bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEASURING PHOTONS AND NEUTRONS AT ZERO DEGREES IN CMS
Authors: GRACHOV O. A. , METZLER B. , MURRAY M. , SNYDER J. , STILES L. , WOOD J. , ZHUKOVA V. , BEAUMONT W. , OCHESANU S. , DEBBINS P. , INGRAM D. , NORBECK E. , ONEL Y. , GARCIA E.
Published: October 2007

The CMS Zero Degree Calorimeters, ZDCs, will measure photons and neutrons emitted with |η| ≥ 8.6 from Pb + Pb , p + Pb and p + p collisions at [Formula: see text], 8.8 and 14 TeV respectively. The calorimeter consists of an electromagnetic part segmented in the horizontal direction and an hadronic part segmented into four units in depth. In addition CMS will have access to data from a segmented shower maximum detector being built for luminosity measurements. We will present detailed results from tests beam measurements taken at the CERN SPS. These data will be used to extrapolate the utility of the ZDCs to measure photons, and possibly π0 s in p + p and ultra-peripheral heavy-ion collisions. Data from the hadronic section can be used to estimate the number of participants in heavy ion-collisions. In addition we will discuss plans to use the detector to measure the reaction plane, thereby extending the sensitivity of the central detectors in CMS.
IMPROVEMENT OF SIGNAL/NOISE RATIO FOR STUDYING LOW-MASS VECTOR MESONS VIA DI-ELECTRON DECAY CHANNEL IN PHENIX
Authors:   PHENIX Collaboration, NAKAMIYA YOSHIHIDE
Published: October 2007

The yields of low mass vector mesons via e + e − decay channels in Au + Au collisions at [Formula: see text] have been measured by the RHIC-PHENIX experiment. The measurement provides important information to study chiral symmetry restoration in high temperature medium created in high energy heavy-ion collisions. One of the major difficulties in the measurement is huge backgrounds due to high multiplicity environments. Analysis methods have been improved to reduce the background. The invariant yield of ω mesons is found to scale with the number of participant nucleons. The invariant p T spectrum of ω mesons in minimum bias collisions is in a good agreement with other decay channels and in other collision systems.
DETERMINATION OF THE PARAMETERS OF CANCELLOUS BONE USING HIGH FREQUENCY ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS II: INVERSE PROBLEMS
Authors: BUCHANAN JAMES L. , GILBERT ROBERT P.
Published: October 2007

In a precursor to this article the Biot model was used to model poroelastic media. The question this article addresses is whether the sort of experiments described by McKelvie and Palmer, Williams, and Hosokawa and Otani can be used to determine the parameters of the Biot model. A method of computing acoustic pressure in the low 100 kHz range was developed in Buchanan and Gilbert, "Determination of the parameters of cancellous bone using high frequency acoustic measurements," which appeared in Math. Comput. Modelling. In the present work a parameter recovery algorithm which uses parallel processing is developed and tested. It is found that when it is assumed that the agreement between calculated and measured data is about two digits, porosity can be determined to within about 1–2% and permeability, pore size and the bulk moduli to within about 40%, but in most cases less than 20%.
COMPUTATION OF ACOUSTIC FIELD RADIATED BY A SPHERICAL SOURCE NEAR A THERMOVISCOUS FLUID SPHERE
Authors: HASHEMINEJAD S. M. , PASDAR A. H.
Published: October 2007

Acoustic radiation from a spherical source, vibrating with an arbitrary, axisymmetric, time-harmonic surface velocity distribution, while immersed near a thermoviscous fluid sphere suspended in an unbounded viscous thermally conducting fluid medium is computed. The formulation utilizes the appropriate wave field expansions and boundary conditions along with the translational addition theorem for spherical wave functions to develop a closed-form solution in form of infinite series. The prime objective is to investigate the thermoviscous loss effects on acoustic radiation and its associated field quantities. The analytical results are illustrated with a numerical example in which the spherical source, that may vibrate either in a monopole-like or a dipole-like mode, is suspended in a thermoviscous fluid medium near an equal-sized viscous thermally conducting fluid sphere. To avoid numerical difficulties normally arising in process of solving thermoviscous radiation/scattering problems in the frequency range of interest, a basic multiple precision FORTRAN computation package was utilized in developing specialized codes for computing special mathematical functions including spherical Bessel functions of complex argument and performing large complex matrix manipulations on floating point numbers of arbitrarily high precision. The essential acoustic field quantities such as the modal acoustic radiation impedance load on the source, the radiated far-field pressure directivity pattern and the radiated on-axis pressure are evaluated and discussed for representative values of the parameters characterizing the system. Limiting cases are examined and excellent agreements with well known solutions are attained.
IS A US IPO A SENSIBLE OPTION FOR ASIAN VENTURES?
Authors: CHOI DAVID Y , ELKINAWY SUSAN , WANG STACEY H
Published: October 2007

