bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rho-kinase inhibition prevents proteinuria in immune-complex-mediated antipodocyte nephritis
Authors: Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Dehde Silke , Sachs Marlies , Mathey Sabrina , Arefi Kazem , Gatzemeier Stefan , Balabanov Stefan , Becker Jan U. , Thaiss Friedrich , Meyer Tobias N.
Published: July 2012

Podocyte foot process retraction is a hallmark of proteinuric glomerulonephritis. Cytoskeletal rearrangement causes a redistribution of slit membrane proteins from the glomerular filtration barrier towards the cell body. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms are presently unknown. Recently, we have developed a new experimental model of immune-mediated podocyte injury in mice, the antipodocyte nephritis (APN). Podocytes were targeted with a polyclonal antipodocyte antibody causing massive proteinuria around day 10. Rho-kinases play a central role in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton of podocytes. We therefore investigated whether inhibition of Rho-kinases would prevent podocyte disruption. C57/BL6 mice received antipodocyte serum with or without daily treatment with the specific Rho-kinase inhibitor HA-1077 (5 mg/kg). Immunoblot analysis demonstrated activation of Rho-kinase in glomeruli of antipodocyte serum-treated mice, which was prevented by HA-1077. Increased Rho-kinase activity was localized to podocytes in APN mice by immunostainings against the phosphorylated forms of Rho-kinase substrates. Rho-kinase inhibition significantly reduced podocyte loss from the glomerular tuft. Periodic acid staining demonstrated less podocyte hypertrophy in Rho-kinase-inhibited APN mice, despite similar amounts of immune complex deposition. Electron microscopy revealed reduced foot process effacement compared with untreated APN mice. Internalization of the podocyte slit membrane proteins nephrin and synaptopodin was prevented by Rho-kinase inhibition. Functionally, Rho-kinase inhibition significantly reduced proteinuria without influencing blood pressure. In rats with passive Heymann nephritis and human kidney biopsies from patients with membranous nephropathy, Rho-kinase was activated in podocytes. Together, these data suggest that increased Rho-kinase activity in the podocyte may be a mechanism for in vivo podocyte foot process retraction.
VEGF165b overexpression restores normal glomerular water permeability in VEGF164-overexpressing adult mice
Authors: Oltean Sebastian , Neal Christopher R. , Mavrou Athina , Patel Panisha , Ahad Thomas , Alsop Chloe , Lee Thomas , Sison Karen , Qiu Yan , Harper Steven J. , Bates David O. , Salmon Andrew H. J.
Published: July 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a family of differentially spliced proteins produced by glomerular podocytes, maintains glomerular filtration barrier function. The expression of VEGF molecules is altered in human nephropathy. We aimed to determine the roles of the angiogenic VEGF164isoform, and the antiangiogenic VEGF165b isoform in mature, adult glomeruli in vivo using conditional, inducible transgenic overexpression systems in mice. Podocyte-specific VEGF164overexpression (up to 100 days) was induced by oral administration of doxycycline to adult podocin-rtTA/TetO-VEGF164double transgenic mice. The consequences of simultaneous overexpression of VEGF164and VEGF165b were assessed in triple-transgenic podocin-rtTA/TetO-VEGF164/nephrin-VEGF165b mice. Persistent VEGF164overexpression did not cause proteinuria but did increase glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient between days 3 and 7. Despite persistently increased VEGF164levels, glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient normalized by day 14 and remained normal up to 100 days. Decreased subpodocyte space (SPS) coverage of the glomerular capillary wall accompanied increased glomerular hydraulic conductivity in VEGF164-overexpressing mice. The changes in glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient and SPS coverage induced by 7 days of overexpression of VEGF164were not present in triple transgenic VEGF164and VEGF165b overexpressing mice. These results indicate that 1) the adult mouse glomerulus is relatively resistant to induced VEGF164overexpression. VEGF164overexpression altered glomerular permeability but did not cause proteinuria in these mature, adult animals; 2) the SPS is a dynamic VEGF-responsive modulator of glomerular function; and 3) the balance of VEGF isoforms plays a critical role in the regulation of glomerular permeability. VEGF165b is capable of preventing VEGF164-induced changes in glomerular permeability and ultrastructure in vivo.
Intercellular Ca2+Waves: Mechanisms and Function
Authors: Leybaert Luc , Sanderson Michael J.
Published: July 2012

Intercellular calcium (Ca2+) waves (ICWs) represent the propagation of increases in intracellular Ca2+through a syncytium of cells and appear to be a fundamental mechanism for coordinating multicellular responses. ICWs occur in a wide diversity of cells and have been extensively studied in vitro. More recent studies focus on ICWs in vivo. ICWs are triggered by a variety of stimuli and involve the release of Ca2+from internal stores. The propagation of ICWs predominately involves cell communication with internal messengers moving via gap junctions or extracellular messengers mediating paracrine signaling. ICWs appear to be important in both normal physiology as well as pathophysiological processes in a variety of organs and tissues including brain, liver, retina, cochlea, and vascular tissue. We review here the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of ICWs, the key intra- and extracellular messengers (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ATP) mediating ICWs, and the proposed physiological functions of ICWs.
Adaptive and Maladaptive Cardiorespiratory Responses to Continuous and Intermittent Hypoxia Mediated by Hypoxia-Inducible Factors 1 and 2
Authors: Prabhakar Nanduri R. , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: July 2012

