bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Trastuzumab Induces Ventricular Remodeling Despite Aerobic Exercise Training
Authors: Haykowsky Mark J. , Mackey John R. , Thompson Richard B. , Jones Lee W. , Paterson D. Ian
Published: July 2009

Purpose: To examine the effect of aerobic training in mitigating trastuzumab-mediated left ventricular (LV) remodeling in women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer.

Experimental Design: Seventeen women (53 ± 7 years) with HER2-positive breast cancer did aerobic training during the first 4 months of adjuvant trastuzumab. Peak oxygen consumption and magnetic resonance imaging assessment of LV volumes, mass, and rest and peak (dobutamine stress) ejection fraction were assessed before and after 4 months of trastuzumab.

Results: Participants attended 59% ± 32% of prescribed exercise sessions at 78% ± 6% of peak heart rate. Peak exercise heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, power output, and oxygen consumption were not different after training (all P-values > 0.05). Exercise adherence predicted change in peak oxygen consumption (r = 0.77; P = 0.000). Resting end-diastolic (pre: 120 ± 23 mL versus post: 133 ± 16 mL) and end-systolic volumes (pre: 44 ± 12 mL versus post: 55 ± 11 mL) and mass (pre: 108 ± 21 g versus post: 114 ± 18 g) increased, whereas ejection fraction (pre: 64% ± 4% versus post: 59% ± 4%) decreased from baseline to post-intervention (all P-values < 0.05). Peak ejection fraction was lower after 4 months (pre: 79 ± 4 versus post: 76 ± 6%; P = 0.087).

Conclusion: Initiation of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy is associated with LV cavity dilation and reduced ejection fraction despite aerobic exercise training. The long-term consequences of trastuzumab-induced LV remodeling and the means to prevent LV dysfunction require further study.
Pitavastatin Fails to Lower Serum Lipid Levels or Inhibit Gastric Carcinogenesis in Helicobacter pylori–Infected Rodent Models
Authors: Toyoda Takeshi , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Takasu Shinji , Hirano Naoki , Ban Hisayo , Shi Liang , Kumagai Toshiko , Tanaka Takuji , Tatematsu Masae
Published: July 2009

Statins are commonly used lipid-lowering drugs that reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although recent studies have pointed to chemopreventive effects of statins against various cancers, their efficacy for gastric cancer is unclear. Here, we examined the effects of pitavastatin, a lipophilic statin, on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)–associated stomach carcinogenesis and gastritis using Mongolian gerbil and mouse models. The animals were allocated to H. pylori + N-methyl-N-nitrosourea administration (gerbils, 52 weeks) or H. pylori infection alone groups (gerbils and mice, 12 weeks). After H. pylori infection, they were fed basal diets containing 0 to 10 ppm of pitavastatin. The incidences of H. pylori–associated gastric adenocarcinomas and degrees of chronic gastritis were not decreased by pitavastatin compared with those of control values. Expression of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNAs in the pyloric mucosa was markedly up-regulated in pitavastatin-treated animals. Furthermore, in the H. pylori–infected groups, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased by pitavastatin treatment, contrary to expectation. In the short-term study, H. pylori–infected gerbils and mice also showed significant up-regulation of serum triglyceride levels by pitavastatin, whereas total cholesterol was markedly reduced and low-density lipoprotein exhibited a tendency for decrease in noninfected animals. These findings indicate pitavastatin to be ineffective for suppressing gastritis and chemoprevention of gastric carcinogenesis in H. pylori–infected gerbils. Our serologic results also suggest that the H. pylori infection and consequent severe chronic gastritis interfere with the cholesterol-lowering effects of pitavastatin.
Impairment of Diastolic Function by Lack of Frequency-Dependent Myofilament Desensitizationin Rabbit Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Varian Kenneth D. , Kijtawornrat Anusak , Gupta Subash C. , Torres Carlos A.A. , Monasky Michelle M. , Hiranandani Nitisha , Delfin Dawn A. , Rafael-Fortney Jill A. , Periasamy Muthu , Hamlin Robert L. , Janssen Paul M.L.
Published: July 2009

Background—

Ventricular hypertrophy is a physiological response to pressure overload that, if left untreated, can ultimately result in ventricular dysfunction, including diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that frequency-dependent myofilament desensitization, a physiological response of healthy myocardium, is altered in hypertrophied myocardium.

Methods and Results—

New Zealand white rabbits underwent a pulmonary artery banding procedure to induce pressure overload. After 10 weeks, the animals were euthanized, hearts removed, and suitable trabeculae harvested from the free wall of the right ventricle. Twitch contractions, calibrated bis-fura-2 calcium transients, and myofilament calcium sensitivity (potassium contractures) were measured at frequencies of 1, 2, 3, and 4 Hz. The force frequency response, relaxation frequency response, and calcium frequency relationships were significantly blunted, and diastolic tension significantly increased with frequency in the pulmonary artery banding rabbits compared with sham-operated animals. Myofilament calcium sensitivity was virtually identical at 1 Hz in the treatment versus sham group (pCa 6.11�0.03 versus 6.11�0.06), but the frequency-dependent desensitization that takes place in the sham group (ΔpCa 0.14�0.06,
P
<0.05) was not observed in the pulmonary artery banding animals (ΔpCa 0.02�0.05). Analysis of myofilament protein phosphorylation revealed that the normally observed frequency-dependent phosphorylation of troponin-I is lost in pulmonary artery banding rabbits.

