bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of purinergic vascular regulation in the colon during colitis is associated with upregulation of CD39
Authors: Neshat S. , deVries M. , Barajas-Espinosa A. R. , Skeith L. , Chisholm S. P. , Lomax A. E.
Published: December 2008

Evidence from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and animal models suggests that inflammation alters blood flow to the mucosa, which precipitates mucosal barrier dysfunction. Impaired purinergic sympathetic regulation of submucosal arterioles, the resistance vessels of the splanchnic vasculature, is one of the defects identified during IBD and in mouse models of IBD. We hypothesized that this may be a consequence of upregulated catabolism of ATP during colitis. In vivo and in vitro video microscopy techniques were employed to measure the effects of purinergic agonists and inhibitors of CD39, an enzyme responsible for extracellular ATP catabolism, on the diameter of colonic submucosal arterioles from control mice and mice with dextran sodium sulfate [DSS, 5% (wt/vol)] colitis. Using a luciferase-based ATP assay, we examined the degradation of ATP and utilized real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression and localization of CD39 during colitis. Arterioles from mice with DSS colitis did not constrict in response to ATP (10 μM) but did constrict in the presence of its nonhydrolyzable analog α,β-methylene ATP (1 μM). α,β-Methylene ADP (100 μM), an inhibitor of CD39, restored ATP-induced vasoconstriction in arterioles from mice with DSS-induced colitis. CD39 protein and mRNA expression was markedly increased during colitis. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that, in addition to vascular CD39, F4/80-immunoreactive macrophages accounted for a large proportion of submucosal CD39 staining during colitis. These data implicate upregulation of CD39 in impaired sympathetic regulation of gastrointestinal blood flow during colitis.
Interleukin-10 attenuates vascular responses to endothelin-1 via effects on ERK1/2-dependent pathway
Authors: Giachini Fernanda R. C. , Zemse Saiprasad M. , Carneiro Fernando S. , Lima Victor V. , Carneiro Zidonia N. , Callera Glaucia E. , Ergul Adviye , Webb R. Clinton , Tostes Rita C.
Published: December 2008

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine with protective actions on the vasculature. On the other hand, endothelin (ET)-1 has potent vasoconstrictor, mitogenic, and proinflammatory activities, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that, in a condition where ET-1 expression is upregulated, i.e., on infusion of TNF-α, IL-10 confers vascular protection from ET-1-induced injury. Aortic rings and first-order mesenteric arteries from male C57BL/6 (WT) and IL-10-knockout (IL-10−/−) mice were treated with human recombinant TNF-α (220 ng·kg−1·day−1) or vehicle (saline) for 14 days. TNF-α infusion significantly increased blood pressure in IL-10−/−, but not WT, mice. TNF-α augmented vascular ET-1 mRNA expression in arteries from WT and IL-10−/−mice. ET type A (ETA) receptor expression was increased in arteries from IL-10−/−mice, and TNF-α infusion did not change vascular ETAreceptor expression in control or IL-10−/−mice. Aorta and mesenteric arteries from TNF-α-infused IL-10−/−mice displayed increased contractile responses to ET-1, but not the ET type B receptor agonist IRL-1620. The ETAreceptor antagonist atrasentan completely abolished responses to ET-1 in aorta and mesenteric vessels, whereas the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD-98059 abrogated increased contractions to ET-1 in arteries from TNF-α-infused IL-10−/−mice. Infusion of TNF-α, as well as knockdown of IL-10 (IL-10−/−), induced an increase in total and phosphorylated ERK1/2. These data demonstrate that IL-10 counteracts ETA-mediated vascular responses to ET-1, as well as activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
Beneficial effects of delayed ivabradine treatment on cardiac anatomical and electrical remodeling in rat severe chronic heart failure
Authors: Milliez Paul , Messaoudi Smail , Nehme Johnny , Rodriguez Camille , Samuel Jane-Lise , Delcayre Claude
Published: December 2008

