bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A General Local Reconstruction Approach Based on a Truncated Hilbert Transform
Authors: Ye Yangbo , Yu Hengyong , Wei Yuchuan , Wang Ge
Published: March 2008

Exact image reconstruction from limited projection data has been a central topic in the computed tomography (CT) field. In this paper, we present a general region‐of‐interest/volume‐of‐interest (ROI/VOI) reconstruction approach using a truly truncated Hilbert transform on a line‐segment inside a compactly supported object aided by partial knowledge on one or both neighboring intervals of that segment. Our approach and associated new data sufficient condition allows the most flexible ROI/VOI image reconstruction from the minimum account of data in both the fan‐beam and cone‐beam geometry. We also report primary numerical simulation results to demonstrate the correctness and merits of our finding. Our work has major theoretical potentials and innovative practical applications.
Numerical Flow Simulation in a Centrifugal Pump at Design and Off-Design Conditions
Authors: Cheah K. W. , Lee T. S. , Winoto S. H. , Zhao Z. M.
Published: March 2008

The current investigation is aimed to simulate the complex internal flow in a centrifugal pump impeller with six twisted blades by using a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code with a standardk-εtwo-equation turbulence model. Different flow rates were specified at inlet boundary to predict the characteristics of the pump. A detailed analysis of the results at design load,Qdesign, and off-design conditions, Q = 0.43Qdesignand Q = 1.45Qdesign, is presented. From the numerical simulation, it shows that the impeller passage flow at design point is quite smooth and follows the curvature of the blade. However, flow separation is observed at the leading edge due to nontangential inflow condition. The flow pattern changed significantly inside the volute as well, with double vortical flow structures formed at cutwater and slowly evolved into a single vortical structure at the volute diffuser. For the pressure distribution, the pressure increases gradually along streamwise direction in the impeller passages. When the centrifugal pump is operating under off-design flow rate condition, unsteady flow developed in the impeller passage and the volute casing.
Proinflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression by Murine Macrophages in Response toBrugia malayi WolbachiaSurface Protein
Authors: Porksakorn Chantima , Nuchprayoon Surang , Park Kiwon , Scott Alan L.
Published: March 2008

Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium found in most species of filarial parasites, is thought to play a significant role in inducing innate inflammatory responses in lymphatic filariasis patients. However, theWolbachia-derived molecules that are recognized by the innate immune system have not yet been identified. In this study, we exposed the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 to a recombinant form of the majorWolbachiasurface protein (rWSP) to determine if WSP is capable of innately inducing cytokine transcription. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mRNAs were all upregulated by the rWSP stimulation in a dose-dependant manner. TNF transcription peaked at 3 hours, whereas IL-1βand IL-6 transcription peaked at 6 hours post-rWSP exposure. The levels of innate cytokine expression induced by a high-dose (9.0μg/mL) rWSP in the RAW 264.7 cells were comparable to the levels induced by 0.1μg/mLE. coli-derived lipopolysaccharides. Pretreatment of the rWSP with proteinase-K drastically reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF transcription. However, the proinflammatory response was not inhibited by polymyxin B treatment. These results strongly suggest that the majorWolbachiasurface protein molecule WSP is an important inducer of innate immune responses during filarial infections.
Detection of Gene Interactions Based on Syntactic Relations
Authors: Kim Mi-Young
Published: March 2008

Interactions between proteins and genes are considered essential in the description of biomolecular phenomena, and networks of interactions are applied in a system′s biology approach. Recently, many studies have sought to extract information from biomolecular text using natural language processing technology. Previous studies have asserted that linguistic information is useful for improving the detection of gene interactions. In particular, syntactic relations among linguistic information are good for detecting gene interactions. However, previous systems give a reasonably good precision but poor recall. To improve recall without sacrificing precision, this paper proposes a three‐phase method for detecting gene interactions based on syntactic relations. In the first phase, we retrieve syntactic encapsulation categories for each candidate agent and target. In the second phase, we construct a verb list that indicates the nature of the interaction between pairs of genes. In the last phase, we determine direction rules to detect which of two genes is the agent or target. Even without biomolecular knowledge, our method performs reasonably well using a small training dataset. While the first phase contributes to improve recall, the second and third phases contribute to improve precision. In the experimental results using ICML 05 Workshop on Learning Language in Logic (LLL05) data, our proposed method gave an F‐measure of 67.2% for the test data, significantly outperforming previous methods. We also describe the contribution of each phase to the performance.
The Importance of Fever as a Predictive Symptom for the Potency of Host′s Monocytes to Release Pro‐ and Anti‐Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Kyriakopoulou Magdalini , Antonopoulou Anastasia , Raftogiannis Maria , Baziaka Fotini , Tsaganos Thomas , Kanellakopoulou Kyriaki , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: March 2008