U.S.-based stock exchanges (e.g., NASDAQ) continue to be the financial markets of choice for IPOs among Asian entrepreneurs, although many Asian firms, upon listing, have performed poorly. This paper surveys the existing literature and summarizes the main advantages and disadvantages associated with a U.S. listing by an Asia-based venture. The paper also examines the post-IPO experience of four Asian companies which illuminate issues that are particularly relevant for Asian entrepreneurs. Our findings indicate that a U.S. listing can provide Asian companies with increased liquidity, visibility, and business opportunities. But being public in the U.S. brings disadvantages that include disclosure and reporting requirements, risk of lawsuits, and additional expenses. Our case studies reveal that successful U.S. listings require Asian firms to fully commit to transparency and investor relations programs. Based on our findings, we develop practical guidelines as to when a U.S. IPO may be sensible for an Asian venture.
FORCE AND VISUAL INFORMATION ACQUISITION IN AFM BASED ROBOTIC MWCNT MANIPULATION
Authors: TIAN XIAO-JUN , WANG YUE-CHAO , XI NING , DONG ZAI-LI , TUNG STEVE
Published: October 2007

Real-time force and visual information during MWCNT manipulation is required for online controlling MWCNT assembly based on atomic force microscope (AFM). Here real-time three-dimensional (3D) interactive forces between probe and sample are obtained according to PSD signals based on the proposed force model, and MWCNT manipulation process can be online displayed on the visual interface according to probe's position and applied force based on the proposed MWCNT motion model. With real-time force and visual information acquisition and feedback, the operator can control online MWCNT's manipulation process by adjusting the probe's 3D motion and applied forces. MWCNT push and assembly experiments verify the effectiveness of the method, which will be used in assembling MWCNT based nano device.
A NOVEL ENHANCEMENT METHOD FOR CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY IMAGES
Authors: LI BAOPU , MENG MAX Q.-H.
Published: October 2007

To assist the diagnosis, this paper presents a new algorithm to enhance the capsule endoscopy images, which are now widely used to detect the diseases in the digestive tract because of its great advantages over traditional endoscopy technologies. The capsule endoscopy images have the characteristics such as low resolution and low contrast, which cause some difficulties to analysis and diagnosis for the physicians, especially to computer aided diagnosis. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a contrast-based forward and backward anisotropic diffusion method to enhance the capsule endoscopy images. Based on the local analysis of the capsule endoscopy images, we put forward a new concept of contrast. Then, we employ the forward and backward anisotropic diffusion to enhance the capsule endoscopy images. Experimental results show that this new method can efficiently enhance the capsule endoscopy images, which provides a better visualization and an improved discrimination of region of interest from the background.
GENETIC ALGORITHM BASED VISUAL LOCALIZATION FOR A ROBOT PET IN HOME HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Authors: TONG FUNG-LING , MENG MAX Q.-H.
Published: October 2007

The simultaneous localization and mapping technique is an important requirement in the development autonomous robot. Many localization algorithms for wheeled robots using various sensors have been proposed. In this article, we present a visual localization algorithm for a small home-use robot pet (legged robot). A low-resolution camera is equipped on the robot as the only sensor for localization. Challenges of visual localization for legged robots include: (1) Unmodeled motion errors due to leg slippages are common in legged robot, (2) as the oscillated walking motion of robot leads to fluctuated sensor data, the high degree of freedom of legged robot increases the complexity of the localization problem and (3) camera has limited field of view and image points lack of depth information. In the proposed algorithm, the localization for high-dimensional movement robot is modeled as an optimization. The objective function is then solved by a genetic algorithm. Approaches to (1) increase the efficiency of the search and (2) weaken the influence of noisy feature points to the localization results are presented. Results from simulations show that the proposed algorithm is able to localize the legged robot accurately and efficiently.
RECONSTRUCTING THE 3D OBJECT WITH THE RANK CONSTRAINT OF MATRIX AND ANALYZING THE DEGENERATION
Authors: WU YOUFU , DAI MO
Published: October 2007

One of the challenging problems of 3D Euclidean reconstruction is that only the hypothesis of intrinsic parameters can be used to retrieve the camera parameters. In this paper, we proposed a method to find out the intrinsic parameters of a camera using the rank constraint of the relation matrix of absolute conic Ω. Simultaneously, analyzed the degeneration of self-calibration. The experimental results showed that the self-calibration method of camera is better than the other methods.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO SWEDISH LCA-BASED TOOLS FOR PRACTICAL ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION OF BUILDINGS
Authors: BRICK KAROLINA , FROSTELL BJÖRN
Published: October 2007

In Sweden, two LCA-based tools for the built environment have been developed the last years: the "Environmental Load Profile" and "EcoEffect". Both are standing in front of an implementation phase and it is therefore important that they may deliver credible and consistent results to end users and facilitate a transition to more environmentally benign building construction and administration. The present study looked at the differences in results that may appear when using the tools and where they come from. Applying the two tools for assessment of a new building on equal basis created differences in results. However, both tools pointed at energy use in the administration phase of the life cycle being the most significant factor for environmental impact, consistent with other studies. The results indicate that: (i) differences in material grouping and life expectancy for the construction materials used, (ii) differences in LCI-data used and (iii) different classification and characterisation models used, give rise to important differences.
Expression Patterns of Ets2 Protein Correlate with Bone-Specific Proteins in Cell-Seeded Three-Dimensional Bone Constructs
Authors: Wanschitz Felix , Stein Elisabeth , Sutter Walter , Kneidinger Doris , Smolik Konstantin , Watzinger Franz , Turhani Dritan
Published: October 2007

