bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterization of a Cyanobacterial OmpR/PhoB Class Transcription Factor Binding Site Controlling Light Color Responses
Authors: Bezy Ryan P. , Kehoe David M.
Published: September 2010

Complementary chromatic acclimation (CCA) allows many cyanobacteria to change the composition of their light-harvesting antennae for maximal absorption of different wavelengths of light. In the freshwater species
Fremyella diplosiphon
, this process is controlled by the ratio of red to green light and allows the differential regulation of two subsets of genes in the genome. This response to ambient light color is controlled in part by a two-component system that includes a phytochrome class photoreceptor and a response regulator with an OmpR/PhoB class DNA binding domain called RcaC. During growth in red light, RcaC is able to simultaneously activate expression of red light-induced genes and repress expression of green light-induced genes through binding to the L box promoter element. Here we investigate how the L box functions as both an activator and a repressor under the same physiological conditions by analyzing the effects of changing the position, orientation, and sequence of the L box. We demonstrate that changes in the local sequences surrounding the L box affect the strength of its activity and that the activating and repressing functions of the L box are orientation dependent. Also, the spacing between the L box and the transcription start site is critical for it to work as an activator, while its repressing role during light regulation requires additional upstream and downstream DNA sequence elements. The latter result suggests that the repressing function of RcaC requires it to operate in association with multiple additional DNA binding proteins, at least one of which is functioning as an activator.
SepL Resembles an Aberrant Effector in Binding to a Class 1 Type III Secretion Chaperone and Carrying an N-Terminal Secretion Signal
Authors: Younis Rasha , Bingle Lewis E. H. , Rollauer Sarah , Munera Diana , Busby Stephen J. , Johnson Steven , Deane Janet E. , Lea Susan M. , Frankel Gad , Pallen Mark J.
Published: September 2010

Here we show that the type III secretion gatekeeper protein SepL resembles an aberrant effector protein in binding to a class 1 type III secretion chaperone (Orf12, here renamed CesL). We also show that short N-terminal fragments (≤70 amino acids) from SepL are capable of targeting fusion proteins for secretion and translocation.
Wavelet analysis reveals heterogeneous time-dependent oscillations of individual mitochondria
Authors: Kurz Felix T. , Aon Miguel A. , O'Rourke Brian , Armoundas Antonis A.
Published: September 2010

Mitochondrial inner membrane potential oscillations in cardiac myocytes synchronize under oxidative or metabolic stress, leading to synchronized whole cell oscillations. Gaining information about the temporal properties of individual mitochondrial oscillators is essential to comprehend the network's intrinsic spatiotemporal organization. We have developed methods to detect individual mitochondrial tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester fluorescence oscillations and assess their dynamical properties using wavelet analysis. We demonstrate that these advanced signal processing tools can provide quantitative spatiotemporal information about intermitochondrial coupling. We have found that the mean frequency of selected groups of continuously oscillating mitochondria was 16.49 ± 1.04 mHz, whereas the mean frequency in the normalized mean global wavelet spectrum was 22.84 ± 1.80 mHz ( n = 9 myocytes). In conclusion, this novel methodology will help shed new light on the dynamical properties of the mitochondrial network on the verge of synchronization.
Kinin B1receptor upregulation by angiotensin II and endothelin-1 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells: receptors and mechanisms
Authors: Morand-Contant Marielle , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B. , Couture Réjean
Published: September 2010

Oxidative stress upregulates the kinin B1receptor (B1R) in diabetes and hypertension. Since angiotensin II (ANG II) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are increased in these disorders, this study aims at determining the role of these two prooxidative peptides in B1R expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In the A10 cell line and aortic VSMC, ANG II enhanced B1R protein expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (maximal at 1 μM and 6 h). In A10 cells, ANG II (1 μM) also increased B1R mRNA expression at 3 h and the activation of induced B1R with the agonist [Sar-d-Phe8]-des-Arg9-BK (10 nM, 5 min) significantly enhanced mitogen -activated protein kinase (MAPK1/2) phosphorylation. The enhancing effect of ANG II on B1R protein expression in A10 cells was normalized by the AT1(losartan) but not by the AT2(PD123319) receptor antagonist. Furthermore, it was inhibited by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (wortmannin) and NF-κB (MG132) but not of MAPK (PD098059). Whereas the ETBreceptor antagonist (BQ788) had no effect, the ETAreceptor antagonist (BQ123) blocked the effect of ANG II at 6–8 h but not at an early time point. BQ123 and BQ788 also blocked the increasing effect of ET-1 on B1R protein expression. Antioxidants ( N-acetyl-l-cysteine and diphenyleneiodonium) abolished ANG II- and ET-1-increased B1R protein expression. In conclusion, B1R induction is linked to oxidative stress and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and NF-κB. The newly synthesized B1R is functional and can activate MAPK signaling in VSMC. The effect of ANG II is mediated by the AT1receptor and the subsequent activation of ETAthrough ET-1 release.
Antecedent hydrogen sulfide elicits an anti-inflammatory phenotype in postischemic murine small intestine: role of BK channels
Authors: Zuidema Mozow Y. , Yang Yan , Wang Meifang , Kalogeris Theodore , Liu Yajun , Meininger Cynthia J. , Hill Michael A. , Davis Michael J. , Korthuis Ronald J.
Published: September 2010

