bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the nuclear-encoded cytochrome oxidase subunits in vertebrates
Authors: Little A. G. , Kocha K. M. , Lougheed S. C. , Moyes C. D.
Published: March 2010

Vertebrate mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) possesses 10 nuclear-encoded subunits. Six subunits have paralogs in mammals, but the origins and distribution of isoforms among vertebrates have not been analyzed. We used Bayesian phylogenetic analysis to interpret the origins of each subunit, inferring the roles of gene and genome duplications. The paralogous ancestries of five genes were identical throughout the major vertebrate taxa: no paralogs of COX6c and COX7c, two paralogs of COX4 and COX6a, and three paralogs of COX7a. Two genes had an extra copy in teleosts (COX5a, COX5b), and three genes had additional copies in mammals (COX6b, COX7b, COX8). Focusing on early vertebrates, we examined structural divergence and explored transcriptional profiles across zebrafish tissues. Quantitative transcript profiles revealed dramatic differences in transcript abundance for different subunits. COX7b and COX4 transcripts were typically present at very low levels, whereas COX5a and COX8 were in vast excess in all tissues. For genes with paralogs, two general patterns emerged. For COX5a and COX8, there was ubiquitous expression of one paralog, with the other paralog in lower abundance in all tissues. COX4 and COX6a shared a distinct expression pattern, with one paralog dominant in brain and gills and the other in muscles. The isoform profiles in combination with phylogenetic analyses show that vertebrate COX isoform patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that early whole genome duplications in basal vertebrates governed the isoform repertoire in modern fish and tetrapods, though more recent lineage-specific gene/genome duplications also play a role in select subunits.
MIClique: An Algorithm to Identify Differentially Coexpressed Disease Gene Subset from Microarray Data
Authors: Zhang Huanping , Song Xiaofeng , Wang Huinan , Zhang Xiaobai
Published: March 2010

Computational analysis of microarray data has provided an effective way to identify disease‐related genes. Traditional disease gene selection methods from microarray data such as statistical test always focus on differentially expressed genes in different samples by individual gene prioritization. These traditional methods might miss differentially coexpressed (DCE) gene subsets because they ignore the interaction between genes. In this paper, MIClique algorithm is proposed to identify DEC gene subsets based on mutual information and clique analysis. Mutual information is used to measure the coexpression relationship between each pair of genes in two different kinds of samples. Clique analysis is a commonly used method in biological network, which generally represents biological module of similar function. By applying the MIClique algorithm to real gene expression data, some DEC gene subsets which correlated under one experimental condition but uncorrelated under another condition are detected from the graph of colon dataset and leukemia dataset.
The NMSU 1 m Telescope at Apache Point Observatory
Authors: Holtzman Jon A. , Harrison Thomas E. , Coughlin Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2010

We describe the New Mexico State University (NMSU) 1 m telescope located at the Apache Point Observatory (APO), and in particular, its robotic mode of operation. Some of the issues we have encountered may be of interest to
others developing similar facilities. This telescope provides a good example of the possibilities of locating a moderate‐sized university robotic research telescope at a major observatory. We find that this mode of operation provides a significant amount of productive science data on a relatively small budget.
Inflammatory Mediators of Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Hijona Elizabeth , Hijona Lander , Arenas Juan I. , Bujanda Luis
Published: March 2010

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming a world-wide public health problem. NAFLD represents a spectrum of disease ranging from “simple steatosis”, which is considered relatively benign, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and to NAFLD-associated cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. The etiology of NAFLD and its progression is complex and remains incompletely understood. The progression of the disease involves many factors. Apart from the two hits, the accumulation of TG and the development of fibrosis and necroinflammatory processes, exit numerous molecules associated with these two hits. Among them we can highlight the pro-inflammatory molecules and adiponectins. This review focuses on the growing evidence from both experimental and human studies suggesting a central role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We review the role of cytokines as key regulators of insulin sensitivity and hepatic lipid overloading, liver injury and inflammation, and fibrosis with an emphasis on potential therapeutic implications.
Cytotoxicity ofAtriplex confertifolia
Authors: Capua Christopher J. , Hopson Nick P. , Stewart C. Malcolm M. , Johnston G. Robert , O'Neill Kim L. , Schaalje G. Bruce , Lee Christopher M. , Booth Gary M.
Published: March 2010

The search for cancer treatment continues to be a global effort. As part of this global effort, many natural products have been tested against cancer cell lines, mostly from tropically located plants. This study reports that extracts ofAtriplex confertifolia(Torr. and Frem.) S. Watson (Chenopodiaceae), a native North American plant (also known as shadscale or saltbush), has significant bioactivity against human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB 435, MDA-MB 231, and HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells). The bioactivity ofA. confertifoliaextracts on these cells lines was compared to an FDA-approved cancer drug (Onxol®) and an industry-standard leukocyte control cell line. Active portions of the extracts were found primarily in the polar fractions of the plant. A dose-response curve of the extracts displayed significant cell death similar to Onxol®. The plant extracts did not significantly inhibit the viability of the leukocyte cell line. In a timed study, over 90% of cell lines MDA-MB 435 and HeLa died after 24 hours. Cell death appears to result from apoptosis.
Oral versus Nasal Route for Placing Feeding Tubes: No Effect on Hypoxemia and Bradycardia in Infants with Apnea of Prematurity
Authors: Bohnhorst Bettina , Cech Kathrin , Peter Corinna , Doerdelmann Michael
Published: March 2010

