bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IN-VIVOMATHEMATICAL STUDY OF CO-INFECTION DYNAMICS OF HIV-1 ANDMYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: MAGOMBEDZE GESHAM , GARIRA WINSTON , MWENJE EDDIE
Published: September 2008

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1) fuels the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in humans. We develop a mathematical model in an attempt to understand the immune mechanisms that are involved during the co-infection of Mtb and HIV-1. Our study reveals that infection of an Mtb infected individual with HIV-1 results in fast development of active TB. The mathematical model analysis and simulations show that Mtb infection is linked to HIV infection through macrophages and CD4+ T cells. The study shows that depletion of macrophages and CD4+ T cells by HIV-1 worsens the picture of Mtb infection and in-turn Mtb infection affects the progression of HIV-1 infection since it is also capable of inducing rapid replication of HIV. Our analytical and numerical simulations show that macrophages are a potential reservoir of HIV particles during HIV-1 infection. Co-infection simulations reveal that co-infection exacerbates more the pathogen that caused the first infection. Simulations also show that co-infection disease progression patterns converge to a similar trend after a considerable time interval irrespective of which pathogen first caused infection and the second pathogen that caused co-infection. This work suggests directions for further studies and potential treatment strategies.
MODELING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN AVASCULAR CANCEROUS CELLS AND ACQUIRED IMMUNE RESPONSE
Authors: DUBEY B. , DUBEY UMA S. , BANERJEE SANDIP
Published: September 2008

This paper deals with the interaction between dispersed cancer cells and the major populations of the immune system, namely, the T helper cells, T Cytotoxic cells, B cells, and antibodies produced. The system is described by a set of five ordinary differential equations. Both local and global stability of the system has been investigated. It has been observed that under appropriate conditions this interaction is capable of controlling the growth of these cancer cells. The analytical findings are supported by numerical and computational analytical methods.
A TIME DELAY MODEL FOR BACTERIA BACTERIOPHAGE INTERACTION
Authors: GAKKHAR SUNITA , SAHANI SAROJ KUMAR
Published: September 2008

A continuous delay differential model for dynamics of bacteria and bacteriophage interaction has been developed. The time lag is assumed because of latency period of infected bacteria. The model incorporates the lysogenic life cycle of bacteriophage. Accordingly, the infected bacteria can grow logistically. Due to the presence of lytic phage inside the infected bacterium cell, a constant number of phage is released to the system after lysis of each infected bacteria. The model has been analyzed both analytically and numerically. The coexistence of bacteria, bacteriophage and infected bacteria has been established. The condition for existence and stability of susceptible bacteria free equilibrium has been obtained. A simple Hopf-bifurcation has been discussed for non-zero equilibrium point. The lysogenic growth of infected bacteria can stabilize the unstable positive equilibrium point and increases the region of stability. Further, the unstable disease free equilibrium state can be stabilized with inclusion of lysogenic growth.
EFFECT OF PARASITIC INFECTION IN THE LESLIE–GOWER PREDATOR–PREY MODEL
Authors: HAQUE MAINUL , VENTURINO EZIO
Published: September 2008

The Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with logistic growth in prey is here modified to include an SI parasitic infection affecting the prey population only. Thresholds are identified for the predator population to survive, and the conditions for the disease to die out naturally are given. The behavior of the system around each equilibrium is investigated, showing that the disease incidence may have a relevant influence on the dynamics of complex ecosytems, assuming at times the role of a biological control parameter.
THE REPLACEABILITY OF SAMPLING MATRIX FOR MULTIDIMENSIONAL PERFECT RECONSTRUCTION FILTER BANKS
Authors: YANG BO , JING ZHONGLIANG
Published: September 2008

It is shown under a divisibility condition the sampling matrix for a filter bank can be replaced without loss of perfect reconstruction. This is the generalization of the common knowledge that removing up/downsampling will not alter perfect reconstruction. The result provides a simple way to implement redundant perfect reconstruction filter banks, which constitute tight frames of l2(Zn) when iterated. As an example, a quincunx-sampled frame is presented, which is nearly shift-invariant as well as limited-redundancy.
TARGET TRACKING IN VIDEO SEQUENCES USING WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: ARIVAZHAGAN S. , JEBARANI W. SYLVIA LILLY , KUMARAN G.
Published: September 2008

Automatic target tracking is a challenging task in video surveillance applications. Here, an offline target-tracking system in video sequences using Discrete Wavelet Transform is presented. The proposed algorithm uses co-occurrence features, derived from sub-bands of discrete wavelet transformed sub-blocks, obtained from individual video frames, to identify a seed in the frame. Then, the region-growing algorithm is applied to detect and track the target. The results of the proposed target detection and tracking system in video sequences are found to be satisfactory. The effectiveness of the target-tracking algorithm has been proved as the target gets detected, irrespective of size of the target, perspective view and cluttered environment.
STRUCTURE AND TEXTURE IMAGE INPAINTING USING SPARSE REPRESENTATIONS AND AN ITERATIVE CURVELET THRESHOLDING APPROACH
Authors: JIANG LINGLING , FENG XIANGCHU , YIN HAIQING
Published: September 2008

