bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Understanding of Risks from Gene-Environment Interaction in Common Diseases: Implications for Public Communications
Authors: Condit C.M. , Shen L.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Public understanding of the relationship between health behaviors and genes is likely to affect the motivational impact of learning information about one’s own genes. Extant research has featured difficulty measuring public understandings of this relationship. This essay explores public understanding of the relationship between genes and behavior, especially with regard to the mathematical relationships to risk concept. It contributes a psychometrically valid scale for measuring beliefs about gene- behavior relationships. Methods: Three population representative surveys (n = 633, 658, 1,218) were conducted using the Knowledge Networks panel platform. Results: Interpretations of risk vary depending on whether genes and behavior are conceived of as health-damaging (loss frame) or health-protecting (gain frame). In the loss frame, the majority of the population adopts an additive model of the relationship with approximately one-third adopting an amplificative model. In the gain frame, beliefs are divided roughly equally among additive, amplificative and sub-additive models. Scores on the nonmathematically based scale indicate higher belief in the existence of interaction than scores on the more concrete question format. Conclusions: The existence of different interpretations of gene-behavior relationships based on gain/loss frame and abstract/concrete modes indicates the need to select frame and mode carefully in both teaching and research. Research is needed to identify optimal configurations for teaching and presenting this relatively complex material.
Activin A in Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Possible Role in Diagnosis and Pathogenesis
Authors: Bergestuen Deidi Strickland , Edvardsen Thor , Aakhus Svend , Ueland Thor , Øie Erik , Vatn Morten , Aukrust Pål , Thiis-Evensen Espen
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Carcinoid heart disease (CHD), a complication of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), is characterized by right heart fibrotic lesions. Though serotonin is likely involved, the pathogenesis of CHD remains unclear. Cytokines and growth factors with fibrogenic properties may play a role. We sought to examine the relationship between plasma levels of fibrogenic cytokines and growth factors and CHD, both to provide further insight into possible biomarkers of CHD as well as into the possible pathogenesis of CHD. Methods: Plasma samples obtained from 71 patients with NETs and 18 controls were analyzed using enzyme immunoassays. All patients underwent echocardiography. Results: 15 patients (21%) had CHD, all of whom had carcinoid syndrome compared to 82% of those without CHD. CHD patients were older (p = 0.01), had larger (p = 0.007) and more numerous liver metastases (p = 0.04), and had elevated 24-hour urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (U-5HIAA) (p = 0.03) and serum chromogranin A levels (p = 0.02). CHD patients had higher plasma levels of C-reactive protein (p = 0.03), osteoprotegerin (p = 0.005), and activin A (p = 0.005) than patients without CHD. A significant direct correlation between activin A and U-5HIAA levels was observed in the total patient group (r = 0.30, p = 0.02). Activin A ≧0.34 ng/ml (odds ratio (OR) 5.35 [1.01; 28.17], p = 0.048) and age ≧69.5 (OR 6.10 [1.60; 23.24], p = 0.008) were independent predictors of CHD. Activin A levels were elevated to the same degree in both early and advanced CHD. Activin A ≧0.34 ng/ml had 87% sensitivity and 57% specificity for detecting CHD (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Elevated plasma activin A levels are associated with the presence of CHD.
Hepatitis C Increases the Risk of Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Noureddine Lama A. , Usman Sohail A. , Yu Zhangsheng , Moorthi Ranjani N. , Moe Sharon M.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: We have shown that hepatitis C does not increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), but it is not known if hepatitis C worsens progression of existing CKD. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with primary glomerulonephritis on biopsy over 4 years, evaluating the progression of CKD over time. Results: The cohort consisted of 111 patients: 21% were positive for hepatitis C, 61% were negative for hepatitis C and 18% were not tested. The hepatitis C-positive subjects were more likely to be African American (p = 0.031), followed for fewer days (p = 0.007) and have diabetes and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis on biopsy (p < 0.001). Longitudinal follow-up of CKD progression using multiple creatinine measures analyzed by repeated measures ANCOVA demonstrated that patients with hepatitis C had a worsening creatinine over time compared to the hepatitis C-negative and not tested groups (p < 0.001). By Cox hazards regression analyses, risk of death/end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was decreased in patients who tested negative for hepatitis C compared to testing positive (0.46, CI 0.27–0.88), but this became nonsignificant after adjustment for mean arterial pressure and hemoglobin. Conclusion: Our results support that infection with hepatitis C in patients with glomerulonephritis is associated with an increased risk of progression of CKD. Prospective studies are required to confirm these observations.
Vascular Reactivity and Flow Characteristics of Radial Artery and Long Saphenous Vein Coronary Bypass Grafts
Authors: Webb Carolyn M. , Moat Neil E. , Chong Chee F. , Collins Peter
Published: August 2010

Background—Radial artery (RA) aortocoronary bypass grafts anastomosed to a branch of the circumflex coronary artery have significantly better patency rates than saphenous vein (SV) grafts at 5 years, but the physiological characteristics and mechanisms involved are not clearly defined. We compared RA and SV graft vasomotor and flow responses to endothelium-dependent and -independent stimuli 5 years after surgery in a subgroup of patients enrolled in the Radial artery versus Saphenous Vein Patency (RSVP) trial.

