bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theory for water and macromolecular transport in the pulmonary artery wall with a detailed comparison to the aorta
Authors: Zeng Zhongqing , Jan Kung-Ming , Rumschitzki David S.
Published: December 2011

The pulmonary artery (PA) wall, which has much higher hydraulic conductivity and albumin void space and approximately one-sixth the normal transmural pressure of systemic arteries (e.g, aorta, carotid arteries), is rarely atherosclerotic, except under pulmonary hypertension. This study constructs a detailed, two-dimensional, wall-structure-based filtration and macromolecular transport model for the PA to investigate differences in prelesion transport processes between the disease-susceptible aorta and the relatively resistant PA. The PA and aorta models are similar in wall structure, but very different in parameter values, many of which have been measured (and therefore modified) since the original aorta model of Huang et al. ( 23 ). Both PA and aortic model simulations fit experimental data on transwall LDL concentration profiles and on the growth of isolated endothelial (horseradish peroxidase) tracer spots with circulation time very well. They reveal that lipid entering the aorta attains a much higher intima than media concentration but distributes better between these regions in the PA than aorta and that tracer in both regions contributes to observed tracer spots. Solutions show why both the overall transmural water flow and spot growth rates are similar in these vessels despite very different material transport parameters. Since early lipid accumulation occurs in the subendothelial intima and since (matrix binding) reaction kinetics depend on reactant concentrations, the lower intima lipid concentrations in the PA vs. aorta likely lead to slower accumulation of bound lipid in the PA. These findings may be relevant to understanding the different atherosusceptibilities of these vessels.
Fructose diet treatment in mice induces fundamental disturbance of cardiomyocyte Ca2+handling and myofilament responsiveness
Authors: Mellor Kimberley M. , Wendt Igor R. , Ritchie Rebecca H. , Delbridge Lea M. D.
Published: December 2011

High fructose intake has been linked to insulin resistance and cardiac pathology. Dietary fructose-induced myocardial signaling and morphological alterations have been described, but whether cardiomyocyte function is influenced by chronic high fructose intake is yet to be elucidated. The goal of this study was to evaluate the cardiomyocyte excitation-contraction coupling effects of high dietary fructose and determine the capacity for murine cardiomyocyte fructose transport. Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed a high fructose diet for 12 wk. Fructose- and control-fed mouse cardiomyocytes were isolated and loaded with the fura 2 Ca2+fluorescent dye for analysis of twitch and Ca2+transient characteristics (4 Hz stimulation, 37°C, 2 mM Ca2+). Myocardial Ca2+-handling protein expression was determined by Western blot. Gene expression of the fructose-specific transporter, GLUT5, in adult mouse cardiomyocytes was detected by real-time and conventional RT-PCR techniques. Diastolic Ca2+and Ca2+transient amplitude were decreased in isolated cardiomyocytes from fructose-fed mice relative to control (16 and 42%, respectively), coincident with an increase in the time constant of Ca2+transient decay (24%). Dietary fructose increased the myofilament response to Ca2+(as evidenced by a left shift in the shortening-Ca2+phase loop). Protein expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a), phosphorylated (P) phospholamban (Ser16), and P-phospholamban (Thr17) was reduced, and protein phosphatase 2A expression increased, in fructose-fed mouse hearts. Hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy were not evident. These findings demonstrate that fructose diet-associated myocardial insulin resistance induces profound disturbance of cardiomyocyte Ca2+handling and responsiveness in the absence of altered systemic loading conditions.
Defective calcium inactivation causes long QT in obese insulin-resistant rat
Authors: Lin Yen-Chang , Huang Jianying , Kan Hong , Castranova Vincent , Frisbee Jefferson C. , Yu Han-Gang
Published: December 2011

The majority of diabetic patients who are overweight or obese die of heart disease. We suspect that the obesity-induced insulin resistance may lead to abnormal cardiac electrophysiology. We tested this hypothesis by studying an obese insulin-resistant rat model, the obese Zucker rat (OZR). Compared with the age-matched control, lean Zucker rat (LZR), OZR of 16–17 wk old exhibited an increase in QTc interval, action potential duration, and cell capacitance. Furthermore, the L-type calcium current ( ICaL) in OZR exhibited defective inactivation and lost the complete inactivation back to the closed state, leading to increased Ca2+influx. The current density of ICaLwas reduced in OZR, whereas the threshold activation and the current-voltage relationship of ICaLwere not significantly altered. L-type Ba2+current ( IBaL) in OZR also exhibited defective inactivation, and steady-state inactivation was not significantly altered. However, the current-voltage relationship and activation threshold of IBaLin OZR exhibited a depolarized shift compared with LZR. The total and membrane protein expression levels of Cav1.2 [pore-forming subunit of L-type calcium channels (LTCC)], but not the insulin receptors, were decreased in OZR. The insulin receptor was found to be associated with the Cav1.2, which was weakened in OZR. The total protein expression of calmodulin was reduced, but that of Cavβ2 subunit was not altered in OZR. Together, these results suggested that the 16- to 17-wk-old OZR has 1) developed cardiac hypertrophy, 2) exhibited altered electrophysiology manifested by the prolonged QTc interval, 3) increased duration of action potential in isolated ventricular myocytes, 4) defective inactivation of ICaLand IBaL, 5) weakened the association of LTCC with the insulin receptor, and 6) decreased protein expression of Cav1.2 and calmodulin. These results also provided mechanistic insights into a remodeled cardiac electrophysiology under the condition of insulin resistance, enhancing our understanding of long QT associated with obese type 2 diabetic patients.
Loss-of-function thrombospondin-1 mutations in familial pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Maloney James P. , Stearman Robert S. , Bull Todd M. , Calabrese David W. , Tripp-Addison Megan L. , Wick Marilee J. , Broeckel Ulrich , Robbins Ivan M. , Wheeler Lisa A. , Cogan Joy D. , Loyd James E.
Published: December 2011