Conclusions—

The frequency-dependent myofilament desensitization is significantly impaired in right ventricular hypertrophy and contributes to the frequency-dependent elevation of diastolic tension in hypertrophy.
Cost-Effectiveness of Genotype-Guided Warfarin Dosing for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Patrick Amanda R. , Avorn Jerry , Choudhry Niteesh K.
Published: July 2009

Background—

CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotyping has been advocated as a means of improving the accuracy of warfarin dosing. However, the effectiveness of genotyping in improving anticoagulation control and reducing major bleeding has not yet been compellingly demonstrated. Genotyping currently costs $400 to $550.

Methods and Results—

We constructed a Markov model to evaluate whether and under what circumstances genetically-guided warfarin dosing could be cost-effective for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients. Estimates of clinical event rates, treatment and adverse event costs, and utilities for health states were derived from the published literature. The cost-effectiveness of genetically-guided dosing was highly dependent on the assumed effectiveness of genotyping in increasing the amount of time patients spend appropriately anticoagulated. If genotyping increases the time spent in the target international normalized ratio range by <5 percentage points, its incremental cost-effectiveness ratio would be greater than $100 000 per quality-adjusted life year. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio falls below $50 000 per quality-adjusted life year if genotyping increases the time spent in range by 9 percentage points. The results were also sensitive to assumptions about the rate of major bleeding events during treatment initiation and the cost of the test.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that genotyping before warfarin initiation will be cost-effective for patients with atrial fibrillation only if it reduces out-of-range international normalized ratio values by more than 5 to 9 percentage points compared with usual care. Given the current uncertainty surrounding genotyping efficacy, caution should be taken in advocating the widespread adoption of this strategy.
Age- and Sex-Specific Trends in Fatal Incidence and Hospitalized Incidence of Stroke in Scotland, 1986 to 2005
Authors: Lewsey James D. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Gillies Michelle , Chalmers Jim W.T. , Redpath Adam , Kelso Laura , Briggs Andrew , Walters Matthew , Langhorne Peter , Capewell Simon , McMurray John J.V. , MacIntyre Kate
Published: July 2009

Background—

Temporal trends in stroke incidence are unclear. We aimed to examine age- and sex-specific temporal trends in incidence of fatal and nonfatal hospitalized stroke in Scotland from 1986 to 2005.

Methods and Results—

Mean age at the time of first stroke was 70.8 (SD, 12.9) years in men and 76.4 (12.9) years in women. Between 1986 and 2005, rates fell in men from 235 (95% CI, 229 to 242) to 149 (144 to 154) and in women from 299 (292 to 306) to 182 (177 to 188). Poisson modeling showed that temporal trends were influenced by age with declines in incidence of hospitalized stroke starting later in younger than older age groups. In both men and women aged under 55 years, the overall incidence rate of stroke was significantly higher in 2005 than in 1986.

Conclusions—

We report in a whole country that the overall incidence of stroke declined steadily and substantially between 1986 and 2005, with a relative reduction in the risk of stroke of 31% in men and 42% in women. Reductions in rates of both hospitalized and nonhospitalized fatal stroke contributed to this overall decline. The increase in incident stroke rates in young people is of concern.
Nematodes of the order Rhabditida from Andalucía Oriental, Spain. The genus Cephalobus Bastian, 1865 with description of C. harpagonis sp. n. and key to species
Authors: Abolafia Joaquín , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: July 2009

A new species of the genus Cephalobus is described from natural areas in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Cephalobus harpagonis sp. n. is characterised by female body length of 0.38-0.47 mm, lips amalgamated in pairs, labial probolae present as low ridges connecting tips of adjacent lips, ovary lacking flexures, spermatheca 11-12 μm long, postuterine sac very short (0.3-0.4 times corresponding body diam.), female tail conical or subcylindrical (22-31 μm, c = 13.2-17.1, c′ = 1.7-2.5) and ending in a tuberculate, often harpoon-like, mucro. Descriptions, measurements and illustrations, including SEM photographs, are also provided for C. persegnis and C. troglophilus from Spain. An identification key to Cephalobus species and a compendium of their measurements are also provided.
Distribution patterns of free-living nematodes in differently degraded river reaches of the River Wien, Austria
Authors: Eisendle Ursula
Published: July 2009

