bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas embolization of the liver in a rat model of rapid decompression
Authors: L'Abbate Antonio , Kusmic Claudia , Matteucci Marco , Pelosi Gualtiero , Navari Alessandro , Pagliazzo Antonino , Longobardi Pasquale , Bedini Remo
Published: May 2010

Occurrence of liver gas embolism after rapid decompression was assessed in 31 female rats that were decompressed in 12 min after 42 min of compression at 7 ATA ( protocol A). Sixteen rats died after decompression ( group I). Of the surviving rats, seven were killed at 3 h ( group II), and eight at 24 h ( group III). In group I, bubbles were visible in the right heart, aortic arch, liver, and mesenteric veins and on the intestinal surface. Histology showed perilobular microcavities in sinusoids, interstitial spaces, and hepatocytes. In g roup II, liver gas was visible in two rats. Perilobular vacuolization and significant plasma aminotransferase increase were present. In g roup III, liver edema was evident at gross examination in all cases. Histology showed perilobular cell swelling, vacuolization, or hydropic degeneration. Compared with basal, enzymatic markers of liver damage increased significantly. An additional 14 rats were decompressed twice ( protocol B). Overall mortality was 93%. In addition to diffuse hydropic degeneration, centrilobular necrosis was frequently observed after the second decompression. Additionally, 10 rats were exposed to three decompression sessions ( protocol C) with doubled decompression time. Their mortality rate decreased to 20%, but enzymatic markers still increased in surviving rats compared with predecompression, and perilobular cell swelling and vacuolization were present in five rats. Study challenges were 1) liver is not part of the pathophysiology of decompression in the existing paradigm, and 2) although significant cellular necrosis was observed in few animals, zonal or diffuse hepatocellular damage associated with liver dysfunction was frequently demonstrated. Liver participation in human decompression sickness should be looked for and clinically evaluated.
Nephrocystin-3 is required for ciliary function in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Zhou Weibin , Dai Julie , Attanasio Massimo , Hildebrandt Friedhelm
Published: May 2010

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is the most frequent genetic cause of end-stage renal failure in the first three decades of life. It is characterized primarily by renal cysts with extrarenal involvements of the eye and brain. Ten recessive genes responsible for NPHP have been identified by positional cloning. This discovery supported a unifying theory of renal cystic disease, which states that all proteins mutated in cystic kidney diseases of human, mice, or zebrafish are expressed in primary cilia of renal epithelial cells. Mutations in nephrocystin-3 (NPHP3) are the cause of human nephronophthisis type 3 and polycystic kidney disease (pcy) mouse mutants. To study the functional role of NPHP3 in normal embryonic development and in the pathogenesis of cystic kidney disease, we characterized the zebrafish ortholog nphp3 by morpholino oligo (MO)-mediated knockdown. When nphp3 function was suppressed by either of the two MOs blocking the translation of the protein or the splicing of mRNA, zebrafish embryos displayed hydrocephalus and pronephric cysts. Knockdown of nphp3 also led to situs inversus phenotypes due to defective cilia at Kupffer's vesicle. We showed that nphp3 genetically interacts with nphp2/inversin and human NPHP3 localizes to primary cilia in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Like nphp2/inversin, nphp3 knockdown affected morphogenic cell movement during gastrulation, suggesting nphp3 is essential to regulate convergent extension. Thus nphp3, cooperating with nphp2/inversin, plays an essential role related to ciliary function, and the knockdown provides an animal model that may be used for studies of the pathogenesis and therapy for this disease.
Influence of estrogen depletion and salt loading on renal angiotensinogen expression in the mRen(2).Lewis strain
Authors: Cohen Jonathan A. , Lindsey Sarah H. , Pirro Nancy T. , Brosnihan K. Bridget , Gallagher Patricia E. , Chappell Mark C.
Published: May 2010

The mRen(2).Lewis (mRen2) strain is an ANG II-dependent model of hypertension expressing marked sex differences in blood pressure and tissue injury that also exhibits estrogen and salt sensitivity. Because estrogen and salt influence angiotensinogen (AGT), circulating and renal expression of the protein were assessed in the mRen2 using a sensitive and specific ELISA. Hemizygous female and male mRen2 were placed on normal (1% NaCl, NS)- or high (8% NaCl, HS)-salt diets from 5 to 15 wk of age while a separate NS cohort was ovariectomized (OVX). The OVX mRen2 exhibited higher blood pressure (184 ± 6 vs. 149 ± 5 mmHg, n = 6), a 16-fold increase in urinary AGT (uAGT) (0.2 ± 0.02 vs. 0.01 ± 0.01 μg·kg−1·day−1, P < 0.01), but no change in proteinuria (PROT). Excretion of AGT was correlated with blood pressure and PROT in the female groups. The HS diet led to higher blood pressure (224 ± 8 mmHg), a 180-fold increase in uAGT (1.8 ± 0.2 μg·kg−1·day−1), and increased PROT (98 ± 9 vs. 7 ± 1 mg·kg−1·day−1). Compared with females, NS males expressed higher excretion of uAGT (3.0 ± 0.4 μg·kg−1·day−1) and PROT (32 ± 5 mg·kg−1·day−1); both were increased eightfold with HS (uAGT: 23 ± 3 μg·kg−1·day−1; PROT: 285 ± 28 mg·kg−1·day−1) without a change in blood pressure. Although uAGT was markedly higher in the OVX and HS groups, neither renal cortical AGT mRNA or protein expression was increased. Moreover, AGT release in cortical slices was similar for the NS and HS females. We conclude that the increase in uAGT with estrogen depletion or HS likely may be a biomarker for glomerular damage reflecting filtration of the circulating protein in the mRen2.
Early atherosclerosis aggravates the effect of renal artery stenosis on the swine kidney
Authors: Urbieta-Caceres Victor H. , Lavi Ronit , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Crane John A. , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: May 2010