Representing the image to be inpainted in an appropriate sparse dictionary, we introduce a novel method for the filling-in of structure and texture in regions of missing image information. In the morphological component analysis (MCA) inpainting approach, a TV penalty is added to better reduce ringing artifacts. However, the incorporation of TV penalty terms leads to PDE schemes that are numerically intensive. Inspired by the works of Daubechies–Teschke and Borup–Nielsen, we replace the TV term by a [Formula: see text] term. It results in an iterative curvelet thresholding scheme for the structure image inpainting. In the whole inpainting process, an alternative approach is presented to layer inpainting. Experimental results show the performance of the algorithm.
ENERGY AWARE FUZZY COLOR SEGMENTATION ALGORITHM — AN APPLICATION TO CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION USING MOBILE DEVICES
Authors: POONKUNTRAN SHANMUGAM , RAJESH R. S. , ESWARAN PERUMAL
Published: September 2008

Since its advent, the use of digital camera in mobile phones is getting more popular, where information retrieval based on visual appearance of an object is very useful when specific parameters for the object are not known. Though it is well-liked, it needs energy aware algorithms to carry out the various tasks such as segmentation and feature extraction. In this paper, a new energy aware fuzzy color segmentation algorithm is proposed and which has been applied for face segmentation in criminal identification using mobile devices. The criminals in the application are in three classes. They are New Criminal (NC), Suspected Criminal (SC) and Confirmed Criminal (CC). It is basically a mobile image-based content search engine that takes photographs of criminals as image queries and finds their relevant contents by matching them to the similar contents in the criminal databases. The energy aware fuzzy color segmentation is used to obtain the most significant parts of an image — facial regions of the persons and which are used in building image-based queries to the databases. Content search methodology in the application is also improved through the fuzzy modeling to make the application more flexible and simpler. Through the experiment conducted, it has been found that the proposed color segmentation algorithm is more robust and it reduces the computational time in searching process by minimizing the number of false cases. It could detect the faces in the images where the other known algorithms have failed to detect.
ESTIMATION OF MENTAL FATIGUE BASED ON WAVELET PACKET PARAMETERS AND KERNEL LEARNING ALGORITHMS
Authors: ZHANG CHONG , ZHENG CHONG-XUN , ZHAO MING-PU , YU XIAO-LIN
Published: September 2008

A new method by combining wavelet packet transform with kernel learning algorithms is proposed to estimate the mental fatigue state in this paper. The first step of this method is to investigate the impact of long term mental arithmetic task on psychology and physiology of subjects by subjective self-reporting measures, action performance test, power spectral indices of HRV and wavelet packet parameters of EEG. The second step is to calculate the wavelet packet features of all EEG data segments, including relative wavelet packet energy parameters in four frequency bands, wavelet packet entropy and three ratio indices. Finally, kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and support vector machine (SVM) are jointly applied to differentiate two mental fatigue states. The investigation suggests that the joint KPCA-SVM method is able to effectively reduce the dimensionality of the feature vectors, speed up the convergence in the training of SVM and achieve higher classification accuracy (88%) of the mental fatigue state. Hence KPCA-SVM could be a promising model for the estimation of mental fatigue.
ON CONSTRUCTION OF COHERENT STATES ASSOCIATED WITH SEMIDIRECT PRODUCTS
Authors: AREFIJAMAAL A. A. , KAMYABI-GOL R. A.
Published: September 2008

Most of the interesting groups encountered in the physics literature are semidirect product groups. These groups are of the general form G = H ×τ K, where H and K are locally compact groups. In this paper, we consider the quasi regular representation on such a group G and investigate when it is possible to construct a family of coherent states associated to this representation.
BINARY TREE IMAGE CODING ALGORITHM BASED ON NON-SEPARABLE WAVELET TRANSFORM VIA LIFTING SCHEME
Authors: WANG CHENG-YOU , HOU ZHENG-XIN , YANG AI-PING
Published: September 2008

In recent years, image coding based on wavelet transform has made rapid progress. In this paper, quincunx lifting scheme in wavelet transform is introduced and all phase interpolation filter banks which can be used in the lifting scheme for prediction and update are designed. Based on the basic idea of set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm, the binary tree image coding algorithm is proposed. Just like SPIHT, the encoding algorithms can be stopped at any compressed file size or let run until the compressed file is a representation of a nearly lossless image. The experimental results on test images show that compared with SPIHT algorithm, the PSNRs of the proposed algorithm are superior by about 0.5 dB at the same bit rates and the subjective quality of reconstructed images is also better.
Mindful Judgment and Decision Making
Authors: Weber Elke U. , Johnson Eric J.
Published: September 2008

