bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel and Recurrent Mutations in the C1NH Gene of Arab Patients Affected with Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Faiyaz-Ul-Haque Muhammad , Al-Gazlan Sulaiman , Abalkhail Halah A. , Al-Abdulatif Ahmad , Toulimat Mohamed , Peltekova Iskra , Khaliq Agha M.R. , Al-Dayel Fouad , Zaidi Syed H.E.
Published: September 2009

Background: Autosomal dominant hereditary angioedema (HAE) results in episodes of subcutaneous edema in any body part and/or submucosal edema of the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. This disorder is caused by mutations in the C1NH gene, many of which have been described primarily in European patients. However, the genetic cause of HAE in Middle Eastern Arab patients has not yet been determined. Methods: Four unrelated Arab families, in which 15 patients were diagnosed with HAE, were studied. DNA from 13 patients was analyzed for mutations in the C1NH gene by DNA sequencing. Results: Three novel and 2 recurrent mutations were identified in the C1NH gene of HAE patients. In family 1, the patient was heterozygous for a novel c.856C>T and a recurrent c.1361T>A missense mutation encoding for p.Arg264Cys and p.Val432Glu, respectively. In patients from family 2, a novel c.509C>T missense mutation encoding for a p.Ser148Phe was identified. In patients from family 3, a novel c.1142delC nonsense mutation encoding for a p.Ala359AlafsX15 was discovered. In family 4, a recurrent c.1397G>A missense mutation encoding for a p.Arg444His was present. Conclusion: This is the first ever report of C1NH gene mutations in Middle Eastern Arab patients. Our study suggests that, despite the numerous existing mutations in the C1NH gene, there are novel and recurrent mutations in HAE patients of non-European origin. We conclude that the spectrum of C1NH gene mutations in HAE patients is wider due to the likely presence of novel and recurrent mutations in patients of other ethnicities.
Smad3 Regulates Dermal Cytokine and Chemokine Expression and Specific Antibody Production in Murine Responses to a Respiratory Chemical Sensitizer
Authors: Anthoni Minna , Fyhrquist Nanna , Lehtimäki Sari , Alenius Harri , Wolff Henrik , Lauerma Antti
Published: September 2009

Background: The cytokine transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) has important regulatory roles in the immune system. To investigate the role of intact TGF-β signaling during the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response to a respiratory allergen, we exposed Smad3–/– mice to topical trimellitic anhydride (TMA). Methods: CHS was induced by topical application of TMA. The swelling of the TMA-exposed ears was analyzed, and lymph node, ear tissue and skin biopsies were collected for RNA isolation, histology and histochemical analyses. Lymph node cell proliferation was measured and blood samples were collected for analysis of TMA-specific immunoglobulin. Results: Topical TMA exposure resulted in increased mRNA expression of proinflammatory and suppressive cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23, TGF-β), chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL24) and chemokine receptors (CCR7, CCR8, CXCR2), increased numbers of CD3+ T cells in ear tissue, and lymphadenopathy in the Smad3–/– mice. The IL-10 result was confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry. However, the ear-swelling response and infiltration of eosinophils, F4/80+ cells, CD11c+ cells and mast cells were similar in the Smad3–/– mice compared to their wild-type (WT) siblings. While TMA-specific IgE was induced equally in the WT and Smad3–/– mice, the concentration of TMA-specific IgG2a was significantly lower in the Smad3–/– mice. Conclusions: The Smad3 molecule contributes significantly to the regulation of the cytokine and chemokine network during the CHS response to TMA. The lack of Smad3 resulted in a potent Th2 shift, confirmed by strongly impaired IgG2a levels.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis Associated with Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Tabata Rie , Tabata Chiharu , Okamoto Tomoko , Omori Konosuke , Terada Makoto , Nagai Tomoko
Published: September 2009

