bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated mitochondrial superoxide contributes to enhanced chemoreflex in heart failure rabbits
Authors: Ding Yanfeng , Li Yu-Long , Zimmerman Matthew C. , Schultz Harold D.
Published: November 2009

Peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity is enhanced in both clinical and experimental chronic heart failure (CHF). Here we investigated the role of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the SOD isoform specially targeted to mitochondria, and mitochondrial superoxide levels in the enhanced chemoreceptor activity and function of the carotid body (CB) in CHF rabbits. CHF suppressed MnSOD protein expression and elevated mitochondrial superoxide levels in CB compared with that in sham CB. Adenovirus (Ad) MnSOD (1 × 108 plaque-forming units/ml) gene transfer selectively to the CBs normalized mitochondrial superoxide levels in glomus cells from CHF CB. In addition, Ad MnSOD reduced the elevation of superoxide level in CB tissue from CHF rabbits. Ad MnSOD significantly increased MnSOD expression in CHF CBs and normalized the baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity and the response of renal sympathetic nerve activity to hypoxia in CHF rabbits. Ad MnSOD decreased baseline single-fiber discharge from CB chemoreceptors compared with Ad Empty (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 12.7 ± 1.4 imp/s at ∼100-Torr Po2, P < 0.05) and in response to hypoxia (20.5 ± 1.8 vs. 32.6 ± 1.4 imp/s at ∼40-Torr Po2, P < 0.05) in CHF rabbits. Compared with Ad Empty, Ad MnSOD reversed the blunted K+ currents in CB glomus cells from CHF rabbits (385 ± 11 vs. 551 ± 20 pA/pF at +70 mV, P < 0.05). The results suggest that decreased MnSOD in the CB and elevated mitochondrial superoxide levels contribute to the enhanced CB chemoreceptor activity and peripheral chemoreflex function in CHF rabbits.
Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on rat mesangial cells
Authors: Freidkin Ilya , Herman Michal , Tobar Ana , Chagnac Avry , Ori Yaacov , Korzets Asher , Gafter Uzi
Published: November 2009

Glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) proliferate and produce extracellular matrix proteins in many progressive renal diseases. Recently, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) were shown to have antiproliferative and antifibrogenic effects in some in vitro and in vivo models. Using the [3H]-thymidine incorporation test, we have found that the HDI trichostatin A (TSA) effectively inhibits MC growth at nontoxic nanomolar concentrations. Similarly, the HDI valproic acid also inhibited MCs proliferation. Cell-cycle analysis indicated an arrest in G0/G1phase in response to TSA, which was accompanied by elevation in synthesis of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) p21/Waf1 and p27/Kip1. TSA treatment suppressed α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β1, and collagen protein synthesis by MCs and induced myofibroblast-like appearance of proliferating MCs. In the in vivo model of the anti-Thy1.1-induced glomerulonephritis, TSA and valproic acid treatments significantly suppressed proteinuria. Collectively, these data suggest a therapeutic potential for HDIs in the treatment of mesangial proliferative diseases and glomerulosclerosis.
Differences between three inbred rat strains in number of K+ channel-immunoreactive neurons in the medullary raphé nucleus
Authors: Riley D. , Dwinell M. , Qian B. , Krause K. L. , Bonis J. M. , Neumueller S. , Marshall B. D. , Hodges M. R. , Forster H. V.
Published: November 2009

Ventilatory sensitivity to hypercapnia is greater in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats than in Fawn Hooded hypertensive (FHH) and Brown Norway (BN) inbred rats. Since pH-sensitive potassium ion (K+) channels are postulated to contribute to the sensing and signaling of changes in CO2-H+ in chemosensitive neurons, we tested the hypothesis that there are more pH-sensitive K+ channel-immunoreactive (ir) neurons within the medullary raphé nuclei of the highly chemosensitive SS rats than in the other two strains. Medullary tissues from male and female BN, FHH, and SS rats were stained with cresyl violet or with antibodies targeting TASK-1, Kv1.4, and Kir2.3 channels. K+ channel-ir neurons were quantified and compared with the total neurons in the region. The total number of neurons in the medullary raphé 1) was greater in male FHH than the other male rats, 2) did not differ among the female rats, and 3) did not differ between sexes. The average number of K+ channel-ir neurons per section was 30–60 neurons higher in the male SS than in the other rat strains. In contrast, for the females, the number of K+ channel-ir neurons was greatest in the BN. We also found significant differences in the number of K+ channel-ir neurons between sexes in SS (males > females) and BN (females > males) rats, but not the FHH strain. Our findings support the hypothesis for males but not for females, suggesting that both genetic background and sex are determinants of K+ channel immunoreactivity of medullary raphé neurons, and that the expression of pH-sensitive K+ channels in the medullary raphé does not correlate with the ventilatory sensitivity to hypercapnia.
Obesity, adipokines, and lung disease
Authors: Sood Akshay
Published: November 2009