The objectives of this study were to determine the role of calcium-activated, small (SK), intermediate (IK), and large (BK) conductance potassium channels in initiating the development of an anti-inflammatory phenotype elicited by preconditioning with an exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS). Intravital microscopy was used to visualize rolling and firmly adherent leukocytes in vessels of the small intestine of mice preconditioned with NaHS (in the absence and presence of SK, IK, and BK channel inhibitors, apamin, TRAM-34, and paxilline, respectively) or SK/IK (NS-309) or BK channel activators (NS-1619) 24 h before ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). I/R induced marked increases in leukocyte rolling and adhesion, effects that were largely abolished by preconditioning with NaHS, NS-309, or NS-1619. The postischemic anti-inflammatory effects of NaHS-induced preconditioning were mitigated by BKB channel inhibitor treatment coincident with NaHS, but not by apamin or TRAM-34, 24 h before I/R. Confocal imaging and immunohistochemistry were used to demonstrate the presence of BKα subunit staining in both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells of isolated, pressurized mesenteric venules. Using patch-clamp techniques, we found that BK channels in cultured endothelial cells were activated after exposure to NaHS. Bath application of the same concentration of NaHS used in preconditioning protocols led to a rapid increase in a whole cell K+current; specifically, the component of K+current blocked by the selective BK channel antagonist iberiotoxin. The activation of BK current by NaHS could also be demonstrated in single channel recording mode where it was independent of a change in intracellular Ca+concentration. Our data are consistent with the concept that H2S induces the development of an anti-adhesive state in I/R in part mediated by a BK channel-dependent mechanism.
Keratinocyte growth factor enhances barrier function without altering claudin expression in primary alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: LaFemina Michael J. , Rokkam Deepti , Chandrasena Anita , Pan Jue , Bajaj Anisha , Johnson Meshell , Frank James A.
Published: September 2010

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has efficacy in several experimental models of lung injury; however, the mechanisms underlying KGF's protective effect remain incompletely understood. This study was undertaken to determine whether KGF augments barrier function in primary rat alveolar epithelial cells grown in culture, specifically whether KGF alters tight junction function via claudin expression. KGF significantly increased alveolar epithelial barrier function in culture as assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular permeability. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of freshly isolated type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) cells followed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that more than 97% of claudin mRNA transcripts in these cells were for claudins-3, -4, and -18. Using cultured AT2 cells, we then examined the effect of KGF on the protein levels of the claudins with the highest mRNA levels: -3, -4, -5, -7, -12, -15, and -18. KGF did not alter the levels of any of the claudins tested, nor of zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) or occludin. Moreover, localization of claudins-3, -4, -18, and ZO-1 was unchanged. KGF did induce a marked increase in the apical perijunctional F-actin ring. Actin depolymerization with cytochalasin D blocked the KGF-mediated increase in TER without significantly changing TER in control cells. Together, these data support a novel mechanism by which KGF enhances alveolar barrier function, modulation of the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, these data demonstrate the complete claudin expression profile for AT1 and AT2 cells and indicate that claudins-3, -4, and -18 are the primary claudins expressed in these cell types.
Properties of Slender Rings
Authors: Cornelius E. F.
Published: September 2010

Slender rings and their products are characterized in terms of algebraic and topological properties. Possible limitations on uncountable products of such rings are discussed.
Genetics of Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Yaneva Maria , Vandeva Silvia , Zacharieva Sabina , Daly Adrian F. , Beckers Albert
Published: September 2010

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is characterized by pathologically elevated free glucocorticoid levels. Endogenous hypercortisolism is usually due to ACTH-secreting pituitary corticotropic adenomas and less often due to ectopic ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms or ACTH-independent adrenal cortisol hypersecretion. CS is a serious chronic disease leading to a several-fold increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Multiple genetic alterations have been described in the setting of sporadic corticotropinoma formation. Changes in the expression profiles have been demonstrated in growth factors and their receptors, cell-cycle regulators and in various genes related to hormonal gene transcription, synthesis and secretion. Sporadic adrenal adenomas and carcinomas may demonstrate dysfunction in genes such as TP53 among others. Cushing’s disease can be an inherited condition also. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA) together account for 5% of pituitary adenomas. Cushing’s disease occurs infrequently in an inherited setting in both of these conditions. To date only 2 cases of Cushing’s disease have been described in association with mutations in AIP. One case of Cushing’s disease has been reported as part of MEN4, a rare MEN1-like syndrome due to mutation in the CDKN1B gene. Carney complex (CNC) due to PRKAR1A mutations in most cases is associated with CS, mainly as a cause of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. The cAMP signaling pathway is affected in this setting. In recent times the involvement of genes such as PDE11A, PDE8B and others have expanded the spectrum of the genetic pathophysiology of CS.
Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Munir Alia , Newell-Price John
Published: September 2010