Methods and Results—Twenty-seven patients were included in the study (RA, n=15; SV, n=12). Graft blood flow was calculated from flow velocity, measured by intracoronary Doppler, and luminal diameter, measured by quantitative coronary angiography, before and after intragraft infusions of adenosine, acetylcholine, and isosorbide dinitrate. At rest, RA luminal diameters were significantly smaller than SV luminal diameters (P=0.029), blood flow velocity was greater in RA than SV (P=0.008), and volume blood flows were similar. RA but not SV dilated in response to adenosine and isosorbide dinitrate (allP<0.05, RA versus SV, percent change from baseline), and there were no significant differences in the diameter responses to acetylcholine. Volume blood flow responses to adenosine, acetylcholine, and isosorbide dinitrate were comparable.

Conclusions—Five years after surgery, RA coronary bypass conduits grafted to a single coronary territory demonstrated preserved flow-mediated vasodilatation, whereas SV grafts did not. Our results may provide insight into the more favorable patency of RA grafts over SV grafts.

Clinical Trial Registration—http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00139399.
Ca
2+
/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase IIδ Causes Heart Failure by Accumulation of p53 in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Toko Haruhiro , Takahashi Hidehisa , Kayama Yosuke , Oka Toru , Minamino Tohru , Okada Sho , Morimoto Sachio , Zhan Dong-Yun , Terasaki Fumio , Anderson Mark E. , Inoue Masashi , Yao Atsushi , Nagai Ryozo , Kitaura Yasushi , Sasaguri Toshiyuki , Komuro Issei
Published: August 2010

Background—

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by dilatation and dysfunction of the left ventricle, is an important cause of heart failure. Many mutations in various genes, including cytoskeletal protein genes and contractile protein genes, have been identified in DCM patients, but the mechanisms of how such mutations lead to DCM remain unknown.

Methods and Results—

We established the mouse model of DCM by expressing a mutated cardiac α-actin gene, which has been reported in patients with DCM, in the heart (mActin-Tg). mActin-Tg mice showed gradual dilatation and dysfunction of the left ventricle, resulting in death by heart failure. The number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes and protein levels of p53 were increased in the hearts of mActin-Tg mice. Overexpression of Bcl-2 or downregulation of p53 decreased the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes and improved cardiac function. This mouse model showed a decrease in myofilament calcium sensitivity and activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase IIδ (CaMKIIδ). The inhibition of CaMKIIδ prevented the increase in p53 and apoptotic cardiomyocytes and ameliorated cardiac function.

Conclusion—

CaMKIIδ plays a critical role in the development of heart failure in part by accumulation of p53 and induction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the DCM mouse model.
Hemodynamic Determinants of Myocardial B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Release
Authors: Maeder Micha T. , Mariani Justin A. , Kaye David M.
Published: August 2010

Although B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is widely used as a biomarker for heart failure, the in vivo mechanical stimulus for its cardiac release remains poorly defined. We aimed to characterize the hemodynamic determinants of the transcardiac BNP gradient as a measure of myocardial BNP release by performing a detailed hemodynamic assessment in subjects with a broad spectrum of systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction. Forty-two subjects underwent a detailed transthoracic echocardiographic study, right heart catheterization, and simultaneous BNP measurement in arterial and coronary sinus plasma. The transcardiac BNP gradient was lowest in subjects with normal left ventricular ejection fraction/high peak early diastolic annular velocity (n=11), intermediate in those with normal left ventricular ejection fraction/low peak early diastolic annular velocity (n=13), and highest in those with low left ventricular ejection fraction/low peak early diastolic annular velocity (n=18; 29 ng/L (range: 15 to 78 ng/L) versus 88 ng/L (range: 34 to 172 ng/L) versus 1566 ng/L (range: 624 to 2349 ng/L;
P
<0.001). Across the range of patients, left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (
r
2
=0.51) and peak systolic mitral annular velocity (
r
2
=0.47) showed the strongest correlation with higher transcardiac BNP gradient. In contrast, the transcardiac BNP gradient was weakly related to indices of diastolic load, including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (
r
2
=0.27) and left ventricular end-diastolic wall stress (
r
2
=0.21). Across this spectrum of pathophysiology, left ventricular end-systolic wall stress appears to be the key mechanical stimulus influencing cardiac BNP release.
Past Experience, Quest for the Best Forum, and Peaceful Attempts to Resolve Territorial Disputes
Authors: Wiegand Krista E. , Powell Emilia Justyna
Published: August 2010

