bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
North Pacific Decadal Variability and Climate Change in the IPCC AR4 Models
Authors: Furtado Jason C. , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Schneider Niklas , Bond Nicholas A.
Published: November 2010

The two leading modes of North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level pressure (SLP), as well as their connections to tropical variability, are explored in the 24 coupled climate models used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) to evaluate North Pacific decadal variability (NPDV) in the past [twentieth century; climate of the twentieth century (20C3M) scenario] and future [twenty-first century; Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B scenario] climate. Results indicate that the two dominant modes of North Pacific oceanic variability, the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), do not exhibit significant changes in their spatial and temporal characteristics under greenhouse warming. However, the ability of the models to capture the dynamics associated with the leading North Pacific oceanic modes, including their link to the corresponding atmospheric forcing patterns and to tropical variability, is questionable.

The temporal and spatial statistics of the North Pacific Ocean modes exhibit significant discrepancies from observations in their twentieth-century climate, most visibly for the second mode, which has significantly more low-frequency power and higher variance than in observations. The dynamical coupling between the North Pacific Ocean and atmosphere modes evident in the observations is very strong in the models for the first atmosphere–ocean coupled mode, which represents covariability of the PDO pattern with the Aleutian low (AL). However, the link for the second atmosphere–ocean coupled mode, describing covariability of an NPGO-like SST pattern with the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), is not as clearly reproduced, with some models showing no relationship between the two.

Exploring the tropical Pacific–North Pacific teleconnections reveals more issues with the models. In contrast with observations, the atmospheric teleconnection excited by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in the models does not project strongly on the AL–PDO coupled mode because of the displacement of the center of action of the AL in most models. Moreover, most models fail to show the observational connection between El Niño Modoki–central Pacific warming and NPO variability in the North Pacific. In fact, the atmospheric teleconnections associated with El Niño Modoki in some models have a significant projection on, and excite the AL–PDO coupled mode instead. Because of the known links between tropical Pacific variability and NPDV, these analyses demonstrate that focus on the North Pacific variability of climate models in isolation from tropical dynamics is likely to lead to an incomplete view, and inadequate prediction, of NPDV.
Evaluation of Drought Indices Based on Thermal Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration over the Continental United States
Authors: Anderson Martha C. , Hain Christopher , Wardlow Brian , Pimstein Agustin , Mecikalski John R. , Kustas William P.
Published: November 2010

The reliability of standard meteorological drought indices based on measurements of precipitation is limited by the spatial distribution and quality of currently available rainfall data. Furthermore, they reflect only one component of the surface hydrologic cycle, and they cannot readily capture nonprecipitation-based moisture inputs to the land surface system (e.g., irrigation) that may temper drought impacts or variable rates of water consumption across a landscape. This study assesses the value of a new drought index based on remote sensing of evapotranspiration (ET). The evaporative stress index (ESI) quantifies anomalies in the ratio of actual to potential ET (PET), mapped using thermal band imagery from geostationary satellites. The study investigates the behavior and response time scales of the ESI through a retrospective comparison with the standardized precipitation indices and Palmer drought index suite, and with drought classifications recorded in the U.S. Drought Monitor for the 2000–09 growing seasons. Spatial and temporal correlation analyses suggest that the ESI performs similarly to short-term (up to 6 months) precipitation-based indices but can be produced at higher spatial resolution and without requiring any precipitation data. Unique behavior is observed in the ESI in regions where the evaporative flux is enhanced by moisture sources decoupled from local rainfall: for example, in areas of intense irrigation or shallow water table. Normalization by PET serves to isolate the ET signal component responding to soil moisture variability from variations due to the radiation load. This study suggests that the ESI is a useful complement to the current suite of drought indicators, with particular added value in parts of the world where rainfall data are sparse or unreliable.
Can Unintended Side Effects Be Intentional? Resolving a Controversy Over Intentionality and Morality
Authors: Guglielmo Steve , Malle Bertram F.
Published: November 2010

Can an event’s blameworthiness distort whether people see it as intentional? In controversial recent studies, people judged a behavior’s negative side effect intentional even though the agent allegedly had no desire for it to occur. Such a judgment contradicts the standard assumption that desire is a necessary condition of intentionality, and it raises concerns about assessments of intentionality in legal settings. Six studies examined whether blameworthy events distort intentionality judgments. Studies 1 through 4 show that, counter to recent claims, intentionality judgments are systematically guided by variations in the agent’s desire, for moral and nonmoral actions alike. Studies 5 and 6 show that a behavior’s negative side effects are rarely seen as intentional once people are allowed to choose from multiple descriptions of the behavior. Specifically, people distinguish between “knowingly” and “intentionally” bringing about a side effect, even for immoral actions. These studies suggest that intentionality judgments are unaffected by a behavior’s blameworthiness.
Comparison of Shoulder Range of Motion, Strength, and Playing Time in Uninjured High School Baseball Pitchers Who Reside in Warm- and Cold-Weather Climates
Authors: Kaplan Kevin M. , ElAttrache Neal S. , Jobe Frank W. , Morrey Bernard F. , Kaufman Kenton R. , Hurd Wendy J.
Published: November 2010

Background: There is an assumption that baseball athletes who reside in warm-weather climates experience larger magnitude adaptations in throwing shoulder motion and strength compared with their peers who reside in cold-weather climates.