A 65-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was admitted for progressive jaundice. Diffuse pancreatic swelling and stricture of the main pancreatic duct were observed with elevated serum levels of direct bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γGTP and amylase, and impaired glucose tolerance. Serum IgG and IgG4 levels were highly elevated, and both the direct antiglobulin test and platelet-associated IgG were positive. He was diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis associated with MDS, and biliary drainage followed by immunosuppressive therapy ameliorated the jaundice and laboratory findings. In addition to diffuse pancreatic FDG accumulation, fine incorporations of FDG to the lachrymal and submandibular glands were demonstrated, suggesting the recently proposed IgG4+ multiorgan lymphoproliferative syndrome (MOLPS). The etiology of IgG4+ MOLPS is still unknown; however, autoantibodies to blood cells in this case suggested that the autoimmune mechanism, which is caused by abnormal immune functions in MDS patients, might be involved in the pathogenesis of IgG4+ MOLPS.
Development and Psychometric Characteristics of the DSS-4 as a Short Instrument to Assess Dissociative Experience during Neuropsychological Experiments
Authors: Stiglmayr Christian , Schmahl Christian , Bremner J. Douglas , Bohus Martin , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Until now, no brief self-report instrument for the assessment of dissociative states comprising somatoform and psychological items has been available. Thus, we developed a brief instrument for repeated assessment of dissociation during single neuropsychological experiments and neuroimaging. Methods: Based on specific criteria, 4 items were derived from an already existing scale for the assessment of dissociative symptoms (Dissociation-Tension Scale acute, DSS-acute). These 4 items were presented to a total of 142 female patients with different disorders and healthy controls every hour over a 48-hour period. Data acquisition was done with a handheld PC. Results: Inner consistency, reliability and differential validity can be considered to be good or excellent. The DSS-4 was sensitive to changing symptomatology within the 48-hour period and additionally within a 3-hour period. Conclusion: Taken together, our newly developed instrument provides a reliable and easy-to-use tool for the assessment of psychological and somatic aspects of dissociative states, for example for the use at multiple times during single neuropsychological experiments or neuroimaging. There are some indicators that the DSS-4 is a valid instrument.
Negative Performance Beliefs and Negative Symptoms in Individuals at Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Perivoliotis Dimitri , Morrison Anthony P. , Grant Paul M. , French Paul , Beck Aaron T.
Published: September 2009

Background: Negative beliefs regarding task performance have been shown to correlate with negative symptom severity in patients with chronic schizophrenia. We conducted a pilot study to determine whether the association also exists in individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis. Sampling and Methods: The sample consisted of 38 individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis and 51 controls. All participants completed the Abbreviated Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale; the ultra-high-risk participants were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Results: High-risk participants endorsed negative performance beliefs to a greater extent than controls and these beliefs were associated with greater negative symptom severity, independent of depression and positive symptoms. Conclusions: The findings are consistent with previous results in chronic patients, and suggest that negative performance beliefs may be a promising psychological factor worthy of further attention in individuals at high risk of psychosis. Longitudinal research with more comprehensive assessment is needed to elucidate the potential role of negative performance beliefs in this population.
Diverse Effects of Ischemic Pretreatments on the Long-Term Renal Damage Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Jiang Suhua , Chen Yue , Zou Jianzhou , Xu Xunhui , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Chunfeng , Fang Yi , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: The role of ischemic pretreatment in long-term changes after renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unknown. In this study, we mainly aimed to investigate the effect of ischemic pretreatments with different durations on the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and functional impairment following acute renal I/R. Methods: We established a rat model of renal warm I/R, clamping both pedicles for 40 min followed by reperfusion; the experiment was followed up for 10 weeks. Prior ischemia (10, 20, 30 min) was induced 8 days before the 40-min ischemia. To assess tissue fibrosis, we performed morphometric analysis, Masson’s trichrome and Sirius red staining. We also analyzed the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and phospho-Smad2. Results: Patchy tubulointerstitial fibrosis was found 5 and 10 weeks later in rats subjected to I/R alone or pretreated with 10-min ischemia. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis deteriorated further and renal dysfunction occurred in rats pretreated with 30-min ischemia accompanied by increased expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, and phospho-Smad2 at 5 weeks. In contrast, the above abnormalities were significantly attenuated in rats pretreated with 20-min ischemia. Conclusion: Severe I/R injury may cause tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the long term, and different ischemic pretreatments have diverse effects on renal fibrosis.
Statistical Models and Patient Predictors of Readmission for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Desai Mayur M. , Stauffer Brett D. , Feringa Harm H.H. , Schreiner Geoffrey C.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Readmission after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been targeted for public reporting because it is a common, costly, and often preventable outcome. To assist in ongoing efforts to risk-stratify patients and profile hospitals through public reporting of performance measures, we conducted a systematic review to identify models designed to compare hospital rates of readmission or predict patients’ risk of readmission after AMI and to identify studies evaluating patient characteristics associated with AMI readmission.

Methods and Results—

We identified relevant English-language studies published between 1950 and 2007 by searching MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and all 4 Ovid Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews. Eligible publications reported on readmission up to 1 year after AMI hospitalization among adults. From 751 potentially relevant articles, 35 met our predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Overall, none developed models to compare readmission rates among hospitals or models to predict patients’ risk of readmission. All 35 examined patient characteristics associated with AMI readmission. However, studies varied in methods for case and outcome identification, used multiple types of data sources, examined differing outcomes (often either readmission alone or a composite outcome of readmission or death) over varying follow-up periods (from 30 days to 1 year), and found few patient characteristics consistently associated with readmission.