Most patients with familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (FPAH) carry mutations in the bone morphogenic protein receptor 2 gene ( BMPR2). Yet carriers have only a 20% risk of disease, suggesting that other factors influence penetrance. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) regulates activation of TGF-β and inhibits endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation, pathways coincidentally altered in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To determine whether a subset of FPAH patients also have mutations in the TSP1 gene ( THBS1) we resequenced the type I repeats of THBS1 encoding the TGF-β regulation and cell growth inhibition domains in 60 FPAH probands, 70 nonfamilial PAH subjects, and in large control groups. We identified THBS1 mutations in three families: a novel missense mutation in two (Asp362Asn), and an intronic mutation in a third (IVS8+255 G/A). Neither mutation was detected in population controls. Mutant 362Asn TSP1 had less than half of the ability of wild-type TSP1 to activate TGF-β. Mutant 362Asn TSP1 also lost the ability to inhibit growth of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and was over threefold less effective at inhibiting endothelial cell growth. The IVS8+255 G/A mutation decreased and/or eliminated local binding of the transcription factors SP1 and MAZ but did not affect RNA splicing. These novel mutations implicate THBS1 as a modifier gene in FPAH. These THBS1 mutations have implications in the genetic evaluation of FPAH patients. However, since FPAH is rare, these data are most relevant as evidence for the importance of TSP1 in pulmonary vascular homeostasis. Further examination of THBS1 in the pathogenesis of PAH is warranted.
American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/European Society of Cardiology/World Heart Federation Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction Classification System and the Risk of Cardiovascular Death
Authors: Bonaca Marc P. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Braunwald Eugene , Murphy Sabina A. , Ruff Christian T. , Antman Elliott M. , Morrow David A.
Published: December 2011

Background—

The availability of more sensitive biomarkers of myonecrosis and a new classification system from the universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI) have led to evolution of the classification of MI. The prognostic implications of MI defined in the current era have not been well described.

Methods and Results—

We investigated the association between new or recurrent MI by subtype according to the European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/World Health Federation Task Force for the Redefinition of MI Classification System and the risk of cardiovascular death among 13 608 patients with acute coronary syndrome in the Trial to Assess Improvement in Therapeutic Outcomes by Optimizing Platelet Inhibition with Prasugrel–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 38 (TRITON-TIMI 38). The adjusted risk of cardiovascular death was evaluated by landmark analysis starting at the time of the MI through 180 days after the event. Patients who experienced an MI during follow-up had a higher risk of cardiovascular death at 6 months than patients without an MI (6.5% versus 1.3%,
P
<0.001). This higher risk was present across all subtypes of MI, including type 4a (peri–percutaneous coronary intervention, 3.2%;
P
<0.001) and type 4b (stent thrombosis, 15.4%;
P
<0.001). After adjustment for important clinical covariates, the occurrence of any MI was associated with a 5-fold higher risk of death at 6 months (95% confidence interval 3.8–7.1), with similarly increased risk across subtypes.

Conclusions—

MI is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death, with a consistent relationship across all types as defined by the universal classification system. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of these events and the importance of therapies aimed at preventing MI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00097591.
Long-Term Cardiovascular Mortality After Procedure-Related or Spontaneous Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Damman Peter , Wallentin Lars , Fox Keith A.A. , Windhausen Fons , Hirsch Alexander , Clayton Tim , Pocock Stuart J. , Lagerqvist Bo , Tijssen Jan G.P. , de Winter Robbert J.
Published: December 2011

Background—

The present study was designed to investigate the long-term prognostic impact of procedure-related and spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) on cardiovascular mortality in patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Methods and Results—

