bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applied inference
Authors: Lee Benjamin C. , Brooks David
Published: October 2010

We propose and apply a new simulation paradigm for microarchitectural design evaluation and optimization. This paradigm enables more comprehensive design studies by combining spatial sampling and statistical inference. Specifically, this paradigm (i) defines a large, comprehensive design space, (ii) samples points from the space for simulation, and (iii) constructs regression models based on sparse simulations. This approach greatly improves the computational efficiency of microarchitectural simulation and enables new capabilities in design space exploration.

We illustrate new capabilities in three case studies for a large design space of approximately 260,000 points: (i) Pareto frontier, (ii) pipeline depth, and (iii) multiprocessor heterogeneity analyses. In particular, regression models are exhaustively evaluated to identify Pareto optimal designs that maximize performance for given power budgets. These models enable pipeline depth studies in which all parameters vary simultaneously with depth, thereby more effectively revealing interactions with nondepth parameters. Heterogeneity analysis combines regression-based optimization with clustering heuristics to identify efficient design compromises between similar optimal architectures. These compromises are potential core designs in a heterogeneous multicore architecture. Increasing heterogeneity can improve
bips
3
/
w
efficiency by as much as 2.4×, a theoretical upper bound on heterogeneity benefits that neglects contention between shared resources as well as design complexity. Collectively these studies demonstrate regression models' ability to expose trends and identify optima in diverse design regions, motivating the application of such models in statistical inference for more effective use of modern simulator infrastructure.
Influence of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate on Corrosion of Iron in Presence of Magnetic Field: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Parameters
Authors: Maayta A. K. , Fares Mohammad M. , Al-Shawabkeh Ali F.
Published: October 2010

Implementation of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate, LAS, as corrosion inhibitor on the surface of iron metal in acidic media and in the absence and presence of magnetic field has been investigated. Adsorption of inhibitor molecules on iron surface showed Langmuir adsorption isotherms fit in acidic media. In the absence of magnetic field, apparent activation energy values (Ea) in 2.0 M HCl solutions provide evidence of the inhibitory effect of LAS on iron; similarly, the enthalpy of activation values (ΔH≠) was in accordance with activation energy values. Apparent entropy of activation shows that at larger inhibitor concentration, solvent entropy decrease in 1.0 M HCl and solvent entropy increase in 2.0 M HCl were obtained. Furthermore, spontaneity, through equilibrium constant (Kads.) values and free energy value (ΔGads.) of the adsorption process, shows a drastic decrease upon temperature increase. In the presence of magnetic field, lower rates of corrosion, larger activation energies, solvent entropy increase, larger equilibrium constant (Kads.) value, and lower free energy value (ΔGads.) have been investigated.
The Curing Process of Epoxy/Amino-Functionalized MWCNTs: Calorimetry, Molecular Modelling, and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Prolongo S. G. , Gude M. R. , Ureña A.
Published: October 2010

Curing kinetic of an epoxy resin reinforced with amino-functionalized MWCNTs has been studied by DSC and the obtained results were explained through morphological studies carried out by SEM, TEM, FEG-SEM, and molecular simulation tools. The presence of MWCNTs in the curing reaction induces a retardation effect of curing reaction and a decrease of the reaction heat. Both are associated with the adsorption of curing agent molecules inside carbon nanotubes, which was proved through the application of electron microscopic techniques and molecular simulation tools. It has been also demonstrated that there is a chemical reaction between amine groups anchored to the nanotubes and oxirane rings of epoxy monomer, which improves the nanoreinforcement/matrix interfacial adhesion, appearing a chemical interphase. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of epoxy matrix increases by the addition of MWCNTs due to the restriction of its mobility.
Accurate Coregistration between Ultra‐High‐Resolution Micro‐SPECT and Circular Cone‐Beam Micro‐CT Scanners
Authors: Ji Changguo , van der Have Frans , Gratama van Andel Hugo , Ramakers Ruud , Beekman Freek
Published: October 2010

Introduction. Spatially registering SPECT with CT makes it possible to anatomically localize SPECT tracers. In this study, an accurate method for the coregistration of ultra‐high‐resolution SPECT volumes and multiple cone‐beam CT volumes is developed and validated, which does not require markers during animal scanning.
Methods. Transferable animal beds were developed with an accurate mounting interface. Simple calibration phantoms make it possible to obtain both the spatial transformation matrix for stitching multiple CT scans of different parts of the animal and to register SPECT and CT. The spatial transformation for image coregistration is calculated once using Horn′s matching algorithm. Animal images can then be coregistered without using markers.
Results. For mouse‐sized objects, average coregistration errors between SPECT and CT in X, Y, and Z directions are within 0.04 mm, 0.10 mm, and 0.19 mm, respectively. For rat‐sized objects, these numbers are 0.22 mm, 0.14 mm, and 0.28 mm. Average 3D coregistration errors were within 0.24 mm and 0.42 mm for mouse and rat imaging, respectively.
Conclusion. Extending the field‐of‐view of cone‐beam CT by stitching is improved by prior registration of the CT volumes. The accuracy of registration between SPECT and CT is typically better than the image resolution of current ultra‐high‐resolution SPECT.
Comparable Renal Function at 6 Months with Tacrolimus Combined with Fixed-Dose Sirolimus or MMF: Results of a Randomized Multicenter Trial in Renal Transplantation
Authors: Van Gurp Eveline , Bustamante Jesus , Franco Antonio , Rostaing Lionel , Becker Thomas , Rondeau Eric , Czajkowski Zenon , Rydzewski Andrzej , Alarcon Antonio , Bachleda Petr , Samlik Jiri , Burmeister Dirk , Pallardo Luis , Moal Marie-Christine , Rutkowski Boleslaw , Wlodarczyk Zbigniew
Published: October 2010

