bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-active Vibration Control of a Composite Beam using an Adaptive SSDV Approach
Authors: Hongli Ji  , Jinhao Qiu  , Badel Adrien , Kongjun Zhu
Published: September 2008

In this paper, an improved semi-active control method is proposed and applied to the vibration control of a composite beam. This method is an improved version of the previously developed SSDV (synchronized switch damping on voltage) approach. In SSDV, a voltage source is connected to the shunting branch, in series with the inductor, which can magnify the inverted voltage and hence improve the control performance. Optimization of the voltage source is an important issue in all SSDV techniques. In the proposed approach, called adaptive SSDV, the voltage coefficient that controls the damping effectiveness is adjusted adaptively. An improved switching algorithm, which prevents the switch from over-frequently switching on-and-off and accordingly improves the control performance, is also proposed. Compared with previous SSDV techniques, this adaptive SSDV is the most stable, is independent of the excitation level, and is more flexible because the voltage coefficient is adjusted adaptively to achieve optimal control performances. The adaptive SSDV has been applied to the vibration control of a composite beam and its control results were compared with those of previously developed SSDV techniques. The effectiveness of the new switching algorithm was also verified by comparing it with the conventional switch. An experimental setup of a semi-active control system for the cantilever composite beam was established, and control experiments were carried out using different SSDV methods.
Multilayer Higher Order Piezolaminated Smart Composite Shell Finite Element and its Application to Active Vibration Control
Authors: Balamurugan V. , Narayanan S.
Published: September 2008

This paper deals with the formulation of a higher order shear-flexible piezolaminated 8-node C1 continuous multilayer smart composite shell finite element with higher order modeling of electric potential. The potential induced due to bending deformation is more accurately modeled assuming quadratic variation of electric potential through the thickness of each piezoelectric layer. This is achieved by interpolating using nodal mid-plane electric potentials and one electric degree of freedom representing the potential difference between the top and bottom surfaces of the piezoelectric layer, resulting in nine electric degrees of freedom per piezoelectric layer in the element. The higher order shell theory used satisfies the stress and displacement continuity at the interface of the composite laminates and has zero shear stress on the top and bottom surfaces. The transverse shear deformation is of a higher order represented by the trigonometric functions, allowing us to avoid the shear correction factors. In order to maintain the field consistency, the inplane displacements, u and v, and rotations θx and θ y, are interpolated using quadratic interpolation functions while the transverse displacement w is interpolated using Hermite cubic interpolation function, resulting in 48 elastic degrees of freedom per element. The active vibration control performances of the piezolaminated smart composite plates/shells have been studied by modeling them with the above element and applying LQR optimal control.
The Effects of Student Choices on Academic Performance
Authors: von Mizener Briana H. , Williams Robert L.
Published: September 2008

This article provides an overview of the empirical effects of students' academic choices on academic performance (e.g., amount, quality, and rate of work). Twenty-nine separate experiments within 26 publications were included in the review. The choices involved performance goals and standards, the nature of assignments, instructional support within assignments, and rewards for academic performance. Experiments with students with significant cognitive or behavioral problems (approximately 17% of the experiments) yielded better performance under student choices than external choices in 80% of those experiments, whereas experiments including general education students (86% of the experiments) showed superior academic performance for students over external choices in only 12% of the experiments. Nearly 45% of the experiments included students' attitudinal perspectives of their experiences of choice. In all studies, attitudinal comparisons either favored choice, or students' judgments were similar across choice and no-choice conditions, with only one of these four studies also reporting superior performance under student choice.
Movement disorders in multiple sclerosis: causal or coincidental association?
Authors: Nociti V , Bentivoglio AR , Frisullo G , Fasano A , Soleti F , Iorio R , Loria G , Patanella AK , Marti A , Tartaglione T , Tonali PA , Batocchi AP
Published: September 2008

Despite the relatively frequent involvement of the basal ganglia and subthalamic nucleus by multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques, movement disorders (MD), other than tremor secondary to cerebellar or brainstem lesions, are uncommon clinical manifestations of MS. MD were present in 12 of 733 patients with MS (1.6%): three patients had parkinsonism, two blepharospasm, five hemifacial spasm, one hemidystonia, and one tourettism. MD in patients with MS are often secondary to demyelinating disease. Also in cases without response to steroid treatment and demyelinating lesions in critical regions, it is not possible to exclude that MD and MS are causally related.
Placing Theory in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Hutchings Pat , Taylor Huber Mary
Published: September 2008

As the scholarship of teaching and learning matures as a field, the place of theory has garnered growing attention. Educational research and the learning sciences can certainly contribute, but professors who view their classrooms as sites for inquiry draw from a wide range and variety of theoretical foundations. With their diverse efforts in view, we ask: Which (and whose) theories are most relevant? What is the role of theory in different (disciplinary and other) contexts? How can scholarship of teaching and learning both build on and contribute to theory that improves classroom practice and student learning? Our argument is that theoretical pluralism can help keep the scholarship of teaching and learning movement vital and open.
Disciplinary Expertise Revisited
Authors: Riordan Tim
Published: September 2008