Hypoxia is a fundamental stimulus that impacts cells, tissues, organs, and physiological systems. The discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and subsequent identification of other members of the HIF family of transcriptional activators has provided insight into the molecular underpinnings of oxygen homeostasis. This review focuses on the mechanisms of HIF activation and their roles in physiological and pathophysiological responses to hypoxia, with an emphasis on the cardiorespiratory systems. HIFs are heterodimers comprised of an O2-regulated HIF-1α or HIF-2α subunit and a constitutively expressed HIF-1β subunit. Induction of HIF activity under conditions of reduced O2availability requires stabilization of HIF-1α and HIF-2α due to reduced prolyl hydroxylation, dimerization with HIF-1β, and interaction with coactivators due to decreased asparaginyl hydroxylation. Stimuli other than hypoxia, such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, can also activate HIFs. HIF-1 and HIF-2 are essential for acute O2sensing by the carotid body, and their coordinated transcriptional activation is critical for physiological adaptations to chronic hypoxia including erythropoiesis, vascularization, metabolic reprogramming, and ventilatory acclimatization. In contrast, intermittent hypoxia, which occurs in association with sleep-disordered breathing, results in an imbalance between HIF-1α and HIF-2α that causes oxidative stress, leading to cardiorespiratory pathology.
Neocortical Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Bercovici Eduard , Kumar Balagobal Santosh , Mirsattari Seyed M.
Published: July 2012

Complex partial seizures (CPSs) can present with various semiologies, while mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a well-recognized cause of CPS, neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy (nTLE) albeit being less common is increasingly recognized as separate disease entity. Differentiating the two remains a challenge for epileptologists as many symptoms overlap due to reciprocal connections between the neocortical and the mesial temporal regions. Various studies have attempted to correctly localize the seizure focus in nTLE as patients with this disorder may benefit from surgery. While earlier work predicted poor outcomes in this population, recent work challenges those ideas yielding good outcomes in part due to better localization using improved anatomical and functional techniques. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the diagnostic workup, particularly the application of recent advances in electroencephalography and functional brain imaging, in neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy.
Bayesian Non-Parametric Mixtures of GARCH(1,1) Models
Authors: Lau John W. , Cripps Ed
Published: July 2012

Traditional GARCH models describe volatility levels that evolve smoothly over time, generated by a single GARCH regime. However, nonstationary time series data may exhibit abrupt changes in volatility, suggesting changes in the underlying GARCH regimes. Further, the number and times of regime changes are not always obvious. This article outlines a nonparametric mixture of GARCH models that is able to estimate the number and time of volatility regime changes by mixing over the Poisson-Kingman process. The process is a generalisation of the Dirichlet process typically used in nonparametric models for time-dependent data provides a richer clustering structure, and its application to time series data is novel. Inference is Bayesian, and a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to explore the posterior distribution is described. The methodology is illustrated on the Standard and Poor's 500 financial index.
Analysis of Cavitation Instabilities in a Four-Blade Inducer
Authors: Coutier-Delgosha O. , Dazin A. , Caignaert G. , Bois G.
Published: July 2012

The cavitating behavior of a four-blade inducer tested in the LML laboratory large test facility is considered in the present paper. Experimental investigations based on unsteady pressure measurements and records from a six-component balance mounted on the inducer shaft are performed. Spectral analysis of the signals enables to detect several characteristic frequencies related to unbalanced two-phase flow patterns. The objective of the present paper is the understanding of the physical phenomena associated to these frequencies. Therefore, wavelet decomposition, flow visualizations, and direct analysis of the high-frequency force, moment, and pressure signals are applied. Results at nominal flow rate only are considered. Not only classical unbalanced cavitation patterns, but also unexpected flow organizations are discussed.
Dimensionless Numerical Approaches for the Performance Prediction of Marine Waterjet Propulsion Units
Authors: Altosole Marco , Benvenuto Giovanni , Figari Massimo , Campora Ugo
Published: July 2012

One of the key issues at early design stage of a high-speed craft is the selection and the performance prediction of the propulsion system because at this stage only few information about the vessel are available. The objective of this work is precisely to provide the designer, in the case of waterjet propelled craft, with a simple and reliable calculation tool, able to predict the waterjet working points in design and off-design conditions, allowing to investigate several propulsive options during the ship design process. In the paper two original dimensionless numerical procedures, one referred to jet units for naval applications and the other more suitable for planing boats, are presented. The first procedure is based on a generalized performance map for mixed flow pumps, derived from the analysis of several waterjet pumps by applying similitude principles of the hydraulic machines. The second approach, validated by some comparisons with current waterjet installations, is based on a complete physical approach, from which a set of non-dimensional waterjet characteristics has been drawn by the authors. The presented application examples show the validity and the degree of accuracy of the proposed methodologies for the performance evaluation of waterjet propulsion systems.
PET Imaging in Recurrent Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Treglia Giorgio , Rufini Vittoria , Salvatori Massimo , Giordano Alessandro , Giovanella Luca
Published: July 2012