In a multicenter trial, renal transplant recipients were randomized to tacrolimus with fixed-dose sirolimus (Tac/SRL,N= 318) or tacrolimus with MMF (Tac/MMF,N= 316). Targeted tacrolimus trough levels were lower in the Tac/SRL group after day 14. The primary endpoint was renal function at 6 months using creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault) and was comparable at 66.4 mL/min (SE 1.4) with Tac/SRL and at 65.2mL/min (SE 1.3) with Tac/MMF (completers). Biopsy-confirmed acute rejection was 15.1% (Tac/SRL) and 12.3% (Tac/MMF). In both groups, graft survival was 93% and patient survival was 99.0%. Premature withdrawal due to an adverse event was twice as high in the Tac/SRL group, 15.1% versus 6.3%. Hypercholesterolemia incidence was higher with Tac/SRL (P<.05) while CMV, leukopenia, and diarrhea incidences were higher with Tac/MMF (P<.05). The incidence of any antidiabetic treatment for>30consecutive days in previously nondiabetic patients was 17.8%, Tac/SRL, and 24.8%, Tac/MMF. Evaluation at 6 months showed comparable renal function using tacrolimus/sirolimus and tacrolimus/MMF regimens.
Is the Perinatal Outcome of Placental Abruption Modified by Clinical Presentation?
Authors: Furukawa Seishi , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu , Ohashi Masanao , Nagai Yoshio
Published: October 2010

Objective. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the impact of the clinical presentation on perinatal outcome in placental abruption.Study Design. A retrospective study was performed in 97 placental abruptions. Placental abruptions were classified according to clinical presentation: pregnancy-induced hypertension (HT,n=22), threatened premature labor and/or premature rupture of membranes (TPL/ROM,n=35), clinically low risk (LR,n=27), and others (n=13). Perinatal outcomes were compared among the HT, TPL/ROM, and LR groups.Results. The HT had significantly higher incidence of IUGR, IFUD, and low fibrinogen. The TPL/ROM had less severe disease. However, the LR had significantly higher incidence of IUFD, low UA pH < 7.1, low Apgar score of <7 at 5 min, and low fibrinogen.Conclusion. Disease severity in placental abruption is likely to depend on the clinical presentation.
Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 1 in North-Western France: AIRE Gene Mutation Specificities and Severe Forms Needing Immunosuppressive Therapies
Authors: Proust-Lemoine E. , Saugier-Véber P. , Lefranc D. , Dubucquoi S. , Ryndak A. , Buob D. , Lalau J.D. , Desailloud R. , Weill J. , Prin L. , Lefebvre H. , Wémeau J.L.
Published: October 2010

Background: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) has been poorly evaluated in France. We focused on the north-western part of the country to describe clinical phenotypes, especially severe forms of the disease, and AIRE gene mutations. Methods: Clinical and immunological data were collected, and pathological mutations were identified by DNA sequencing. Results: Nineteen patients were identified with APS1. Clinical manifestations varied greatly, showing 1–10 components. Mucocutaneous candidiasis, adrenal failure, hypoparathyroidism, alopecia and other severe infections were the most frequent components. Four patients had severe forms, needing immunosuppressive therapy: 2 for hepatitis; 1 for severe malabsorption, and 1 for a T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia. These therapies were very effective but caused general discomfort. One patient died of septicemia. Four different AIRE gene mutations were identified, and a 13-bp deletion in exon 8 (c.967–979del13) was the most prevalent. There was at least one allele correlating with this mutation and alopecia occurrence (p = 0.003). No novel mutation was detected. Conclusion: APS1 appears to be rare in north-western France. We identified 4 cases with a severe form needing immunosuppressive therapy. The AIRE gene mutations are more like those found in north-western Europe than those found in Finland.
Systemic Evaluation of Platelet and Leukocyte Activation and Interaction in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hu Xiao-Sheng , Du Chang-Qing , Zeng Chun-Lai , Yao Lei , Zhang Fu-Rong , Wang Kan , Chen Jun-Zhu , Li Nailin , Hu Hu
Published: October 2010