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is increasingly identified in patients with end-stage renal disease. Renal function in ARAS patients deteriorates more frequently than in nonatherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS). This study was designed to test the hypothesis that atherosclerosis modifies the relationship between single-kidney hemodynamics and function and the severity of stenosis. The degree of unilateral RAS in domestic pigs (4 normal, 26 RAS, and 22 ARAS) was correlated with renal function and hemodynamics evaluated by 64-slice multidetector computerized tomography before and after endothelium-dependent challenge with ACh. The degree of stenosis and increase in mean arterial pressure were similar in RAS and ARAS. Stenotic single-kidney volume, blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and cortical perfusion were lower than normal in both RAS and ARAS, but only in RAS correlated inversely with increasing degree of stenosis ( r = −0.62, r = −0.49, r = −0.51, and r = −0.46, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). Basal tubular fluid concentration capacity and stenotic cortical perfusion response to ACh were both blunted only in ARAS. This study shows that atherosclerosis modulates the impact of a stenosis in the renal artery on stenotic kidney hemodynamics, function, and tubular dynamics. These observations underscore the direct intrarenal effect of atherogenic factors on the kidneys.
Age-related changes in the sympathetic innervation of cerebral vessels and in carotid vascular responses to norepinephrine in the rat: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Omar Nisreen Mansour , Marshall Janice M.
Published: May 2010

We hypothesized that the density of sympathetic noradrenergic innervation of cerebral arteries and vasoconstrictor responses evoked in carotid circulation by norepinephrine (NE) increase with maturation and age. In rats of 4–5, 10–12, and 42–44 wk of age (juvenile, mature, middle aged), glyoxylic acid applied to stretch preparations showed the density of noradrenergic nerves in basilar and middle cerebral arteries was greater in mature than juvenile or middle-aged rats. In anesthetized rats, infusion of NE (2.5 μg/kg iv) increased mean arterial pressure (ABP) to ∼180 mmHg in mature and middle-aged but to only ∼150 mmHg in juveniles rats. Concomitantly, carotid blood flow (CBF) decreased in mature and middle-aged rats but remained constant in juveniles because carotid vascular conductance (CVC) decreased more in mature and middle-aged than juvenile rats. We also hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) blunts cerebral vasoconstrictor responses to NE. Inhibition of NO synthase with l-NAME (10 mg/kg iv) induced similar increases in baseline ABP in each group, but larger decreases in CVC and CBF in mature and middle-aged than juvenile rats. Thereafter, the NE-evoked increase in ABP was similar in juvenile and mature but accentuated in middle-aged rats. Concomitantly, NE decreased CVC in juvenile and mature, but not middle-aged rats; in them, CBF increased. Thus, in juvenile rats, sparse noradrenergic innervation of cerebral arteries is associated with weak NE-evoked pressor responses and weak carotid vasoconstriction that allows autoregulation of CBF. Cerebral artery innervation density increases with maturation but lessens by middle age. Meanwhile, NE-evoked pressor responses and carotid vasoconstriction are stronger in mature and middle-aged rats, such that CBF falls despite the evoked increase in ABP. We propose that in juvenile and mature rats, NO does not modulate NE-evoked pressor responses, cerebral vasoconstriction, or CBF autoregulation, but by middle age, NO limits pressor responses and prevents breakthrough of CBF in the upper part of the autoregulatory range.
Measuring Phase-Amplitude Coupling Between Neuronal Oscillations of Different Frequencies
Authors: Tort Adriano B. L. , Komorowski Robert , Eichenbaum Howard , Kopell Nancy
Published: May 2010

Neuronal oscillations of different frequencies can interact in several ways. There has been particular interest in the modulation of the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations by the phase of low-frequency oscillations, since recent evidence suggests a functional role for this type of cross-frequency coupling (CFC). Phase-amplitude coupling has been reported in continuous electrophysiological signals obtained from the brain at both local and macroscopic levels. In the present work, we present a new measure for assessing phase-amplitude CFC. This measure is defined as an adaptation of the Kullback–Leibler distance—a function that is used to infer the distance between two distributions—and calculates how much an empirical amplitude distribution-like function over phase bins deviates from the uniform distribution. We show that a CFC measure defined this way is well suited for assessing the intensity of phase-amplitude coupling. We also review seven other CFC measures; we show that, by some performance benchmarks, our measure is especially attractive for this task. We also discuss some technical aspects related to the measure, such as the length of the epochs used for these analyses and the utility of surrogate control analyses. Finally, we apply the measure and a related CFC tool to actual hippocampal recordings obtained from freely moving rats and show, for the first time, that the CA3 and CA1 regions present different CFC characteristics.
Venus Fly Trap Domain of mGluR1 Functions as a Dominant Negative Against Group I mGluR Signaling
Authors: Beqollari Donald , Kammermeier Paul J.
Published: May 2010