Background: Raised upper airway resistance may be involved in apnea of prematurity (AOP). Objectives: To determine the effects of an oral versus a nasal gastric tube on episodes of hypoxemia and bradycardia in infants with AOP. Methods: In a randomized controlled cross-over trial, 32 infants (median gestational age 29 (range 24–31) weeks, postmenstrual age at study 32 (range 30–35) weeks) with the need for tube feeding and symptoms of AOP underwent a 24-hour recording of breathing movements, nasal airflow, heart rate, pulse oximeter saturation and pulse waveforms. A 5-Fr feeding tube was placed orally or nasally for 12 h each, the position selected first was randomly assigned. When the feeding tube was placed nasally, always the smaller nostril was selected. Each infant acted as his/her own control. Recordings were analyzed for the summed rate of bradycardia and desaturation (heart rate <2/3 of baseline, saturation ≤80%). Results: The route of placing the feeding tube had no significant effect on the summed rate of bradycardia and desaturation (nasal route: median 1.6, CI 0.8–1.9; oral route: median 1.0, CI 0.9–1.6, p = 0.25). Conclusion: We could not confirm an advantage of placing a feeding tube orally in these infants with AOP, as the oral route did not improve their symptoms of AOP. Possible explanations include: (i) the increase in nasal airway resistance by the 5-Fr nasogastric tube, inserted into the smaller nostril, is too small to have any effect on AOP; (ii) any benefit of the oral route is neutralized by the negative effects of an enhanced vagal stimulation, or (iii) study duration was too short to detect a difference in AOP.
Lamellar Body Count and Stable Microbubble Test on Gastric Aspirates from Preterm Infants for the Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Daniel Inah Westphal Batista da Silva , Fiori Humberto Holmer , Piva Jefferson Pedro , Munhoz Terezinha Paz , Nectoux André Valiente , Fiori Renato Machado
Published: March 2010

Background: Lamellar body count (LBC) in amniotic fluid is being used to identify infants at risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who would benefit from surfactant prophylaxis or very early therapy. The test in gastric aspirates of newborns has not been properly explored. Objective: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of LBC alone or in combination with the stable microbubble test (SMT), done on gastric aspirates from preterm babies to predict RDS. Methods: A total of 34 preterm infants with RDS and 29 without RDS, with a gestational age between 24 and 34 weeks, were included in the study. Gastric fluid was collected in the delivery room. A diluent (dithiothreitol) allowed all samples to be processed, even the thickest and non-homogeneous ones, without centrifugation. The SMT was done for comparison. Results: The best cut-off value was <42,000 lamellar bodies/µl to predict RDS, with a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI 73–100%) and specificity of 86% (95% CI 77–95%). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.928 (95% CI 0.86–0.99). SMT showed similar results. LBC and SMT together in series (positive result if both tests were positive) showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86%. Conclusion: LBC on gastric aspirates diluted in a solution of dithiothreitol can be rapidly and easily performed, and may be used alone or in combination with SMT as a predictor of RDS, allowing selective prophylaxis or very early treatment only in surfactant-deficient newborns.
Effects of Maternal Cervical Incompetence on Morbidity and Mortality of Very Low Birthweight Neonates
Authors: Sung Tae-Jung , Lee Keun-Young , Ju Young-Su
Published: March 2010

Background: Cervical incompetence is a well-recognized cause of preterm birth, but little is known about its relationship with neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: We examined the hypothesis that maternal cervical incompetence may be associated with postnatal morbidities in preterm neonates. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted for all the preterm neonates who were admitted to our institution with a birthweight of less than 1,500 g. They were divided into two groups: one with cervical incompetence and the other without it. The outcomes of postnatal morbidity, defined as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), white matter disease (WMD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), early sepsis, and mortality were compared. Results: Two hundred and four neonates were eligible for this study: 80 of them were with cervical incompetence and 124 were without it. Gestational age and birthweight were earlier and lower in the cervical incompetence group (27.3 ± 2.0 vs. 29.5 ± 2.7 weeks, p < 0.000; 1,043.1 ± 247.0 vs. 1,142.2 ± 253.4 g, p = 0.006). There were no differences in the incidence of RDS (p = 0.067), PDA (p = 0.095), WMD (p = 0.601), and mortality (p = 0.403). BPD (p = 0.027), ROP (p = 0.026) and early sepsis (p = 0.002) were significantly different. However, when the incidences were stratified by gestational age [<28 weeks vs. 28–29 (+6) weeks vs. ≧30 weeks], the results were similar in both groups including BPD, ROP, and early sepsis. Conclusion: We found that cervical incompetence does not negatively affect the postnatal adverse outcomes and mortality after stratified analysis by gestational age.
Standardized versus Individualized Parenteral Nutrition in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Comparative Study
Authors: Smolkin Tatiana , Diab Giselle , Shohat Irit , Jubran Huda , Blazer Shraga , Rozen Geila S. , Makhoul Imad R.
Published: March 2010

