bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Myeloperoxidase Product Hypochlorous Acid Generates Irreversible High-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Inhibitors
Authors: Binder Veronika , Ljubojevic Senka , Haybaeck Johannes , Holzer Michael , El-Gamal Dalia , Schicho Rudolf , Pieske Burkert , Heinemann Akos , Marsche Gunther
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Elevated levels of advanced oxidation protein products have been described in several chronic inflammatory diseases, like chronic renal insufficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis. Recent findings revealed that advanced oxidation protein products are inhibitors of the major high–density lipoprotein receptor, scavenger receptor class B, type 1 (SR-BI). Here, we investigated which oxidation-induced structural alterations convert plasma albumin into a high-density lipoprotein–receptor inhibitor.

Approach and Results—

Exposure of albumin to the physiological oxidant, hypochlorous acid, generated high-affinity SR-BI ligands. Protection of albumin–lysine residues before exposure to hypochlorous acid as well as regeneration of
N
-chloramines after oxidation of albumin completely prevented binding of oxidized albumin to SR-BI, indicating that modification of albumin–lysine residues is required to generate SR-BI ligands. Of particular interest,
N
-chloramines within oxidized albumin promoted irreversible binding to SR-BI, resulting in permanent receptor blockade. We observed that the SR-BI inhibitory activity of albumin isolated from chronic kidney disease patients correlated with the content of the myeloperoxidase-specific oxidation product 3-chlorotyrosine and was associated with alterations in the composition of high-density lipoprotein.

Conclusions—

Given that several potential atheroprotective activities of high-density lipoprotein are mediated by SR-BI, the present results raise the possibility that oxidized plasma albumin, through permanent SR-BI blockade, contributes to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.
Role of BCL2-Associated Athanogene 1 in Differential Sensitivity of Human Endothelial Cells to Glucocorticoids
Authors: Mata-Greenwood Eugenia , Stewart John M. , Steinhorn Robin H. , Pearce William J.
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Chronic therapy with synthetic glucocorticoids has been associated with cardiovascular side effects, although differential interindividual susceptibility to glucocorticoids has been observed. The objective of this study was to identify the molecular mechanisms leading to differential glucocorticoid responses in endothelial cells.

Approach and Results—

We tested the sensitivity of 42 human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to dexamethasone as determined by changes in gene expression, promoter transactivation, and procoagulant activity. We identified that 16 HUVECs were sensitive in every test, 14 HUVECs were sensitive in at least 1 test and 12 HUVECs were resistant in every test to dexamethasone. Nuclear translocation assays revealed that Dex-sensitive HUVECs have higher basal and Dex-stimulated levels of nuclear glucocorticoid receptor compared with Dex-resistant HUVECs. Cycloheximide assays revealed that Dex-resistant HUVECs have significantly shorter glucocorticoid receptor protein half-lives than Dex-sensitive HUVECs. Dex-resistant HUVECs have a stronger interaction of glucocorticoid receptor with the proteasomal recruiting protein, BCL2-associated athanogene 1 (BAG1), as shown by immunoprecipitation assays. Silencing BAG1 expression increased Dex-sensitivity in resistant HUVECs, whereas BAG1 overexpression decreased Dex-sensitivity in sensitive HUVECs. Finally, Dex-resistant HUVECs presented higher BAG1 expression than Dex-sensitive HUVECs.

Conclusions—

In vitro endothelial sensitivity to Dex varies within individuals and is inversely proportional to BAG1 protein expression and glucocorticoid receptor protein turnover.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Associated Factor 2 Signaling Provokes Adverse Cardiac Remodeling in the Adult Mammalian Heart
Authors: Divakaran Vijay G. , Evans Sarah , Topkara Veli K. , Diwan Abhinav , Burchfield Jana , Gao Feng , Dong Jianwen , Tzeng Huei-Ping , Sivasubramanian Natarajan , Barger Philip M. , Mann Douglas L.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligands provoke a dilated cardiac phenotype signal through a common scaffolding protein termed tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 2 (TRAF2); however, virtually nothing is known about TRAF2 signaling in the adult mammalian heart.

Methods and Results—

We generated multiple founder lines of mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of TRAF2 and characterized the phenotype of mice with higher expression levels of TRAF2 (myosin heavy chain [MHC]-TRAF2
HC
). MHC-TRAF2
HC
transgenic mice developed a time-dependent increase in cardiac hypertrophy, left ventricular dilation, and adverse left ventricular remodeling, and a significant decrease in LV+dP/dt and LV−dP/dt when compared with littermate controls (
P
<0.05 compared with littermate). During the early phases of left ventricular remodeling, there was a significant increase in total matrix metalloproteinase activity that corresponded with a decrease in total myocardial fibrillar collagen content. As the MHC-TRAF2
HC
mice aged, there was a significant decrease in total matrix metalloproteinase activity accompanied by an increase in total fibrillar collagen content and an increase in myocardial tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels. There was a significant increase in nuclear factor–κB activation at 4 to 12 weeks and jun N-terminal kinases activation at 4 weeks in the MHC-TRAF2
HC
mice. Transciptional profiling revealed that >95% of the hypertrophic/dilated cardiomyopathy–related genes that were significantly upregulated genes in the MHC-TRAF2
HC
hearts contained κB elements in their promoters.

