bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student Attitudes toward Wrongful Conviction
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Bell James G. , Clow Kimberley A.
Published: August 2009

Although there is considerable research addressing the factors that underlie wrongful conviction, relatively little research investigates attitudes toward wrongful conviction. To contribute to this understudied area, we surveyed first- and third-year Canadian undergraduates in criminal justice and non-criminal-justice majors to determine their attitudes toward differing facets of wrongful conviction. In particular, attitudes toward the frequency of wrongful conviction, the Blackstone ratio, the need to educate criminal justice personnel about factors that contribute to wrongful conviction, and the question of whether wrongful conviction causes individuals to lose faith in the criminal justice system were assessed. In general, participants – especially senior criminal justice students – reported attitudes that were sensitive to issues related to wrongful conviction. The implications of these findings for criminal justice personnel and the literature on wrongful conviction are discussed.
Internal oxidation of metastable metallic materials
Authors: Anzel Ivan , Kneissl Albert C.
Published: August 2009

The special kind of internal oxidation phenomenon that can take place in pure metals containing a high concentration of defects, particularly thermodynamically stabilized vacancy clusters, is presented. The process starts with dissolution of oxygen into the metal at the free surfaces and continues with diffusion of oxygen atoms into the volume of the metal matrix where they are trapped at numerous defects in the crystal lattice. The increasing oxygen activity at these places causes local oxidation of the matrix and consequently precipitation of fine oxide particles. The results of experimental studies performed with pure copper metal confirmed the formation of microstructures consisting of continuous three-dimensional copper matrix and homogeneous finely dispersed Cu2O particles of submicron size. The volume fraction of precipitated oxides depends on the starting microstructure of the Cu matrix, and on the temperature and time of the internal oxidation process.
Serum Osteopontin as a Predictive Marker of Responsiveness to Methotrexate in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: MASI LAURA , RICCI LAURA , ZULIAN FRANCESCO , DEL MONTE FRANCESCA , SIMONINI GABRIELE , CAPANNINI SERENA , DE MARTINO MAURIZIO , BRANDI MARIA LUISA , FALCINI FERNANDA
Published: August 2009

Objective.

To evaluate if serum concentrations of osteopontin (OPN) at baseline in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represent a potential predictor of responsiveness to methotrexate (MTX).

Methods.

At diagnosis, 60 children with active JIA received MTX in addition to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. After 12 months of MTX treatment, 30 patients were defined as responders; the 30 nonresponders received anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy (etanercept) in addition to MTX; this group was then enrolled for an additional 12-month study period. No patient had received steroids within 6 weeks before entering the study. Fifty healthy children matched for sex and age acted as controls. OPN serum levels were measured at baseline, before MTX, and then at 6 and 12 months. In the nonresponder patients, OPN was evaluated again after 6 and 12 months of etanercept treatment.

Results.

At baseline, OPN values were significantly higher (p = 0.0003) in JIA patients than in controls, with no significant differences among the different JIA subtypes. At baseline, OPN levels were lower in responders than in nonresponder patients (14.16 ± 10.1 μg/ml vs 33.2 ± 18.1 μg/ml, respectively). After 12 months of MTX treatment, OPN levels were significantly reduced in comparison to baseline in both responder and nonresponder groups (p = 0.0017, p = 0.0048, respectively). In nonresponders, etanercept significantly reduced OPN levels at 6 and 12-month followup in comparison to baseline (p = 0.002, p = 0.008, respectively). No significant differences were found among OPN levels and disease activity.

Conclusion.

Serum levels of OPN at baseline represent a possible marker to predict the responsiveness to MTX in patients with JIA.
Association Between Interleukin 1 Gene Cluster Polymorphisms and Bilateral Distal Interphalangeal Osteoarthritis
Authors: SOLOVIEVA SVETLANA , KÄMÄRÄINEN OLLI-PEKKA , HIRVONEN ARI , HÄMÄLÄINEN SATU , LAITALA MARI , VEHMAS TAPIO , LUOMA KATARIINA , NÄKKI ANNU , RIIHIMÄKI HILKKA , ALA-KOKKO LEENA , MÄNNIKKÖ MINNA , LEINO-ARJAS PÄIVI
Published: August 2009

Objective.

To examine the association of the interleukin 1 gene (IL1) cluster polymorphisms and their haplotypes with bilateral distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (DIP OA).

Methods.

Radiographs of both hands of 295 dentists and 248 teachers were examined and classified for the presence of OA using reference images. Bilateral DIP OA was defined by the presence of radiographic findings of grade 2 or more in at least 1 symmetrical pair of the DIP joints. We genotyped 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in theIL1R1, IL1RL2, IL1A, IL1B,andIL1RNgenes using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Haplotypes were statistically reconstructed using the PHASE program. The association between the genotypes/diplotypes and bilateral DIP OA was examined with logistic regression analysis.

Results.

TwoIL1BSNP (rs1143634 and rs1143633) were associated with bilateral DIP OA. The carriers of theIL1Brs1143634 minor allele had an increased OA risk [odds ratio (OR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.26] compared to the noncarriers. The association was stronger in the dentists. The distribution of theIL1Brs1143633 genotype fit a recessive mode of inheritance (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.35–6.83, p = 0.006). TwoIL1B-IL1RNextended haplotype alleles (211-1 and 121-1) were associated with bilateral DIP OA. An interaction between theIL1Brs1143634 and theIL1R1-IL1RL2andIL1B-IL1RNextended haplotypes and occupation (increased risk of OA among dentists only) was observed.