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) form covalently linked homodimers and contain large, N-terminal extracellular ligand binding, “venus fly trap” (VFT) domains. These domains, when expressed separately, are secreted as disulfide linked dimers and can dimerize with full-length receptors. mGluR splice variants have been described that contain only this domain, but the consequences of their interaction on receptor signaling have not been explored. Here it is shown that an mGluR1 mutant containing only the VFT is retained on the cell surface when a full-length receptor is co-expressed. Further, when expressed in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and modulation of native calcium currents is used as an assay for receptor activity, the VFT acts as a dominant negative with respect to mGluR1 signaling. Although full-length mGluR1 and mGluR5 are not known to heterodimerize, the mGluR5 VFT partially occludes mGluR1 signaling and the mGluR1 VFT potently occludes mGluR5 signaling in SCG neurons. In addition, an mGluR1 point mutant, mGluR1 C140G, which cannot covalently dimerize, functions like the wild-type receptor when expressed alone. The C140G mutant is inhibited by the mGluR1 VFT construct but does not retain the mGluR1 VFT on the cell surface, suggesting that the loss of C140 renders the interaction reversible. Finally, a peptide designed to disrupt mGluR1 dimerization reduced signaling through the C140G mutant receptor, but only when applied intracellularly for several hours, indicating that loss of signaling requires disruption of dimerization prior to plasma membrane insertion.
Modulation of Cutaneous Reflexes From the Foot During Gait in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Duysens Jacques , Van Wezel Bart M. H. , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien
Published: May 2010

Normal gait is characterized by a phase-dependent modulation of cutaneous reflexes. The role of the basal ganglia in regulating these reflexes is largely unknown. Therefore cutaneous reflex responses from the skin of the foot were studied during walking of patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). The reflex responses were elicited by stimulation of the sural nerve of the most affected leg. The responses were studied in the biceps femoris (BF) and tibialis anterior (TA) of both legs. The latencies, durations, and phase-dependent modulation patterns of the responses were mostly comparable with those observed in healthy subjects. However, on average the amplitude of the responses in the ipsilateral and contralateral BF was respectively 1.4- and 5-fold larger for the PD patients than that for the healthy subjects. This increase was mostly seen throughout the whole step cycle. However, in some PD patients the crossed BF responses were very large during the contralateral swing phase. In such cases the increase in crossed reflexes sometimes reflected premotoneuronal gating since it was not always due to increased background activation in that period. Fast activation of contralateral BF reflexes is known to occur in conjunction with ipsilateral perturbations when there is a threat to stability. It is concluded that cutanoeus reflexes are facilitated in PD but that some of the increase in reflexes in BF may be indirectly related to unsteady gait and to perceived instability.
Effects ofmti-2Transgenic Potato Plants on the AphidMyzus persicae(Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae)
Authors: Saguez Julien , Cherqui Anas , Lehraiki Salima , Vincent Charles , Beaujean Antony , Jouanin Lise , Laberche Jean-Claude , Giordanengo Philippe
Published: May 2010

Overexpressed in transgenic plants, protease inhibitors showed insecticidal effects against several insect taxa. We transformed potato internodes with the mustard trypsin inhibitormti-2gene. Among the 35 independent transgenic potato lines obtained viaAgrobacterium tumefascienstransformation, four (DM6, DM7, DM11, and DM19) were selected for their high level of MTI-2 (at least to 30% of trypsin activity inhibition). Feeding assays were carried out to evaluate their effects on the green-peach aphid,Myzus persicae(Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae). Prereproductive period, nymphal mortality, adult fecundity, and doubling time ofM. persicaepopulations were monitored on nontransformed potato plants (NT) and the four selected DM lines. Compared to NT plants, DM19 did not induce any effect onM. persicae. In contrast, DM7 and DM11 increased nymphal survival by approximately 20%. DM6 and DM11 lines slightly enhancedM. persicaedaily fecundity and intrinsic rate of natural increase, leading to a reduction of the doubling time of the populations by 1 day. DM6 did not impact nymphal mortality, whereas with the DM11 almost all the nymphs survived. Potato plants transformed with the mti-2 gene variably affected the life history ofM. persicaebut did not show any insecticidal effect on the aphid.
Experimental Studies of Sealing Mechanism of a Dismountable Microsystem-to-Macropart Fluidic Connector for High Pressure and a Wide Range of Temperature
Authors: Nguyen Hugo , Bejhed Johan , Thornell Greger
Published: May 2010