A full range of psychological processes has been put into play to explain judgment and choice phenomena. Complementing work on attention, information integration, and learning, decision research over the past 10 years has also examined the effects of goals, mental representation, and memory processes. In addition to deliberative processes, automatic processes have gotten closer attention, and the emotions revolution has put affective processes on a footing equal to cognitive ones. Psychological process models provide natural predictions about individual differences and lifespan changes and integrate across judgment and decision making (JDM) phenomena. “Mindful” JDM research leverages our knowledge about psychological processes into causal explanations for important judgment and choice regularities, emphasizing the adaptive use of an abundance of processing alternatives. Such explanations supplement and support existing mathematical descriptions of phenomena such as loss aversion or hyperbolic discounting. Unlike such descriptions, they also provide entry points for interventions designed to help people overcome judgments or choices considered undesirable.
Validation of simple indexes to assess insulin sensitivity during pregnancy in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Cacho J. , Sevillano J. , de Castro J. , Herrera E. , Ramos M. P.
Published: September 2008

Insulin resistance plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes, including gestational diabetes. The glucose clamp is considered the gold standard for determining in vivo insulin sensitivity, both in human and in animal models. However, the clamp is laborious, time consuming and, in animals, requires anesthesia and collection of multiple blood samples. In human studies, a number of simple indexes, derived from fasting glucose and insulin levels, have been obtained and validated against the glucose clamp. However, these indexes have not been validated in rats and their accuracy in predicting altered insulin sensitivity remains to be established. In the present study, we have evaluated whether indirect estimates based on fasting glucose and insulin levels are valid predictors of insulin sensitivity in nonpregnant and 20-day-pregnant Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. We have analyzed the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and the fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio (FGIR) by comparing them with the insulin sensitivity (SIClamp) values obtained during the hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp. We have performed a calibration analysis to evaluate the ability of these indexes to accurately predict insulin sensitivity as determined by the reference glucose clamp. Finally, to assess the reliability of these indexes for the identification of animals with impaired insulin sensitivity, performance of the indexes was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and FGIR correlated significantly with SIClamp, exhibited good sensitivity and specificity, accurately predicted SIClamp, and yielded lower insulin sensitivity in pregnant than in nonpregnant rats. Together, our data demonstrate that these indexes provide an easy and accurate measure of insulin sensitivity during pregnancy in the rat.
Role of lysosomal acid lipase in the intracellular metabolism of LDL-transported dehydroepiandrosterone-fatty acyl esters
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Wei , Wähälä Kristiina , Adlercreutz Herman , Ikonen Elina , Tikkanen Matti J.
Published: September 2008

Dehydroepiandrosterone-fatty acyl esters (DHEA-FAE) belong to a unique family of naturally occurring hydrophobic steroid hormone derivatives that are transported in circulating lipoproteins and may act as a source of dehydroepiendrosterone (DHEA) and other biologically active steroid hormones in cells. Here, we studied the metabolic fate of low-density lipoprotein-associated [3H]DHEA-FAE ([3H]DHEA-FAE-LDL) and the possible role of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) in the hydrolysis of DHEA-FAE in cultured human cells. When HeLa cells were incubated with [3H]DHEA-FAE-LDL, the accumulation of label in the cellular fraction increased with incubation time and could be inhibited by excess unlabeled LDL, suggesting LDL receptor or LDL receptor-related receptor-dependent uptake. During 48 h of chase, decreasing amounts of [3H]DHEA-FAE were found in the cellular fraction, while in the medium increasing amounts of unesterified [3H]DHEA and its two metabolites, [3H]-5α-androstanedione (5α-adione) and [3H]androstenedione (4-adione), appeared. As LDL-cholesteryl ester hydrolysis is dependent on LAL activity, we depleted LAL from HeLa cells using small interfering RNAs and compared the hydrolysis of [3H]DHEA-FAE-LDL and [3H]cholesteryl-FAE-LDL. The results demonstrated a more modest but significant reducing effect on the hydrolysis of [3H]DHEA-FAE compared with [3H]cholesteryl-FAE. Moreover, experiments in LAL-deficient human fibroblasts (Wolman disease patient cells) showed that [3H]DHEA-FAE hydrolysis was not completely dependent on LAL activity. In summary, LDL-transported [3H]DHEA-FAE entered cells via LDL receptor or LDL receptor-related receptor-mediated uptake, followed by intracellular hydrolysis and further metabolism into 5α-adione and 4-adione that were excreted from cells. Although LAL contributed to the deesterification of DHEA-FAE, it was not solely responsible for the hydrolysis.
Diabetes-induced upregulation of urotensin II and its receptor plays an important role in TGF-β1-mediated renal fibrosis and dysfunction
Authors: Tian Lin , Li Cai , Qi Jiping , Fu Peng , Yu Xiaoyan , Li Xiaokun , Cai Lu
Published: September 2008