Hypotheses: (1) The warm-weather climate (WWC) group would exhibit more pronounced shoulder motion and strength adaptations than the cold-weather climate (CWC) group, and (2) the WWC group would participate in pitching activities for a greater proportion of the year than the CWC group, with the time spent pitching predicting throwing shoulder motion and strength in both groups.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: One hundred uninjured high school pitchers (50 each WWC, CWC) were recruited. Rotational shoulder motion and isometric strength were measured and participants reported the number of months per year they pitched. To identify differences between groups, t tests were performed; linear regression was used to determine the influence of pitching volume on shoulder motion and strength.

Results: The WWC group pitched more months per year than athletes from the CWC group, with the number of months spent pitching negatively related to internal rotation motion and external rotation strength. The WWC group exhibited greater shoulder range of motion in all planes compared with the CWC group, as well as significantly lower external rotation strength and external/internal rotation strength ratios. There was no difference in internal rotation strength between groups, nor a difference in the magnitude of side-to-side differences for strength or motion measures.

Conclusion: Athletes who reside in cold- and warm-weather climates exhibit differences in throwing shoulder motion and strength, related in part to the number of months spent participating in pitching activities. The amount of time spent participating in pitching activities and the magnitude of range of motion and strength adaptations in athletes who reside in warm-weather climates may make these athletes more susceptible to throwing-related injuries.
Rallies and the “First Image”
Authors: Foster Dennis M. , Keller Jonathan W.
Published: November 2010

Despite considerable scholarship regarding the degree to which the international use of force generates popular rallies, no work has addressed the possibility that leaders’ managerial philosophies and psychological predispositions systematically influence their assessments of whether or not diversion “works”. In this article, we test hypotheses—conceived through direct reference to work in political psychology—which suggest that the degree to which presidents are innately concerned with the maintenance of the American “in-group” is an important predictor of whether they scapegoat international “out-groups” and, by extension, whether they choose strategies of diversionary foreign conflict or more cordial foreign engagement when facing domestic problems. Several analyses of American foreign policy behavior for the period 1953—2000 produce findings that clearly are at odds with these hypotheses, in that in-group biased presidents are actually less likely to use force and more likely to attend superpower summits when faced with a poor economy. We believe that these unexpected findings have serious implications for both the psychological study of international conflict and the plausibility of the “traditional” diversionary hypothesis.
Storytelling: opium du peuple et / ou plaisirs du texte?
Authors: Migozzi Jacques
Published: November 2010

Le propos se décompose en deux temps d’inégale longueur. Il souligne tout d’abord que la force du plaisir romanesque a fait l’objet d’une diabolisation tenace et que sa dénonciation actuelle perpétue un procès en sorcellerie narrative fort ancien, même si les attendus par lesquels l’accusation contemporaine du storytelling module ce réquisitoire, prononcé dès l’invention du roman-feuilleton à la fin des années 1830, sont aujourd’hui ajustés à la réalité éclectique des pratiques culturelles en régime médiatique. De nombreux témoins sont alors appelés à la barre qui attesteront que le dirigisme supposé du storytelling ne saurait rendre compte de la densité et de la complexité anthropologiques du jeu lectoral ou « storyplaying », qui, par delà la ludicité vis à vis de l’architextualité, conjugue fonctions cathartique, cognitive et éthique pour instaurer une médiation symbolique où se construit et se (re)négocie une identité.
Monumental Misdeeds: Rewriting French History and Identity with Claude Izner and Alix de Saint-André
Authors: Milne Lorna
Published: November 2010

In the context of contemporary French debates opposing history and memory, both frequently related to representations of national identity, this essay compares two popular novels by metropolitan French women, each centred on the symbolic power of a famous Paris monument. Strong plots, humour and attractive characters engage the reader in these alternative explorations of French identity, its ‘lieux de mémoire’ and the different narratives that sustain and inflect it. Claude Izner’s Mystère rue des Saints-Pères (2003), set in 1889, places the Eiffel Tower at the centre of a strikingly cosmopolitan society. Alix de Saint-André’s Papa est au Panthéon (2003) questions the patriarchal structures of conventional commemoration and suggests that identity may be based on mistaken assumptions about the past. Both novels portray the historical roots of contemporary identity as inclusively multi-cultural, and undermine neat distinctions between history and memory. Further distinguished from current political and intellectual debates by their enjoyable lightheartedness, these texts make a thoughtful contribution to the range of narratives of French identity.
Coping with Shame of Poverty
Authors: Mathew Leemamol
Published: November 2010

