bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects and mechanisms of gastrointestinal electrical stimulation on slow waves: a systematic canine study
Authors: Sun Yan , Song Geng-Qing , Yin Jieyun , Lei Yong , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: August 2009

The aims of this study were to determine optimal pacing parameters of electrical stimulation on different gut segments and to investigate effects and possible mechanisms of gastrointestinal electrical stimulation on gut slow waves. Twelve female hound-mix dogs were used in this study. A total of six pairs of electrodes were implanted on the stomach, duodenum, and ascending colon. Bilateral truncal vagotomy was performed in six of the dogs. One experiment was designed to study the effects of the pacing frequency on the entrainment of gut slow waves. Another experiment was designed to study the modulatory effects of the vagal and sympathetic pathways on gastrointestinal pacing. The frequency of slow waves was 4.88 ± 0.23 cpm (range, 4–6 cpm) in the stomach and 19.68 ± 0.31 cpm (range, 18–22 cpm) in the duodenum. There were no consistent or dominant frequencies of the slow waves in the colon. The optimal parameters to entrain slow waves were: frequency of 1.1 intrinsic frequency (IF; 10% higher than IF) and pulse width of 150–450 ms (mean, 320.0 ± 85.4 ms) for the stomach, and 1.1 IF and 10–20 ms for the small intestine. Electrical stimulation was not able to alter colon slow waves. The maximum entrainable frequency was 1.27 IF in the stomach and 1.21 IF in the duodenum. Gastrointestinal pacing was not blocked by vagotomy nor the application of an α- or β-adrenergic receptor antagonist; whereas the induction of gastric dysrhythmia with electrical stimulation was completely blocked by the application of the α- or β-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Gastrointestinal pacing is achievable in the stomach and small intestine but not the colon, and the maximal entrainable frequency of the gastric and small intestinal slow waves is about 20% higher than the IF. The entrainment of slow waves with gastrointestinal pacing is not modulated by the vagal or sympathetic pathways, suggesting a purely peripheral or muscle effect.
Time-dependent effects of short-term training on muscle metabolism during the early phase of exercise
Authors: Green H. J. , Bombardier E. , Burnett M. E. , Smith I. C. , Tupling S. M. , Ranney D. A.
Published: August 2009

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the metabolic adaptations observed during steady-state exercise soon after the onset of training would be displayed during the nonsteady period of moderate exercise and would occur in the absence of increases in peak aerobic power (V̇o2peak) and in muscle oxidative potential. Nine untrained males [age = 20.8 ± 0.70 (SE) yr] performed a cycle task at 62% V̇o2peakbefore (Pre-T) and after (Post-T) training for 2 h/day for 5 days at task intensity. Tissue samples extracted from the vastus lateralis at 0 min (before exercise) and at 10, 60, and 180 s of exercise, indicated that at Pre-T, reductions ( P < 0.05) in phosphocreatine and increases ( P < 0.05) in creatine, inorganic phosphate, calculated free ADP, and free AMP occurred at 60 and 180 s but not at 10 s. At Post-T, the concentrations of all metabolites were blunted ( P < 0.05) at 60 s. Training also reduced ( P < 0.05) the increase in lactate and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio observed during exercise at Pre-T. These adaptations occurred in the absence of change in V̇o2peak(47.8 ± 1.7 vs. 49.2 ± 1.7 ml·kg−1·min−1) and in the activities (mol·kg protein−1·h−1) of succinic dehydrogenase (3.48 ± 0.21 vs. 3.77 ± 0.35) and citrate synthase (7.48 ± 0.61 vs. 8.52 ± 0.65) but not cytochrome oxidase (70.8 ± 5.1 vs. 79.6 ± 6.6 U/g protein; P < 0.05). It is concluded that the tighter metabolic control observed following short-term training is initially expressed during the nonsteady state, probably as a result of increases in oxidative phosphorylation that is not dependent on changes in V̇o2peakwhile the role of oxidative potential remains uncertain.
Synchrotron imaging of the grasshopper tracheal system: morphological and physiological components of tracheal hypermetry
Authors: Greenlee Kendra J. , Henry Joanna R. , Kirkton Scott D. , Westneat Mark W. , Fezzaa Kamel , Lee Wah-Keat , Harrison Jon F.
Published: August 2009