Objective. To clarify whether time lapsing from advent of fever as a first sign of sepsis may be indicative of the potency of monocytes for the release of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators.
Methods. Monocytes were isolated from blood of 51 septic patients and 9 healthy donors. Monocytes were incubated in the absence and presence of patients′ serum and concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in supernatants. Patients were divided into three groups: group A: <12 hours; group B: 12–24 hours, and group C: >24 hours between initiation of fever and blood sampling.
Results. TNFα of supernatants of groups B and C was higher than controls, as also were IL‐6 of A and C, IL‐10 of A and B, and MDA of A. IL‐6 of group A was increased after addition of patients serum. A negative correlation was found between time from initiation of symptoms and IL‐6 of monocyte supernatants incubated in the presence of patients serum. Median IL‐6 of survivors was higher than nonsurvivors.
Conclusion. Monocytes are potent for the release of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators within the first 24 hours upon advent of fever related to sepsis; serum stimulates further release of IL‐6 within the first 12 hours.
Machine Fault Signature Analysis
Authors: Jayaswal Pratesh , Wadhwani A. K. , Mulchandani K. B.
Published: March 2008

The objective of this paper is to present recent developments in the field of machine fault signature analysis with particular regard to vibration analysis. The different types of faults that can be identified from the vibration signature analysis are, for example, gear fault, rolling contact bearing fault, journal bearing fault, flexible coupling faults, and electrical machine fault. It is not the intention of the authors to attempt to provide a detailed coverage of all the faults while detailed consideration is given to the subject of the rolling element bearing fault signature analysis.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma of the Retroperitoneum with Extensive Leiomyosarcomatous Differentiation and -Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Production
Authors: Russell Michael J. , Flynt Frederick L. , Harroff Allyson L. , Fadare Oluwole
Published: March 2008

Dedifferentiated liposarcomas may display a variety of “heterologous” lines of differentiation, including osseous, vascular, skeletal, and/or smooth muscular. There have been six previously reported examples of leiomyosarcomas associated with high levels of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production, comprised of cases originating from the retroperitoneum, spermatic cord, small intestine, and uterus. This report describes the first example of a dedifferentiated liposarcoma that combined both of the aforementioned features: extensive heterologous (leiomyosarcomatous) differentiationand-hCG production (maximum serum levels 1046 mIU/ml, reference  mIU/ml). The tumor, which originated in the retroperitoneum in the region of the right kidney, was rapidly progressive and ultimately fatal within three months of its diagnosis. In addition to characteristic morphologic features, lipogenic and smooth muscle differentiation were confirmed with immunohistochemical stains for MDM2 and smooth muscle actin, respectively. The tumor also displayed diffuse immunoreactivity for -hCG in both primary and metastatic sites. This case further expands the clinicopathologic spectrum of lipogenic tumors.
Increase of the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 by Carbon and Iron Modifications
Authors: Tryba Beata
Published: March 2008

Modification of TiO2 by doping of a residue carbon and iron can give enhanced photoactivity of TiO2. Iron adsorbed on the surface of TiO2 can be an electron or hole scavenger and results in the improvement of the separation of free carriers. The presence of carbon can increase the concentration of organic pollutants on the surface of TiO2 facilitating the contact of the reactive species with the organic molecules. Carbon‐doped TiO2 can extend the absorption of the light to the visible region and makes the photocatalysts active under visible‐light irradiation. It was proved that TiO2 modified by carbon and iron can work in both photocatalysis and photo‐Fenton processes, when H2O2 is used, enhancing markedly the rate of the organic compounds decomposition such as phenol, humic acids and dyes. The photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds on TiO2 modified by iron and carbon is going by the complex reactions of iron with the intermediates, what significantly accelerate the process of their decomposition. The presence of carbon in such photocatalyst retards the inconvenient reaction of OH radicals scavenging by H2O2, which occurs when Fe‐TiO2 photocatalyst is used.
SpectroscopicOCT by Grating‐Based Temporal Correlation Coupled to OpticalSpectral Analysis
Authors: Froehly L. , Ouadour M. , Furfaro L. , Sandoz P. , Leproux P. , Huss G. , Couderc V.
Published: March 2008

Spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (spectroscopic OCT) is an echographic‐like optical
method for biomedical functional imaging. Current spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) methods rely on a posteriori numerical calculation. We present an alternative for optically accessing the spectroscopic information in OCT, that is, without postprocessing, by using a grating‐based correlation and a wavelength demultiplexing system. Spectrally resolved A‐scan is directly recorded on the image sensor. Due to the grating‐based system, no correlation scan is necessary. The signal is registered in the wavelength‐depth plane on a 2D camera that provides a large number of resolved points. In the frame of this paper, we present the principle of the system as well as demonstration results. Advantages and drawback of this system compared to others are discussed.
A Two‐Disk Extended Jeffcott Rotor Model Distinguishing a Shaft Crack from Other Rotating Asymmetries
Authors: Wu Xi , Meagher Jim
Published: March 2008