Purpose. To perform an overview about the role of positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) using different radiopharmaceuticals in recurrent medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) based on biochemical findings (increased tumor marker levels after primary surgery). Methods. A comprehensive literature search of studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases through February 2012 regarding PET or PET/CT in patients with recurrent MTC was performed. Results. Twenty-nine studies comprising 714 patients with suspected recurrent MTC were retrieved. Twenty-seven articles evaluated the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET or PET/CT in recurrent MTC with conflicting results. Diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET and PET/CT increased in MTC patients with higher calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen values, suggesting that these imaging methods could be very useful in patients with more advanced and aggressive disease. Eight articles evaluated the role of fluorine-18-dihydroxyphenylalanine (FDOPA) PET or PET/CT in recurrent MTC reporting promising results. Overall, FDOPA seems to be superior but complementary compared to FDG in detecting recurrent MTC. Few studies evaluating other PET tracers are also discussed. Conclusions. PET radiopharmaceuticals reflect different metabolic pathways in MTC. FDOPA seems to be the most useful PET tracer in detecting recurrent MTC based on rising levels of tumor markers. FDG may complement FDOPA in patients with more aggressive MTC.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Molecular Switches Regulating CNS Axon Regeneration
Authors: Vigneswara Vasanthy , Kundi Sarina , Ahmed Zubair
Published: July 2012

The poor or lack of injured adult central nervous system (CNS) axon regeneration results in devastating consequences and poor functional recovery. The interplay between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributes to robust inhibition of axon regeneration of injured CNS neurons. The insufficient or lack of trophic support for injured neurons is considered as one of the major obstacles contributing to their failure to survive and regrow their axons after injury. In the CNS, many of the signalling pathways associated with neuronal survival and axon regeneration are regulated by several classes of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) that respond to a variety of ligands. This paper highlights and summarises the most relevant recent findings pertinent to different classes of the RTK family of molecules, with a particular focus on elucidating their role in CNS axon regeneration.
Cryptococcal Tongue Lesion in a Stem Cell Transplant Patient: First Reported Case
Authors: Reinstadler David R. , Dadwal Sanjeet , Maghami Ellie
Published: July 2012

A compromised immune system places individuals at a significantly higher risk for many infectious processes. Immunosuppression also increases the risk of malignancy due to the body's decreased ability to perform its normal immunosurveilance and response. It is therefore imperative to have regular thorough evaluations of these patients, as slight abnormalities may be the early signs of infection or neoplasm. We present the first reported case of a tongue lesion in a stem cell transplant patient, highly concerning for malignancy, which was found to be a mucocutaneous presentation of disseminated Cryptococcus.
Secondary Vesical Calculus Resulting from Migration of an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
Authors: Vagholkar Suvarna , Vagholkar Ketan
Published: July 2012

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is the commonest form of contraception used in view of less systemic side effects. However, there are a multitude of local complications caused by it. Of all the local complications described, migration of the device into adjacent organs is the most morbid of all complications. A patient presenting with history of loss or disappearance of the intrauterine contraceptive device accompanied by urinary symptoms should raise the doubt of a migrated device with the formation of a secondary calculus. This prompts further radiological investigations and merits surgical intervention either endourologically or by open surgery depending upon the merits of the case. A case report elucidating this fact is presented.
Bifidobacterium animalisssp.lactis420 Protects against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Permeability in Rats
Authors: Lyra Anna , Saarinen Markku , Putaala Heli , Olli Kaisa , Lahtinen Sampo J. , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Madetoja Mari , Tiihonen Kirsti
Published: July 2012

Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects such as erosion and increased permeability are common during the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Our objective was to assess whetherBifidobacterium animalisssp.lactis420 protects against NSAID-induced GI side effects in a rat model. A total of 120 male Wistar rats were allocated into groups designated as control, NSAID, and probiotic. The NSAID and probiotic groups were challenged with indomethacin (10 mg/kg−1; single dose). The probiotic group was also supplemented daily with 1010 CFU ofB. lactis420 for seven days prior to the indomethacin administration. The control group rats received no indomethacin or probiotic. The permeability of the rat intestine was analysed using carbohydrate probes and the visual damage of the rat stomach mucosa was graded according to severity.B. lactis420 significantly reduced the indomethacin-induced increase in stomach permeability. However, the protective effect on the visual mucosal damage was not significant. The incidence of severe NSAID-induced lesions was, nevertheless, reduced from 50% to 33% with the probiotic treatment. To conclude, theB. lactis420 supplementation protected the rats from an NSAID-induced increase in stomach permeability and may reduce the formation of more serious GI mucosal damage and/or enhance the recovery rate of the stomach mucosa.
Care for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a Random Sample of Community Family Practices in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Agarwal Gina , Kaczorowski Janusz , Hanna Steve
Published: July 2012