Five-year follow-up after procedure-related or spontaneous MI was investigated in the individual patient pooled data set of the FRISC-II (Fast Revascularization During Instability in Coronary Artery Disease), ICTUS (Invasive Versus Conservative Treatment in Unstable Coronary Syndromes), and RITA-3 (Randomized Intervention Trial of Unstable Angina 3) non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome trials. The principal outcome was cardiovascular death up to 5 years of follow-up. Cumulative event rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method; hazard ratios were calculated with time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. Adjustments were made for the variables associated with long-term outcomes. Among the 5467 patients, 212 experienced a procedure-related MI within 6 months after enrollment. A spontaneous MI occurred in 236 patients within 6 months. The cumulative cardiovascular death rate was 5.2% in patients who had a procedure-related MI, comparable to that for patients without a procedure-related MI (hazard ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–1.20,
P
=0.17). In patients who had a spontaneous MI within 6 months, the cumulative cardiovascular death rate was 22.2%, higher than for patients without a spontaneous MI (hazard ratio 4.52; 95% confidence interval, 3.37–6.06,
P
<0.001). These hazard ratios did not change materially after risk adjustments.

Conclusions—

Five-year follow-up of patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome from the 3 trials showed no association between a procedure-related MI and long-term cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, there was a substantial increase in long-term mortality after a spontaneous MI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN82153174
(ICTUS);
http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN07752711
(RITA-3).
Near Infrared Spectroscopy for the Detection of Desaturations in Vulnerable Ischemic Brain Tissue
Authors: Aries Marcel J.H. , Coumou Adriaan D. , Elting Jan Willem J. , van der Harst Joep J. , Kremer Berry P.H. , Vroomen Patrick C.A.J.
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose—

There is uncertainty whether bilateral near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used for monitoring of patients with acute stroke.

Methods—

The NIRS responsiveness to systemic and stroke-related changes was studied overnight by assessing the effects of brief peripheral arterial oxygenation and mean arterial pressure alterations in the affected versus nonaffected hemisphere in 9 patients with acute stroke.

Results—

Significantly more NIRS drops were registered in the affected compared with the nonaffected hemisphere (477 drops versus 184,
P
<0.001). In the affected hemispheres, nearly all peripheral arterial oxygenation drops (n=128; 96%) were detected by NIRS; in the nonaffected hemispheres only 23% (n=30;
P
=0.17). Only a few mean arterial pressure drops were followed by a significant NIRS drop. This was however significantly different between both hemispheres (32% versus 13%,
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

This pilot study found good responsiveness of NIRS signal to systemic and stroke-related changes at the bedside but requires confirmation in a larger sample.
Using Lie group symmetries for fast corrective motion planning
Authors: Seiler Konstantin M , Singh Surya PN , Sukkarieh Salah , Durrant-Whyte Hugh
Published: December 2011

In this paper we develop an algorithmic framework allowing for fast and elegant path correction exploiting Lie group symmetries and operating without the need for explicit control strategies such as cross-track regulation. These systems occur across the gamut of robotics, notably in locomotion, be it ground, underwater, airborne, or surgical domains. Instead of reintegrating an entire trajectory, the method selectively alters small key segments of an initial trajectory in a consistent way so as to transform it via symmetry operations. The algorithm is formulated for arbitrary Lie groups and applied in the context of the special Euclidean group and subgroups thereof. A sampling-based motion planner is developed that uses this method to create paths for underactuated systems with differential constraints. It is also shown how the path correction method acts as a controller within a feedback control loop for real-time path correction. These approaches are demonstrated for ground vehicles in the plane and for flexible bevel tip needle steering in space. The results show that using symmetry-based path correction for motion planning provides a prudent and simple, yet computationally tractable, integrated planning and control strategy.
Surface modifications to grooved SM45C mold steel plates using large-electron-beam polishing
Authors: Kim Dong Min , Park Eunju , Park Hyung Wook
Published: December 2011

In this study, a recently developed electron-beam polishing process was adopted to improve the surface quality of grooved SM45C mold steel plates. A large electron beam with a maximum diameter of 60 mm was used to instantly melt and evaporate the metal surface in a few microseconds to observe its effect on surface hardness, surface roughness, water repellency, and microstructure variation. The effects of the groove depth and width on the plate were also experimentally observed. The surface polished by the electron beam became smoother, but as the groove depth increased, the effect of the large-electron-beam polishing decreased. Although the surface hardness dropped by approximately 20% on the re-solidified layer, the contact angle increased after the electron-beam irradiation. The microstructure variation on the polished surface was also examined.
Developing an effective algorithm for dynamic UAV path planning with incomplete threat information
Authors: Gao X , Ren J , Chen D
Published: December 2011

In this paper the problem of online dynamic UAV path planning is studied for the situation where a manoeuvring pop-up threat exists and information about this threat is incomplete. The problem is addressed by integrating a structure-varying discrete dynamic Bayesian network (SVDDBN) into the model prediction control (MPC) algorithm. The SVDDBN is used to construct online a dynamic threat assessment model by estimating and predicting the states of the manoeuvring pop-up threat. The output of this model is then fed into the MPC algorithm for effective path planning. The results obtained in the performed simulation studies demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed algorithm.
Relative position and attitude coupling control of Sun–Earth L2 point formation flying by QLTV polynomial eigenstructure assignment
Authors: Wang F , Tsourdos A , White B A , Ankersen F , Stanley A
Published: December 2011