A mathematical model of a cracked rotor and an asymmetric rotor with two disks representing a turbine and a generator is utilized to study the vibrations due to imbalance and side load. Nonlinearities typically related with a “breathing” crack are included using a Mayes steering function. Numerical simulations demonstrate how the variations of rotor parameters affect the vibration response and the effect of coupling between torsional and lateral modes. Bode, spectrum, and orbit plots are used to show the differences between the vibration signatures associated with cracked shafts versus asymmetric shafts. Results show how nonlinear lateral‐torsional coupling shifts the resonance peaks in the torsional vibration response for cracked shafts and asymmetric rotors. The resonance peaks shift depending on the ratio of the lateral‐to‐torsional natural frequencies with the peak responses occurring at noninteger values of the lateral natural frequency. When the general nonlinear models used in this study are constrained to reduce to linear torsional vibration, the peak responses occur at commonly reported integer ratios. Full spectrum analyses of the X and Y vibrations reveal distinct vibration characteristics of both cracked and asymmetric rotors including reverse vibration components. Critical speeds and vibration orders predicted using the models presented herein include and extend diagnostic indicators commonly reported.
Understanding Microbe-Induced Cancers
Authors: Blaser Martin J.
Published: March 2008

Microbes are important causes of human cancers, and our estimation of their significance continues to grow as cancer biology is better dissected. A classification system is proposed that highlights common and proposed microbe-induced pathways toward oncogenesis, with an emphasis on types of targeted cells and host-microbial interactions. The central principlesthat underlie oncogenesis induced by the many diverse microbes and the major mechanisms involved are outlined. The phenomenon of microbe-induced cancers raises a number of important biological questions, the solving of which may inform other fields, including aging and degenerative disorders. Finally, our challenge for the future is to better understand the steps in microbe-induced cancers to optimize both prevention and therapy.
The Expansions of the Pectoral Girdle Muscles onto the Brachial Fascia: Morphological Aspects and Spatial Disposition
Authors: Stecco Carla , Porzionato Andrea , Macchi Veronica , Stecco Antonio , Vigato Enrico , Parenti Anna , Delmas Vincent , Aldegheri Roberto , De Caro Raffaele
Published: March 2008

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between the expansions of the pectoral girdle muscles, i.e. pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and deltoid, and the brachial fascia. Methods: Thirty shoulder specimens from 15 unembalmed adult cadavers were studied by dissection and in vivo radiological studies were performed in 20 patients using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Results: The clavicular part of the pectoralis major muscle sent a fibrous expansion onto the anterior portion of the brachial fascia, its costal part onto the medial portion and medial intermuscular septum. The latissimus dorsi muscle showed a triangular fibrous expansion onto the posterior portion of the brachial fascia. The posterior part of the deltoid muscle inserted muscular fibres directly onto the posterior portion of the brachial fascia, its lateral part onto the lateral portion and the lateral intermuscular septum. In MR images, the brachial fascia appeared as a low-signal-intensity sinuous line of connective tissue, sharply delineated in T1-weighted sequences. Conclusion: The expansions of the pectoral girdle muscles onto the brachial fascia were present in all the subjects and showed a quite constant course with a specific spatial organization. During the various movements of the arm, these expansions stretch selective portions of the brachial fascia, with possible activation of specific patterns of fascial proprioceptors.
Overview of the Pathology of Three Widely Used Animal Models of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Wang H.M. , Bodenstein M. , Markstaller K.
Published: March 2008

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are syndromes of acute diffuse damage to the pulmonary parenchyma by a variety of local or systemic insults. Increased alveolar capillary membrane permeability was recognized as the common end organ injury and a central feature in all forms of ALI/ARDS. Although great strides have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS and in intensive care medicine, the treatment approach to ARDS is still relying on ventilatory and cardiovascular support based on the recognition of the clinical picture. In the course of evaluating novel treatment approaches to ARDS, 3 models of ALI induced in different species, i.e. the surfactant washout lavage model, the oleic acid intravenous injection model and the endotoxin injection model, were widely used. This review gives an overview of the pathological characteristics of these models from studies in pigs, dogs or sheep. We believe that a good morphological description of these models, both spatially and temporally, will help us gain a better understanding of the real pathophysiological picture and apply these models more accurately and liberally in evaluating novel treatment approaches to ARDS.
Myogel, a Novel, Basement Membrane-Rich, Extracellular Matrix Derived from Skeletal Muscle, Is Highly Adipogenic in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Abberton K.M. , Bortolotto S.K. , Woods A.A. , Findlay M. , Morrison W.A. , Thompson E.W. , Messina A.
Published: March 2008