The transcription factor Ets2 and its transcriptional targets osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC) are expressed in tissue-engineered bone constructs in vitro. Up to now little is known about the role of Ets2 in tissue-engineering applications. This study was intended to investigate the hypothesis that protein expression of Ets2 is correlated with the expression of bone-specific proteinsin tissue-engineeredbone constructs. Cell-seeded three-dimensional bone constructs manufactured with osteoblastic cells and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer fleeces over a period of 21 days were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The protein expression of OPN, OC, osteonectin and collagen type I was analyzed. Cellularity, alkaline phosphatase-specific activity and histology confirmed the osteoblastic phenotype of the constructs. Correlations between Ets2 expression and OPN and Ets2 and collagen type I expression could be detected during the phase of late osteoblastic differentiation between days 9 and 21. The correlation between OC and collagen type I was significant in this late stage of osteoblastic differentiation. These results suggest that there is a strong interplay of Ets2 with bone-specific proteins in cell-seeded three-dimensional bone constructs. This study is a crucial step to elucidate the complex interplay of bone-related proteins in the application of bone tissue engineering.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor-Expressing Human Embryonic Lung Fibroblasts as Feeder Cells for Human Embryonic Germ Cells
Authors: Li Fangfei , Liu Yonggang , Chen Dilong , Lin Xuemei , Li Jing , Wang Jianwei , Peng Yan , Wang Shali , Wang Yaping
Published: October 2007

A robust culture system is critical for maintaining both proliferation and the developmental potential of human embryonic germ (hEG) cells. Here, we use human embryonic lung fibroblasts (hELF) overexpressing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as feeder cells to support the self-renewal of hEG cells. We examine the morphology, gene expression, and developmental potential of hEG cells grown on a feeder layer of LIF-expressing hELF (hELF/lif) cells. hEG cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase (AP), stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-1, SSEA-4, tumor rejection antigen (TRA)-1–60, and TRA-1–81. In addition, hEG cells maintained on hELF/lif expressed higher levels of pluripotency genes such as Oct4 and Nanog. In addition, hEG cells maintained on hELF/lif cells gave rise to differentiated tissues when grown as embryoid bodies, consistent with the broad developmental potential of the starting population. Our results suggest that a hELF/lif feeder layer can support the proliferation of hEG cells, and that LIF signaling plays an essential role in this process. This human-derived culture system provides an attractive alternative to more commonly used mouse-derived feeder layers for use in clinical applications.
Development of an in vitro Model for Bovine Placentation: A Comparison of the in vivo and in vitro Expression of Integrins and Components of Extracellular Matrix in Bovine Placental Cells
Authors: Zeiler M. , Leiser R. , Johnson G.A. , Tinneberg H.-R. , Pfarrer C.
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: Interaction of trophoblastic integrins with the extracellular matrix plays a role in embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion. The phenomenon of restricted trophoblast invasion, observed in the bovine epitheliochorial placenta offers intriguing conditions to study invasive processes. The migration of bovine trophoblast giant cells is accompanied by the expression of specific integrins and corresponding extracellular matrix ligands. Methods: Primary cultures of different cell populations from cow placentomes were established and characterized, and in vitro phenotypes were compared with in vivo conditions by immunofluorescence. Results: Propagated epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratin and vimentin, while fibroblasts contained α-smooth muscle actin, desmin and vimentin. Epithelial cells coexpressed integrin subunits α6 and β1 with laminin, and fibroblast cells were positive for αv, β3, fibronectin and laminin. In contrast to cells in vivo, cultured epithelial cells secreted fibronectin, while collagen IV was not detected. The occurrence of integrin subunits was confirmed at mRNA level by RT-PCR. Conclusion: We have established cell cultures isolated from maternal and fetal components of bovine placentomes expressing typical cytoskeletal filaments and integrin receptors also present in their in vivo counterparts. These bovine placentomal cells provide a suitable in vitro model for the study of cell-cell interactions.
Spatial and Temporal Expression of Perlecan in the Early Chick Embryo
Authors: Soulintzi Nikolitsa , Zagris Nikolas
Published: October 2007