Objectives: Thrombosis and inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, there are no solid data supporting the involvement of platelet and leukocyte activation and interaction in PAH. The present study thus investigated the activation and interaction of circulating platelets and leukocytes in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension. Methods: Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was monitored in rats (n = 24) before and 2, 3 and 7 weeks after MCT (60 mg/kg)injection. In parallel, activation of circulating platelets and leukocytes and platelet-leukocyte aggregates were measured by whole-blood flow cytometry. Results: Two weeks after MCT injection, mPAP had increased significantly, i.e. from 11.25 ± 0.92 mm Hg at baseline to 15.71 ± 1.66 mm Hg (p < 0.05), and it had increased even further at week 7 (26.83 ± 3.29 mm Hg; p < 0.01). Fibrinogen binding of circulating platelets had increased from the basal level of 1.45 ± 0.61 to 4.08 ± 1.59% 3 weeks after MCT injection (p < 0.01). Platelet responsiveness to ADP was also significantly enhanced. CD11b expression of circulating neutrophils was elevated; i.e. mean fluorescence intensity increased from 1.67 ± 0.38 before MCT injection to 2.37 ± 0.31 3 weeks after MCT injection (p < 0.01), and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (1 × 10–7M) stimulation induced more marked elevation of neutrophil CD11b expression in MCT-treated animals. Circulating platelet-neutrophil aggregates were already increased 2 weeks after MCT treatment (14.93 ± 4.22%; p < 0.01) compared to baseline (6.01 ± 2.91%) and remained elevated at 3 weeks (15.19 ± 4.78%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: MCT-induced PAH in rats is associated with increased platelet and leukocyte activation and platelet-leukocyte interaction in vivo, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PAH.
Androgen Therapy in Hypogonadal Adolescent Males
Authors: Bertelloni Silvano , Baroncelli Giampiero I. , Garofalo Piernicola , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: October 2010

Androgen treatment represents a main aspect of clinical management of boys with hypogonadism from adolescence onwards. Androgen replacement therapy is required to induce secondary sexual characteristics and adult male body composition, to optimize the accrual of bone mineral content and muscle mass, and to promote physical and social well-being. Testosterone is the only sex steroid hormone suitable for treatment in hypogonadal boys as it fulfils all the physiological requirements. However, the optimal regimens for androgen replacement therapy during adolescence remain to be defined. The new testosterone formulations (patch, gel, transbuccal and long-acting) have been designed for use in adults and the available dosages are probably too high to induce and manage puberty in adolescents properly. The aim of this paper is to provide practical indications for androgen treatment in male adolescents with hypogonadism.
In Vivo Therapeutic Gas Delivery for Neuroprotection With Echogenic Liposomes
Authors: Britton George L. , Kim Hyunggun , Kee Patrick H. , Aronowski Jaroslaw , Holland Christy K. , McPherson David D. , Huang Shao-Ling
Published: October 2010

Background—

Ischemia-related neurological injury is a primary cause of stroke disability. Studies have demonstrated that xenon (Xe) may have potential as an effective and nontoxic neuroprotectant. Xe delivery is, however, hampered by lack of suitable administration methods. We have developed a pressurization-freeze method to encapsulate Xe into echogenic liposomes (Xe-ELIP) and have modulated local gas release with transvascular ultrasound exposure.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen microliters of Xe were encapsulated into each 1 mg of liposomes (70% Xe and 30% argon). Xe delivery from Xe-ELIP into cells and consequent neuroprotective effects were evaluated with oxygen/glucose-deprived and control neuronal cells in vitro. Xe-ELIP were administered into Sprague-Dawley rats intravenously or intra-arterially after right middle cerebral artery occlusion. One-megahertz low-amplitude (0.18 MPa) continuous wave ultrasound directed onto the internal carotid artery triggered Xe release from circulating Xe-ELIP. Effects of Xe delivery on ischemia-induced neurological injury and disability were evaluated. Xe-ELIP delivery to oxygen/glucose-deprived neuronal cells improved cell viability in vitro and resulted in a 48% infarct volume decrease in vivo. Intravenous Xe-ELIP administration in combination with the ultrasound directed onto the carotid artery enhanced local Xe release from circulating Xe-ELIP and demonstrated 75% infarct volume reduction. This was comparable to the effect after intra-arterial administration. Behavioral tests on limb placement and grid and beam walking correlated with infarct reduction.

Conclusions—

This novel methodology may provide a noninvasive strategy for ultrasound-enhanced local therapeutic gas delivery for cerebral ischemia–related injury while minimizing systemic side effects.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation Improves Peripheral Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation in Patients With Chronic Angina
Authors: Braith Randy W. , Conti C. Richard , Nichols Wilmer W. , Choi Calvin Y. , Khuddus Matheen A. , Beck Darren T. , Casey Darren P.
Published: October 2010

Background—

Mechanisms responsible for anti-ischemic benefits of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) remain unknown. This was the first randomized sham-controlled study to investigate the extracardiac effects of EECP on peripheral artery flow-mediated dilation.