Active Cushing’s syndrome is associated with insulin resistance induced by the high and prolonged circulating level of glucocorticoids. In endogenous Cushing’s syndrome the overall incidence of diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance is very likely to be under-reported as not all patients are actively investigated with glucose tolerance tests. Whilst it is common clinical experience that management of diabetes mellitus is necessary in patients with Cushing’s syndrome there is a dearth of literature-based evidence to support which regimes are the most effective. Therefore, a pragmatic approach is necessary on an individualized patient basis, whereby patients are stratified according to the severity of their impaired glucose homeostasis. The most effective means of control of diabetes mellitus in a patient with active Cushing’s syndrome is to lower the levels of circulating cortisol. This may initially be achieved by using adrenal steroidogenesis blockade with drugs including metyrapone, ketaconazole, or, on occasion, mitotane. The rapid action of metyrapone is particularly suitable in this circumstance. Despite this, diabetes-specific therapy is often necessary and metformin and PPAR-γ agonists may be of use, but in the acute setting insulin therapy is frequently needed. Definitive management directed against source driving Cushing’s syndrome is often highly effective at either reducing the severity of diabetes, or allowing its complete resolution. Patients experiencing diabetes mellitus in the context of exogenously administered glucocorticoids may well require insulin therapy for the period that the high levels of steroids are being administered. Despite resolution of Cushing’s syndrome after definitive treatment patients may continue to exhibit insulin resistance. This and other cardiovascular risk factors require ongoing and long-term attention.
Genistein alters coagulation gene expression in ovariectomised rats treated with phytoestrogens
Authors: Kelly Lynne A. , O’Leary John J. , Seidlova-Wuttke Dana , Wuttke Wolfgang , Norris Lucy A.
Published: September 2010

Recent data has shown that hormone therapy (HT) increases the risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic disease, particularly in users of oral HT. Phytoestrogens are popular alternatives to oestrogen therapy; however, their effects on cardiovascular risk are unknown. We investigated the effect of the phytoestrogen, genistein on the expression of genes and proteins from the haemostatic system in the liver in an ovariectomised rat model. Fifty-nine virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with soy-free chow supplemented with 17β estradiol (E2) (daily uptake 0.19 or 0.75 mg/kg body weight), or genistein (daily up-take 6 or 60 mg/kg body weight), for three months and compared to soy-free control rats. Gene expression of prothrombin, factor VII, fibrinogen alpha and fibrinogen beta was increased with E2 and genistein compared to the soy-free control group (p<0.001). Genistein increased factor VII significantly more than E2 (p<0.005). Plasminogen mRNA was increased in both treatment groups compared to the soy-free control, with genistein expression significantly higher than E2 (p<0.001). Tissue plasminogen inhibitor (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) expression were also increased in both groups relative the soy-free control. Results of protein analysis largely concurred with those of the mRNA. Oestrogen receptor β (ERβ) was undetected while oestrogen receptor α (ERα) was detected in each sample group. Genistein can increase the expression of coagulation and fibrinolytic genes. This effect was similar and in some cases higher than 17β estradiol. These results suggest that genistein may not be neutral with respect to the haemostatic system.
The inter-rater reliability of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index
Authors: Fraga Montserrat , Taffé Patrick , Méan Marie , Hugli Olivier , Witzig Stéphanie , Waeber Gérard , Aujesky Drahomir
Published: September 2010

The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) is a validated clinical prognostic model for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Our goal was to assess the PESI’s inter-rater reliability in patients diagnosed with PE. We prospectively identified consecutive patients diagnosed with PE in the emergency department of a Swiss teaching hospital. For all patients, resident and attending physician raters independently collected the 11 PESI variables. The raters then calculated the PESI total point score and classified patients into one of five PESI risk classes (I-V) and as low (risk classes I/II) versus higher-risk (risk classes III-V). We examined the inter-rater reliability for each of the 11 PESI variables, the PESI total point score, assignment to each of the five PESI risk classes, and classification of patients as low versus higher-risk using kappa (κ) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Among 48 consecutive patients with an objective diagnosis of PE, reliability coefficients between resident and attending physician raters were > 0.60 for 10 of the 11 variables comprising the PESI. The inter-rater reliability for the PESI total point score (ICC: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.94), PESI risk class assignment (κ: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.66–0.94), and the classification of patients as low versus higher-risk (κ: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.72–0.98) was near perfect. Our results demonstrate the high reproducibility of the PESI, supporting the use of the PESI for risk stratification of patients with PE.
Ventricular Remodeling and Survival Are More Favorable for Myocarditis Than For Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Childhood
Authors: Foerster Susan R. , Canter Charles E. , Cinar Amy , Sleeper Lynn A. , Webber Steven A. , Pahl Elfriede , Kantor Paul F. , Alvarez Jorge A. , Colan Steven D. , Jefferies John L. , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Margossian Renee , Messere Jane E. , Rusconi Paolo G. , Shaddy Robert E. , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Wilkinson James D. , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Myocarditis is a cause of a new-onset dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype in children, with small studies reporting high rates of recovery of left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods and Results—