Conclusion.

Our results provide further evidence for the role ofIL1gene cluster polymorphisms in the etiology of OA and suggest that some of these may predispose DIP joints to the effects of mechanical overload.
Objective Measures of Disordered Sleep in Fibromyalgia
Authors: CHERVIN RONALD D. , TEODORESCU MIHAELA , KUSHWAHA RAMESH , DELINE ANDREA M. , BRUCKSCH CHRISTINE B. , RIBBENS-GRIMM CHRISTINE , RUZICKA DEBORAH L. , STEIN PHYLLIS K. , CLAUW DANIEL J. , CROFFORD LESLIE J.
Published: August 2009

Objective.

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) complain of inadequate sleep, which could contribute to common symptoms including sleepiness, fatigue, or pain. However, measures that consistently and objectively distinguish FM patients remain elusive.

Methods.

Fifteen women with FM and 15 age- and gender-matched controls underwent 3 nights of polysomnography; Multiple Sleep Latency Tests to assess sleepiness; testing of auditory arousal thresholds during non-REM stage 2 and stage 4 sleep; overnight assessment of urinary free cortisol; and analysis of 24-hour heart rate variability.

Results.

On the second night of polysomnography, women with FM in comparison to controls showed more stage shifts (p = 0.04) but did not differ significantly on any other standard polysomnographic measure or on the Multiple Sleep Latency Tests. Alpha EEG power during deep non-REM sleep, alone or as a proportion of alpha power during remaining sleep stages, also failed to distinguish the groups, as did auditory arousal thresholds. Urinary free cortisol did not differ between FM and control subjects in a consistent manner. However, decreased short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and especially ratio-based HRV among FM subjects suggested diminished parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity, respectively. Other HRV measures suggested decreased complexity of HRV among the FM subjects.

Conclusion.

Standard measures of sleep, a gold-standard measure of sleepiness, quantified alpha-delta EEG power, auditory arousal thresholds, and urinary free cortisol largely failed to distinguish FM and control subjects. However, HRV analyses showed more promise, as they suggested both increased sympathetic activity and decreased complexity of autonomic nervous system function in FM.
Predictors for Treatment Success and Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor in Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: BRAUN NIKO , FRITZ PETER , RIETH ANJA , SCHROTH WERNER , KIMMEL MARTIN , BIEGGER DAGMAR , ZAKIM DAVID , ALSCHER MARK DOMINIK
Published: August 2009

Objective.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) generally respond well to treatment with glucocorticoids (GC). We sought to determine the value of clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic findings and the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) for discriminating between patients who achieve complete remission, or partial remission, or who do not improve with glucocorticoid treatment.

Methods.

We examined biopsies of the temporal artery from 60 patients, of whom 27 had GCA, 13 PMR, and 20 arteriosclerosis.

Results.

Of the clinical variables evaluated, jaw claudication was correlated with the histologic classification of the biopsies (p < 0.0001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly higher in patients with PMR and GCA than in patients with arteriosclerosis (p < 0.0001). There were significant differences between patients with GCA versus PMR in the numbers of CD3−, CD8−, and CD4-positive T cells, in CD68-positive monocytes (p < 0.0001), and antigen-presenting cells (p < 0.0001). CD138-positive and CD20-positive cells were absent in patients with PMR but present in patients with GCA (p < 0.0001). In GCA and chronic inflammation most monocytes and lymphocytes expressed GR (88.9%). The number of CD68-positive cells and the extent of GR-staining in chronic inflammation reflected the success of treatment in logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). GR polymorphism showed that more than 90% of patients had the wild-type (homozygote) of the R23K or N363S polymorphism. There was no evidence that this polymorphism influenced response to treatment with GC (Fisher’s exact test 1.0).

Conclusion.

Expression of GR and the presence of CD20−, CD3−, CD4−, CD8−, CD68−, CD138-positive cells and antigen-presenting cells differ between GCA and PMR. The presence of CD68-positive cells and the extent of GR-staining in chronic inflammation are suitable to predict complete remission in GCA.
Metabolic Syndrome and the Incidence of Symptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: GANDHI RAJIV , RAZAK FAHAD , TSO PEGGY , DAVEY J. RODERICK , MAHOMED NIZAR N.
Published: August 2009

Objective.

We asked if patients with metabolic syndrome undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) have an increased risk for symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 3 months followup.

Methods.

We reviewed 1460 patients from our joint registry undergoing primary, unilateral TKR between 1998–2006. Demographic variables of age, sex, comorbidity, and education were retrieved. Metabolic syndrome was defined as body mass index above 30 kg/m2, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of metabolic syndrome on the incidence of DVT.

Results.

The overall incidence of symptomatic DVT was 4.4% (65/1460). Patients with metabolic syndrome had an increased incidence of DVT compared to those without metabolic syndrome (15.5% vs 3.4%). Adjusted analysis showed that the risk of symptomatic DVT in patients with metabolic syndrome was 3.2 times [odds ratio 3.2, 95% CI (1.0,15.4), p = 0.04] the risk in those without metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion.