Urotensin II (UII) was identified as the ligand for a novel G protein-coupled receptor, GPR14. UII was found not only to have a potent vasoconstrictive action but also to have profibrotic effects in the heart. The present study was to define whether UII and GPR14 also play important roles in diabetes-induced renal fibrosis and dysfunction. Diabetic rats were induced using streptozotocin, and the rat proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were used for the in vitro mechanism study. Results showed that expression of UII and GPR14 was significantly upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels in the diabetic kidneys compared with controls. The upregulated expressions of UII and GPR14 in the kidney were accompanied by significant increases in the renal profibrotic factor transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression, the renal extracellular matrix (fibronectin and collagen IV) accumulation, and the renal dysfunction (increases in urinal N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase content, 24-h urinary retinol-binding protein excretion rate, and decrease in creatinine clearance rate). Exposure of NRK-52E cells to 10−8 mol/l UII for 48 h caused a significant increase of TGF-β1, but not ANG II, production that was GPR14- and calcium-dependent, since GPR14 small-interfering RNA and calcium channel blocker nimodipine or calcium chelator EDTA all could abolish the induction of TGF- β1 by UII. Furthermore, exposure of NRK-52E cells to TGF-β1 or ANG II also increased UII and GPR14 mRNA expressions. These results suggested that diabetes-induced upregulation of UII and GPR14, most likely through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms, plays an important role in TGF-β1-mediated renal fibrosis and dysfunction.
Endpoint Force Fluctuations Reveal Flexible Rather Than Synergistic Patterns of Muscle Cooperation
Authors: Kutch Jason J. , Kuo Arthur D. , Bloch Anthony M. , Rymer William Z.
Published: September 2008

We developed a new approach to investigate how the nervous system activates multiple redundant muscles by studying the endpoint force fluctuations during isometric force generation at a multi-degree-of-freedom joint. We hypothesized that, due to signal-dependent muscle force noise, endpoint force fluctuations would depend on the target direction of index finger force and that this dependence could be used to distinguish flexible from synergistic activation of the musculature. We made high-gain measurements of isometric forces generated to different target magnitudes and directions, in the plane of index finger metacarpophalangeal joint abduction–adduction/flexion–extension. Force fluctuations from each target were used to calculate a covariance ellipse, the shape of which varied as a function of target direction. Directions with narrow ellipses were approximately aligned with the estimated mechanical actions of key muscles. For example, targets directed along the mechanical action of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) yielded narrow ellipses, with 88% of the variance directed along those target directions. It follows the FDI is likely a prime mover in this target direction and that, at most, 12% of the force variance could be explained by synergistic coupling with other muscles. In contrast, other target directions exhibited broader covariance ellipses with as little as 30% of force variance directed along those target directions. This is the result of cooperation among multiple muscles, based on independent electromyographic recordings. However, the pattern of cooperation across target directions indicates that muscles are recruited flexibly in accordance with their mechanical action, rather than in fixed groupings.
AMPA Silencing Is a Prerequisite for Developmental Long-Term Potentiation in the Hippocampal CA1 Region
Authors: Abrahamsson Therése , Gustafsson Bengt , Hanse Eric
Published: September 2008

AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) unsilencing is an often proposed expression mechanism both for developmental long-term potentiation (LTP), involved in circuitry refinement during brain development, and for mature LTP, involved in learning and memory. In the hippocampal CA3–CA1 connection naïve (nonstimulated) synapses are AMPA signaling and AMPA-silent synapses are created from naïve AMPA-signaling (AMPA-labile) synapses by test-pulse synaptic activation (AMPA silencing). To investigate to what extent LTPs at different developmental stages are explained by AMPA unsilencing, the amount of LTP obtained at these different developmental stages was related to the amount of AMPA silencing that preceded the induction of LTP. When examined in the second postnatal week Hebbian induction was found to produce no more stable potentiation than that causing a return to the naïve synaptic strength existing prior to the AMPA silencing. Moreover, in the absence of a preceding AMPA silencing Hebbian induction produced no stable potentiation above the naïve synaptic strength. Thus this early, or developmental, LTP is nothing more than an unsilencing (dedepression) and stabilization of the AMPA signaling that was lost by the prior AMPA silencing. This dedepression and stabilization of AMPA signaling was mimicked by the presence of the protein kinase A activator forskolin. As the relative degree of AMPA silencing decreased with development, LTP manifested itself more and more as a “genuine” potentiation (as opposed to a dedepression) not explained by unsilencing and stabilization of AMPA-labile synapses. This “genuine,” or mature, LTP rose from close to nothing of total LTP prior to postnatal day (P)13, to about 70% of total LTP at P16, and to about 90% of total LTP at P30. Developmental LTP, by stabilization of AMPA-labile synapses, thus seems adapted to select synaptic connections to the growing synaptic network. Mature LTP, by instead strengthening existing stable connections between cells, may then create functionally tightly connected cell assemblies within this network.
Dynamic changes of the renin-angiotensin and associated systems in the rat after pharmacological and dietary interventions in vivo
Authors: Ochiai Yoshinori , Liang Yi-Qiang , Serizawa Masakuni , Kato Norihiro
Published: September 2008