Shame experienced due to lack of resources shatter the existence of human beings. This article studies the distress shame experiences and coping strategies of farmers who are in financial crisis. The empirical source of the article is based on qualitative information collected from 179 farmers, and the respective village communities in which these farmers reside, from nine states of India. Study showed that farmers used three styles of coping to deal with shame: problem-oriented, self-oriented and others’ perception oriented. While problem-oriented and self-oriented approach are similar to the traditional coping styles, others’ perception-oriented approach is an additional category discovered based on the paradoxical nature of shame. The article argues that the heavy emphasis on problem-oriented coping with shame of poverty helps the farmers to maintain positive mental health in the midst of crisis.
Local and Customary Forums
Authors: Nagaraj Vasudha
Published: November 2010

Research studies and common experience have shown that women suffering violence rarely engage with formal institutions such as courts and police stations without the support of their family and community elders. The entry into a formal institution is often planned following the advice of a worldly wise uncle, a local leader, a relative in the local police station, a woman activist or a caste elder. It is the strength of these conversations which determine women’s relationships with the formal law. There is emerging evidence about the different forums that are involved in negotiating laws against domestic violence such as political party offices, gram panchayats, caste panchayats, counselling centres and women’s groups. These spaces are often referred to as non-state agencies or local and customary forums. Often the terms that animate these local forums are counselling, panchayati settlement and compromise as against the lexicon of decrees, orders and awards obtained in the formal legal system. While a bond-paper settlement is looked down upon as a document that has no validity in the courts, it becomes an important device to ‘settle’ issues in the local forums. This article seeks to understand the practices of these forums that not only mediate women’s access to the formal institutions but also hear cases in their own offices. On a parallel track, the article examines the interconnected ways in which the formal legal system and local forums relate to each other. Even as formal law makes no allowance for the verdicts of the local forums, the imagination of the local and customary as quick, effective and flexible has been a desirable ideal for its own functioning.
Destination Loyalty Formation and Travelers’ Demographic Characteristics: A Multiple Group Analysis Approach
Authors: Chi Christina Geng-qing
Published: November 2010

The objective of the study was to offer a systematic approach to examine the potential differences in loyalty formation process across different demographic groups. A multiple group analysis in LISREL was conducted using data collected from a major tourism destination in the southern United States. The findings revealed that (a) travelers in different age and income segments exhibited no significant difference in their perception of the destination image, levels of satisfaction, or loyalty; (b) travelers in different gender and education segments had different levels of image perception, but they formed comparable level of satisfaction and loyalty across groups; and (c) in spite of the evidenced heterogeneity in the means of some of the latent constructs, the holistic loyalty formation process remained identical across demographic groups. The theoretical and managerial implications were drawn based on the study findings, and recommendations for future researchers were made.
Biology is a feminist issue: Interview with Lynda Birke
Authors: Åsberg Cecilia , Birke Lynda
Published: November 2010

This is an interview with Professor Lynda Birke (University of Chester, UK), one of the key figures of feminist science studies. She is a pioneer of feminist biology and of materialist feminist thought, as well as of the new and emerging field of hum-animal studies (HAS). This interview was conducted over email in two time periods, in the spring of 2008 and 2010. The format allowed for comments on previous writings and an engagement in an open-ended dialogue. Professor Birke talks about her key arguments and outlooks on a changing field of research. The work of this English biologist is typical of a long and continuous feminist engagement with biology and ontological matters that reaches well beyond the more recently articulated ‘material turn’ of feminist theory. It touches upon feminist issues beyond the usual comfort zones of gender constructionism and human-centred research. Perhaps less recognized than for instance the names of Donna Haraway or Karen Barad, Lynda Birke’s oeuvre is part of the same long-standing and twofold critique from feminist scholars qua trained natural scientists. On the one hand, theirs is a powerful critique of biological determinism; on the other, an acutely observed contemporary critique of how merely cultural or socially reductionist approaches to the effervescently lively and biological might leave the corporeal, environmental or non-human animal critically undertheorized within feminist scholarship. In highlighting the work and arguments of Lynda Birke, it is hoped here to provide an accessible introduction to the critical questions and challenges that circumvent contemporary discussions within feminist technoscience as theory and political practice.
Our Community in Focus
Authors: Brazg Tracy , Bekemeier Betty , Spigner Clarence , Huebner Colleen E.
Published: November 2010

The successful development and implementation of prevention curricula requires seeking strategies that combine the strengths of researchers and community members. Because young people are considered to be the experts in their own lives, it is important to determine effective ways to engage them in substance abuse assessment and prevention initiatives. The community-based participatory action research methodology of photovoice is one way to engage youth in assessment of this public health issue. “Our Community in Focus” was a project that used the photovoice methodology to engage high school youth in a community-based assessment of adolescent substance use and abuse. Through the photovoice method, youth were able to reflect their community’s strengths and concerns with regards to adolescent substance abuse, as they took photographs to answer the question “What contributes to adolescents’ decisions to use or not to use alcohol and other drugs?” The youth and the community were highly receptive to the project and its methodology, and photographs taken by photovoice participants presented a compelling argument for action.
Building Positive Life Skills the Smart Girls Way: Evaluation of a School-Based Sexual Responsibility Program for Adolescent Girls
Authors: Graves Kelly N. , Sentner Annette , Workman Jean , Mackey Wanda
Published: November 2010