Free-living nematode communities were investigated at four morphologically different reaches along the River Wien, Austria. A near natural (NN) reach, two impounded reaches of different size (small and large: SI, LI) and a restored reach (RR) were sampled in autumn, winter, spring and summer (2004-2005). A total of 4144 individuals were counted and comprised 78 species. Nematodes of the impounded sites contributed least (5% at SI) and most (60% at LI) to the total fauna. Mean site abundances (ind./10 cm2) were 68, 27, 10 and 1 at RR, NN, LI and SI, respectively. Species diversity ranged from 1.59 at LI to 2.16 at RR. Bacterivorous nematodes dominated all sites (>50%); only algivorous Chromadoridae represented a high percentage contribution (46%) at LI. Based on this high portion, the maturity index (MI 1-5) was highest at this site (2.61). The MI indicated status of good water quality for the NN (2.5). The relatively low MI (2.10) and the high portion of cp1 Secernentea (14%) reflect the status of critical pollution at the restored site. The patterns of average taxonomic distinctness (ATD) did not optimally reflect habitat quality; a better descriptor of degraded river habitats seems to be the variation of taxonomic distinctness (VTD) in this study. In conclusion, the MI seems to be a better descriptor of pollution and the VTD of morphological degradation.
Hirschmanniella kwazuna sp. n. from South Africa with notes on a new record of H. spinicaudata (Schuurmans Stekhoven, 1944) Luc & Goodey, 1964 (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) and on the molecular phylogeny of Hirschmanniella Luc & Goodey, 1964
Authors: Van den Berg Esther , Subbotin Sergei A. , Handoo Zafar A. , Tiedt Louwrens R.
Published: July 2009

A new species of the genus Hirschmanniella, H. kwazuna sp. n., is described
from unidentified grass growing in undisturbed veldt from South Africa.
Hirschmanniella kwazuna sp. n. is characterised by having a very irregular
heat-relaxed body posture, body 1522-2049 μm long, lip region low and
rounded with four or five lip annuli, stylet 18-22.5 μm long, lateral field
areolated along entire body, spermatheca filled with sperm, tail with 62-81
ventral annuli narrowing to a tip bearing a ventral mucro, angular
crystal-like inclusions within body cavity in most of the specimens and
phasmid situated 12-24 annuli or 15-26 μm anterior to tail tip. Males, like
females, have crystal-like inclusions with the tail curved strongly dorsad
in most specimens. Juveniles are similar to females. Molecular sequence
analysis using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S, partial 18S and ITS rRNA
sequences distinguished H. kwazuna sp. n. from H. loofi and other species of
the genus. Hirschmanniella spinicaudata is reported from South Africa for
the first time and described. Phylogenetic analyses based on analysis of the
D2-D3, 18S and ITS rRNA genes are given for eight, ten and five valid and
unidentified Hirschmanniella species, respectively.
Nematodes of the order Rhabditida from India. Description of Diplogasteroides uriceus sp. n. and Rhabditidoides papillatus sp. n. (Diplogastrina)
Authors: Mahamood Md , Ahmad Irfan
Published: July 2009

Two new species of diplogastrid nematodes from India are described and
illustrated. Diplogasteroides uriceus sp. n. has a medium-sized body,
monoprodelphic reproductive system lacking a post-uterine sac, anteriorly
directed muscular vagina and vulva located far posterior; long, slender,
arcuate spicules; gubernaculum with proximal thread-like flexible part and
nine pairs of genital papillae of which four pairs are precloacal and five
pairs postcloacal. The new species resembles D. crassus but can be most
easily differentiated by the structure of the cheilorhabdions, shape and
structure of the gubernaculum, arrangement of the genital papillae and the
complete absence of a bursa. The new species also resembles D. proprius but
can be differentiated by stoma structure, more anteriorly located vulva,
longer spicules, gubernaculum shape and tail form. Rhabditidoides papillatus
sp. n. is characterised by the presence of three pairs of post-deirids in
the lateral fields, posteriorly curved tubular stoma, amphidelphic female
reproductive system, strongly developed, arcuate spicules with bilobed
capitulum and a slender gubernaculum provided with a sleeve distally and
anteriorly directed bifid ends proximally. It can be distinguished from R.
stigmatus by the structure of the spicule head, gubernaculum shape and
arrangement of the genital papillae; from R. mastigurus by spicule structure
and the gubernaculum shape; and from R. quercophilus by a more slender
female body, stoma structure, absence of a male bursa, spicule form and
arrangement of the genital papillae.
Apratylenchus vietnamensis gen. n., sp. n. and A. binhi gen. n., sp. n., sedentary Pratylenchidae (Nematoda: Tylenchida) from coffee in Vietnam, with proposal of Apratylenchinae subfam. n.
Authors: Trinh Phap Q. , Waeyenberge Lieven , Nguyen Chau N. , Baldwin James G. , Karssen Gerrit , Moens Maurice
Published: July 2009