Conclusions—

Patient characteristics may be important predictors of AMI readmission; however, few variables were consistently identified. Thus, clinically, patient risk stratification is challenging. From a policy perspective, a validated risk-standardized model to profile hospitals using AMI readmission rates is currently unavailable in the literature.
Sustaining Improvement in Door-to-Balloon Time Over 4 Years
Authors: Nestler David M. , Noheria Amit , Haro Luis H. , Stead Latha G. , Decker Wyatt W. , Scanlan-Hanson Lori N. , Lennon Ryan J. , Lim Choon-Chern , Holmes David R. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Bell Malcolm R. , Ting Henry H.
Published: September 2009

Background—

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend a door-to-balloon time (DTB) <90 minutes for nontransferred patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Systems of care to achieve and sustain this DTB performance over several years have not been previously reported.

Methods and Results—

The Mayo Clinic STEMI protocol was implemented in April 2004 and included activation of the cardiac catheterization laboratory by the emergency medicine physician; a single call system to activate the catheterization laboratory; catheterization laboratory staff arrival within 20 to 30 minutes of activation; and real-time performance feedback within 24 to 48 hours. Data were collected on nontransferred STEMI patients. The preimplementation group (June 2002 to March 2004) comprised 96 patients with a median DTB of 97 (interquartile range, 82, 130) minutes, and 40% had a DTB <90 minutes. The postimplementation group (May 2004 to March 2008) comprised 322 patients with a median DTB of 67 (interquartile range, 55, 82) minutes, and 81% had a DTB <90 minutes. Postimplementation DTB was significantly shorter than preimplementation DTB (
P
<0.001). In the 4-year follow-up after protocol implementation, the DTB performance remained stable over time (
P
=0.41).

Conclusions—

The Mayo Clinic STEMI protocol implemented strategies to reduce DTB for nontransferred patients with STEMI. DTB was significantly reduced, and the results were sustained over the 4-year follow-up period. Our experience demonstrates the effectiveness and durability of process changes targeting timeliness of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
A Call to ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network)
Authors: Peterson Eric D. , Roe Matthew T. , Rumsfeld John S. , Shaw Richard E. , Brindis Ralph G. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Cannon Christopher P.
Published: September 2009

Background—

There is a recognized need for a national unified registry to track presenting features, care, and outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction. To address this need, the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease program joined the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network (ACTION) Registry to create the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ACTION–Get With the Guidelines (AR-G) in June of 2008. This article outlines the objectives, operational structure, patient population, data elements, data collection methodology, and reporting components of this landmark registry.

Methods and Results—

The AR-G was launched in January of 2007. The registry is led by a team of volunteers from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, and its data coordinating center resides at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. As of December 2008, 344 US hospitals already contributed detailed clinical information on 103 890 myocardial infarction patients (inclusive of 39% ST-segment myocardial infarction and 61% non–ST-segment myocardial infarction patients). Overall data quality has been excellent, with <5% clinical fields missing. Site quality improvement efforts are supported via detailed quarterly feedback reports, routine web educational programs, and sharing of “best practice” clinical support tools.

Conclusions—

The AR-G represents a unified, national, acute myocardial infarction registry and supports a robust quality improvement effort designed to encourage evidence-based acute myocardial infarction care and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
Gene Transfer of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Affords Cardioprotection by Upregulating Heme Oxygenase-1 Via a Nuclear Factor-κB-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Li Qianhong , Guo Yiru , Ou Qinghui , Cui Chuanjue , Wu Wen-Jian , Tan Wei , Zhu Xiaoping , Lanceta Lilibeth B. , Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Shinmura Ken , Rokosh Gregg D. , Wang Shuyan , Bolli Roberto
Published: September 2009

Background—

Although inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is known to impart powerful protection against myocardial infarction, the mechanism for this salubrious action remains unclear.

Methods and Results—

Adenovirus-mediated
iNOS
gene transfer in mice resulted 48 to 72 hours later in increased expression not only of iNOS protein but also of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 mRNA and protein; HO-2 protein expression did not change.
iNOS
gene transfer markedly reduced infarct size in wild-type mice, but this effect was completely abrogated in
HO-1
−/−
mice. At 48 hours after
iNOS
gene transfer, nuclear factor-κB was markedly activated. In transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-restricted expression of a dominant negative mutant of IκBα (IκBα
S32A,S36A
), both basal HO-1 levels and upregulation of HO-1 by
iNOS
gene transfer were suppressed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of mouse hearts provided direct evidence that nuclear factor-κB subunits p50 and p65 were recruited to the
HO-1
gene promoter (−468 to −459 bp) 48 hours after
iNOS
gene transfer.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates for the first time the existence of a close functional coupling between cardiac iNOS and cardiac HO-1: iNOS upregulates HO-1 by augmenting nuclear factor-κB binding to the region of the
HO-1
gene promoter from −468 to −459 bp, and HO-1 then mediates the cardioprotective effects of iNOS. These results also reveal an important role of nuclear factor-κB in both basal and iNOS-induced expression of cardiac HO-1. Collectively, the present findings significantly expand our understanding of the regulation of cardiac HO-1 and of the mechanism whereby iNOS exerts its cardioprotective actions.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Reverses Systemic Vascular Remodeling Through the Inhibition of the Akt/GSK3-β/NFAT Axis
Authors: Bonnet Sébastien , Paulin Roxane , Sutendra Gopinath , Dromparis Peter , Roy Melanie , Watson Kristalee O. , Nagendran Jayan , Haromy Alois , Dyck Jason R.B. , Michelakis Evangelos D.
Published: September 2009