Objective. Diabetes care is an important part of family practice. Previous work indicates that diabetes management is variable. This study aimed to examine diabetes care according to best practices in one part of Ontario.Design and Participants. A retrospective chart audit of 96 charts from 18 physicians was conducted to examine charts regarding diabetes care during a one-year period.Setting. Grimsby, Ontario.Main Outcome Measures. Glycemic screening, control and management strategies, documentation and counselling for lifestyle habits, prevalence of comorbidities, screening for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and use of appropriate recommended preventive medications in the charts were examined.Results. Mean A1c was within target (less than or equal to 7.00) in 76% of patients (ICC = −0.02), at least 4 readings per annum were taken in 75% of patients (ICC = 0.006). Nearly 2/3 of patients had been counselled about diet, more than 1/2 on exercise, and nearly all (90%) were on medication. Nearly all patients had a documented blood pressure reading and lipid profile. Over half (60%) had a record of their weight and/or BMI.Conclusion. Although room for improvement exists, diabetes targets were mainly reached according to recognized best practices, in keeping with international data on attainment of diabetes targets.
Thyroid Dysfunction and Autoantibodies Association with Hypertensive Disorders during Pregnancy
Authors: Alavi Azin , Adabi Khadijeh , Nekuie Sepideh , Jahromi Elham Kazemi , Solati Mehrdad , Sobhani Alireza , Karmostaji Hoda , Jahanlou Alireza Shahab
Published: July 2012

Background. Thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity are relatively common in reproductive age and have been associated with adverse health outcomes for both mother and child, including hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.Objective. To survey the relation between thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity and incidence and severity of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders.Method. In this case control study 48 hypertensive patients in 4 subgroups (gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia) and 50 normotensive ones were studied. The samples were nulliparous and matched based on age and gestational age and none of them had previous history of hypertensive or thyroid disorders and other underlying systemic diseases or took medication that might affect thyroid function. Their venous blood samples were collected using electrochemiluminescence and ELISA method and thyroid hormones and TSH and autoantibodies were measured.Results. Hypertensive patients had significant lower T3 concentration compared with normotensive ones with mean T3 values152.5±48.93 ng/dL,175.36±58.07 ng/dL respectively. Anti-TPO concentration is higher in control group6.07±9.02 IU/mL compared with2.27±2.94 IU/mL in cases.Conclusion. The severity of preeclampsia and eclampsia was not associated with thyroid function tests. The only significant value was low T3 level among pregnancy, induced hypertensive patients.
Malar Bone Metastasis Revealing a Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Slim Ihsen , Mhiri Aida , Meddeb Imène , Goucha Aida , Gritli Saïd , Ben Slimene Mohamed Faouzi
Published: July 2012

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common form of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. It is generally confined to the neck with or without spread to regional lymph nodes. Metastatic thyroid carcinomas are uncommon and mainly include lung and bone. Metastases involving oral and maxillofacial region are extremely rare. We described a case of malar metastasis revealing a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, presenting with pain and swelling of the left cheek in a 67-years-old female patient with an unspecified histological left lobo-isthmectomy medical history. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded instance of a malar metastasis from a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Dual-Band Antenna/AMC Combination for RFID
Authors: de Cos M. E. , Las-Heras F.
Published: July 2012

A novel antenna/Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) combination usable in dual-band Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags over metallic objects is presented. A compact and low thickness prototype is manufactured and characterized in terms of return loss and radiation properties in an anechoic chamber both alone and on a metallic plate. The performance exhibited by the presented antenna/AMC prototype is proper for RFID tags on both metallic and nonmetallic objects.
Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Arabic-Speaking Countries
Authors: Badran Mohammad , Laher Ismail
Published: July 2012

The global epidemic of diabetes has not spared the Arabic-speaking countries, which have some of the highest prevalence of type II diabetes. This is particularly true of the Arab Gulf, a conglomerate of high income, oil-producing countries where prevalence rates are the highest. The prevalence rates among adults of the Arabic speaking countries as a whole range between 4%–21%, with the lowest being in Somalia and the highest in Kuwait. As economic growth has accelerated, so has the movement of the populations to urban centers where people are more likely to adopt lifestyles that embrace increased high-calorie food consumption and sedentary lifestyles. These factors likely contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the Arabic speaking countries.
Quality of Life and Socioenvironmental Degradation in the Cantareira System Environmental Protected Area, SP, Brazil
Authors: Seixas Sônia Regina da Cal , de Moraes Höeffel João Luiz , Renk Michelle , Silva Benedita Nazaré da
Published: July 2012