A non-linear coupling controller based on polynomial eigenstructure assignment (PEA) is presented for the relative position and attitude control of formation flying around Sun–Earth L2 point. The dynamics of relative position and attitude motion is formulated as a non-linear equation and rewritten into quasi-linear time-varying (QLTV) model in the latter application. In this article, the PEA approach used for linear time-invariant (LTI) and linear parameter-varying (LPV) models is extended to the QLTV model to realize the independence between the closed-loop system and the operating point. With this PEA approach, the eigenstructure assignment for the system can be completed without imposing any particular eigenvalues and the designer is only left to choose the controller structure and calculate the controller gains by several simple formulas to produce a flexible design method. The resulting PEA controller is a function of system state and parameters, and produces a closed-loop system with invariant performance over a wide range of conditions. In the application, the corresponding controllers for relative position control and attitude control are designed via each non-linear QLTV equation firstly, and then a combination method for relative position and attitude controllers is presented to consider the coupling effect between these two control systems. Also, the controller is revised by cascade-saturation control logic to limit the maximum values of manoeuvremaneuver rates and inputs of actuator. Finally, a simulation is carried out to validate the performance of the new controller for formation flying.
Risk Factors Associated With Death in a 12-Month Cohort Analysis of Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Lo Hsiu-Yun , Suo Jen , Chang Hong-Jen , Yang Shiang-Lin , Chou Pesus
Published: December 2011

The aim of the study was to investigate the risk of death for 12 months follow-up after registration of tuberculosis (TB), using a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. A total of 33851 new TB cases were enrolled from 2006 to 2008. Of these, 5584 (16.5%) patients died during the follow-up period because of TB, and 4224 (12.5%) patients died because of other causes. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that age, HIV, chronic kidney disease, stroke, cancer, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis were significant risk factors associated with death. Patients of age 0 to 64 years with HIV, chronic kidney disease, cancer, stroke, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, or diabetes had a higher risk of death than those without these comorbidities. The majority of the TB patients in Taiwan died because of causes other than TB, and death often occurred in the first 2 months after TB registration. Therefore, medical care and case management for those with comorbidities are advised to prevent death during TB treatment.
Strain and Damage-Based Analytical Methods to Determine the Kachanov–Rabotnov Tertiary Creep-Damage Constants
Authors: Stewart Calvin M. , Gordon Ali P.
Published: December 2011

In the power generation industry, the goal of increased gas turbine efficiency has led to increased operating temperatures and pressures necessitating nickel-base superalloy components. Under these conditions, the tertiary creep regime can become the dominant form of creep deformation. In response, the classical Kachanov–Rabotnov coupled creep-damage constitutive model is often used to predict the creep deformation and damage of Ni-base superalloys. In this model, the secondary creep behavior can be determined through analytical methods while the tertiary creep behavior is often found using trial and error or numerical optimization. Trial and error may produce no constants. Numerical optimization can be computationally expensive. In this study, a strain-based and damage-based approach to determine the tertiary creep behavior of nickel-base superalloys has been developed. Analytically determined constants are found for a given nickel-base superalloy. Creep deformation and damage evolution curves are compared. Methods to deal with stress dependence are introduced and studied.
The meaning of pain: A cultural formulation of a Syrian woman in Sweden
Authors: Bäärnhielm Sofie
Published: December 2011

Ethnography provides a method for psychiatric assessment to obtain an insight into the patient’s culture, context, and life situation. The Outline for a Cultural Formulation (CF) is an ethnography-based, idiographic formulation intended to complement the multiaxial assessment in DSM-IV. Its contribution to routine clinical praxis will be discussed with reference to a case of a Syrian-born woman in Sweden. Using the CF in the clinical diagnostic process shifted understanding of the patient’s suffering from a mainly somatic frame of reference to an emphasis on emotional and social aspects. The usefulness of ethnography in clinical psychiatric diagnostic practice is discussed.
Who is Lionel Messi? A comparative study of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi
Authors: Brach Bartlomiej
Published: December 2011