Hospital protocols developed for prophylactic anticoagulation following TKR should give special consideration to patients with metabolic syndrome.
Functional Association of Interleukin 18 Gene −607 (C/A) Promoter Polymorphisms with Disease Course in Chinese Patients with Adult-onset Still’s Disease
Authors: CHEN DER-YUAN , CHEN YI-MING , CHEN HSIN-HUA , HSIEH CHIA-WEI , LIN CHI-CHEN , LAN JOUNG-LIANG
Published: August 2009

Objective.

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) has a central role in the pathogenesis of adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). We investigated the functional association of −607 (C/A) IL-18 promoter polymorphisms with disease course in Chinese patients with AOSD.

Methods.

Sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment-length polymorphism method were used to analyze the genotypes of IL-18 promoter polymorphism at position −607 in 96 unrelated patients with AOSD and 164 ethnically-matched healthy controls. Serum IL-18 levels were determined using ELISA in patients with active untreated AOSD.

Results.

Significantly lower frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphism −607/AA were observed in patients with AOSD compared to healthy controls (18.8% vs 31.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Median levels of serum IL-18 were significantly lower in AOSD patients with AA genotype compared to those with CA genotype or CC genotype (147.5 pg/ml vs 410.5 pg/ml or 262.4 pg/ml, respectively; both p < 0.05). Significantly lower IL-18 levels were demonstrated in AOSD patients with a monocyclic systemic course than in those with a polycyclic systemic course or a chronic articular course. The AA genotype was more frequently observed in patients with monocyclic systemic course, which had the best prognosis, than in those with the other 2 disease courses. In contrast, a lower frequency of the AA genotype than the CA or the CC genotype was observed in patients with chronic disabling arthritis (5.5% vs 25.0% or 19.2%, respectively).

Conclusion.

The SNP −607/AA genotype with lower IL-18 levels might be a genetically protective factor for the occurrence of AOSD in the Chinese population, against progression of chronic disabling arthritis.
Preface: Message from the Director, PGIM
Authors: Sheriff Rezvi
Published: August 2009

It gives me enormous pleasure as an Academic and Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) to inaugurate the series of Postgraduate Institute Journals in different branches of medicine. The new discipline of Critical Care is taking the lead and this issue of the Sri Lanka Journal of Critical Care (SLJCC) will be the first one. The idea to establish a new peer-reviewed journal in critical care under the PGIM was based on a proposal made in 2008 by Dr Senaka Rajapakse, Head, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. I congratulate the Editors, Dr. Senaka Rajapakse, Dr. Aruna Munasinghe, Consultant Physician, General Hospital Matara, and Dr Anuja Abeydeera, Senior Lecturer in Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo for their untiring efforts in getting the journal off the ground. I hope this will be a regular publication with easy access and of high standard and high impact. My sincere good wishes go to the Editors and the Editorial Board.   Vidyajyothi  Professor  Rezvi Sheriff,Director, Postgraduate Institute of MedicineDOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.935
Initial Management Of Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia In A Tertiary Hospital In Sri Lanka
Authors: Haniffa Rashan , Ariyaratne Hemal , Fernando Shyam , Rajapakse Senaka
Published: August 2009

Introduction: We studied the choice of antibiotic/s prescribed on admission and microbiological investigations, in patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia, and compared such choice with published consensus guidelines. Methods:  Adult patients admitted to medical wards of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka with clinical features of pneumonia, with subsequent radiological confirmation, were eligible for inclusion (n=112). Patients who had been in hospital within 10 days of admission, and those with diagnoses of lung malignancy, lung fibrosis, bronchiectasis or tuberculosis were excluded. We obtained data from the patients' case records regarding indicators of severity, the antibiotic prescribed on admission, and route of administration. The microbiological investigations performed were also recorded. We compared the practices with guidelines for management of community-acquired pneumonia published by the British Thoracic Society in 2001. Results: The respiratory rate, a core clinical adverse prognostic feature, was documented in only 13% of case records. Oral amoxicillin was the most common antibiotic prescribed on admission, with 29% of hospitalized patients receiving it. Erythromycin was included in the drug regimen in only 18% of all patients. Intravenous antibiotics were started for 44% of cases without any documented adverse prognostic features on admission. Sputum was sent for acid-fast bacilli staining in 48% of patients and for bacterial culture in 11%. Blood culture was performed in 5% of patients. Conclusion: Documentation of severity criteria is often incomplete. There is inadequate utilization of oral macrolide antibiotics to cover atypical pathogens. Intravenous antibiotics are overused in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.941
A Computer-Based ICU Patient Alert And Decision Support System
Authors: Gunawardane Shashi , Koggalage Ravindra , Rodrigo Ranga , Rajapakse Senaka
Published: August 2009