How should students be able to think and what should they be able to do as a result of studying philosophy? What will most readily engage students in the practice of the discipline? And how do we determine the learning strengths and needs of students in order to assist them in the practice of the discipline? These are the questions taken up in this article in an attempt to explore the difference it makes and the expertise it requires to inquire into philosophy as a framework for student learning. Reflecting on his own principles and practices in teaching philosophy, the author indicates potential implications for the scholarship of teaching and learning and the place of theory within it.
Minding the Gap
Authors: Feito José Alfonso , Donahue Patricia
Published: September 2008

This research project examines classroom discussion in its relationship to reading as made visible through the practice of textual annotation. In order to develop a rich description of student reading/discussion processes, we targeted multiple undergraduate seminars at a liberal arts college as they encountered the first two Acts of Shakespeare's King Lear. We collected triangulated data from these class sessions including targeted reading surveys, student reading annotations, naturalistic observation of real-time seminar discussion behavior, and student reflections. Our analysis of the students' annotations relies upon reading theorist Wolfgang Iser's conceptions of interpretive gap, consistency building, and individual repertoire. Our discussion considers the theoretical implications of this local, in-depth data for the broader analysis of student reading and discussion practices.
Learning to Ask Naïve Questions with IT Product Design Students
Authors: Gunn Wendy
Published: September 2008

What does it mean to use, or do, theory in the scholarship of teaching and learning? The article approaches the question by considering the role of design anthropology in developing studio-based engineering programmes. Central to my discussion within situated contexts of learning is the idea of practice-based exploration conceived as a way of enhancing collaboration between knowledge traditions. My focus is on the practice of interdisciplinarity, and I show how such practice is a way of doing anthropology with other disciplines rather than doing an anthropology of these subjects. Through this `anthropology with', I examine the learning and teaching of critical reflection skills. Building upon an experiment in learning and teaching carried out at the Department of Anthropology, University of Aberdeen in 2004 in developing ways of knowing and understanding on the interface across disciplines, I aim to show how learning can itself be a form of research that generates new knowledge and understanding. I suggest that `anthropology with' could be a powerful way of doing theory in the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Proportions of direct and indirect indoor lighting — The effect on health, well-being and cognitive performance of office workers
Authors: Fostervold KI , Nersveen J.
Published: September 2008

Indirect lighting has been recommended as a way to accommodate lighting needs in offices. To investigate this recommendation, the effect of four ceiling-mounted lighting schemes providing inverse proportions of direct and indirect lighting were studied in ordinary office environments. The study used a 4×3 mixed randomised-repeated design. Dependent variables assessed subjective symptoms, subjective well-being and cognitive performance. Glare, a major contributor to visual strain was physically removed. Photometric measurements showed that proportions of direct and indirect lighting affect the luminous environment. Except for an association between reduced job stress severity and direct lighting, the results indicate that proportions of indirect and direct lighting do not affect the dependent variables. A main effect of the new lighting installation was revealed for subjective symptoms and cognitive performance.
Outdoor site-lighting performance: A comprehensive and quantitative framework for assessing light pollution
Authors: Brons JA , Bullough JD , Rea MS
Published: September 2008

Outdoor Site-Lighting Performance (OSP) is a comprehensive method for predicting and measuring three different aspects of light pollution: glow, trespass and glare. OSP is based upon the philosophy that a rational framework is necessary for optimising private and public desires for and against night-time lighting. Results are presented from over one hundred outdoor lighting installations that provide an empirical foundation for acknowledging the benefits of night-time lighting while establishing limits on light pollution. Recommended limits for glow, trespass and glare are offered to stimulate discussion among all stakeholders concerned with night-time lighting.
Mathematical modelling of reduced luminance coefficients for dry road surfaces
Authors: Debergh N. , Embrechts JJ
Published: September 2008

A mathematical model consisting of two sets of functions is proposed in order to rebuild the whole set of the reduced luminance coefficients characterising the reflection on an arbitrary dry road surface. This model is applied to different surfaces in connection with two existing mobile gonio-reflectometers.
What Do Voters Need to Know?
Authors: García Bedolla Lisa , Michelson Melissa R.
Published: September 2008

Previous field experiments have found that indirect methods, particularly direct mail, are not effective in increasing voter turnout. Most of the mail used in these experiments provided procedural information regarding voting and a message encouraging the voter to turn out. Yet, in his review of efforts to increase voting, Berinsky (2005) concluded that it was the cognitive costs of voting—the effort needed to formulate political opinions—that constituted the greatest barrier to voter turnout. This suggests it may be important to consider the type of information being provided when examining direct mail efforts. To test this proposition, we present evidence from field experiments conducted by two Asian-American—serving community organizations during the June and November 2006 elections. We find that the type of information provided does not increase direct mail's effectiveness. Yet unlike previous experiments, we find that phonebanking does have a statistically significant, positive effect on Asian American voter turnout.
Erdosteine enhances airway response to salbutamol in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD
Authors: Dal Negro Roberto , Visconti Maria , Trevisan Fiorenza , Bertacco Stefano , Micheletto Claudio , Tognella Silvia
Published: September 2008

Background: Oxidative stress is presumed to impair β-adenoceptor function and airway patency. Erdosteine (E), a mucomodulatory compound, has shown important antioxidant properties.