Background/Aims: Biological and synthetic scaffolds play important roles in tissue engineering and are being developed towards human clinical applications. Based on previous work from our laboratory, we propose that extracellular matrices from skeletal muscle could be developed for adipose tissue engineering. Methods: Extracellular matrices (Myogels) extracted from skeletal muscle of various species were assessed using biochemical assays including ELISA and Western blotting. Biofunctionality was assessed using an in vitro differentiation assay and a tissue engineering construct model in the rat. Results: Myogels were successfully extracted from mice, rats, pigs and humans. Myogels contained significant levels of laminin α4- and α2-subunits and collagen I compared to Matrigel™, which contains laminin 1 (α1β1γ1) and collagen IV. Levels of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor 2 were significantly higher than Matrigel, vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels were significantly lower and all other growth factors were comparable. Myogels reproducibly stimulated adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes in vitro and the growth of adipose tissue in the rat. Conclusions: We found Myogel induces adipocyte differentiation in vitroand shows strong adipogenic potential in vivo, inducing the growth of well-vascularised adipose tissue. Myogel offers an alternative for current support scaffolds in adipose tissue engineering, allowing the scaling up of animal models towards clinical adipose tissue engineering applications.
Expression of Glutamine Synthetase and Carbamoylphosphate Synthetase I in a Bioartificial Liver: Markers for the Development of Zonation in vitro
Authors: Poyck Paul P.C. , Hoekstra Ruurdtje , Vermeulen Jacqueline L.M. , van Wijk Albert C.W.A. , Chamuleau Robert A.F.M. , Hakvoort Theodorus B.M. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Lamers Wouter H.
Published: March 2008

Background: Mechanisms underlying hepatic zonation are not completely elucidated. In vitro test systems may provide new insights into current hypotheses. In this study, zonally expressed proteins, i.e. glutamine synthetase (GS; pericentral) and carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS; periportal), were tested for their expression patterns in the bioartificial liver of the Academic Medical Center (AMC-BAL). Methods: Distribution and organization of porcine hepatocytes inside the AMC-BAL as well as GS and CPS expression were analyzed (immuno-)histochemically in time. Ten zonally expressed proteins were analyzed by RT-PCR on cell isolate and bioreactor samples. General metabolic and hepatocyte-specific functions were determined as well. Results: Viable hepatocyte layers of approximately 150 µm were observed around gas capillaries, whereas inside the matrix, single cells or small aggregates were present. GS protein and mRNA levels were upregulated in time. GS protein was preferentially expressed in hepatocytes adjacent to oxygen-supplying capillaries and in previously CPS-positive hepatocytes. No shift towards a periportal or pericentral phenotype was observed from RT-PCR analysis. Conclusion: Induction of GS expression inside the AMC-BAL is not dependent of (low) oxygen tensions and hepatic nuclear factor 4α transcript levels. GS expression might be related to (1) low substrate levels and/or autocrine soluble factors, or (2) to cytoskeleton interactions, putatively associated with the β-catenin signaling pathway.
Winter Mixed Layer Development in the Central Irminger Sea: The Effect of Strong, Intermittent Wind Events
Authors: Våge Kjetil , Pickart Robert S. , Moore G. W. K. , Ribergaard Mads Hvid
Published: March 2008

The impact of the Greenland tip jet on the wintertime mixed layer of the southwest Irminger Sea is investigated using in situ moored profiler data and a variety of atmospheric datasets. The mixed layer was observed to reach 400 m in the spring of 2003 and 300 m in the spring of 2004. Both of these winters were mild and characterized by a low North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. A typical tip jet event is associated with a low pressure system that is advected by upper-level steering currents into the region east of Cape Farewell and interacts with the high topography of southern Greenland. Heat flux time series for the mooring site were constructed that include the enhancing influence of the tip jet events. This was used to force a one-dimensional mixed layer model, which was able to reproduce the observed envelope of mixed layer deepening in both winters. The deeper mixed layer of the first winter was largely due to a higher number of robust tip jet events, which in turn was caused by the steering currents focusing more storms adjacent to southern Greenland. Application of the mixed layer model to the winter of 1994–95, a period characterized by a high-NAO index, resulted in convection exceeding 1700 m. This prediction is consistent with hydrographic data collected in summer 1995, supporting the notion that deep convection can occur in the Irminger Sea during strong winters.
Variability of Shallow and Deep Western Boundary Currents off the Bahamas during 2004–05: Results from the 26°N RAPID–MOC Array
Authors: Johns W. E. , Beal L. M. , Baringer M. O. , Molina J. R. , Cunningham S. A. , Kanzow T. , Rayner D.
Published: March 2008