Studies on quality of life can contribute to a better understanding of situations where socioenvironmental transformations are evident, from environmental, social, cultural, and political perspectives. This paper analyzes the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Moinho rural settlement in the context of the surrounding conditions of environmental degradation. Moinho is located in Nazaré Paulista municipality, which belongs to the Cantareira System Environmental Protected Area (Cantareira EPA), state of São Paulo, Brazil. The methodology used was based on secondary data collection and interviews with local residents. The results explore the interface between the transformation of land use and the growing change of rural life that are greatly influenced by expanding urban sprawl in the region. Over recent decades, changes in the production systems, substitution of agriculture crops, and the impacts of these variables on environmental health and water availability, as well as damage to the Municipal Human Development Index (HDI-M) of its municipalities, are indicators of the region’s present social complexity. This study shows that an improvement in the quality of life has an intimate relationship with the creation of sustainable economic activities and the real participation of the local population in decision making processes.
Proteolytic Potential of the MSC Exosome Proteome: Implications for an Exosome-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutic Proteasome
Authors: Lai Ruenn Chai , Tan Soon Sim , Teh Bao Ju , Sze Siu Kwan , Arslan Fatih , de Kleijn Dominique P. , Choo Andre , Lim Sai Kiang
Published: July 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in many of the current stem cell-based clinical trials and their therapeutic efficacy has increasingly been attributed to secretion of paracrine factors. We have previously demonstrated that a therapeutic constituent of this secretion is exosome, a secreted bilipid membrane vesicle of~50–100 nm with a complex cargo that is readily internalized by H9C2 cardiomyocytes. It reduces infarct size in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. We postulate that this therapeutic efficacy is derived from the synergy of a select permutation of individual exosome components. To identify protein candidates in this permutation, the proteome was profiled and here we identified 20S proteasome as a protein candidate. Mass spectrometry analysis detected all sevenαand sevenβchains of the 20S proteasome, and also the three beta subunits of “immunoproteasome” with a very high confidence level. We demonstrated that a functional proteasome copurified with MSC exosomes with a density of 1.10–1.18 g/mL, and its presence correlated with a modest but significant reduction in oligomerized protein in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. Circulating proteasomes in human blood also copurified with exosomes. Therefore, 20S proteasome is a candidate exosome protein that could synergize with other constituents to ameliorate tissue damage.
Comparative Studies on Conventional and Ultrasound‐Assisted Synthesis of Novel Homoallylic Alcohol Derivatives Linked to Sulfonyl Dibenzene Moiety in Aqueous Media
Authors: Mady Mohamed F. , El-Kateb Ahmed A. , Zeid Ibrahim F. , Jørgensen Kåre B.
Published: July 2012

Novel homoallylic alcohols incorporating sulfone moieties were synthesized by the treatment of different carbonyl compounds with allylic bromides in aqueous media via sonochemical Barbier‐type reaction conditions. Sulfonation of α‐bromoketones with sodium benzenesulfinate in presence of CuI/2,6‐lutidine rapidly gave β‐keto‐sulfones in good yields. In general, ultrasound irradiation offered the advantages of high yields, short reaction times, and simplicity compared to the conventional methods. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral data.
Respiratory Muscle Fatigue following Exercise in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Elia Davide , Kelly Julia L. , Martolini Dario , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Boutou Afroditi K. , Chetta Alfredo , Polkey Michael I. , Hopkinson Nicholas S.
Published: July 2012

Background: It is not known whether respiratory muscle fatigue occurs as a consequence of exercise in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and, if so, to what extent it is related to changes in dynamic lung volumes. Objectives: To assess the development of respiratory muscle fatigue in patients with ILD and relate it to the respiratory pattern during exercise. Methods: Sixteen ILD patients (11 women) performed incremental, symptom-limited cycle ergometry with inspiratory capacity manoeuvres used to measure changes in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). Twitch transdia-phragmatic pressure (TwPdi) and twitch gastric pressure (TwT10Pga), in response to magnetic stimulation, were used to assess the development of fatigue. Results: TwPdi did not differ significantly before and after exercise (21.8 ± 8 vs. 20.2 ± 8 cm H2O; p = 0.10), while TwT10Pga fell from 28.6 ± 18 to 25.2 ± 14 cm H2O (p = 0.02). EELV fell from 2.18 ± 0.65 to 1.91 ± 0.59 liters following exercise (p = 0.04). The fall in TwT10Pga correlated with peak oxygen uptake at peak of exercise (r = -0.52, p = 0.041), increase in heart rate (r = 0.53, p = 0.032) and with the decrease of EELV during exercise (r = 0.57, p = 0.021). Abdominal muscle fatiguers (n = 9, 56%), defined as having a ≥10% fall in TwT10Pga, had a fall in EELV of 22 ± 22% compared to 0.7 ± 8% in non-fatiguers (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Abdominal muscle fatigue develops during exercise in some ILD patients in association with increased expiratory muscle activity manifested by reduced EELV.
CIBIC Plus-J Assessment Using a Videotaped Method in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Nakamura Yu , Usui Mikiko , Nishikawa Takashi , Takita Masashi , Shigeta Masahiro , Imai Yukimichi , Urakami Katsuya , Kita Hiroshi , Homma Akira
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: CIBIC plus-J is the Japanese language version equivalent to CIBIC plus. Variability of CIBIC plus-J arises among raters in accordance with their experience and their memories of patients’ conditions at baseline. Therefore, in a multicenter trial of Alzheimer’s disease, CIBIC plus-J interviews with Alzheimer’s disease patients were videotaped, and the tapes were assessed by central raters as a means to improve the reliability of CIBIC plus-J assessment. Methods: Two of eight central raters were randomly selected and independently assessed the CIBIC plus-J of each patient. Results: CIBIC plus-J of 41 patients was assessed. The agreement rate between the two raters was 46.3% (19/41), when two raters assessed the CIBIC plus-J of the same patient. However, when considering disagreement between adjacent points as ‘agree’, the agreement rate was 97.6% (40/41). Although the kappa coefficients contained coincidence, simple and quadratic weighted kappa coefficients [95% confidential interval (CI)] were 0.226 (0.066–0.386) and 0.633 (0.507–0.759), respectively, and when considering disagreement between adjacent points as ‘agree’, the agreement kappa was 0.896 (0.752–1.041). The interclass coefficient from the two-way layout model was 0.639. Conclusion: The reliability of the CIBIC plus-J assessment with the videotaped method was acceptable.
Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Roles of Inflammation – Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Romeo Giulio R. , Lee Jongsoon , Shoelson Steven E.
Published: July 2012