Conclusions—

These results show for the first time that targeted overexpression of TRAF2 is sufficient to mediate adverse cardiac remodeling in the heart.
Acute Aortic Dissection Determines the Fate of Initially Untreated Aortic Segments in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Schoenhoff Florian S. , Jungi Silvan , Czerny Martin , Roost Eva , Reineke David , Matyas Gabor , Steinmann Beat , Schmidli Juerg , Kadner Alexander , Carrel Thierry
Published: March 2013

Background—

The aim of the current study was to investigate incidence and causes of surgical interventions in primarily nontreated aortic segments after previous aortic repair in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Methods and Results—

Retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive Marfan syndrome patients fulfilling Ghent criteria that underwent 136 aortic surgeries and were followed at this institution in the past 15 years. Mean follow-up was 8.8±6.8 y. Thirty-day, 6-month, 1-year, and overall mortality was 3.5%, 5.8%, 7.0%, and 12.8%, respectively. Ninety-two percent of patients initially presented with aortic root, ascending aortic or arch lesions, whereas 8% presented with descending aortic or thoraco-abdominal lesions. Primary presentation was acute aortic dissection (AAD) in 36% (77% type A, 23% type B) and aneurismal disease in 64%. Secondary complete arch replacement had to be performed in only 6% of patients without AAD, but in 36% with AAD (
P
=0.0005). In patients without AAD, 11% required surgery on primarily nontreated aortic segments (5 of 6 patients experienced type B dissection during follow-up), whereas in patients after AAD, 48% underwent surgery of initially nontreated aortic segments (42% of patients with type A and 86% of those with type B dissection;
P
=0.0002).

Conclusions—

The need for surgery in primarily nontreated aortic segments is precipitated by an initial presentation with AAD. Early elective surgery is associated with low mortality and reintervention rates. Type B dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome is associated with a high need for extensive aortic repair, even if the dissection is being considered uncomplicated by conventional criteria.
The Impact of Green Tea and Coffee Consumption on the Reduced Risk of Stroke Incidence in Japanese Population
Authors: Kokubo Yoshihiro , Iso Hiroyasu , Saito Isao , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Ishihara Junko , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

Few prospective studies have examined the impact of both green tea and coffee consumption on strokes. We investigated the association of the combination of those consumption with stroke incidence in a general population.

Methods—

We studied 82 369 Japanese (aged 45–74 years; without cardiovascular disease [CVD] or cancer in 1995 and 1998 for Cohort I and II, respectively) who received 13 years of mean follow-up through the end of 2007. Green tea and coffee consumption was assessed by self-administered food frequency questionnaire at baseline.

Results—

In the 1 066 718 person-years of follow-up, we documented the incidence of strokes (n=3425) and coronary heart disease (n=910). Compared with seldom drinking green tea, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of all strokes were 0.86 (0.78–0.95) and 0.80 (0.73–0.89) in green tea 2 to 3 and ≥4 cups/d, respectively. Higher green tea consumption was associated with inverse risks of CVD and strokes subtypes. Compared with seldom drinking coffee, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of all strokes were 0.89 (0.80–0.99), 0.80 (0.72–0.90), and 0.81 (0.72–0.91) for coffee 3 to 6 times/week and 1 and ≥2 times/day, respectively. Coffee consumption was associated with an inverse risk of CVD and cerebral infarction. Higher green tea or coffee consumption reduced the risks of CVD and stroke subtypes (especially in intracerebral hemorrhage,
P
for interaction between green tea and coffee=0.04). None of the significant association was observed in coronary heart disease.

Conclusions—

Higher green tea and coffee consumption were inversely associated with risk of CVD and stroke in general population.
Antithesis and the One/Many in Aeschylus’ Septem
Authors: Allison June W.
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Septemexhibits several types of antithesis. The artistic function of the antithetical modes seems to be to maintain the tension between contraries, such as Thebans/Argives, interior/exterior, public/personal, words/symbols, and one/many. The dramatic function is to project conflict, particularly, to allow the verbal duels created by Eteocles and his scout to represent for the audience the duels that take place at the gates. Although antithesis is a common feature of archaic style, Aeschylean antithesis shows arresting similarities with Empedoclean usage where contraries are unified in the process of creating and preserving the cosmos/Thebes. Likeneikosandphilia, Eteocles and Polynices, hostile by nature, are in the end shown to be one.
Morphological and molecular characterisation and diagnostics of some species of Scutellonema Andrássy, 1958 (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae) with a molecular phylogeny of the genus
Authors: van den Berg Esther , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Coyne Daniel L. , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Coyne Daniel L. , Ploeg Antoon T. , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Coyne Daniel L. , Ploeg Antoon T. , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Coyne Daniel L. , Ploeg Antoon T. , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , Roberts Philip A. , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Coyne Daniel L. , Ploeg Antoon T. , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , Roberts Philip A. , Yeates Gregor W. , van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Coyne Daniel L. , Ploeg Antoon T. , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , Roberts Philip A. , Yeates Gregor W. , Subbotin Sergei A.
Published: March 2013