Data from an array of six moorings deployed east of Abaco, Bahamas, along 26.5°N during March 2004–May 2005 are analyzed. These moorings formed the western boundary array of a transbasin observing system designed to continuously monitor the meridional overturning circulation and meridional heat flux in the subtropical North Atlantic, under the framework of the joint U.K.–U.S. Rapid Climate Change (RAPID)–Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) Program. Important features of the western boundary circulation include the southward-flowing deep western boundary current (DWBC) below 1000 m and the northward-flowing “Antilles” Current in the upper 1000 m. Transports in the western boundary layer are estimated from direct current meter observations and from dynamic height moorings that measure the spatially integrated geostrophic flow between moorings. The results of these methods are combined to estimate the time-varying transports in the upper and deep ocean over the width of the western boundary layer to a distance of 500 km offshore of the Bahamas escarpment. The net southward transport of the DWBC across this region, inclusive of northward deep recirculation, is −26.5 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), which is divided nearly equally between upper (−13.9 Sv) and lower (−12.6 Sv) North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW). In the top 1000 m, 6.0 Sv flows northward in a thermocline-intensified jet near the western boundary. These transports are found to agree well with historical current meter data in the region collected between 1986 and 1997. Variability in both shallow and deep components of the circulation is large, with transports above 1000 m varying between −15 and +25 Sv and deep transports varying between −60 and +3 Sv. Much of this transport variability, associated with barotropic fluctuations, occurs on relatively short time scales of several days to a few weeks. Upon removal of the barotropic fluctuations, slower baroclinic transport variations are revealed, including a temporary stoppage of the lower NADW transport in the DWBC during November 2004.
Impact of Density Gradients on Net Sediment Transport into the Wadden Sea
Authors: Burchard Hans , Flöser Götz , Staneva Joanna V. , Badewien Thomas H. , Riethmüller Rolf
Published: March 2008

This study tests the hypothesis that horizontal density gradients have the potential to significantly contribute to the accumulation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Wadden Sea. It is shown by means of long-term observations at various positions in the Wadden Sea of the German Bight that the water in the inner regions of the Wadden Sea is typically about 0.5–1.0 kg m−3 less dense than the North Sea water. During winter this occurs mostly because of freshwater runoff and net precipitation; during summer it occurs mostly because of differential heating. It is demonstrated with idealized one-dimensional water column model simulations that the interaction of such small horizontal density gradients with tidal currents generates net onshore SPM fluxes. Major mechanisms for this are tidal straining, estuarine circulation, and tidal mixing asymmetries. Three-dimensional model simulations in a semienclosed Wadden Sea embayment with periodic tidal forcing show that SPM with sufficiently high settling velocity (ws = 10−3 m s−1) is accumulating in the Wadden Sea Bight because of density gradients. This is proven through a comparative model simulation in which the dynamic effects of the density gradients are switched off, with the consequence of no SPM accumulation. These numerical model results motivate future targeted field studies in different Wadden Sea regions with the aim to further support the hypothesis.
Seasonal Variability of the Observed Barrier Layer in the Arabian Sea*
Authors: Thadathil Pankajakshan , Thoppil Prasad , Rao R. R. , Muraleedharan P. M. , Somayajulu Y. K. , Gopalakrishna V. V. , Murtugudde Raghu , Reddy G. V. , Revichandran C.
Published: March 2008

The formation mechanisms of the barrier layer (BL) and its seasonal variability in the Arabian Sea (AS) are studied using a comprehensive dataset of temperature and salinity profiles from Argo and other archives for the AS. Relatively thick BL of 20–60 m with large spatial extent is found in the central-southwestern AS (CSWAS), the convergence zone of the monsoon wind, during the peak summer monsoon (July–August) and in the southeastern AS (SEAS) and northeastern AS (NEAS) during the winter (January–February). Although the BL in the SEAS has been reported before, the observed thick BL in the central-southwestern AS during the peak summer monsoon and in the northeastern AS during late winter are the new findings of this study. The seasonal variability of BL thickness (BLT) is closely related to the processes that occur during summer and winter monsoons. During both seasons, the Ekman processes and the distribution of low-salinity waters in the surface layer show a dominant influence on the observed BLT distributions. In addition, Kelvin and Rossby waves also modulate the observed BL thickness in the AS. The relatively low salinity surface water overlying the Arabian Sea high-salinity water (ASHSW) provides an ideal ground for strong haline stratification in the CSWAS (during summer monsoon) and in NEAS (during winter monsoon). During summer, northward advection of equatorial low-salinity water by the Somali Current and the offshore advection of low-salinity water from the upwelling region facilitate the salinity stratification that is necessary to develop the observed BL in the CSWAS. In the SEAS, during winter, the winter monsoon current (WMC) carries less saline water over relatively high salinity ambient water to form the observed BL there. The winter West India Coastal Current (WICC) transports the low-salinity water from the SEAS to the NEAS, where it lies over the subducted ASHSW leading to strong haline stratification. Ekman pumping together with the downwelling Kelvin wave in the NEAS deepen the thermocline to cause the observed thick BL in the NEAS.
Representations of the Black Body in Mexican Visual Art
Authors: Phillips Wendy E.
Published: March 2008