We tested the hypothesis that heart rate (HR) reduction, induced by the selective hyperpolarization-activated current inhibitor ivabradine (Iva), might improve left ventricular (LV) function, structure, and electrical remodeling in severe post-myocardial infarction (MI) chronic heart failure (HF). MI was produced in adult male Wistar rats. After 2 mo, echocardiography was performed before the randomization into MI and MI + Iva (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) groups. After 3 mo of treatment, echocardiography and 24-h telemetry were recorded. Cardiac collagen, mRNA, and protein expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptor were quantified. As a result, at 2 mo post-MI, all rats displayed severe congestive HF signs (ejection fraction < 30%). At 5 mo post-MI, body and heart weights were similar in the MI and MI + Iva groups. LV ejection fraction and LV end-diastolic pressure were worsened in the MI group, whereas both were improved with Iva. Iva reduced HR by 10.4% ( P < 0.03 vs. MI) and ventricular premature complexes by 89% ( P < 0.03) and improved HR variability (standard deviation of the RR interval) by 22% ( P < 0.05). There were no effects of Iva on PR, QRS, and QT durations. Interstitial fibrosis in the MI-remote LV was markedly reduced by Iva (4.0 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1%, P < 0.005). Increases in ventricular gene and protein expressions of ACE and AT1 receptor in MI were completely blunted by Iva. In conclusion, these data indicated that HR reduction by Iva prevents the worsening of LV dysfunction and remodeling that may be related to a downregulation of cardiac renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system transcripts. Such beneficial effects of Iva on cardiac remodeling open new clinical perspectives for the treatment of severe HF.
Effect of cold water immersion on postexercise parasympathetic reactivation
Authors: Buchheit M. , Peiffer J. J. , Abbiss C. R. , Laursen P. B.
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) on postexercise parasympathetic reactivation. Ten male cyclists (age, 29 ± 6 yr) performed two repeated supramaximal cycling exercises (SE1 and SE2) interspersed with a 20-min passive recovery period, during which they were randomly assigned to either 5 min of CWI in 14°C or a control (N) condition where they sat in an environmental chamber (35.0 ± 0.3°C and 40.0 ± 3.0% relative humidity). Rectal temperature (Tre) and beat-to-beat heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. The time constant of HR recovery (HRRτ) and a time (30-s) varying vagal-related HR variability (HRV) index (rMSSD30s) were assessed during the 6-min period immediately following exercise. Resting vagal-related HRV indexes were calculated during 3-min periods 2 min before and 3 min after SE1 and SE2. Results showed no effect of CWI on Tre ( P = 0.29), SE performance ( P = 0.76), and HRRτ ( P = 0.61). In contrast, all vagal-related HRV indexes were decreased after SE1 ( P < 0.001) and tended to decrease even further after SE2 under N condition but not with CWI. When compared with the N condition, CWI increased HRV indexes before ( P < 0.05) and rMSSD30s after ( P < 0.05) SE2. Our study shows that CWI can significantly restore the impaired vagal-related HRV indexes observed after supramaximal exercise. CWI may serve as a simple and effective means to accelerate parasympathetic reactivation during the immediate period following supramaximal exercise.
Diabetes impairs exercise training-associated thioredoxin response and glutathione status in rat brain
Authors: Lappalainen Zekine , Lappalainen Jani , Oksala Niku K. J. , Laaksonen David E. , Khanna Savita , Sen Chandan K. , Atalay Mustafa
Published: December 2008

Regular exercise plays an important preventive and therapeutic role in oxidative stress-associated diseases such as diabetes and its complications. Thiol antioxidants including thioredoxin (TRX) and glutathione (GSH) have a crucial role in controlling cellular redox status. In this study, the effects of 8 wk of exercise training on brain TRX and GSH systems, and antioxidant enzymes were tested in rats with or without streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We found that in untrained animals, the levels of TRX-1 (TRX1) protein and activity, and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNip) were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic animals. Exercise training, however, increased TRX1 protein in nondiabetic animals without affecting TXNip levels, whereas diabetes inhibited the effect of training on TRX1 protein and also increased TXNip mRNA. In addition, the proportion of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to total GSH was increased in animals with diabetes, indicating altered redox status and possibly increased oxidative stress. Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) levels were not affected by diabetes or exercise training, although diabetes increased total GPX activity. Both diabetes and exercise training decreased glutathione reductase (GRD) activity and cytosolic superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) levels. Nevertheless, diabetes or training had no effect on Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA, Mn-SOD protein, total SOD activity, or catalase mRNA, protein, or activity. Our findings suggest that exercise training increases TRX1 levels in brain without a concomitant rise in TXNip, and that experimental diabetes is associated with an incomplete TRX response to training. Increased oxidative stress may be both a cause and a consequence of perturbed antioxidant defenses in the diabetic brain.
Heterodimers and Receptor Mosaics of Different Types of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors
Authors: Fuxe Kjell , Marcellino Daniel , Guidolin Diego , Woods Amina S. , Agnati Luigi F.
Published: December 2008

Through an assembly of interacting GPCRs, heterodimers and high-order heteromers (termed receptor mosaics) are formed and lead to changes in the agonist recognition, signaling, and trafficking of participating receptors via allosteric mechanisms, sometimes involving the appearance of cooperativity. This field has now become a major research area, and this review deals with their physiology being integrators of receptor signaling in the CNS and their use as targets for novel drug development based on their unique pharmacology.
Inflammation and Stem Cells in Gastrointestinal Carcinogenesis
Authors: Quante Michael , Wang Timothy Cragin
Published: December 2008