Does a state’s past win/loss record affect its subsequent choices of peaceful dispute resolution methods in territorial disputes? We present a theory that portrays attempts at peaceful resolution as a strategic process, by which states search for the most favorable forum. During the process of decision making, a state strategically chooses between several methods of peaceful resolution; its final choice is based on the state’s past experience with this particular method. Empirical analysis of all attempts at peaceful resolution of territorial disputes from 1945 to 2003 shows that challenger states use their own record of victories and failures, as well as the win/ loss record of the target as indicators of the probability of winning in a subsequent dispute. This pattern is especially strong for the binding third-party methods, arbitration, and adjudication.
Effects of disinhibitory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and therapeutic exercise on sagittal plane peak knee kinematics and kinetics in people with knee osteoarthritis during gait: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pietrosimone Brian G , Saliba Susan A , Hart Joseph M , Hertel Jay , Kerrigan D. Casey , Ingersoll Christopher D
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine whether sensory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) augmented with therapeutic exercise and worn for daily activities for four weeks would alter peak gait kinetics and kinematics, compared with placebo electrical stimulation and exercise, and exercise only.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Motion analysis laboratory.

Subjects: Thirty-six participants with radiographically assessed knee osteoarthritis and volitional quadriceps activation below 90% were randomly assigned to electrical stimulation, placebo and comparison (exercise-only) groups.

Interventions: Participants in all three groups completed a four-week quadriceps strengthening programme directed by an experienced rehabilitation clinician. Active electrical stimulation units and placebo units were worn in the electrical stimulation and placebo groups throughout the rehabilitation sessions as well as during all activities of daily living.

Main measures: Peak external knee flexion moment and angle during stance phase were analysed at a comfortable walking speed before and after the intervention.

Findings: Comfortable walking speed increased for all groups over time (TENS 1.16 ± 0.15 versus 1.32 ± 0.16 m/s; placebo 1.21 ± 0.34 versus 1.3 ± 0.24 m/s; comparison 1.27 ± 0.18 versus 1.5 ± 0.14 m/s), yet no group differences in speed were found. No differences were found for peak flexion moment or angle between groups overtime.

Conclusions: TENS in conjunction with therapeutic exercise does not seem to affect peak flexion moment and angle during stance over a four-week period in participants with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis.
Public Policy and the Changing Chinese Family in Contemporary China: The Past and Present as Prologue for the Future
Authors: Fowler Aubrey R. , Jie Gao  , Carlson Les
Published: August 2010

Over the last several decades, China has emerged as one of the premier economic powers in the global environment due, in part, to several government-instituted policies that were aimed to break ties with the past and pave the way for China’s future. These policies also had a significant impact on the Chinese family, moving it away from the Confucian traditions of the past where the family was considered an autonomous unit that provided the basic structure of Chinese social, economic, and political life. As the Chinese government implemented various policies—most notably the Cultural Revolution, the Open-Door policy, and the One-Child Policy (OCP)—the Chinese family not only became much less autonomous but also was subjected to changing familial and social norms. In this article, the authors describe the impact these and other policies had on the Chinese family and the questions that arise from these changes concerning the three generations that have been most directly affected by these policies.
Family Public Policy in the United States
Authors: Carlson Les , Harrison Robert
Published: August 2010

Family is a very dynamic institution in the United States, and public policy influencing it is seemingly as variable. The situation is so chaotic that Dowds concluded that ‘‘There is a void in public policy about families.’’ Issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage are very controversial and may cause extremely strong emotions among American citizens. In general, the highly individualistic culture has engendered a perspective that family is somewhat sanctified and should be isolated from governmental influence. This article seeks to weave perspectives on what ‘‘family’’ entails currently together with marketing and public policy. The authors hope that such juxtaposition of these views will stimulate discussion and research on the family and more attention to its role as an understudied stakeholder in macromarketing research.
Food contaminant acrylamide increases expression of Cox-2 and nitric oxide synthase in breast epithelial cells
Authors: Lyn-Cook Lascelles E , Tareke Eden , Word Beverly , Starlard-Davenport Athena , Lyn-Cook Beverly D , Hammons George J
Published: August 2010

Acrylamide has been discovered in foods cooked at high temperature. A potentially harmful effect of this dietary component has been suggested by data indicating its association with increased breast cancer. This study investigated the potential effects of acrylamide in nontumorigenic breast cells by assessing expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cycloogenase-2 (Cox-2) and NOS activity, which are known to be early molecular changes in disease formation. Treatment of cells with acrylamide increased levels of iNOS (both expression and activity) and Cox-2. Its potent metabolite, glycidamide, also induced both iNOS and Cox-2, with induction of iNOS occurring at a lower concentration. 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), another food-borne carcinogen, was found to induce Cox-2 expression. Combining acrylamide with PhIP did not result in a further increase. These studies suggest that further research is needed to determine the role of carcinogens formed from cooking foods in inducing early molecular changes associated with breast cancer.
From Database to Knowledge
Authors: Stanimirović Zorica , Trifunović Darko
Published: August 2010