Although Africans have been present in Mexico since the time of the Afro-Atlantic slave trade, the larger Mexican culture seems to have forgotten this aspect of its history. Although the descendents of these original Africans continue to live in the communities of coastal Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Veracruz states, many Mexicans seem to be unaware of their existence. This article reviews works of visual art made from the 1700s through the present that represent images of Mexicans of African descent and provide evidence of a historical Afromestizo presence in Mexico. The works are also considered as possible sources of evidence about prevailing attitudes about Mexicans of African descent and anxieties about race mixing. This article provides a brief overview of Mexico's historical relationship with Africa as a participant in the Afro-Atlantic slave trade and considers the work of muralists, painters, and photographers who have created works of art in various regions of the country.
African American Student Athletes and Sports Media Consumption
Authors: Bun Lee E. , Browne Louis A.
Published: March 2008

This study measures the use of media for sports information among African American student athletes. Television was indicated as the primary source of sports information by about one third of the target group, whereas newspapers were used much less as a source. About one fourth got their information from multiple sources. A somewhat unexpected finding was the limited use of sports radio as a source. Female respondents used media less frequently for sports information compared to male athletes.
Akhenaten to Origen
Authors: Asante Molefi Kete , Ismail Shaza
Published: March 2008

This article examines the context and content of two African philosophers, Akhenaten and Origen, living hundreds of years apart, to establish through reference to texts and records that the memories of the old system found their way into the era of Christian development. The authors contend that the religious ideas that originated in ancient Egypt did not vanish with the arrival of the Christian faith. Indeed, they suggest that there is a connective link, an intellectual chain, a continuity of form and substance that exists from Akhenaten to Origen. The authors argue that although there was a break in the ancient tradition when Christianity entered Africa, it was not an immediate or a clean break, as if one had snapped a twig.
African American Males
Authors: Spurgeon Shawn L. , Myers Jane E.
Published: March 2008

A total of 203 African American male junior and senior college students participated in a study to determine the relationships among components of racial identity and wellness. Differences were found between students attending predominantly White institutions (PWIs) and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) on internalization racial identity attitudes, physical self-wellness, and social self-wellness. No relationships were found between racial identity and wellness. Implications for counseling and research are discussed.
`Teaming Up': Teams and Team Sharing in Call Centres
Authors: van den Broek Diane , Barnes Alison , Townsend Keith
Published: March 2008

Call centre work is highly individualistic and technologically regulated. Processes, scripts and company procedures are usually standardized. As such there is a fundamental irony in the fact that most call centre operations organize their workforce around team structures. In recent years, much of the research has identified how teams might lead to the workers shifting toward a shared firm identity and sociability, either voluntarily or through an involuntary internalization of managerial objectives. However other factors have not been fully investigated in the team literature. In this article we analyse how workers might `team up' to ameliorate the relentless conditions of work through collaboratively manoeuvring around call centre technologies as well as `teaming up' around customer relations. We provide a counter argument to both the `teams are good for business' position, and the `teams provide self imposed cages for workers to compete with each other' argument. Control and resistance remain an important factor in analysing teams in call centres, while shallow and short-lived team arrangements might provide important social mechanisms for worker support.
Commitment, Functional Flexibility, and Addiction
Authors: Cavagnoli Donatella
Published: March 2008

This article provides an insight into the reasons for and the outcomes of functional flexibility, and it argues that functional flexibility increases time commitment of labour in paid-work. However, this leads to work-addiction, a byproduct of the production process in complex activities, which calls for demand as well as supply side policies.
The Australian Charter of Employment Rights: Setting the Standard for New Legislation and Good Practice
Authors: Heap Lisa
Published: March 2008

This article explores how the recently developed Charter of Employment Rights can be used by legislators, employers and unions to achieve sustainable working relationships in the post Work Choices environment. It examines the themes emerging from the conversations that the Australian Institute of Employment Rights (AIER) facilitated with employers, employees, unions, academics, lawyers and politicians throughout 2007. AIER hopes its Charter of Employment Rights will inform and inspire the objects of Labor's new legislation and provide a framework for the new regulatory system. In addition to being an instrument to aid the design of a new system, this article explores the role of the Charter in providing a framework for good employer practice and as a vehicle for education and change within workplaces and the community.
Effect of Sitagliptin, a Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitor, on Blood Pressure in Nondiabetic Patients With Mild to Moderate Hypertension
Authors: Mistry Goutam C. , Maes Andrea L. , Lasseter Kenneth C. , Davies Michael J. , Gottesdiener Keith M. , Wagner John A. , Herman Gary A.
Published: March 2008