As fluidic microelectromechanical devices are developing and often attached to, or embedded in, large, complex, and expensive systems, the issues of modularity, maintenance, and subsystem replacement arise. In this work, a robust silicon connector suitable for high-pressure applications—likely with harsh fluids—in the temperature range of +100 to [Formula: see text] C is demonstrated and tested together with a stainless steel nipple representing a simple and typical macropart. With a micromachined circular membrane equipped with a 5 μm high ridge, this connector is able to maintain a leak rate below [Formula: see text] scc/s of gaseous helium with a pressure of up to 9.7 bar. Degradation of the sealing performance on reassembly is associated with the indentation of the ridge. However, the ridge makes the sealing interface less sensitive to particles in comparison with a flat reference. Most evaluation is made through the so-called heat-until-leak tests conducted to determine the maximum working temperature and the sealing mechanism of the connector. A couple of these are followed by cryogenic testing. The effect of thermal mismatch of the components is discussed and utilized as an early warning mechanism.
Oral Health Knowledge and Behaviors among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Orlando Valerie A. , Johnson Lonnie R. , Wilson Anne R. , Maahs David M. , Wadwa R. Paul , Bishop Franziska K. , Dong Fran , Morrato Elaine H.
Published: May 2010

Early onset and more advanced periodontal disease has been reported for children with diabetes. We surveyed oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among adolescents with diabetes in order to inform potential intervention strategies. Study subjects were youth (ages 12–19 years) with type 1 diabetes (N= 90) participating in a cohort study investigating determinants of periodontal disease at a regional pediatric diabetes specialty clinic. Over 90% of the youth had been instructed on how to brush and floss and had preventive dental care in the past year. However, 44% knew that periodontal disease is associated with diabetes and 32% knew that it can start in childhood with bleeding gums. Despite being at high risk for developing periodontal disease, the mean toothbrushing frequency was once per day and 42% did not floss. Significant opportunity exists for improving periodontal disease knowledge and adoption of preventive oral hygiene behaviors in adolescents with diabetes.
Claudin 1 in Breast Tumorigenesis: Revelation of a Possible Novel “Claudin High” Subset of Breast Cancers
Authors: Myal Yvonne , Leygue Etienne , Blanchard Anne A.
Published: May 2010

Claudins are the major component of the tight junctions in epithelial cells and as such play a key role in the polarized location of ion channels, receptors, and enzymes to the different membrane domains. In that regard, claudins are necessary for the harmonious development of a functional epithelium. Moreover, defective tight junctions have been associated with the development of neoplastic phenotype in epithelial cells. Breakdown of cell-cell interactions and deregulation of the expression of junctional proteins are therefore believed to be key steps in invasion and metastasis. Several studies suggest that the claudins are major participants in breast tumorigenesis. In this paper, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the potential role of claudin 1 in breast cancer. We also discuss the significance of a subset of estrogen receptor negative breast cancers which express “high” levels of the claudin 1 protein. We propose that claudin 1 functions both as a tumor suppressor as well as a tumor enhancer/facilitator in breast cancer.
A Phase I, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Study of Two Schedules of Vorinostat in Combination with 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin in Patients with Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: Fakih Marwan G. , Fetterly Gerald , Egorin Merrill J. , Muindi Josephia R. , Espinoza-Delgado Igor , Zwiebel James A. , Litwin Alan , Holleran Julianne L. , Wang Kangsheng , Diasio Robert B.
Published: May 2010

Purpose: We conducted a phase I clinical trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of daily or twice daily vorinostat × 3 days when combined with fixed doses of 5-fluorouracil (FU) and leucovorin every 2 weeks.

Experimental Design: Vorinostat doses were escalated in a standard 3 × 3 phase I design. FU/leucovorin was started on day 2 of vorinostat and consisted of leucovorin 400 mg/m2 i.v. over 2 hours followed by FU 400 mg/m2 i.v. bolus and 2,400 mg/m2 over 46 hours (sLV5FU2).

Results: Forty-three patients were enrolled. Grade 3 fatigue, and hand and foot syndrome were the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) at the 2,000 mg vorinostat once-daily dose level. Grade 3 fatigue and mucositis were DLTs at the 800 mg vorinostat twice-daily dose level. None of six patients at the 1,700 mg once daily or six patients at the 600 mg twice daily dose levels had a DLT; those dose levels represent the MTD. Twenty-one of 38 patients with FU-refractory colorectal cancer had stable disease, and one had a partial response. Vorinostat maximum serum concentrations at the MTD exceeded concentrations associated with thymidylate synthase downregulation in vitro. No pharmacokinetic interactions were noted between vorinostat and FU.