Perlecan is a major heparan sulfate proteoglycan that binds growth factors and interacts with various extracellular matrix proteins and cell surface molecules. The expression and spatiotemporal distribution of perlecan was studied by RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence in the chick embryo from stages X (morula) to HH17 (29 somites). Combined RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry demonstrated the expression of perlecan as early as stage X and its presence may be fundamental to the first basement membrane assembly on the epiblast ventral surface at stage XIII (blastula). Perlecan fluorescence was intense in the cells ingressing through the primitive streak and was strong lining the epiblast ventral surface lateral to the streak at stage HH3–4 (gastrula). At stage HH5–6 (neurula), perlecan fluorescence was low in the neuroepithelium and stronger in the apical surface of the neural plate. At stage HH10–11 (12 somites), perlecan fluorescence was intense in the neuroepithelium and was then essentially nondetectable in the neuroepithelium, and the intensity had shifted to the basement membranes of encephalic vesicles by stage HH17. Perlecan immunofluorescence was intense in neural crest cells, strong in pharyngeal arches, intense in thymus and lung rudiments, intense in aortic arches and in dorsal aorta, strong in lens and retina and intense in intraretinal space and in optic stalk, strong in the dorsal mesocardium, myocardium and endocardium, strong in dermomyotome, low in sclerotome in somites, intense in mesonephric duct and tubule rudiments, intense in the lining of the gut luminal surface. Inhibition of the function of perlecan by blocking antibodies showed that perlecan is crucial for maintaining basement membrane integrity which mediates the epithelialization, adhesive separation and maintenance of neuroepithelium in brain, somite epithelialization, and tissue architecture during morphogenesis of the heart tube, dorsal aorta and gut. An intriguing possibility is that perlecan, as a signaling molecule that modulates the activity of growth factors and cytokines, participates in the signaling pathways that guide gastrulation movements and neural crest cell migration, proliferation and survival, cardiac cell proliferation and paraxial mesoderm (somitic) cell proliferation and segmentation.
Effects of the Novel 5-HT3 Agonist MKC-733 on the Rat, Mouse and Guinea Pig Digestive Tract
Authors: Chetty Navinisha , Irving Helen R. , Coupar Ian M.
Published: October 2007

The contractile activity of the novel 5-HT3 receptor agonist MKC-733 was determined in intestinal tissues of rats, guinea pigs and mice. The potential influence of non-5-HT3 receptors was removed by the inclusion of methysergide and GR125487. MKC-733 had a lower efficacy than 5-HT in the rat jejunum, ileum and distal colon; however, it had similar efficacy and potency to 5-HT in the rat proximal colon. The activity profile of MKC-733 was different in the guinea pig intestine where it exhibited greater potency and efficacy than 5-HT in all regions. MKC-733 showed little to no response in the regions of the mouse intestine. Responses to MKC-733 in the rat and guinea pig tissues were inhibited by ondansetron, confirming its action on 5-HT3 receptors. These in vitro studies indicate that MKC-733 displays both regional and species specificities.
Long-Term Fluctuation of Standard Automatic Perimetry, Pulsar Perimetry and Frequency-Doubling Technology in Early Glaucoma Diagnosis
Authors: Gonzalez-Hernandez M. , Gonzalez de la Rosa M. , Rodriguez de la Vega R. , Hernandez-Vidal A.
Published: October 2007

Purpose: Analyze the stability and accuracy of 3 perimetric techniques. Methods: A total of 104 stable eyes (65 subjects) with ocular hypertension and early glaucoma [group G, mean defect = 1.08 dB, SD = 2.0, in standard TOP automatic perimetry (SAP)] were examined 5 times during 18 months using: (a) SAP; (b) Pulsar temporal modulation perimetry (T30W), and (c) frequency-doubling technology (FDT N30). Ninety eyes from 90 normal controls were compared with the first set of examinations of group G. Results: The learning effect was minimal in the 3 techniques but higher in Pulsar (1.0 src, p < 0.05) than in SAP and FDT (0.4 dB). Long-term fluctuation (F) was significantly higher in FDT (3.1 dB, SD = 1.4, p < 0.0001) than in SAP (2.3 dB, SD = 1.1) and in Pulsar (1.9 src, SD = 0.7). Pulsar and FDT reduce F when increasing the number of examinations. F seems equivalent in SAP and FDT and lower in Pulsar, considering small-scale differences of the 3 perimeters. Conclusions: A slight learning effect would be expected on FDT and SAP in patients with previous experience with SAP. The stability and sensitivity of Pulsar is greater than on the other 2 systems. For early diagnosis of glaucoma it is essential to prove the reproducibility and coincidence of perimetric results.
Trace Elements and Cytokine Profile in Cytomegalovirus-Infected Pregnancies: A Controlled Study
Authors: Zhang Jian-Ping , Li Fen , Yu Xue-Wen , Sheng Qiu , Shi Xiao-Wei , Zhang Xin-Wen
Published: October 2007