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are taking an increasingly important part in teaching, learning, and communication between all the participants in the educational process. Inspired by numerous examples of successful implementation of the ICTs in the constructivist, problem-based learning situations, in this article the authors present a powerful educational and practical tool: the Terrorist and Organized Criminal Search (TOC-s) database. It is a dynamic database that offers comprehensive information on global terrorist network and helps researchers, analysts, students, and others working to prevent terrorism. It is the result of a joint project realized by the Faculty of Security Studies and Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade, with the support of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. Through the TOC-s project, the authors have successfully unified the perspectives of help seeking and information searching, within the context of ICT-based learning situation. An online collaboration learning environment is designed to facilitate students in group collaboration and to coordinate and monitor the learning process. Besides its educational function, the TOC-s database has important applicative role in the national security system as the additional powerful measure in protecting state borders.
Antidiabetic effects of dendropanoxide from leaves of Dendropanax morbifera Leveille in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Moon Hyung-In
Published: August 2010

The present study evaluated the antidiabetic effect of Dendropanoxide (DP) from Dendropanax morbifera Leveille in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. DP in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed significant hypoglycemic activity for 14 days significantly decreased the serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) while it increased the serum insulin in diabetic rats but not in normal rats (p < 0.05; at doses of 30, 60 and 100 mg/kg for 14 days). A comparison was made between the action of DP and glibenclamide (600 μg/kg), a known antidiabetic drug. The antidiabetic effect of the DP was more effective than that observed with glibenclamide.
Managing Cardiac Devices Near the End of Life: A Survey of Hospice and Palliative Care Providers
Authors: Morrison Laura J. , Calvin Amy O. , Nora Hope , Porter Storey C.
Published: August 2010

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers may change the character of an individual’s eventual death. The objective of this study was to explore hospice and palliative care provider attitudes and experience in managing ICDs and pacemakers for patients near the end of life. A voluntary survey was distributed to session attendees at a national conference. Doctors and nurses surveyed overwhelmingly agreed it is appropriate to disable these devices in a terminally ill patient who does not wish to be resuscitated or prolong life. However, respondents emphasized a less defined burden for pacemakers. Respondents also reported limited involvement in such cases and few institutional protocols. As more terminal patients have these devices, research and education on device management protocols/guidelines and on provider communication skills are critical.
How Citizens and Their Legislators Prioritize Spheres of Representation
Authors: Griffin John D. , Flavin Patrick
Published: August 2010

The authors uncover evidence that citizens’ priorities about various spheres of legislative representation differ across demographic groups and that these differences are subsequently reflected in the in-office behavior of their elected officials. Specifically, African Americans and Latinos are less concerned than whites with policy representation—the attentiveness of elected officials to citizens’ policy preferences—but place more emphasis on their district receiving its fair share of federal money. Citizens with higher incomes place a higher priority on policy representation and less on constituency service than do those with lower incomes. Importantly, these priorities map onto their member of Congress’s behavior.
Cultures of Complaint
Authors: Rowe David , Ruddock Andy , Hutchins Brett
Published: August 2010

Association football fans in the UK often blame the media for ruining the game as an organic community experience. Certainly, this proposition is supported by the substantial levels of complaint that can be found across thousands of online fan message boards. We argue that these complaints embrace online comment and activism as a continuation of football’s traditional culture of communicative exchange between supporters. Yet, online football fan discussion also presents a contradiction, relying upon the same media networks against which fans rail for commodifying ‘the people’s game’. Using cultivation analysis, the case presented is based upon a study of ‘FreeMyFC’ (FMFC), a website ostensibly started to expose the failures of ‘MyFootballClub’ (MFC), the world’s first attempt to manage a football club through a supporter funded and managed website.
Media framing biases and political power: Explaining slant in news of Campaign 2008
Authors: Entman Robert M.
Published: August 2010

Although many scholars dismiss allegations of bias in the mainstream US media, careful research on bias can illuminate media effects on political power and public policy. This article refines framing theory to provide a theoretical foundation for systematic studies of bias. It suggests that scholars distinguish framing from other communication by its diachronic nature and its cultural resonance. Despite journalists’ best efforts, framing often favors one side over another in political disputes. Slanted framing results from the interaction of real world developments, cultural norms, and journalistic decision rules with the sometimes proficient and other times maladroit efforts of competing elites to manage the news. A case study of 2008 presidential campaign coverage focusing on Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin illustrates how slanted framing can shift over time with changes in these interactions. The findings imply that, contrary to many critics’ contentions, unbalanced news does not arise from the presumably stable personal ideologies of journalists.
Finite element modeling of a full-scale five-girder bridge for structural health monitoring
Authors: Ragland William S , Penumadu Dayakar , Williams Richard T
Published: August 2010