Chronic inflammation-induced carcinogenesis is a commonly accepted entity and is frequently seen within the gastrointestinal tract, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Alterations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known to be responsible for malignant transformation. Nevertheless, the inflammatory microenvironment classically affects tumor promotion in its role as an altered stem cell niche and can also affect tumor initiation and tumor progression. The origin of the tumor cells is often attributed to stem cells, a unique subpopulation within tumors that possess the ability to initiate tumor growth and sustain self-renewal, as well as is largely responsible for their metastatic potential. Here, we review the link between inflammation and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the relationship between stem cells and cancer stem cells.
The Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (TOR-BSST)
Authors: Martino Rosemary , Silver Frank , Teasell Robert , Bayley Mark , Nicholson Gordon , Streiner David L. , Diamant Nicholas E.
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

Dysphagia occurs in 55% of all acute stroke patients. Early identification of dysphagia from screening can lead to earlier treatments and thereby reduce complications. We designed and validated a new bedside dysphagia screening tool—the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (TOR-BSST) for stroke survivors in acute and rehabilitative settings.

Methods—

The TOR-BSST initially contained 5 items with proven high predictive ability for dysphagia. Trained screeners administer and score the TOR-BSST in less than 10 minutes. Trained nurses from 2 acute and 2 rehabilitation facilities administered the TOR-BSST to consecutively admitted stroke inpatients. A positive screen identified patients at risk for dysphagia. Blinded repeat screenings were conducted within 24 hours. Test-retest reliability was established with the first 50 administrations at an ICC=0.92 (CI, 0.85 to 0.96). Items were eliminated if they contributed ≤5% to the total score and were judged clinically impractical. 20% of all enrolled patients were randomly allocated to gold standard videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing and findings rated independently by 4 blinded experts. Adequate validity was set at sensitivity ≥90% and negative predictive value ≥90%.

Results—

311 stroke inpatients were enrolled; 103 acute and 208 rehabilitation. Screening was positive in 59.2% acute and 38.5% rehabilitation patients. The pharyngeal sensation item did not meet inclusion criteria and was eliminated. The TOR-BSST demonstrated excellent validity with sensitivity at 91.3% (CI, 71.9 to 98.7), and negative predictive values at 93.3% in acute and 89.5% in rehabilitation settings.

Conclusion—

The TOR-BSST is a simple accurate tool to identify stroke patients with dysphagia regardless of severity and setting.
Increased Expression of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway, Endoglin, and Early Growth Response-1 in Stable Plaques
Authors: Bot Pieter T.G. , Hoefer Imo E. , Sluijter Joost P.G. , van Vliet Patrick , Smits Anke M. , Lebrin Franck , Moll Frans , de Vries Jean-Paul , Doevendans Pieter , Piek Jan J. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Goumans Marie-José
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

Unstable atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by increased macrophages and reduced smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and collagen content. Endoglin, an accessory transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) receptor, is a modulator of TGFβ signaling recently found to be expressed on SMCs in atherosclerotic plaques. Its function in plaque SMCs and plaque development is unknown. Early growth response-1 (EGR-1), a transcription factor downstream of TGFβ, stimulates SMC proliferation and collagen synthesis. In atherosclerotic lesions, it is mainly expressed by SMCs. Therefore, we studied the TGFβ, endoglin, and EGR-1 pathway in advanced atherosclerotic plaques in relation to plaque phenotype.

Methods—

Human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n=103) were collected from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Histologically, plaques were analyzed for plaque characteristics, ie, collagen, macrophage and SMC content, and intraplaque thrombus. Intraplaque endoglin, pSmad (indicative for TGFβ signaling), EGR-1, and TGFβ levels were analyzed using Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively.

Results—

Higher endoglin and EGR-1 protein levels correlated positively with increased plaque collagen levels, increased smooth muscle cell content, and decreased intraplaque thrombi as well as TGFβ signaling (pSmad). Although EGR-1 overexpression in vitro stimulated collagen synthesis, inhibiting endoglin resulted in lower EGR-1 levels, decreased SMC proliferation, and decreased collagen content.

Conclusions—

TGFβ in human atherosclerotic plaques is active and signals through the TGFβ/Smad pathway. For the first time, we show a strong association between endoglin and EGR-1, increased collagen and SMCs expression, decreased levels of intraplaque thrombosis, and a stable plaque phenotype.
Methodological Quality of Animal Studies of Neuroprotective Agents Currently in Phase II/III Acute Ischemic Stroke Trials
Authors: Philip Maria , Benatar Michael , Fisher Marc , Savitz Sean I.
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

Numerous neuroprotective agents have proven effective in animal stroke studies, but every drug has failed to achieve its primary outcome when brought forward to clinical trials. We analyzed the quality and adequacy of animal studies supporting the efficacy of NXY-059 and other neuroprotective agents that are currently being investigated in phase II/III trials.

Methods—

We conducted a systematic search of all neuroprotective drugs in Phase II or III trials and collected data from animal studies of focal cerebral ischemia testing agents systemically administered within 24 hours of occlusion. The methodological rigor of each individual study was evaluated using 5 criteria derived from the STAIR guidelines. The adequacy of the preclinical “package” for each drug was then evaluated by combining the results of all studies for each drug to determine which of a further 5 STAIR criteria were met before moving forward from animal to human studies.