The safety of critically ill patients in intensive care units is an important aspect of medical care. Many human factors contribute to deficiencies and errors in patient care in the intensive care setting, such as long working hours, high levels of stress, lack of enough people, may cause human errors and affecting the effectiveness of the decisions of the physician. Several attempts have been made to increase the effectiveness of such decisions by issuing early alerts on adverse patient conditions. However, such alerts are based on single parameter variations, and not on the relationship between multiple parameter variations. We developed a computer-based model is an integrated solution which identifies adverse patient events based on multiple parameter variations, and then provides predictive treatment suggestions based on the likely clinical conditions which result in the parameter variations. The proposed system follows an interactive communication cycle in order to properly notify the responsible treating physicians at different tiers of responsibility. Our model is capable of early identification of adverse conditions and providing suitable treatment suggestions, thus acting as a decision support system to assist the treating physician. DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.942
Expression of Tolerance Associated Gene-1, a Mitochondrial Protein Inhibiting T Cell Activation, Can Be Used to Predict Response to Immune Modulating Therapies
Authors: Keeren Kathrin , Friedrich Markus , Gebuhr Inga , Philipp Sandra , Sabat Robert , Sterry Wolfram , Brandt Christine , Meisel Christian , Grütz Gerald , Volk Hans-Dieter , Sawitzki Birgit
Published: August 2009

Immune modulating therapies gain increasing importance in treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. None of the currently applied biologics achieves significant clinical improvement in all treated patients. Because the therapy with biologics is cost intensive and sometimes associated with side effects, noninvasive diagnostic tools for early prediction of responders are of major interest. We studied the effects of Alefacept (LFA3Ig), an approved drug for treatment of psoriasis, on leukocytes in vitro and in vivo to identify gene markers predictive for treatment response and to further investigate its molecular mechanisms of action. In an open-label study, 20 psoriasis patients were treated weekly with 15 mg Alefacept over 12 wk. We demonstrate that transcription of the tolerance-associated gene (TOAG-1) is significantly up-regulated whereas receptor for hyaluronic acid mediated migration (RHAMM) transcription is down-regulated in PBMCs of responding patients before clinical improvement. TOAG-1 is exclusively localized within mitochondria. Overexpression of TOAG-1 in murine T cells leads to increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Addition of Alefacept to stimulated human T cells in vitro resulted in reduced frequencies of activated CD137+ cells, increased TOAG-1 but reduced RHAMM expression. This was accompanied by reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Inhibition of proliferation was dependent on enhanced PDL1 expression of APCs. Thus, peripheral changes of TOAG-1 and RHAMM expression can be used to predict clinical response to Alefacept treatment in psoriasis patients. In the presence of APCs Alefacept can inhibit T cell activation and survival by increasing expression of TOAG-1 on T cells and PDL1 on APCs.
Galactoxylomannan-Mediated Immunological Paralysis Results from Specific B Cell Depletion in the Context of Widespread Immune System Damage
Authors: De Jesus Magdia , Nicola André Moraes , Frases Susana , Lee Ian R. , Mieses Steven , Casadevall Arturo
Published: August 2009

The mechanisms responsible for polysaccharide-induced immunological paralysis have remained unexplained almost a century after this phenomenon was first described. Cryptococcus neoformans capsular polysaccharides glucuronoxylomannan and galactoxylomannan (GalXM) elicit little or no Ab responses. This study investigates the immunological and biological effects of GalXM in mice. GalXM immunization elicits a state of immunological paralysis in mice characterized by the disappearance of Ab-producing cells in the spleen. Immunological paralysis and lack of immunogenicity could not be overcome by immunization with GalXM conjugated to a protein carrier, Bacillus anthracis protective Ag. Additionally, immunization with GalXM in either complete or IFA was associated with spleen enlargement in BALB/c mice. TUNEL and flow cytometry revealed widespread apoptosis in the spleen after GalXM administration. Administration of a cocktail of caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK and general caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK or Fas-deficient mice abrogated the complete disappearance of Ab-producing cells. Analysis of spleen cytokine expression in response to GalXM systemic injection revealed that GalXM down-regulated the production of inflammatory cytokines. Hence, we conclude that GalXM-induced immune paralysis is a result of specific B cell depletion mediated by its proapoptotic properties in the context of widespread dysregulation of immune function.
TC1(C8orf4) Is a Novel Endothelial Inflammatory Regulator Enhancing NF-κB Activity
Authors: Kim Jungtae , Kim Yunlim , Kim Hyun-Taek , Kim Dong Wook , Ha Yunhi , Kim Jihun , Kim Cheol-Hee , Lee Inchul , Song Kyuyoung
Published: August 2009

Endothelial inflammation is regulated by a complex molecular mechanism. TC1(C8orf4) is a novel regulator implicated in cancer and inflammation. It is a small protein conserved well among vertebrates. In zebrafish embryos, it is mostly expressed in angio-hematopoietic system and the overexpression induces edema. In human aortic endothelial cells and umbilical vein endothelial cells, TC1 transfection up-regulates key inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and adhesion proteins including IL-6, IL-1α, COX-2, CXCL1, CCL5, CCL2, IL-8, ICAM1, VCAM1, and E-selectin, while TC1 knockdown down-regulates them. TC1 also enhances inflammatory parameters such as monocyte-endothelial adhesion and endothelial monolayer permeability. TC1 is up-regulated by IL-1β, TNF-α, LPS, and phorbol ester, and the up-regulation is inhibited by I-κB-kinase inhibitors. TC1, in turn, enhances the nuclear translocation of RelA and the DNA binding activity, suggesting a biological role of amplifying NF-κB signaling via a positive feedback. Our findings suggest that TC1 is a novel endothelial inflammatory regulator that might be implicated in inflammatory vascular diseases.
Cutting Edge: Candida albicans Hyphae Formation Triggers Activation of the Nlrp3 Inflammasome
Authors: Joly Sophie , Ma Ning , Sadler Jeffrey J. , Soll David R. , Cassel Suzanne L. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S.
Published: August 2009