Conclusions: The MTD of vorinostat in combination with sLV5FU2 is 1,700 mg orally once daily × 3 or 600 mg orally twice daily × 3 days every 2 weeks. Clinical activity in refractory colorectal cancer supports further clinical development of this combination. Clin Cancer Res; 16(14); 3786–94. ©2010 AACR.
Active Listening Impairs Visual Perception and Selectivity: An ERP Study of Auditory Dual-task Costs on Visual Attention
Authors: Gherri Elena , Eimer Martin
Published: May 2010

The ability to drive safely is disrupted by cell phone conversations, and this has been attributed to a diversion of attention from the visual environment. We employed behavioral and ERP measures to study whether the attentive processing of spoken messages is, in itself, sufficient to produce visual–attentional deficits. Participants searched for visual targets defined by a unique feature (Experiment 1) or feature conjunction (Experiment 2), and simultaneously listened to narrated text passages that had to be recalled later (encoding condition), or heard backward-played speech sounds that could be ignored (control condition). Responses to targets were slower in the encoding condition, and ERPs revealed that the visual processing of search arrays and the attentional selection of target stimuli were less efficient in the encoding relative to the control condition. Results demonstrate that the attentional processing of visual information is impaired when concurrent spoken messages are encoded and maintained, in line with cross-modal links in selective attention, but inconsistent with the view that attentional resources are modality-specific. The distraction of visual attention by active listening could contribute to the adverse effects of cell phone use on driving performance.
Substantia Nigra Activity Level Predicts Trial-to-Trial Adjustments in Cognitive Control
Authors: Boehler Carsten Nicolas , Bunzeck Nico , Krebs Ruth M. , Noesselt Toemme , Schoenfeld Mircea A. , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Münte Thomas F. , Woldorff Marty G. , Hopf Jens-Max
Published: May 2010

Effective adaptation to the demands of a changing environment requires flexible cognitive control. The medial and the lateral frontal cortices are involved in such control processes, putatively in close interplay with the BG. In particular, dopaminergic projections from the midbrain (i.e., from the substantia nigra [SN] and the ventral tegmental area) have been proposed to play a pivotal role in modulating the activity in these areas for cognitive control purposes. In that dopaminergic involvement has been strongly implicated in reinforcement learning, these ideas suggest functional links between reinforcement learning, where the outcome of actions shapes behavior over time, and cognitive control in a more general context, where no direct reward is involved. Here, we provide evidence from functional MRI in humans that activity in the SN predicts systematic subsequent trial-to-trial RT prolongations that are thought to reflect cognitive control in a stop-signal paradigm. In particular, variations in the activity level of the SN in one trial predicted the degree of RT prolongation on the subsequent trial, consistent with a modulating output signal from the SN being involved in enhancing cognitive control. This link between SN activity and subsequent behavioral adjustments lends support to theoretical accounts that propose dopaminergic control signals that shape behavior both in the presence and in the absence of direct reward. This SN-based modulatory mechanism is presumably mediated via a wider network that determines response speed in this task, including frontal and parietal control regions, along with the BG and the associated subthalamic nucleus.
The Role of the Cerebellum in Sub- and Supraliminal Error Correction during Sensorimotor Synchronization: Evidence from fMRI and TMS
Authors: Bijsterbosch Janine D. , Lee Kwang-Hyuk , Hunter Michael D. , Tsoi Daniel T. , Lankappa Sudheer , Wilkinson Iain D. , Barker Anthony T. , Woodruff Peter W. R.
Published: May 2010

Our ability to interact physically with objects in the external world critically depends on temporal coupling between perception and movement (sensorimotor timing) and swift behavioral adjustment to changes in the environment (error correction). In this study, we investigated the neural correlates of the correction of subliminal and supraliminal phase shifts during a sensorimotor synchronization task. In particular, we focused on the role of the cerebellum because this structure has been shown to play a role in both motor timing and error correction. Experiment 1 used fMRI to show that the right cerebellar dentate nucleus and primary motor and sensory cortices were activated during regular timing and during the correction of subliminal errors. The correction of supraliminal phase shifts led to additional activations in the left cerebellum and right inferior parietal and frontal areas. Furthermore, a psychophysiological interaction analysis revealed that supraliminal error correction was associated with enhanced connectivity of the left cerebellum with frontal, auditory, and sensory cortices and with the right cerebellum. Experiment 2 showed that suppression of the left but not the right cerebellum with theta burst TMS significantly affected supraliminal error correction. These findings provide evidence that the left lateral cerebellum is essential for supraliminal error correction during sensorimotor synchronization.
Traitor in our Midst: Cultural Variations in Japanese vs. Oklahoman Public Discourse on Domestic Terrorism in the Spring of 1995
Authors: Roberts Carl W. , Wang Yong
Published: May 2010

When “one of our own” commits mass murder, mechanisms that sustain our social order are opened to question. Based on two samples of newspaper editorials written in 1995 ‐ either after the poison gas attack in the Tokyo subway or after the Oklahoma City bombing ‐ evidence is provided that Japanese editorialists advised strategies for retaining order, whereas Oklahoman authors endorsed ones for reestablishing it. In accordance with Simmel’s distinction between faithfulness and gratitude as social forms, Japanese advised faithful continuation of wholesome interactions with their terrorists, whereas Oklahomans expressed gratitude for rescue workers’ assistance. We apply modality analysis to identify those specific activities that authors presume their readers to accept as inevitable, possible, impossible, or contingent for each other. Working from this modal rhetoric in the two public discourses, we build more comprehensive inferences regarding the underlying logics of Japanese faithfulness versus Oklahoman gratitude ‐ logics that reflect the respective motivational dynamics underlying extant theories of identity and exchange.
Community and Territorial Belonging
Authors: Gasparini Alberto
Published: May 2010