Background—

The remodeled vessel wall in many vascular diseases such as restenosis after injury is characterized by proliferative and apoptosis-resistant vascular smooth muscle cells. There is evidence that proproliferative and antiapoptotic states are characterized by a metabolic (glycolytic phenotype and hyperpolarized mitochondria) and electric (downregulation and inhibition of plasmalemmal K
+
channels) remodeling that involves activation of the Akt pathway. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring and clinically used steroid known to inhibit the Akt axis in cancer. We hypothesized that DHEA will prevent and reverse the remodeling that follows vascular injury.

Methods and Results—

We used cultured human carotid vascular smooth muscle cell and saphenous vein grafts in tissue culture, stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor to induce proliferation in vitro and the rat carotid injury model in vivo. DHEA decreased proliferation and increased vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, reducing vascular remodeling while sparing healthy tissues after oral intake. Using pharmacological (agonists and antagonists of Akt and its downstream target glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β [GSK-3β]) and molecular (forced expression of constitutively active Akt1) approaches, we showed that the effects of DHEA were mediated by inhibition of Akt and subsequent activation of GSK-3β, leading to mitochondrial depolarization, increased reactive oxygen species, activation of redox-sensitive plasmalemmal voltage-gated K
+
channels, and decreased [Ca
2+
]
i
. These functional changes were accompanied by sustained molecular effects toward the same direction; by decreasing [Ca
2+
]
i
and inhibiting GSK-3β, DHEA inhibited the nuclear factor of activated T cells transcription factor, thus increasing expression of Kv channels (Kv1.5) and contributing to sustained mitochondrial depolarization. These results were independent of any steroid-related effects because they were not altered by androgen and estrogen inhibitors but involved a membrane G protein–coupled receptor.

Conclusions—

We suggest that the orally available DHEA might be an attractive candidate for the treatment of systemic vascular remodeling, including restenosis, and we propose a novel mechanism of action for this important hormone and drug.
Chest Compression Fraction Determines Survival in Patients With Out-of-Hospital Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Christenson Jim , Andrusiek Douglas , Everson-Stewart Siobhan , Kudenchuk Peter , Hostler David , Powell Judy , Callaway Clifton W. , Bishop Dan , Vaillancourt Christian , Davis Dan , Aufderheide Tom P. , Idris Ahamed , Stouffer John A. , Stiell Ian , Berg Robert ,   the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Investigators
Published: September 2009

Background—

Quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation contributes to cardiac arrest survival. The proportion of time in which chest compressions are performed in each minute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an important modifiable aspect of quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We sought to estimate the effect of an increasing proportion of time spent performing chest compressions during cardiac arrest on survival to hospital discharge in patients with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Methods and Results—

This is a prospective observational cohort study of adult patients from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Cardiac Arrest Epistry with confirmed ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, no defibrillation before emergency medical services arrival, electronically recorded cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the first shock, and a confirmed outcome. Patients were followed up to discharge from the hospital or death. Of the 506 cases, the mean age was 64 years, 80% were male, 71% were witnessed by a bystander, 51% received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 34% occurred in a public location, and 23% survived. After adjustment for age, gender, location, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bystander witness status, and response time, the odds ratios of surviving to hospital discharge in the 2 highest categories of chest compression fraction compared with the reference category were 3.01 (95% confidence interval 1.37 to 6.58) and 2.33 (95% confidence interval 0.96 to 5.63). The estimated adjusted linear effect on odds ratio of survival for a 10% change in chest compression fraction was 1.11 (95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.21).

Conclusions—

An increased chest compression fraction is independently predictive of better survival in patients who experience a prehospital ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia cardiac arrest.
Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length With Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Mass
Authors: Vasan Ramachandran S. , Demissie Serkalem , Kimura Masayuki , Cupples L. Adrienne , White Charles , Gardner Jeffrey P. , Cao Xiaogian , Levy Daniel , Benjamin Emelia J. , Aviv Abraham
Published: September 2009

Background—

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) decreases over the adult life course owing to the cumulative burden of oxidative stress, inflammation, and exposure to vascular risk factors. Left ventricular (LV) mass is a biomarker of long-standing exposure to cardiovascular disease risk factors. We hypothesized that LTL is related inversely to LV mass.