Apratylenchinae subfam. n. is proposed within the Pratylenchidae to include
Apratylenchus gen. n. and two new species, A. vietnamensis gen. n., sp. n.
and A. binhi gen. n., sp. n., from coffee plantations in Vietnam.
Apratylenchus gen. n. is distinguished by the presence of transverse rows of
cuticular tubercles on the annuli and by sexual dimorphism in which the
males are stout and cylindrical, but mature sedentary females are
club-shaped. The sedentary females are broadest in the posterior third
although narrowing posterior to the vulva (V ≥ 85%). The female cephalic
region is low and dome-shaped with all labial sectors fused to one another
and the oral disc and the pharyngeal glands overlap the intestine ventrally.
Males have a weak stylet with reduced knobs and a conical tail with a blunt
terminus, arcuate spicules and a non-protrusible gubernaculum. Apratylenchus
vietnamensis gen. n., sp. n. is characterised by a sedentary mature female
with a 368-515 μm long club-shaped body, cephalic region low, dome shaped
with three annuli, body annuli bearing a single or double row of refractive
tubercles, stylet 17.0-19.9 μm long, V = ca 88-92, spermatheca filled with
sperm and males known, if rarely found, in the type population. Males have a
weak, 15 μm long stylet with reduced knobs, 16 μm spicules, a
non-protrusible gubernaculum and low bursa. It differs from A. binhi gen.
n., sp. n., the only other nominal species of the new genus, by longer
female body (368-515 vs 326-364 μm), longer distance from anterior end to
anus (353-512 vs 310-348 μm) and longer stylet (17.0-19.9 vs 14.7-16.9 μm).
In addition, the spermatheca is filled with round sperm vs empty in A. binhi
gen. n., sp. n. and the cuticle has less densely spaced and less pronounced
tubercles. D2/D3 sequences of the 28 rDNA gene clearly support the
separation of Apratylenchus gen. n. from other Pratylenchidae and further
distinguish the two new species from each other.
Schistonchus virens sp. n. (Aphelenchoididae) and Parasitodiplogaster australis sp. n. (Diplogastridae) from Ficus virens (Moraceae) in Australia
Authors: Bartholomaeus Faerlie , Davies Kerrie , Ye Weimin , Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M.
Published: July 2009

A new species each of Schistonchus and Parasitodiplogaster were recovered
from the sycones of Ficus virens from St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
This is also the first record of Parasitodiplogaster from Australia. The
species are described here as Schistonchus virens sp. n. and
Parasitodiplogaster australis sp. n. Schistonchus virens sp. n. is
differentiated from other species of the genus by a combination of
morphological characters, including C-shaped females and males, excretory
pore opening located near the head, a short post-vulval uterine sac,
rose-thorn-shaped spicule, amoeboid sperm, no gubernaculum, three pairs of
subventral papillae on the male tail, DNA sequence data; biogeographical
range and host wasp and Ficus species affiliation. Parasitodiplogaster
australis sp. n. is differentiated from all other species of the genus by
having females with only one gonad, males with C-shaped spicules with an
arcuate, slender gubernaculum, characteristic arrangement of the male caudal
papillae and DNA sequence data. The generic diagnosis of Parasitodiplogaster
is emended to include loss of a female gonad.
Modelling the interactions of soil microbes and nematodes
Authors: Nieminen Jouni K.
Published: July 2009

Six different soil food webs, assembled from a bacterium, a bacterial-feeding
nematode, a fungus and a fungal-feeding nematode, were established in
replicated laboratory microcosms. Glucose was supplied as the sole carbon
source for the microbes. Biomasses of the organisms and the concentration of
dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were measured ten times during 20 weeks. A
discrete dynamic model based on the material flow between system components
was fitted to the experimental data. Bacterial-based food chains were
largely inactive in the absence of fungi, but mutual facilitation was
observed in the systems with both fungus and bacterium. The population
dynamics of a fungal-feeding nematode was adequately described by the
models, but the model failed to describe DOC dynamics. The quality of fungal
biomass appeared to be a key parameter in the system. Model performance was
improved by letting fungal parameters vary with time and food web structure.
Because fungal dynamics could not be explained by a trophic-dynamic model
with rigid parameters, it is suggested that non-trophic effects of
fungal-feeding nematodes on fungi may be more important in microcosms.
Interactions between the potato cyst nematodes, Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis, and soil-borne fungus, Rhizoctonia solani (AG3), diseases of potatoes in the glasshouse and the field
Authors: Bhattarai Shuvash , Haydock Patrick P.J. , Back Matthew A. , Hare Martin C. , Lankford William T.
Published: July 2009

This is the first report of a positive interaction between the nematode
Globodera pallida and Rhizoctonia solani diseases of potato, and is an
important step in the general understanding of interactions between
nematodes and fungal diseases. One glasshouse and two field experiments were
performed to investigate interactions between G. pallida or G. rostochiensis
and R. solani diseases of potatoes. The glasshouse experiment investigated
the independent and combined effects of G. pallida or G. rostochiensis and
R. solani on the growth of plants and R. solani disease severity. In the
glasshouse experiment the combined effects of G. pallida with R. solani or
G. rostochiensis with R. solani showed greater R. solani diseases of
potatoes compared with only R. solani. The field experiments examined the
development of R. solani diseases on potatoes grown in soil with potato cyst
nematode population densities ranging from eight to 140 and four to 50 eggs
(g soil)–1 in the years 2006 and 2007, respectively. The 2006 field
experiment revealed a clear positive relationship between initial population
densities of G. pallida and the incidence of stolons infected by R. solani,
subsequent stolon pruning and stem canker. In both field experiments a clear
positive relationship was found between densities of nematodes within the
potato roots and the incidence of infected stolons, stolon pruning and stem
canker. Nematicide applied together with R. solani in the 2007 field
experiment reduced the effect of G. pallida on the incidence and severity of
diseases caused by R. solani.
Coadministration of Pioglitazone or Glyburide and Alogliptin: Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction Assessment in Healthy Participants
Authors: Karim Aziz , Laurent Aziz , Munsaka Melvin , Wann Elisabeth , Fleck Penny , Mekki Qais
Published: July 2009

Alogliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor under investigation for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Potential pharmacokinetic (PK) drug‐drug interactions of alogliptin with pioglitazone or glyburide were evaluated in healthy adults. In a randomized, 6‐sequence, 3‐period crossover study (study I), participants (n = 30 enrolled; n = 27 completed) received monotherapy with pioglitazone 45 mg once daily (qd), alogliptin 25 mg qd, or coadministration of the 2 agents. The 12‐day treatment periods were separated by a = 10‐day washout interval. In a nonrandomized, single‐sequence study (study II), participants (n = 24 completed) received a single 5‐mg dose of the sulfonylurea glyburide, alone and after 8 days of dosing with alogliptin 25 mg qd. Sequential samples of blood (both studies) and urine (first study) were obtained for determination of PK parameters for alogliptin, pioglitazone, their metabolites, and glyburide. Minor changes in PK parameters between combination therapy and monotherapy were obtained but not judged to be clinically relevant. The combination treatments were well tolerated, although glyburide frequently caused hypoglycemia. Most adverse events were of mild intensity and occurred with a frequency similar to that with monotherapy. It is concluded that pioglitazone or glyburide can be administered with alogliptin without dose adjustment to any component of the combination therapy.
Following in the Wake of Anger: When Not Discriminating Is Discriminating
Authors: Shapiro Jenessa R. , Ackerman Joshua M. , Neuberg Steven L. , Maner Jon K. , Vaughn Becker D. , Kenrick Douglas T.
Published: July 2009

Does seeing a scowling face change your impression of the next person you see? Does this depend on the race of the two people? Across four studies, White participants evaluated neutrally expressive White males as less threatening when they followed angry (relative to neutral) White faces; Black males were not judged as less threatening following angry Black faces. This lack of threat-anchored contrast for Black male faces is not attributable to a general tendency for White targets to homogenize Black males—neutral Black targets following smiling Black faces were contrasted away from them and seen as less friendly—and emerged only for perceivers low in motivation to respond without prejudice (i.e., for those relatively comfortable responding prejudicially). This research provides novel evidence for the overperception of threat in Black males.
The Metamorphosis of Narcissus: Communal Activation Promotes Relationship Commitment Among Narcissists
Authors: Finkel Eli J. , Campbell W. Keith , Buffardi Laura E. , Kumashiro Madoka , Rusbult Caryl E.
Published: July 2009

Three studies tested the hypotheses that the activation of communal mental representations promotes relationship commitment (communal activation hypothesis) and that this effect is stronger among narcissists than among nonnarcissists (Communal Activation × Narcissism hypothesis). Across experimental, longitudinal, and interaction-based research methods, and in participant samples ranging from college students to married couples, results supported the communal activation hypothesis in two of three studies and the Communal Activation × Narcissism hypothesis in all three studies. Moreover, a meta-analytic summary of the results across the three studies revealed that the association of communal activation with commitment was significant overall and that it was stronger among narcissists than among nonnarcissists. Narcissists tended to be less committed than nonnarcissists at low levels of communal activation, but this effect diminished and sometimes even reversed at high levels. This work is the first to identify a mechanism by which narcissists can become more committed relationship partners.
Traversing the Matrix
Authors: Butryn Ted M. , Masucci Matthew A.
Published: July 2009

Despite the growing body of sport studies literature engaging cyborg theory, and notwithstanding the significant amount of work within sport sociology interrogating sport and space, few scholars have attempted to situate the lived experiences of cyborg athletes both within the wide range of indoor, often more technologized settings, and outdoors in what have been considered “wilderness” environments. Furthermore, little work has examined the relationship between sport identities, sporting environments, and environmental politics. Therefore, this study qualitatively examined the lived sporting experiences of 12 competitive athletes who trained and competed both indoors and outdoors while using an array of sporting technologies. Results showed that athletes negotiated the boundaries between human, technology, and nature in complex, often contradictory ways, and made moderate connections between their cyborg identities and their impact on the environment.
Navigating, Recognizing and Describing Urban Spaces With Vision and Lasers
Authors: Newman Paul , Sibley Gabe , Smith Mike , Cummins Mark , Harrison Alastair , Mei Chris , Posner Ingmar , Shade Robbie , Schroeter Derik , Murphy Liz , Churchill Winston , Cole Dave , Reid Ian
Published: July 2009

In this paper we describe a body of work aimed at extending the reach of mobile navigation and mapping. We describe how running topological and metric mapping and pose estimation processes concurrently, using vision and laser ranging, has produced a full six-degree-of-freedom outdoor navigation system. It is capable of producing intricate three-dimensional maps over many kilometers and in real time. We consider issues concerning the intrinsic quality of the built maps and describe our progress towards adding semantic labels to maps via scene de-construction and labeling. We show how our choices of representation, inference methods and use of both topological and metric techniques naturally allow us to fuse maps built from multiple sessions with no need for manual frame alignment or data association.
In Vivo Kinematics of the Tibiotalar Joint After Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Caputo Adam M. , Lee Jun Y. , Spritzer Chuck E. , Easley Mark E. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A. , DeFrate Louis E.
Published: July 2009

Background

Previous studies have suggested that injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) may be linked to altered kinematics and the development of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. However, the effects of ATFL injury on the in vivo kinematics of the ankle joint are unclear.