This article tries to give an answer to the question of whether Lionel Messi will be judged one of the world’s greatest football players, whose reputation will outstrip those of both Diego Maradona and Pelé. The issue is approached in two ways. First, in the local context the purely Argentinean cultural concepts of the pibe and the potrero are applied. Thus, the possibility of Messi becoming much more than a gifted player in Argentina is discussed. Second, an identity approach, based on the press discourse from England and Spain, is put forward, to provide an international reference. Finally, I argue that Lionel Messi will not be able to equal or exceed the mythical status of Diego Maradona. This analysis suggests that the status of a player greatly depends on the cultural context and that performance on the field is of lesser importance.
Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Humphreys Mitchell R. , Castle Erik P. , Andrews Paul E. , Lingeman James E.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this publication is to document the evolution of a new surgical procedure for the treatment of carefully selected patients with organ confined localized prostate cancer. Natural orifice surgery represents a paradigm shift in the surgical approach to disease, although its adoption into clinical practice has been limited to date. This manuscript describes the development of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgical radical prostatectomy (NOTES RP). The laboratory, animal, preclinical and early clinical experiences are described and detailed. While the early experiences with this approach are promising and encouraging, more information is required. Despite the early successes with the procedure, long-term oncological and functional outcomes are essential and more work needs to be done to facilitate the teaching and ease of the NOTES RP.
Relational Contracts and Organizational Capabilities
Authors: Gibbons Robert , Henderson Rebecca
Published: December 2011

A large literature identifies unique organizational capabilities as a potent source of competitive advantage, yet our knowledge of why capabilities fail to diffuse more rapidly—particularly in situations in which competitors apparently have strong incentives to adopt them and a well-developed understanding of how they work—remains incomplete. In this paper we suggest that competitively significant capabilities often rest on managerial practices that in turn rely on relational contracts (i.e., informal agreements sustained by the shadow of the future). We argue that one of the reasons these practices may be difficult to copy is that effective relational contracts must solve the twin problems of credibility and clarity and that although credibility might, in principle, be instantly acquired, clarity may take time to develop and may interact with credibility in complex ways so that relational contracts may often be difficult to build.
Aspiration Pneumonia Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Prevalence and Risk Factors for Long-Term Mortality
Authors: Howle Alison A. , Nott Melissa T. , Baguley Ian J.
Published: December 2011

Dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia are prevalent but infrequently studied complications following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Aspiration pneumonia is responsible for a significant number of long-term deaths in this population, however, the reported number of deaths attributed to aspiration pneumonia may be inaccurate. This multicentre inception cohort (n= 2545) study analysed consecutive discharges from 3 metropolitan inpatient brain injury rehabilitation units from January 1990 to October 2007 following inpatient rehabilitation following primary TBI. Subject data was linked to national death registries to determine cause of death where relevant. This study aimed to (a) evaluate the prevalence of aspiration pneumonia, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion and dysphagia following TBI, (b) identify the number of deaths ascribed to aspiration pneumonia, and (c) characterise associated risk factors for long-term aspiration pneumonia related deaths compared to all other causes of death. In-hospital PEG insertion occurred in 18.4% of the sample, two thirds of whom remained dysphagic at discharge. In-hospital aspiration pneumonia was recorded in 3.6% of the sample. Postdischarge, people with TBI were 79 times more likely to die from aspiration pneumonia than the general population. Risks were higher for subjects discharged to a nursing home, with severe ongoing functional disability, dysphagia at discharge, in those who had experienced in-hospital aspiration pneumonia or required PEG insertion. Early identification and risk management of dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia in TBI nursing home populations may maximise these individuals' quality and length of life.
A Multidisciplinary Social Communication and Coping Skills Group Intervention for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): A Pilot Feasibility Study in an Inpatient Setting
Authors: Appleton Sally , Browne Allyson , Ciccone Natalie , Fong Kim , Hankey Graeme , Lund Michelle , Miles Adrienne , Wainstein Candice , Zach Jan , Yee Yvette
Published: December 2011

There is evidence that individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI) are at increased risk of developing psychological problems and that they commonly experience difficulties in social communication, associated with poorer long-term outcomes. Although several relevant group interventions have been evaluated, there has been limited exploration of the feasibility of an ABI inpatient intervention. This nonrandomised pilot study tested the feasibility of an inpatient multidisciplinary social communication and coping skills group intervention within 1-year post traumatic/nontraumatic ABI. Seven participants completed a 4-week group program (3 × 1 hour sessions per week) facilitated by a speech pathologist and clinical psychologist and were assessed pre/post intervention and at 3 months with the La Trobe Communication Questionnaire, Correct Information Unit analysis, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Coping Self-Efficacy scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment. Most participants improved between baseline and 3 months post intervention in terms of greater informativeness and efficiency of connected speech and reduced anxiety and they provided positive feedback about the group program. Despite the challenges and limitations of this pilot study, the findings are encouraging and support both the value and feasibility of developing such a program into routine inpatient rehabilitation services.
Association of serum sex steroid receptor bioactivity and sex steroid hormones with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women
Authors: Fourkala Evangelia-Ourania , Zaikin Alexey , Burnell Matthew , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Ford Jeremy , Gunu Richard , Soromani Christina , Hasenbrink Guido , Jacobs Ian , Dawnay Anne , Widschwendter Martin , Lichtenberg-Fraté Hella , Menon Usha
Published: December 2011