As grasshoppers increase in size during ontogeny, they have mass specifically greater whole body tracheal and tidal volumes and ventilation than predicted by an isometric relationship with body mass and body volume. However, the morphological and physiological bases to this respiratory hypermetry are unknown. In this study, we use synchrotron imaging to demonstrate that tracheal hypermetry in developing grasshoppers ( Schistocerca americana) is due to increases in air sacs and tracheae and occurs in all three body segments, providing evidence against the hypothesis that hypermetry is due to gaining flight ability. We also assessed the scaling of air sac structure and function by assessing volume changes of focal abdominal air sacs. Ventilatory frequencies increased in larger animals during hypoxia (5% O2) but did not scale in normoxia. For grasshoppers in normoxia, inflated and deflated air sac volumes and ventilation scaled hypermetrically. During hypoxia (5% O2), many grasshoppers compressed air sacs nearly completely regardless of body size, and air sac volumes scaled isometrically. Together, these results demonstrate that whole body tracheal hypermetry and enhanced ventilation in larger/older grasshoppers are primarily due to proportionally larger air sacs and higher ventilation frequencies in larger animals during hypoxia. Prior studies showed reduced whole body tracheal volumes and tidal volume in late-stage grasshoppers, suggesting that tissue growth compresses air sacs. In contrast, we found that inflated volumes, percent volume changes, and ventilation were identical in abdominal air sacs of late-stage fifth instar and early-stage animals, suggesting that decreasing volume of the tracheal system later in the instar occurs in other body regions that have harder exoskeleton.
Evidence against a 40°C core temperature threshold for fatigue in humans
Authors: Ely Brett R. , Ely Matthew R. , Cheuvront Samuel N. , Kenefick Robert W. , DeGroot David W. , Montain Scott J.
Published: August 2009

Evidence suggests that core temperatures of ∼40°C can induce fatigue, although this may be confounded by coincident elevations in skin temperatures and maximal cardiovascular strain. In an observational field study to examine core temperature threshold for fatigue, we investigated whether running performance is impaired when rectal temperature (Tre) is >40°C and skin temperature remains modest. Seventeen competitive runners (7/10 women/men: 8 km best 1,759 ± 78/1,531 ± 60 s) completed 8-km track time trials in cool (WBGT ∼13°C; n = 6), warm (WBGT ∼27°C; n = 4), or both ( n = 7) conditions. Tre, chest skin temperature, and heart rate were logged continuously; elapsed time was recorded every 200 m. Running velocity for Tre>40°C was compared with that for Tre<40°C for each runner. Changes in running velocity over the last 600 m were compared between runners with Tre>40°C and <40°C. Twelve runners achieved Tre>40.0°C with ≥600 m remaining (range 600–3,400 m). Average running velocity for Tre<40°C (282 ± 27 m/min) was not different from that for Tre>40°C (279 ± 28 m/min; P = 0.82). There were no differences in running velocity during the final 600 m between runners with final Tre>40°C or <40°C ( P = 0.16). Chest skin temperature ranged from 30 to 34°C, and heart rate was >95% of age-predicted maximum. Our observation that runners were able to sustain running velocity despite Tre>40°C is evidence against 40°C representing a “critical” core temperature limit to performance.
Intracranial Intradural Aneurysmal Bone Cyst: A Unique Case
Authors: Gopalakrishnan C.V. , Rao B.R.M. , Nair S. , Radhakrishnan V.V. , Kesavadas C.
Published: August 2009

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the skull is exceedingly rare. We report a unique case of an intradural ABC without bone involvement presenting with raised intracranial pressure. The patient was a 14-year-old boy who presented with headache, vomiting and right focal seizure. Imaging showed a large multicystic left frontal lesion without any evidence of bone involvement. The lesion adherent to an intact sphenoid wing dura was completely excised. The histopathology report was consistent with an ABC. This case represents the first report of an ABC without involvement of the skull bones or any evidence of dural erosion. The possible mechanism of origin at this unusual location is hypothesized.
Location and Extent of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Authors: Mimura Tatsuya , Yamagami Satoru , Usui Tomohiko , Funatsu Hideharu , Noma Hidetaka , Honda Norihiko , Fukuoka Shima , Hotta Hiroshi , Amano Shiro
Published: August 2009