To address the multiplicity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with particular interest in its local, synergistic regulation, we investigate dynamic changes of the RAS and associated systems in response to external stimuli in the rat. We tested influences of the RAS blockade (candesartan and enalapril), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), high lipid diet, and salt loading on tissue mRNA level of 12 principal genes. Under the hemodynamic conditions appropriately predetermined, we quantitatively evaluated mRNA level changes with and without each intervention in five organs–the brain, heart, kidney, liver, and adipose tissues–of male rats ( n = 5 each). A total of 250 tissues were examined by real-time PCR. Significant changes in mRNA level ( P < 0.05) were found in a drug-, diet- and tissue-specific manner. For instance, 29% of genes (14 out of 48 tissues showing detectable mRNA levels) were differentially regulated by candesartan and enalapril, although both drugs reduced blood pressure to similar extents. When the overall interactions among 12 genes were compared between interventions, the RAS and associated systems appeared to change in the opposite direction between candesartan and high lipid diet in the adipose tissue and between candesartan and salt loading in the heart. Enalapril, however, induced unique patterns of perturbation in the local RAS under the corresponding conditions. Thus, this study provides a fundamental picture of gene expression profile in vivo in the RAS and associated systems. In particular, our data highlight differential regulation between candesartan and enalapril, which may reflect the individual pharmacological properties regarding clinical implications.
Quantitative trait loci affecting phenotypic variation in the vacuolated lens mouse mutant, a multigenic mouse model of neural tube defects
Authors: Korstanje Ron , Desai Jigar , Lazar Gloria , King Benjamin , Rollins Jarod , Spurr Melissa , Joseph Jamie , Kadambi Sindhuja , Li Yang , Cherry Allison , Matteson Paul G. , Paigen Beverly , Millonig James H.
Published: September 2008

The vacuolated lens ( vl) mouse mutant arose spontaneously on the C3H/HeSn background and exhibits neural tube defects (NTDs), congenital cataract, and occasionally a white belly spot. We previously reported that 1) the vl phenotypes are due to a mutation in an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Gpr161; 2) the penetrance of the vl NTD and cataract phenotypes are affected by genetic background, allowing three unlinked quantitative trait loci (QTL) to be mapped (modifiers of vacuolated lens, Modvl1-3); and 3) phenotype-based bioinformatics followed by genetic and molecular analysis identified a lens-specific transcription factor that contributes to the cataract-modifying effect of Modvl3. We now extend this analysis in three ways. First, using the Gpr161 mutation to unequivocally identify mutant adults and embryos, we determined that ∼50% of vl/vl NTD-affected embryos die during development. Second, the MOLF/Ei genetic background suppresses this embryonic lethality but increases the incidence of the adult belly spot phenotype. Additional QTL analysis was performed, and two novel modifiers were mapped [ Modvl4, logarithm of odds ratio (LOD) 4.4; Modvl5, LOD 5.0]. Third, phenotype-based bioinformatics identified candidate genes for these modifiers including two GPCRs that cause NTD or skin/pigmentation defects ( Modvl4: Frizzled homolog 6; Modvl5: Melanocortin 5 receptor). Because GPCRs form oligomeric complexes, these genes were resequenced and nonsynonymous coding variants were identified. Bioinformatics and protein modeling suggest that these variants may be functional. Our studies further establish vl as a multigenic mouse model for NTDs and identify additional QTL that interact with Gpr161 to regulate neurulation.
Securing a Sustainable Future for the Oceans Beyond National Jurisdiction: The Legal Basis for an Integrated Cross-Sectoral Regime for High Seas Governance for the 21st Century
Authors: Warner Robin , Rayfuse Rosemary
Published: September 2008

The legal regime for the high seas is fragmented both sectorally and geographically and is incomplete. Governance, regulatory, substantive and implementational gaps in the legal framework serve to limit the effectiveness of the high seas regime in securing a sustainable future for the conservation and use of the high seas environment and its resources. A global approach to further developing the high seas regime based on the concept of international public trusteeship for the oceans beyond national jurisdiction could foster environmentally responsible use of the high seas and its resources and ensure the application of modern conservation principles and management tools to human activities on the high seas. In view of escalating threats to the oceans from existing and emerging uses and from the impacts of climate change, transformation to a legal regime better suited to integrated, cross-sectoral management and preservation of vital ocean ecosystem services and resilience may no longer be a luxury, but rather a necessity.
The Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Pollution and Activities: Gauging the Tides of Global and Regional Governance
Authors: VanderZwaag David , Powers Ann
Published: September 2008