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) improves the growth and outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Optimal PN composition, standard (STD-PN) or individualized (IND-PN), is still controversial. Aim: To compare IND-PN and STD-PN as to nutritional and growth parameters, complications and cost. Patients and Methods: 140 VLBW infants were studied. Each of the 70 neonates from the IND-PN group was matched with a neonate of similar gestational age (GA; ±4 days) on STD-PN. Data collection included demographic, maternal, intrapartum, neonatal, interventional, growth and nutritional data. Results: Compared to STD-PN infants, IND-PN infants had a significantly lower mean birth weight, greater need for resuscitation at birth and interventions thereafter. Nevertheless, IND-PN infants showed significantly greater weight gain SDS during the 1st week (p = 0.036) and the 1st month of life (p = 0.0004), and higher discharge weight SDS (p = 0.012) and head circumference SDS (p = 0.006). IND-PN infants received higher mean daily caloric intakes. They also had significantly shorter durations of exclusive PN and needed less electrolyte corrections. Conclusions: Compared to STD-PN infants, IND-PN infants achieved significantly better growth without added clinical or laboratory complications, had a shorter period of exclusive PN and less electrolyte corrections. IND-PN, in accordance with the current more aggressive nutritional approach, appears optimal for PN of VLBW infants. Yet, STD-PN with adequate composition is an appropriate alternative.
Assessment of a New Piezoelectric Transducer Sensor for Noninvasive Cardiorespiratory Monitoring of Newborn Infants in the NICU
Authors: Sato Shinichi , Ishida-Nakajima Wako , Ishida Akira , Kawamura Masanari , Miura Shinobu , Ono Kyoichi , Inagaki Nobuya , Takada Goro , Takahashi Tsutomu
Published: March 2010

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) and impedance pneumography (IPG), the most widely used techniques for cardiorespiratory monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), have the disadvantage of causing skin damage when used for very premature newborn infants. To prevent skin damage, we designed a new piezoelectric transducer (PZT) sensor. Objective: To assess the potential of the PZT sensor for cardiorespiratory monitoring in the NICU. Methods: The PZT sensor was placed under a folded towel under a neonate to detect an acoustic cardiorespiratory signal, from which heart rate (HR) and breathing rate (BR) were calculated, together with simultaneous ECG/IPG recording for 1–9 days for long and brief (1-min) assessment. Results: The brief assessment showed average correlation coefficients of 0.92 ± 0.12 and 0.95 ± 0.02 between instantaneous HRs/BRs detected by the PZT sensor and ECG/IPG in 27 and 11 neonates examined. During the long assessment, the HR detection rate by the PZT sensor was ∼10% lower than that by ECG (82.6 ± 12.9 vs. 91.8 ± 4.1%; p = 0.001, n = 27), although comparable (90.3 ± 4.1 vs. 92.5 ± 3.4%, p = 0.081) in ∼70% (18/27) of neonates examined; BR detection rate was comparable between the PZT sensor and IPG during relatively stable signal conditions (95.9 ± 4.0 vs. 95.3 ± 3.5%; p = 0.38, n = 11). The PZT sensor caused neither skin damage nor body movement increase in all neonates examined. Conclusion: The PZT sensor is noninvasive and does not cause skin irritation, and we believe it does provide a reliable, accurate cardiorespiratory monitoring tool for use in the NICU, although the issue of mechanical-ventilation noise remains to be solved.
Influence of Cranberry Proanthocyanidins on Formation of Biofilms by Streptococcus mutans on Saliva-Coated Apatitic Surface and on Dental Caries Development in vivo
Authors: Koo H. , Duarte S. , Murata R.M. , Scott-Anne K. , Gregoire S. , Watson G.E. , Singh A.P. , Vorsa N.
Published: March 2010