Finite element modeling is commonly used to simulate the effect of damage on in-service bridges to facilitate the study of vibration-based damage detection techniques. This study describes the field testing and finite element modeling of an in situ, full-scale, five-girder bridge that is subjected to controlled levels of known damage. The focus of the study is finite element (FE) model calibration to enable the study of damage scenarios including those not imposed during the field tests. Modal parameters are extracted from triaxial vibration records obtained over a relatively dense measurement grid using inexpensive geophones and are used to calibrate a three-dimensional FE model of the bridge. The calibration process and considerations that should be made during field tests for proper model calibration are discussed. Various vibration-based damage detection techniques are evaluated based on their ability to locate the simulated damage. Results show that most of the damage detection techniques evaluated are capable of successfully locating the induced damage on a global level. It is observed from the present study that the horizontal vibration response of the bridge is particularly sensitive to the simulated damage. It is recommended that efforts be made to measure a bridge’s horizontal vibration response (in addition to vertical vibration records) during field tests and this information be included in the FE model calibration processes.
LMS-based approach to structural health monitoring of nonlinear hysteretic structures
Authors: Nayyerloo M. , Chase JG , MacRae GA , Chen X-Q.
Published: August 2010

Structural health monitoring (SHM) algorithms based on adaptive least mean squares (LMS) filtering theory can directly identify time-varying changes in structural stiffness in real-time in a computationally efficient fashion. However, better metrics of seismic structural damage and future utility after an event are related to permanent and total plastic deformations. This study presents a modified LMS-based SHM method and a novel two-step structural identification technique using a baseline nonlinear Bouc—Wen structural model to directly identify changes in stiffness due to damage as well as plastic or permanent deflections. The algorithm is designed to be computationally efficient; therefore it can work in real-time. An in silico single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) nonlinear shear-type structure is used to prove the concept. The efficiency of the proposed SHM algorithm in identifying stiffness changes and plastic/permanent deflections is assessed under different ground motions using a suite of 20 different ground acceleration records. The results show that in a realistic scenario with fixed filter tuning parameters, the proposed LMS-based SHM algorithm identifies stiffness changes to within 10% of true values within 2s. Permanent deflection is identified to within 14% of the actual as-modeled value using noise-free simulation-derived structural responses. This latter value provides important post-event information on the future serviceability, safety, and repair cost.
General Ability and Specialization: Evidence From Penalty Kicks in Soccer
Authors: Baumann Florian , Friehe Tim , Wedow Michael
Published: August 2010

This article revisits the 2 × 2 penalty kick game and seeks to explain differences in mixed strategies associated with different player types and the relative performance of these player types. The authors show that (a) a kicker’s general ability is a reliable indicator of his success rate, (bi) a kicker’s specialization rate increases with his general ability, and (c) left-footed kickers who present a minority within the total population are characterized by a higher success rate. Consequently, the authors establish that more able kickers show a higher degree of specialization. Their greater specialization, however, has neither an adverse nor a beneficial impact on their success rate. All the theoretical predictions are in line with empirical evidence from the German national soccer league.
Skin Tone and Wages: Evidence From NBA Free Agents
Authors: Robst John , VanGilder Jennifer , Coates Corinne E. , Berri David J.
Published: August 2010

Although the vast majority of research focuses on differences across races, recent research has also considered disparities within racial groups. Intraracial discrimination or colorism is defined as a bias between members of the same racial group. Prior research has found a strong relationship between skin tone of African American men and economic outcomes. This article examines the relationship between skin tone and compensation for a sample of highly paid African American men, namely, professional basketball players. One innovation is to use an objective measure of skin tone. The authors find only weak support for customer discrimination and no support for employer discrimination based on skin tone.
Soccer Attendees’ Preferences for Facilities at the Fionia Park Stadium: An Application of the Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Bjørnskov Pedersen Line , Kiil Astrid , Kjær Trine
Published: August 2010

The discrete choice experiment (DCE) is introduced in sports economics by empirically investigating soccer attendees’ preferences for facilities at a soccer stadium in Denmark. The appropriateness of the strategy of differentiating prices based on quality of opponents (A vs. B matches) is investigated. The results indicate that respondents are capable of understanding the exercise. The DCE is a useful and valid tool in assessing the strength of preferences for stadium facilities. The study found positive preferences for the investigated facilities, except for the use of cheerleaders where the authors observed some heterogeneity.
The Designated Hitter Rule and the Distribution of Pitching Talent Across Leagues
Authors: Tollison Robert D. , Vasilescu Octavian
Published: August 2010