The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β plays an important role in antifungal immunity; however, the mechanisms by which fungal pathogens trigger IL-1β secretion are unclear. In this study we show that infection with Candida albicans is sensed by the Nlrp3 inflammasome, resulting in the subsequent release of IL-1β. The ability of C. albicans to switch from a unicellular yeast form into a filamentous form is essential for activation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome, as C. albicans mutants incapable of forming hyphae were defective in their ability to induce macrophage IL- 1β secretion. Nlrp3-deficient mice also demonstrated increased susceptibility to infection with C. albicans, which is consistent with a key role for Nlrp3 in innate immune responses to the pathogen C. albicans.
Complement C3a Regulates Late Asthmatic Response and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Mice
Authors: Mizutani Nobuaki , Nabe Takeshi , Yoshino Shin
Published: August 2009

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by biphasic airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the contribution of the complement C3a to these asthmatic symptoms. BALB/c mice sensitized by i.p. injections of OVA plus alum were challenged with OVA intratracheally four times. The fourth challenge caused a biphasic asthmatic response peaking at 10 min and 3–4 h, as well as airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Histological examination revealed increased expression of C3a receptors in the lung on the fourth challenge. Additionally, the C3 level in serum 4 h after the fourth challenge was significantly reduced compared with that before the challenge. When a C3a receptor antagonist, SB290157, was administered i.p. 30 min before the fourth challenge, the late-phase asthmatic response and airway hyperresponsivness induced by the fourth challenge were significantly inhibited, although the early-phase response was not influenced. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, neutrophil infiltration 24 h after the fourth challenge was reduced by the treatment. On the other hand, SB290157 suppressed the increased expression of IL-1β in the lung in this model, and the intratracheal administration of IL-1β induced airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and neutrophil infiltration in normal mice. These results illustrate that C3a is involved in the development of the late asthmatic response and airway hyperresponsiveness. The mechanism leading to the development of these symptoms may correlate with the recruitment of neutrophils and/or the production of IL-1β induced by C3a.
Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare Financing: Lessons From the New York State Partnership for Long-term Care
Authors: Nicholas Lauren Hersch
Published: August 2009

This paper examines the current market for the New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care (NYSPLTC), a public-private partnership designed to encourage private insurance purchase. The potential market for long-term care insurance (LTCI) is analyzed based on market participants' ability to afford Partnership policies. Data from the U. S. Census and the NYSPLTC creates a demographic profile of potential purchasers. This profile identifies the subsets of the population who currently benefit from the policy and those who are eligible but not participating. The Partnership is not necessarily the best use of government resources because it may increase inequitable distribution of societal resources and may not create significant benefits to offset its costs. The policy subsidizes the cost of care for some who could fully pay, rather than dedicating limited resources to providing care for the poor. This trade-off is made under the assumption that strengthening the private LTCI market will eventually reduce reliance on publicly funded care. Long-term care financing is a market failure, as individuals do not presently have the proper incentives to make provision for the cost of possible end-of-life health and social care needs. This market failure must be dealt with in light of predicted increases in cost and increased usage of long-term care by the oldest old, our nation's fastest-growing demographic.
Policy Analysis and Planning in U.S. Foreign Policy: Interview with Dr. Mitchell Reiss, Director for Policy Planning, Department of State
Authors: Antell Geoffrey D. , Schneider Diane
Published: August 2009

On March 4, 2004, the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of Policy Perspectives sat down with Dr. Mitchell B. Reiss, Director for Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of State, to discuss the role of the policy analyst in U.S. foreign policy.
Uniformly Protecting U.S. Workers from the Health Risks of Second-Hand Smoke Exposure
Authors: Ryan Kara Danielle Majkut
Published: August 2009

A preponderance of evidence conclusively demonstrates the severe health risk posed by secondhand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). While this evidence has led to the passage of indoor smoking bans in office buildings and many other indoor public places, in many states, workers in the hospitality industry still face toxic second-hand smoke every time they go to work. This article argues that policymakers must develop comprehensive smoke-free legislation for all indoor public spaces, including all indoor workplaces. Contrary to the arguments put forth by restaurant and tobacco industry interest groups, indoor smoking bans significantly diminish public health risks, provide equitable protection for all workers, increase healthcare and productivity savings, and have minimal, if any, negative economic impact on businesses and overall tax revenues. Washington D.C.'s experience illustrates how policymakers can pass this vital public health legislation despite procedural roadblocks and interest group politics.
Juvenile Crime and the Economic and Social Benefits of Implementing Effective Delinquency Prevention Programs: A Case Study of the District of Columbia
Authors: Poirier Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2009