After providing an introductory overview of the major land-based threats to the marine environment, this article focuses upon the specific global and regional efforts to address land-based marine pollution and activities through a four-part survey. The main international initiative is first described, namely, the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA). Progress in GPA implementation is next assessed with an emphasis on the documentation and results from the Second Intergovernmental Review Meeting on Implementation of the GPA held in October 2006. Major challenges constraining GPA implementation are then summarized, including limited national participation, limited financing, and limits of a non-legally binding approach. Finally, regional agreements and initiatives to counter land-based marine pollution and activities are reviewed. Progress and challenges in GPA implementation at the regional seas level are highlighted.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Marine Spatial Planning for Hydrocarbon Activities in the Black Sea
Authors: Oral Nilufer
Published: September 2008

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is increasingly being used as an important tool for Integrated Coastal Zone Management in marine areas. Many coastal states, as well as the European Union, have incorporated MSP into their legal system. The increase in hydrocarbon activities in the Black Sea has put additional pressures on a sea already considered to be environmentally at risk. The current regional legal framework for the Black Sea remains inadequate to meet the pressures of increased transport and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources. This paper will examine MSP in general and its application in the Black Sea.
Oceans Governance in the Arctic
Authors: de La Fayette Louise Angélique
Published: September 2008

Global warming is bringing rapid change to the Arctic. The melting of sea ice and glaciers is increasing faster than scientists predicted even a year ago. Environmental change is forcing legal and economic developments, which in turn will have serious environmental and social consequences. However, the potential for conflict has been greatly exaggerated. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) has established the international legal regime governing the division of ocean space, sovereign rights over ocean resources, protection of the marine environment and the conduct of activities in and under the Arctic Ocean. Furthermore, a number of global environmental and maritime conventions apply to the Arctic. All the land territory, with its resources, is subject to national jurisdiction, as are the maritime zones proceeding seawards to the limits set out in the LOSC. While there is no multilateral political organisation with the power to regulate activities or to take legally binding decisions, there is a cooperative mechanism in the Arctic Council. Once all the maritime boundaries in the Arctic are delimited, the exploitation of resources can begin. However, first, precautionary measures should be adopted to ensure that the environment is protected as much as possible from increases in shipping and fishing as well as oil and gas development. This would require the elaboration of a regional seas agreement for the Arctic, incorporating elements of the Arctic Council, that reiterates the general principles in Part XII of the LOSC as well as those in the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, including the precautionary approach and the ecosystem approach.
Measurements of the Vapor Pressure of Supercooled Water Using Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Cantrell Will , Ochshorn Eli , Kostinski Alexander , Bozin Keith
Published: September 2008

Measurements are presented of the vapor pressure of supercooled water utilizing infrared spectroscopy, which enables unambiguous verification that the authors’ data correspond to the vapor pressure of liquid water, not a mixture of liquid water and ice. Values of the vapor pressure are in agreement with previous work. Below −13°C, the water film that is monitored to determine coexistence of liquid water (at one temperature) and ice (at another, higher, temperature) de-wets from the hydrophilic silicon prism employed in the authors’ apparatus. The de-wetting transition indicates a quantitative change in the structure of the supercooled liquid.
Sport Therapy for Hypertension: Why, how, and how Much?
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Malagoni Anna M. , Mandini Simona , Boari Benedetta , Felisatti Michele , Zamboni Paolo , Manfredini Roberto
Published: September 2008

Exercise may prevent or reduce the effects of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension. Both acute and chronic exercise, alone or combined with lifestyle modifications, decrease blood pressure and avoid or reduce the need for pharmacologic therapy in patients with hypertension. The hypotensive effect of exercise is observed in a large percentage of subjects, with differences due to age, sex, race, health conditions, parental history, and genetic factors. Exercise regulates autonomic nervous system activity, increases shear stress, improves nitric oxide production in endothelial cells and its bioavailability for vascular smooth muscle, up-regulates antioxidant enzymes. Endurance training is primarily effective, and resistance training can be combined with it. Low-to-moderate intensity training in sedentary patients with hypertension is necessary, and tailored programs make exercise safe and effective also in special populations. Supervised or home-based exercise programs allow a nonpharmacological reduction of hypertension and reduce risk factors, with possible beneficial effects on cardiovascular morbidity.
Oxidative Stress in Prehypertension: Rationale for Antioxidant Clinical Trials
Authors: Nambiar Selvaraj , Viswanathan Sathiyapriya , Zachariah Bobby , Hanumanthappa Nandeesha , Sridhar Gopalakrishna Magadi
Published: September 2008

Prehypertension has been recently described as an independent category of blood pressure. Mounting evidence suggests that blood pressure in the prehypertensive range is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Several reports have assigned a critical role for oxidative stress in these disease processes. This review focuses on the clinical and experimental studies done in prehypertension and hypertension within the context of oxidative stress. This article also provides insights into why diverse therapeutic interventions, which have in common the ability to reduce oxidative stress, can impede or delay the onset of hypertension in prehypertension subjects.
Outcomes in Patients with Abnormal Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Normal Coronary Angiogram
Authors: Delcour Kimberly S. , Khaja Azamuddin , Chockalingam Anand , Kuppuswamy Saravanan , Dresser Thomas
Published: September 2008