We examine whether the DH Rule in MLB led to the trade of better hitting pitchers to the NL.
Looking in the Rearview Mirror: What Incarcerated Women Think Girls Need From The System
Authors: Garcia Crystal A. , Lane Jodi
Published: August 2010

Until the 1980s, scant literature existed about the programmatic needs of delinquent girls. Girls are being introduced into the system at a faster rate than in the past, and the number of girls arrested for “serious” crimes has increased; therefore, gender-specific needs can no longer be overlooked. Much of the gender-specific knowledge focuses on risk and protective factors, though the literature on girls’ programmatic needs is beginning to grow. This study attempts to ascertain what girls need from the system by asking incarcerated women (who were system-involved as adolescents) to describe what they believe the system can do for girls.
Declining to help: Rejections in service requests to the police
Authors: Rønneberg Kari , Svennevig Jan
Published: August 2010

A major part of police work consists in providing services and information to the general public. A stated goal of such police work is to be service-minded and contribute to a positive encounter. This article analyses service requests in calls to the duty desk of a large police station and focuses on how officers deal with requests that have to be rejected. It reveals a general pattern in which officers produce the rejection in a dispreferred format and include displays of empathy, accounts for the rejection and suggestions for alternative solutions. However, in certain types of requests the rejections are not infrequently produced in a direct and unmitigated fashion, without accounts or explanations.This is especially notable in requests that touch upon institutional constraints, such as professional secrecy. And in certain cases the rejections are even delivered in an aggravated form, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to the legitimacy of the request. These rejections cast the caller in an oppositional role, infringing the professional constraints of the police. However, the constraints in question may not be accessible to the callers. The officers will consequently be experienced as hostile and will subvert their own objectives of showing service-mindedness.
LPA4 regulates blood and lymphatic vessel formation during mouse embryogenesis
Authors: Sumida Hayakazu , Noguchi Kyoko , Kihara Yasuyuki , Abe Manabu , Yanagida Keisuke , Hamano Fumie , Sato Shinichi , Tamaki Kunihiko , Morishita Yasuyuki , Kano Mitsunobu R. , Iwata Caname , Miyazono Kohei , Sakimura Kenji , Shimizu Takao , Ishii Satoshi
Published: August 2010

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potent lipid mediator with a wide variety of biological actions mediated through G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6). LPA4 has been identified as a G13 protein-coupled receptor, but its physiological role is unknown. Here we show that a subset of LPA4-deficient embryos did not survive gestation and displayed hemorrhages and/or edema in many organs at multiple embryonic stages. The blood vessels of bleeding LPA4-deficient embryos were often dilated. The recruitment of mural cells, namely smooth muscle cells and pericytes, was impaired. Consistently, Matrigel plug assays showed decreased mural cell coverage of endothelial cells in the neovessels of LPA4-deficient adult mice. In situ hybridization detected Lpa4 mRNA in the endothelium of some vasculatures. Similarly, the lymphatic vessels of edematous embryos were dilated. These results suggest that LPA4 regulates establishment of the structure and function of blood and lymphatic vessels during mouse embryogenesis. Considering the critical role of autotaxin (an enzyme involved in LPA production) and Gα13 in vascular development, we suggest that LPA4 provides a link between these 2 molecules.
FIP200 is required for the cell-autonomous maintenance of fetal hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Liu Fei , Lee Jae Y. , Wei Huijun , Tanabe Osamu , Engel James D. , Morrison Sean J. , Guan Jun-Lin
Published: August 2010

Little is known about whether autophagic mechanisms are active in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or how they are regulated. FIP200 (200-kDa FAK-family interacting protein) plays important roles in mammalian autophagy and other cellular functions, but its role in hematopoietic cells has not been examined. Here we show that conditional deletion of FIP200 in hematopoietic cells leads to perinatal lethality and severe anemia. FIP200 was cell-autonomously required for the maintenance and function of fetal HSCs. FIP200-deficient HSC were unable to reconstitute lethally irradiated recipients. FIP200 ablation did not result in increased HSC apoptosis, but it did increase the rate of HSC proliferation. Consistent with an essential role for FIP200 in autophagy, FIP200-null fetal HSCs exhibited both increased mitochondrial mass and reactive oxygen species. These data identify FIP200 as a key intrinsic regulator of fetal HSCs and implicate a potential role for autophagy in the maintenance of fetal hematopoiesis and HSCs.
Characterization and functional analysis of seven flagellin genes in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae. Characterization of R. leguminosarum flagellins
Authors: Tambalo Dinah D , Bustard Denise E , Del Bel Kate L , Koval Susan F , Khan Morgan F , Hynes Michael F
Published: August 2010

Background

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae establishes symbiotic nitrogen fixing partnerships with plant species belonging to the Tribe Vicieae, which includes the genera Vicia, Lathyrus, Pisum and Lens. Motility and chemotaxis are important in the ecology of R. leguminosarum to provide a competitive advantage during the early steps of nodulation, but the mechanisms of motility and flagellar assembly remain poorly studied. This paper addresses the role of the seven flagellin genes in producing a functional flagellum.