Results—

Our search yielded 13 agents of which 10 had published data in peer-reviewed journals. There is substantial within-drug variability in the quality of preclinical studies as well as substantial variation in the completeness of the collective preclinical literature for different drugs. There has been little or no improvement in the quality of animal studies since NXY-059, and current agents have not been subjected to a more complete preclinical evaluation.

Conclusion—

There is significant heterogeneity in the quality of animal testing for neuroprotective agents in stroke. Drugs in the post-SAINT era have not been subjected to more thorough preclinical evaluation.
Assessment of Depression After Stroke
Authors: Berg Anu , Lönnqvist Jouko , Palomäki Heikki , Kaste Markku
Published: December 2008

Background and Purpose—

Assessing poststroke depression may be complicated by aphasia, other cognitive deficits, and several somatic stroke-related symptoms. We studied the possible differences in performance of some commonly used instruments in screening depression after stroke.

Methods—

We compared the Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Visual Analogue Mood Scale, proxy assessment, and Clinical Global Impression of the nursing and study personnel, together with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd Edition, Revised diagnosis, in assessing depression after stroke in a follow-up study of 100 patients. The patients were studied at 2 weeks and at 2, 6, 12, and 18 months after stroke.

Results—

The feasibility rates of all assessment instruments studied were fairly similar, but the prevalence rates differed according to the assessment instruments, varying from the lowest rates with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd Edition, Revised-based diagnosis up to 3-fold with caregiver ratings. The sensitivity and specificity against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria were acceptable with the Clinical Global Impression, Beck Depression Inventory, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, mostly in the range of 0.70 to 1.00. The caregiver ratings were higher than the patient ratings (
P
<0.001) and correlated with the caregiver’s own Beck Depression Inventory (0.60 to 0.61,
P
<0.001). The Visual Analogue Mood Scale was not a sensitive instrument (sensitivity, 0.20 to 0.60) and did not correlate with the Beck Depression Inventory during the first year after stroke.

Conclusions—

Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and Clinical Global Impression assessment by professionals, in addition to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd Edition, Revised diagnosis, are useful in assessing depression, but none of these instruments clearly stood apart from the others. Proxy ratings should be used with caution, and the use of the Visual Analogue Mood Scale among patients with aphasia and other cognitive impairments cannot be recommended.
Framing the Iraq War
Authors: Kolmer Christian , Semetko Holli A.
Published: December 2008

Some of the key findings are reported from a cross-national comparative content analysis of the flagship main evening TV news programs in five countries, as well as of the flagship Arab-language TV news on the Al-Jazeera network, during March and April 2003, the “official” 3-4-week period of the war in Iraq, to investigate the similarities and differences in the framing of the war in TV news. Despite some differences among networks within countries, the study reveals major lines of cross-national difference in the subtopics emphasized in the coverage, the tone of the coverage of the opposing sides, and the volume of news devoted to the Allies (the United Kingdom and the United States). It is concluded that the reporting of the war was conditioned by the national and international contexts in which the news was produced. The cross-country comparisons raise serious questions about the credibility and impartiality of TV news in the reporting of the war.
Why Embed?
Authors: Cortell Andrew P. , Eisinger Robert M. , Althaus Scott L.
Published: December 2008

This article explores the sources of the Bush administration's decision to embed reporters in military units to cover real-time, frontline combat for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In doing so, the authors have two primary goals. First, the administration's embrace of the embedded reporter program is explained by reference to events transpiring during the war in Afghanistan, the communication technologies at the disposal of the media, and the policy-making context in which the U.S. Department of Defense determined its media-management strategy. Second, the structure of the embedded reporter program is delineated, and it is shown that the administration sought to provide domestic and international media from coalition and noncoalition countries with as much frontline access as possible.
U.K. Media and Media Management During the 2003 Invasion of Iraq
Authors: Robinson Piers , Goddard Peter , Parry Katy
Published: December 2008

Media's role in wartime has long been the subject of controversy, marked by claims that media promote, or indeed constrain, military action, and over the impact of patriotism and new technologies on wartime levels of media autonomy. Based on a detailed examination of U.K. press and television coverage of the 2003 invasion of Iraq and of the U.S./U.K. coalition's media briefings, this report summarizes initial findings concerning media management and press content. We show that the coalition consistently promoted the humanitarian case for war, humanitarian operations and àslow but sure' military progress, while U.K. press coverage largely reflected this focus upon military progress, accepting and even promoting the broader humanitarian rationale for war. Nevertheless, we uncovered a degree of media criticism that emerged in response to events outside the coalition's control, such as civilian and military casualties. We also direct readers to further outputs from the project analyzing various aspects of British media coverage of the invasion in greater detail.
Doomed to Repeat
Authors: Entman Robert M. , Livingston Steven , Kim Jennie
Published: December 2008