The effect of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, on ambulatory blood pressure was assessed in nondiabetic patients with mild to moderate hypertension in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 3‐period crossover study. Nineteen patients on stable treatment with antihypertensive agent(s) received sitagliptin 100 mg b.i.d., 50 mg b.i.d., or placebo for 5 days, with at least a 7‐day washout interval between periods. Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure, including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, were monitored on days 1 and 5. Relative to placebo on day 1, the mean difference in 24‐hour systolic blood pressure was −0.9 mm Hg (90% confidence interval: −2.9 to 1.1; P = .46) with sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. and −2.8 mm Hg (90% confidence interval: −4.9 to −0.8; P < .05) with 100 mg b.i.d. On day 5, the mean difference in 24‐hour systolic blood pressure was −2.0 mm Hg (90% confidence interval: −3.5 to −0.4; P < .05) with 50 mg b.i.d. and −2.2 mm Hg (90% confidence interval: −3.7 to −0.6; P < .05) with 100 mg b.i.d. relative to placebo. For 24‐hour diastolic blood pressure, there were no between‐group differences in mean 24‐hour diastolic blood pressure on day 1. On day 5, sitagliptin 50 mg and 100 mg b.i.d significantly (P < .05) lowered mean 24‐hour diastolic blood pressure by −1.8 mm Hg (90% confidence interval: −2.8 to −0.8) and −1.6 mm Hg (90% confidence interval: −2.6 to −0.7), respectively, relative to placebo. Sitagliptin produced small but statistically significant reductions of 2 mm Hg to 3 mm Hg in 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements acutely (day 1) and at steady state (day 5), and was generally well tolerated in nondiabetic patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
Predictive Control of Speededness in Adaptive Testing
Authors: van der Linden Wim J.
Published: March 2008

An adaptive testing method is presented that controls the speededness of a test using predictions of the test takers' response times on the candidate items in the pool. Two different types of predictions are investigated: posterior predictions given the actual response times on the items already administered and posterior predictions that use the responses on these items as an additional source of information. In a simulation study with an adaptive test modeled after a test from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, the effectiveness of the methods in removing differential speededness from the test was evaluated.
Chronic Microcystin Exposure Induces Hepatocyte Proliferation with Increased Expression of Mitotic and Cyclin-associated Genes in P53-deficient Mice
Authors: Clark Shawn P. , Ryan Timothy P. , Searfoss George H. , Davis Myrtle A. , Hooser Stephen B.
Published: March 2008

Homozygous p53 deficient knockout mice were used to assess the role of p53 in tumor promotion by the protein phosphatase inhibitor and hepatic tumor promoter microcystin-LR (MCLR). More than 50% of human cancers bear mutations in the p53 gene, and in particular, p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations have been shown to play a major role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Trp53 homozygous (inactivated p53) and age-matched wild-type control mice were assigned to vehicle or MCLR-treated groups. MCLR or saline was administered daily for up to 28 days. RNA from the 28-day study was hybridized onto Mouse Genome GeneChip arrays. Selected RNA from 28 days and earlier time points was also processed for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Livers from the 28-day, Trp53-deficient, MCLR group displayed greater hyperplastic and dysplastic changes morphologically and increases in Ki-67 and phosphohistone H3 (mitotic marker) immunoreactivity. Gene-expression analysis revealed significant increases in expression of cell-cycle regulation and cellular proliferation genes in the MCLR-treated, p53-deficient mutant mice compared to controls. These data suggest that regulation of the cell cycle by p53 is important in preventing the proliferative response associated with chronic, sublethal microcystin exposure, and therefore, conclude that p53 plays an important role in MCLR-induced tumor promotion.
Coming to You “Live”
Authors: Brockus Susan
Published: March 2008

Operation Iraqi Freedom marked not only the U.S. military's second foray into Iraq in just over a decade but also an unprecedented partnership between the U.S. government and corporate media outlets. Some 600 journalists—sanctioned, select teams of reporters and camera crews—were given battlefield training and allowed to live and travel with U.S. troops. This article argues that embed accounts thus were exclusive, both as the purview of a given network and as a form of reporting that excluded more expansive coverage in favor of a highly individualized viewpoint.
Use of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis to Determine Inventory Size for a National Cord Blood Bank
Authors: Howard David H. , Meltzer David , Kollman Craig , Maiers Martin , Logan Brent , Gragert Loren , Setterholm Michelle , Horowitz Mary M.
Published: March 2008