Obesity and its comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, are associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that can be detected both systemically and within specific tissues. Areas of active investigation focus on the molecular bases of metabolic inflammation and potential pathogenic roles in insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. An increased accumulation of macrophages occurring in obese adipose tissue has emerged as a key process in metabolic inflammation. Recent studies have also begun to unravel the heterogeneity of adipose tissue macrophages, and their physical and functional interactions with adipocytes, endothelial cells, and other immune cells within the adipose tissue microenvironment. Translating the information gathered from experimental models of insulin resistance and diabetes into meaningful therapeutic interventions is a tantalizing goal with long-term global health implications. In this context, ongoing clinical studies are testing the effects of targeting inflammation systemically on metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Two Western Boundary Currents Colliding at a Gap
Authors: Wang Zheng , Yuan Dongliang
Published: July 2012

The nonlinear collision of two western boundary currents (WBCs) of equal transport at a gap of the western boundary is studied using a 1.5-layer reduced-gravity quasigeostrophic ocean model. It is found that, when the gap (of width 2a) is narrow, a ≤ 7.3LM (LM the Munk thickness), neither of the WBCs can penetrate into the western basin because of the restriction of the viscous force. When 7.3LM < a < 9.0LM, both WBCs penetrate into the western basin for small transport and choke for large transport. When 9.0LM ≤ a ≤ 9.6LM, the two WBCs penetrate for small transport, choke for intermediate transport, and shed eddies periodically for large transport. When a > 9.6LM, no steady choking state is found. Instead, the WBCs have only two equilibrium states: the penetrating and the periodic eddy shedding states. A Hopf bifurcation is found for a > 9.0LM. The Reynolds number (Re) of the Hopf bifurcation is sensitive to the magnitude of γ(a/LM) and the baroclinic deformation radius, being small for larger γ or deformation radius. In addition, a reverse Hopf bifurcations is identified in the decreased Re experiments, occurring at a smaller Re than that of the Hopf bifurcation. The Re of the reverse Hopf bifurcation is not sensitive to the magnitude of the baroclinic deformation radius.

Hysteresis behavior of the WBCs is found for a > 9.0LM, because of the existence of the Hopf and reverse Hopf bifurcations. In between them, steady penetrating or choking states coexist with eddy-shedding states. The steady states are found to be sensitive to perturbations of relative vorticity and can transit to periodic eddy-shedding states at the forcing of a mesoscale eddy.
Public Policies for Corporate Social Responsibility in Four Nordic Countries
Authors: Midttun Atle , Gjølberg Maria , Kourula Arno , Sweet Susanne , Vallentin Steen
Published: July 2012

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) was historically a business-oriented idea that companies should voluntarily improve their social and environmental practices. More recently, CSR has increasingly attracted governments’ attention, and is now promoted in public policy, especially in the European Union (EU). Conflicts can arise, however, when advanced welfare states introduce CSR into public policy. The reason for such conflict is that CSR leaves key public welfare issues to the discretion of private business. This voluntary issue assignment contrasts starkly with advanced welfare states’ traditions favoring negotiated agreements and strong regulation to control corporate conduct. This article analyzes the conflicts and compatibilities arising when advanced welfare states introduce CSR, focusing on how the two traditions diverge and on how conflicts are reconciled. Empirically the study focuses on four Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden—widely recognized as the most advanced welfare states, and increasingly as leaders in CSR public policy. From interviews of 55 officials of government ministries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, and employer associations, the authors conclude that tension indeed exists between CSR public policies and advanced welfare state traditions in all four countries. Whereas CSR’s aims are compatible with Nordic institutional traditions, the means promoted in CSR is in conflict with such Nordic traditions as corporatist agreements and rights-based welfare state regulation of social and environmental issues. There is harmony of goals, but conflict in means between the four Nordic countries studied.
Factorial Invariance in Multiple Populations
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Marcoulides George A. , Millsap Roger E.
Published: July 2012