Methods and Results—

Forty-two symptomatic patients with coronary artery disease were randomized (2:1 ratio) to thirty-five 1-hour sessions of either EECP (n=28) or sham EECP (n=14). Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial and femoral arteries was performed with the use of ultrasound. Plasma levels of nitrate and nitrite, 6-keto-prostaglandin F
1α
, endothelin-1, asymmetrical dimethylarginine, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and 8-isoprostane were measured. EECP increased brachial (+51% versus +2%) and femoral (+30% versus +3%) artery flow-mediated dilation, the nitric oxide turnover/production markers nitrate and nitrite (+36% versus +2%), and 6-keto-prostaglandin F
1α
(+71% versus +1%), whereas it decreased endothelin-1 (−25% versus +5%) and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine (−28% versus +0.2%) in treatment versus sham groups, respectively (all
P
<0.05). EECP decreased the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (−16% versus +12%), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (−13% versus +0.2%), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (−6% versus +1%), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (−32% versus +5%), and the lipid peroxidation marker 8-isoprostane (−21% versus +1.3%) in treatment versus sham groups, respectively (all
P
<0.05). EECP reduced angina classification (−62% versus 0%;
P
<0.001) in treatment versus sham groups, respectively.

Conclusions—

Our findings provide novel mechanistic evidence that EECP has a beneficial effect on peripheral artery flow-mediated dilation and endothelial-derived vasoactive agents in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease.
Metabolic Modulator Perhexiline Corrects Energy Deficiency and Improves Exercise Capacity in Symptomatic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Abozguia Khalid , Elliott Perry , McKenna William , Phan Thanh Trung , Nallur-Shivu Ganesh , Ahmed Ibrar , Maher Abdul R. , Kaur Kulvinder , Taylor Jenny , Henning Anke , Ashrafian Houman , Watkins Hugh , Frenneaux Michael
Published: October 2010

Background—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients exhibit myocardial energetic impairment, but a causative role for this energy deficiency in the pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy remains unproven. We hypothesized that the metabolic modulator perhexiline would ameliorate myocardial energy deficiency and thereby improve diastolic function and exercise capacity.

Methods and Results—

Forty-six consecutive patients with symptomatic exercise limitation (peak V̇
o
2
<75% of predicted) caused by nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (mean age, 55±0.26 years) were randomized to perhexiline 100 mg (n=24) or placebo (n=22). Myocardial ratio of phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate, an established marker of cardiac energetic status, as measured by
31
P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, left ventricular diastolic filling (heart rate normalized time to peak filling) at rest and during exercise using radionuclide ventriculography, peak V̇o
2
, symptoms, quality of life, and serum metabolites were assessed at baseline and study end (4.6±1.8 months). Perhexiline improved myocardial ratios of phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate (from 1.27±0.02 to 1.73±0.02 versus 1.29±0.01 to 1.23±0.01;
P
=0.003) and normalized the abnormal prolongation of heart rate normalized time to peak filling between rest and exercise (0.11±0.008 to −0.01±0.005 versus 0.15±0.007 to 0.11±0.008 second;
P
=0.03). These changes were accompanied by an improvement in primary end point (peak V̇
o
2
) (22.2±0.2 to 24.3±0.2 versus 23.6±0.3 to 22.3±0.2 mL · kg
−1
· min
−1
;
P
=0.003) and New York Heart Association class (
P
<0.001) (all
P
values ANCOVA, perhexiline versus placebo).

Conclusions—

In symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, perhexiline, a modulator of substrate metabolism, ameliorates cardiac energetic impairment, corrects diastolic dysfunction, and increases exercise capacity. This study supports the hypothesis that energy deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology and provides a rationale for further consideration of metabolic therapies in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00500552.
Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Adulthood Metabolic Syndrome, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus but Is No Better Than Body Mass Index Alone
Authors: Magnussen Costan G. , Koskinen Juha , Chen Wei , Thomson Russell , Schmidt Michael D. , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Kivimäki Mika , Mattsson Noora , Kähönen Mika , Laitinen Tomi , Taittonen Leena , Rönnemaa Tapani , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Berenson Gerald S. , Juonala Markus , Raitakari Olli T.
Published: October 2010

Background—

The clinical utility of identifying pediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS) is controversial. This study sought to determine the status of pediatric MetS as a risk factor for adult subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness [cIMT]) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and compare and contrast this prediction with its individual components.

Methods and Results—

Using data from the population-based, prospective, observational Bogalusa Heart and Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns studies, we examined the utility of 4 categorical definitions of youth MetS and their components in predicting adult high cIMT and T2DM among 1781 participants aged 9 to 18 years at baseline (1984 to 1988) who were then examined 14 to 27 years later (2001–2007) when aged 24 to 41 years. Youth with MetS were at 2 to 3 times the risk of having high cIMT and T2DM as adults compared with those free of MetS at youth. Risk estimates with the use of high body mass index were similar to those of MetS phenotypes in predicting adult outcomes. Comparisons of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and net reclassification index suggested that prediction of adult MetS, high cIMT, and T2DM in adulthood with the use of youth MetS was either equivalent or inferior to classification based on high body mass index or overweight and obesity.