Background. Transplantation with stem cells from stored umbilical cord blood units is an alternative to living unrelated bone marrow transplantation. The larger the inventory of stored cord units, the greater the likelihood that transplant candidates will match to a unit, but storing units is costly. The authors present the results of a study, commissioned by the Institute of Medicine, as part of a report on the establishment of a national cord blood bank, examining the optimal inventory level. They emphasize the unique challenges of undertaking cost-effectiveness analysis in this field and the contribution of the analysis to policy. Methods. The authors estimate the likelihood that transplant candidates will match to a living unrelated marrow donor or a cord blood unit as a function of cord blood inventory and then calculate the life-years gained for each transplant type by match level using historical data. They develop a model of the cord blood inventory level to estimate total costs as a function of the number of stored units. Results. The cost per life-year gained associated with increasing inventory from 50,000 to 100,000 units is $44,000 to $86,000 and from 100,000 to 150,000 units is $64,000 to $153,000, depending on the assumption about the degree to which survival rates for cord transplants vary by match quality. Conclusion. Expanding the cord blood inventory above current levels is cost-effective by conventional standards. The analysis helped shape the Institute of Medicine's report, but it is difficult to determine the extent to which the analysis influenced subsequent congressional legislation.
Musical expression: an observational study of instrumental teaching
Authors: Karlsson Jessika , Juslin Patrik N.
Published: March 2008

Research has shown that both music students and teachers think that expression is important. Yet, we know little about how expression is taught to students. Such knowledge is needed in order to enhance teaching of expression. The aim of this study was thus to explore the nature of instrumental music teaching in its natural context, with a focus on expression and emotion. Lessons featuring five music teachers and 12 students were video-filmed, transcribed, content analyzed, and coded into categories of feedback and language use. Results suggested that the focus of teaching was mainly on technique and on the written score. Lessons were dominated by talk, with the teacher doing most of the talking. Issues concerning expression and emotion were mostly dealt with implicitly rather than explicitly, although some teachers used a variety of strategies to enhance expression. Although there were individual differences among teachers, a common feature was the lack of clear goals, specific tasks, and systematic teaching patterns.
Negotiating transitions in musical development: the role of psychological characteristics of developing excellence
Authors: MacNamara Áine , Holmes Patricia , Collins Dave
Published: March 2008

The challenges of developing potential to achieve high-level performance in music are considerable. Furthermore, research is increasingly emphasizing the multidimensional and dynamic construction of talent, along with an awareness of the central role of psycho-behavioural factors in the realization of potential. Moreover, in order to achieve success, developing musicians must negotiate key transitions between stages of development. In order to investigate these various challenges, world-class musicians were purposefully sampled and interviewed about their development in music. Subsequently, key transitions within their career, as well as the skills and characteristics needed to negotiate these transitions, were identified. Results suggest that the ability to negotiate transitions between stages of development is mediated by the development and employment of a range of psychological characteristics of developing excellence (PCDEs). These PCDEs appear similar to those employed in other performance domains and support increasing empirical evidence of the development of psycho-behavioural characteristics as a core feature of talent development processes.
Tendon-Bone Insertion Repair and Regeneration Using Polyglycolic Acid Sheet in the Rabbit Rotator Cuff Injury Model
Authors: Yokoya Shin , Mochizuki Yu , Nagata Yoshihiko , Deie Masataka , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: March 2008

Background

The quality of tendons has considerable limitations regarding torn rotator cuff tendons. Tissue-engineering techniques using a biodegradable scaffold offer potential alternatives for recreating a valid tendon-to-bone interface.

Hypothesis

A polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet could facilitate the regeneration of the rotator cuff tendon insertion in vivo.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

An implant consisting of a PGA sheet, a rapidly absorbable material, was used to replace a completely resected infraspinatus tendon insertion in 33 adult Japanese white rabbits. The contralateral infraspinatus tendon was replaced by poly-L-lactate-epsilon-caprolactone (PLC), a slowly absorbable material, by the same methods based on the results of the pilot study. Histological comparisons were made at 4, 8, and 16 weeks, and mechanical evaluations were performed at 4 and 16 weeks in both groups. Unrepaired defects were created in a control group. Results: In the control group, the rotator cuff defects were covered with thin fibrous membranes with many fibroblasts arranged in an irregular pattern. In the PLC group, some chondrocytes were seen in the tendon insertion; however, these were not arranged along the long axis for a 16-week period. In the PGA group, a well-arranged fibrocartilage layer could be found in the regenerated tendon insertions; however, these tendon insertions were mainly regenerated by type III collagen. In mechanical examinations, the PGA group had significantly higher values in the maximum failure load, tensile strength, and Young's modulus for the 4-week and 16-week periods. These 3 categories statistically improved from 4 to 16 weeks postoperatively in both groups except for the Young's modulus in the PGA group (E = 5.66 at 4 weeks to 5.53 at 16 weeks).

Conclusion

The PGA sheet scaffold material allows for tendon insertion regeneration with a fibrocartilage layer but displays mechanical properties inferior to those of the normal tendon in an animal model.

Clinical Relevance

The PGA sheet represent a possible alternative scaffold material for tendon regeneration in rotator cuff repair.