Methods: The objective was to assess the effect of antioxidant interventions on short-term airway response to salbutamol in non-reversible mild-to-moderate COPD patients. Thirty COPD patients (GOLD class 1—2), current smoker (≥10 pack/year), randomly received E 300 mg, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg, or placebo, twice daily for ten days. Reversibility to salbutamol 200 μg was tested in baseline, after four and ten days of each treatment. ROS and 8-isoprostane blood levels were measured on the same days. Between-treatment comparison was performed by ANOVA and t-test or Wilcoxon test, and p<0.05 assumed. E enhanced FEV1 reversibility after four and ten days significantly (+5.1% and +5.0%; both p<0.01 vs. placebo), while NAC only showed a transient effect at day 4 (+3.0%, p<0.05), but not at day 10 (+1.3%, p = ns).

Results: E and NAC caused significant drops in ROS blood levels after four and ten days (p<0.001 and p<0.0001 vs. placebo). In contrast to NAC, E lowered 8-isoprostane levels substantially for ten days (p = 0.017 and p = 0.0004 vs. placebo, respectively). Only E restored significantly short-term reversibility in COPD patients previously unresponsive to β2-adrenergics.

Conclusions: This effect seems more related to the peculiar protection against lipid peroxidation rather than to the scavenging activity, which proves equal to that of NAC. E provides a sort of indirect bronchodilation through 're-sensitisation' of β 2-adrenoceptors. Once confirmed in further controlled studies, it may be useful in long-term treatment of COPD.
Improving Detection of Transposition of the Great Arteries in Routine Obstetric Sonographic Screening
Authors: Zhivora Sarah Melissa
Published: September 2008

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital malformation in which the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle and the aorta arises from the right ventricle. At birth, when the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale close, severe hypoxemia results, and intervention is necessary. Prenatal diagnosis of TGA is associated with a significant decrease in mortality and morbidity. Currently, detection of TGA is low. This literature review explores techniques for detecting TGA, the importance of prenatal diagnosis, scanning techniques, new technologies, and possible maternal risk factors.
Predicting worsening asthma control following the common cold
Authors: Walter M. J. , Castro M. , Kunselman S. J. , Chinchilli V. M. , Reno M. , Ramkumar T. P. , Avila P. C. , Boushey H. A. , Ameredes B. T. , Bleecker E. R. , Calhoun W. J. , Cherniack R. M. , Craig T. J. , Denlinger L. C. , Israel E. , Fahy J. V. , Jarjour N. N. , Kraft M. , Lazarus S. C. , Lemanske R. F. , Martin R. J. , Peters S. P. , Ramsdell J. W. , Sorkness C. A. , Sutherland E. R. , Szefler S. J. , Wasserman S. I. , Wechsler M. E. ,   the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Asthma Clinical Research Network
Published: September 2008

The asthmatic response to the common cold is highly variable, and early characteristics that predict worsening of asthma control following a cold have not been identified.

In this prospective multicentric cohort study of 413 adult subjects with asthma, the mini-Asthma Control Questionnaire (mini-ACQ) was used to quantify changes in asthma control and the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 (WURSS-21) to measure cold severity. Univariate and multivariable models were used to examine demographic, physiological, serological and cold-related characteristics for their relationship to changes in asthma control following a cold.

Clinically significant worsening of asthma control was observed following a cold (mean±sdincrease in mini-ACQ score of 0.69±0.93). Univariate analysis demonstrated that season, centre location, cold duration and cold severity measurements were all associated with a change in asthma control. Multivariable analysis of the covariates available within the first 2 days of cold onset revealed that the day 2 and cumulative sum of day 1 and 2 WURSS-21 scores were significant predictors of the subsequent changes in asthma control.

In asthmatic subjects, cold severity within the first 2 days can be used to predict subsequent changes in asthma control. This information may help clinicians prevent deterioration in asthma control following a cold.
Reference values for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in healthy volunteers: the SHIP study
Authors: Koch B. , Schäper C. , Ittermann T. , Spielhagen T. , Dörr M. , Völzke H. , Opitz C. F. , Ewert R. , Gläser S.
Published: September 2008

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a widely applied clinical procedure. The aim of the present study was to acquire a comprehensive set of reference values for cardiopulmonary responses to exercise and to evaluate possible associations with sex, age and body mass index (BMI).