Conclusions—

Youth with MetS are at increased risk of meaningful adult outcomes; however, the simplicity of screening for high BMI or overweight and obesity in the pediatric setting offers a simpler, equally accurate alternative to identifying youth at risk of developing adult MetS, high cIMT, or T2DM.
Complication Rates Associated With Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Generator Replacements and Upgrade Procedures
Authors: Poole Jeanne E. , Gleva Marye J. , Mela Theofanie , Chung Mina K. , Uslan Daniel Z. , Borge Richard , Gottipaty Venkateshwar , Shinn Timothy , Dan Dan , Feldman Leon A. , Seide Hanscy , Winston Stuart A. , Gallagher John J. , Langberg Jonathan J. , Mitchell Kevin , Holcomb Richard ,   for the REPLACE Registry Investigators
Published: October 2010

Background—

Prospective studies defining the risk associated with pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator replacement surgeries do not exist. These procedures are generally considered low risk despite results from recent retrospective series reporting higher rates.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively assessed predefined procedure-related complication rates associated with elective pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator replacements over 6 months of follow-up. Two groups were studied: those without (cohort 1) and those with (cohort 2) a planned transvenous lead addition for replacement or upgrade to a device capable of additional therapies. Complications were adjudicated by an independent events committee. Seventy-two US academic and private practice centers participated. Major complications occurred in 4.0% (95% confidence interval, 2.9 to 5.4) of 1031 cohort 1 patients and 15.3% (95% confidence interval, 12.7 to 18.1) of 713 cohort 2 patients. In both cohorts, major complications were higher with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator compared with pacemaker generator replacements. Complications were highest in patients who had an upgrade to or a revised cardiac resynchronization therapy device (18.7%; 95% confidence interval, 15.1 to 22.6). No periprocedural deaths occurred in either cohort, although 8 later procedure-related deaths occurred in cohort 2. The 6-month infection rates were 1.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 2.3) and 1.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 2.2) for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusions—

Pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator replacements are associated with a notable complication risk, particularly those with lead additions. These data support careful decision making before device replacement, when managing device advisories, and when considering upgrades to more complex systems.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00395447.
Interleukin 6 Knockout Prevents Angiotensin II Hypertension
Authors: Brands Michael W. , Banes-Berceli Amy K.L. , Inscho Edward W. , Al-Azawi Hind , Allen Ashlyn J. , Labazi Hicham
Published: October 2010

Chronic angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion stimulates interleukin (IL) 6 release, and we and others have shown that preventing the increase in IL-6 significantly attenuates Ang II hypertension. This study measured renal blood flow (RBF) chronically, using Transonic flow probes in wild-type (WT) and IL-6 knockout (KO) mice, to determine the role of RBF regulation in that response. Ang II infusion at 200, 800, and 3600 ng/kg per minute caused a dose-dependent decrease in RBF in WT mice, and the response at 800 ng/kg per minute was compared between WT and IL-6 KO mice. Ang II infusion increased plasma IL-6 concentration in WT mice and increased mean arterial pressure (19 h/d with telemetry) from 113±4 to 149±4 mm Hg (Δ36 mm Hg) over the 7-day infusion period, and that effect was blocked in IL-6 KO mice (119±7 to 126±7 mm Hg). RBF decreased to an average of 61±8% of control over the 7-day period (control: 0.86±0.02 mL/min) in the WT mice; however, the average decrease to 72±6% of control (control: 0.88±0.02 mL/min) in the KO mice was not significantly different. There also was no difference in afferent arteriolar constriction by Ang II in blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephrons in WT versus KO mice. Phosphorylation of janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in renal cortex homogenates increased significantly in Ang II–infused WT mice, and that effect was prevented completely in Ang II–infused IL-6 KO mice. These data suggest that IL-6-dependent activation of the renal janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway plays a role in Ang II hypertension but not by mediating the effect of Ang II to decrease total RBF.
Dietary Sodium, Aldosterone, and Left Ventricular Mass Changes During Long-Term Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: du Cailar Guilhem , Fesler Pierre , Ribstein Jean , Mimran Albert
Published: October 2010

In essential hypertension, the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy is an important goal of treatment. In addition to treatment-associated changes in blood pressure (BP), the roles of other determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy regression, including dietary sodium intake, deserve investigation. In the present study, the change in echographic left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was assessed in 182 patients with never-treated essential hypertension at baseline and after 3 years of treatment by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists given at recommended doses and associated with other antihypertensive agents. Treatment was associated with satisfactory control of BP (<140/90 mm Hg) in 64% of patients, and left ventricular hypertrophy prevalence decreased from 56% to 39%. Twenty-four–hour urinary sodium was positively related to LVMI at baseline and at the end of the study, independently of age, sex, and systolic BP. Supine plasma aldosterone concentration was correlated with LVMI only at baseline but not in multivariate analysis. In response to treatment, the percentage of change in LVMI was positively correlated with the absolute changes in systolic BP, urinary sodium, and plasma aldosterone concentration, independently of baseline LVMI. The population was divided into 3 tertiles according to final values of gender-specific urinary sodium. When, within each urinary sodium tertile, patients were divided into those with plasma aldosterone concentration below and above the median (11.6 ng/dL), LVMI progressively increased across sodium tertiles only in patients with high plasma aldosterone concentration. Systolic BP was similar across all of the groups. In conclusion, aldosterone requires the presence of high dietary salt for the expression of its unfavorable effect on the heart.
Enhanced Ca
2+
-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Class IIα Isoform-Rho Axis in Blood Vessels of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Seok Young Mi , Azam Mohammed Ali , Okamoto Yasuo , Sato Atsushi , Yoshioka Kazuaki , Maeda Masataka , Kim InKyeom , Takuwa Yoh
Published: October 2010