Objective: Qinba Mountain area of Shanxi Province, China, is one of the poorest, culturally backward regions in China with a high incidence of mental retardation. To investigate whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) plays a role in the high incidence of mental retardation in this region, we studied the incidence of CMV infection during pregnancy and possible risk factors associated with CMV infection. Methods: 386 consecutive pregnant women in Qinba Mountain area were monitored for the level of a CMV-specific IgM antibody. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect CMV in breast milk obtained within 2 weeks postpartum and urine samples of newborn infants born to actively CMV-infected mothers. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, zinc, copper, iron and selenium were analyzed in CMV-infected pregnant women. Results: The incidence of CMV-active infection during pregnancy, intrauterine transmission and excretion in breast milk were 15.03, 33.33, and 39.58%, respectively. Active CMV infection during pregnancy was correlated with maternal age, education and economic status, parity, and history of obstetric complications. Those women who had active CMV infection, intrauterine transmission, or CMV excretion in milk showed higher values of TNF-α and IL-6, lower values of zinc as compared with health age-matched controls (p < 0.05). No differences were identified between studied cases and controls in the level of copper, iron, and selenium (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Theincidence of CMV-active infection during pregnancy was high in Qinba Mountain area of Shanxi Province. Zinc deficiency may be a risk factor for the development of CMV infection. TNF-α and IL-6 may be involved in the pathophysiologic process.
A Prospective Study on Incidence of Bacterial Infections in Portuguese Dialysis Units
Authors: Ponce Pedro , Cruz João , Ferreira Aníbal , Oliveira Carlos , Vinhas José , Silva Goretti , Pina Elaine
Published: October 2007

Background: Viral infection has been the main epidemiologic concern in the hemodialysis unit; however, bacterial infection is responsible for more than 30% of all causes of morbidity and mortality in our patients, vascular access infection being the culprit in 73% of all bacteremias. Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study of bacterial infections incidence, conducted from January to July 2004 in five hemodialysis units, to record and track bacterial infections, using a validated database from CDC’s Dialysis Surveillance Network Program. Results: 4,501 patient-months (P-M) were surveilled, being dialyzed through a native fistula (AVF) in 60.6%, a graft (PTFE) in 31.3%, a tunneled catheter (TC) in 7.6%, and a transient catheter (C) in 0.5%. As target events, we registered 166 hospitalizations – 3.7/100 P-M (2.2/100 P-M in patients with AVF, 4 in PTFE, 9.9 in TC, and 19 in C), and 182 intravenous antibiotic courses. Of these 182 antibiotic treatments, 47.8% included vancomycin, only 30% had blood cultures drawn pretreatment, and only 36% were positive. We recorded 98 infections at the vascular access site 2.18/100 P-M (0.95 in AVF, 1.6 in PTFE, 12.6 in TC, and 42.85 in C) and 2.13 infections/100 P-M at other sites. The isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis in 40.1%, Staphylococcus aureus in 30.1%, Pseudomonas in 13.3%, and Escherichia coli in 3.3%. Although we found a diversity of practice patterns, the number of target events (8.4/100 P-M) and the bacterial infections incidence (4.31/100 P-M) were remarkably homogeneous in the five centers. Conclusion: (1) High incidence of bacterial infections, causing major morbidity; (2) infectious risk is vascular access type-dependent, with dramatic rise in catheters; (3) underutilization of blood cultures to orient diagnosis and therapy, and (4) high rates of vancomycin prescription.
Ankle-to-Brachial Index and Dementia
Authors: Laurin Danielle , Masaki Kamal H. , White Lon R. , Launer Lenore J.
Published: October 2007

Background—

Measurement of the ankle-to-brachial index (ABI) is a noninvasive test to assess peripheral arterial disease. A low ABI is a strong correlate of cardiovascular disease and subsequent mortality. Evidence indicates the existence of vascular components in the pathogenesis of dementia. Here, we examine the association of ABI with dementia and subtypes.

Methods and Results—

Data are from the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS), a prospective community-based study of 3734 Japanese American men 71 to 93 years of age at baseline in 1991 to 1993. The analysis included 2588 men who were free of dementia at the first assessment, had an ABI measure, and were examined up to 2 more times for dementia between 1994 and 1999. The sample included 240 incident cases of dementia (144 of Alzheimer’s disease, 46 of vascular dementia, and 50 of dementia of other causes). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from Cox proportional-hazards models with age as the time scale after adjustment for education, year of birth, high blood pressure, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol concentration, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. A low ABI was associated with an increased risk of dementia and vascular dementia (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.37; and HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.07 to 4.73, respectively). ABI was weakly associated with Alzheimer’s disease (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.53), particularly in the apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.96).

Conclusions—

These results suggest that ABI, a measure of atherosclerosis, is associated with the incidence of total dementia, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease in carriers of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele.
Differences in Stroke Subtypes Between Black and White Patients With Stroke
Authors: Markus Hugh S. , Khan Usman , Birns Jonathan , Evans Andrew , Kalra Lalit , Rudd Anthony G. , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Jerrard-Dunne Paula
Published: October 2007

Background—

Determining whether the distribution of stroke subtypes differs between ethnic groups is important in understanding the mechanisms of the increased stroke incidence in black patients.

Methods and Results—

In this study, 600 black and 600 white patients with stroke were prospectively and consecutively recruited to determine differences in stroke subtypes. The pathophysiological Trial of Org 10172 (TOAST) classification was used and compared with a clinical (Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project) subtype classification. Stroke subtypes were determined by one investigator by review of original imaging. Black patients with stroke were significantly younger and had higher prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. They were less likely to be smokers and had lower prevalences of myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation. In the black patients, 33% of stroke was due to cerebral small vessel disease compared with 14% in the white stroke cohort (odds ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.97 to 4.39;
P
<0.001, controlling for age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, and social class). The black stroke cohort had less large vessel atherosclerosis (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.29 to 0.82;
P
=0.007) and cardioembolic disease (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37 to 0.80;
P
=0.002). Using a classification based on clinical syndrome alone gave a higher estimate of the frequency of small vessel disease stroke, particularly in white patients.