This review summarizes the state of the current literature relating to the associations of lung disease on obesity and adipokines (proteins produced by adipose tissue) in humans. Obesity is an independent risk factor for asthma. Recent studies suggest that obesity is also an independent risk factor for chronic airflow obstruction, as is seen with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mechanistic basis for these associations in humans is not established, although a possible role for adipokines has been invoked. Leptin, a proinflammatory adipokine, and adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, are causally associated with asthma in mice. Although human studies are currently inconclusive, high-serum leptin and low-serum adiponectin concentrations predict asthma, independent of obesity, in select population groups, such as premenopausal women in the United States. In contradistinction, low-serum leptin and high-serum adiponectin concentrations are associated with stable COPD, although these associations are likely confounded by fat mass. Interestingly, leptin may promote systemic and airway inflammation in stable COPD patients. On the other hand, COPD may upregulate systemic and lung adiponectin expression. The precise mechanism and significance of the associations between these adipokines and lung disease at the current stage is confusing and frankly paradoxical in places. This area of research needs additional study that may open up novel therapeutic strategies for these lung diseases.
Experimental Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Induces Functional Alteration of the Developing Hippocampus
Authors: Yu Zhe , Morrison Barclay
Published: November 2009

It is estimated that ∼1.5 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, of which ∼80% are considered mild injuries. Because symptoms caused by mild TBI last less than half an hour by definition and apparently resolve without treatment, the study of mild TBI is often neglected resulting in a significant knowledge gap for this wide-spread problem. In this work, we studied functional (electrophysiological) alterations of the neonatal/juvenile hippocampus after experimental mild TBI. Our previous work reported significant cell death after in vitro injury >10% biaxial deformation. Here we report that biaxial deformation as low as 5% affected neuronal function during the first week after in vitro mild injury of hippocampal slice cultures. These results suggest that even very mild mechanical events may lead to a quantifiable neuronal network dysfunction. Furthermore, our results highlight that safe limits of mechanical deformation or tolerance criteria may be specific to a particular outcome measure and that neuronal function is a more sensitive measure of injury than cell death. In addition, the age of the tissue at injury was found to be an important factor affecting posttraumatic deficits in electrophysiological function, indicating a relationship between developmental status and vulnerability to mild injury. Our findings suggest that mild pediatric TBI could result in functional deficits that are more serious than currently appreciated.
Complex Spatiotemporal Tuning in Human Upper-Limb Muscles
Authors: Pruszynski J. Andrew , Lillicrap Timothy P. , Scott Stephen H.
Published: November 2009

Correlations between neural activity in primary motor cortex (M1) and arm kinematics have recently been shown to be temporally extensive and spatially complex. These results provide a sophisticated account of M1 processing and suggest that M1 neurons encode high-level movement trajectories, termed “pathlets.” However, interpreting pathlets is difficult because the mapping between M1 activity and arm kinematics is indirect: M1 activity can generate movement only via spinal circuitry and the substantial complexities of the musculoskeletal system. We hypothesized that filter-like complexities of the musculoskeletal system are sufficient to generate temporally extensive and spatially complex correlations between motor commands and arm kinematics. To test this hypothesis, we extended the computational and experimental method proposed for extracting pathlets from M1 activity to extract pathlets from muscle activity. Unlike M1 activity, it is clear that muscle activity does not encode arm kinematics. Accordingly, any spatiotemporal correlations in muscle pathlets can be attributed to musculoskeletal complexities rather than explicit higher-order representations. Our results demonstrate that extracting muscle pathlets is a robust and repeatable process. Pathlets extracted from the same muscle but different subjects or from the same muscle on different days were remarkably similar and roughly appropriate for that muscle's mechanical action. Critically, muscle pathlets included extensive spatiotemporal complexity, including kinematic features before and after the present muscle activity, similar to that reported for M1 neurons. These results suggest the possibility that M1 pathlets at least partly reflect the filter-like complexities of the periphery rather than high-level representations.
Effects of Peanut Processing on Masticatory Performance during Variable Appetitive States
Authors: McKiernan Fiona , Mattes Richard D.
Published: November 2009

Background. Current evidence indicates that peanut consumption reduces cardiovascular disease risk, while posing little threat to positive energy balance. However, questions have been raised as to whether inter- and intraindividual variability in mastication in response to peanut form and processing properties may influence these health effects, since mastication has the potential to alter the bioaccessibility of nutrients within the nut matrix.Objective. To explore the relationship between peanut form and processing and masticatory function.Subjects/Methods. Thirty nine adults (16 M, 23 F; BMI:30.4±4.0 kg/m2; age:27±8 y) with healthy dentition chewed four different forms of peanuts until they would normally swallow and then expectorated the bolus. Surface electromyograms (EMGs) were obtained from the masseter and temporalis muscles during chewing of the four test foods. The maximum and mean bite forces, duration of chewing sequence, number of chews, and total muscle work for the complete chewing cycle were measured on the integrated EMG in fasted and sated states.Results. While no significant differences were noted in response to appetitive state, peanut form and processing had a significant influence on masticatory efficiency, as measured by proportional particle size distributions. The processed peanuts (honey roasted, roasted salted, and roasted unsalted) were chewed significantly fewer times compared to the unprocessed form (raw). Further, the proportional particle sizes within the swallowing bolus were significantly larger for the processed forms compared to the unprocessed form.Conclusion. These observations may have implications for bioaccessibility of energy and cardioprotective nutrients as well as endocrine responses, following peanut consumption.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Testing and the Accuracy of Heart Failure Diagnosis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Lokuge Amaali , Lam Louisa , Cameron Peter , Krum Henry , de Villiers Smit  , Bystrzycki Adam , Naughton Matthew T. , Eccleston David , Flannery Genevieve , Federman Jacob , Schneider Hans-Gerhard
Published: November 2009