This article describes a tendency of news to isolate war policy outcomes from each other and from strategic goals and official responses. These predictable patterns of press coverage and policy developments are referred to as accountability gaps . We argue that professional norms and commercial pressures overwhelm whatever hesitancy news organizations have to alter their organizational and professional behavioral patterns that lead to predictable reoccurrences of accountability gaps. Habitual deference to White House officials means that positive frames are likely to prevail, regardless of conditions on the ground, while declining attention to the costs of war as they accumulate—and becoming less newsworthy-diminishes the weight of counterframes. As casualties and other consequences of policy in Iraq became routine, their news value diminished. As casualties became routine and other costs of war mounted in ways difficult to convey, official good news frames tended to dominate news narratives.
Metacoverage of Mediated Wars
Authors: Esser Frank
Published: December 2008

Metacoverage is understood as a discursive outcome of structural mediatization processes in modern media wars. It is defined as news stories that report on war topics in their connection to the role of news journalism or political public relations. A content analysis of press coverage on the last two Gulf Wars shows that journalists used four frames to describe the role of the news media and of military news management; these frames are called conduit, strategy, personalization, and accountability . Five leading newspapers from Germany, chosen for their detached stance in both international conflicts, displayed a marked increase in metacoverage from the first Iraq war, in 1991, compared with the second, in 2003. Journalists tended to write themselves into the story more often and portrayed the news media involvement in increasingly more active terms. Although the news media were presented as a consequential protagonist (strategy frame), their coverage also endeavored to assist citizens to reach an educated judgment on the relationship of war and media (accountability frame). Consequences for political communication and public diplomacy are discussed.
Looking at the United States Through Distorted Lenses
Authors: Graber Doris A.
Published: December 2008

The image of the United States in the Middle East has plummeted dramatically since 9/11. To stem growing anti-Americanism and improve America's image, the U.S. State Department has substantially increased public diplomacy staffs and program funding in selected Middle East countries. Although officials stationed in the Middle East give their public diplomacy operations favorable ratings, the image of the United States remains bad and continues to decline despite occasional upward spikes. In this article the author argues that television entertainment programs, particularly American situation comedies broadcast throughout the Middle East, can be another reason for the continued low regard for Americans and for the United States. An analysis of three American television programs ( The West Wing, That 70's Show, and Friends) shows that the images presented by the programs are distorted and portray an unrealistic picture of life in America. The fact that the attitudes of Middle Easterners are more in tune with television drama images than with their more realistic public diplomacy counterparts leads to the conclusion that the shows trump the State Department's public diplomacy efforts.
Public Diplomacy and Journalism
Authors: Seib Philip
Published: December 2008

The author argues that standards of objectivity and accuracy employed by journalists should also be held by practitioners of public diplomacy. The perceived commonality with propaganda makes public diplomacy vulnerable to challenge about its being an ethical enterprise. Examples of U.S. public diplomacy efforts in Iraq and in Arab-speaking countries more generally are discussed, including the development of television channels. It is argued that public diplomacy, like journalism, must be conducted ethically or else it will certainly fail.
Public Diplomacy
Authors: Graffy Colleen
Published: December 2008

This article provides a practitioner's account of strategic public diplomacy efforts during the second term of George W. Bush and the progress made in a variety of areas. The article focuses in particular on the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs in the U.S. Department of State, the only bureau to have a deputy assistant secretary dedicated wholly to public diplomacy. Examples of new public diplomacy tools such as a media hub in Brussels, “pre-active” diplomacy, solutions to getting outside “the Washington bubble” to listen to their core audience, and ventures into new media are discussed.
What Moves Parties?
Authors: Adams James , Haupt Andrea B. , Stoll Heather
Published: December 2008

Do Western European political parties adjust their ideological positions in response to shifts in public opinion and to changing global economic conditions? Based on a time-series, cross-sectional analysis of parties' ideological dynamics in eight Western European democracies from 1976-1998, the authors conclude that both factors influence parties' ideological positions but that this relationship is mediated by the type of party. Specifically, they find that parties of the center and right react to both public opinion and the global economy, whereas parties of the left display no discernible tendency to respond to public opinion and also appear less responsive to global economic conditions. The findings on leftist parties' distinctiveness support arguments about these parties' long-term policy orientations as well as about their organizational structures. The authors also find little support for neoliberal convergence arguments.
Strategic Targeting
Authors: Rickard Stephanie J.
Published: December 2008