A standardised progressive incremental exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer was applied to 1,708 volunteers of a cross-sectional epidemiologic survey, called “Study of Health in Pomerania”. Individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders, or echocardiographic or lung function pathologies, were excluded. The influence of potential confounding factors, such as smoking, taking β-blockers, hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, BMI and physical activity, were analysed for their influencing power. Reference values of CPET parameters were determined by regression analyses.

Of the volunteers, 542 current smokers and obese individuals were excluded for not being representative of a healthy population. The final sample size was 534 (253 males), with age 25–80 yrs. The current study provides a representative set of reference values for CPET parameters based on age and weight.

Sex and age have a significant influence on exercise parameters. While addressing the problem of a selection bias, the current study provides the first comprehensive set of reference values obtained in a large number of healthy volunteers within a population-based survey.
Long-acting β-agonists: a review of formoterol safety data from asthma clinical trials
Authors: Sears M. R. , Ottosson A. , Radner F. , Suissa S.
Published: September 2008

The safety of long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) treatment in asthma has been questioned following reported increased respiratory deaths when salmeterol was added to usual pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to examine whether asthma, cardiac or all-cause mortality and morbidity were increased with formoterol use.

The analysis included all AstraZeneca randomised controlled parallel-group asthma trials of 3–12-months duration involving formoterol. Risks associated with formoterol use compared with non-LABA treatment, overall and in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), were assessed using an intention-to-treat analysis of the rates and rate ratios of deaths and serious adverse events (SAEs). The main objective of this study was to compare asthma-related mortality in patients using formoterol and those not using formoterol.

There were eight asthma-related deaths (0.34 per 1,000 person-yrs) among 49,906 formoterol-randomised patients (92% using ICS), and two (0.22 per 1,000 person-yrs) among 18,098 patients (83% using ICS) not randomised to formoterol, which was nonsignificant. Asthma-related SAEs (>90% of which were hospitalisations) were significantly fewer among formoterol-randomised patients (0.75versus1.10%). There was no increase in asthma-related SAEs with increased daily doses of formoterol (9, 18 or 36 μg). There was no significant difference in cardiac mortality or noncardiac nonasthma-related mortality in formoterol-randomised compared to non-LABA-treated patients. All-cause mortality was similar. In the data set in which all subjects were prescribed ICS at baseline, there were seven asthma-related deaths (0.32 per 1,000 person-yrs) among 46,003 formoterol-randomised patients and one (0.14 per 1,000 person-yrs) among 13,905 patients not randomised to formoterol, which was also nonsignificant.

There were few asthma-related or cardiac-related deaths among patients randomised to formoterol, and all differences were nonsignificant compared with non-long-acting β2-agonist-randomised patients. However, despite data on >68,000 patients, the power was insufficient to conclude that there was no increased mortality with formoterol. Cardiac-related serious adverse events were not increased, and asthma-related serious adverse events were significantly reduced with formoterol.
Increased hyaluronic acid content in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Papakonstantinou E. , Kouri F. M. , Karakiulakis G. , Klagas I. , Eickelberg O.
Published: September 2008

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a fatal disease characterised by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. Initial vasoconstriction, proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) contribute to pathological remodelling of pulmonary arterioles in IPAH. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), components of the ECM, control cellular proliferation and differentiation, but their expression in IPAH remains elusive.

In the present study, GAG expression was investigated in the lungs of patients with IPAH or control transplant donors, and expression and localisation of GAG-metabolising enzymes were analysedin vivoandin vitro.

A significant increase in the expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) was detected in IPAH lungs, associated with increased hyaluronan synthase (Has)1and decreased hyaluronoglucosaminidase 1 gene expression, as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. HAS1 protein localised to PASMCin vivoand increased HA deposition was observed in remodelled pulmonary arteries in IPAH. Transforming growth factor-β1, a profibrotic growth factor, led to increased HA secretion and HAS1 expression in primary PASMC.

The results demonstrate an increased hyaluronic acid content in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension lungs, associated with increased hyaluronan synthase 1 and decreased hyaluronoglucosaminidase 1 gene expression. Synergistic regulation of glycosaminoglycan-metabolising enzymes in favour of accumulation may, thus, regulate pathological vascular remodelling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension lungs.
Proteome changes in the skin of the grape cultivar Barbera among different stages of ripening
Authors: Negri Alfredo S , Prinsi Bhakti , Rossoni Mara , Failla Osvaldo , Scienza Attilio , Cocucci Maurizio , Espen Luca
Published: September 2008

Background

Grape ripening represents the third phase of the double sigmoidal curve of berry development and is characterized by deep changes in the organoleptic characteristics. In this process, the skin plays a central role in the synthesis of many compounds of interest (e.g. anthocyanins and aroma volatiles) and represents a fundamental protective barrier against damage by physical injuries and pathogen attacks. In order to improve the knowledge on the role of this tissue during ripening, changes in the protein expression in the skin of the red cultivar Barbera at five different stages fromvéraisonto full maturation were studied by performing a comparative 2-DE analysis.

