that transnational commonalities and national differences exist simultaneously in social expectations for teacher knowledge. The authors argue that attending to both culturally contextualized and semantically decontextualized dimensions helps us have a more balanced comparative perspective from which we can better assess current conditions of teacher education. Constructive international dialogue can be facilitated by such a balanced perspective that may further enrich teacher education without ignoring either profound differences in sociohistorical contexts or important commonalities in epistemic models of teacher education across countries.
Teacher Learning in a Context of Educational Change: Informal Learning Versus Systematically Supported Learning
Authors: Hoekstra Annemarieke , Korthagen Fred
Published: January 2011

After certification, teachers do not often receive systematic support in their learning and hence mainly depend on informal learning opportunities at work. The present study addresses the question of if and how supervision makes a difference to teacher learning. In a longitudinal mixed-method study, the learning of one teacher is documented in a year in which she had no systematic support but had to adjust herself to an educational innovation. The authors also studied this teacher in a consecutive year in which she did receive individual supervision. During supervision, the teacher became aware of beliefs and patterns that had previously inhibited her from change. This awareness precipitated significant changes in her beliefs and classroom behavior as well as the way she learned. The findings suggest that professional learning will take place only if a teacher is supported in learning how to deal effectively with personal factors involved in the learning process.
Shared decision-making in palliative care: A systematic mixed studies review using narrative synthesis
Authors: Bélanger Emmanuelle , Rodríguez Charo , Groleau Danielle
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study is to synthesize knowledge about the process of shared decision-making (SDM) in palliative care. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Web of Science were searched with core concepts: shared decisions, patient participation in decision-making, and palliative care. Titles and abstracts were screened according to inclusion criteria (original research, adult patients, Western contexts, decision-making, palliative treatment or setting), yielding 37 articles for analysis. A narrative synthesis was created using the methods of thematic analysis, conceptual mapping, and critical reflection on the synthesis process. Results demonstrate that while a majority of patients want to participate in treatment decisions to some extent, most do not achieve their preferred levels of involvement because decisions are delayed and alternative treatment options are seldom discussed. The literature regarding the process of SDM itself remains scarce in palliative care. Further research is needed in order to better understand the longitudinal, interactive, and interdisciplinary process of decision-making in palliative care.
How reverse reactions influence the yield of self-assembly robots
Authors: Miyashita Shuhei , Göldi Maurice , Pfeifer Rolf
Published: January 2011

The decay in structure size of manufacturing products has yielded new demands on spontaneous composition methods. The key for the realization of small-sized robots lies in how to achieve the efficient assembly sequence in a bottom-up manner, where most of the parts have only limited (or no) computational (i.e. deliberative) abilities. In this paper, based on a novel self-assembly platform consisting of self-propulsive centimetre-sized modules capable of aggregation on the surface of water, we study the effect of stochasticity and morphology (shape) on the yield of targeted formations in self-assembly processes. Specifically, we focus on a unique phenomenon: that a number of modules instantly compose a target product without forming intermediate subassemblies, some of which constitute undesired geometrical formations (termed one-shot aggregation). Together with a focus on the role that the morphology of the modules plays, we validate the effect of one-shot aggregation with a kinetic rate mathematical model. Moreover, we examined the degree of parallelism of the assembly process, which is an essential factor in self-assembly, but is not systematically taken into account by existing frameworks.
Bacterial Osteomyelitis in a 3-Week-Old Broiler Chicken Associated With Enterococcus hirae
Authors: Kolbjørnsen Ø. , David B. , Gilhuus M.
Published: January 2011

Enterococcus hirae infections are reported to cause growth depression, encephalomalacia, endocarditis, and septicemia in chickens. This report describes osteomyelitis in the proximal femur of a 3-week-old broiler chicken that also suffered from valvular endocarditis and liver necrosis. Histologically, clusters of gram-positive coccoid bacteria were found in many organs, including bone lesions. In tissues from 5 of 6 examined chickens from the same flock, E hirae was isolated in large numbers. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous bacterial osteomyelitis where E hirae was cultured from bone and where coccoid bacteria consistent with Enterococcus spp were simultaneously demonstrated within bone lesions.
Nonossifying Fibroma in the Mandible of a Goat
Authors: Murphy B. , Gasper D. , Pool R.
Published: January 2011