Methods and Results—

We related LTL (measured by Southern blot analysis) to echocardiographic LV mass and its components (LV diastolic dimension and LV wall thickness) in 850 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 58 years, 58% women) using multivariable linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, height, weight, systolic blood pressure, hypertension treatment, and smoking. Overall, multivariable-adjusted LTL was positively related to LV mass (β-coefficient per SD increase 0.072;
P
=0.001), LV wall thickness (β=0.053;
P
=0.01), and LV diastolic dimension (β=0.035;
P
=0.09). We observed effect modification by hypertension status (
P
for interaction=0.02 for LV mass); LTL was more strongly associated with LV mass and LV wall thickness in individuals with hypertension (β-coefficient per SD increment of 0.10 and 0.08, respectively;
P
<0.01 for both). Participants with hypertension who were in the top quartile of LV mass had LTL that was 250 base pairs longer than those in the lowest quartile (
P
for trend across quartiles=0.009).

Conclusions—

In contrast to our expectation, in the present community-based sample, LTL was positively associated with LV mass and wall thickness, especially so in participants with hypertension. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that longer LTL may be a marker of propensity to LV hypertrophy.
Newly Reported Hypertension After Military Combat Deployment in a Large Population-Based Study
Authors: Granado Nisara S. , Smith Tyler C. , Swanson G. Marie , Harris Robin B. , Shahar Eyal , Smith Besa , Boyko Edward J. , Wells Timothy S. , Ryan Margaret A.K.
Published: September 2009

High-stress situations, such as combat deployments, are a potential risk factor for hypertension. Although stress is postulated to increase blood pressure, the underlying role of stress on hypertension is not well established. We sought to determine the relations between combat deployment–induced stress and hypertension. The Millennium Cohort baseline questionnaire (2001–2003) was completed by 77 047 US active-duty and Reserve/National Guard members. Follow-up was completed by 55 021 responders ≈3 years later (2004–2006). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the 3-year risk of newly reported hypertension, adjusting for general and mental health, demographics, and occupational and behavioral characteristics. After applying exclusion criteria, our analyses included 36 061 service members. Subanalyses of deployers included 8829 participants. Newly reported hypertension was identified in 6.9% of the cohort between baseline and follow-up, many of whom had deployed on military operations in support of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. After adjusting, deployers who experienced no combat exposures were less likely to report hypertension than nondeployers (odds ratio: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.89). Among deployers, those reporting multiple combat exposures were 1.33 times more likely to report hypertension compared with noncombat deployers (95% CI: 1.07 to 1.65). Although military deployers, in general, had a lower incidence of hypertension than nondeployers, deployment with multiple stressful combat exposures appeared to be a unique risk factor for newly reported hypertension.
Caveolin-1 and Dopamine-Mediated Internalization of NaKATPase in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Gildea John J. , Israel Jonathan A. , Johnson Andrew K. , Zhang Jin , Jose Pedro A. , Felder Robin A.
Published: September 2009

In moderate sodium-replete states, dopamine 1–like receptors (D1R/D5R) are responsible for regulating >50% of renal sodium excretion. This is partly mediated by internalization and inactivation of NaKATPase, when associated with adapter protein 2. We used dopaminergic stimulation via fenoldopam (D1-like receptor agonist) to study the interaction among D1-like receptors, caveolin-1 (CAV1), and the G protein–coupled receptor kinase type 4 in cultured human renal proximal tubule cells (RPTCs). We compared 2 groups of RPTCs, 1 of cell lines that were isolated from normal subjects (nRPTCs) and a second group of cell lines that have D1-like receptors that are uncoupled (uncoupled RPTCs) from adenylyl cyclase second messengers. In nRPTCs, fenoldopam increased the plasma membrane expression of D1R (10.0-fold) and CAV1 (1.3-fold) and markedly decreased G protein–coupled receptor kinase type 4 by 94±8%; no effects were seen in uncoupled RPTCs. Fenoldopam also increased the association of adapter protein 2 and NaKATPase by 53±9% in nRPTCs but not in uncoupled RPTCs. When CAV1 expression was reduced by 86.0±8.5% using small interfering RNA, restimulation of the D1-like receptors with fenoldopam in nRPTCs resulted in only a 7±9% increase in association between adapter protein 2 and NaKATPase. Basal CAV1 expression and association with G protein–coupled receptor kinase type 4 was decreased in uncoupled RPTCs (58±5% decrease in association) relative to nRPTCs. We conclude that the scaffolding protein CAV1 is necessary for the association of D1-like receptors with G protein–coupled receptor kinase type 4 and the adapter protein 2–associated reduction in plasma membrane NaKATPase.
Architecture as Nature: A Biodigital Hypothesis
Authors: Dollens Dennis
Published: September 2009