Postmenopausal women with elevated serum sex steroids have an increased risk of breast cancer. Most of this risk is believed to be exerted through binding of the sex steroids to their receptors. For the first time, we investigate the association of estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) serum bioactivity (SB) in addition to hormone levels in samples from women with breast cancer collected before diagnosis. Two hundred postmenopausal women participating in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening who developed ER-positive breast cancer 0.6–5 years after sample donation were identified and matched to 400 controls. ER and AR bioassays were used to measure ERα, ERβ, and AR SB. Androgen and estrogen levels were measured with immunoassays. Subjects were classified according to quintiles of the respective marker among controls and the associations between SB and hormones with breast cancer risk were determined by logistic regression analysis. ERα and ERβ SB were significantly higher before diagnosis compared with controls, while estrogens showed no difference. Women had a twofold increased breast cancer risk if ERα SB (odds ratio (OR), 2.114; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.050–4.425; P=0.040) was in the top quintile >2 years before diagnosis or estrone (OR, 2.205; 95% CI, 1.104–4.586; P=0.029) was in the top quintile <2 years before diagnosis. AR showed no significant association with breast cancer while androstenedione (OR, 3.187; 95% CI, 1.738–6.044; P=0.0003) and testosterone (OR, 2.145; 95% CI, 1.256–3.712; P=0.006) were significantly higher compared with controls and showed a strong association with an almost threefold increased breast cancer risk independent of time to diagnosis. This study provides further evidence on the association of androgens and estrogens with breast cancer. In addition, it reports that high ER but not AR SB is associated with increased breast risk >2 years before diagnosis.
Pro-Business Local Governance and (Local) Business Associations: The Case of Gaziantep
Authors: Bayirbag Mustafa K.
Published: December 2011

The article investigates how major changes in national economic policies, and in associated forms of state-business relations, produce pro-business local governance arrangements. It places the emphasis on the politics of state-business relations that revolve around the distribution of public resources. It aims to explain, in particular, how these dynamics unfold in the developing countries where neoliberal reforms are implemented under conditions of political instability and weak policy capacity of the state. The article focuses on the political mobilization of the local bourgeoisie through local business associations, as the major force behind the rise of pro-business local governance. It indicates that the emergent form a pro-business local governance scheme, especially when led by local business associations, will depend upon a) the degree of political autonomy of the local bourgeoisie from the national political actors (i.e, their distance to party politics); b) the composition of its constituency/supporters (or the class coalition behind it); c) the degree of their dependency on public resources. The arguments are elaborated in the case of the city of Gaziantep, Turkey.
Neoliberalism as Colonial Embrace: Evaluating Alberta's Regulation of First Nations Gaming, 1993–2010
Authors: Belanger Yale D. , Williams Robert J.
Published: December 2011

Buoyed by the success of two large-scale bingos in 1993 Alberta's First Nations initiated plans to construct reserve casinos to mitigate economic hardships. That year Alberta commenced with neoliberal reforms to slash the provincial budget. This paper explores how Alberta's acquisition of regulatory authority over First Nation's gaming led to the creation of a bureaucracy responsible for oversight of reserve gaming, the costs of which were borne by reserve casino revenues thereby resulting in no additional taxation of non-Native Albertans.
The Binding Dynamics of Non-Binding Governance Arrangements. The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the Cases of BP and Chevron
Authors: Hofferberth Matthias
Published: December 2011

While the state remains the main unit of analysis in International Relations, the emergence of transnational actors and their integration into global governance have contributed to an opening of perspectives and issues. NGOs and multinational enterprises as well as their interaction in public-private-partnerships have become popular research objects. However, these partnerships are often assessed in terms of effectiveness which leads to juxtapositioning binding and effective versus non-binding and ineffective initiatives. Considering such an either/or-logic to be of limited insight, the article argues that current research on public-private-partnerships suffers from four conceptual difficulties: (1) an underspecified concept of effectiveness, (2) a missing discussion on the yardsticks chosen for assessments, (3) a tendency to (over-)generalize individual findings and (4) underlying yet seldom reflected actor assumptions. To help engage with these difficulties, the paper conceptualizes partnerships as social contexts. Within such contexts, dynamics influence corporate identity and action and create new awareness as well as new conduct. Such a perspective allows to go beyond weighing the effectiveness of binding versus the likelihood of non-binding initiatives. The argument is illustrated by analyzing the emergence, development, and impact of theVoluntary Principles on Security and Human Rightswith respect to BP and Chevron.
Oxygen radical scavenging capacity of phenolic and non-phenolic compounds in red and white wines
Authors: Scalzo Roberto , Morassut Massimo , Rapisarda Paolo
Published: December 2011