The presenting characteristics and outcomes of children with myocarditis diagnosed clinically and with biopsy confirmation (n=119) or with probable myocarditis diagnosed clinically or by biopsy alone (n=253) were compared with children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (n=1123). Characteristics at presentation were assessed as possible predictors of outcomes. The distributions of time to death, transplantation, and echocardiographic normalization in the biopsy-confirmed myocarditis and probable myocarditis groups did not differ (
P
≥0.5), but both groups differed significantly from the idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy group (all
P
≤0.003). In children with myocarditis, lower LV fractional shortening
z
-score at presentation predicted greater mortality (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.73 to 0.98;
P
=0.03) and greater LV posterior wall thickness predicted transplantation (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.35;
P
=0.03). In those with decreased LV fractional shortening at presentation, independent predictors of echocardiographic normalization were presentation with an LV end-diastolic dimension
z
-score >2 (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.22 to 0.58;
P
<0.001) and greater septal wall thickness (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.34;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Children with biopsy-confirmed or probable myocarditis had similar proportions of death, transplantation, and echocardiographic normalization 3 years after presentation and better outcomes than those of children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. In children with myocarditis who had impaired LV ejection at presentation, rates of echocardiographic normalization were greater in those without LV dilation and in those with greater septal wall thickness at presentation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00005391.
Prognostic Implications of Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Severe Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Pai Ramdas G. , Varadarajan Padmini
Published: September 2010

Background—

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in those with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and can predispose to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and a need for mitral valve surgery during aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, little data exist as to its clinical and prognostic implications.

Methods and Results—

Search of our echocardiographic data base between 1993 and 2007 yielded 756 patients with severe AR. with comprehensive clinical data from chart review and mortality data from National Death Index. Mortality was analyzed as a function of MR severity. Effect of AVR and concomitant mitral valve repair were investigated. Patient characteristics were age, 61±17 years; female sex, 41%; and ejection fraction, 54±19%. MR grade ≥2+ was present in 343 (45%) patients: 2+ in 152 (20%), 3+ in 93 (12%), and 4+ in 98 (13%). There was a progressive decrease in survival with each grade of MR (
P
<0.0001). Performance of AVR was associated with a better survival in those with 3 or 4+ MR (
P
=0.02). In addition, concomitant mitral valve repair in these patients resulted in a better survival (hazard ratio, 0.29;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

MR is common in patients with severe AR, with 3 or 4+ MR occurring in a quarter of these patients. It is an independent predictor of reduced survival. Performance of AVR and concomitant mitral valve repair is associated with a better survival. Development of MR should serve as an indication for AVR even in asymptomatic patients.
The Codex of a Companion of the Prophet and the Qurān of the Prophet
Authors: Sadeghi Behnam , Bergmann Uwe
Published: September 2010

The essay discusses a manuscript of the Qurān dating from the first half of the seventh century AD. The text does not belong to the Utmānic textual tradition, making this the only known manuscript of a non-Utmānic text type. The essay compares this text type with those of the Utmānic and other Companion textual traditions in order to shed light on the Prophetic prototype.
La suppléance linguistique en arabe dialectal : reflet d’une dynamique conversationnelle
Authors: Guella Noureddine
Published: September 2010

Because it is versatile and permeable, ‘suppléance’ is a linguistic process that applies to the daily conversation needs of individuals and communities as well as other areas such as language games and lexical creation.
Conditional Threats
Authors: Øverland Gerhard
Published: September 2010

In this paper I ponder the moral status of conditional threats, in particular the extent to which a threatened party would be permitted to use (lethal) defensive force. I first investigate a mugger case before turning briefly to the more complicated issue of national defence in the face of an invading army. One should not exaggerate the level of protection people under threat owe their conditioned killers simply because what is extorted is of little value. After all, either the conditional threat is willing to kill for something she has no claim on at all, or, if she has a just claim on it – or good reason to believe that she has – she is willing to kill to (re)acquire something of not much worth. In both cases the moral culpability of the conditional threat could be seen as reducing her claim on protection from harm.
Local-Scale Urban Meteorological Parameterization Scheme (LUMPS): Longwave Radiation Parameterization and Seasonality-Related Developments
Authors: Loridan Thomas , Grimmond C. S. B. , Offerle Brian D. , Young Duick T. , Smith Thomas E. L. , Järvi Leena , Lindberg Fredrik
Published: September 2010