Cranberry crude extracts, in various vehicles, have shown inhibitory effects on the formation of oral biofilms in vitro. The presence of proanthocyanidins (PAC) in cranberry extracts has been linked to biological activities against specific virulence attributes of Streptococcus mutans, e.g. the inhibition of glucosyltransferase (Gtf) activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of a highly purified and chemically defined cranberry PAC fraction on S. mutans biofilm formation on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite surface, and on dental caries development in Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, we examined the ability of specific PAC (ranging from low-molecular-weight monomers and dimers to high-molecular-weight oligomers/polymers) to inhibit GtfB activity and glycolytic pH drop by S. mutans cells, in an attempt to identify specific bioactive compounds. Topical applications (60-second exposure, twice daily) with PAC (1.5 mg/ml) during biofilm formation resulted in less biomass and fewer insoluble polysaccharides than the biofilms treated with vehicle control had (10% ethanol, v/v; p < 0.05). The incidence of smooth-surface caries in rats was significantly reduced by PAC treatment (twice daily), and resulted in less severe carious lesions compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.05); the animals treated with PAC also showed significantly less caries severity on sulcal surfaces (p < 0.05). Furthermore, specific A-type PAC oligomers (dimers to dodecamers; 0.1 mg/ml) effectively diminished the synthesis of insoluble glucans by GtfB adsorbed on a saliva-coated hydroxyapatite surface, and also affected bacterial glycolysis. Our data show that cranberry PAC reduced the formation of biofilms by S. mutans in vitro and dental caries development in vivo, which may be attributed to the presence of specific bioactive A-type dimers and oligomers.
Isoflurane Protects Human Kidney Proximal Tubule Cells against Necrosis via Sphingosine Kinase and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Generation
Authors: Kim Mihwa , Kim Minjae , Park Sang Won , Pitson Stuart M. , Lee H. Thomas
Published: March 2010

Background/Aims: We previously showed that the inhalational anesthetic isoflurane protects against renal ischemia reperfusion injury in part via sphingosine kinase (SK)-mediated synthesis of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that isoflurane directly targets renal proximal tubule cells via SK activation, S1P synthesis and activation of S1P receptors to initiate cytoprotective signaling. Methods and Results: Isoflurane-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt and induction of HSP70 in human kidney proximal tubule (HK-2) cells were inhibited by dimethylsphingosine (DMS), an SK inhibitor, and VPC23019, an S1P1/3 receptor selective antagonist, in HK-2 cells. A selective S1P1 receptor agonist, SEW2781, mimicked isoflurane-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt and induction of HSP70. Moreover, isoflurane-mediated protection against H2O2-induced necrosis of HK-2 cells was significantly attenuated by an S1P1/3 receptor antagonist, VPC23019, and by SK inhibitors DMS or 4-[[4- (4-chlorophenyl)-2-thiazolyl]amino]phenol. Finally, overexpression of the SK1 enzyme in HK-2 cells protected against H2O2-induced necrosis. Conclusions: Collectively, our study demonstrates that S1P released via isoflurane-mediated SK1 stimulation produces direct anti-necrotic effects probably via S1P1 receptor-mediated cytoprotective signaling (ERK/Akt phosphorylation and HSP70 induction) in HK-2 cells. Our findings may help to unravel the cellular signaling pathways of volatile anesthetic-mediated renal protection and lead to new therapeutic applications of volatile anesthetics during the perioperative period.
Sex Chromosome Effects Unmasked in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Ji Hong , Zheng Wei , Wu Xie , Liu Jun , Ecelbarger Carolyn M. , Watkins Rebecca , Arnold Arthur P. , Sandberg Kathryn
Published: March 2010

Sex differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) are reported in many experimental models of hypertension and are ascribed to gonadal sex based on studies showing that gonadectomy and gonadal hormone replacement affect MAP. The interpretation of these studies, however, has been confounded by differences in the sex chromosome complement (XX versus XY). To investigate the sex chromosome complement independent of gonadal sex, we used the 4 core genotype mouse model in which gonadal sex is separated from the sex chromosome complement enabling comparisons among XX and XY females and XX and XY males. We found that, in the gonadectomized (GDX) 4 core genotype, MAP after 2 weeks of angiotensin II infusion (200 ng/kg per minute) was greater in XX than XY (MAP [in millimeters of mercury]: GDX-XX-female, 148±4.5; GDX-XY-female, 133±4.4; GDX-XX-male, 149±9.4; GDX-XY-male, 138±5.5;
P
<0.03, XX versus XY; n=8 to 9 per group). In contrast, no sex chromosome effects were found on heart rate, body weight, or plasma angiotensin II 2 weeks after angiotensin II infusion. This study suggests that, in addition to effects of gonadal hormones on blood pressure, X- or Y-linked genes, parental imprinting, or X mosaicism contributes to sex differences in hypertension. Furthermore, the finding that MAP was greater in XX mice compared with XY mice in the GDX state suggests that adverse sex chromosome effects encoded within the XX sex chromosome complement could contribute to hypertension in women with ovarian hormone deficiency, such as postmenopausal women and women with premature ovarian failure.
Tobacco Use During Pregnancy and Preeclampsia Risk
Authors: Wikström Anna-Karin , Stephansson Olof , Cnattingius Sven
Published: March 2010