In response to the public health epidemic of teenage pregnancy, the present study investigated a new, gender-specific, school-based approach to adolescent pregnancy prevention for middle school girls called Smart Girls Life Skills Training© (Smart Girls). Participants included 854 students (633, experimental group; 221, control group) across three time points to assess change in social sexuality expectations, personal/self sexuality expectations, perceived susceptibility, and parent—adolescent communication. Girls who received the Smart Girls curriculum increased their personal/self sexuality expectations and improved some aspects of their parent—adolescent communication compared to control group participants. The evaluation provides initial evidence that Smart Girls is at least partially effective at changing personal/self sexuality expectations and parent—adolescent communication for middle school girls. Implications, recommendations, and next steps for school-based teen pregnancy prevention programs are offered.
Residues at the tip of the pore loop of NR3B-containing NMDA receptors determine Ca2+ permeability and Mg2+block
Authors: Cavara Nora A , Orth Angela , Hicking Gordon , Seebohm Guiscard , Hollmann Michael
Published: November 2010

Background

Members of the complex N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subfamily of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) conventionally assemble from NR1 and NR2 subunits, the composition of which determines receptor properties. Hallmark features of conventional NMDARs include the requirement for a coagonist, voltage-dependent block by Mg2+, and high permeability for Ca2+. Both Mg2+ sensitivity and Ca2+ permeability are critically dependent on the amino acids at the N and N+1 positions of NR1 and NR2. The recently discovered NR3 subunits feature an unprecedented glycine-arginine combination at those critical sites within the pore. Diheteromers assembled from NR1 and NR3 are not blocked by Mg2+ and are not permeable for Ca2+.

Results

Employing site-directed mutagenesis of receptor subunits, electrophysiological characterization of mutants in a heterologous expression system, and molecular modeling of the NMDAR pore region, we have investigated the contribution of the unusual NR3 N and N+1 site residues to the unique functional characteristics of receptors containing these subunits. Contrary to previous studies, we provide evidence that both the NR3 N and N+1 site amino acids are critically involved in mediating the unique pore properties. Ca2+ permeability could be rescued by mutating the NR3 N site glycine to the NR1-like asparagine. Voltage-dependent Mg2+ block could be established by providing an Mg2+ coordination site at either the NR3 N or N+1 positions. Conversely, "conventional" receptors assembled from NR1 and NR2 could be made Mg2+ insensitive and Ca2+ impermeable by equipping either subunit with the NR3-like glycine at their N positions, with a stronger contribution of the NR1 subunit.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the structure-function relationship of the least characterized member of the NMDAR subfamily. Contrary to previous reports, we provide evidence for a critical functional involvement of the NR3 N and N+1 site amino acids, and propose them to be the essential determinants for the unique pore properties mediated by this subunit.
Association between different measurements of blood pressure variability by ABP monitoring and ankle-brachial index
Authors: Wittke Estefânia , Fuchs Sandra C , Fuchs Flávio D , Moreira Leila B , Ferlin Elton , Cichelero Fábio T , Moreira Carolina M , Neyeloff Jeruza , Moreira Marina B , Gus Miguel
Published: November 2010

Background

Blood pressure (BP) variability has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but there is no consensus about the more effective method to measure it by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). We evaluated the association between three different methods to estimate BP variability by ABPM and the ankle brachial index (ABI).

Methods and Results

In a cross-sectional study of patients with hypertension, BP variability was estimated by the time rate index (the first derivative of SBP over time), standard deviation (SD) of 24-hour SBP; and coefficient of variability of 24-hour SBP. ABI was measured with a doppler probe. The sample included 425 patients with a mean age of 57 ± 12 years, being 69.2% women, 26.1% current smokers and 22.1% diabetics. Abnormal ABI (≤ 0.90 or ≥ 1.40) was present in 58 patients. The time rate index was 0.516 ± 0.146 mmHg/min in patients with abnormal ABI versus 0.476 ± 0.124 mmHg/min in patients with normal ABI (P = 0.007). In a logistic regression model the time rate index was associated with ABI, regardless of age (OR = 6.9, 95% CI = 1.1- 42.1; P = 0.04). In a multiple linear regression model, adjusting for age, SBP and diabetes, the time rate index was strongly associated with ABI (P < 0.01). None of the other indexes of BP variability were associated with ABI in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Time rate index is a sensible method to measure BP variability by ABPM. Its performance for risk stratification of patients with hypertension should be explored in longitudinal studies.
Validation of a Spanish language version of the pain self-perception scale in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: García-Campayo J , Rodero B , del Hoyo Y López , Luciano JV , Alda M , Gili M
Published: November 2010

Background

The Pain Self-Perception Scale (PSPS) is a 24-item questionnaire used to assess mental defeat in chronic pain patients. The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish language version of the PSPS (PSPS-Spanish), to assess the instrument's psychometric properties in a sample of patients with fibromyalgia and to confirm a possible overlapping between mental defeat and pain catastrophizing.