A subset of subjects undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging has perfusion abnormalities that are subsequently labeled false positive based on coronary angiography. We evaluated the long-term prevalence of cardiovascular events in these patients. We retrospectively identified 48 patients who had reversible perfusion abnormalities with myocardial perfusion imaging and normal coronary angiography. Patients with known coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction, valvular disease, and cardiomyopathy were excluded. Patient follow-up, conducted for at least 3 (mean interval, 7.4) years from the index myocardial perfusion imaging, was accomplished by a review of medical records and telephone interviews. Study endpoints were cardiovascular events defined as sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary revascularization, coronary artery bypass grafting, and cerebrovascular or peripheral revascularization. Thirty-one percent (15 of 48) of the patients had cardiovascular events. Six of the 48 patients had coronary events. These patients had abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging and normal coronary angiogram. The time between myocardial perfusion imaging and coronary event was 0.5 to 8.67 years. There was a strong correlation between the regions of original perfusion abnormality and the ultimate coronary ischemia or revascularization. Abnormal findings on myocardial perfusion imaging may predict a higher prevalence of coronary and peripheral vascular events than suggested by a normal coronary angiogram.
Role of Pro-/Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines and their Correlation with Established Risk Factors in South Indians with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rajappa Medha , Sen S. K. , Sharma Alpana
Published: September 2008

Cytokines are responsible for the modulation of immunological and inflammatory processes and play a significant role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. We estimated the levels of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in South Indian patients with coronary artery disease. The study population comprised of groups 1–3: 100 patients each with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and stable angina, respectively, and group 4 (100 healthy controls). Cytokine levels (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly higher in patients from groups 1 and 2, than in group 3 and controls. Acute myocardial infarction patients exhibited higher serum levels of interleukin-10 compared with other groups and control subjects. Patients with unstable angina had significantly lower interleukin-10 concentrations than those with stable angina. The ratios of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in all the study groups increased significantly when patients with unstable angina were compared to other groups. In patients with acute myocardial infarction, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels showed significant correlation with established risk factors such as body mass index, blood pressure, and lipid levels. Acute myocardial infarction patients show elevation in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, while unstable angina is associated with low levels of serum interleukin-10. Higher levels of antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 may be needed to provide protection in unstable angina. These cytokines are markers of coronary artery disease and may be used for the identification of high-risk patients with unstable angina/acute myocardial infarction.
Effects of Atorvastatin on Vascular Intimal Hyperplasia: An Experimental Rodent Model
Authors: Aydin Unal , Ugurlucan Murat , Gungor Funda , Ziyade Sedat , Inan Bekir , Banach Maciej , Kalko Yusuf , Yasar Tahsin
Published: September 2008

Introduction Vascular intimal hyperplasia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The authors investigated the effects of atorvastatin on vascular intimal hyperplasia. Materials and methods Rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 had experimental aortic injury and received intraperitoneal injection of atorvastatin, solvent, or 0.9% NaCl, respectively. Group 4 was a nonintervention (laparotomy only) control group. Animals were sacrificed after 3 weeks. Blood samples and injured aortic segment were analyzed. Results Atorvastatin administration significantly lowered total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( P = .012 and P = .001, respectively), intima—media ratio ( P = .002), and intimal smooth muscle cell accumulation ( P < .05) in group 1. Luminal narrowing in animals in group 1 was significantly lower than that in animals in groups 2 and 3, but was higher than in animals in group 4 ( P = .009). Conclusions Atorvastatin suppresses intimal hyerplasia and aids in intimal regeneration by lowering blood lipids and intimal smooth muscle cell accumulation.
Serial Changes of Circulating Platelet Activation Markers after Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Liu Fang , Li Jin , Wang Da-Ming , Liu Jia-Chun , Huang Yi-Ning
Published: September 2008