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Both Swedish snuff and cigarette smoke include nicotine, but combustion products accompany only smoking. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of Swedish snuff and cigarette smoking on preeclampsia risk and to estimate whether changes in tobacco habits during pregnancy affect the risk of developing term preeclampsia. We used information from the Swedish Birth Register on all singleton births in Sweden during the years 1999–2006 (n=612 712). Compared with nontobacco users, women who used snuff in early pregnancy had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) for preeclampsia of 1.11 (95% CI: 0.97 to 1.28). The corresponding ORs for light and heavy smokers were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.61 to 0.71) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.58), respectively, with ORs lower for term than preterm preeclampsia. Compared with nontobacco users, women who smoked in early pregnancy but had quit smoking before late pregnancy (weeks 30 to 32) had an adjusted OR for term preeclampsia of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.83 to 1.08). The corresponding OR for women who did not use tobacco in early pregnancy but had started to smoke before late pregnancy was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.85). We conclude that tobacco combustion products rather than nicotine are the probable protective ingredients against preeclampsia in cigarette smoke. Because change of smoking habits during pregnancy influence risk, we further conclude that it is the smoking habits in the middle or late rather than in the beginning of pregnancy that seem to affect the risk of preeclampsia.
Smad3 Mediates Cardiac Inflammation and Fibrosis in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertensive Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Huang Xiao R. , Chung Arthur C.K. , Yang Fuye , Yue Wensheng , Deng Chuxia , Lau Chu Pak , Tse Hung Fat , Lan Hui Y.
Published: March 2010

Although Smad3 is a key mediator of fibrosis, the functional role of Smad3 in hypertensive cardiovascular disease remains unclear. The present study tested the hypothesis that angiotensin II may activate the transforming growth factor-β/Smad3 pathway to mediate hypertensive cardiac remodeling in Smad3 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice by subcutaneous angiotensin II infusion and in the primary culture of Smad3 KO cardiac fibroblasts. Fourteen days after angiotensin II infusion, both Smad3 KO and wild-type mice developed equal levels of high blood pressure. However, hypertensive cardiac fibrosis and inflammation were developed in Smad3 wild-type but not in Smad3 KO mice. This was demonstrated by the findings that mice lacking Smad3 were protected against a fall in left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
<0.05), an increase in left ventricular mass (
P
<0.05), and the development of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, including upregulation of transforming growth factor-β1, connective tissue growth factor, collagen I/III, α-smooth muscle actin, interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and an increase in macrophage and T-cell infiltration in left ventricular tissues (all
P
<0.01, respectively). Additional studies in vitro also revealed that angiotensin II–induced cardiac fibrosis and inflammation were prevented in Smad3 KO cardiac fibroblasts. Inactivation of both Smad3 and nuclear factor κB/p65 signaling pathways was a key mechanism by which Smad3 KO mice were protected from angiotensin II–mediated hypertensive cardiac remodeling. In conclusion, Smad3 plays an essential role in hypertensive cardiac remodeling. Results from this study suggest that targeting Smad3 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Role of β
1–3
-Adrenoceptors in Blood Pressure Control at Rest and During Tyramine-Induced Norepinephrine Release in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Berg Torill , Piercey Bruce W. , Jensen Jørgen
Published: March 2010

β-Adrenoceptors contribute to hypertension in spite of the fact that β-adrenoceptor agonists lower blood pressure. We aimed to differentiate between these functions and to identify differences between spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. β-Adrenoceptor antagonists with different subtype selectivity or the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier were used to demonstrate β-adrenoceptor involvement in resting blood pressure and the response to tyramine-induced peripheral norepinephrine release. The centrally acting propranolol (β
1+2[+3]
), CGP20712A (β
1
), ICI-118551 (β
2
), and SR59230A (β
3
), as well as peripherally restricted nadolol (β
1+2
) and atenolol (β
1
), were administered intravenously, separately, or in combinations. Blood pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, total peripheral vascular resistance, and plasma catecholamine concentrations were evaluated. β-Adrenoceptor antagonists had little effect on cardiovascular baselines in normotensive rats. In hypertensive rats, antagonist-induced hypotension paralleled reductions in resistance, except for atenolol, which reduced cardiac output. The resistance reduction involved primarily neuronal catecholamine, central β
1
-adrenoceptors, and peripheral β
2
-adrenoceptors. Tyramine induced a transient, prazosin-sensitive vascular resistance increase. Inhibition of nerve-activated, peripheral β
1/3
-adrenoceptors enhanced this α
1
-adrenoceptor–dependent vasoconstriction in normotensive but not hypertensive rats. In hypertensive rats, return to baseline was eliminated after inhibition of the central β
1
-adrenoceptor, epinephrine release (acute adrenalectomy), and peripheral β
2/3
-adrenoceptors. Adrenalectomy eliminated β-adrenoceptor–mediated vasodilation in hypertensive rats, and tyramine induced a prazosin-sensitive vasoconstriction, which was inhibited by combined blockade of central β
1
- and peripheral β
2
-adrenoceptors. In conclusion, nerve-activated β
1
- and β
3
-adrenoceptor–mediated vasodilation was not present in hypertensive rats, whereas epinephrine-activated β
2
- and β
3
-adrenoceptor–mediated vasodilation was upregulated. There was also a hypertensive, nerve-activated vasoconstrictory mechanism present in hypertensive rats, involving central β
1
- and peripheral β
2
-adrenoceptors combined.
Whole Grape Intake Impacts Cardiac Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor and Nuclear Factor κB Activity and Cytokine Expression in Rats With Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Seymour E. Mitchell , Bennink Maurice R. , Watts Stephanie W. , Bolling Steven F.
Published: March 2010