Background—

It is often difficult to diagnose heart failure (HF) accurately in patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department (ED). This study assessed whether B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing in these patients improved the accuracy of HF diagnosis.

Methods and Results—

Patients presenting to the Alfred and the Northern Hospital EDs with a chief complaint of dyspnea were enrolled prospectively from August 2005 to April 2007. Patients were randomly allocated to have BNP levels tested or not. The diagnostic gold standard for HF was determined by 1 cardiologist and 1 emergency or respiratory physician who, blinded to the BNP result, independently reviewed all available information. The ED diagnosis of HF in the non-BNP group showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 65%, 92%, and 81%, respectively. The BNP group had a similar sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 66%, 90%, and 78%, respectively, for the diagnosis of HF in the ED. There was no significant difference between the BNP and non-BNP groups in any of the measures of diagnostic accuracy for HF.

Conclusion—

In the clinical setting of EDs, availability of BNP levels did not significantly improve the accuracy of a diagnosis of HF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00163709.
Randomized Double-Blind Assessment of the ONSET and OFFSET of the Antiplatelet Effects of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Gurbel Paul A. , Bliden Kevin P. , Butler Kathleen , Tantry Udaya S. , Gesheff Tania , Wei Cheryl , Teng Renli , Antonino Mark J. , Patil Shankar B. , Karunakaran Arun , Kereiakes Dean J. , Parris Cordel , Purdy Drew , Wilson Vance , Ledley Gary S. , Storey Robert F.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Ticagrelor is the first reversibly binding oral P2Y
12
receptor antagonist. This is the first study to compare the onset and offset of platelet inhibition (IPA) with ticagrelor using the PLATO (PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes) trial loading dose (180 mg) with a high loading dose (600 mg) of clopidogrel.

Methods and Results—

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, 123 patients with stable coronary artery disease who were taking aspirin therapy (75 to 100 mg/d) received ticagrelor (180-mg load, 90-mg BID maintenance dose [n=57]), clopidogrel (600-mg load, 75-mg/d maintenance dose [n=54]), or placebo (n=12) for 6 weeks. Greater IPA (20 μmol/L ADP, final extent) occurred with ticagrelor than with clopidogrel at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after loading and at 6 weeks (
P
<0.0001 for all); by 2 hours after loading, a greater proportion of patients achieved >50% IPA (98% versus 31%,
P
<0.0001) and >70% IPA (90% versus 16%,
P
<0.0001) in the ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group, respectively. A faster offset occurred with ticagrelor than with clopidogrel (4-to-72–hour slope [% IPA/h] −1.04 versus −0.48,
P
<0.0001). At 24 hours after the last dose, mean IPA was 58% for ticagrelor versus 52% for clopidogrel (
P
=NS). IPA for ticagrelor on day 3 after the last dose was comparable to clopidogrel at day 5; IPA on day 5 for ticagrelor was similar to clopidogrel on day 7 and did not differ from placebo (
P
=NS).

Conclusions—

Ticagrelor achieved more rapid and greater platelet inhibition than high-loading-dose clopidogrel; this was sustained during the maintenance phase and was faster in offset after drug discontinuation.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00528411.
Discrimination of Mixed- versus Ice-Phase Clouds Using Dual-Polarization Radar with Application to Detection of Aircraft Icing Regions*
Authors: Plummer David M. , Göke Sabine , Rauber Robert M. , Di Girolamo Larry
Published: November 2009