The author's 2005 Leonardo publication documented a biology-based procedure for generating experimental digital architecture. The text evolved out of Louis Sullivan's morphological lexicon and design process as articulated in A System of Architectural Ornament. The present article is rooted in that paper but here infused with theoretical ideas from Leibniz, Deleuze, Rajchman and Dawkins emphasizing biodesign and bioarchitecture's role as part of nature. In addition, new projects and digitally grown tree/truss experiments illustrate generative, digital-botanic designs integrating biological simulation and/or 3D parametric components inspired by nature.
Words, Images and Avatars: Explorations of Physical Place and Virtual Space by Japanese Electronic Media Artists
Authors: Ippolito Jean M.
Published: September 2009

While this article discusses the philosophical and even spiritual relevance of the cultural imprint of individual artists' work, especially for artists originating in a unique environment such as that of Japan, its main purpose is to address how artists capture the character of physical place, whether consciously or subconsciously, when producing creative work in a virtual environment, and how recent artists are exploring their desire to produce tangible objects from their virtual creations.
Henri Matisse Drawing: An Eye-Hand Interaction Study Based on Archival Film
Authors: Tchalenko John
Published: September 2009

Henri Matisse (1869–1954) attached fundamental importance to his drawings, in particular to the famous Themes et Variations series. These were accomplished following a precise method, starting with arduous life studies and evolving into brilliant spontaneous drawings. A 1946 archival documentary film showing the artist drawing four portraits of his grandson Gerard was shot in such a way as to allow the present author to undertake a detailed eye-hand interaction analysis of the drawing process. It was found that Matisse's temporal working rhythm and use of motor memory resulted in a more direct approach than that used by most painters. Taken together with remarks the artist made throughout his lifetime, these results provide a cognitive interpretation of his drawing method.
Temporal Convergence in Shared Networked Narratives: The Case of Blast Theory's Day of the Figurines
Authors: Benford Steve , Giannachi Gabriella
Published: September 2009

Day of the Figurines, developed by Blast Theory in collaboration with the Mixed Reality Laboratory at Nottingham University, is a massively multiplayer board game for up to a thousand participants. Players can interact remotely with other participants via SMS through their mobile phones from anywhere in the world. Following an analysis of this game's complex use of time, the authors introduce a framework structured around five layers of time, from authorial to perceived time, that will facilitate the management and investigation of networked narratives shared by mobile communities over prolonged periods of time.
State, Society and Natural Disaster: Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: Seekins Donald
Published: September 2009

International efforts to provide relief to areas struck by natural disasters, such as tropical cyclones or earthquakes, are usually evaluated in terms of logistical, personnel and technical criteria — how to get needed supplies and services to affected populations quickly and effectively. These criteria are, of course, essential. However, the case of Cyclone Nargis, which struck the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) Delta and other parts of southern Myanmar (Burma) on 2–3 May 2008, shows that the political environment can be a significant negative factor in aid delivery. Fearful of popular unrest and foreign influence, the Myanmar government tried to limit and control the provision of relief to an estimated 2.4 million cyclone survivors. It may be concluded from this experience that governments, such as Myanmar's, with limited popular support and legitimacy are likely to prioritise state security over human security, even in cases of extreme humanitarian need.
Mainland Chinese 'Foreign Talents' in Singapore
Authors: Sixin Sheng , Jin Lee Kiat , Yun Hing Ai
Published: September 2009

With the escalation of skilled international migration since the late 1980s, the subject matter has emerged similarly as a growing field of academic inquiry. Nevertheless, while the relocation of skilled workers has become prevalent with globalisation, accounts of such migration continue to be narrowly focused on several themes. In contrast, by concentrating on mainland Chinese professionals, this essay will seek to describe the intricacies of skilled migration. Furthermore, as it has developed into a middle class phenomenon, skilled international migration must be evaluated from a highly contextualised framework. Consequently, as it has declared its objective to become a talent centre, Singapore is an ideal case concerning the processes in the recruitment, production and employment of skilled international labour.
The Catholic Church and Education as Sources of Institutional Panic in the Philippines
Authors: Cornelio Jayeel Serrano , Raffin Anne
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we analyse two important institutions in the modernising society of the Philippines: the Catholic Church and the educational system. If one is to follow conventional modernisation theories, religion can be seen as a backward institution founded on irrationality, whereas education is a critical institution that ushers in modern thinking. As a developing society, the Philippines and hence its institutions present responses to the contemporary modern condition that run counter to the above. In particular, we focus our attention on seeing certain crises within both the Catholic Church and the school system as indicative of what Blum has called an 'institutional panic'. Taking our cue from what is known about panic responses at the level of the individual, we perceive educational and Catholic religious institutions as exhibiting behaviours of hyper-vigilance as an answer to stress-related situations. At the same time, these entities also have periods during which they let down their institutional guard, and may appear as more passive and demoralised. This perspective allows us to look at the variable nature of panic at an institutional level, and investigate institutional patterns of response to situations of vulnerability.
Civic Organisations and Governance Reform in Indonesian Cities
Authors: Ganie-Rochman Meuthia , Achwan Rochman
Published: September 2009