The author conducts an analysis of the theoretical dimensions of territorial belonging mainly as linked to identity in a broad sense and to community in a specific sense. The initial hypothesis is that belonging is an active feeling of attachment to something outside of self and that this something is made up of at least three elements: territory, values and social-relations. The author investigates belonging at five levels, with increasing explanatory power, allowing for its reconceptualisation. While in a closed community belonging is strongly infused with a territorial component, with values and rules and with social relations, as communities open up there is a progressive weakening of the value component and social-relations component. There remains, now unique and specific, only the territorial component of the community, and its features, however, tend to be symbolic (of spaces), emotional and sign-related. In more general terms the primary source of territorial belonging is the “cosmosemics” of the community space ‐ this term referring to the organisation of space as if to a coordinated whole of characteristics of an absolutely “true” and “necessary” universe. We may thus speak of urban, mountain, maritime and lowland cosmosemics, and so forth.
Classifying African Christianities, Part Two: The Anthropology of Christianity and Generations of African Christians
Authors: Kollman Paul
Published: May 2010

Current approaches to classifying African Christianities include generalizing approaches like Ogbu Kalu’s assertion of ongoing revival and particular studies associated with the anthropology of Christianity. Here I argue for a generational approach to African Christian communities, noting what has been achieved and what remains to be done.Two recent ethnographies show the promise in the anthropology of Christianity for fruitful comparative approaches to African Christianity. Dorothy Hodgson’s study of Catholic evangelization of the Maasai and Matthew Engelke’s examination of a Zimbabwean independent church both develop concepts—inculturation and semiotic ideology, respectively—that prioritize African theological work in making Christianity suitable for African believers. Such conceptual approaches can include African Christians overlooked in past classifications and promote insightful comparisons. However, concepts that offer a comparative framework to address sociological belonging to mission-founded churches are still needed for a generational approach to African Christian communities.
An Alternative Vision of Sharia Application in Northern Nigeria: Ibrahim Salih’s Hadd Offences in the Sharia
Authors: Weimann Gunnar J.
Published: May 2010

After Islamic criminal law was introduced in northern Nigeria in 1999/2000, sentences of amputation and stoning to death were handed down by Sharia courts. Within a short period of time, however, spectacular judgments became rare. Given the importance of religion in northern Nigerian politics, this development must have been supported by influential Muslim scholars. This article analyses an alternative vision of Sharia implementation proposed by influential Tijaniyya Sufi shaykh Ibrahim Salih. He calls for a thorough Islamisation of northern Nigerian society, relegating the enforcement of Islamic criminal law to the almost utopian state of an ideal Muslim community. In this way he not only seeks to accommodate the application of Islamic law with the realities of the multireligious Nigerian state but also tries to conserve the unity of Muslims in the face of a perceived threat for Nigeria’s Muslims of being dominated by non-Muslims in the country.
Relationship between bone growth rate and bone tissue organization in amniotes: first test of Amprino's rule in a phylogenetic context
Authors: Montes Laëtitia , Castanet Jacques , Cubo Jorge
Published: May 2010

A debate on the determinism (phylogenetic versus functional) of the diversity of bone histological features has centred the interest of bone comparative biologists. While some authors have noticed the presence of a phylogenetic signal in bone tissue variation, many others have argued that these characters may not include much phylogenetic information, but rather reflect functional factors. Here we quantify both components in a sample of amniotes. We hypothesize that: 1/ the observed variation is partly the outcome of shared ancestry (phylogenetic factor) and 2/ for a given quantity of bone produced, tissues formed at a rapid rate may have a higher fraction of vascular cavities than those produced at a slower rate (functional factor). Variation partitioning analyses show that the phylogeny explains a significant portion of the variation of bone vascularity (85.3%), bone growth rate also explains a significant portion of this variation (68.3%), and there is an important overlap (67.9%). Finally, an optimization through least-squares parsimony of bone growth rates onto the phylogeny shows that the most important evolutionary change may have occurred after the split between crocodiles and birds. This change may be linked to the origin of avian endothermic metabolism because high growth rates involve high protein turnover, which is very energy consuming. We conclude that the debate on the dichotomy between phylogenetic versus functional causation of bone histological diversity is misleading, because we have shown that bone vascularity has, at the same time, a functional significance and a phylogenetic signal.
Human fetuses and limb asymmetry: No evidence for directional asymmetry and support for fluctuating asymmetry as a measure of developmental instability
Authors: Van Dongen Stefan , Wijnaendts Liliane , Ten Broek Clara , Galis Frietson
Published: May 2010