Methods

The PSPS was translated into Spanish by three bilingual content and linguistic experts, and then back-translated into English to assess for equivalence. The final Spanish version was administered, along with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), to 250 Spanish patients with fibromyalgia.

Results

PSPS-Spanish was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.90 and the item-totalrcorrelation coefficients ranged between 0.68 and 0.86). Principal components analysis revealed a one-factor structure which explained 61.4% of the variance. The test-retest correlation assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient, over a 1-2 weeks interval, was 0.78. The total PSPS score was significantly correlated with all the questionnaires assessed (HADS, PVAS, PCS, and FIQ).

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the PSPS appears to be a valid tool in assessing mental defeat in patients with fibromyalgia. In patients with fibromyalgia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), PSPS-Spanish correlates more intensely with FIQ than in patients without PTSD. Mental defeat seems to be a psychological construct different to pain catastrophizing.
Measuring the efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in vivo: quantitative PCR measurement of parasite clearance
Authors: Beshir Khalid B , Hallett Rachel L , Eziefula Alice C , Bailey Robin , Watson Julie , Wright Stephen G , Chiodini Peter L , Polley Spencer D , Sutherland Colin J
Published: November 2010

Background

Artemisinin-based combination therapy, currently considered the therapy of choice for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic countries, may be under threat from newly emerging parasite resistance to the artemisinin family of drugs. Studies in Southeast Asia suggest some patients exhibit an extended parasite clearance time in the three days immediately following treatment with artesunate monotherapy. This phenotype is likely to become a more important trial endpoint in studies of anti-malarial drug efficacy, but currently requires frequent, closely spaced blood sampling in hospitalized study participants, followed by quantitation of parasite density by microscopy.

Methods

A simple duplex quantitative PCR method was developed in which distinct fluorescent signals are generated from the human and parasite DNA components in each blood sample. The human amplification target in this assay is the β tubulin gene, and the parasite target is the unique methionine tRNA gene (pgmet), which exhibits perfect sequence identity in all six Plasmodium species that naturally infect humans. In a small series of malaria cases treated as hospital in-patients, the abundance of pgmet DNA was estimated relative to the human DNA target in daily peripheral blood samples, and parasite clearance times calculated.

Results

The qPCR assay was reproducibly able to replicate parasite density estimates derived from microscopy, but provided additional data by quantification of parasite density 24 hours after the last positive blood film. Robust estimates of parasite clearance times were produced for a series of patients with clinical malaria.

Conclusions

Large studies, particularly in Africa where children represent a major proportion of treated cases, will require a simpler blood sample collection regime, and a method capable of high throughput. The duplex qPCR method tested may fulfil these criteria, and should now be evaluated in such field studies.
Prevention of Paclitaxel-Induced Allodynia by Minocycline: Effect on Loss of Peripheral Nerve Fibers and Infiltration of Macrophages in Rats
Authors: Liu Cui-Cui , Lu Ning , Cui Yu , Yang Tao , Zhao Zhi-Qi , Xin Wen-Jun , Liu Xian-Guo
Published: November 2010

Background:

Although paclitaxel is a frontline antineoplastic agent for treatment of solid tumors, the paclitaxel-evoked pain syndrome is a serious problem for patients. There is currently no valid drug to prevent or treat the paclitaxel-induced allodynia, partly due to lack of understanding regarding the cellular mechanism. Studies have shown that minocycline, an inhibitor of microglia/macrophage, prevented neuropathic pain and promoted neuronal survival in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Recently, Cata et al also reported that minocycline inhibited allodynia induced by low-dose paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) in rats, but the mechanism is still unclear.

Results:

Here, we investigate by immunohistochemistry the change of intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) in the hind paw glabrous skin, expression of macrophage and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in DRG at different time points after moderate-dose paclitaxel treatment (cumulative dose 24 mg/kg; 3 × 8 mg/kg) in rats. Moreover, we observe the effect of minocycline on the IENF, macrophages and ATF3. The results showed that moderate-dose paclitaxel induced a persisted, gradual mechanical allodynia, which was accompanied by the loss of IENF in the hind paw glabrous skin and up-regulation of macrophages and ATF3 in DRG in rats. The expressions of ATF3 mainly focus on the NF200-positive cells. More importantly, we observed that pretreatment of minocycline at dose of 30 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg, but not 5 mg/kg, prevented paclitaxel-evoked allodynia. The evidence from immunohistochemistry showed that 30 mg/kg minocycline rescued the degeneration of IENF, attenuated infiltration of macrophages and up-regulation of ATF3 induced by paclitaxel treatment in rats.

Conclusions:

Minocycline prevents paclitaxel-evoked allodynia, likely due to its inhibition on loss of IENF, infiltration of macrophages and up-regulation of ATF3 in rats. The finding might provide potential target for preventing paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
Effects of alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide on osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand expression in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells exposed to polyethylene particles
Authors: Xu Jie , Kauther Max D , Hartl Julia , Wedemeyer Christian ,   Study was performed at the University of Duisburg - Essen, Germany
Published: November 2010

Background

Recent studies demonstrated an impact of the nervous system on particle-induced osteolysis, the major cause of aseptic loosening of joint replacements.