Prolonged hypertension is the leading cause of heart failure. Failing hearts show reduced peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor (PPAR) activity and enhanced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity, which together modify cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro studies suggest that phytochemicals alter PPAR and NF-κB activity, but the capabilities of a phytochemical-rich diet are less understood. Grapes contain an array of commonly consumed dietary phytochemicals. In Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats, we showed previously that dietary provision of whole table grape powder (3% weight:weight) for 18 weeks reduced blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction. The hypothesis tested here is that, in this model, phytochemical provision from whole grape powder impacts cardiac PPAR and NF-κB activity and their related gene transcripts. Grape-fed rats had enhanced PPAR-α and PPAR-γ DNA binding activity but reduced NF-κB DNA binding activity. RT-PCR revealed that grape-fed rats showed upregulated mRNA for PPAR-α, PPAR-γ coactivator-1α, PPAR-γ, and the cytosolic NF-κB inhibitor, inhibitor-κBα. By contrast, grape-fed rats showed downregulated mRNA for tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β1. Finally, grape-fed rats showed significantly reduced cardiac tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β protein expression, increased inhibitor-κBα expression, and reduced cardiac fibrosis. In the Dahl salt-sensitive rat, chronic intake of grapes altered cardiac transcripts related to PPAR and NF-κB that may be significant to the observed diet-associated cardioprotection.
Potential Impact of the Tropical Indian Ocean–Indonesian Seas on El Niño Characteristics*
Authors: Annamalai H. , Kida Shinichiro , Hafner Jan
Published: March 2010

Diagnostics performed with twentieth-century (1861–2000) ensemble integrations of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Climate Model, version 2.1 (CM2.1) suggest that, during the developing phase, El Niño events that co-occur with the Indian Ocean Dipole Zonal Mode (IODZM; class 1) are stronger than those without (class 2). Also, during class 1 events coherent sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies develop in the Indonesian seas that closely follow the life cycle of IODZM. This study investigates the effect of these regional SST anomalies (equatorial Indian Ocean and Indonesian seas) on the amplitude of the developing El Niño.

An examination of class 1 minus class 2 composites suggests two conditions that could lead to a strong El Niño in class 1 events: (i) during January, ocean–atmosphere conditions internal to the equatorial Pacific are favorable for the development of a stronger El Niño and (ii) during May–June, coinciding with the development of regional SST anomalies, an abrupt increase in westerly wind anomalies is noticeable over the equatorial western Pacific with a subsequent increase in thermocline and SST anomalies over the eastern equatorial Pacific. This paper posits the hypothesis that, under favorable conditions in the equatorial Pacific, regional SST anomalies may enable the development of a stronger El Niño.

Owing to a wealth of feedbacks in CM2.1, solutions from a linear atmosphere model forced with May–June anomalous precipitation and anomalous SST from selected areas over the equatorial Indo-Pacific are examined. Consistent with our earlier study, the net Kelvin wave response to contrasting tropical Indian Ocean heating anomalies cancels over the equatorial western Pacific. In contrast, Indonesian seas SST anomalies account for about 60%–80% of the westerly wind anomalies over the equatorial western Pacific and also induce anomalous precipitation over the equatorial central Pacific. It is argued that the feedback between the precipitation and circulation anomalies results in an abrupt increase in zonal wind anomalies over the equatorial western Pacific.

Encouraged by these results, the authors further examined the processes that cause cold SST anomalies over the Indonesian seas using an ocean model. Sensitivity experiments suggest that local wind anomalies, through stronger surface heat loss and evaporation, and subsurface upwelling are the primary causes. The present results imply that in coupled models, a proper representation of regional air–sea interactions over the equatorial Indo-Pacific warm pool may be important to understand and predict the amplitude of El Niño.
Understanding the Anomalously Cold European Winter of 2005/06 Using Relaxation Experiments
Authors: Jung T. , Palmer T. N. , Rodwell M. J. , Serrar S.
Published: March 2010

Experiments with the atmospheric component of the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) have been carried out to study the origin of the atmospheric circulation anomalies that led to the unusually cold European winter of 2005/06. Experiments with prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) and sea ice fields fail to reproduce the observed atmospheric circulation anomalies suggesting that the role of SST and sea ice was either not very important or the atmospheric response to SST and sea ice was not very well captured by the ECMWF model. Additional experiments are carried out in which certain regions of the atmosphere are relaxed toward analysis data thereby artificially suppressing the development of forecast error. The relaxation experiments suggest that both tropospheric circulation anomalies in the Euro–Atlantic region and the anomalously weak stratospheric polar vortex can be explained by tropical circulation anomalies. Separate relaxation experiments for the tropical stratosphere and tropical troposphere highlight the role of the easterly phase of quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and, most importantly, tropospheric circulation anomalies, especially over South America and the tropical Atlantic. From the results presented in this study, it is argued that the relaxation technique is a powerful diagnostic tool to understand possible remote origins of seasonal-mean anomalies.
Accuracy Analysis of a Spectral Element Atmospheric Model Using a Fully Implicit Solution Framework
Authors: Evans Katherine J. , Taylor Mark A. , Drake John B.
Published: March 2010