Recent developments to the Local-scale Urban Meteorological Parameterization Scheme (LUMPS), a simple model able to simulate the urban energy balance, are presented. The major development is the coupling of LUMPS to the Net All-Wave Radiation Parameterization (NARP). Other enhancements include that the model now accounts for the changing availability of water at the surface, seasonal variations of active vegetation, and the anthropogenic heat flux, while maintaining the need for only commonly available meteorological observations and basic surface characteristics. The incoming component of the longwave radiation (L↓) in NARP is improved through a simple relation derived using cloud cover observations from a ceilometer collected in central London, England. The new L↓ formulation is evaluated with two independent multiyear datasets (Łódź, Poland, and Baltimore, Maryland) and compared with alternatives that include the original NARP and a simpler one using the National Climatic Data Center cloud observation database as input. The performance for the surface energy balance fluxes is assessed using a 2-yr dataset (Łódź). Results have an overall RMSE < 34 W m−2 for all surface energy balance fluxes over the 2-yr period when using L↓ as forcing, and RMSE < 43 W m−2 for all seasons in 2002 with all other options implemented to model L↓.
Can Global Warming Strengthen the East Asian Summer Monsoon?
Authors: Li Jianping , Wu Zhiwei , Jiang Zhihong , He Jinhai
Published: September 2010

The Indian summer monsoon (ISM) tends to be intensified in a global-warming scenario, with a weakened linkage with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), but how the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) responds is still an open question. This study investigates the responses of the EASM from observations, theoretical, and modeling perspectives. Observational and theoretical evidence demonstrates that, in contrast to the dramatic global-warming trend within the past 50 years, the regional-mean EASM rainfall is basically dominated by considerable interannual-to-decadal fluctuations, concurrent with enhanced precipitation over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and over southern Japan and suppressed rainfall amount over the South China and Philippine Seas. From 1958 through 2008, the EASM circulation exhibits a southward shift in its major components (the subtropical westerly jet stream, the western Pacific Ocean subtropical high, the subtropical mei-yu–baiu–changma front, and the tropical monsoon trough). Such a southward shift is very likely or in part due to the meridional asymmetric warming with the most prominent surface warming in the midhigh latitudes (45°–60°N), which induces a weakened meridional thermal contrast over eastern Asia. Another notable feature is the enhanced ENSO–EASM relationship within the past 50 years, which is opposite to the ISM. Fourteen state-of-the-art coupled models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show that the EASM strength does not respond with any pronounced trend to the global-warming “A1B” forcing scenario (with an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 720 ppm) but shows interannual-to-decadal variations in the twenty-first century (2000–99). These results indicate that the primary response of the EASM to a warming climate may be a position change instead of an intensity change, and such position change may lead to spatial coexistence of floods and droughts over eastern Asia as has been observed in the past 50 years.
Drought Monitoring for Washington State: Indicators and Applications
Authors: Shukla Shraddhanand , Steinemann Anne C. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: September 2010

A drought monitoring system (DMS) can help to detect and characterize drought conditions and reduce adverse drought impacts. The authors evaluate how a DMS for Washington State, based on a land surface model (LSM), would perform. The LSM represents current soil moisture (SM), snow water equivalent (SWE), and runoff over the state. The DMS incorporates the standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized runoff index (SRI), and soil moisture percentile (SMP) taken from the LSM. Four historical drought events (1976–77, 1987–89, 2000–01, and 2004–05) are constructed using DMS indicators of SPI/SRI-3, SPI/SRI-6, SPI/SRI-12, SPI/SRI-24, SPI/SRI-36, and SMP, with monthly updates, in each of the state’s 62 Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs). The authors also compare drought triggers based on DMS indicators with the evolution of drought conditions and management decisions during the four droughts. The results show that the DMS would have detected the onset and recovery of drought conditions, in many cases, up to four months before state declarations.
Effects of Ductile Fiber Size on the Fracture Toughness of Copper/Polyester Composites
Authors: Kaman Mete Onur , Solmaz Murat Yavuz , Turan Kadir
Published: September 2010