This article includes a cost-benefit analysis of Functional Family Therapy (FFT), a program to reduce juvenile crime and delinquency. To illustrate that effective delinquency prevention programs and policy can benefit urban communities, this analysis uses the D.C. government as a case study to examine the expected outcomes of FFT. This analysis predicts that FFT will yield estimated total benefits of $8.3 million and estimated total costs of $4.2 million if the program were implemented over an eight-year period, resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of about 2. Policymakers in urban communities must recognize that the long-term savings of reduced juvenile crime, achieved by implementing evidence-based delinquency prevention and treatment services, exceed program costs. In response to juvenile crime, communities should develop comprehensive strategies of programs designed to reduce juvenile delinquency, guided by the large and growing body of research on effective prevention of delinquency, rather than turn to increased incarceration.
NIST and ATP: Creating a New Relationship between Government and Industry
Authors: MacBride Sue
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Who Should Regulate Nature? An Examination of the Philosophies That Inform U.S. Wilderness Policy
Authors: Cullather Kevin Kessler
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Bridging the Digital Divide with Universal Access
Authors: Dariotis Dina , Velasquez Michael
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Mobility: Putting a Price on Traffic
Authors: Bartoni Danielle
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
NASA and The National Performance Review
Authors: Cutler Allen
Published: August 2009

No abstract available.
Growth, nutritional, and gastrointestinal aspects of ankyloblepharon‐ectodermal defect‐cleft lip and/or palate (AEC) syndrome
Authors: Motil Kathleen J. , Fete Timothy J.
Published: August 2009

Ankyloblepharon‐ectodermal defect‐cleft lip and/or palate (AEC) is a rare genetic disorder due to mutations in the TP63 gene. In the present study, we characterized the pattern of growth and body composition and the nutritional and gastrointestinal aspects of children and adults (n = 18) affected with this disorder using clinical anthropometry and a survey questionnaire. The mean birth weight and height‐for‐age z‐scores of the AEC patients were significantly lower than those of the reference population. The weight‐for‐age z‐score of the AEC cohort increased significantly with advancing age because of increasing body fat. Cleft lip and palate were present in 47% and 94%, respectively, of the AEC cohort; 28% had dentures. One‐fourth or more of the AEC cohort reported having nutritional and/or gastrointestinal problems including the need for supplemental formula feedings, gastrostomy placement, gastroesophageal reflux, and constipation. Our observations provide novel clinical information about growth, body composition, and nutritional and gastrointestinal aspects of children and adults with AEC. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Craniofacial and anthropometric phenotype in ankyloblepharon–ectodermal defects–cleft lip/palate syndrome (Hay–Wells syndrome) in a cohort of 17 patients
Authors: Sutton V. Reid , Plunkett Katie , Dang Diane X. , Lewis Richard A. , Bree Alanna F. , Bacino Carlos A.
Published: August 2009

Ankyloblepharon–ectodermal dysplasia–cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome and Rapp–Hodgkin syndrome are well‐characterized clinical entities caused by mutations in the TP63 gene. While AEC and Rapp–Hodgkin had been thought to be clinically distinct entities, the elucidation of their molecular etiology confirmed that they are a clinical continuum as opposed to distinct disorders. We have evaluated 17 patients with AEC syndrome using a systematic clinical approach. In our study, we have identified new features and others that were thought to occur only rarely. These include short stature and poor weight gain with preservation of head circumference in nearly all subjects, trismus in 35% and hypospadias in 78% of males. In addition, we describe the frequency of phenotypic features and demonstrate the extreme clinical variability in the largest cohort of AEC individuals reported in the literature thus far. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrum of p63 mutations in a selected patient cohort affected with ankyloblepharon‐ectodermal defects‐cleft lip/palate syndrome (AEC)
Authors: Rinne Tuula , Bolat Emine , Meijer Rowdy , Scheffer Hans , van Bokhoven Hans
Published: August 2009

Heterozygous mutations in the p63 gene underlie a group of at least seven allelic syndromes, including ankyloblepharon‐ectodermal defects‐cleft lip/palate syndrome (AEC) and Rapp Hodgkin syndrome (RHS), which involves varying degrees of ectodermal dysplasia, orofacial clefting and limb malformations. Mutations in the AEC and Rapp Hodgkin syndromes cluster in the 3′ end of the p63 gene. Previously reported mutations are mainly missense and frameshift mutations in exons 13 and 14, affecting the p63α‐specific SAM (sterile alpha motif) and TI (transactivation inhibitory) domains. A patient cohort affected by AEC syndrome was evaluated during International Research Symposium supported by the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias. Nineteen patients underwent full clinical evaluations and 18 had findings consistent with a diagnosis of AEC syndrome. These 19 patients, along with 5 additional relatives had genomic DNA analysis. Twenty‐one of the 24 participants from 12 families were found to have mutations in the p63 gene. Eleven different mutations were identified; 10 were novel mutations. Eight were missense mutations within the coding region of the SAM domain. Three other mutations were located in exon 14 sequences, which encode the TI domain. The effects of the mutations in the SAM and TI domains are poorly understood and functional studies are required to understand the pathological mechanisms. However, AEC and RHS mutations in the 5′ and 3′ ends of the p63 gene point towards a critical role of the ΔNp63α isoform for the AEC/RHS phenotype. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microdeletion syndrome 16p11.2‐p12.2: Clinical and molecular characterization
Authors: Hempel Maja , Rivera Brugués Nuria , Wagenstaller Janine , Lederer Gaby , Weitensteiner Andrea , Seidel Heide , Meitinger Thomas , Strom Tim M.
Published: August 2009