Much has been written about Indonesia's decentralisation since the fall of Soeharto. Scholars have developed different perspectives and provided useful analyses on 'right governance', but they seem to have largely neglected the organisational problems of civic organisations engaged in governance reform. By employing the concepts of legitimacy, organisational field and networks familiar in the sociology of organisation, this paper explores ways in which they develop and transform their organisations and networks, creating political issues and, mobilising the public. Three cities — Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta — were chosen as the study locations for the conspicuous and even prominent engagement of civic organisations in the struggle for reform of public governance. A qualitative method was used to collect data from various actors who are directly and indirectly engaged in contesting and cooperating with organisational actors in this area. This paper shows that the principles of independency and freedom within civic organisations have developed rapidly at the expense of organisational accountability. Such development has hampered the transformation of civic organisations into more influential social actors.
A Struggle with Faith: Freedom of Religion in Malaysia
Authors: Carroll Bruce
Published: September 2009

For many people, the central issue regarding freedom of religion involves the freedom to practice one's chosen religion without burdensome governmental interference. For others, the problems can be very muddled between the struggle for free exercise within state established religions and free exercise for minority religious adherents in nations' with state established religions. This comment examines some of the conflicting options for minority religious adherents in Malaysia and analyzes some of the procedural boundaries faced by minority religious adherents with a special emphasis on one woman's struggle.
Low-Frequency Climate Response and Fluctuation–Dissipation Theorems: Theory and Practice
Authors: Majda Andrew J. , Gershgorin Boris , Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2009

The low-frequency response to changes in external forcing or other parameters for various components of the climate system is a central problem of contemporary climate change science. The fluctuation–dissipation theorem (FDT) is an attractive way to assess climate change by utilizing statistics of the present climate; with systematic approximations, it has been shown recently to have high skill for suitable regimes of an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM). Further applications of FDT to low-frequency climate response require improved approximations for FDT on a reduced subspace of resolved variables. Here, systematic mathematical principles are utilized to develop new FDT approximations on reduced subspaces and to assess the small yet significant departures from Gaussianity in low-frequency variables on the FDT response. Simplified test models mimicking crucial features in GCMs are utilized here to elucidate these issues and various FDT approximations in an unambiguous fashion. Also, the shortcomings of alternative ad hoc procedures for FDT in the recent literature are discussed here. In particular, it is shown that linear regression stochastic models for the FDT response always have no skill for a general nonlinear system for the variance response and can have poor or moderate skill for the mean response depending on the regime of the Lorenz 40-model and the details of the regression strategy. New nonlinear stochastic FDT approximations for a reduced set of variables are introduced here with significant skill in capturing the effect of subtle departures from Gaussianity in the low-frequency response for a reduced set of variables.
Numerical Simulations of the Impacts of the Saharan Air Layer on Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Development
Authors: Sun Donglian , Lau W. K. M. , Kafatos Menas , Boybeyi Zafer , Leptoukh Gregory , Yang Chaiwei , Yang Ruixin
Published: September 2009

In this study, the role of the Saharan air layer (SAL) is investigated in the development and intensification of tropical cyclones (TCs) via modifying environmental stability and moisture, using multisensor satellite data, long-term TC track and intensity records, dust data, and numerical simulations with a state-of-the-art Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). The long-term relationship between dust and Atlantic TC activity shows that dust aerosols are negatively associated with hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, especially with the major hurricanes in the western Atlantic region. Numerical simulations with the WRF for specific cases during the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) experiment show that, when vertical temperature and humidity profiles from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) were assimilated into the model, detailed features of the warm and dry SAL, including the entrainment of dry air wrapping around the developing vortex, are well simulated. Active tropical disturbances are found along the southern edge of the SAL. The simulations show an example where the dry and warm air of the SAL intruded into the core of a developing cyclone, suppressing convection and causing a spin down of the vortical circulation. The cyclone eventually weakened.