Hypothesis

Based on the orientation of the ATFL fibers, ATFL deficiency leads to increased anterior translation and increased internal rotation of the talus relative to the tibia.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

The ankles of 9 patients with unilateral ATFL injuries were compared as they stepped onto a level surface. Kinematic measurements were made as a function of increasing load. With use of magnetic resonance imaging and orthogonal fluoroscopy, the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar joint were measured in the ATFL-deficient and intact ankles of the same individuals.

Results

A statistically significant increase in internal rotation, anterior translation, and superior translation of the talus was measured in ATFL-deficient ankles, as compared with the intact contralateral controls. For example, at 100% body weight, ATFL-deficient ankles demonstrated an increase of 0.9 ± 0.5 mm in anterior translation ( P = .008), an increase of 5.7° ± 3.6° in internal rotation ( P = .008), and a slight increase of 0.2 ± 0.2 mm in the superior translation ( P = .02) relative to the intact contralateral ankles.

Conclusion

Deficiency of the ATFL increases anterior translation, internal rotation, and superior translation of the talus.

Clinical Relevance

Altered kinematics may contribute to the degenerative changes observed with chronic lateral ankle instability. These findings might help to explain the degenerative changes frequently observed on the medial talus in patients with chronic ATFL insufficiency and so provide a baseline for improving ankle ligament reconstructions aimed at restoring normal joint motion.
Clustering Predicted by an Electrophysiological Model of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Diekman Casey O. , Forger Daniel B.
Published: July 2009

Despite the wealth of experimental data on the electrophysiology of individual neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the neural code of the SCN remains largely unknown. To predict the electrical activity of the SCN, the authors simulated networks of 10,000 GABAergic SCN neurons using a detailed model of the ionic currents within SCN neurons. Their goal was to understand how neuronal firing, which occurs on a time scale faster than a second, can encode a set phase of the circadian (24-h) cycle. The authors studied the effects of key network properties including: 1) the synaptic density within the SCN, 2) the magnitude of postsynaptic currents, 3) the heterogeneity of circadian phase in the neuronal population, 4) the degree of synaptic noise, and 5) the balance between excitation and inhibition. Their main result was that under a wide variety of conditions, the SCN network spontaneously organized into (typically 3) groups of synchronously firing neurons. They showed that this type of clustering can lead to the silencing of neurons whose intracellular clocks are out of circadian phase with the rest of the population. Their results provide clues to how the SCN may generate a coherent electrical output signal at the tissue level to time rhythms throughout the body.
Policing for Homeland Security
Authors: Oliver Willard M.
Published: July 2009

Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, Federal, State and local governments have increasingly moved toward establishing Homeland Security as an institutional response to not only the threat of future terrorist attacks, but as a means of preparing and responding to natural disasters. Every plan at every level has stated that a critical element to any Homeland Security program is the local police and sheriff's departments. What specifically the police are to do under the concepts of Homeland Security has been unclear and poorly communicated and departments across the country have responded very differently from one another. To date, research in the area of Policing and Homeland Security has been lacking. This article addresses that deficiency, introduces the collection of research articles contained within this special issue of Criminal Justice Policy Review, and establishes an agenda for future research.
Numerical Modeling of Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes Electromechanical Coupling Effects Using Nanoscale Models
Authors: Theodosiou T.C. , Saravanos D.A.
Published: July 2009

Macroscopic electrical properties of carbon nanotubes are determined by their atomic and electronic structure. The analysis involves three interconnected phases. The Tight-Binding Approximation theory is first employed to predict the electronic band structure of the nanotube. Effects of nanotube wall curvature and the presence of an external electric field are included in the formulation. Subsequently the nanotube electrical resistance is calculated using the Wentzel—Kramers—Brillouin and Miller—Good approximations. The coupling effects between mechanical deformation and electrical resistance variations of a carbon nanotube are finally modeled. Numerical results illustrate the sensitivity of the band gap and the electrical resistance to nanotube configuration, and induced axial and torsional strain. The influence of wall curvature and an externally applied electric field on the tube resistance are also illustrated. Finally the differences in the prediction of electric resistance obtained by the Wentzel—Kramers—Brillouin and Miller—Good approximations are also shown.
Influence of Interface Degradation on the Performance of Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Lanzara Giulia , Yoon Youngki , Kim Yujun , Chang Fu-Kuo
Published: July 2009