Results

R. leguminosarum strains 3841 and VF39SM have seven flagellin genes (flaA, flaB, flaC, flaD, flaE, flaH, and flaG), which are transcribed separately. The predicted flagellins of 3841 are highly similar or identical to the corresponding flagellins in VF39SM. flaA, flaB, flaC, and flaD are in tandem array and are located in the main flagellar gene cluster. flaH and flaG are located outside of the flagellar/motility region while flaE is plasmid-borne. Five flagellin subunits (FlaA, FlaB, FlaC, FlaE, and FlaG) are highly similar to each other, whereas FlaD and FlaH are more distantly related. All flagellins exhibit conserved amino acid residues at the N- and C-terminal ends and are variable in the central regions. Strain 3841 has 1-3 plain subpolar flagella while strain VF39SM exhibits 4-7 plain peritrichous flagella. Three flagellins (FlaA/B/C) and five flagellins (FlaA/B/C/E/G) were detected by mass spectrometry in the flagellar filaments of strains 3841 and VF39SM, respectively. Mutation of flaA resulted in non-motile VF39SM and extremely reduced motility in 3841. Individual mutations of flaB and flaC resulted in shorter flagellar filaments and consequently reduced swimming and swarming motility for both strains. Mutant VF39SM strains carrying individual mutations in flaD, flaE, flaH, and flaG were not significantly affected in motility and filament morphology. The flagellar filament and the motility of 3841 strains with mutations in flaD and flaG were not significantly affected while flaE and flaH mutants exhibited shortened filaments and reduced swimming motility.

Conclusion

The results obtained from this study demonstrate that FlaA, FlaB, and FlaC are major components of the flagellar filament while FlaD and FlaG are minor components for R. leguminosarum strains 3841 and VF39SM. We also observed differences between the two strains, wherein FlaE and FlaH appear to be minor components of the flagellar filaments in VF39SM but these flagellin subunits may play more important roles in 3841. This paper also demonstrates that the flagellins of 3841 and VF39SM are possibly glycosylated.
Determination of reference genes for circadian studies in different tissues and mouse strains
Authors: Kosir Rok , Acimovic Jure , Golicnik Marko , Perse Martina , Majdic Gregor , Fink Martina , Rozman Damjana
Published: August 2010

Background

Circadian rhythms have a profound effect on human health. Their disruption can lead to serious pathologies, such as cancer and obesity. Gene expression studies in these pathologies are often studied in different mouse strains by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Selection of reference genes is a crucial step of qPCR experiments. Recent studies show that reference gene stability can vary between species and tissues, but none has taken circadian experiments into consideration.

Results

In the present study the expression of ten candidate reference genes (Actb, Eif2a, Gapdh, Hmbs, Hprt1, Ppib, Rn18s, Rplp0, Tbcc and Utp6c) was measured in 131 liver and 97 adrenal gland samples taken from three mouse strains (C57BL/6JOlaHsd, 129Pas plus C57BL/6J and Crem KO on 129Pas plus C57BL/6J background) every 4 h in a 24 h period. Expression stability was evaluated by geNorm and NormFinder programs. Differences in ranking of the most stable reference genes were observed both between individual mouse strains as well as between tissues within each mouse strain. We show that selection of reference gene (Actb) that is often used for analyses in individual mouse strains leads to errors if used for normalization when different mouse strains are compared. We identified alternative reference genes that are stable in these comparisons.

Conclusions

Genetic background and circadian time influence the expression stability of reference genes. Differences between mouse strains and tissues should be taken into consideration to avoid false interpretations. We show that the use of a single reference gene can lead to false biological conclusions. This manuscript provides a useful reference point for researchers that search for stable reference genes in the field of circadian biology.
The Microfloral Analysis of Secondary Caries Biofilm around Class I and Class II Composite and Amalgam Fillings
Authors: Mo Si-su , Bao Wei , Lai Guang-yun , Wang Jun , Li Ming-yu
Published: August 2010

Background

Secondary caries is responsible for 60 percent of all replacement restorations in the typical dental practice. The diversity of the bacterial sources and the different types of filling materials could play a role in secondary caries. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the microbial spectrum of secondary caries biofilms around amalgam and composite resin restorations.

Methods

Clinical samples were collected from freshly extracted teeth diagnosed with clinical secondary caries. Samples were categorized into four groups according to the types of restoration materials and the classification of the cavity. Biofilms were harvested from the tooth-restoration interface using a dental explorer and after dilution were incubated on special agars. The bacteria were identified using the biochemical appraisal system. Statistical calculations were carried out using SPSS11.5 software to analyze the prevalence of the bacteria involved in secondary caries.