Results

The proteomic analysis revealed that 80 spots were differentially expressed throughout berry ripening. Applying a two-way hierarchical clustering analysis to these variations, a clear difference between the first two samplings (up to 14 days aftervéraison) and the following three (from 28 to 49 days aftervéraison) emerged, thus suggesting that the most relevant changes in protein expression occurred in the first weeks of ripening. By means of LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, 69 proteins were characterized. Many of these variations were related to proteins involved in responses to stress (38%), glycolysis and gluconeogenesis (13%), C-compounds and carbohydrate metabolism (13%) and amino acid metabolism (10%).

Conclusion

These results give new insights to the skin proteome evolution during ripening, thus underlining some interesting traits of this tissue. In this view, we observed the ripening-related induction of many enzymes involved in primary metabolism, including those of the last five steps of the glycolytic pathway, which had been described as down-regulated in previous studies performed on whole fruit. Moreover, these data emphasize the relevance of this tissue as a physical barrier exerting an important part in berry protection. In fact, the level of many proteins involved in (a)biotic stress responses remarkably changed through the five stages taken into consideration, thus suggesting that their expression may be developmentally regulated.
Pharmacological Properties of DOV 315,090, an ocinaplon metabolite
Authors: Berezhnoy Dmytro , Gravielle Maria C , Downing Scott , Kostakis Emmanuel , Basile Anthony S , Skolnick Phil , Gibbs Terrell T , Farb David H
Published: September 2008

Background

Compounds targeting the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA-R are widely prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and insomnia as well as for pre-anesthetic sedation and muscle relaxation. It has been hypothesized that these various pharmacological effects are mediated by different GABAA-R subtypes. If this hypothesis is correct, then it may be possible to develop compounds targeting particular GABAA-R subtypes as, for example, selective anxiolytics with a diminished side effect profile. The pyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine ocinaplon is anxioselective in both preclinical studies and in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, but does not exhibit the selectivity between α1/α2-containing receptors for an anxioselective that is predicted by studies using transgenic mice.

Results

We hypothesized that the pharmacological properties of ocinaplonin vivomight be influenced by an active biotransformation product with greater selectivity for the α2subunit relative to α1. One hour after administration of ocinaplon, the plasma concentration of its primary biotransformation product, DOV 315,090, is 38% of the parent compound. The pharmacological properties of DOV 315,090 were assessed using radioligand binding studies and two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. We report that DOV 315,090 possesses modulatory activity at GABAA-Rs, but that its selectivity profile is similar to that of ocinaplon.

Conclusion

These findings imply that DOV 315,090 could contribute to the action of ocinaplon in vivo, but that the anxioselective properties of ocinaplon cannot be readily explained by a subtype selective effect/action of DOV 315,090. Further inquiry is required to identify the extent to which different subtypes are involved in the anxiolytic and other pharmacological effects of GABAA-R modulators.
Var2CSA DBL6-epsilon domain expressed in HEK293 induces limited cross-reactive and blocking antibodies to CSA binding parasites
Authors: Fernandez Pablo , Viebig Nicola K , Dechavanne Sébastien , Lépolard Catherine , Gysin Jürg , Scherf Artur , Gamain Benoit
Published: September 2008

Background

Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is a serious consequence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes sequestration in the placenta through the adhesion to the placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Although women become resistant to PAM as they acquire transcending inhibitory immunity against CSA-binding parasites, hundreds of thousands of lives could be saved if a prophylactic vaccine targeting the surface proteins of placental parasites could be designed. Recent works point to the variant protein var2CSA as the key target for the development of a pregnancy-associated malaria vaccine. However, designing such a prophylactic vaccine has been hindered by the difficulty in identifying regions of var2CSA that could elicit broadly neutralizing and adhesion-blocking antibodies.

Methods

Var2CSA is a very large protein with an estimated molecular weight of 350 kDa, and can be divided into six cysteine rich Duffy binding-like domains (DBL). The human embryonic kidney 293 cell line (HEK293) was used to produce secreted soluble recombinant forms of var2CSA DBL domains. The Escherichia coli expression system was also assessed for the domains not expressed or expressed in low amount in the HEK293 system. To investigate whether var2CSA binding DBL domains can induce biologically active antibodies recognizing the native var2CSA and blocking the interaction, mice were immunized with the refolded DBL3-X or the HEK293 secreted DBL6-ε domains.

Results

Using the HEK293 expression system, DBL1-X, DBL4-ε and DBL6-ε were produced at relatively high levels in the culture supernatant, while DBL3-X and DBL5-ε were produced at much lower levels. DBL2-X and DBL3-X domains were obtained after refolding of the inclusion bodies produced in E. coli. Importantly, mice antisera raised against the recombinant DBL6-ε domain, specifically reacted against the surface of CSA-binding parasites and revealed adhesion blocking activity.