The pericentromeric region on 16p appears to be susceptible to chromosomal rearrangements and several patients with rearrangements in this region have been described. We report on a further patient with a microdeletion 16p11.2‐p12.2 in the context of described patients with a deletion in the pericentromeric region of 16p. Minor facial anomalies, feeding difficulties, significant delay in speech development, and recurrent ear infections are common symptoms of the microdeletion syndrome 16p11.2‐p12.2. All reported patients so far share a common distal breakpoint at 16p12.2 but vary in the proximal breakpoint at 16p11.2. The microdeletion 16p11.2‐p12.2 should be distinguished from the ∼500 kb microdeletion in 16p11.2 which seems to be associated with autism but not with facial manifestations, feeding difficulties, or developmental delay. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) variation on dorsal anterior cingulate function in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Brown Ariel B. , Biederman Joseph , Valera Eve M. , Doyle Alysa E. , Bush George , Spencer Thomas , Monuteaux Michael C. , Mick Eric , Whitfield‐Gabrieli Susan , Makris Nikos , LaViolette Peter S. , Oscar‐Berman Marlene , Faraone Stephen V. , Seidman Larry J.
Published: August 2009

Although attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated both with brain alterations in attention and executive function (EF) circuitry and with genetic variations within the dopamine system (including the dopamine transporter gene [SLC6A3]), few studies have directly investigated how genetic variations are linked to brain alterations. We sought to examine how a polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of SLC6A3, associated with ADHD in meta‐analysis, might contribute to variation in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) function in subjects with ADHD. We collected fMRI scans of 42 individuals with ADHD, all of European descent and over the age of 17, while they performed the multi‐source interference task (MSIT), a cognitive task shown to activate dACC. SLC6A3 3′ UTR variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms were genotyped and brain activity was compared for groups based on allele status. ADHD individuals homozygous for the 10R allele showed significant hypoactivation in the left dACC compared to 9R‐carriers. Exploratory analysis also showed trends toward hypoactivation in the 10R homozygotes in left cerebellar vermis and right lateral prefrontal cortex. Further breakdown of genotype groups showed similar activation in individuals heterozygous and homozygous for the 9R allele. Alterations in activation of attention and EF networks found previously to be involved in ADHD are likely influenced by SLC6A3 genotype. This genotype may contribute to heterogeneity of brain alterations found within ADHD samples. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shaping stable periodic motions of inertia wheel pendulum: theory and experiment
Authors: Freidovich Leonid B. , La Hera Pedro , Mettin Uwe , Robertsson Anders , Shiriaev Anton S. , Johansson Rolf
Published: August 2009

We consider an underactuated two‐link robot called the inertia wheel pendulum. The system consists of a free planar rotational pendulum and a symmetric disk attached to its end, which is directly controlled by a DC‐motor. The goal is to create stable oscillations of the pendulum, which is not directly actuated. We exploit a recently proposed feedback‐control design strategy based on motion planning via virtual holonomic constraints. This strategy is shown to be useful for design of regulators for achieving orbitally exponentially stable oscillatory motions. The main contribution is a step‐by‐step procedure on how to achieve oscillations with pre‐specified amplitude from a given range and an arbitrary independently chosen period. The theoretical results are verified via experiments with a real hardware setup. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Synthesis of PID controllers for integral processes with time delay
Authors: Wang De‐Jin
Published: August 2009

This article deals with the problem of determination of the stabilizing parameter sets of Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID) controllers for first‐order and second‐order integral processes with time‐delay. First, the admissible stabilizing range of proportional‐gain is determined analytically in terms of a version of the Hermite–Biehler Theorem applicable to quasi‐polynomials. Then, based on a graphical stability condition developed in parameter space, the complete stabilizing regions in an integral‐derivative plane are drawn and identified graphically, not calculated mathematically, by sweeping over the admissible range of proportional‐gain. An actual algorithm for finding the stabilizing parameter sets of PID controllers is also proposed. Simulations show that the stabilizing regions in integral‐derivative space are either triangles or quadrilaterals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Acidocalcisomen, Mitosomen und Apicoplasten. Neu entdeckte Zellorganellen
Authors: Radek Renate
Published: August 2009

Im vergangenen Jahrzehnt wurden drei neue, membranbegrenzte Zellorganellen entdeckt. Die bei Pro‐ und Eukaryoten vorkommenden Acidocalcisomen sind sauer und speichern neben Calcium auch Phosphat, Sauerstoff, Magnesium, Zink, Natrium, Kalium und Eisen. Weiterhin sind sie an Osmoregulation, pH‐ und Ca2+‐Homöostase beteiligt. Mitosomen hingegen sind stark reduzierte Mitochondrien verschiedener parasitischer Protisten, die man früher als primitive, primär mitochondrienlose Organismen eingruppierte. Als Apicoplasten bezeichnet man die stark reduzierten Plastiden der parasitischen Apicomplexa (ehemals Sporozoa). Apicoplasten bieten ein Target für neue Medikamenten‐Entwicklungen wie beispielsweise gegen den Malaria‐ Erreger Plasmodium.
Was steuert die Giftigkeit bei Tieren? Vom Genom zum Venom
Authors: Mebs Dietrich
Published: August 2009