An 8-year-old male Nubian goat was presented with a peracute history of straining to urinate and unilateral mandibular swelling. At necropsy, the rostral half body of the left mandible was distorted by fusiform swelling that, on sagittal section, had marked medullary bone loss and replacement with a well-demarcated fibrous mass. Histologically, the mass comprised streaming spindloid cells with whorls and storiform patterns, interspersed with numerous multinucleated giant cells. Bone formation was not present in the neoplasm. The mandibular mass was diagnosed as nonossifying fibroma, a relatively common tumor in children but seldom reported in domestic animals.
Bilateral Perysilvian Polymicrogyria With Cerebellar Dysplasia and Ectopic Neurohypophysis
Authors: Toldo Irene , Calderone Milena , Sartori Stefano , Mardari Rodica , Gatta Michela , Boniver Clementina , Guerrini Renzo , Battistella Pier Antonio
Published: January 2011

Polymicrogyria (involving or not the sylvian scissure) with cerebellar cortical dysplasia or vermis hypoplasia has been reported in few cases. In addition, the association between ectopic neurohypophysis and other cortical malformations, including bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, has been documented. We describe a girl affected by focal epilepsy since the age of 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 11 and 22 years of age showed bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, dysplasia of the left cerebellar hemisphere, and ectopic neurohypophysis. Genetic tests, including fluorescent in situ hybridization 22q11.2 and array-comparative genomic hybridization, and pituitary hormones (at the age of 20 years) were normal. The patient is now 22 years old, and she is seizure free under therapy with lamotrigine and levetiracetam. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of this complex cerebral malformation. This finding confirms that bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria can be associated with other cerebral malformations; cerebellum and neurohypophysis must be carefully evaluated in patients with polymicrogyria.
An Unusual Presentation of Copper Metabolism Disorder and a Possible Connection With Niemann-Pick Type C
Authors: Goez Helly R. , Jacob Francois D. , Fealey Robert D. , Patterson Marc C. , Ramaswamy Vijay , Persad Rabin , Johnson Edward S. , Yager Jerome Y.
Published: January 2011

Abnormal copper metabolism has been linked with neurological disorders, such as Wilson and Menkes disease. Another disorder causing symptoms similar to copper metabolism disorder is Niemann-Pick type C. However, a definite pathophysiological connection between Niemann-Pick type C and copper metabolism disorders has never been established. The authors present an adolescent with an unusual presentation of copper deficiency—dysarthria, ataxia, and vertical gaze paresis, without significant cognitive degeneration or pathological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was found to carry 2 mutations in the NPC1 gene. A possible link, explaining how copper deficiency might induce the Niemann-Pick phenotype might involve overproduction of cholesterol and inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase. We suggest that copper metabolism disorders be included in the differential diagnosis for ataxia and dysarthria, even in cases with unusual presentations. Moreover, should the connection between copper and Niemann-Pick be validated, screening for copper metabolism disorders may be advisable in Niemann-Pick type C patients and vice-versa.
Characterizations of Chondrocyte Attachment and Proliferation on Electrospun Biodegradable Scaffolds of PLLA and PBSA for Use in Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wei Jyh-Ding , Tseng How , Chen Eric Tsu-Hsin , Hung Ching-Hsiang , Liang Yu-Chih , Sheu Ming-Thau , Chen Chien-Ho
Published: January 2011