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the antioxidant content in phenolic and non-phenolic extracts of ten wine samples, trying to elucidate the potential role of unusual antioxidant compounds. Samples of wines processed from red and white grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), deprived of the volatile fraction at low temperature and buffered at physiological pH, were fractionated by C18 into two fractions: FR1 and FR2. Non-phenolics, such as tartaric, malic, lactic, and succinic acids; glucose; fructose; and glycerin were mainly found in FR1, while polyphenols were present exclusively in FR2. Peroxyl radical quenching was assayed by the ORAC method, while superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity were assayed by electron paramagnetic resonance. In the ORAC and superoxide assays, most of the activity was found in FR2, while in hydroxyl radical assay, the activity was found in FR1. Model solutions were used to attribute a role to the single compounds in the evaluation of wine’s ROS scavenging capacity: the ORAC and superoxide anion scavenging effects were mainly attributed to the polyphenols, averaging 94.8%, with some contribution from glycerin, particularly in white wines. Unexpectedly, the main chemical responsible for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was glycerin (56.1%), with the polyphenols scavenging at 18.1%.
New associations of phoretic mites on Pityokteines curvidens (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)
Authors: Pernek Milan , Wirth Stefan , Blomquist Stacy , Avtzis Dimitrios , Moser John
Published: December 2011

The species composition and abundance of phoretic mites of the bark beetle Pityokteines curvidens caught in pheromone traps were investigated in Croatia. The P. curvidens trapping programs have been in an experimental phase in Croatia since 2004 as a possible monitoring and control system. The trapping program also permits the opportunity to sample phoretic mites found associated with the beetles. Beetles were caught using Curviwit pheromones in Theysohn traps placed in the Litorić region of Croatia. A total of 12 mite species were recovered, including Schizostethus simulatrix, Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus, Histiostoma piceae, H. cf. varia, Paraleius leontonychus, Pleuronectocelaeno barbara, Tarsonemus minimax, Trichouropoda lamellosa, Uroobovella ipidis, Schwiebea sp., Phauloppia lucorum and Dolicheremaeus dorni. Five species, Pl. barbara, Schwiebea sp., H. cf. varia, Ph. lucorum and Do. dorni, are identified for the first time in association with P. curvidens. These findings increase the number of mite species known to be phoretic on P. curvidens from 11 to 16. The present study also increases the number of known mite associates of Pityokteines spp. from 14 to 18.
Abundance dynamics and functional role of predaceous Leptodora kindtii in the Curonian Lagoon
Authors: Lesutienė Jūratė , Semenova Anna , Grinienė Evelina , Gasiūnaitė Zita , Savickytė Viktorija , Dmitrieva Olga
Published: December 2011

The abundance and distribution of predatory cladoceran Leptodora kindtii was investigated in the estuarine lagoon (Curonian Lagoon, SE Baltic Sea). Three hydrodynamically different parts of the lagoon were selected, representing transitory oligohaline, intermediate freshwater and stagnant freshwater sites. L. kindtii was least abundant at the oligohaline site, never occurring at salinities greater than 4 psu. At the two freshwater sites, the abundance of L. kindtii varied from a low of <0.1 up to 2.2 indv. L−1 during peak abundance. Two peaks of L. kindtii abundance were observed with timing differences between stations: at the stagnant site the population of L. kindtii peaked two weeks earlier relative to the more hydrodynamically active sites, likely due to a 2°C higher May temperature. The small body size of L. kindtii in the lagoon (seasonal mean 2.68±0.6 mm) shows high fish predation pressure and predicts small cladocerans, juvenile copepods and rotifers being in the preferred prey size range. The calculated L. kindtii daily consumption during the population peak was as high as 100% of the daily zooplankton production, which implies high potential of this predator to shape the grazing zooplankton community in the lagoon.
Erratum to: “Nano-characterization of Jagged-1-educated dendritic cells”
Authors: Xing
Published: December 2011

Paper by Xing et al. “Nano-characterization of Jagged-1-educated dendritic cells” in Volume 6, Issue 6, 981-989 / December 2011; DOI: 10.2478/s11535-011-0063-3 contains an error in the graphic file inserted as Figure 1 and also an incorrect figure caption. The corrected Figure 1, together with its caption is presented below.
How they made us believe their truths: Monumental art in public spaces before and after the fall of communism (the case of Slovakia)
Authors: Jankovičová Sabína , Petrjánošová Magda
Published: December 2011

This paper is concerned with monumental art in Slovakia before and after the fall of Communism in 1989. Generally, art in public spaces is important, because it influences the knowledge and feelings the people who use this space have about the past and the present, and thus influences the shared social construction of who we are as a social group. In this article we concentrate on the period of Communism and the formal and iconographic aspects that were essential to art at that time. We also look at the political use of art—the ways in which explicit and implicit meanings and ideas were communicated through art to the general public. We touch also on the present situation regarding the perception of “Communist art”. In the final section we discuss the state of affairs of the last twenty years of chaotic freedom in the post-socialist era. On the one hand, since there is no real cultural politics or conception for artworks in public spaces at the level of the state many artworks simply disappear, often without public discussion, and on the other hand, some actors use their political power to build monuments that promote their private political views.
Kinship construction variability among Nigerian international migrants: The context of contemporary Diaspora
Authors: Akanle Olayinka , Olutayo Olanrewau
Published: December 2011