Methods

In this study of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells we analyzed the influence of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles and the neurotransmitter alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factorκB (OPG/RANKL/RANK) system. MG-63 cells were stimulated by different UHMWPE particle concentrations (1:100, 1:500) and different doses of alpha-CGRP (10-7 M, 10-9 M, 10-11 M). RANKL and OPG mRNA expression and protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

Increasing particle concentrations caused an up-regulation of RANKL after 72 hours. Alpha-CGRP showed a dose-independent depressive effect on particle-induced expression of RANKL mRNA in both cell-particle ratios. RANKL gene transcripts were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by alpha-CGRP treatment after 48 and 72 hours. OPG mRNA was significantly down-regulated in a cell-particle ratio of 1:500 after 72 hours. Alpha-CGRP concentrations of 10-7 M lead to an up-regulation of OPG protein.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a possible osteoprotective influence of the neurotransmitter alpha-CGRP on particle stimulated osteoblast-like cells could be shown. Alpha-CGRP might be important for bone metabolism under conditions of particle-induced osteolysis.
DNA double-strand break signaling and human disorders
Authors: Bohgaki Toshiyuki , Bohgaki Miyuki , Hakem Razqallah
Published: November 2010

DNA double-strand breaks are among the most serious types of DNA damage and their signaling and repair is critical for all cells and organisms. The repair of both induced and programmed DNA breaks is fundamental as demonstrated by the many human syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, immunodeficiency and cancer associated with defective repair of these DNA lesions. Homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining pathways are the two major DNA repair pathways responsible for mediating the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. The signaling of DNA double-strand breaks is critical for cells to orchestrate the repair pathways and maintain genomic integrity. This signaling network is highly regulated and involves a growing number of proteins and elaborated posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Here, we highlight the recent progress in the signaling of DNA double-strand breaks, the major proteins and posttranslational modifications involved and the diseases and syndromes associated with impaired signaling of these breaks.
Sex differences in renal angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity are 17β-oestradiol-dependent and sex chromosome-independent
Authors: Liu Jun , Ji Hong , Zheng Wei , Wu Xie , Zhu Janet J , Arnold Arthur P , Sandberg Kathryn
Published: November 2010

Background

Angotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a newly discovered monocarboxypeptidase that counteracts the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) by converting Ang II to Ang-(1-7) in the kidney and other tissues.

Methods

ACE2 activity from renal homogenates was investigated by using the fluorogenic peptide substrate Mca-YVADAPK(Dnp)-OH, where Mca is (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)-acetyl and Dnp is 2,4-dinitrophenyl.

Results

We found that ACE2 activity expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU) in the MF1 mouse is higher in the male (M) compared to the female (F) kidney [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): M 18.1 ± 1.0 versus F 11.1 ± 0.39; P < 0.0001; n = 6]. Substrate concentration curves revealed that the higher ACE2 activity in the male was due to increased ACE2 enzyme velocity (Vmax) rather than increased substrate affinity (Km). We used the four core genotypes mouse model in which gonadal sex (ovaries versus testes) is separated from the sex chromosome complement enabling comparisons among XX and XY gonadal females and XX and XY gonadal males. Renal ACE2 activity was greater in the male than the female kidney, regardless of the sex chromosome complement [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): intact-XX-F, 7.59 ± 0.37; intact-XY-F, 7.43 ± 0.53; intact-XX-M, 12.1 ± 0.62; intact-XY-M, 12.7 ± 1.5; n = 4-6/group; P < 0.0001, F versus M, by two-way ANOVA]. Enzyme activity was increased in gonadectomized (GDX) female mice regardless of the sex chromosome complement whereas no effect of gonadectomy was observed in the males [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): GDX-XX-F, 12.4 ± 1.2; GDX-XY-F, 11.1 ± 0.76; GDX-XX-M, 13.2 ± 0.97; GDX-XY-M, 11.6 ± 0.81; n = 6/group]. 17β-oestradiol (E2) treatment of GDX mice resulted in ACE2 activity that was only 40% of the activity found in the GDX mice, regardless of their being male or female, and was independent of the sex chromosome complement [ACE2 (RFU/min/μg protein): GDX+E2-XX-F, 5.56 ± 1.0; GDX+E2-XY-F, 4.60 ± 0.52; GDX+E2-XX-M, 5.35 ± 0.70; GDX+E2-XY-M, 5.12 ± 0.47; n = 6/group].