A multiple testing method for examining factorial invariance for latent constructs evaluated by multiple indicators in distinct populations is outlined. The procedure is based on the false discovery rate concept and multiple individual restriction tests and resolves general limitations of a popular factorial invariance testing approach. The discussed method controls the overall significance level and is associated with higher power than conventional multiple testing procedures. The procedure avoids the necessity to choose a reference variable in applications of latent variable modeling for testing factorial invariance. The outlined method permits location of factorial invariance violations, in addition to its examination for a given set of construct indicators, and is illustrated with a numerical example.
Compassionate and Self-Image Goals in the United States and Japan
Authors: Niiya Yu , Crocker Jennifer , Mischkowski Dominik
Published: July 2012

In American samples, compassionate goals to support others enhance relationships, whereas self-image goals to construct and defend desired self-images undermine relationships. But do these goals exist as separate factors, and do they predict similar outcome variables in Japan? How much do compassionate goals overlap with having an interdependent self-construal? We examined the factor structure of compassionate and self-image goals scale among American undergraduates, Japanese undergraduates, and Japanese adults and obtained similar correlated two-factor solutions in all three samples. In all three samples, compassionate goals were associated with non-zero-sum belief, growth-seeking, and self-compassion, whereas self-image goals were associated with validation-seeking and defensive responses to conflicts. Although compassionate goals correlated with interdependence in Japan, controlling for interdependence did not affect the above associations.
Chinese American Immigrant Mothers’ Discussion of Emotion With Children
Authors: Tao Annie , Zhou Qing , Lau Nancy , Liu Howard
Published: July 2012

This study examined the unique relations of American and Chinese cultural orientations to the content and quality of first-generation Chinese American immigrant mothers’ emotion discussion with their school-aged children (age = 5 to 9 years). Mother-child dyads ( n = 187) were videotaped during a storytelling task, and various aspects of mothers’ emotion talk were coded. Mothers self-reported on their cultural orientations in language proficiency and behaviors (i.e., media use and social affiliations). Controlling for socioeconomic status, mother’s age, child age, gender, and generation status, as well as the length, elaborateness, and language (English and/or Chinese) of storytelling, mothers’ Chinese orientation was uniquely associated with their lower use of emotion questions and explanations and a lower quality of emotion discussion. Although mothers’ American orientation was positively correlated with their use of positive emotion words and emotion explanations, it did not uniquely predict emotion discussion after controlling for other predictors.
Integrated library management systems: a review of choices made and their sustainability in South Africa
Authors: Stilwell Christine , Hoskins Ruth
Published: July 2012

There are numerous obstacles to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Arising from the Millennium Development Goals is the need to sustain reliable information and communications technology infrastructure. Good information management practices and such infrastructure underpin libraries and information services. Many libraries and library consortia have converted to integrated library systems to better manage and make their collections available for national development. Despite small scale studies of particular types of libraries no comprehensive coverage was traced on such systems in South Africa. This article looks at which systems are being used, which criteria influenced the choice of systems and what challenges and successes were experienced. An analysis of the literature was undertaken to form the basis for a survey that investigated common problems and solutions. Key personnel in the institutions were interviewed by telephone. Certain factors emerged as important in the choice and sustainability of the systems. These are used to formulate guidelines for discussion.
Sword or Shield? A Systematic Review of the Roles FASD Evidence Plays in Judicial Proceedings
Authors: Douds Anne S. , Stevens Holly R. , Sumner William E.
Published: July 2012

In this first-ever systematic review of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in all federal court cases arising prior to 2011, the authors identified 1713 cases, with 131 cases substantively relevant to mental capacity, criminal intent, sentencing, and attorney malpractice. The majority of cases arose after Atkins v. Virginia, the pivotal Supreme Court case that prohibits the death penalty for mentally disabled persons. Among other things, this study reveals that FASD evidence usually defeats a death penalty sentence, but the lower courts reflect inconsistencies in how courts receive and handle mental health evidence.
Sociology of Africa: A Non-Orientalist Approach to African, Africana, and Black Studies
Authors: Keskin Tugrul
Published: July 2012