We investigated serial changes of circulation platelet activation markers in 40 patients undergoing carotid artery stenting under the protection of dual antiplatelet therapy and filter devices. Monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 (a marker specific for activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa) analyzed by flow cytometry were determined in patients with symptomatic stenosis undergoing elective carotid artery stenting. Blood samples were obtained immediately before stent implantation and 0.5 hours, 18 hours, and 6 days after the procedure, respectively. All patients were already on dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel before carotid artery stenting, and all were stented with embolic protection devices. Both circulation monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 did not change significantly at the various time points after the procedure. Serial changes of monocyte-platelet aggregates and PAC-1 analyzed by flow cytometry fail to indicate the occurrence of platelet activation after carotid artery stenting under the treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy before carotid artery stenting and the application of embolic protection devices during the procedure.
Impact on Diabetes Mellitus on the Epicardial Coronary Flow Velocity Assessed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Frame Count
Authors: Soylu Ahmet , Ozdemir Kurtulus , Duzenli Mehmet Akif , Yazici Mehmet , Tokac Mehmet
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on epicardial coronary flow velocity assessed by the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was measured in 272 coronary arteries from 101 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in 271 coronary arteries from 104 age- and gender-matched patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus referred for coronary angiography. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was measured only in normal arteries or in arteries without significant lesion. By both univariate and multivariate analysis, the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was not related with either type 2 diabetes mellitus or the duration and glycated hemoglobin levels in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was significantly associated with body surface area, heart rate, and proximal coronary artery diameter. Type 2 diabetes mellitus did not affect epicardial coronary flow velocity assessed by the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count.
In-Stent Restenosis of the Renal Artery in a Single Kidney Patient: The Role of ACEI in the Therapeutic Choice
Authors: Cianci Rosario , Gigante Antonietta , Polidori Lelio , Di Donato Domenico , Martina Paola , Barbano Biagio , Renzulli Roberta , Zaccaria Alvaro , Fuiano Giorgio
Published: September 2008

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) caused by atherosclerotic changes of the renal arteries has become a concern as a cause of end-stage renal failure. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty with or without endovascular stenting is an increasingly accepted procedure at the expense of classical approaches such as aortorenal bypass and other types of surgery. Renal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (RPTAS) represent the first therapeutic choice; however, there is doubt regarding the satisfactory long-term outcome for primary RPTAS. Currently, there is no clear evidence whether or not RPTAS prevents further progressive renal function decline because comparisons between interventional randomized studies and medical therapy are still lacking. Despite the fact that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) may be a potential cause of acute renal failure, clinical data suggest that ACEI therapy is associated with better survival in patient with RAS. In our case, the use of ACEIs has been fundamental for the indirect evaluation of restenosis degree and RPTAS.
Multicultural Competence and Social Justice Training in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education
Authors: Pieterse Alex L. , Evans Sarah A. , Risner-Butner Amelia , Collins Noah M. , Mason Laura Beth
Published: September 2008

This article presents the findings of a descriptive content analysis of 54 multicultural and diversity-related course syllabi drawn from counseling and counseling psychology programs accredited by the American Psychological Association and the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs. Results suggest that most courses adhere to the knowledge, awareness, and skills paradigm of multicultural competence. However, actual course content varies considerably. Whereas the findings identify social justice content as a growing presence in multicultural courses, there is a need to more clearly outline the fundamental points of distinction and overlap between multicultural competence and social justice advocacy in counselor and counseling psychology training.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Ibuprofen Enantiomers in Preterm Newborn Infants
Authors: Gregoire Nicolas , Desfrere Luc , Roze Jean‐Christophe , Kibleur Yves , Koehne Petra
Published: September 2008

The aim of this pharmacokinetic analysis was to develop and validate a population pharmacokinetic model for R‐ and S‐ibuprofen from samples obtained after 3 successive administrations of ibuprofen (10–5–5 mg/kg) at 24‐hour intervals to preterm newborn infants aged from <6 hours to 8 days of life. A model including unilateral bioconversion of R‐ibuprofen into S‐ibuprofen was developed using the software NONMEM. R‐ and S‐ibuprofen plasma concentrations were adequately fitted by this model. Estimated clearance and volume of distribution were 3.5 mL/h/kg and 173 mL/kg, respectively, with a calculated half‐life (t1/2) of 34.3 hours for S‐ibuprofen. Estimated clearance at birth and volume of distribution were 25.5 mL/h/kg and 306 mL/kg with a t1/2 at birth of 8.3 hours for R‐ibuprofen. R‐ibuprofen elimination increased during the first week of life, whereas S‐ibuprofen pharmacokinetics were weakly modified. Therefore, because the activity of the 2 enantiomers differs, it is important that subsequent studies consider R‐ and S‐enantiomers separately. Mean simulated ibuprofen concentrations at various dose regimens were in agreement with observed concentrations. The present analysis allows a more accurate estimation of the ibuprofen pharmacokinetics as parameters could be estimated separately for each enantiomer and the effect of postnatal age on the elimination of R‐ibuprofen was elicited.
Getting Outside Help
Authors: de Ruijter Esther , van der Lippe Tanja
Published: September 2008

This article examines the influence of trust problems on the use of domestic outsourcing by couples from a gender perspective. The authors argue that trust problems matter in outsourcing decisions, because an outsider enters the privacy of the household and takes over tasks of special value. Analyses of data from a survey among 740 Dutch couples show that trust problems faced by female partners influence the outsourcing of female tasks, and the same reasoning applies to male partners. Partners who are more trusting toward others are more likely to outsource own-gender tasks. Conversely, greater skills reduce the trust problem for opposite-gender tasks, that is, men's skills increase the likelihood of outsourcing child care, whereas women's skills increase the outsourcing of home maintenance.