Conclusions

Our findings suggest sex differences in renal ACE2 activity in intact mice are due, at least in part, to the presence of E2 in the ovarian hormone milieu and not to the testicular milieu or to differences in sex chromosome dosage (2X versus 1X; 0Y versus 1Y). E2 regulation of renal ACE2 has particular implications for women across their life span since this hormone changes radically during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
Role of selective V2-receptor-antagonism in septic shock: a randomized, controlled, experimental study
Authors: Rehberg Sebastian , Ertmer Christian , Lange Matthias , Morelli Andrea , Whorton Elbert , Dünser Martin , Strohhäcker Anne-Katrin , Lipke Erik , Kampmeier Tim G , Van Aken Hugo , Traber Daniel L , Westphal Martin
Published: November 2010

Introduction

V2-receptor (V2R) stimulation potentially aggravates sepsis-induced vasodilation, fluid accumulation and microvascular thrombosis. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine the effects of a first-line therapy with the selective V2R-antagonist (Propionyl1-D-Tyr(Et)2-Val4-Abu6-Arg8,9)-Vasopressin on cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and organ function vs. the mixed V1aR/V2R-agonist arginine vasopressin (AVP) or placebo in an established ovine model of septic shock.

Methods

After the onset of septic shock, chronically instrumented sheep were randomly assigned to receive first-line treatment with the selective V2R-antagonist (1 μg/kg per hour), AVP (0.05 μg/kg per hour), or normal saline (placebo, each n = 7). In all groups, open-label norepinephrine was additionally titrated up to 1 μg/kg per minute to maintain mean arterial pressure at 70 ± 5 mmHg, if necessary.

Results

Compared to AVP- and placebo-treated animals, the selective V2R-antagonist stabilized cardiopulmonary hemodynamics (mean arterial and pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac index) as effectively and increased intravascular volume as suggested by higher cardiac filling pressures. Furthermore, left ventricular stroke work index was higher in the V2R-antagonist group than in the AVP group. Notably, metabolic (pH, base excess, lactate concentrations), liver (transaminases, bilirubin) and renal (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen plasma levels, urinary output, creatinine clearance) dysfunctions were attenuated by the V2R-antagonist when compared with AVP and placebo. The onset of septic shock was associated with an increase in AVP plasma levels as compared to baseline in all groups. Whereas AVP plasma levels remained constant in the placebo group, infusion of AVP increased AVP plasma levels up to 149 ± 21 pg/mL. Notably, treatment with the selective V2R-antagonist led to a significant decrease of AVP plasma levels as compared to shock time (P < 0.001) and to both other groups (P < 0.05 vs. placebo; P < 0.001 vs. AVP). Immunohistochemical analyses of lung tissue revealed higher hemeoxygenase-1 (vs. placebo) and lower 3-nitrotyrosine concentrations (vs. AVP) in the V2R-antagonist group. In addition, the selective V2R-antagonist slightly prolonged survival (14 ± 1 hour) when compared to AVP (11 ± 1 hour, P = 0.007) and placebo (11 ± 1 hour, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Selective V2R-antagonism may represent an innovative therapeutic approach to attenuate multiple organ dysfunction in early septic shock.
Harry Aaron Director: The Coming of Age of a Reformer Skeptic (1914–24)
Authors: Van Horn Robert
Published: November 2010

This article concentrates on the life of Aaron Director at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon (1914–21), and at Yale University (1921–24). Its primary purposes are to examine the juvenilia of Director in order to analyze the evolution of his worldview and to shed light on Director's life at this time through the use of archival and secondary sources. Tracing the evolution of Director's worldview leads to three claims. First, Director maintained that the individual or an elite group of individuals was the catalyst for social change and expressed skepticism toward governing structures as means to make improvements in society. Second, Director believed that open-minded educators who challenged social injustice and prejudice were essential for social and economic reform. Third, Director adopted the critical and skeptical social philosophy of Thorstein Veblen and H. L. Mencken. In conclusion, this essay maintains that the worldview of Director's youth motivated and empowered his postwar efforts at Chicago.
Health Care System Change and the Cross-Border Transfer of Ideas: Influence of the Dutch Model on the 2007 German Health Reform
Authors: Leiber Simone , Greß Stefan , Manouguian Maral-Sonja
Published: November 2010

To increase understanding of the cross-border transfer of ideas through a case study of the 2007 German health reform, this article draws on Kingdon's approach of streams and follows two main objectives: first, to understand the extent to which the German health reform was actually influenced by the Dutch model and, second, in theoretical terms, to inform inductively on how ideas from abroad enter government agendas. The results show that the streams of problem recognition and policy proposals have not been predominantly influenced by the cross-border transfer of ideas from the Netherlands to Germany. The Dutch experience was taken into consideration only after a policy window opened by a shift in politics in the third, the political, stream: the change of government in 2005. In many respects, the way Germany learned from the Netherlands in this case sharply contrasts with an image of solving policy problems by either lesson drawing or transnational deliberation. Instead, the process was dominated by problem solving in the sphere of politics, that is, finding a way to prove the grand coalition was capable of acting.
The human cytoplasmic RNA terminal U-transferase ZCCHC11 targets histone mRNAs for degradation
Authors: Schmidt Marie-Joëlle , West Steven , Norbury Chris J.
Published: November 2010