Conclusions—

A relative excess of small vessel disease was observed in black patients with stroke compared with an excess of extracranial atherosclerosis and cardioembolic stroke in white patients with stroke that was independent of conventional risk factors and social class. Whether these excesses are due to differences in genetic susceptibility or as-yet undetermined differences in environmental risk remains to be determined.
Relationship Between Aortic Stiffness and the Development of Coronary Collateral in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Çelik Şükrü , Kaplan Şahin , Yilmaz Remzi , Erdoğan Turan , Kiriş Abdulkadir
Published: October 2007

Large artery stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and a major determinant of pulse pressure. The stiff aorta may result in greater systolic, lower diastolic, and wider pulse pressures, which may decrease coronary artery perfusion. Shear stress has been implicated in the development of coronary collateral. Decreased coronary perfusion may reduce shear stress and thus collateral formation. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between the development of coronary collateral and aortic stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease. In 106 patients with at least one coronary artery stenosis of 90% or greater, collateral vessels were assessed angiographically by the Rentrop grading (grade 0—3), establishing two groups: 50 patients with poor collateral vessels (Rentrop grade 0 or 1), and 56 patients with good collateral vessels (Rentrop grade 2 or 3). Internal aortic root diameters were measured at 3 cm above the aortic valve by use of two-dimensional guided M-mode transthoracic echocardiography, and arterial pressure was measured simultaneously at the brachial artery by sphygmomanometry. Two indexes of the aortic elastic properties were measured: aortic distensibility index was calculated by use of the formula: 2 × (systolic diameter — diastolic diameter)/(diastolic diameter) × (pulse pressure) in cm— 2dyn—110—6. The aortic stiffness index was calculated by: (systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure)/pulsatile change in diameter/diastolic diameter. The aortic distensibility index and the aortic stiffness index were not significantly different between the patients with poor collateral vessels and those with good collateral vessels (5.1 ±2.3 vs 5.7 ±3.3 cm—2dyn —110—6, p = 0.31; 4.02 ±2.3 vs 4.43 ±3.7, p = 0.49, respectively). There were no significant differences regarding the aortic elastic properties between the patients with poor collateral vessels and those with good collateral vessels, suggesting that collateral formation is a complex phenomenon consisting of several distinct processes.
Promotive and Risk Factors Related To Deviant Behavior in Japanese Youth
Authors: Laser Julie Anne , Luster Tom , Oshio Toko
Published: October 2007

Although deviant behavior is on the rise in Japanese youth, the promotive (or protective) factors that deter this behavior and the risk factors that exacerbate it have not been studied. This study examined promotive and risk factors related to deviant behavior among 555 male and female Japanese youth attending postsecondary schools in the Sapporo area. Individual characteristics, family characteristics and processes, and extrafamilial factors were investigated. Results showed that many factors that had been linked to deviant behavior in Western samples (e.g., lack of parental monitoring) were also predictive of deviant behavior in Japanese youth. In addition, some factors that were of particular concern in Japan (e.g., father's involvement in fuzuko) were also predictive of deviant behavior.
Developmental Pathways of Deviance in Sexual Aggressors
Authors: Lussier Patrick , Leclerc Benoit , Cale Jesse , Proulx Jean
Published: October 2007

The study investigated the behavioral antecedents of deviance in sexual aggressors and how they relate to sexual offending. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 553 convicted sexual aggressors to gather data on developmental history. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the behavioral antecedents. Results indicated the presence of three broad dimensions of deviance: internalization, externalization, and sexualization. Aggressors against children showed higher levels of internalization, whereas aggressors against adults reported higher levels of externalization. It is the dimension of sexualization and externalization, however, that appeared the most valuable in the understanding of sexual offending.
Assessing Diversity Among Latinos
Authors: Guarnaccia Peter J. , Martínez Pincay Igda , Alegría Margarita , Shrout Patrick E. , Lewis-Fernández Roberto , Canino Glorisa J.
Published: October 2007

This article provides a profile of a range of important variables for assessing diversity among different Latino groups from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). The NLAAS is a nationally representative study of the mental health needs and mental health services use of the Latino population of the United States. The NLAAS employs a stratified area probability sampling design. There are 2,554 respondents in the Latino portion of the NLAAS. The article demonstrates through a detailed presentation of a wide range of variables the diverse experiences of Latino groups in their encounters with U.S. culture. Language use and migration experiences show considerable variability within and across Latino groups and are promising areas for analysis of their mental health consequences.
Alcohol Use and Problem Drinking Among Male Mexican and Central American Im/migrant Laborers
Authors: Worby Paula A. , Organista Kurt C.
Published: October 2007