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of fiber size on the fracture toughness of ductile fiber reinforced composite materials. For this purpose, pull-out tests of copper fiber embedded in polyester matrix have been conducted, as a result of which load—displacement graphics for different fiber diameters and embedded lengths have been obtained. Using the derived load—displacement graphics, debonding load of each specimen has been found, and sliding shear stress, bond shear stress, and pull-out work have been calculated. Then, fracture energy increments per unit cross-sectional area have been determined. In the numeric part of the study, pull-out test was modeled using finite element package program ANSYS (11.0). With the help of this model, load—displacement graphic obtained in the test has been repeated in numeric terms. Obtained results have been presented in the form of tables and graphs and interpreted. It has been observed that the fracture energy increment increases with increase in the diameter of the copper fiber.
The Influence of Self-Construal on Self-Brand Congruity in the United States and Korea
Authors: Sung Yongjun , Choi Sejung Marina
Published: September 2010

The present research extends the self-concept literature by examining the self-brand congruity hypothesis in two different cultures: the United States as an example of an individualistic culture and Korea as a collectivistic culture. The results of this research demonstrate that brands with distinct personality traits that are congruent with consumers’ self-concepts are evaluated more positively than brands with incongruent personality traits across cultures. More important, the findings suggest that the self-brand congruity effects are more evident in the United States than in Korea, lending empirical evidence that self-consistency is less emphasized and salient in East Asian cultures than in Western cultures.
Antiviral Information Management System (AIMS): A Prototype for Operational Innovation in Drug Development
Authors: Jadhav Pravin R. , Neal Lauren , Florian Jeff , Chen Ying , Naeger Lisa , Robertson Sarah , Soon Guoxing , Birnkrant Debra
Published: September 2010

This article presents a prototype for an operational innovation in knowledge management (KM). These operational innovations are geared toward managing knowledge efficiently and accessing all available information by embracing advances in bioinformatics and allied fields. The specific components of the proposed KM system are (1) a database to archive hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment data in a structured format and retrieve information in a query‐capable manner and (2) an automated analysis tool to inform trial design elements for HCV drug development. The proposed framework is intended to benefit drug development by increasing efficiency of dose selection and improving the consistency of advice from US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also hoped that the framework will encourage collaboration among FDA, industry, and academic scientists to guide the HCV drug development process using model‐based quantitative analysis techniques.
Visualization Concepts to Enhance Quantitative Decision Making in Drug Development
Authors: Dykstra Kevin , Pugh Richard , Krause Andreas
Published: September 2010

Communication of analysis and simulation results via graphical presentation is a cornerstone of pharmacometric analysis. A modeling and simulation (M&S) project typically has 3 distinct phases: (1) exploratory data analysis, (2) model building, and (3) simulation. Each phase has unique requirements for presentation of graphics. In exploratory data analysis, initial considerations include examination of data quality and discovery of key relationships in the data leading to identification of a modeling approach. For model building, assessment of model fit and model qualification are the objectives of graphical analysis. In the simulation phase, graphical displays expose relevant implications of the relationships described by the models in order to guide decision making. This article describes general considerations to aid in communication via graphical displays, accompanied by example graphs that illustrate the principles for each phase of an M&S project.
Synergy Between Scientific Advancement and Technological Innovation, Illustrated by a Mechanism‐Based Model Characterizing Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter‐2 Inhibition
Authors: Zhang Liping , Ng Chee M. , List James F. , Pfister Marc
Published: September 2010

Advances in experimental medicine and technological innovation during the past century have brought tremendous progress in modern medicine and generated an ever‐increasing amount of data from bench and bedside. The desire to extend scientific knowledge motivates effective data integration. Technological innovation makes this possible, which in turn accelerates the advancement in science. This mutually beneficial interaction is illustrated by the development of an expanded mechanism‐based model for understanding a novel mechanism, sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 SGLT2 inhibition for potential treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Model‐Based Drug Development: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for Broad Application of Pharmacometrics in Drug Development
Authors: Wetherington Jeffrey D. , Pfister Marc , Banfield Christopher , Stone Julie A. , Krishna Rajesh , Allerheiligen Sandy , Grasela Dennis M.
Published: September 2010

Systematic implementation of model‐based drug development (MBDD) to drug discovery and development has the potential to significantly increase the rate of medical breakthroughs and make available new and better treatments to patients. An analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (ie, SWOT) was conducted through focus group discussions that included 24 members representing 8 pharmaceutical companies to systematically assess the challenges to implementing MBDD into the drug development decision‐making process. The application of the SWOT analysis to the successful implementation of MBDD yielded 19 strengths, 27 weaknesses, 34 opportunities, and 22 threats, which support the following conclusions. The shift from empirical drug development to MBDD requires a question‐based mentality; early, proactive planning; dynamic access to multisource data; quantitative knowledge integration; multidisciplinary collaboration; effective communication and leadership skills; and innovative, impactful application of pharmacometrics focused on enhancing quantitative decision making. The ultimate goal of MBDD is to streamline discovery and development of innovative medicines to benefit patients.
Shyness and online social networking services
Authors: Baker Levi R. , Oswald Debra L.
Published: September 2010