An experimental and numerical study was performed to investigate the effects of interface debonding on the performance of piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic actuators for structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Interface degradation of PZT actuators may occur over time during the in-service life of the structure compromising the performance and reliability of the SHM system. Energy losses and signal changes should be understood to guarantee the reliability of the SHM systems during the life-time of the structure. Here we present the first systematic study on the performance of PZT actuators with a partially degraded interface. The electro-mechanical coupling between PZT actuators and a hosting aluminium plate was found to vary with the interface debonding over a wide frequency range affecting the amplitude and phase of the actuator’s signal. A signal delay and an amplitude decrease were observed for: increasing debonding area, different debond shape, and location underneath the PZT actuators. Changes were found to be dependent on the actuation frequency with respect to the PZT resonance frequency. A spectral element-based code integrated with a coupled electro-mechanical field solver was used to verify the experimental results by simulating the propagation of ultrasonic Lamb waves in an aluminum plate with built-in PZT sensors/actuators.
Unresolved PTSD in a Hispanic Woman Presenting With Test Anxiety
Authors: Henslee Amber M. , Schumacher Julie A. , Holloman Garland , Coffey Scott F.
Published: July 2009

This article illustrates the unique symptom presentation and outpatient treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a Hispanic female. The patient was referred to therapy to address problems with concentration and difficulties related to test-taking. A motivational interviewing-based assessment was conducted and the case was conceptualized in a cognitive— behavioral framework. After resolution of test-taking anxiety, additional anxiety symptoms emerged, including subclinical panic disorder and evidence of unresolved PTSD. Prolonged Exposure was initiated to successfully treat residual trauma-related symptoms. Recommendations for assessment and treatment of individuals with a trauma history are provided, with an emphasis on the need for sensitivity to cultural issues.
A meta-analysis of the placebo response in antimuscarinic drug trials for overactive bladder
Authors: Lee Soyon , Malhotra Bimal , Creanga Dana , Carlsson Martin , Glue Paul
Published: July 2009

Background

The purpose of this analysis was to characterize the placebo response in antimuscarinic drug trials for OAB, based on changes in commonly-used efficacy endpoints.

Methods

Placebo arm data for incontinence episodes, micturitions, voided volume and study characteristics were extracted from randomized placebo controlled antimuscarinic drug trials in OAB, from studies identified in a prior meta-analysis, and from a systematic review of more recently published studies. Relationships between variables were examined using linear regression, and changes in endpoints were analyzed by a meta-analysis approach. The effect of placebo arm size and magnitude of placebo response on probability of successful study outcome was analyzed using an ANOVA model.

Results

Changes in the placebo arms for all 3 endpoints were substantial and statistically significant, and highly heterogeneous. There were significant associations between baseline and change scores for some but not all of the endpoints. More recent studies tended to have more subjects than earlier studies, and there were positive associations between probability of achieving statistically significant results and size of the placebo arm. The magnitude of changes in placebo arms did not appear to influence the likelihood of the study to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

This analysis confirms earlier observation that the placebo response in OAB trials is substantial and highly heterogeneous. There are multiple potential reasons for this; however, these could not be explored in this analysis of study-level data. Two approaches may be used in clinical trials to manage high placebo effect: recruitment of 1) greater numbers of patients and/or 2) more severely affected patients; however, only the former approach is associated with increased probability of successful study outcome.
Immunophoretic rapid diagnostic tests as a source of immunoglobulins for estimating malaria sero-prevalence and transmission intensity
Authors: Williams Geoffrey S , Mweya Clement , Stewart Laveta , Mtove George , Reyburn Hugh , Cook Jackie , Corran Patrick H , Riley Eleanor M , Drakeley Chris J
Published: July 2009

Background

Sero-epidemiological methods are being developed as a tool for rapid assessment of malaria transmission intensity. Simple blood collection methods for use in field settings will make this more feasible. This paper describes validation of such a method, by analysing immunoglobulins from blood retained within immunophoretic rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Plasmodium falciparum. RDTs are now widely used for the diagnosis of malaria and estimation of parasite rates, and this method represents a further use for these devices in malaria control.

Methods

Immunoglobulins eluted from RDTs, designed to detect parasite histidine rich protein-2 (HRP-2), were analysed by indirect ELISA for IgG recognizing the P. falciparum blood stage antigens merozoite surface protein-119 (MSP-119) and apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1). Optimal storage conditions for RDTs were evaluated by comparing antibody responses from RDTs stored in dry or humid conditions at 4°C or at ambient temperature (with or without air-conditioning) for 7, 31 or 70 days. Antibody levels estimated using 3,700 RDT samples from attendees at health facilities in North-eastern Tanzania were compared with contemporaneously collected filter paper blood spots (FPBS) and used to estimate seroconversion rates.

Results

Storage of RDTs at 4°C was optimal for immunoglobulin recovery but short-term storage at ambient temperatures did not substantially affect anti-malarial IgG levels. Results from RDTs were comparable with those from FPBSs, for both antigens. RDT-generated titres tended to be slightly higher than those generated from FPBSs, possibly due to greater recovery of immunoglobulins from RDTs compared to filter paper. Importantly, however, RDT-based seroconversion rates, and hence serological estimates of malaria transmission intensity, agreed closely with those from FPBSs.