Virtually every government provides distributive transfers for electoral purposes. However, the level and form of such transfers vary dramatically across countries. Although transfers take many forms, they can generally be characterized as being either broad (providing benefits to large segments of the electorate) or narrow (targeting benefits only to select groups of voters). Variation in the form of distributive transfers across countries can be explained by voters' economic interests and domestic institutions. Voters' preferences over transfer form, shaped in part by the mobility of their assets, together with a country's electoral rules determine the benefits politicians gain from providing either broad or narrow transfers. Using new measures of transfer form, the author finds that although majoritarian systems are more prone to narrow transfers, proportional systems are more responsive to increases in voter demand for narrow transfers, all else equal.
Deterrence and Macro-Level Perceptions of Punishment Risks
Authors: Kleck Gary , Barnes J. C.
Published: December 2008

Prior research indicates that individual perceptions of the risk of punishment for criminal behavior are unrelated to actual risks of punishment in the areas in which individuals reside. It could be argued, however, that the relevant policy question is whether variation in actual punishment levels affects average perceptions of risk among aggregates. Scholars have argued that there is “collective wisdom” in the perceptions of collectivities of humans, even if the views of individuals are inaccurate. This thesis is tested using survey data on individual perceptions of the risks of legal punishment for crimes, aggregated up to the level of county populations. The authors find that the aggregate perceptions of county populations are generally not related to actual county levels of the certainty, severity, and swiftness of punishment. Thus, neither the perceptions of individuals nor the average perceptions of populations have any significant association with actual risks of punishment.
Predictive Validity of the Get Ready to Read! Screener
Authors: Phillips Beth M. , Lonigan Christopher J. , Wyatt Marcy A.
Published: December 2008

This study examined concurrent and longitudinal relations for the Get Ready to Read! (GRTR) emergent literacy screener. This measure, within a battery of oral language, letter knowledge, decoding, and phonological awareness tests, was administered to 204 preschool children (mean age = 53.6, SD = 5.78; 55% male) from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Subgroups were reassessed at 6 months and 16 and 37 months later. Results indicate strong relations between the GRTR and the literacy and language assessments. Long-term follow-up indicated that the screener was significantly related to some reading-related measures, including decoding skills. These results support the utility of the GRTR as a brief, valid measure of children's emergent literacy skills. The GRTR holds promise as a tool useful for educators, parents, and others in regular contact with preschool children to help determine those who may be at risk for later reading difficulties and could benefit from intervention and focused instruction in emergent literacy.
Men's Visitation With Nonresidential Children
Authors: Guzzo Karen Benjamin
Published: December 2008

High rates of nonmarital fertility and divorce mean that many fathers do not live with some or all of their children. Using the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, this research compares socioeconomic and family characteristics among men with only coresidential children ( n = 762), with both coresidential and nonresidential children ( n = 107), and with only nonresidential children ( n = 367) and examines the factors that influence men's visitation with nonresidential children. Men with only nonresidential children are more disadvantaged than men with both coresidential and nonresidential children, who in turn are more disadvantaged than men with only coresidential children. Although competing obligations to coresidential children affect visitation with nonresidential children, other factors are also important. In particular, the number of both coresidential sons and daughters negatively affects visitation. Men visit nonresidential children more frequently when they were married or cohabiting at birth, and visitation is negatively related to the age of nonresidential children.
Desynchrony of fear in phobic exposure
Authors: van Duinen MA , Schruers KRJ , Griez EJL
Published: December 2008

Intuitively, phobic exposure would seem to be a very stressful experience. However, it is not clear whether the characteristic feature of a classic stress response, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is present in phobic fear. Some instances of phobic fear have been found to be accompanied by robust increases in cortisol, whereas in other instances a dissociation between subjective-behavioural arousal and the HPA-axis has been found. The latter is referred to as desynchrony of fear. The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that phobic fear is similar to normal fear and, as such, is accompanied by a robust increase in cortisol values. In all, 16 spider phobic subjects and 16 healthy controls participated in the study. During and following a standardised stepwise exposure paradigm, saliva samples were collected for cortisol determination. In contrast to the controls, the spider phobics reacted with a strong fear reaction to the spiders. However, cortisol levels remained unaffected. The phobic response did not resemble the classic ‘fight or flight’ response. Some suggest that the HPA-axis response has become extinguished in modern man. Yet, it is possible that phobic fear is not a derivative of an ancient fear but rather a separate entity that relies on other neuroendocrinological systems.
Depression-prone mice with reduced glucocorticoid receptor expression display an altered stress-dependent regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein
Authors: Molteni R. , Chourbaji S. , Brandwein C. , Racagni G. , Gass P. , Riva MA
Published: December 2008