Understanding the selves, situations and actions of Africans can never be comprehended outside kinship. Local and foreign worldviews are first pigeonholed into culture and defined within kinship realities in Nigeria and Africa. There have been studies on kinship in Africa. However, the findings from such studies portrayed the immutability of African kinship. Thus, as an important contribution to the on-going engagement of kinship in the twenty-first century as an interface between the contemporary Diaspora, this article engaged kinship within international migration. This is a major behavioural and socio-economic force in Nigeria. Methodological triangulation was adopted as part of the research design and primary data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs), and life histories of international migrants were documented and focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with kin of returnees. The article found and concluded that while returnees continued to appreciate local kinship infrastructures, the infrastructures were liable to reconstruction primarily determined by dominant support situations in the traditional African kinship networks.
Optical dating of alluvial deposits at the orogenic front of the andean precordillera (Mendoza, Argentina)
Authors: Schmidt Silke , Tsukamoto Sumiko , Salomon Eric , Frechen Manfred , Hetzel Ralf
Published: December 2011

Well constrained numerical ages of alluvial fan sediments are key to understanding the chronology of alluvial episodes and tectonic activity at the front of the Andean Precordillera. We tested the application of radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating in the distal part of an alluvial fan five kilometers north of Mendoza. For OSL dating a large number of aliquots (n > 70) — each composed of ∼50 quartz grains — were measured in order to obtain reliable burial ages despite scattered dose distributions. Owing to a feldspar contamination in all samples, an infrared stimulation was inserted before each OSL measurement, which reduced the feldspar OSL signal successfully. By using the minimum age model we obtained stratigraphically consistent burial ages of alluvial deposits in a depth profile. The uppermost ∼1 m of sediment is composed of debris flow deposits buried 770±76 years ago. Three plant remnants used for radiocarbon dating from the same layer, however, yielded ages younger than 350 years, which are interpreted to underestimate the depositional age. Underneath the debris flow, a major unconformity cuts a series of distal alluvial fan sediments with interstratified floodplain deposits, which are composed of sandy and calciterich silt layers, respectively. Three samples from this unit which were distributed over one meter of sediment thickness yielded statistically concordant OSL ages of 12.3±1.2 ka, 12.3±1.2 ka, and 11.7±1.1 ka. The deposition of these sediments during the latest Pleistocene coincides with a phase of cool and humid climate, which occurred before the alluvial fan propagated farther into the foreland. The overlying debris flow sediments are associated with alluvial fan incision during the arid Late Holocene.
Standard tests for the characterization of roofing slate pathologies
Authors: Cárdenes V. , Mateos F. J. , Rubio-Ordoñez A. , Monterroso C.
Published: December 2011

The pathologies formed in slate roofs are mainly due to the presence of potentially unstable minerals (iron sulfides, carbonates and organic matter). These minerals may become altered by the effect of environmental agents, once the slate roof is finished. The pathologies are mainly associated with oxidation and gypsification processes of the cited mineral phases. In this work, the potential pathologies of several Spanish roofing slates are identified, using the tests defined in the European Norms EN 12326:2005, 14147:2004 and 11597:2007.
Intestinal Epithelial Cell-Derived Semaphorin 7A Negatively Regulates Development of Colitis via αvβ1 Integrin
Authors: Kang Sujin , Okuno Tatsusada , Takegahara Noriko , Takamatsu Hyota , Nojima Satoshi , Kimura Tetsuya , Yoshida Yuji , Ito Daisuke , Ohmae Saori , You Dong-Ju , Toyofuku Toshihiko , Jang Myoung Ho , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: December 2011

The intestinal immune system is constantly challenged by commensal bacteria; therefore, it must maintain quiescence via several regulatory mechanisms. Although intestinal macrophages (Mϕs) have been implicated in repression of excessive inflammation, it remains unclear how their functions are regulated during inflammation. In this study, we report that semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), a GPI-anchored semaphorin expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), induces IL-10 production by intestinal Mφs to regulate intestinal inflammation. Sema7A-deficient mice showed severe signs of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis due to reduced intestinal IL-10 levels. We further identified CX3CR1+MHC class IIintF4/80hiCD11bhi Mφs as the main producers of IL-10 via αvβ1 integrin in response to Sema7A. Notably, Sema7A was predominantly expressed on the basolateral side of IECs, and its expression pattern was responsible for protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and IL-10 production by Mφs during interactions between IECs and Mφs. Furthermore, we determined that the administration of recombinant Sema7A proteins ameliorated the severity of colitis, and these effects were diminished by IL-10–blocking Abs. Therefore, our findings not only indicate that Sema7A plays crucial roles in suppressing intestinal inflammation through αvβ1 integrin, but also provide a novel mode of IL-10 induction via interactions between IECs and Mφs.