Conclusion

RDTs represent a practical option for collecting blood for sero-epidemiological surveys, with potential cost and logistical advantages over filter paper and other blood collection methods. RDT-based seroepidemiology can be incorporated into routine monitoring of malaria endemicity, providing information to supplement parasite prevalence rates and generating rapid, robust assessment of malaria transmission intensity at minimal extra cost.
Reactivation from latency displays HIV particle budding at plasma membrane, accompanying CD44 upregulation and recruitment
Authors: Suyama Mari , Daikoku Eriko , Goto Toshiyuki , Sano Kouichi , Morikawa Yuko
Published: July 2009

Background

It has been accepted that HIV buds from the cell surface in T lymphocytes, whereas in macrophages it buds into intracellular endosomes. Recent studies, on the other hand, suggest that HIV preferentially buds from the cell surface even in monocytic cells. However, most studies are based on observations in acutely infected cells and little is known about HIV budding concomitant with reactivation from latency. Such studies would provide a better understanding of a reservoir for HIV.

Results

We observed HIV budding in latently infected T lymphocytic and monocytic cell lines following TNF-α stimulation and examined the upregulation of host factors that may be involved in particle production. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that reactivation of latently infected J1.1 cells (latently infected Jurkat cells with HIV-1) and U1 cells (latently infected U937 cells with HIV-1) displayed HIV particle budding predominantly at the plasma membrane, a morphology that is similar to particle budding in acutely infected Jurkat and U937 cells. When mRNA expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR, we found that particle production from reactivated J1.1 and U1 cells was accompanied by CD44 upregulation. This upregulation was similarly observed when Jurkat and U937 cells were acutely infected with HIV-1 but not when just stimulated with TNF-α, suggesting that CD44 upregulation was linked with HIV production but not with cell stimulation. The molecules in endocytic pathways such as CD63 and HRS were also upregulated when U1 cells were reactivated and U937 cells were acutely infected with HIV-1. Confocal microscopy revealed that these upregulated host molecules were recruited to and accumulated at the sites where mature particles were formed at the plasma membrane.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that HIV particles are budded at the plasma membrane upon reactivation from latency, a morphology that is similar to particle budding in acute infection. Our data also suggest that HIV expression may lead to the upregulation of certain host cell molecules that are recruited to sites of particle assembly, possibly coordinating particle production.
An exploration of the ability of tepoxalin to ameliorate the degradation of articular cartilage in a canine in vitromodel
Authors: Macrory Lisa , Vaughan-Thomas Anne , Clegg Peter D , Innes John F
Published: July 2009

Background

To study the ability of tepoxalin, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) and its active metabolite to reduce the catabolic response of cartilage to cytokine stimulation in anin vitromodel of canine osteoarthritis (OA).

Grossly normal cartilage was collected post-mortem from seven dogs that had no evidence of joint disease. Cartilage explants were cultured in media containing the recombinant canine interleukin-1β(IL-1β) at 100 ng/ml and recombinant human oncostatin-M (OSM) at 50 ng/ml. The effects of tepoxalin and its metabolite were studied at three concentrations (1 × 10-5, 1 × 10-6and 1 × 10-7M). Total glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen (hydroxyproline) release from cartilage explants were used as outcome measures of proteoglycan and collagen depletion respectively. PGE2and LTB4assays were performed to study the effects of the drug on COX and LOX activity.

Results

Treatment with IL-1βand OSM significantly upregulated both collagen (p = 0.004) and proteoglycan (p = 0.001) release from the explants. Tepoxalin at 10-5M and 10-6M caused a decrease in collagen release from the explants (p = 0.047 and p = 0.075). Drug treatment showed no effect on GAG release. PGE2concentration in culture media at day 7 was significantly increased by IL-1βand OSM and treatment with both tepoxalin and its metabolite showed a trend towards dose-dependent reduction of PGE2production. LTB4concentrations were too low to be quantified. Cytotoxicity assays suggested that neither tepoxalin nor its metabolite had a toxic effect on the cartilage chondrocytes at the concentrations and used in this study.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that tepoxalin exerts inhibition of COX and can reducein vitrocollagen loss from canine cartilage explants at a concentration of 10-5M. We can conclude that, in this model, tepoxalin can partially inhibit the development of cartilage degeneration when it is available locally to the tissue.
Critical appraisal of meta-analyses: an introductory guide for the practicing surgeon
Authors: Lawrentschuk Nathan , McCall Jonathan , Güller Ulrich
Published: July 2009

Meta-analyses are an essential tool of clinical research. Meta-analyses of individual randomized controlled trials frequently constitute the highest possible level of scientific evidence for a given research question and allow surgeons to rapidly gain a comprehensive understanding of an important clinical issue. Moreover, meta-analyses often serve as cornerstones for evidence-based surgery, treatment guidelines, and knowledge transfer. Given the importance of meta-analyses to the medical (and surgical) knowledge base, it is of cardinal importance that surgeons have a basic grasp of the principles that guide a high-quality meta-analysis, and be able to weigh objectively the advantages and potential pitfalls of this clinical research tool. Unfortunately, surgeons are often ill-prepared to successfully conduct, critically appraise, and correctly interpret meta-analyses. The objective of this educational review is to provide surgeons with a brief introductory overview of the knowledge and skills required for understanding and critically appraising surgical meta-analyses as well as assessing their implications for their own surgical practice.