This review addresses a growing concern regarding alcohol use in adult male Latino im/migrant laborers in the United States. The review draws from alcohol studies focusing on “Hispanic” populations, and from health behavior studies of Latino im/migrant laborers, research that includes alcohol use. Specifically, this review addresses (a) alcohol consumption and drinking patterns among Mexican and Central American im/migrant laborers, and (b) health and social consequences of alcohol use. After reviewing more than 200 articles, 30 studies meeting key criteria were selected for review. Survey data show lower alcohol use in Latino im/migrants as compared with U.S. Latino and non-Latino populations, but also a relation between problem drinking and acculturation. Ethnographic research reveals heavy drinking and negative health and social consequences in a significant number of Latino im/migrant laborers. How structural-environmental and culture-based factors combine to influence problem drinking in the United States is discussed along with recommendations for future research.
Morality and Economics: Public Assessments of the Adult Entertainment Industry
Authors: West Darrell M. , Orr Marion
Published: October 2007

In this article, the authors examine citizen attitudes toward the adult entertainment industry. Using the results of a public opinion survey of a northeastern American city, the authors find that morality is more important than economics in attitudes about adult entertainment. The authors look at assessments regarding the number of adult entertainment clubs, the overall regulatory environment, and specific policy remedies for dealing with the industry (police raids, higher taxes, tighter zoning, or clustering establishments). On nearly every one of these factors, religion and morality are more important to people's attitudes than their views about the economic contributions of the industry. These results have important implications for theories emphasizing the economic basis of public policy making.
Job Creation and the Knowledge Economy: Lessons From North Carolina's Life Science Manufacturing Initiative
Authors: Lowe Nichola J.
Published: October 2007

Knowledge-intensive industries are expected to provide long-term economic prosperity for their host regions. The question persists whether these industries can also generate quality, stable jobs for a wide range of workers in these regions, particularly those with limited academic training. This article examines North Carolina's effort to respond to this challenge by integrating workforce and economic development functions in an effort to anchor life science manufacturing establishments in the state. By coordinating training, recruitment, and research activities, state agencies are influencing the location and employment strategies of life sciences firms in ways that are helping to foster a more socially inclusive transition to the knowledge economy.
The Perceptions of High-Risk Victims of Domestic Violence to a Coordinated Community Response in Cardiff, Wales
Authors: Robinson Amanda L. , Tregidga Jasmin
Published: October 2007

Research was conducted with very high-risk victims of domestic violence to determine their levels of revictimization one year after being referred to a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and their perceptions of this type of intervention. The MARACs provide increased and ongoing communication between agencies and victims, risk assessments, advocacy to victims, help translating policy into action, and help in holding perpetrators to account. More than 4 in 10 victims reported no further violence one year after the MARAC. Nearly all victims first attributed responsibility for ending the violence to themselves and then acknowledged the importance of having multiagency support once they were ready to change their situations. This research reveals that taking a holistic multiagency approach to domestic violence can reduce recidivism, even among the population most at risk.
Predicting Women's Perceptions of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Agency Helpfulness
Authors: Zweig Janine M. , Burt Martha R.
Published: October 2007

Study goals were to assess if community agency interactions, the characteristics of services provided by staff, and the combinations of services received can predict women's perceptions of victim service helpfulness around domestic violence and sexual assault. Data were collected from agency representatives in 26 communities, and both women who used services and others living in the community ( n = 1,509 women). Women found nonprofit victim services more helpful based on staff behavior in those agencies and the extent to which women felt control when working with staff; helpfulness of services was enhanced when agencies interacted with the legal system and other community agencies.
The Weakness of Family Ties and Their Perpetuating Effects on Gender Violence
Authors: Agoff Carolina , Herrera Cristina , Castro Roberto
Published: October 2007

Research into intimate partner violence has shown that social isolation constitutes a risk factor, and the presence of social networks can be an important source of social support. This research note presents some results of an empirical study carried out in Mexico into women's social relations, especially their family relations, and their role in the promotion of traditional gender norms. Findings indicate that some of the main conditions that are associated with the production of violence against women are either generated or reinforced within the realm of what can be regarded as women's “strong ties.”
Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Narratives of Women Abused by Intimate Partners
Authors: Holmes Danielle , Alpers Georg W. , Ismailji Tasneem , Classen Catherine , Wales Talor , Cheasty Valerie , Miller Andrew , Koopman Cheryl
Published: October 2007

This study examined relationships between cognitive and emotional processing with changes in pain and depression among intimate partner violence survivors. Twenty-five women who wrote about their most traumatic experiences completed measures of pain and depressive symptoms before the first writing session and again 4 months following the last writing session. Reduced pain was significantly associated with less use of positive and negative emotion words. Relationships between cognitive and emotional aspects of writing with changes in depressive symptoms fell short of statistical significance. The results suggest that emotional processing in narrative writing predicts changes in pain in intimate partner violence survivors.
AIDS in India: When Denial Kills
Authors: Kodandapani Keshavan , Alpert Patricia T.
Published: October 2007