The often observed directional asymmetry in human limb bones could have a genetic basis. Alternatively, differences in limbs across sides could emerge from different mechanical loadings on the left and right side as a result of behavioral lateralization. Because handedness in itself has a genetic basis, it has been suggested that directional asymmetry in limbs could develop prenatally as a pre-adaptation to adult life. The developmental origins of limb asymmetry and the presence of directional asymmetry have important implications for the use of directionally random asymmetry (i.e., fluctuating asymmetry) as a measure of developmental instability (the inability of an organism to buffer its development against random noise). We study asymmetry in limb bones of deceased fetuses. We predict that if the direct effects of handedness (asymmetric mechanical loadings) would predominantly affect directional asymmetry, it would be absent in fetal limbs. However, because genes involved in the asymmetrical positioning of internal organs (situs solitus) also play a role in limb development, directional asymmetry may also emerge during early fetal stages. In a sample of over 500 fetuses, no indication of directional asymmetry was found in several limb bones. In addition, directional asymmetry did not emerge in the older fetuses either. We suggest that morphological asymmetries in fetal limb bones corresponded to fluctuating asymmetry measuring developmental instability. High levels of developmental integration found in our dataset could explain the overall low levels of asymmetry found in our study.
Morphometry of the metapleural gland of workers engaged in different behavioral tasks in the ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa
Authors: Lacerda Fabrícia , Della Lucia Terezinha , Serrão José , Cecon Paulo , de Souza Lucas , de Souza Danival
Published: May 2010

The exocrine metapleural gland is unique for ants and is characterized by antibiotic production. This work aimed at comparing (1) the volume of the metapleural gland, (2) the nucleus-cytoplasm relation of the secretory cells and (3) the surface area of the bulla which corresponds to the external part of the gland in workers of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908. The measurements were conducted in medium-sized workers of the following groups: waste processors (workers that manipulated waste), waste removers (workers that transported the waste fragment), foragers and workers inside the fungus garden. We show that the volume of the metapleural gland reservoir is larger in groups that are more exposed to infections.
Review of the Role of Erythropoietin in Critical Leg Ischemia
Authors: Joshi Dhiraj , Tsui Janice , Ho Teik K. , Selvakumar Sadasivam , Abraham David J. , Baker Daryll M.
Published: May 2010

There is a need to develop alternative treatment strategies for the 30% of patients with critical leg ischemia (CLI) for whom conventional modes of revascularization fail. The efficacy erythropoietin (EPO) in this regard has been verified in preclinical models. Erythropoietin receptors are expressed in the human skeletal muscle and possibly, upregulated in CLI. Furthermore, EPO induces angiogenesis and prevents apoptosis in the ischemic skeletal muscle. The use of EPO in conjunction with autologous bone marrow cells or gene-induced angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor may be more effective in inducing angiogenesis and protecting the critically ischemic leg than EPO alone. The recently synthesized nonhemopoietic derivatives of EPO (eg, asialo erythropoietin and carbamylated erythropoietin) allow higher doses to be administered to achieve tissue protective effects, without an unwanted increase in hematocrit. This may allow translation of preclinical studies into clinical trials.
Heart Rate Control in an Unselected Consecutive Population of Outpatients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Analysis of the CARDIf Study Cohort
Authors: Vitale Cristiana , Iellamo Ferdinando , Volterrani Maurizio , Lombardi Mariaelena , Fini Massimo , Banach Maciej , Rosano Giuseppe M.C.
Published: May 2010

Background: Despite increasing pharmacological and mechanical treatment options, coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. The detrimental effects of elevated heart rate (HR) on cardiac morbidity and mortality are well established. Although β-blockers represent the mainstay of treatment of patients with CAD and heart failure (HF), according to current guidelines, these drugs are most often undertitrated for various reasons despite the lack of real contraindications. This observational, cross-sectional, multicenter survey was designed to assess which clinical variables influence HR and whether HR is adequately controlled; and the rate of administration of β-blockers in patients with chronic CAD attending outpatient clinics. Methods: Over 6 months 2226 (of 2362 screened) outpatients with stable CAD and resting HR > 60 beats/min (bpm) were enrolled. Left ventricular systolic function was not a criterion of inclusion. Each patient had a full clinical examination and the past medical history, angina, or HF-related symptoms were evaluated. In each patient, the demographics and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed; weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated; sitting blood pressure and a HR by a 12-lead electrocardiogram was obtained. Results: Overall, 45.4% of patients with CAD were not under β-blocker therapy. Male patients featured a significantly lower HR than females, corrected from β-blockers use. In multiple regression analysis, which also included the use/nonuse of β-blockers as independent variable, not using β-blockers, female sex (OR 2.55), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I and II (OR 1.62 vs classes III-IV), smoking (OR 0.89), and increased BMI (OR 0.14) were all independent determinants of resting HR, with the lack of β-blockade therapy (OR 3.35) being the main determinant of the magnitude of HR increase. Heart rate in patients under β-blocker therapy was significantly less than in untreated patients (73.6 10.0 vs 77.1 10.4, P < .0001), although it often did not reach target values of <70 bpm. Among patients with HF symptoms, 56.6% were under β-blocker therapy. In patients free of symptoms of HF, HR was significantly less in those receiving a β-blocker (72.3 10 vs 76.7 11 bpm, P < .0001). Conclusion: This survey demonstrates that HR is poorly controlled in a broadly representative cohort of outpatients with CAD, even in those on β-blocker therapy, mainly because of undertitration of therapy—almost half of the patients with CAD and elevated resting HR are not on β-blockers. This might be related to absolute or relative controindications and to haemodynamic and chronotropic intolerance to beta-blockers.
Risk Factors for Carotid Stenosis in Thai Patients With Ischemic Stroke/TIA
Authors: Dharmasaroja Pornpatr A. , Intharakham Kannakorn
Published: May 2010