Increasing evidence suggests that depression is characterised by impaired brain plasticity that might originate from the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in neuroplasticity following exposure to stress, an environmental condition highly relevant to psychiatric disorders, in glucocorticoid receptor-deficient mice (GR+/−), a genetic model of predisposition to depression. Specifically, we have analysed the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the immediate-early gene activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc), two closely related molecules that can contribute to neuroplastic and morphological changes observed in depression. We found a region-specific influence of the GR-genotype on BDNF levels both under basal and stress conditions. Steady-state levels of BDNF mRNA were unchanged in hippocampus while up-regulated in frontal lobe of GR+/−mice. Following exposure to an acute stress, increased processing from pro- to mature BDNF was observed in hippocampal synaptosomes of wild-type mice, but not in GR mutants. Furthermore, the stress-dependent modulation of Arc was impaired in the hippocampus of GR+/−mice. These results indicate that GR+/−mice show overt differences in the stress-induced modulation of neuroplastic proteins, which may contribute to pathologic conditions that may originate following gene x environment interaction.
That warm fuzzy feeling: brain serotonergic neurons and the regulation of emotion
Authors: Lowry CA , Lightman SL , Nutt DJ
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Whether lying on the beach in the midday sun on a Caribbean island, grabbing a few minutes in the sauna or spa after work, or sitting in a hot bath or Jacuzzi in the evening, we often associate feeling warm with a sense of relaxation and well-being. Even ‘working up a good sweat’, exercising or performing manual labour in the garden can have its rewards. Although we take these feelings for granted, convergent lines of evidence suggest that sensations of ‘warmth’ may alter neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood, including serotonergic circuits, in addition to those directly involved in thermoregulatory cooling. One mechanism through which sensations of warmth may modulate neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood is the activation of temperature-activated transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, including TRPv3 and TRPv4 which are active in the non-noxious thermal range, 27–42 °C, and subsequent activation of a subpopulation of brainstem serotonergic neurons. In this article, we explore the hypothesis that a subpopulation of serotonergic neurons are thermosensitive and form part of a thermoafferent pathway regulating physiology and behaviour. We also propose the novel hypothesis that dysregulation of this thermosensitive population of serotonergic neurons plays an important role in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and affective disorders.
Ethanol co-administration moderates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine effects on human physiology
Authors: Dumont GJH , Kramers C. , Sweep FCGJ , Willemsen JJ , Touw DJ , Schoemaker RC , van Gerven JMA , Buitelaar JK , Verkes RJ
Published: December 2008

Alcohol is frequently used in combination with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Both drugs affect cardiovascular function, hydration and temperature regulation, but may have partly opposing effects. The present study aims to assess the acute physiologic effects of (co-) administration of MDMA and ethanol over time. A four-way, double blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study in 16 healthy volunteers (9 male and 7 female) between the ages of 18 and 29. MDMA (100 mg) was given orally and blood ethanol concentration was maintained at pseudo-steady state levels of 0.6‰ by a three-hour 10% intravenous ethanol clamp. Cardiovascular function, temperature and hydration measures were recorded throughout the study days. Ethanol did not significantly affect physiologic function, with the exception of a short lasting increase in heart rate. MDMA potently increased heart rate and blood pressure and induced fluid retention as well as an increase in temperature. Co-administration of ethanol with MDMA did not affect cardiovascular function compared to the MDMA alone condition, but attenuated the effects of MDMA on fluid retention and showed a trend for attenuation of MDMA-induced temperature increase. In conclusion, co-administration of ethanol and MDMA did not exacerbate physiologic effects compared to all other drug conditions, and moderated some effects of MDMA alone.
Rethinking the Emergence of Relationship Marketing
Authors: Tadajewski Mark , Saren Michael
Published: December 2008

In this article, the history of relationship marketing (RM) is challenged. Similar to discussions of the marketing concept, the debates surrounding RM are largely ahistorical. This is despite numerous scholars indicating that RM has a far longer history than is currently appreciated. In contrast to received wisdom that RM emerged in the late 1970s, it is demonstrated that RM themes have been present in the marketing literature for longer than is recognized by the contemporary scholars.
Effects of Immediate Feedback Delivered by Peer Tutors on the Oral Presentation Skills of Adolescents With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Scheeler Mary Catherine , Macluckie Michelle , Albright Kristen
Published: December 2008

High school graduation requirements are becoming increasingly demanding. In addition to meeting academic benchmarks, some school districts have added performance requirements such as oral presentations to their criteria for earning a high school diploma. This type of requirement may present an additional challenge for students with learning disabilities. Research was conducted to determine if a treatment package consisting of immediate feedback delivered via wireless technology by peer tutors was effective with improving oral presentation skills in four high school senior girls with learning disabilities. Results suggest that immediate feedback provided by peer tutors (compared with delayed feedback) was effective in decreasing undesirable target behaviors that interfered with performance, in all four participants. Each participant also rated the treatment as acceptable. Implications for practice are discussed.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Findings in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome With Central Nervous System Involvement
Authors: Toldo Irene , Manara Renzo , Cogo Paola , Sartori Stefano , Murer Luisa , Battistella Pier Antonio , Laverda Anna Maria
Published: December 2008