Results

Samples from a total of four groups were collected: two groups were collected from amalgam restorations, each had 21 samples from both Class I and Class II caries; and the other two groups were from composite resin restorations, each had 13 samples from both class I and class II caries. Our results showed: (1) Anaerobic species were dominant in both restoration materials. (2) In terms of the types of individual bacteria, no significant differences were found among the four groups according to the geometric mean of the detected bacteria (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences among the detected bacteria within each group (P < 0.05). The composition of each bacterium had no statistical difference among the four groups (P > 0.05), but showed significant differences among the detected bacteria in each group (P < 0.05). (3) Among the four groups, there were no significant differences for the detection rate of each bacterium (P > 0.05), however, the detection rate of each bacterium within each group was statistically different among the detected bacteria (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The proportion of obligatory anaerobic species was much greater than the facultative anaerobic species in the biofilm of secondary caries. Statistically, the materials of restoration and the location of secondary caries did not show any significant effects on the composition of the microflora.
Reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Child Health and Illness Profile (CHIP) Child-Edition, Parent Report Form (CHIP-CE/PRF)
Authors: Estrada Maria-Dolors , Rajmil Luis , Serra-Sutton Vicky , Tebé Cristian , Alonso Jordi , Herdman Michael , Riley Anne W , Forrest Christopher B , Starfield Barbara
Published: August 2010

Background

The objectives of the study were to assess the reliability, and the content, construct, and convergent validity of the Spanish version of the CHIP-CE/PRF, to analyze parent-child agreement, and compare the results with those of the original U.S. version.

Methods

Parents from a representative sample of children aged 6-12 years were selected from 9 primary schools in Barcelona. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a convenience subsample of parents from 2 schools. Parents completed the Spanish version of the CHIP-CE/PRF. The Achenbach Child Behavioural Checklist (CBCL) was administered to a convenience subsample.

Results

The overall response rate was 67% (n = 871). There was no floor effect. A ceiling effect was found in 4 subdomains. Reliability was acceptable at the domain level (internal consistency = 0.68-0.86; test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.69-0.85). Younger girls had better scores on Satisfaction and Achievement than older girls. Comfort domain score was lower (worse) in children with a probable mental health problem, with high effect size (ES = 1.45). The level of parent-child agreement was low (0.22-0.37).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the parent version of the Spanish CHIP-CE has acceptable psychometric properties although further research is needed to check reliability at sub-domain level. The CHIP-CE parent report form provides a comprehensive, psychometrically sound measure of health for Spanish children 6 to 12 years old. It can be a complementary perspective to the self-reported measure or an alternative when the child is unable to complete the questionnaire. In general, the results are similar to the original U.S. version.
Cadmium suppresses the proliferation of piglet Sertoli cells and causes their DNA damage, cell apoptosis and aberrant ultrastructure
Authors: Zhang Ming , He Zuping , Wen Lixin , Wu Jing , Yuan Liyun , Lu Yin , Guo Chengzhi , Zhu Li , Deng Sijun , Yuan Hui
Published: August 2010

Objective

Very little information is known about the toxic effects of cadmium on somatic cells in mammalian testis. The objective of this study is to explore the toxicity of cadmium on piglet Sertoli cells.

Methods

Sertoli cells were isolated from piglet testes using a two-step enzyme digestion and followed by differential plating. Piglet Sertoli cells were identified by oil red O staining and Fas ligand (FasL) expression as assayed by immunocytochemistry and expression of transferrin and androgen binding protein by RT-PCR. Sertoli cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum in the absence or presence of various concentrations of cadmium chloride, or treatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 and with cadmium chloride exposure. Apoptotic cells in seminiferous tubules of piglets were also performed using TUNEL assay in vivo.

Results

Cadmium chloride inhibited the proliferation of Piglet Sertoli cells as shown by MTT assay, and it increased malondialdehyde (MDA) but reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Inhibitor SB202190 alleviated the proliferation inhibition of cadmium on piglet Sertoli cells. Comet assay revealed that cadmium chloride caused DNA damage of Piglet Sertoli cells and resulted in cell apoptosis as assayed by flow cytometry. The in vivo study confirmed that cadmium induced cell apoptosis in seminiferous tubules of piglets. Transmission electronic microscopy showed abnormal and apoptotic ultrastructure in Piglet Sertoli cells treated with cadmium chloride compared to the control.

Conclusion

cadmium has obvious adverse effects on the proliferation of piglet Sertoli cells and causes their DNA damage, cell apoptosis, and aberrant morphology. This study thus offers novel insights into the toxicology of cadmium on male reproduction.