Inhibition of eukaryotic DNA replication leads to the rapid suppression of histone synthesis, via 3′ uridylation of cytoplasmic histone mRNAs followed by their Lsm1–7-mediated decapping and degradation. Here we show that the human cytoplasmic RNA terminal U-transferase ZCCHC11, recently implicated in microRNA metabolism, associates with replication-dependent histone mRNAs. Knockdown of ZCCHC11 selectively blocked histone mRNA degradation following inhibition of DNA replication, whereas knockdown of PAPD1 or PAPD5, previously proposed as candidate histone mRNA U-transferases, had no such effect. Furthermore, a reduction in the proportion of histone transcripts that were uridylated was observed following ZCCHC11 knockdown. Our data indicate that ZCCHC11 is the terminal U-transferase responsible for targeting human histone mRNAs for degradation following inhibition or completion of DNA replication.
Specificity shifts in the rRNA and tRNA nucleotide targets of archaeal and bacterial m5U methyltransferases
Authors: Auxilien Sylvie , Rasmussen Anette , Rose Simon , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Husson Clotilde , Fourmy Dominique , Grosjean Henri , Douthwaite Stephen
Published: November 2010

Methyltransferase enzymes that use S-adenosylmethionine as a cofactor to catalyze 5-methyl uridine (m5U) formation in tRNAs and rRNAs are widespread in Bacteria and Eukaryota, but are restricted to the Thermococcales and Nanoarchaeota groups amongst the Archaea. The RNA m5U methyltransferases appear to have arisen in Bacteria and were then dispersed by horizontal transfer of anrlmD-type gene to the Archaea and Eukaryota. The bacteriumEscherichia colihas three gene paralogs and these encode the methyltransferases TrmA that targets m5U54 in tRNAs, RlmC (formerly RumB) that modifies m5U747 in 23S rRNA, and RlmD (formerly RumA) the archetypical enzyme that is specific for m5U1939 in 23S rRNA. The thermococcale archaeonPyrococcus abyssipossesses two m5U methyltransferase paralogs, PAB0719 and PAB0760, with sequences most closely related to the bacterial RlmD. Surprisingly, however, neither of the twoP. abyssienzymes displays RlmD-like activity in vitro. PAB0719 acts in a TrmA-like manner to catalyze m5U54 methylation inP. abyssitRNAs, and here we show that PAB0760 possesses RlmC-like activity and specifically methylates the nucleotide equivalent to U747 inP. abyssi23S rRNA. The findings indicate that PAB0719 and PAB0760 originated as RlmD-type m5U methyltransferases and underwent changes in target specificity after their acquisition by a Thermococcales ancestor from a bacterial source.
Close Encounters: Analyzing How Social Similarity and Propinquity Contribute to Strong Network Connections
Authors: Reagans Ray
Published: November 2010

Models of network formation emphasize the importance of social similarity and propinquity in producing strong interpersonal connections. The positive effect each factor can have on tie strength has been documented across a number of studies, and yet we know surprisingly very little about how the two factors combine to produce strong ties. Being in close proximity could either amplify or dampen the positive effect that social similarity can have on tie strength. Data on tie strength among teachers working in five public schools were analyzed to shed light on this theoretical question. The empirical results indicate that teachers who were similar in age were more likely to be connected by a strong tie, especially teachers for whom age similarity was more likely to be salient. Moreover, teachers who took breaks at the same time or who had classrooms on the same floor communicated more frequently and felt more emotionally attached. Among the public school teachers, propinquity amplified the positive effect that age similarity had on tie strength. The strongest network connections occurred among age-similar teachers who had classrooms on the same floor. The empirical results illustrate the value of considering how social similarity and propinquity contribute to strong ties independently and when combined with each other.
The Prince and the Pauper: Search and Brokerage in the Initiation of Status-Heterophilous Ties
Authors: Shipilov Andrew V. , Li Stan Xiao , Greve Henrich R.
Published: November 2010

We combine structural hole theory with performance feedback theory to identify determinants of partner selection in networks. Specifically, we examine how a brokerage position coupled with aspiration–performance gaps affects an organization's propensity to initiate ties to partners of different status. We find that organizations in brokerage positions are more likely than nonbrokers to initiate such ties systematically. However, when the performance of an organization in a brokerage position deviates from its aspirations, the organization changes its partner selection strategy and starts initiating ties to partners of similar status. Our results also suggest that organizations in brokerage positions set social and historical aspiration levels differently from nonbrokers, levels that in turn affect decisions about partner selection.
An Explicit Evaluation of the Gosper Sum
Authors: Villacorta Jorge Luis Cimadevilla
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we give a new method to derive a binomial series identity discovered by J. M. Borwein and R. Girgensohn.
Generalizing the Combinatorics of Binomial Coefficients via -Nomials
Authors: Loehr Nicholas A. , Savage Carla D.
Published: November 2010

An
Sums and Products of Distinct Sets and Distinct Elements in ℂ
Authors: Chipeniuk Karsten
Published: November 2010

Let
Attacker Models for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Benenson Zinaida , Blaß Erik-Oliver , Freiling Felix C.
Published: November 2010

Assumptions about attackers critically influence security and efficiency of protocols. Without precisely defined attacker models, proving security of protocols becomes impossible. Especially the area of sensor network security lacks well-established and precise attacker models. We present a general framework for attacker models in wireless sensor networks that structures and orders typical assumptions about attackers.