Scutellonema spp. are widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world and are associated with numerous agricultural and horticultural crops. Identification of many Scutellonema species is not always reliable, in part because many species share very similar diagnostic characters. In this study, we provide morphological and molecular characterisation of S. brachyurus from the USA and South Africa, S. bradys from Nigeria and three unidentified species from California, USA, New Zealand and Burkina Faso. Morphological descriptions, measurements, light and scanning electron microscopic photos and drawings are given for S. brachyurus. Females of S. brachyurus from the USA (type A) and South Africa (type B) showed a significant variation in the number of sectors and blocks on the lip annuli, ranging from about 4-12 and from 8-20, respectively. Molecular analysis using the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA and the COI mtDNA gene sequences revealed two distinct genotypes within S. brachyurus samples: type A (samples from USA, Italy, Korea, Taiwan) and type B (South Africa). Multivariate analyses determined that S. brachyurus from the USA and Taiwan (type A) differed from that from South Africa (type B) mainly in body, tail and DGO lengths, and ratios b′, c′, c and V. Phylogenetic relationships within Scutellonema are given as inferred from the analyses of the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA and the COI mtDNA gene sequences. PCR-RFLP diagnostic profiles and PCR with species-specific primers are developed for the studied Scutellonema species.
Particularism in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
Authors: Leibowitz Uri D.
Published: March 2013

In this essay I offer a new particularist reading of Aristotle’sNicomachean Ethics. I argue that the interpretation I present not only helps us to resolve some puzzles about Aristotle’s goals and methods, but it also gives rise to a novel account of morality – an account that is both interesting and plausible in its own right. The goal of this paper is, in part, exegetical – that is, to figure out how to best understand the text of theNicomachean Ethics. But this paper also aims to contribute to the current exciting and controversial debate over particularism. By taking the first steps towards a comprehensive particularist reading of Aristotle’sEthicsI hope to demonstrate that some of the mistrust of particularism is misplaced and that what is, perhaps, the most influential moral theory in the history of philosophy is, arguably, a particularist moral theory.
Agents, Patients, and Obligatory Self-Benefit
Authors: Cholbi Michael
Published: March 2013

Consequentialism is often criticized for rendering morality too pervasive. One somewhat neglected manifestation of this pervasiveness is the obligatory self-benefit objection. According to this objection, act-consequentialism has the counterintuitive result that certain self-benefitting actions (e.g., investing one’s money for maximal expected return) turn out, ceteris paribus, to be morally obligatory rather than morally optional. The purposes of this paper are twofold. First, I consider and reject four strategies with which consequentialists might answer the obligatory self-benefit objection. Despite the apparent consequentialist credentials of these answers, none of these strategies is adequate because each fails to justify agents failing to benefit themselves when benefiting themselves would be otherwise required by the imperative that overall good meet a certain threshold. Second, I argue that no plausible consequentialist response to this objection is forthcoming because consequentialism denies the central axiological fact propelling this objection, namely, that the self possesses a normative architecture relating the self as agent and self as patient. This architecture, I propose, justifies the option not to benefit oneself.
External morphology and osteology of Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886), with a taxonomic revision of the Pontic and Small-Caucasus populations (Squamata: Lacertidae)
Authors: ARRIBAS OSCAR , ILGAZ ÇETİN , KUMLUTAŞ YUSUF , DURMUŞ SALİH HAKAN , AVCI AZİZ , ÜZÜM NAZAN
Published: March 2013

A broad sample of Darevskia rudis from the main part of its range was reviewed with regard to external morphology (dis-criminant, UPGMA, MST and ANOVA analyses) and osteology. Darevskia bithynica is raised to species rank, with two subspecies: D. b. bithynica and D. b. tristis. The other subspecies are fairly similar (D. r. rudis being the most different). Two singular populations are described as subspecies: D. r. mirabilis ssp. nov. from Kaçkar Mountains, geographically adjoins the otherwise different D. r. bischoffi and D. r. bolkardaghica ssp. nov., which is geographically isolated but that seems to be very closely related to D. r. obscura.
Pocillopora aliciae: a new species of scleractinian coral (Scleractinia, Pocilloporidae) from subtropical Eastern Australia
Authors: SCHMIDT-ROACH SEBASTIAN , MILLER KAREN J. , ANDREAKIS NIKOS
Published: March 2013