Rho-mediated inhibition of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase (MLCP), together with Ca
2+
-dependent MLC kinase activation, constitutes the major signaling mechanisms for vascular smooth muscle contraction. We recently unveiled the involvement of Ca
2+
-induced, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) class IIα isoform (PI3K-C2α)–dependent Rho activation and resultant Rho kinase-dependent MLCP suppression in membrane depolarization- and receptor agonist-induced contraction. It is unknown whether Ca
2+
- and PI3K-C2α–dependent regulation of MLCP is altered in vascular smooth muscle of hypertensive animals and is involved in hypertension. Therefore, we studied the role of the Ca
2+
-PI3K-C2α-Rho-MLCP pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). PI3K-C2α was readily detected in various vascular beds of Wistar-Kyoto rats and activated by high KCl. High KCl also stimulated vascular Rho activity and phosphorylation of the MLCP regulatory subunit MYPT1 at Thr
853
in a PI3K inhibitor wortmannin-sensitive manner. In mesenteric and other vessels of SHRs at the hypertensive but not the prehypertensive stage, the activity of PI3K-C2α but not class I PI3K p110α was elevated with concomitant rises of Rho activity and Thr
853
-phosphorylation of MYPT1, as compared with normotensive controls. Infusion of the Ca
2+
channel antagonist nicardipine reduced blood pressure with suppression of vascular activity of PI3K-C2α-Rho and phosphorylation of MYPT1 in hypertensive SHRs. Infusion of wortmannin lowered blood pressure with inhibition of PI3K-C2α-Rho activities and MYPT1 phosphorylation in hypertensive SHRs. These observations suggest that an increased activity of the Ca
2+
-PI3K-C2α-Rho signaling pathway with resultant augmented MLCP suppression contributes to hypertension in SHRs. The Ca
2+
- and PI3K-C2α–dependent Rho stimulation in vascular smooth muscle may be a novel, promising target for treating hypertension.
Characteristics of Precipitating Convective Systems in the Premonsoon Season of South Asia
Authors: Romatschke Ulrike , Houze Robert A.
Published: October 2010

Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) data obtained over South Asia during eight premonsoon seasons (March–May) show that the precipitation is more convective in nature and more sensitive to synoptic forcing than during the monsoon. Over land areas, most rain falls from medium-sized systems (8500–35 000 km2 in horizontal area). In continental regions near the Himalayas, these medium-sized systems are favored by 500-mb trough conditions and are of two main types: 1) systems triggered by daytime heating over high terrain and growing to reach maximum size a few hours later and 2) systems triggered at night, as moist upstream flow is lifted over cold downslope flow from the mountains, and reaching maximum development upstream of the central and eastern Himalayas in the early morning hours. Systems triggered by similar mechanisms also account for the precipitation maxima in mountainous coastal regions, where the diurnal cycles are dominated by systems triggered in daytime over the higher coastal terrain. Medium-sized nocturnal systems are also found upstream of coastal mountain ranges. West-coastal precipitation systems over India and Myanmar are favored when low pressure systems occur over the upstream oceans, whereas Indian east-coastal systems occur when high pressure dominates over Bangladesh. Over the Bay of Bengal, the dominant systems are larger (>35 000 km2), and have large stratiform components. They occur in connection with depressions over the Bay and exhibit a weaker diurnal cycle.
An Investigation of the Prevalence of Replication Research in Human Factors
Authors: Jones Keith S. , Derby Paul L. , Schmidlin Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2010

Objective: The present studies investigated the nature of replication research within the human factors literature.

Background: Many claim that researchers in certain fields do not replicate prior research. This is troubling because replications allow science to self-correct. A successful replication corroborates the original finding, whereas an unsuccessful replication falsifies it. To date, no one has assessed whether this issue affects the field of human factors.

Method: In the first study, eight articles (parent articles) were selected from the 1991 issues of the journal Human Factors. Each article that had referenced one of the eight parent articles between 1991 and September 2006 (child articles) were also retrieved. Two investigators coded and compared each child article against its 1991 parent article to determine whether the child article replicated its parent article. The second study replicated these procedures.

Results: Half or more of the parent articles in Study 1 and Study 2 (75% and 50%, respectively) were replicated at least once. Furthermore, human factors researchers conducted replications of their own work as well as the work of others. However, many researchers did not state that they replicated previous research.

Conclusion: Replications seem to be common in the human factors literature. However, readers may not realize that a study replicated prior research. Thus, they may incorrectly assess the evidence concerning a given finding.