Das Venom, die Gesamtheit aller Inhaltsstoffe von Giften eines Gifttieres, ist äußerst komplex. Es zeichnet sich durch eine enorme Vielfalt an biologisch aktiven Peptiden und Proteinen aus, die vorwiegend zum Beuteerwerb und zur Verteidigung eingesetzt werden. Die Frage, wie es zur Giftigkeit bei Tieren kommt, welche genetischen Mechanismen dem zugrunde liegen, ist weitgehend ungeklärt. Die Entschlüsselung des Genoms einer marinen Kegelschnecke (Conus consors) bietet die Möglichkeit, nicht nur die Erbinformationen zu ihrer Biologie, sondern auch zu ihrem Venom aufzuklären, die Resistenz gegenüber ihrem eigenen Gift besser zu verstehen und auf der Basis von Peptiden neuartige Arzneimittel zu entwickeln.
Zur Ökologie von Krebserkrankungen
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: August 2009

Krebserkrankungen sind weltweit für einen von acht Todesfällen verantwortlich. Krebs hat genetische und epigenetische Ursachen. Betrachtet man diese Krankheit einmal aus einem ökologischen Blickwinkel, ergeben sich Einsichten, die auch medizinisch wertvoll sein können.
“Klimahaus” in Bremerhaven: einmal Antarktis und zurück
Authors: Högermann Christiane
Published: August 2009

In 80 Tagen um die Welt? Mittlerweile kann man auch an einem Tag um den Erdball reisen. Wie? Ganz einfach: Im Bremerhavener Klimahaus ist es gelungen, den Besucher in einer künstlich nachgestellten Klima‐Erlebniswelt fünf Klimazonen mit allen Sinnen erfassen zu lassen.
Paternaler Einfluss bei Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sander Johannes
Published: August 2009

Gerade am Anfang der Entwicklung werden viele Prozesse nicht von der Erbinformation des Organismus selber, sondern auch von der seiner Eltern gesteuert. Dies ermöglicht einen großen Einfluss der Mutter, aber auch des Vaters auf den Embryo, der weitreichende Folgen haben kann, denn nach der sexuellen Konflikthypothese versucht das väterliche Genom des Embryos dem mütterlichen Organismus möglichst viele Ressourcen zu entziehen, während das mütterliche Genom die Mutter zu schonen sucht.
Jean‐Baptiste de Lamarck – ein Wegbereiter der modernen Biologie
Authors: Wuketits Franz M.
Published: August 2009

Jean‐Baptiste de Lamarck (1744‐1829) war ein sehr vielseitiger Naturforscher, der unsere Kenntnis der belebten Natur entscheidend bereicherte. Als einer der ersten verwendete er den Begriff “Biologie” und trug maßgeblich zur Integration der Wissenschaften vom Leben bei. Er gilt auch als erster Vertreter der Evolutionstheorie im engeren Sinn. Sein diesbezügliches Werk, die “Zoologische Philosophie”, erschien vor 200 Jahren, und der 18. Dezember dieses Jahres ist sein 180. Todestag. Wenngleich vielfach umstritten, ist er aus der Geschichte der Biologie nicht wegzudenken.
Increase of intracellular Ca2+ by P2Y but not P2X receptors in cultured cortical multipolar neurons of the rat
Authors: Fischer Wolfgang , Nörenberg Wolfgang , Franke Heike , Schaefer Michael , Illes Peter
Published: August 2009

The expression and functionality of P2X/P2Y receptor subtypes in multipolar nonpyramidal neurons of mixed cortical cell cultures were investigated by means of immunocytochemistry and fura‐2 microfluorimetry. The morphological studies revealed that most of the neurons are immunoreactive for GABA and express a range of P2X/P2Y receptors, predominantly of the P2X2,4,6 and P2Y1,2 subtypes. P2X1 and P2X7 receptor immunoreactivity (IR) was found on thin axon‐like processes and presynaptic structures, respectively. Application of ATP caused a small concentration‐dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in most investigated neurons, whereas only about the half of these cells responded to 2′,3′‐O‐(benzoyl‐4‐benzoyl)‐ATP (BzATP), ADPβS, 2MeSADP, or 2‐MeSATP and even fewer cells to UTP. In contrast, α,β‐meATP, UDP, and UDP‐glucose failed to produce any [Ca2+]i signaling. The response to ATP itself was inhibited by pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS), Reactive Blue 2, 2′‐deoxy‐N6‐methyl adenosine 3′,5′‐diphosphate (MRS2179), and suramin (300 μM) as well as by a cyclopiazonic acid‐induced depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. A Ca2+‐free external medium tended to decrease the ATP‐induced [Ca2+]i transients, although this action did not reach statistical significance. Various blockers of voltage‐sensitive Ca2+ channels and the gap junction inhibitor carbenoxolone did not interfere with the effect of ATP, whereas a combination of the ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists D(–)‐2‐amino‐ 5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) and 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione disodium (CNQX) decreased it. Cross‐desensitization experiments between ADPβS or UTP and ATP suggested that ATP acts on the one hand via P2Y1,2 receptors and on the other hand by additional signaling mechanisms. These mechanisms may involve the release of glutamate (which in consequence activates ionotropic glutamate receptors) and the entry of Ca2+ via store‐operated Ca2+ channels. Evidence for the presence of functional P2X receptors, in particular P2X7, remains elusive. J. Comp. Neurol. 516:343–359, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.