Lack of morphological features of diagnostic value and high levels of environmental phenotypic plasticity obscure species boundaries for most taxa in the genus Pocillopora Lamarck, 1816 and complicate the definition of taxonomically distinct units. Species of the genus are colonial, generally ramose, rarely massive or encrusting and mostly hermatypic; corallite arrangement is plocoid, septa are generally poorly developed and usually arranged in two cycles; the columella is mostly poorly developed (Veron & Pichon 1976). Verrucae are common, although reduced in some species. Currently 17 species are formally acknowledged within the genus (Veron 2000).
A review of the genus Anteon Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) from South Korea, with description of a new species
Authors: KIM CHANG-JUN , LEE JONG-WOOK
Published: March 2013

Fifteen species of Anteon Jurine 1807 are recognized from South Korea, among which A. magnatum Kim & Lee, sp. nov. and ten newly recorded species: A. achterbergi Olmi, 1991; A. ephippiger (Dalman, 1818); A. esakii Yasumatsu, 1960; A. flavicorne (Dalman, 1818); A. insertum Olmi, 1991; A. medium Olmi, 1998; A. pilosum Xu, Olmi & He, 2010; A. reticulatum Kieffer, 1905; A. septentrionale Xu, He & Olmi, 2002; A. takenoi Olmi, 1995. A. esakii Yasumatsu and A. medium Olmi are also recorded from Russian Far East and China, Jilin, respectively (new records). Keys to South Korean species of Anteon are also provided.
Stoibocephalum n. gen. (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) from the sharkray, Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider (Elasmobranchii: Rhinopristiformes), from northern Australia
Authors: CIELOCHA JOANNA J. , JENSEN KIRSTEN
Published: March 2013

A new genus and species of lecanicephalidean cestode, Stoibocephalum arafurense n. gen., n. sp., is described from the sharkray, Rhina ancylostoma Bloch & Schneider, off northern Australia. Stoibocephalum arafurense n. gen., n. sp. Is apolytic, and possesses a large, muscular, retractable apical organ, 3 pairs of excretory vessels, and testes in several columns and layers. The presence of 3 pairs of excretory vessels distinguishes this new genus from all other valid lecanicephalidean genera, except Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931, from which it can be distinguished based on ovary shape and egg morphology. Stoibocephalum n. gen. most closely resembles Tylocephalum Linton, 1890 but differs from that genus in its ability to completely retract its apical organ into the scolex proper. Scolex microthrix pattern and histological sections of scoleces attached in situ suggest S. arafurense n. gen., n. sp. to attach to the host’s intestinal mucosa with apical organ and scolex proper surfaces, rather than just the apical organ surface. This is the third lecanicephalidean species described from the sharkray.
Sensitivities and Mechanisms of the Zonal Mean Atmospheric Circulation Response to Tropical Warming
Authors: Sun Lantao , Chen Gang , Lu Jian
Published: March 2013

Although El Niño and global warming are both characterized by warming in the tropical upper troposphere, the latitudinal changes of the Hadley cell edge and midlatitude eddy-driven jet are opposite in sign. Using an idealized dry atmospheric model, the zonal mean circulation changes are investigated with respect to different patterns of tropical warming. Generally speaking, an equatorward shift in circulation takes place in the presence of enhanced tropical temperature gradient or narrow tropical warming, similar to the changes associated with El Niño events. In contrast, the zonal mean atmospheric circulations expand or shift poleward in response to upper-tropospheric warming or broad tropical warming, resembling the changes under future global warming.

The mechanisms underlying these opposite changes in circulation are investigated by comparing the dry dynamical responses to a narrow tropical warming and a broad warming as analogs for El Niño and global warming. When running the idealized model in a zonally symmetric configuration in which the eddy feedback is disabled, both the narrow and broad warmings give rise to an equatorward shift of the subtropical jet. The eddy adjustment is further examined using large ensembles of transient response to a sudden switch-on of the forcing. For both narrow and broad tropical warmings, the jets move equatorward initially. In the subsequent adjustment, the initial equatorward shift is further enhanced and sustained by the low-level baroclinicity under the narrow tropical warming, whereas the initial equatorward shift transitions to a poleward shift associated with altered irreversible mixing of potential vorticity in the upper troposphere in the case of broad warming.
On the Usage of Spectral and Broadband Satellite Instrument Measurements to Differentiate Climate Models with Different Cloud Feedback Strengths
Authors: Feldman Daniel R. , Coleman Daniel M. , Collins William D.
Published: March 2013