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a multisystem disease that can affect central nervous system in up to 50% of cases. Central nervous system involvement can be clinically severe and its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Various magnetic resonance imaging findings, on conventional sequences, documenting the involvement of deep gray-matter structures, have been described. Diffusion-weighted imaging features of brain lesions have been reported only in 2 cases, but the potential role of this technique has not been considered yet. We describe a 19-month-old child affected by hemolytic uremic syndrome with basal ganglia lesions documented by diffusion-weighted imaging, with a 42-day neuroradiological follow-up and a 6-month clinical follow-up. In our case, diffusion-weighted imaging was more sensible in detecting the affected brain areas compared to T1, suggesting that reduced apparent diffusion coefficient values in the acute phase could reliably identify irreversible brain lesions in hemolytic uremic syndrome patients.
Strontium-based Glass Polyalkenoate Cements for Luting Applications in the Skeleton
Authors: Clarkin O. , Boyd D. , Towler M.R.
Published: December 2008

Glass Polyalkenoate Cements (GPCs) based on strontium calcium zinc silicate (Sr-Ca-Zn-SiO2) glasses and high molecular weight poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have been shown to exhibit suitable mechanical properties for orthopaedic arthroplasty applications, however for vertebroplasty and other medical luting applications these cements have working and setting times which are unsuitable for such applications. In this study GPCs based on Sr-Ca-Zn-SiO 2 glasses and low molecular weight PAA were evaluated for orthopaedic luting applications. GPCs based on four different glasses; BT100 (0.16CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2), BT101 (0.04SrO, 0.12CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO 2), BT102 (0.08SrO 0.08CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2) and BT103 (0.12SrO 0.04CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2) and two PAAs (MW; 12,700 and 25,700) were examined. These cement formulations exhibited handling properties potentially suitable for luting applications as well as mechanical strengths which were similar to those of trabecular bone. Upon immersion in simulated body fluid, the GPCs showed sustained growth of a calcium phosphate layer on the surface of the cement indicating that these cements were bioactive in nature.
The Mathematical Model for Evaluating Fatigue Resistance of SG Tubular Fabric: Relationship between Textile Parameters and Fatigue Performance
Authors: Zhao Huijing , Wang Lu , Li Yuling , Liu Xiaoyan , King Martin W.
Published: December 2008

Fatigue testing for twelve SG tubular fabrics with various textile parameters was performed under pulsatile pressure by an Accelerated fatigue tester. Two time points as of 0, and 1 × 108 cycles were selected. The percentage change of tubular diameter, fabric count, porosity, and water permeability before and after the fatigue testing were used to characterize the fatigue performance. Bursting work was used to indicate fatigue. The mathematical model of quantification theory I was used to analyze the influence of various textile parameters on the fatigue performance of SG tubular fabric. It was found that with the increase of fatigue time, bursting work decreased, and the predicting results by quantification theory I for the fatigue resistance were relatively accurate and the contribution ratio of each textile parameter to the fatigue performance was also obtained. Different textile parameter has different contribution ratio if different parameters were used to characterize the fatigue performance. Woven construction had more influence than yarn size on the fatigue performance, and yarn type had the least influence on it. Woven construction, yarn size, and yarn type had interactive influence on the fatigue performance. This can provide theoretical foundation for making better fatigue resistant SG tubular fabrics.
Misperceptions of Sex Offender Perpetration
Authors: Craun Sarah W. , Theriot Matthew T.
Published: December 2008

A popular misconception among the general public is that sex offenders most often victimize strangers. To better understand these misconceptions about sex offenders, this study determines the frequency of misperception in the general public and establishes if the misconceptions are related to the policy of sex offender registration. Using a self-administered mail survey, it is found that on average, 3 out of 10 respondents indicate more worry about a child being sexually abused by a stranger than a child being sexually abused by someone known to them. In neighborhoods where registered sex offenders reside, awareness of a local sex offender significantly increases the likelihood that a respondent is more worried about a stranger sexually abusing a child. Interpretations of the findings follow, including discussing if the findings demonstrate an unintended consequence of sex offender registries.
Assisted Living Pilot Program
Authors: Hedrick Susan C. , Guihan Marylou , Chapko Michael K. , Sullivan Jean , Zhou Xiao-Hua , Manheim Larry M. , Forsberg Christopher W. , Mambourg Floss J.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Assisted living programs demonstrate variation in structure and services. The Department of Veterans Affairs funded this care for the first time in the Assisted Living Pilot Program (ALPP). This article presents resident health outcomes and the relationship between facility characteristics and outcomes. Method: This article presents results on 393 ALPP residents followed for 12 months after admission to 95 facilities. Results: A total of 19.8% residents died, and the average activities of daily living impairment did not change significantly. Half of the residents remained in an ALPP facility, with the average resident spending 315 days in the community during the 12-month follow-up period. This article found a limited number of characteristics of structure and staffing to be significantly associated with outcomes. Discussion: If differences among facility characteristics are not clearly related to differences in outcomes, then choices among type of setting can be based on the match of needs to available services, location, or preferences.