Online social networking services are Internet websites that allow individuals to learn about and communicate with others. This study investigated the association between use of these websites and friendship quality for individuals varying in shyness. Participants (N = 241) completed questionnaires assessing their use of Facebook, an online social networking service, shyness, perceived available social support, loneliness, and friendship quality. Results indicated an interaction between shyness and Facebook usage, such that individuals high in shyness (when compared to less shy individuals) reported stronger associations between Facebook use and friendship quality. Facebook use, however, was unrelated to loneliness among highly shy individuals. Therefore, online social networking services may provide a comfortable environment within which shy individuals can interact with others.
Content- and medium-specific decomposition of friendship relational maintenance: Integrating equity and media multiplexity approaches
Authors: Ledbetter Andrew M.
Published: September 2010

This manuscript reports an empirical study integrating equity and media multiplexity approaches to relational maintenance via separation of medium- and content-specific components of behaviors. Results from confirmatory factor analysis demonstrate good fit for the decomposition model. The analysis also revealed that content- and medium-specific components differentially predict the strength and quality of friends’ influence. Specifically, positivity and social networks predict control mutuality, whereas medium-specific components predict interdependence. Although face-to-face maintenance indirectly predicts control mutuality, online maintenance exhibits no such association. Results did not differ significantly between local and long-distance friends. In addition to introducing a statistical tool for separating content- and medium-specific effects, these results suggest how theoretical understandings of relational maintenance behavior can be refined.
Influence of chemical treatments on the mechanical and water absorption properties of bamboo fiber composites
Authors: Kushwaha Pradeep K , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2010

Chemical surface modification of woven bamboo mat with maleic anhydride, permanganate, benzoyl chloride, benzyl chloride, and pre-impregnation were carried out. These modified fibers were used as reinforcements in epoxy and polyester matrices. The effects of fiber modification on the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the composites were investigated. Flexural properties of maleic anhydride treated bamboo polyester composites improved by nearly 50%. The tensile strength and modulus of permanganate-treated bamboo polyester composite increased by 58% and 118%. The tensile strength and modulus of benzoylated bamboo fiber polyester composite improved by 71% and 118%, respectively. After benzoylation of the bamboo fiber, the water absorption is 16% for the bamboo-epoxy composite compared to 41% by untreated bamboo-epoxy composite. The water absorption by benzylated bamboo reinforced polyester composite was 16.8% compared to 51% by untreated bamboo-polyester composite. Pre-impregnation improved the mechanical and water resistant properties of both epoxy and polyester-based composites. SEM investigations of the tensile fracture surfaces show that modifications improved the fiber—matrix interaction.
Deletion of 14-3-3ε and CRK: A Clinical Syndrome With Macrocephaly, Developmental Delay, and Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Tenney Jeffrey R. , Hopkin Robert J. , Schapiro Mark B.
Published: September 2010

Deletions of chromosome 17p13.3 result in neuronal migration defects such as isolated lissencephaly sequence and Miller-Dieker syndrome. LIS1 is the deleted gene within this region and is thought to directly cause isolated lissencephaly sequence and contribute to Miller-Dieker syndrome. Two additional genes (14-3-3ε and CRK) on the telomeric end of chromosome 17p reportedly contribute to the severe phenotype of Miller-Dieker syndrome. We report 2 patients with deletions of chromosome 17p13.3 involving the genes 14-3-3ε and CRK but not LIS1 with previously unreported, identical phenotypes of macrocephaly, small stature, dysmorphic features, generalized epilepsy, developmental delay, and nonspecific white matter changes. The findings in this report suggest that patients who have deletions of 14-3-3ε and/or CRK should be monitored closely for the development of seizures.
Design and Fabrication of a Passive 1D Morphing Aircraft Skin
Authors: Bubert Edward A. , Woods Benjamin K.S. , Lee Keejoo , Kothera Curt S. , Wereley N.M.
Published: September 2010

Broad-scale area change of a non-porous surface while maintaining resistance to aerodynamic loading was demonstrated through the development of a passive elastomeric matrix composite morphing skin. The combined system includes an elastomer-fiber-composite surface layer that is supported by a flexible honeycomb structure, each of which exhibit a near-zero in-plane Poisson’s ratio. A number of elastomers, composite arrangements, and substructure configurations were evaluated and characterization testing led to the selection of the most appropriate components for prototype development. The complete prototype morphing skin demonstrated 100% uniaxial extension accompanied by a 100% increase in surface area. Results from out-of-plane pressure loading showed that out-of-plane deflection of less than 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) can be maintained at various levels of area change under pressures of up to 200 psf (9.58 kPa). Applications to wing span morphing UAVs are also discussed.
A Constitutive Model for Piezoelectric Paint with Mixed Connectivity
Authors: Xin Li  , Yunfeng Zhang
Published: September 2010