Dual-polarization radar measurements and in situ measurements of supercooled liquid water and ice particles within orographic cloud systems are used to develop probabilistic criteria for identifying mixed-phase versus ice-phase regions of sub-0°C clouds. The motivation for this study is the development of quantitative criteria for identification of potential aircraft icing conditions in clouds using polarization radar. The measurements were obtained during the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP) with the National Center for Atmospheric Research S-band dual-polarization Doppler radar (S-Pol) and Electra aircraft. The comparison of the radar and aircraft measurements required the development of an automated algorithm to match radar and aircraft observations in time and space. This algorithm is described, and evaluations are presented to verify its accuracy. Three polarization radar parameters, the radar reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization (ZH), the differential reflectivity (ZDR), and the specific differential phase (KDP), are first separately shown to be statistically distinguishable between conditions in mixed- and ice-phase clouds, even when an estimate of measurement uncertainty is included. Probability distributions for discrimination of mixed-phase versus ice-phase clouds are then developed using the matched radar and aircraft measurements. The probability distributions correspond well to a basic physical understanding of ice particle growth by riming and vapor deposition, both of which may occur in mixed-phase conditions. To the extent that the probability distributions derived for the MAP orographic clouds can be applied to other cloud systems, they provide a simple tool for warning aircraft of the likelihood that supercooled water may be encountered in regions of clouds.
Evaluating the Impact of the Number of Satellite Altimeters Used in an Assimilative Ocean Prediction System
Authors: Helber Robert W. , Shriver Jay F. , Barron Charlie N. , Smedstad Ole Martin
Published: November 2009

The impact of the number of satellite altimeters providing sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) information for a data assimilation system is evaluated using two comparison frameworks and two statistical methodologies. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Layered Ocean Model (NLOM) dynamically interpolates satellite SSHA track data measured from space to produce high-resolution (eddy resolving) fields. The Modular Ocean Data Assimilation System (MODAS) uses the NLOM SSHA to produce synthetic three-dimensional fields of temperature and salinity over the global ocean. A series of case studies is defined where NLOM assimilates different combinations of data streams from zero to three altimeters. The resulting NLOM SSHA fields and the MODAS synthetic profiles are evaluated relative to independently observed ocean temperature and salinity profiles for the years 2001–03. The NLOM SSHA values are compared with the difference of the observed dynamic height from the climatological dynamic height. The synthetics are compared with observations using a measure of thermocline depth. Comparisons are done point for point and for 1° radius regions that are linearly fit over 2-month periods. To evaluate the impact of data outliers, statistical evaluations are done with traditional Gaussian statistics and also with robust nonparametric statistics. Significant error reduction is obtained, particularly in high SSHA variability regions, by including at least one altimeter. Given the limitation of these methods, the overall differences between one and three altimeters are significant only in bias. Data outliers increase Gaussian statistical error and error uncertainty compared to the same computations using nonparametric statistical methods.
A Vector Geometry–Based Eddy Detection Algorithm and Its Application to a High-Resolution Numerical Model Product and High-Frequency Radar Surface Velocities in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Nencioli Francesco , Dong Changming , Dickey Tommy , Washburn Libe , McWilliams James C.
Published: November 2009

Automated eddy detection methods are fundamental tools to analyze eddy activity from the large datasets derived from satellite measurements and numerical model simulations. Existing methods are either based on the distribution of physical parameters usually computed from velocity derivatives or on the geometry of velocity streamlines around minima or maxima of sea level anomaly. A new algorithm was developed based exclusively on the geometry of the velocity vectors. Four constraints characterizing the spatial distribution of the velocity vectors around eddy centers were derived from the general features associated with velocity fields in the presence of eddies. The grid points in the domain for which these four constraints are satisfied are detected as eddy centers. Eddy sizes are computed from closed contours of the streamfunction field, and eddy tracks are retrieved by comparing the distribution of eddy centers at successive time steps. The results were validated against manually derived eddy fields. Two parameters in the algorithm can be modified by the users to optimize its performance. The algorithm is applied to both a high-resolution model product and high-frequency radar surface velocity fields in the Southern California Bight.
Urban Renaissance as Intensification: Building Regulation and the Rescaling of Place Governance in Tokyo’s High-rise Manshon Boom
Authors: Sorensen André , Okata Junichiro , Fujii Sayaka
Published: November 2009

During the past decade, Tokyo has seen a massive building boom, despite a prolonged economic slump since 1990. Since the 1980s, central government has enacted a steady stream of building code changes that allow much larger buildings. This paper argues that the recent wave of private investment in high-rise intensification has been instigated by these changes to building regulations, so that the form of urban restructuring and the distribution of winners and losers in the process are shaped by the central state, a reverse of the previous trend of decentralisation of planning powers. This restructuring of central/ local government relations can be understood as a creative rescaling of governance power that disrupted established democratic institutional frameworks of decision-making and conflict resolution. This study highlights both the centrality of land assets in Japan’s developmental capitalism and the continuing importance of the distinctive institutional legacies of the developmental state in structuring Japanese urban governance.
A Brief Report on the Association of Academic Tracking With Depressive Symptoms in High School Students in Jamaica
Authors: Lipps Garth , Lowe Gillian A. , Halliday Sharon , Morris-Patterson Amrie , Clarke Nelson , Wilson Rosemarie N.
Published: November 2009