We looked for risk factors for significant carotid stenosis (CS) in patients with ischemic stroke. We included all patients treated for an ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and had a carotid duplex done from August 2006 to November 2008. A total of 458 patients were included. Significant CS of the extracranial internal carotid artery and the common carotid artery were found in 10.9% (50 of 458 patients). Age (≥65 years old) was the independent risk factor for CS (OR 4.0, P < .0001). The patients with a CS had more history of coronary artery disease (12% vs 8%, P = .32), prior ischemic stroke (18% vs 11%, P = .17), atrial fibrillation (10% vs 5%, P = .19), and smoking (28% vs 24%, P = .18) compared with the patients without CS. The evaluation of the carotid arteries should be recommended in patients with ischemic stroke/TIA, especially in the older ones (≥65 years old).
Improving Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing by Balancing Attribute Coverage: The Modified Maximum Global Discrimination Index Method
Authors: Cheng Ying
Published: May 2010

This article proposes a new item selection method, namely, the modified maximum global discrimination index (MMGDI) method, for cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT). The new method captures two aspects of the appeal of an item: (a) the amount of contribution it can make toward adequate coverage of every attribute and (b) the amount of contribution it can make toward recovering the latent cognitive profile. A simulation study shows that the new method ensures adequate coverage of every attribute, which improves the validity of the test scores, and defensibility of the proposed uses of the test. Furthermore, compared with the original global discrimination index method, the MMGDI method improves the recovery rate of each attribute and of the entire cognitive profile, especially the latter. Therefore, the new method improves both the validity and reliability of the test scores from a CD-CAT program.
The Role of Human-Automation Consensus in Multiple Unmanned Vehicle Scheduling
Authors: Cummings M.L. , Clare Andrew , Hart Christin
Published: May 2010

Objective: This study examined the impact of increasing automation replanning rates on operator performance and workload when supervising a decentralized network of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles. Background: Futuristic unmanned vehicles systems will invert the operator-to-vehicle ratio so that one operator can control multiple dissimilar vehicles connected through a decentralized network. Significant human-automation collaboration will be needed because of automation brittleness, but such collaboration could cause high workload. Method: Three increasing levels of replanning were tested on an existing multiple unmanned vehicle simulation environment that leverages decentralized algorithms for vehicle routing and task allocation in conjunction with human supervision. Results: Rapid replanning can cause high operator workload, ultimately resulting in poorer overall system performance. Poor performance was associated with a lack of operator consensus for when to accept the automation’s suggested prompts for new plan consideration as well as negative attitudes toward unmanned aerial vehicles in general. Participants with video game experience tended to collaborate more with the automation, which resulted in better performance. Conclusion: In decentralized unmanned vehicle networks, operators who ignore the automation’s requests for new plan consideration and impose rapid replans both increase their own workload and reduce the ability of the vehicle network to operate at its maximum capacity. Application: These findings have implications for personnel selection and training for futuristic systems involving human collaboration with decentralized algorithms embedded in networks of autonomous systems.
Tonga Orature as Historical Record: An Afrocentric Exegesis of the Dialectics Between African Human Factor Agency and the European Enslavement of Place
Authors: Gambahaya Zifikile , Muhwati Itai
Published: May 2010

The article critically examines the history of the Tonga people’s experiences of civilization and displacement from their life-affirming geographical location as enunciated through their oral forms, particularly, songs and other forms of reminiscence. The experiences of the Tonga people of Zimbabwe are largely overlooked in scholarship because they are considered one of the so-called minority groups, meriting little or no attention at all. Informed by an Afrocentric approach, in which it is “valid to posit Africa as a geographical and cultural starting base in the study of peoples [of Africa and] of African descent,” the article brings out an understanding of African orature as a redoubtable expression of the African classical past and the subsequent subversion and decimation of African human factor agency as a result of the European enslavement of place. In this regard, the authors contend that Africologists would do well to study African people’s orature, as it often reflects their story from their own perspective.
Predicting Perceptions of Fear at School and Going to and From School for African American and White Students: The Effects of School Security Measures
Authors: Bachman Ronet , Randolph Antonia , Brown Bethany L.
Published: May 2010

This article uses the School Crime Supplement of the National Crime Victimization Survey to investigate the factors related to White and African American students’ perceived levels of fear of harm, while at school and while commuting to and from school. Of particular interest were the effects of school security measures, including metal detectors, security guards, locked doors, and surveillance cameras. After controlling for the effects of previous victimizations, security measures, and other contextual and demographic variables, there were no differences in levels of fear across gender and race groups. However, certain predictors of fear differentially affected White and African American students. Previous victimization experiences, including bullying, and the presence of metal detectors increased levels of fear for all groups. Security guards in schools increased levels of fear for White students but not for African American students. African American students attending school in suburban and rural areas were more fearful compared to their central city counterparts, whereas White students were more fearful if they attended school in urban areas. Implications for policy are discussed.