Application: Human factors professionals should be taught how to identify replications and to be cautious of research that has not been replicated.
Funerals and Elections: The Effects of Terrorism on Voting Behavior in Turkey
Authors: Kibris Arzu
Published: October 2010

This article empirically analyzes the effects of terrorism on the electoral choices of the Turkish voters in the 1991 and 1995 general elections. It relies on a unique data set that includes the date and the place of burial of Turkish soldiers and police officers who died in the fight against the terrorist organization PKK. The author uses the number of these security force terror casualties at the district level as a measure of the level of terrorism that the people of that district have been exposed to and analyzes whether and how exposure to terrorism affects people’s electoral choices. The results indicate that Turkish voters are highly sensitive to terrorism and that they blame the government for their losses. Moreover, exposure to terrorism leads to an increase in the vote share of the right-wing parties who are less concessionist toward the terrorist organization’s cause compared to their left-wing counterparts.
Does Globalization Breed Ethnic Discontent?
Authors: Olzak Susan
Published: October 2010

This article examines how different components of globalization affect the death toll from internal armed conflict. Conventional wisdom once held that the severity of internal conflict would gradually decline with the spread of globalization, but fatalities still remain high. Moreover, leading theories of civil war sharply disagree about how different aspects of globalization might affect the severity of ethnic and nonethnic armed conflicts. Using arguments from a variety of social science perspectives on globalization, civil war, and ethnic conflict to guide the analysis, this article finds that (1) economic globalization and cultural globalization significantly increase fatalities from ethnic conflicts, supporting arguments from ethnic competition and world-polity perspectives, (2) sociotechnical aspects of globalization increase deaths from ethnic conflict but decrease deaths from nonethnic conflict, and (3) regime corruption increases fatalities from nonethnic conflict, which supports explanations suggesting that the severity of civil war is greater in weak and corrupt states.
Ten Years After Patten: Young People and Policing in Northern Ireland
Authors: Byrne Jonny , Jarman Neil
Published: October 2010

Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this article documents young people’s experiences of policing during the period of political transition and extensive reform of the structures of policing in Northern Ireland since the publication of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (The Patten Report) in 1999. The article explores the nature and context of these relationships and provides a commentary of how young people’s experiences and perceptions of policing have been shaped by their social, economic, and community backgrounds. Furthermore, a number of ideas and activities that have been developed with the aim of improving the attitudes of young people toward the police, the attitudes of police officers toward young people, and the interactions between the two are also discussed.
A Shared Future? Exclusion, Stigmatization, and Mental Health of Same-Sex-Attracted Young People in Northern Ireland
Authors: Schubotz Dirk , O'Hara Malachai
Published: October 2010

For more than a decade the Peace Process has fundamentally changed Northern Irish society. However, although socioreligious integration and ethnic mixing are high on the political agenda in Northern Ireland, the Peace Process has so far failed to address the needs of some of the most vulnerable young people, for example, those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Public debates in Northern Ireland remain hostile to same-sex-attracted people. Empirical evidence from the annual Young Life and Times (YLT) survey of 16-year-olds undertaken by ARK shows that same-sex-attracted young people report worse experiences in the education sector (e.g., sex education, school bullying), suffer from poorer mental health, experience higher social pressures to engage in health-adverse behavior, and are more likely to say that they will leave Northern Ireland and not return. Equality legislation and peace process have done little to address the heteronormativity in Northern Ireland.
The Lifeworld of Youth in the Information Society
Authors: Morimoto Shauna A. , Friedland Lewis A.
Published: October 2010

Media is now central to how youth form their identities. Media also shapes the cultural background of much of young people’s action and decision making and the institutional framework of social interaction. This article explores this mediated “lifeworld” of young people by examining rates of current media use and the infiltration of media into conventional forms of socialization such as schools, family, and peers. The authors argue that increasing media use coincides with a larger structural shift to an information-based society wherein social relationships are constituted and reinforced through a cycle of “networked individualism” and growing “risk” among youth. The authors illustrate the cycle of media use, individualization, and risk by briefly examining (a) rising economic insecurity among all Americans and American youth in particular, and (b) the contradictions minority youth face in navigating structural barriers to achievement. The authors conclude by discussing the implications of their work and suggesting policy directions for youth in a media-saturated society.
Autonomy, Educational Plans, and Self-Esteem in Institution-Reared and Home-Reared Teenagers in Estonia
Authors: Tulviste Tiia
Published: October 2010

The study examines autonomy, self-esteem, and educational plans for the future of 109 institution-reared and 106 home-reared teenagers (15-19 years). Teenagers were asked to complete the Teen Timetable Scale (Feldman & Rosenthal), two Emotional Autonomy Scales (Steinberg & Silverberg), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and answer questions about their educational plans for the future. Institution-reared teenagers were found to score lower than their home-reared peers on emotional and behavioral autonomy and self-esteem. Furthermore, plans for future education tended to be less extensive among the institution-reared. Institution-reared boys scored higher on emotional autonomy than institution-reared girls. Boys living at home had the highest scores on self-esteem that also set them apart from home-reared girls. Behavioral autonomy and deidealization predicted adolescents’ self-esteem but was not linked to their educational plans. The findings indicate that institutionalization influences children’s autonomy development in a negative manner.
Attachment, Belongingness Needs, and Relationship Status Predict Imagined Intimacy With Media Figures
Authors: Greenwood Dara N. , Long Christopher R.
Published: October 2010