Top-of-atmosphere radiometric signals associated with different high- and low-cloud–radiative feedbacks have been examined through the use of an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE). The OSSE simulates variations in the spectrally resolved and spectrally integrated signals that are due to a range of plausible feedbacks of the climate system when forced with CO2 concentrations that increase at 1% yr−1. This initial version of the OSSE is based on the Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3), and exploits the fact that CCSM3 exhibits different cloud feedback strengths for different model horizontal resolutions. In addition to the conventional broadband shortwave albedos and outgoing longwave fluxes, a dataset of shortwave spectral reflectance and longwave spectral radiance has been created. These data have been analyzed to determine simulated satellite instrument signals of poorly constrained cloud feedbacks for three plausible realizations of Earth's climate system produced by CCSM3. These data have been analyzed to estimate the observational record length of albedo, outgoing longwave radiation, shortwave reflectance, or longwave radiance required to differentiate these dissimilar Earth system realizations. Shortwave spectral measurements in visible and near-infrared water vapor overtone lines are best suited to differentiate model results, and a 33% difference in shortwave–cloud feedbacks can be detected with 20 years of continuous measurements. Nevertheless, at most latitudes and with most wavelengths, the difference detection time is more than 30 years. This suggests that observing systems of sufficiently stable calibration would be useful in addressing the contribution of low clouds to the spread of climate sensitivities currently exhibited by the models that report to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Evolving Land–Atmosphere Interactions over North America from CMIP5 Simulations
Authors: Dirmeyer Paul A. , Jin Yan , Singh Bohar , Yan Xiaoqin
Published: March 2013

Long-term changes in land–atmosphere interactions during spring and summer are examined over North America. A suite of models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project simulating preindustrial, historical, and severe future climate change scenarios are examined for changes in soil moisture, surface fluxes, atmospheric boundary layer characteristics, and metrics of land–atmosphere coupling.

Simulations of changes from preindustrial to modern conditions show warming brings stronger surface fluxes at high latitudes, while subtropical regions of North America respond with drier conditions. There is a clear anthropogenic aerosol response in midlatitudes that reduces surface radiation and heat fluxes, leading to shallower boundary layers and lower cloud base. Over the Great Plains, the signal does not reflect a purely radiatively forced response, showing evidence that the expansion of agriculture may have offset the aerosol impacts on the surface energy and water cycle.

Future changes show soils are projected to dry across North America, even though precipitation increases north of a line that retreats poleward from spring to summer. Latent heat flux also has a north–south dipole of change, increasing north and decreasing south of a line that also moves northward with the changing season. Metrics of land–atmosphere feedback increase over most of the continent but are strongest where latent heat flux increases in the same location and season where precipitation decreases. Combined with broadly elevated cloud bases and deeper boundary layers, land–atmosphere interactions are projected to become more important in the future with possible consequences for seasonal climate prediction.
A preliminary investigation on the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine for mania or hypomania
Authors: Vieira da Silva Magalhães Pedro , Dean Olivia M , Bush Ashley I , Copolov David L , Malhi Gin S , Kohlmann Kristy , Jeavons Susan , Schapkaitz Ian , Anderson-Hunt Murray , Berk Michael
Published: March 2013

Objective:

Oxidative imbalance has emerged as a treatment target in bipolar disorder. As very limited data are available on the clinical use of antioxidants for mania, we report here results from a post hoc and exploratory subgroup analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).

Methods:

This was a placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial assessing the effect of NAC over 24 weeks in mania or hypomania. Symptomatic and functional outcomes were collected over the study period.

Results:

Fifteen participants were available for this report; two participants in each group failed to complete all assessments. Within-group analyses pointed to an improvement in the NAC group on manic symptoms and worsening in the placebo group on depressive symptoms at endpoint.

Conclusions:

Although the sample size was small, these results indicated within-group efficacy for this glutathione precursor as compared to placebo. Future trials specifically designed to demonstrate the efficacy of NAC in mania are needed.
When the “Dream” Turns Into a Nightmare
Authors: Karanxha Zorka
Published: March 2013

Purpose: This article highlights the complexity of accountability issues associated with one charter school from the charter application process, operation, and functioning of the external mechanism and the internal mechanism to hold the charter school accountable, closure of the school, and consequences of the charter school’s closure on its constituents. Research Design: Utilizing retrospective case study design, 11 interviews from 6 participants, school documents, school district data, court proceedings, and newspaper accounts reconstruct the narrative of one charter school from its inception to closure and its community’s lived experience. Findings: In this case study, a charter school board’s quality of governance played a significant role in a charter school’s success or failure. Charter school board, charter school leadership, and local school authorizer played important roles in the school’s closing. Charter school authorizers, charter school boards, and charter school leaders are accountable and responsible actors in a charter school’s functioning, and negligence in fulfilling these roles can lead to a school’s closing. Teachers’ complaints are signals of a school in distress. According to teachers and parents, the school’s closure had a devastating impact on the students, teachers, and parents. Conclusions: The dual governance mechanism of charter schools can work if the charter school board, charter school leaders, and authorizers fulfill their governance roles. However, the theory does not account for human behavior in policy implementation. Charter school governing boards are well positioned to ensure accountability for individual charter schools. Charter school authorizers need to establish clear guidelines on board selection and membership.
Fracture behaviour of SiC monofilament reinforced copper – an acoustic emission study
Authors: Brendel A , Paffenholz V , Kimmig S
Published: March 2013