The influence of physical characteristics of electrospun three-dimensional (3D) fibrous scaffolds based on polybutylene succinate- co-adipate (PBSA) and poly l-lactic acid (PLLA) on the culture of primary human chondrocytes (PHCs) in terms of cell attachment, proliferation, and re-differentiation was investigated. Physical characteristics assessed for two polymers electrospun at two different delivery rates (PBSA-3, PBSA-16, PLLA-3, and PLLA-16) including average fiber diameter, average pore diameter, porosity, and contact angle. Results demonstrated that 3D fibrous scaffolds are better for PHCs’ attachment than two-dimensional (2D) casting films made of the same polymeric materials. It was also found that 3D fibrous scaffolds are appropriate architecture for the proliferation of PHCs than 2D casting films and dependent upon the polymer used. Histological analysis revealed that a significant amount of PHC was found to be growing only within layers of PLLA fibrous scaffolds. The mitochondrial ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of both aggrecan and type II collagen by PHCs cultured in tissue culture polystyrene for 28 days decreased significantly. The mRNA expression of both aggrecan and type II collagen by PHCs cultured in PBSA scaffolds increased from 14 to 28 days, whereas only mRNA expression of aggrecan cultured in both PLLA scaffolds increased from 14 to 28 days.
Phase Development During Setting and Hardening of a Bone Cement Based on α-Tricalcium and Octacalcium Phosphates
Authors: Komlev Vladimir S. , Fadeeva Inna V. , Barinov Sergey M. , Rau Julietta V. , Fosca Marco , Gurin Alexey N. , Gurin Nikolay A.
Published: January 2011

In this study, the phase development in the cement system α-TCP–OCP with phosphoric acid as a setting liquid was studied. The most promising formulation of α-TCP (60 wt%) and OCP (40 wt%) is proposed. This cement has the following characteristics: setting time 10 min, pH = 6.7, the compressive strength about 30 MPa, and high dissolution rate in an isotonic solution; the final wt% composition of α-TCP/DCPD/HA/OCP equals 27/38/20/15. Energy dispersive X-ray diffraction techniques were used for in situ monitoring of the processes taking place in the cement in real time.
In Vivo Assessment of Bone Ingrowth Potential of Three-Dimensional E-Beam Produced Implant Surfaces and the Effect of Additional Treatment by Acid Etching and Hydroxyapatite Coating
Authors: Biemond J. Elizabeth , Hannink Gerjon , Jurrius Annemarijn M. G. , Verdonschot Nico , Buma Pieter
Published: January 2011

The bone ingrowth potential of three-dimensional E-beam-produced implant surfaces was examined by histology and compared to a porous plasma-sprayed control. The effects of acid etching and a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating were also evaluated by histology. Specimens were implanted in the distal femur of 10 goats. Histological analysis of bone ingrowth was performed 6 weeks after implantation. The E-beam-produced surfaces showed significantly better bone ingrowth compared to the plasma-sprayed control. Additional treatment of the E-beam surface structures with a HA coating, further improved bone ingrowth potential of these structures significantly. Acid etching of the E-beam structures did not influence bone ingrowth significantly. In conclusion, the HA-coated, E-beam-produced structures are promising potential implant surfaces.
Enhanced mechanical properties and in vitro cell response of surface mechanical attrition treated pure titanium
Authors: Zhao Changli , Han Pei , Ji Weiping , Zhang Xiaonong
Published: January 2011

Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) was used to fabricate nanocrystalline surface layers on the commercial purity titanium. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the top layer contained nanograins. Enhanced strength and microhardness were achieved due to the surface nanostructure. Cell culture tests have shown a greater adhered cell density and more extensively spreading morphologies of Saos-2 cells on the SMAT substrates compared to those on the as-received Ti counterparts. Enhanced cell viability and cell cycle were also achieved on the SMAT Ti substrates. These could be attributed to the nanostructure grains with the increased surface hydrophilicity and roughness on the SMAT Ti.
Thermal, dynamic mechanical, and dielectric analyses of some polyurethane biocomposites
Authors: Macocinschi Doina , Filip Daniela , Vlad Stelian , Cristea Mariana , Musteata Valentina , Ibanescu Sorin
Published: January 2011

Polymer biocomposites based on segmented poly(ester urethane) and extracellular matrix components have been prepared for the development of tissue engineering applications with improved biological characteristics of the materials in contact with blood and tissues for long periods. Thermal, dynamical, and dielectrical analyses were employed to study the molecular dynamics of these materials and the influence of changing the physical network morphology and hydrogen bond interactions accompanied by phase transitions, interfacial effects, and polarization or conductivity. All phenomena that concur in the tested materials are evaluated by cross-examination of the dynamic mechanical characteristic properties (storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor) and dielectric properties (relative permittivity, relative loss factor, and loss tangent) as a function of temperature. Comparative aspects were elucidated by calculating the apparent activation energies of multiplex experiments.