Conclusion

This is the first report showing inhibitory binding antibodies obtained through a var2CSA recombinant DBL domain immunization protocol. These results support the current strategies using var2CSA as immunogen in the aim of blocking placental sequestration of malaria parasites. This work is a step towards the development of a var2CSA based vaccine that will prevent pregnancy-associated malaria and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Early transplantation of human immature dental pulp stem cells from baby teeth to golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs: Local or systemic?
Authors: Kerkis Irina , Ambrosio Carlos E , Kerkis Alexandre , Martins Daniele S , Zucconi Eder , Fonseca Simone AS , Cabral Rosa M , Maranduba Carlos MC , Gaiad Thais P , Morini Adriana C , Vieira Natassia M , Brolio Marina P , Sant'Anna Osvaldo A , Miglino Maria A , Zatz Mayana
Published: September 2008

Background

The golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs represent the best available animal model for therapeutic trials aiming at the future treatment of human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We have obtained a rare litter of six GRMD dogs (3 males and 3 females) born from an affected male and a carrier female which were submitted to a therapeutic trial with adult human stem cells to investigate their capacity to engraft into dogs muscles by local as compared to systemic injection without any immunosuppression.

Methods

Human Immature Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hIDPSC) were transplanted into 4 littermate dogs aged 28 to 40 days by either arterial or muscular injections. Two non-injected dogs were kept as controls. Clinical translation effects were analyzed since immune reactions by blood exams and physical scores capacity of each dog. Samples from biopsies were checked by immunohistochemistry (dystrophin markers) and FISH for human probes.

Results and Discussion

We analyzed the cells' ability in respect to migrate, engraftment, and myogenic potential, and the expression of human dystrophin in affected muscles. Additionally, the efficiency of single and consecutive early transplantation was compared. Chimeric muscle fibers were detected by immunofluorescence and fluorescentin situhybridisation (FISH) using human antibodies and X and Y DNA probes. No signs of immune rejection were observed and these results suggested that hIDPSC cell transplantation may be done without immunosuppression. We showed that hIDPSC presented significant engraftment in GRMD dog muscles, although human dystrophin expression was modest and limited to several muscle fibers. Better clinical condition was also observed in the dog, which received monthly arterial injections and is still clinically stable at 25 months of age.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that systemic multiple deliveries seemed more effective than local injections. These findings open important avenues for further researches.
A divergent role for estrogen receptor-beta in node-positive and node-negative breast cancer classified according to molecular subtypes: an observational prospective study
Authors: Novelli Flavia , Milella Michele , Melucci Elisa , Di Benedetto Anna , Sperduti Isabella , Perrone-Donnorso Raffaele , Perracchio Letizia , Venturo Irene , Nisticò Cecilia , Fabi Alessandra , Buglioni Simonetta , Natali Pier Giorgio , Mottolese Marcella
Published: September 2008

Introduction

Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) and progesterone receptor (PgR) are consolidated predictors of response to hormonal therapy (HT). In contrast, little information regarding the role of estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β) in various breast cancer risk groups treated with different therapeutic regimens is available. In particular, there are no data concerning ER-β distribution within the novel molecular breast cancer subtypes luminal A (LA) and luminal B (LB), HER2 (HS), and triple-negative (TN).

Methods

We conducted an observational prospective study using immunohistochemistry to evaluate ER-β expression in 936 breast carcinomas. Associations with conventional biopathological factors and with molecular subtypes were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), while univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis and classification and regression tree analysis were applied to determine the impact of ER-β on disease-free survival in the 728 patients with complete follow-up data.

Results

ER-β evenly distributes (55.5%) across the four molecular breast cancer subtypes, confirming the lack of correlation between ER-β and classical prognosticators. However, the relationships among the biopathological factors, analyzed by MCA, showed that ER-β positivity is located in the quadrant containing more aggressive phenotypes such as HER2 and TN or ER-α/PgR/Bcl2- tumors. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis identified ER-β as a significant discriminating factor for disease-free survival both in the node-negative LA (P = 0.02) subgroup, where it is predictive of response to HT, and in the node-positive LB (P = 0.04) group, where, in association with PgR negativity, it conveys a higher risk of relapse.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that, in contrast to node-negative patients, in node-positive breast cancer patients, ER-β positivity appears to be a biomarker related to a more aggressive clinical course. In this context, further investigations are necessary to better assess the role of the different ER-β isophorms.
Performance of an Energy-Conserving Algorithm for Multi-Body Dynamics
Authors: Dopico D , Naya M A , Lugris U , Cuadrado J
Published: September 2008

This work presents the application to the dynamics of multibody systems of three methods based on the augmented Lagrangian techniques, compares them, and gives some criteria for their use in realistic problems.