SiC monofilament-reinforced copper is a potential heat sink material for the divertor of future fusion reactors, where heat loads up to 15 MW/m2 must be removed. The composite combines high mechanical strength (300 MPa at 300℃) with sufficient thermal conductivity (at least 200 W/mK) at temperatures up to 550℃. The bonding between fibres and matrix is essential for the mechanical behaviour. We investigated two different fibre types (SCS0 and SCS6, Specialty Materials Inc.) with different interlayers in a galvanic copper matrix. Tensile tests in combination with acoustic emission analysis showed the dependence of fracture behaviour of the composite material on the fibre type. The average ultimate tensile strength of composite samples with 20% fibre reinforcement was in the range of 600 MPa, with a Young's modulus of 160 GPa. The tensile tested composite with SCS6 fibres generated roughly twenty times the number of acoustic emission events in comparison with the SCS0 fibres composite. Acoustic emission events in tensile test specimens with SCS6 fibres are correlated with the failure of the carbon-enriched surface layer of the fibre. In the case of SCS0 fibre-reinforced specimens, acoustic emission events were only caused by fibre failure. Fracture area analysis after tensile tests showed the failure of the SCS6 fibres at the interface between the two outer carbon layers and no interface failure for the composite with SCS0 fibres.
Particleboard from waste tea leaves and wood particles
Authors: Batiancela Marvin A , Acda Menandro N , Cabangon Rico J
Published: March 2013

The study investigated the use of waste tea ( Camellia sinensis) leaves mixed in various proportions with Paraserianthes falcataria (moluccan sau) wood particles for the manufacture of particleboard. Boards containing waste tea leaves alone showed low thickness swelling and water absorption after 24 h soaking in water. Addition of P. falcataria wood particles from 20% to 50% to waste tea leaves resulted in boards with satisfactory thickness swelling, water absorption, internal bond, stiffness, and strength well above the minimum requirements for general use particleboards set by EN 312-2 (1996). Results of the study showed that waste tea leaves can be used as an alternative material either alone or in combination with wood particles for the manufacture of particleboard.
War and the Reelection Motive
Authors: Zeigler Sean , Pierskalla Jan H. , Mazumder Sandeep
Published: March 2013

This article investigates the relationship between term limits and international conflict. Theories of political survival and diversionary war both imply term limits should play a role in international relations, whereas “permanent referendum theory,” largely motivated by work in American politics, suggests otherwise. Drawing on these theories, we formulate and test competing hypotheses regarding term limits and international crises. Using dyadic militarized interstate disputes data and information on forty-eight democracies with term limits, we uncover strong evidence to support the claim that leaders reaching final terms in office are more likely to initiate conflict than those still subject to reelection. Moreover, we find that the likelihood of conflict initiation is significantly higher during times of recession, but only in the absence of binding term limits. While binding electoral terms and economic downturns are both independently associated with increased levels of conflict initiation, in concert their conditional effects actually counteract each other.
IQ of Four-Year-Olds Who Go On to Develop Dyslexia
Authors: van Bergen Elsje , de Jong Peter F. , Maassen Ben , Krikhaar Evelien , Plakas Anna , van der Leij Aryan
Published: March 2013

Do children who go on to develop dyslexia show normal verbal and nonverbal development before reading onset? According to the aptitude–achievement discrepancy model, dyslexia is defined as a discrepancy between intelligence and reading achievement. One of the underlying assumptions is that the general cognitive development of children who fail to learn to read has been normal. The current study tests this assumption. In addition, we investigated whether possible IQ deficits are uniquely related to later reading or are also related to arithmetic. Four-year-olds ( N = 212) with and without familial risk for dyslexia were assessed on 10 IQ subtests. Reading and arithmetic skills were measured 4 years later, at the end of Grade 2. Relative to the controls, the at-risk group without dyslexia had subtle impairments only in the verbal domain, whereas the at-risk group with dyslexia lagged behind across IQ tasks. Nonverbal IQ was associated with both reading and arithmetic, whereas verbal IQ was uniquely related to later reading. The children who went on to develop dyslexia performed relatively poorly in both verbal and nonverbal abilities at age 4, which challenges the discrepancy model. Furthermore, we discuss possible causal and epiphenomenal models explaining the links between early IQ and later reading.
Phonological Variant Recognition: Representations and Rules
Authors: Pinnow Eleni , Connine Cynthia M
Published: March 2013