There has been limited research on academic tracking and depressive symptoms among high school students in Jamaica. Students enrolled in Grade 10 of traditional and nontraditional high schools in Jamaica were surveyed ( N = 278). Students completed the Beck Depression Inventory—II along with several other measures. Seven in every 10 students reported some symptoms of depression. Results of hierarchical regression analyses controlling for social class found that students attending nontraditional high schools reported significantly higher Beck Depression Inventory—II depression scores than students in traditional high schools. This was particularly true for male students attending nontraditional high schools. The strong emphasis on academic achievement and the tracking of students may have a negative association with Jamaican students’ depressive symptoms.
In those fields where multiple authorship is the rule, the h-index should be supplemented by role-based h-indices
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Rousseau Ronald , Chen Jin
Published: November 2009

Collaboration patterns among scientists are becoming more and more complicated. Even sophisticated methods for taking the number of co-authors into account do not solve all problems related to the calculation of citation measures such as the h -index. In this article we introduce role-based h-indices and in particular the major contribution h-index, denoted as h-maj, which takes only those articles into account in which the scientist plays a major or core role. As an example we provide major contribution indices for scientists in the health sciences in China. Differences between the h-index and h-maj are shown for data based on the Web of Science (WoS), and separately, based on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. It is suggested to use the major contribution h-index as a supplementary index, especially in those fields where multiple ‘first authors’ and/or corresponding authors are common.
Expanded information retrieval using full-text searching
Authors: Kostoff Ronald N.
Published: November 2009

The value of full text for expanding information retrieval was examined. Two full-text databases were used: Textpresso for neuroscience and ScienceDirect. Queries representing different categories were used to search different text fields (titles, abstracts, full text and, where possible, keywords). Searching the full-text field relative to the commonly used abstracts field increases retrievals by one or more orders of magnitude, depending on the categories selected. For phenomena-type categories (e.g. blood flow, thermodynamic equilibrium, etc.), retrievals are enhanced by about an order of magnitude. For infrastructure-type categories (e.g. equipment types, sponsors, suppliers, databases, etc.), retrievals are enhanced by well over an order of magnitude, and sometimes multiple orders of magnitude. Use of combination terms along with proximity specification capability is a very powerful feature for retrieving relevant records from full-text searching, and can be useful for applications like literature-related discovery.
Mouse Models for Cancer Stem Cell Research
Authors: Le Cheng  , Ramesh Anirudh V. , Flesken-Nikitin Andrea , Choi Jinhyang , Nikitin Alexander Yu.
Published: November 2009

The cancer stem cell concept assumes that cancers are mainly sustained by a small pool of neoplastic cells, known as cancer stem cells or tumor initiating cells, which are able to reproduce themselves and produce phenotypically heterogeneous cells with lesser tumorigenic potential. Cancer stem cells represent an appealing target for development of more selective and efficient therapies. However, direct testing of the cancer stem cell concept and assessment of its therapeutic implications in human cancers have been complicated by the use of immunocompromised mice. Genetically defined immunocompetent autochthonous mouse models of human cancer provide a valuable tool to address this problem. Furthermore, they allow for a better understanding of the relevance of mechanisms controlling normal stem cell compartment to carcinogenesis. Advantages and disadvantages of some of the existing mouse models are reviewed, and future challenges in cancer stem cell research are outlined.
The Difficult Dialogue: Communism, Nationalism, and Political Propaganda in North Korean Sport
Authors: Lee Jung Woo , Bairner Alan
Published: November 2009

North Korea is arguably the least understood and the most reclusive country in the world. This article discusses the use of sport in the country as a vehicle for political propaganda and, in particular, the role of nationalism within the communist sporting culture. Although most nation states have become increasingly interdependent politically and economically in the so-called global era, relatively few countries have an official relationship with North Korea. Sport may be one of the few arenas in which the world can glimpse North Korean people and their culture because North Korean athletes consistently participate in international sporting competition, both inside and outside of the country, regardless of political and economic isolation. In this article, an attempt is made to paint a picture of North Korean society by exploring the country’s sport culture. Particular attention will be paid to the political, and specifically the nationalistic, dimension of sport in North Korea. To this end, three case studies— football, taekwondo, and mass gymnastics—are explored. This study of North Korean sport offers useful insights into the political and nationalistic elements embedded in the country’s cultural practice, and, more generally, insights into the problematic relationship between communism and nationalism.
Something Less than a Driver: Toward an Understanding of Gendered Bodies in Motorsport
Authors: Pflugfelder Ehren Helmut
Published: November 2009

This essay argues that the gendered body is not accounted for in the physical conditions of motorsport but instead through the discourse of the sport. Specifically, women’s bodies signify as different in three main ways: beyond vehicles (navigating the space filled with other bodies and their respective vehicles), with vehicles (coordinating with the technology of the vehicle), and inside vehicles (operating in the space of and interacting with the technology) but situated by their gender’s discursively constructed characteristics. For women drivers in motorsport, these locations of identity formation offer embodied experiences mediated through discursive constructions. This article examines these articulations of the female body in motorsport, focusing on the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Donna Haraway, and Iris Marion Young.
The Institutional Production of National Science in the 20th Century
Authors: Castilla Emilio J.
Published: November 2009