Whichever nomenclature is used to describe the study of black peoples and the African Diaspora – whether Africana, Black or African Studies – the approach that is taken is critically important to academia in terms of its potential to provide a direct response and challenge to the intrinsic Eurocentric and Orientalist bias of the US educational system. Unlike other area and ethnic studies disciplines, this field was established as a link between the community and academia. However, in recent history, approaches have become polarized and the field has lost momentum as a consequence of arbitrary boundaries and politicized knowledge. In this article, the Orientalist perspective and Afro-centric knowledge in Black Studies are examined in their historical and political context. This analysis culminates in a proposed approach to use the Sociology of Africa as a new model for Afro-centric knowledge and teaching in this field.
New symmetrical conjugated thiophene-azomethines containing triphenylamine or carbazole units: Synthesis, thermal and optoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Vacareanu Loredana , Ivan Teofilia , Grigoras Mircea
Published: July 2012

New oligo- and poly(azomethine)s containing 3,4-dicyanothiophene and triphenylamine or carbazole units were synthesized under condensation reaction conditions. Although the different amino group reactivity, a one-pot synthesis of symmetric conjugated oligoazomethines was possible by judicious choice of solvent and careful control of reagent stoichiometry. Different polycondensation strategies (in solution and bulk polymerization reactions) were applied in order to obtain soluble oligoazomethines and poly(azomethine)s. Their expected chemical structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) characterization techniques. Electronic properties of the synthesized oligoazomethines were investigated in different solvents, using UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and these revealed that there is a slight dependency between the solvent polarity and absorption wavelength, while the emissions peaks are shifted at higher wavelength with increasing the solvent polarity. The thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed a high thermal stability up to 350 °C and no glass transition temperature. Having in their structure electroactive sites, i.e., carbazole and triphenylamine units, cyclic voltammetry technique was used to investigate the oxido-reduction behavior and to determine the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels.
Flutter analysis of high-aspect-ratio wings based on a third-order nonlinear beam model
Authors: Ovesy Hamid Reza , Nikou Amir , Shahverdi Hossein
Published: July 2012

In this study, the effects of geometric structural nonlinearity on flutter of high-aspect-ratio wings are examined. The aeroelastic model used is based on (a) a set of governing differential equations describing the motion of an inextensional beam, previously formulated and (b) the semiempirical ONERA aerodynamic model. Galerkin method is implemented to solve dynamic perturbation equations about a nonlinear static equilibrium state. The small perturbation flutter boundary is determined by these perturbation equations. The effect of geometric structural nonlinearity of the beam model on the flutter behavior is significant. Especially, static deformations in the flapwise direction caused by a static force generally decrease system’s flutter speed and frequency.
The social construction of the sociology of sport: A professional project
Authors: Malcolm Dominic
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a historical sociological analysis of the sociology of sport. It draws on theoretical insights from the sociology of professions to examine ‘state-of-the-field’ reviews written by sociologists of sport. The paper argues that in establishing why the sociology of sport emerged, how people identified its earliest manifestations, and how the subdiscipline’s boundaries were drawn, the political dynamics and consequences of the social construction of the field become apparent. This social construction is conceived of as a ‘professional project’ through which a knowledge domain, and this group’s authoritative status, was established. Sociologists of sport sought to validate their professional project through appeals to the sociological ‘mainstream’ and the correlative distancing from physical education. These reviews consistently obscure this professional project and portray a lineage that is logical, inevitable and consensual.
Osteomyelitis of the coxofemoral joint due to Mycobacterium species in a feline renal transplant recipient
Authors: Lo Annie J , Goldschmidt Michael H , Aronson Lillian R
Published: July 2012

A 4-year-old castrated male Russian Blue cat was evaluated for acute right hind limb lameness 18 months after receiving a renal transplant. Radiographs showed a subluxated right femoral head and lysis of the acetabulum and femoral neck. A femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed on the right coxofemoral joint. Histologic evaluation of the right femoral head revealed lesions indicative of a chronic, granulomatous osteomyelitis and periostitis associated with an intralesional Mycobacterium species. However, the cat’s clinical condition declined despite treatment and the owner elected humane euthanasia. All renal transplant recipients receive immunosuppressive therapy to prevent allograft rejection. The non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection of the coxofemoral joint was thought to develop secondary to long-term immunosuppressive treatment. This report illustrates the need to consider these rare opportunistic infections even many months to years following renal transplantation. Early awareness, stringent immunosuppressive drug monitoring and targeted treatment once a diagnosis has been made may be important in the successful management and prevention of mycobacterial infections in this population of patients.
Participatory action research with and within community activist groups: Capturing the collective experience of Ireland’s Community and Voluntary Pillar in social partnership
Authors: Carney Gemma M , Dundon Tony , Léime Áine Ní
Published: July 2012

The inclusion of community activists in policy planning is increasingly recognized at the highest international level. This article shows how the use of Participatory Action Research (PAR) can present a deeper and more holistic picture of the experiences of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in shaping national-level social policy. By utilizing action-based research, the Community and Voluntary Pillar (CVP) of Ireland’s system of social partnership is shown to be an important agent in deliberating national bargaining outcomes (known as the Towards 2016 national agreement). The key contribution of this research is the reflective methodological considerations in terms of PAR design, execution and participant integration in the research process as a way to enrich and develop a deeper and more informed community of practice.