The current research explores the role of lexical representations and processing in the recognition of phonological variants. Two alternative approaches for variant recognition are considered: a representational approach that posits frequency-graded lexical representations for variant forms and inferential processes that mediate between the spoken variant and the lexical representation. In a lexical decision task (Experiment 1) and in a phoneme identification task (Experiment 2) using real words, low-frequency variants, but not high-frequency variants, show improved recognition rates following additional experience with the variants. This knowledge generalized to novel variant forms. Experiment 3 replicated these results using an artificial lexicon and showed that recognition of low-frequency variants was influenced by similarity to a high-frequency variant form. Similarity to a high-frequency variant alone, however, was insufficient to explain recognition of the infrequent variants (Experiments 4 and 5). The results support a hybrid account of variant recognition that relies on both multiple frequency-graded representations and inference processes.
Endangered Neoliberal Suburbanism? The Use of the Federal Endangered Species Act as a Growth Management Tool in Southern California
Authors: Jonas Andrew E. G. , Pincetl Stephanie , Sullivan James
Published: March 2013

In the United States, new environmental policy instruments have emerged to address some of the economic, social and environmental contradictions of neoliberal urbanism. Amongst these instruments, regional habitat conservation planning under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) is becoming de facto a suburban growth management tool widely deployed across different parts of Southern California. One reason why speculator-developers, property owners, conservationists, planners, municipalities and other suburban interests have bought into this tool is due to the growing link between the federal protection of endangered species and the availability of voter-approved funds for major road infrastructure projects. Evidence of this link is examined in the context of two regional conservation planning processes underway in Riverside County. The paper argues that inadvertently the Federal ESA has been transformed from a species protection law into a regulatory tool with which to co-ordinate private land development, public infrastructure provision and habitat conservation in suburbanising regions.
Suburban Sprawl or Urban Centres: Tensions and Contradictions of Smart Growth Approaches in Denver, Colorado
Authors: Goetz Andrew
Published: March 2013

During the post-war era in the United States, the low-density suburban sprawl model has been the dominant paradigm of urban growth. In recognition of the significant economic, social and environmental costs of sprawl, a new smart growth paradigm of higher-density, mixed-use and transit-oriented urban centres has emerged in many metropolitan areas. A case study of Denver, Colorado, shows that the smart growth approach has been more effective than previous initiatives to change the development pattern and address the costs of sprawl. With many new urbanist projects and an aggressive transit-oriented development programme, Denver is offering a different urban alternative to its sprawling past. A broader coalition of support, especially including the development community, has characterised smart growth efforts in contrast to previous growth control initiatives. New forms of regional collaboration have contributed to a stronger regional identity, less jurisdictional infighting and greater consensus on issues of regional importance.
Pathways of Change in the Diachronic Development of Binomial Reversibility in Late Modern American English
Authors: Mollin Sandra
Published: March 2013

Binomials, coordinated pairs of words, differ as to their reversibility. However, the degree of reversibility of any binomial is not necessarily stable, but is subject to diachronic changes. This article hypothesizes the different pathways of change that a binomial’s degree of reversibility may follow and presents corpus findings to show that all these pathways, and more, do occur. Some 200 high-frequency binomials were analyzed regarding their degrees of reversibility in American English across the twenty decades from 1810 to 2009 using Google Books data. While the reversibility of a binomial may remain stable, changes in terms of freezing, unfreezing, and even order reversal are frequent and probably due to a combination of intra- and extralinguistic factors. The interaction between reversibility changes and frequency changes is discussed in light of usage-based approaches to language. The example of gender binomials shows that sociocultural changes may be reflected in linguistic changes.
Building a Novel Inpatient Diabetes Management Mentor Program
Authors: Modic Mary Beth , Sauvey Rebecca , Canfield Christina , Kukla Aniko , Kaser Nancy , Modic Joselyn , Yager Christina
Published: March 2013

The intent of this project was to create a formalized educational program for bedside nurses responsible for inpatient diabetes management. Bedside nurses are recruited to serve as diabetes management mentors. The mentors receive advanced education concerning teaching and learning principles, the AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors, and diabetes management strategies. They teach their peers, advocate for patients, and facilitate referrals for outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) programs. The focus of these ongoing educational activities is to foster the development of diabetes management mentors and to create teaching tools that mentors can use with peers to address practice gaps or skill deficiencies. The diabetes management mentor is integral in enhancing the care of patients with diabetes in the hospital. The empowerment of bedside nurses as mentors for their peers and their patients is an invaluable asset that helps nurses take ownership of their practice. This role could be applied to other complex disease entities, helping nurses to develop specific management skills to improve patient outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction.
Biased and Accurate
Authors: Overall Nickola C. , Hammond Matthew D.
Published: March 2013