A fully implicit (FI) time integration method has been implemented into a spectral finite-element shallow-water equation model on a sphere, and it is compared to existing fully explicit leapfrog and semi-implicit methods for a suite of test cases. This experiment is designed to determine the time step sizes that minimize simulation time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for these problems. For test cases without an analytical solution from which to compare, it is demonstrated that time step sizes 30–60 times larger than the gravity wave stability limits and 6–20 times larger than the advective-scale stability limits are possible using the FI method without a loss in accuracy, depending on the problem being solved. For a steady-state test case, the FI method produces error within machine accuracy limits as with existing methods, but using an arbitrarily large time step size.
Spatial Justice and the Translation of European Strategic Planning Ideas in the Urban Sub-region of South Yorkshire
Authors: Dabinett Gordon
Published: March 2010

This paper analyses urban planning practices in South Yorkshire to reveal how EU strategic spatial ideas and values are reproduced. Specifically, the paper examines how the notion of spatial justice was interpreted as the organising concepts within the European Spatial Development Perspective became situated within a territory severely affected by deindustrialisation in the 1980s, but subsequently a major beneficiary of EU Structural Fund programmes. The analysis reveals how policy-making at this scale used a construct of polycentric urban development that reasserted a model of economic growth based on the indigenous assets held in city centres at the expense of more redistributive measures targeted at the former coal-mining communities in the sub-region.
Addressing Fear of Crime in Public Space: Gender Differences in Reaction to Safety Measures in Train Transit
Authors: Yavuz Nilay , Welch Eric W.
Published: March 2010

Research has identified several factors that affect fear of crime in public space. However, the extent to which gender moderates the effectiveness of fear-reducing measures has received little attention. Using data from the Chicago Transit Authority Customer Satisfaction Survey of 2003, this study aims to understand whether train transit security practices and service attributes affect men and women differently. Findings indicate that, while the presence of video cameras has a lower effect on women’s feelings of safety compared with men, frequent and on-time service matters more to male passengers. Additionally, experience with safety-related problems affects women significantly more than men. Conclusions discuss the implications of the study for theory and gender-specific policies to improve perceptions of transit safety.
Progress towards Child Survival in Madhya Pradesh during 1981–2001
Authors: Chaurasia Aalok Ranjan
Published: March 2010

Using the estimates of child survival probability obtained on the basis of “children ever born” and “children surviving” data collected at different population census, this article analyzes progress towards child survival in Madhya Pradesh during the two decades between 1981 and 2001. The analysis reveals that the probability of survival in the age group 1–4 years has decreased in the state and in many of the districts during the 1990s. It appears that this decrease in the probability of survival in the age group 1–4 years has been the result of the policy shift in child survival efforts during the 1990s. The analysis stresses the need of reinvigorating efforts to accelerate the progress towards child survival in the state.
Affects of the Unexpected: When Inconsistency Feels Good (or Bad)
Authors: Noordewier Marret K. , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: March 2010

Affective responses to disconfirmation of expectancies have paradoxical features: Incongruency is uncomfortable and elicits negative affect, but how do people feel when the incongruent outcome is positive? This article shows that affective responses to disconfirmed expectancies depend on whether people value consistency and thus focus on the expectancy-congruency of the outcome or on its valence. People with high need for structure, a prevention focus, or for whom mortality is salient, assign more value to consistency and are more congruency focused: They feel more positive after congruent outcomes than after incongruent outcomes (independent of valence). People with low need for structure, a promotion focus, or for whom mortality is not salient, value consistency less and are more outcome focused: They feel more positive after positive outcomes than after negative outcomes (independent of congruency). This article furthermore shows how responses to the unexpected unfold and that a congruency focus requires less cognitive resources than an outcome focus.
Timing of Sexual Maturation and Women’s Evaluation of Men
Authors: Belles Stefan , Kunde Wilfried , Neumann Roland
Published: March 2010

Many antecedents and consequences of an accelerated sexual maturation are associated with negative experiences with the opposite sex. Here we show a connection between menarcheal age, a salient sign of female sexual maturation, and the implicit attitude toward men in later adulthood. In Study 1, earlier age at first menstruation was associated with automatic negative evaluations of male faces but not female ones. Study 2 revealed a relationship between early age of menarche and an implicit association between the concepts male and danger. In Study 3, the earlier the menarche, the larger was the estimated egocentric distance of virtual male voices and the shorter the estimated distance of female voices. These results, obtained about a decade after onset of menstruation, suggest that apparently subtle differences in the onset of sexual maturation may have long-lasting implications for intersexual relationships.
Intimate Partner Violence at the Scene: Incident Characteristics and Implications for Public Health Surveillance
Authors: Joshi Manisha , Sorenson Susan B.
Published: March 2010