The methods are: an augmented Lagrangian formulation with trapezoidal rule plus projections of velocities and accelerations, an augmented Lagrangian energy-conserving formulation, and an augmented Lagrangian formulation with conserving integrator plus projections of velocities and accelerations.

The simulation of two mechanical systems is carried out in this work: a spherical compound pendulum, which is an academic example that permits to see the properties of the formulations; andthe whole model of a car, which is a realistic and demanding example to test the efficiency and robustness of the formulations.
Individual Team Incentives and Managing Competitive Balance in Sports Leagues: An Empirical Analysis of Major League Baseball
Authors: Lewis Michael
Published: September 2008

Major League Baseball and other professional sports leagues have long been concerned with competitive imbalances caused by differences in local revenues. The fear is that in the absence of salary caps or other regulatory mechanisms, smaller-market teams will be unable to remain competitive. This research uses a structural dynamic programming model to analyze ownership's payroll investment decisions. This model estimates the relationship between optimal payrolls and local-market populations and the influence of long-term customer equity dynamics on payroll investments. In addition, the author analyzes the impact of a recent policy intervention that implemented revenue transfers from high-local-revenue markets to low-local-revenue markets. The statistical results indicate that market population has a significant impact on the value of a team's payroll investments. For example, optimal payrolls double as the population increases from 2.5 million to 7.5 million. Furthermore, rather than improving competitive balance, the adoption of revenue sharing has decreased the incentives for small-market teams to remain competitive. The author uses the estimation results to evaluate alternative approaches to managing competitive balance. Specifically, the results suggest that basing revenue-sharing payments on local-market population and (higher) attendance rates reduces payroll dispersion.
Why are Offices for Sale in China? A Case Study of the Office-Selling Chain in Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Zhu Jiangnan
Published: September 2008

This article analyzes how and why buying and selling offices (BSO) has re-emerged in China since the 1990s, from the perspective of demand and supply in a case study. The major causes are the weaknesses of the Chinese cadre management systems—concentration of power over personnel issues and the difficulties of monitoring top administrators.
Japan's Postal Privatization Battle: The Continuing Reverberations for the Liberal Democratic Party of Rebels-Assassins Conflicts
Authors: Carlson Matthew
Published: September 2008

This article argues that the use of campaign finance regulations and electoral rules by political parties significantly shaped the results of the 2005 general election and the battle over postal privatization in Japan. How the Liberal Democratic Party responds to the reverberations of the conflict between the so-called “rebels” and “assassins” is likely to affect its electoral fortunes in the next lower house election.
Flexible Employment in Hong Kong: Trends and Patterns in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Chiu Stephen W. K. , So Alvin Y. , Tam May Yeuk-mui
Published: September 2008

Through analyzing primary and secondary data, this paper argues that flexible employment practices in Hong Kong are largely employer-driven. This feature is explicable by the low level of government intervention in industrial relations, the development of the labor movement, and the Asian financial crisis that accentuated employers' prerogatives in employment relations.
Taiwan's Arms Procurement Debate and the Demise of the Special Budget Proposal: Domestic Politics in Command
Authors: Chase Michael S.
Published: September 2008

Despite the growing security threat posed by Chinese military modernization, Taiwan still has not completed the purchase of some of the key components of the arms sales package the United States approved in April 2001. The reasons include overconfidence in U.S. security assurances, underestimation of Chinese capabilities and resolve, and highly divisive domestic Taiwanese politics.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 binds to Pax8 and inhibits its transcriptional activity
Authors: Di Palma Tina , de Cristofaro Tiziana , D'Ambrosio Chiara , Del Prete Dolores , Scaloni Andrea , Zannini Mariastella
Published: September 2008

Pax8 is a transcription factor that plays an important role in the regulation of genes that are exclusively expressed in differentiated thyroid cells. In the thyroid cell environment, evidence exists that Pax8 is part of a multiprotein complex in which its transcriptional activity may be modulated by specific co-factors. In an attempt to identify proteins that interact with Pax8, we performed pull-down experiments challenging the GST–Pax8 fusion protein with protein extracts prepared from the thyroid differentiated cell line PC Cl3. By this approach, we isolated a 113-kDa protein that is able to associate with Pax8, which was further identified by mass fingerprint experiments as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). To further confirm this interaction, we also showed that PARP1 can be co-immunoprecipitated with Pax8 in vivo from a thyroid cell extract. Gel shifts experiments demonstrated that PARP1 binding to Pax8 significantly inhibits Pax8 binding to DNA. Accordingly, we provide evidence that the functional outcome of such an interaction is a significant downregulation of Pax8 transcriptional activity. In the context of thyroid-specific gene transcription, our results suggest that PARP1 behaves as an important negative co-factor involved in the regulation of Pax8-dependent gene expression.
Neuroprotective effects of the Alzheimer's disease-related gene seladin-1
Authors: Peri Alessandro , Serio Mario
Published: September 2008