Are depressive symptoms associated with more biased or more accurate interpersonal perceptions? Both members of committed heterosexual couples ( N = 78) reported on their perceptions of their partner’s commitment and behavior daily across a 3-week period. Using the partner’s reports as the benchmark, participants who reported more depressive symptoms not only underestimated their partner’s commitment and overestimated their partner’s negative behavior (greater directional bias) but were also more accurate in tracking changes in their partner’s commitment and behavior across days (greater tracking accuracy). More negative perceptions of the partner’s commitment and behavior was also associated with increases in relationship insecurity and depressed mood, particularly when the partner also reported lower commitment and more negative behavior. These results indicate that depressive symptoms are associated with both more accurate and more biased interpersonal perceptions and suggest that more accurate detection and more biased magnification of interpersonal threat has important implications for the maintenance of depressed mood.
Participation in SEPA, a Sexual and Relational Health Intervention for Hispanic Women
Authors: Mitrani Victoria B. , McCabe Brian E. , Gonzalez-Guarda Rosa M. , Florom-Smith Aubrey , Peragallo Nilda
Published: March 2013

HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV) risks are linked in Hispanic women, so integrated interventions can efficiently produce meaningful change. Integrated interventions for Hispanic women are promising, but factors that put Hispanic women at risk for HIV and violence may also impede engagement with interventions. This study examined barriers and facilitators of engagement in a group educational intervention, SEPA ( Salud, Educación, Prevención y Autocuidado [Health, Education, Prevention, and Self-Care]), for Hispanic women. A total of 274 Hispanic women from South Florida in the SEPA condition of a randomized controlled trial completed baseline measures of violence, depression, familism, Hispanic stress, acculturation, and demographics, and 57% of the women engaged (attended two of five sessions). Education, IPV, and acculturation predicted engagement. Understanding engagement advances intervention development/refinement. Hispanic women who experience relationship violence are open to group interventions. Further program development and outreach work are needed to connect women with low education, who are particularly vulnerable.
Speech and literacy development in a child with a cochlear implant: Application of a psycholinguistic framework
Authors: Pascoe Michelle , Randall-Pieterse Candice , Geiger Martha
Published: March 2013

This single case study describes the speech, phonological awareness and literacy of a 6;0-year-old girl with a cochlear implant. NG, a child with a congenital bilateral severe / profound hearing loss, received a monaural cochlear implant at the age of 3;0, three years prior to the study. Using a psycholinguistic framework to investigate her single word speech processing skills, we aimed to describe NG’s speech, phonological awareness and literacy in relation to norms for her chronological age, and areas of relative strength and weakness in terms of her own speech processing profile. These aims were pertinent as NG faced her first year of formal schooling in a mainstream school and for providing further targeted intervention. NG was shown to have developed age-appropriate literacy and phonological awareness skills, although her speech processing profile revealed residual difficulties with processing and production of multisyllabic words. The case study contributes to knowledge of speech processing skills in children with cochlear implants, and has clinical implications for those working with children with cochlear implants and their families.
Plaque characteristics and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A levels predict the no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Yan , Wang Xiao-Fang , Li Ling , Zhang Jin-Ying , Du You-You , Yao Hai-Mu
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between serum plasma pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and coronary plaque characteristics, and their prognostic value for coronary no-reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Patients with unstable angina undergoing PCI were divided into a normal reflow group and a no-reflow group after stent deployment. Coronary blood flow was measured angiographically; plaque components were detected by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound. Serum PAPP-A and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured before PCI. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was measured before and 24 h after PCI.

Results

A total of 166 patients with unstable angina undergoing PCI were included: normal reflow group ( n = 145) and no-reflow group ( n = 21), after stent deployment. Baseline coronary blood flow was similar in the two groups. The no-reflow group had plaques with less-fibrotic tissue and a larger necrotic core, more thin-cap fibroatheromas and plaque ruptures, and higher serum PAPP-A, hsCRP and post-PCI cTnT levels than the normal reflow group. Serum PAPP-A was correlated negatively with plaque fibrotic area and positively with necrotic core area.

Conclusion

High serum PAPP-A and plaque lesions with a large necrotic core are associated with the no-reflow phenomenon after PCI, in patients with unstable angina.
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in gynaecological cancer
Authors: Kim Yoon Byoung , Chung Ye Won , Bae Hyo Sook , Lee Jae Kwan , Lee Nak Woo , Lee Kyu Wan , Song Jae Yun
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To compare the frequency and absolute numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in healthy control subjects and patients with gynaecological cancer, and to test the hypothesis that cancer treatment lowers EPC numbers.

Methods

Patients with cervical or ovarian cancer and healthy control subjects provided peripheral blood samples for the isolation of mononuclear cells. EPCs were identified by quadruple immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry as CD45–/CD34+/CD133+/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)+ cells.

Results

In total, 28 participants were enrolled. Circulating EPCs were present at higher frequencies (and in greater absolute numbers) in patients with cervical or ovarian cancer ( n = 14) than in controls ( n = 14). Concurrent chemoradiation therapy or surgery significantly reduced the frequency and number of EPCs in patients with gynaecological cancer, compared with pretreatment levels.

Conclusions

EPC levels decline throughout cancer treatment; their measurement may therefore be a useful surrogate marker to monitor treatment response.