Using data that, to our knowledge, have not been used before for this purpose, we examined 9,231 opposite-sex intimate partner violence (IPV) calls for law enforcement assistance recorded in the Compstat system of a large U.S. city. Although women were the predominant victims, injuries were documented more often for men. Only about 1% of incidents were considered a restraining order violation, although many orders were active in the city at the time. The data appeared to be of good quality and just a few changes in recording procedures would increase Compstat’s usefulness for public health in U.S. cities.
Study on Flame Retardance of Co-microencapsulated Ammonium Polyphosphate and Pentaerythritol in Polypropylene
Authors: Xilei Chen  , Chuanmei Jiao
Published: March 2010

Co-microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol [M(A&P)] was prepared using a hydroxyl silicone oil by in situ polymerization method, and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The flame-retardant effect of M(A&P) in polypropylene (PP) is evaluated using limiting oxygen index, UL 94 test, cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The flame-retardant properties of the PP/M(A&P) composites are much better than those of the PP/ammonium polyphosphate/ pentaerythritol composites. Moreover, the thermal stability and the water resistance properties of the PP/M(A&P) composites are improved compared with the PP/APP/PER composites.
Accuracy in Scoring Vignettes Using the Mini Mental State Examination and the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test
Authors: Queally Victoria R. , Evans Jonathan J. , McMillan Thomas M.
Published: March 2010

Objective: To compare the accuracy in scoring of vignettes of 2 cognitive screening tests—the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Short Orientation Memory Concentration Test (S-OMC). Design: Within group comparison. Setting: Academic institution. Participants: A total of 74 student nurses. Method: Participants received instruction on the scoring of each test and were then asked to score 6 videotaped clinical vignettes. Main Outcome Measures: Scores allocated by participants on the vignettes for the MMSE and S-OMC. Results: The proportion of participants assigning the correct total score to the vignettes was low (MMSE 53.2%, S-OMC 66.7%), and the difference in accuracy between tests was significant (P = .005). The total scores that were assigned resulted in misclassification across all 4 caseness cutoffs within each test (MMSE 0.9%-5.9%; S-OMC 1.4%-2.7%). The differences in correct caseness placement between the 2 tests were significant only for the moderate impairment cutoff, where the S-OMC achieved greater correct caseness placement. Conclusions: The high proportion of scoring mistakes overall has implications for the use of both the tests in routine clinical practice but in particular for the MMSE. An increased awareness is needed in clinical settings and among tests developers, of the likelihood of, and implications arising from, variations in scoring accuracy. In the current study, the S-OMC was scored more accurately than the MMSE.
The Death Knoll for the MMSE: Has It Outlived Its Purpose?
Authors: Nieuwenhuis-Mark Ruth E.
Published: March 2010

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is arguably the best-known cognitive screen in the world. Originally designed to assess cognitive impairment in elderly populations, it has become one of the first steps toward a dementia diagnosis. Routinely used in the clinic and in research internationally, the MMSE, despite its flaws, has managed to retain its popularity for more than 30 years. This review explores when and how the test is used, lists its advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately questions its value. The specific issue that is addressed here is whether the test has outlived its original purpose. The conclusion is that although the MMSE may be a useful tool in many circumstances where a cognitive screen is required, practitioners should be wary of using MMSE total scores as a shortcut toward a dementia diagnosis.
Social Inequality in Onset of Mobility Disability Among Older Danes: The Mediation Effect of Social Relations
Authors: Nilsson Charlotte Juul , Avlund Kirsten , Lund Rikke
Published: March 2010

Objective: This article investigates social inequality in onset of mobility disability and in measures of social relations and whether social relations mediated the effect of socioeconomic status on mobility. Method: A total of 2,825 nondisabled older men and women, enrolled in the Danish Intervention Study on Preventive Home Visits, constituted the study population. Data were obtained by mailed questionnaires in 1998-1999 and 2001-2002 and by merging analyses to registers at Statistics Denmark. Results: There was a social gradient in onset of mobility disability, with odds ratio of 1.11 (1.07-1.15) per step down the deciles of financial assets and in cohabitation status, social participation, and network diversity. Social relations did not mediate the effect of financial assets on onset of mobility disability. Discussion: The negative effects of low financial assets and poor social relations on mobility appear to be independent. More longitudinal studies on possible mediators of the social gradient in mobility among older people are needed.
Relative Body Weight and Disability in Older Adults: Results From a National Survey
Authors: Gadalla Tahany M.
Published: March 2010

Objective: This study examined the sociodemographic, health, and economic determinants of limitations in performing instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in Canadians 65 years and older with emphasis on the role of relative body weight. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between these limitations and the whole range of relative body weight while controlling for the above determinants. Method: This research used data collected in the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2005 on Canadians 65 years and older ( N = 21,255). Results: The odds of experiencing IADL limitations were higher for women, the poor, and those not living with a partner. These odds also increased with advancing age and weaker physical health. Controlling for socioeconomic and health characteristics, the odds of experiencing such limitations were significantly elevated in underweight and obese individuals but not in overweight individuals. Discussion: Prevention and intervention strategies targeting underweight and obese individuals should be a policy priority.