Science and scientific production have been widely promoted as powerful tools for advancing national economic and social development. While much progress has been made in determining whether this is the case, less understood are the underlying factors influencing national scientific activity in the first place, especially during its 20th-century global expansion. In order to advance our understanding of the development of science and world polity, this study investigates in-depth when and under what functional and institutional conditions countries chose to join any of the scientific unions comprising the ICSU, the pre-eminent and oldest international science institution in the world. According to analyses of historical data for 166 countries from 1919 to 1990, functional arguments are only important predictors of the rate at which nation-states join scientific organizations early in the ‘science diffusion’ process. After 1945, institutional factors best account for worldwide national scientific activity: The joining rate increases more quickly during the post-Second World War era with the rise of the world system. This article also provides evidence of both convergence in the evolution of national scientific activities and of the great invariability in the impact of functional and institutional factors for core and peripheral countries over time. The article concludes by discussing the implications of this research for the future study of national scientific production and development in the world.
Prevalence of Childhood Physical Abuse in a Representative Sample of College Students in Samsun, Turkey
Authors: Turla Ahmet , Dündar Cihad , Özkanli Çağlar
Published: November 2009

The main objective of this article is to obtain the prevalence of childhood physical abuse experiences in college students.This cross-sectional study was performed on a gender-stratified random sample of 988 participants studying at Ondokuz Mayis University, with self-reported anonymous questionnaires. It included questions on physical abuse in childhood, on whom and why the violence was inflicted, and on the reactions exhibited. Of the 988 participants, 527 (53.3%) had a history of childhood physical abuse (64.0% in men and 41.6% in women). The prevalence of being subject to physical violence was 1.5 times higher in men. Mothers more frequently inflicted violence on daughters and fathers on sons. According to participants, most frequent reasons for physical violence were “loss of perpetrator’s self-control” and “establishment of discipline at home.” The most frequent statement observed among the participants was humiliation after subjection to physical violence. It is concluded that the first (and the most) important preventive measure is to protect and strengthen the social, economic, and judicial status of the Turkish family. Second, it should by all means be prevented that violence remains legal in some social conditions like child abuse.
Dissecting Police Professionalism: A Comparison of Predictors Within Five Professionalism Subsets
Authors: Carlan Philip E. , Lewis John A.
Published: November 2009

This study captured and compared significant predictors within each of Hall’s professionalism subsets. Questionnaires mailed in one southern state to all municipal police departments with 50 or more sworn personnel ( N = 21) produced 1,114 responses (57% response rate) from 16 participating departments. Analysis revealed that officers identified with all five components of professionalism even though policing, in general, is not yet universally recognized as a profession. Regression findings indicated that rank was a significant predictor in all but the public service model. Age, education, marital status, and hours worked also played a significant role in varying professionalism models.
Pre-school children’s understanding of cancer: the impact of parental teaching and life experience
Authors: Varkula Lindsay C. , Resler Rose M. , Schulze Pamela A. , McCue Kathleen
Published: November 2009

This study examined pre-school children’s understanding of the concept of cancer and their parent’s perceptions of their child’s understanding of cancer. Parents completed a questionnaire and pre-school children were administered an interview. The results showed that when children indicated that they knew something about cancer, their responses associated cancer with something medical, bad or harmful, or sickness or an illness. Parents correctly estimated their child’s understanding of cancer if they had talked previously with their child about cancer. Children whose parents reported discussing cancer were more likely to give responses indicating some knowledge about cancer. Some children reported knowing about cancer in the absence of parent teaching.
Dependent Narcissism, Organizational Learning, and Human Resource Development
Authors: Godkin Lynn , Allcorn Seth
Published: November 2009

Narcissistic leadership can benefit organizational performance. Aberrant narcissism can destroy the psychosocial health of groups, limiting performance. This article examines Dependent Organizational Disorder, a common form of narcissism, which infects leadership, thwarts performance, and interrupts organizational learning. Dependent Organizational Disorder is juxtaposed with interruptions in organizational learning and a model illustrating the possible relationship between them is presented. Implications for human resource development are drawn.
A Friction Model Describing Limit Cycles in Positioning Servos
Authors: Ramírez Pedro J , Guesalaga Andrés R
Published: November 2009

In this paper we describe a novel model for servo positioning systems. Non-linear representations of friction, backlash, controllers, and process dynamics are integrated into a model having a closed-loop configuration where unwanted oscillations, such as hunting (stick-slip) and resonant frequencies, are reproduced. This continuous model contains the different types of friction (Coulomb, Stribeck, and viscous) and the dynamics of a digital controller with a standard configuration. A case study consisting of a gun mount driven by hydraulic actuators is analyzed. Real data is used for the identification and validation of the mathematical representation. Empirically obtained static friction values are used for tuning the model at low speeds. An excellent matching is accomplished between the model and the real response. The model also reproduces the dependence of the resonant frequencies to the rotating velocity that is generally observed in this type of feedback system. The model can be a powerful tool for testing new control strategies. It looks for reductions in oscillation, predicts limit cycles, and detects faults.
Malignant cells fuel tumor growth by educating infiltrating leukocytes to produce the mitogen Gas6
Authors: Loges Sonja , Schmidt Thomas , Tjwa Marc , van Geyte Katie , Lievens Dirk , Lutgens Esther , Vanhoutte Davy , Borgel Delphine , Plaisance Stephane , Hoylaerts Marc , Luttun Aernout , Dewerchin Mieke , Jonckx Bart , Carmeliet Peter
Published: November 2009