The endocrine and the nervous system are closely correlated throughout life, starting from the embryo and until the late stages of life. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with ageing. Unfortunately, an effective way to prevent or to cure this disease does not exist, so far. There is evidence that estrogens exert neuroprotective properties, although their efficacy against AD is still a matter of debate. In 2000 a new neuroprotective gene, i.e. seladin-1 (for SELective AD INdicator-1) was identified and found to be down regulated in AD vulnerable brain regions. Seladin-1 inhibits the activation of caspase-3, a key modulator of apoptosis. This protein has also enzymatic activity. In fact, it has been demonstrated that the seladin-1 gene encodes 3-β-hydroxysterol Δ-24-reductase, which catalyzes the synthesis of cholesterol from desmosterol. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that an appropriate amount of membrane cholesterol determines the generation of a barrier against toxic insults and prevents the production of β-amyloid, the histopathological hallmark of AD. This review will summarize the studies that have been focused on the characterization of the biological properties of seladin-1 since its first identification. In particular, the relationship between seladin-1-mediated neuroprotection and estrogens, IGF1 and thyroid hormones, will be described and discussed.
Where to from here?
Authors: Lowe P. G.
Published: September 2008

Twentieth-century researchers responded to the need to produce a ‘plastic’ building material based on concrete. In the twenty-first century the search should be for potentially superior building technologies that are less burdensome on the environment. The destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, USA in 2001 calls into question some current construction practices. Integration of construction teaching, alongside theory and design, is overdue. This leads to the question, ‘where to from here?’.
Using SiZer to detect thresholds in ecological data
Authors: Sonderegger Derek L , Wang Haonan , Clements William H , Noon Barry R
Published: September 2008

Ecological systems can change substantially in response to small shifts in environmental conditions. Such changes are characterized by a non‐linear relationship between the value of the response variable and one or more explanatory variables. Documenting the magnitude of change and the environmental conditions that give rise to these threshold responses is important for both the scientific community and the agencies charged with ecosystem management. A threshold is defined as a substantial change in a response variable, given a marginal change in environmental conditions. Here, we demonstrate the usefulness of a derivative‐based method for detecting ecological thresholds along a single explanatory variable. The “significant zero crossings” (SiZer) approach uses a non‐parametric method to approximate the response function and its derivatives and then examines how those functions change across the range of the explanatory variable. SiZer makes fewer assumptions than conventional threshold models and explores a full range of smoothing functions. We believe SiZer is a useful technique for the exploratory analysis of many ecological datasets.
Mutualistic networks
Authors: Bascompte Jordi
Published: September 2008

The mutually beneficial interactions between plants and their animal pollinators and seed dispersers form complex networks of species interdependence. Until very recently, the complexity of these networks precluded a community‐wide approach to the investigation of mutualism. However, recent studies using tools and concepts from physics and sociology have allowed the exploration of this complexity within a rational framework. Regardless of differences across sites or species composition, networks of mutual benefit have a similar structure. Describing these network patterns is important for understanding both the generation of biodiversity and its responses to anthropogenic disturbances, such as habitat loss and species extinctions. This network approach is currently being applied to restoration ecology, biological invasions, and the conservation of endangered species.
Soil ingestion may be an important route for the uptake of contaminants by some reptiles
Authors: Rich C. Nelson , Talent Larry G.
Published: September 2008

Some species of reptiles regularly ingest soil in the wild. Therefore, we evaluated the importance of soil ingestion as a route for the uptake of contaminants in lizards. We used sand as a substitute for soil during the present study. Different groups of leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) were provided with a control and five sodium selenite–spiked sand mixtures during a 28-d study. Twenty lizards were assigned to a control group and to each of five selenium-spiked sand mixtures that consisted of nominal selenium (Se) concentrations of 0.05, 0.46, 4.57, 11.41, and 22.83 mg Se/kg dry sand. Leopard geckos readily ingested the Se-spiked sand. We observed concentration-related effects in several endpoints. Overall growth in body mass was the most sensitive endpoint and was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in lizards that ingested the 4.57, 11.41, and 22.83 mg Se/kg sand mixtures compared to controls. Growth in snout-vent length, mean daily food ingestion, and food conversion efficiency were less sensitive and were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in lizards that ingested the 11.41 and 22.83 mg Se/kg sand mixtures compared to controls. Although our results are based on nominal amounts of Se ingested, leopard geckos appear to be as sensitive to sodium selenite as birds and mammals. The present study suggests that ingestion of soil could be an important potential route for the uptake of soil contaminants in some reptiles and should be evaluated in ecotoxicological studies and risk analyses of reptiles.
Changes in Permanent Contraception Procedures Among Young Adults Following the Dobbs Decision
Authors: Ellison Jacqueline E. , Brown-Podgorski Brittany L. , Morgan Jake R.
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates changes in tubal ligation and vasectomy procedures among younger adults following the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.