The present study uses an interpersonal relationships measure (Relationship Rating Form [RRF], Fraley & Davis, 1997) to assess both imagined intimacy with a favorite media figure and real intimacy with close others among 173 undergraduates. We examine how relational tendencies (attachment style, need to belong) and relationship status (single or partnered) interact to predict degree of imagined intimacy with same and opposite gender media figures. Results indicate that intimacy reported with a same gender friend is positively correlated with imagined intimacy for a same gender media figure. However, a compensatory pattern emerged with romantic relationships: single individuals reported greater imagined intimacy with opposite gender media figures than those in a relationship. Attachment anxiety and the need to belong (NTB) were positively predictive of imagined intimacy with opposite gender media figures for single individuals only. Social psychological motivations for media attachments are discussed.
Police Discretion and Encounters With People Experiencing Mental Illness
Authors: Godfredson Joel W. , Ogloff James R.P. , Thomas Stuart D.M. , Luebbers Stefan
Published: October 2010

Police discretion as it applies to encounters with people experiencing mental illness has far-reaching implications. In this study, some of the factors that are related to police officers’ decisions following encounters with people experiencing mental illness were explored. Officers in Australia were presented with one of three videos depicting a police encounter with an individual who was either mentally ill, not mentally ill, or with an ambiguous mental state. Participants were asked how they would “likely” and “ideally” resolve the encounter. Discriminant function analysis revealed that officers’ responses were related to (a) the severity of symptoms presented and (b) the officers’ attitudes toward people experiencing mental illness, as measured by an attitudes questionnaire. There was a discrepancy between participants’ likely and ideal outcomes to the scenarios, which supported the well-known fact that police officers face considerable obstacles when attempting to resolve encounters with people experiencing mental illness.
Optimism and Perceived Stress in Sickle-Cell Disease: The Role of an Afrocultural Social Ethos
Authors: Bediako Shawn M. , Neblett Enrique W.
Published: October 2010

Given its prevalence among African diasporic populations, sickle-cell disease (SCD) is an individual and global public health issue that is especially relevant to health psychologists. Despite evidence that sociocultural variables generally exert a significant influence on health outcomes, very little is known about the social and cultural contexts of adjustment to SCD. The present study explored whether specific variables representing an Afrocultural social ethos (i.e., spirituality, positive affect, and communalism) indirectly influenced the relation between optimism and perceived stress among individuals coping with SCD. Eighty-three African American adults attending an outpatient clinic completed a demographic profile and a brief survey assessing optimism, pain, stress, and the aforementioned Afrocultural domains. Multiple mediation analyses controlling for age and pain severity indicated that the relation between optimism and stress was unaffected by an Afrocultural ethos. The implications of these findings for research on psychosocial aspects of SCD are discussed.
Analogue neuronal network in a biomorphic machine: modelling and simulation in ADAMs
Authors: Vadakkepat Prahlad , Tan Shin Jiuh , Hong Choo Yang
Published: October 2010

This paper presents a study of the adaptive navigation behaviour in a five-degree-of-freedom biomorphic machine driven by an analogue neuronal network. The analogue neuron is introduced and its mathematical model derived. The biomorph, Quadrupedal Uncontrolled Locomotion (QUL 1.4), is fabricated for study. The analogue neuron ring controller and mechanics are described. A computer model is created in Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMs) software and successful forward gaits in simulations match the observed results. Obstacle climbing over a cylindrical object is simulated and results are shown. The final part of the paper deals with three levels of coupling within QUL 1.4. A distance modulation approach is introduced as a simple method of identifying lever points in biomorphic machines.
How the Adoption of Impression Management Goals Alters Impression Formation
Authors: Gibson Bryan , Poposki Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2010

Five experiments ( N = 390) tested the hypothesis that adopting an impression management goal leads the impression manager to view an interaction partner as having less of the trait he or she is attempting to express. This hypothesis was confirmed for the impression management goals of appearing introverted, extraverted, smart, confident, and happy. Experiment 2 shows that adoption of the impression goal could alter judgments even when participants could not act on the goal. Experiment 3 provides evidence that adopting an impression management goal prompted a comparison mind-set and that this comparison mind-set activation mediated target judgments. Experiment 4 rules out a potential alternative explanation and provides more direct evidence that comparison of the impression manager’s self-concept mediates the impression of the target. Experiment 5 eliminates a potential confound and extends the effect to another impression goal. These experiments highlight the dynamic interplay between impression management and impression formation.
Maintaining Work: The Influence of Child Care Subsidies on Child Care—Related Work Disruptions
Authors: Forry Nicole D. , Hofferth Sandra L.
Published: October 2010

With the passage of welfare reform, support for low-income parents to not only obtain but also maintain work has become imperative. The role of child care subsidies in supporting parents’ job tenure has received little attention in the literature. This article examines the association between receiving a child care subsidy and experiencing a child care—related work disruption using two samples and both cross-sectional and longitudinal regression models. Child care—related work disruptions are found to be less likely among subsidy recipients across samples and methods. Program implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.