The transforming and tumor growth–promoting properties of Axl, a member of the Tyro3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (TAMRs), are well recognized. In contrast, little is known about the role of the TAMR ligand growth arrest–specific gene 6 (Gas6) in tumor biology. By using Gas6-deficient (Gas6−/−) mice, we show that bone marrow–derived Gas6 promotes growth and metastasis in different experimental cancer models, including one resistant to vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Mechanistic studies reveal that circulating leukocytes produce minimal Gas6. However, once infiltrated in the tumor, leukocytes up-regulate Gas6, which is mitogenic for tumor cells. Consistent herewith, impaired tumor growth in Gas6−/− mice is rescued by transplantation of wild-type bone marrow and, conversely, mimicked by transplantation of Gas6−/− bone marrow into wild-type hosts. These findings highlight a novel role for Gas6 in a positive amplification loop, whereby tumors promote their growth by educating infiltrating leukocytes to up-regulate the production of the mitogen Gas6. Hence, inhibition of Gas6 might offer novel opportunities for the treatment of cancer.
Immunization with host-type CD8α+ dendritic cells reduces experimental acute GVHD in an IL-10–dependent manner
Authors: Toubai Tomomi , Malter Chelsea , Tawara Isao , Liu Chen , Nieves Evelyn , Lowler Kathleen P. , Sun Yaping , Reddy Pavan
Published: November 2009

Little is known about the role of active immunization in suppressing undesirable immune responses. Because CD8α+ dendritic cells (DCs) suppress certain immune responses, we tested the hypothesis that immunization of donors with host-derived CD8α+ DCs will reduce host-specific donor T-cell responses. BALB/c T cells from the animals that were immunized with B6 CD8α+ DCs demonstrated, in vitro and in vivo, significantly reduced proliferation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines but showed enhanced secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10). The responses against third-party and model antigens were preserved demonstrating antigen specificity. The in vivo relevance was further demonstrated by the reduction on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in both a major histocompatibility complex–mismatched clinically relevant BALB/c → B6 model and major histocompatibility complex–matched, minor-mismatched C3H.SW → B6 model of GVHD. Immunization of the donors that were deficient in IL-10 (IL-10−/−) or with CD8α+ DCs from B6 class II (class II−/−) failed to reduce T-cell responses, demonstrating (1) a critical role for secretion of IL-10 by donor T cells and (2) a direct contact between the T cells and the CD8α+ DCs. Together, these data may represent a novel strategy for reducing GVHD and suggest a broad counterintuitive role for vaccination strategies in mitigating undesirable immune responses in an antigen-specific manner.
The severity of trauma determines the immune response to PF4/heparin and the frequency of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lubenow Norbert , Hinz Peter , Thomaschewski Simone , Lietz Theresia , Vogler Michael , Ladwig Andrea , Jünger Michael , Nauck Matthias , Schellong Sebastian , Wander Kathrin , Engel Georg , Ekkernkamp Axel , Greinacher Andreas
Published: November 2009

Heparin can induce heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The combined effect of type of surgery (major vs minor) and heparin on this prothrombotic immune reaction to platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin was analyzed. In a randomized, double-blind study, trauma patients receiving low-molecular-weight (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) for thrombosis prophylaxis were assessed for PF4/heparin-antibody seroconversion, HIT, and thrombosis according to type of surgery. The risk for seroconversion was higher than major versus minor surgery odds ratio, 7.98 [95% confidence interval, 2.06-31.00], P = .003, controlled for potential confounders, as was the risk for HIT (2.2% [95% confidence interval, 0.3%-4.1%] vs 0.0%, P = .010). During LMWH compared with UFH thromboprophylaxis, HIT (1 of 298 vs 4 of 316; P = .370) and PF4/heparin seroconversion (1.7% vs 6.6%; P = .002) were less frequent, driven by differences in patients undergoing major surgery (incidence of HIT: LMWH 0.8% vs UFH 4.0%; P = .180; seroconversion rates: 4.0% vs 17.0%; P = .001). After minor surgery, no case of HIT occurred. The severity of trauma and the need for major surgery strongly influence the risk of an anti-PF4/heparin immune response, which is then increased by UFH. In major trauma certoparin may be safer than UFH because it induces HIT-antibody seroconversion, and the corresponding risk of HIT, less frequently.
Nonlinear preprocessing method for detecting peaks from gas chromatograms
Authors: Shim Byonghyo , Min Hyeyoung , Yoon Sungroh
Published: November 2009

Background

The problem of locating valid peaks from data corrupted by noise frequently arises while analyzing experimental data. In various biological and chemical data analysis tasks, peak detection thus constitutes a critical preprocessing step that greatly affects downstream analysis and eventual quality of experiments. Many existing techniques require the users to adjust parameters by trial and error, which is error-prone, time-consuming and often leads to incorrect analysis results. Worse, conventional approaches tend to report an excessive number of false alarms by finding fictitious peaks generated by mere noise.