To separate the contributions from the warm temperature and dry air associated with the SAL, two additional simulations were performed, one assimilating only AIRS temperature information (AIRST) and one assimilating only AIRS humidity information (AIRSH) while keeping all other conditions the same. The AIRST experiments show almost the same simulations as the full AIRS assimilation experiments, whereas the AIRSH is close to the non-AIRS simulation. This is likely due to the thermal structure of the SAL leading to low-level temperature inversion and increased stability and vertical wind shear. These analyses suggest that dry air entrainment and the enhanced vertical wind shear may play the direct roles in leading to the TC suppression. On the other hand, the warm SAL temperature may play the indirect effects by enhancing vertical wind shear; increasing evaporative cooling; and initiating mesoscale downdrafts, which bring dry air from the upper troposphere to the lower levels.
The Continuing Path of Distortion
Authors: Becker George
Published: September 2009

Things are not always as they seem. A cursory examination of a table of statistics cited in the Weber thesis appears to reveal striking differences in the educational ‘preferences’ of Catholics and Protestants. Careful scrutiny, however, on a number of grounds, especially in light of the importance that Weber attaches to these statistics in the articulation of his thesis, reveals that not only are the statistics seriously compromised by errors and omissions, but they lead to an evolving state of confusion engendered by scholars who, while engaged in the concealment or ostensible correction of these flaws by often dubious means, have published changed and conflicting versions of Weber’s statistics. By examining two recently published new English translations of the Weber thesis, this study resolves and clarifies some of the uncertainties surrounding the proper interpretation of these statistics within the context of Weber ’s theoretical argument and the socio-political climate in which they were produced. The reader is invited to explore how reverential bias in classical scholarship actually emerges.
Splitting Up or Getting Married?
Authors: Moors Guy , Bernhardt Eva
Published: September 2009

In this article, we investigate which ideational variables influence the propensity of cohabiting couples to transform their union into marriage, separation or continued cohabitation. The question is particularly relevant in the Swedish context of considerable social acceptance of unmarried cohabitation even among parents. A two-wave panel study including 705 never-married respondents cohabiting at the time of the first survey shows that ideational factors influence subsequent behaviour, even when different sets of control variables are included in the model. Familistic attitudes, work-related values and reflections about the quality of the relationship prove to be predictors of the transition to either marriage or separation even when intentions are taken into account.
The Role of Relations
Authors: Olsson Elin
Published: September 2009

The article interrogates whether the social background of adolescents affects (1) the quality of their relations with parents and teachers, and (2) the potentially beneficial effects of these relations on school-related and psychological outcomes. Previous studies suggest that social background does affect the quality of social relations, although weakly, and that these in turn affect various outcomes. However, the results are inconclusive as to whether the quality of social relations of different importance for adolescents from different social backgrounds, and such an interaction effect could be predicted from different perspectives. The data are based on a nationally representative sample of Swedish adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age ( n = 2,645) and include several aspects of social background, social relations and outcomes. The data are ideally suited to this question, in that information about social relations and outcomes is child-reported, while information on social background is parent-reported and based on register data. The results confirm that social relations are conducive to various outcomes, and show that disadvantaged adolescents have weaker relations with parents and teachers. Furthermore, they imply that relations with teachers are of particular importance for disadvantaged adolescents’ school and psychological outcomes, while parental relations are equally important for both advantaged and disadvantaged adolescents.
When is Tenure Long Enough? A Historical Analysis of Superintendent Turnover and Tenure in Urban School Districts
Authors: Yee Gary , Cuban Larry
Published: September 2009

The short tenure and frequent turnover of urban superintendents has been attributed to the growing unmanageability of urban school districts. This instability at the top is said to limit the prospects for sustained reform. In this article, we calculate the average tenure of urban superintendents since the turn of the century. Our research suggests that the tenure of superintendents has been decreasing, but not in a linear fashion and not as precipitously as is often reported in the press. We believe that a complex mix of environmental, local, and professional factors may help explain changes in tenure, but the causal and interactive relationships between them remains a mystery. Nevertheless, our findings suggest the longer-than-anticipated tenures raise questions about the relationship of "short tenures" and the problems facing urban school districts.
Retaining Women in the Superintendency: The Location Matters
Authors: Tallerico Marilyn , Burstyn Joan N.
Published: September 2009

In this article, we discuss extant knowledge about the location and contexts of women's and men v superintendencies. We share findings from our study of women who have exited the superintendency. And we relate evidence of gender stratification to the issue of retaining women in the superintendency.
Public School Fees as Hidden Taxation
Authors: Bouman Claudette E. , Brown Daniel J.
Published: September 2009

The imposition of public schoolfees may be growing in importance as a supplement to general revenues that support schools. This article considers user charges from the perspective of taxation theory. Its most relevant aspects are the benefit principle, ability-to-pay, yield, neutrality, and administrative costs. Information about schoolfees was gathered from 18 public secondary schools within five districts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 superintendents, principals, and teachers using a purposeful sampling strategy. Interviewees invoked both the benefit and ability-to-pay principles regarding fees and fee waivers. Students were offered more extensive choices, but the imposition of fees probably distorted their selection. Administrative costs were incurred through extensive collection arrangements, some burden on teachers, and problems of compliance. In general, taxation theory provided an appropriate framework for this inquiry, and the interview technique was a very useful method to gain knowledge about school fees.