India is facing a rise in the number of people living with HIV/AIDS. The majorities of new cases of HIV/AIDS victims are women having sex with one partner or husband. In many of these situations, their partners and/or husbands are having sex with prostitutes infected with the AIDS virus. The most vulnerable population of women is those who have minimal education living in poverty. Frequently these women have not heard of HIV, and if they are aware of this virus they lack the knowledge about the route of transmission. The purpose of this article is to review the HIV/AIDS epidemic among people living in poverty in India and to discuss strategies of how to deal with this growing epidemic.
Home Health Care Challenges and Avian Influenza
Authors: Gershon Robyn R. M. , Qureshi Kristine A. , Stone Patricia W. , Pogorzelska Monika , Silver Alexis , Damsky Marc R. , Burdette Christopher , Gebbie Kristine M. , Raveis Victoria H.
Published: October 2007

Recent public health disasters, both nationally and internationally, have underscored the importance of preparedness in effectively responding to these events. Within the home health care sector, preparedness is especially critical, as home care patients may be at increased risk of disaster-related morbidity and mortality because of their age, disability, or other vulnerability. Importantly, the home health care population is growing, with an estimated 7 million patients currently receiving home health care services. Yet the degree of preparedness at all levels of the home care sector (agency, health care worker, and patient and/or family) is largely unknown. Without this knowledge, important first steps toward development and implementation designed to address barriers to preparedness cannot be taken. To help address some of these knowledge gaps, one aspect of preparedness, namely the willingness of home health care workers to respond during an avian influenza outbreak, was recently examined. Findings revealed very low levels of willingness. Preliminary recommendations designed to address this issue are presented following a general discussion of the issue.
Poverty and Spiritual Life: Impact on Health and Nursing Care in Uganda
Authors: Thompson Cheryl W. , Cechanowicz Barbara
Published: October 2007

Competency in cultural sensitivity is an essential skill for health care practitioners. One strategy for improving cultural sensitivity is through a cultural immersion experience. This article reflects the experience of two university faculty members, on completion of a cultural immersion experience. The article describes the experience and the cultural practices identified that influence health and nursing care in two hospitals in Uganda. The cultural practices appear to be influenced by the severe poverty that plagues the nation, as well as the vibrant spiritual life of the nation. The observations are generalizations about caregiver role, nurse—patient relationship, meaning of illness, and gender role in the culture as they relate to nursing care. The intent is to depict the wide gap between norms for nursing practice that were observed in Uganda in contrast with nursing practice in the United States. This content would serve as a primer for any provider preparing for a cross-cultural health care experience in Uganda.
The Buddha in the Classroom
Authors: Adarkar Aditya , Keiser David Lee
Published: October 2007

To teach with a moral lens, especially one centered in compassion and reinforced by an awareness of suffering, may require taking stands that challenge the dominant quantitative paradigm based on high-stakes testing and accountability. Yet what are the tools that would allow educators to renew their sense of compassion with themselves and their students? We draw on the diverse literatures of spirituality, social justice, and education. Following Thich Nhat Hanh and others, we find that Buddhist stories and parables are a useful tool in the contemporary United States for awakening or reinforcing compassion and mindfulness in teachers, students, and administrators so that they can address the joint challenges of “too much emptiness” and “too much fullness.”
Kupffer cells are central in the removal of nanoparticles from the organism
Authors: Sadauskas Evaldas , Wallin Håkan , Stoltenberg Meredin , Vogel Ulla , Doering Peter , Larsen Agnete , Danscher Gorm
Published: October 2007

Background

The study aims at revealing the fate of nanoparticles administered intravenously and intraperitoneally to adult female mice, some of which were pregnant. Gold nanoparticles were chosen as a model because these particles have been found to be chemically inert and at the same time are easily traced by autometallography (AMG) at both ultrastructural and light microscopic levels.

Results

Gold nanoparticles were injected intravenously (IV) or intraperitoneally (IP) and traced after 1, 4 or 24 hours. For IV injections 2 and 40 nm particles were used; for IP injections 40 nm particles only. The injected nanoparticles were found in macrophages only, and at moderate exposure primarily in the Kupffer cells in the liver. IV injections resulted in a rapid accumulation/clustering of nanoparticles in these liver macrophages, while the uptake in spleen macrophages was moderate. IP injections were followed by a delayed uptake in the liver and included a moderate uptake in macrophages located in mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and small intestine. Ultrastructurally, the AMG silver enhanced nanocrystals were found in lysosome-like organelles of the Kupffer cells and other macrophages wherever located.

Accumulations of gold nanoparticles were not found in any other organs analysed, i.e. kidneys, brain, lungs, adrenals, ovaries, placenta, and fetal liver, and the control animals were all void of AMG staining.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that: (1) inert gold nanoparticles do not penetrate cell membranes by non-endocytotic mechanisms, but are rather taken up by endocytosis; (2) gold nanoparticles, independent of size, are taken up primarily by Kupffer cells in the liver and secondarily by macrophages in other places; (3) gold nanoparticles do not seem to penetrate the placenta barrier; (4) the blood-brain barrier seems to protect the central nervous system from gold nanoparticles; (5) 2 nanometer gold particles seem to be removed not only by endocytosis by macrophages, and we hypothesize that part of these tiny nanoparticles are released into the urine as a result of simple filtration in the renal glomeruli.