Results

We have designed a novel peak detection method that can significantly reduce parameter sensitivity, yet providing excellent peak detection performance and negligible false alarm rates from gas chromatographic data. The key feature of our new algorithm is the successive use of peak enhancement algorithms that are deliberately designed for a gradual improvement of peak detection quality. We tested our approach with real gas chromatograms as well as intentionally contaminated spectra that contain Gaussian or speckle-type noise.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve near perfect peak detection performance while maintaining very small false alarm probabilities in case of gas chromatograms. Given the fact that biological signals appear in the form of peaks in various experimental data and that the propose method can easily be extended to such data, our approach will be a useful and robust tool that can help researchers highlight valid signals in their noisy measurements.
A transcriptome analysis identifies molecular effectors of unconjugated bilirubin in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Calligaris Raffaella , Bellarosa Cristina , Foti Rossana , Roncaglia Paola , Giraudi Pablo , Krmac Helena , Tiribelli Claudio , Gustincich Stefano
Published: November 2009

Background

The deposition of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in selected regions of the brain results in irreversible neuronal damage, or Bilirubin Encephalopathy (BE). Although UCB impairs a large number of cellular functions in other tissues, the basic mechanisms of neurotoxicity have not yet been fully clarified. While cells can accumulate UCB by passive diffusion, cell protection may involve multiple mechanisms including the extrusion of the pigment as well as pro-survival homeostatic responses that are still unknown.

Results

Transcriptome changes induced by UCB exposure in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line were examined by high density oligonucleotide microarrays. Two-hundred and thirty genes were induced after 24 hours. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that at least 50 genes were directly involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Validation of selected ER stress genes is shown by quantitative RT-PCR. Analysis ofXBP1splicing and DDIT3/CHOP subcellular localization is presented.

Conclusion

These results show for the first time that UCB exposure induces ER stress response as major intracellular homeostasis in surviving neuroblastoma cells in vitro.
The choroid plexus response to a repeated peripheral inflammatory stimulus
Authors: Marques Fernanda , Sousa João C , Coppola Giovanni , Geschwind Daniel H , Sousa Nuno , Palha Joana A , Correia-Neves Margarida
Published: November 2009

Background

Chronic systemic inflammation triggers alterations in the central nervous system that may relate to the underlying inflammatory component reported in neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. However, it is far from being understood whether and how peripheral inflammation contributes to induce brain inflammatory response in such illnesses. As part of the barriers that separate the blood from the brain, the choroid plexus conveys inflammatory immune signals into the brain, largely through alterations in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Results

In the present study we investigated the mouse choroid plexus gene expression profile, using microarray analyses, in response to a repeated inflammatory stimulus induced by the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide every two weeks for a period of three months; mice were sacrificed 3 and 15 days after the last lipopolysaccharide injection. The data show that the choroid plexus displays a sustained response to the repeated inflammatory stimuli by altering the expression profile of several genes. From a total of 24,000 probes, 369 are up-regulated and 167 are down-regulated 3 days after the last lipopolysaccharide injection, while at 15 days the number decreases to 98 and 128, respectively. The pathways displaying the most significant changes include those facilitating entry of cells into the cerebrospinal fluid, and those participating in the innate immune response to infection.

Conclusion

These observations contribute to a better understanding of the brain response to peripheral inflammation and pave the way to study their impact on the progression of several disorders of the central nervous system in which inflammation is known to be implicated.
A novel study of Copy Number Variations in Hirschsprung disease using the Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) technique
Authors: Núñez-Torres Rocío , Fernández Raquel M , López-Alonso Manuel , Antiñolo Guillermo , Borrego Salud
Published: November 2009

Background

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital malformation of the hindgut produced by a disruption in neural crest cell migration during embryonic development. HSCR has a complex genetic etiology and mutations in several genes, mainly the RET proto-oncogene, have been related to the disease. There is a clear predominance of missense/nonsense mutations in these genes whereas copy number variations (CNVs) have been seldom described, probably due to the limitations of conventional techniques usually employed for mutational analysis.

Methods

In this study we have aimed to analyze the presence of CNVs in some HSCR genes (RET, EDN3, GDNF and ZFHX1B) using the Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) approach.

Results

Two alterations in the MLPA profiles of RET and EDN3 were detected, but a detailed inspection showed that the decrease in the corresponding dosages were due to point mutations affecting the hybridization probes regions.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that CNVs of the gene coding regions analyzed here are not a common molecular cause of Hirschsprung disease. However, further studies are required to determine the presence of CNVs affecting non-coding regulatory regions, as well as other candidate genes.