This article presents a constitutive model for piezoelectric paint that addresses its special characteristics such as mixed connectivity and air void content. Piezoelectric paint is a composite piezoelectric material that is comprised of tiny piezoelectric particles randomly dispersed within a polymer matrix phase. The feasibility of using piezoelectric paint for ultrasonic sensing such as acoustic emission sensor has been demonstrated in the literature. With an emphasis on sensor application, a constitutive model that considers the special characteristics of piezoelectric paint such as mixed connectivity and air void content is formulated in a semi-empirical approach. The focus of this study is given to piezoelectric paints with a piezoelectric ceramic volume fraction ranging from 35% to 60%, for which some of the active particles form 1-3 connectivity, leading to higher piezoelectric activity than previous models for piezoelectric 0-3 composites predict. Percolation theory is used to empirically model the rapid increase of piezoelectric activity after a threshold level of piezoelectric ceramic particle volume fraction is exceeded in the piezoelectric paint. Such a constitutive model is very useful to sensor design since the insight gained from a parametric study of piezoelectric paint properties will provide input to optimizing paint formulation for a particular sensor design. The effect of piezoelectric particle volume fraction on the electromechanical properties of piezoelectric paint is first examined and is followed by a discussion of the air void content and polarization effects. The proposed percolation-based mixed connectivity model for piezoelectric paint sensor has been calibrated with experimental data.
Feasibility Study on the Storage of Magnetorheological Fluid Using Metal Foams
Authors: Liu X.H. , Wong P.L. , Wang W. , Bullough W.A.
Published: September 2010

This article presents an original idea: the use of metal foams to store unexcited magnetorheological fluid (MRF) in such a way such that the fluid mixture can be propelled when excited. This work is motivated by the desire to overcome the need for costly dynamic seals for conventional MRF dampers. The results of metal foam characteristics, possible changes in the content of propelled MRF, and the responses of soaked MRF when excited are presented. A plate-on-plate test rig was developed to investigate the performance of the MRF-soaked metal foam set-up. The shearing performance, response time, gap effects and the influence of different metal foams were investigated experimentally. The results show that the MRF can be magnetically propelled into the gap between the plate and the metal foam surface, and shearing resistance is produced on the rotary plate. Shearing performance is sensitive to the volume of the propelled MRF, gap clearance, and the strength of the external magnetic field. The response of the proposed MRF-soaked metal foam set-up is slower than that of the conventional MRF-filled two-plate configuration simply because it takes time to propel the MRF. This primary investigation shows that MRF-soaked metal foams can produce MR effects.
Causes of death among patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sumelahti Marja-Liisa , Hakama Matti , Elovaara Irina , Pukkala Eero
Published: September 2010

Background: Several studies show a high mortality risk among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives: In this study, mortality and underlying causes of death were analysed among patients with MS diagnosed between 1964—1993 in Finland ( n = 1595).

Methods: Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for both genders. The follow-up was based on linkage to the national computerized Cause-of-Death Register of Statistics Finland.

Results: Altogether, 464 deaths were recorded by the end of 2006. The SMR as compared with the general population among females was 3.4 (95% confidence interval 3.0—3.9) and among males 2.2 (1.9—2.6). In total, 270 patients (58%) died from MS; only one of these deaths occurred during the first 2 years after the MS diagnosis. Mortality was also increased for other natural causes of death ( n = 160) in patients followed for more than 10 years (SMR 1.4, 1.2—1.7), with a significant increase in deaths from influenza (29, 6.0—85), pneumonia (4.7, 2.5—8.0) and gastrointestinal causes (4.4, 2.3—7.7). The SMR for violent causes was 1.2 (0.7—1.9) and for alcohol-related deaths 0.2 (0.02—0.7). The SMR for suicides was 1.7 (0.9—2.7).

Conclusions: The MS population has an increased disease mortality, while the increase in the risk of accidents and suicides is not significantly increased among patients with MS in Finland.
Reasons for participation in group-based type 2 diabetes self-management education. A qualitative study
Authors: Rygg Lisbeth Ø. , Rise Marit By , Lomundal Borghild , Solberg Hilde Strøm , Steinsbekk Aslak
Published: September 2010

Aims: To investigate reasons for participating in group-based diabetes self-management education (DSME) for patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews was conducted with 22 patients attending seven different groups in Central Norway. Results: Patients with diabetes described two main reasons for attending DSME; experiencing practical problems and feeling insecure. These reasons differed by affecting the patients in two ways — practically or emotionally. Practical problems and feeling insecure both originated from lack of or contradictory information and from lack of contact with other patients with diabetes. This affected the patients’ everyday lives in important areas such as diet, medication, social settings and lifestyle changes. Conclusions: The underlying reason for participating in a DSME was the participants’ experience of having insufficient information about their diabetes, which led to practical problems and emotional insecurity. Being aware of the patients’ reasons for participating can help professionals keep a focus which is more consistent with patients’ needs.