Purpose: Subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) is a relatively frequent disease; however, there have been no reports about its location and extent. We examined its location and extent. Methods: A total of 151 patients with SCH aged 2–94 years were studied. The conjunctiva was divided into 8 equal areas. The age, gender, medical history, ocular history and site of hemorrhage were determined for all subjects. Results: The number of areas involved by SCH showed an age-related increase. Traumatic SCH had a smaller extent compared with SCH related to hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, or idiopathic SCH. Overall, SCH was significantly more common in the inferior areas than the superior areas (55.3% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.000001). In patients with SCH secondary to trauma or diabetes, however, the temporal areas were affected more often than the nasal areas (61.5% vs. 30.8% and 73.3% vs. 20.0%, respectively). Conclusion: SCH showed an age-related increase in extent and was predominant in the inferior areas. However, traumatic SCH was usually detected as localized hemorrhage in the temporal areas.
An Effective Perineal Procedure for the Management of Full-Thickness Rectal Prolapse
Authors: Zhai Chun-bao , Wang Yong-gang , Tian Li-jun , Niu Li-yun , Yang Jian-yong , Hu Zheng
Published: August 2009

Aims: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of transanal purse-string sutures for rectal mucosa and submucosa plus perianal suture (TAS-PAS) for the management of full-thickness rectal prolapse. Methods: The clinical data of 62 patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse treated with TAS-PAS between March 2000 and March 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: No patient died. Satisfaction with surgery was high in 50 cases (80.6%), moderate in 9 cases (14.5%), and low in 3 cases (4.84%). Prolapse relapse rate was 4.84%. Anal continence improved in 82.6% of pa tients, constipation improved in 69.2%, and anal tenesmus in 86.7%. No surgery-associated constipation occurred. The mean operative time was 52 min (range 40–80). Mean hospital stay was 4 days (range 3–7). Mean patient follow-up was 17 months (range 4–36). Conclusions: From our data, TAS-PAS for the management of full-thickness rectal prolapse showed encouraging results with little complications and an acceptable relapse rate. This procedure induces only mild trauma and is easy to perform making it worthy of further practice and investigation.
Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Institutionalized Older People Independently of Regular Physical Activity: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Moreira-Pfrimer Linda D.F. , Pedrosa Márcia A.C. , Teixeira Luzimar , Lazaretti-Castro Marise
Published: August 2009

Aims: To investigate the effects of a 6-month supplementation with calcium and cholecalciferol on biochemical parameters and muscle strength of institutionalized elderly. Methods: This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial included Brazilian institutionalized people ≥60 years of age receiving a 6-month supplementation (December to May) of daily calcium plus monthly placebo (calcium/placebo group) or daily calcium plus oral cholecalciferol (150,000 IU once a month during the first 2 months, followed by 90,000 IU once a month for the last 4 months; calcium/vitamin D group). Fasting blood samples for 25(OH)D, PTH and calcium determination were collected (n = 56) and muscle tests were performed (n = 46) to measure the strength of hip flexors (SHF) and knee extensors (SKE) before (baseline) and after the 6-month intervention (6 months). Results: Due to seasonal variations, serum 25(OH)D significantly enhanced in both groups after treatment, but the calcium/vitamin D group had significantly higher 25 (OH)D levels than the calcium/placebo group (84 vs. 33%, respectively; p < 0.0001). No cases of hypercalcemia were observed. While the calcium/placebo group showed no improvement in SHF and SKE at 6 months (p = 0.93 and p = 0.61, respectively), SHF was increased in the calcium/vitamin D group by 16.4% (p = 0.0001) and SKE by 24.6% (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: The suggested cholecalciferol supplementation was safe and efficient in enhancing 25(OH)D levels and lower limb muscle strength in the elderly, in the absence of any regular physical exercise practice.
Nitric Oxide, Cytochrome C Oxidase, and the Cellular Response to Hypoxia
Authors: Taylor Cormac T. , Moncada Salvador
Published: August 2009

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO; complex IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain) is the primary site of cellular oxygen consumption and, as such, is central to oxidative phosphorylation and the generation of adenosine-triphosphate. Nitric oxide (NO), an endogenously-generated gas, modulates the activity of CcO. Depending on the intracellular oxygen concentration and the resultant dominant redox state of CcO, the interaction between CcO and NO can have a range of signaling consequences for cells in the perception of changes in oxygen concentration and the initiation of adaptive responses. At higher oxygen concentrations, when CcO is predominantly in an oxidized state, it consumes NO. At lower oxygen concentrations, when CcO is predominantly reduced, NO is not consumed and accumulates in the microenvironment, with implications for both the respiratory rate of cells and the local vascular tone. Changes in the availability of intracellular oxygen and in the generation of reactive oxygen species that accompany these interactions result in cell signaling and in regulation of oxygen-sensitive pathways that ultimately determine the nature of the cellular response to hypoxia.
Negative Action of Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met System on Angiotensin II Signaling via Ligand-Dependent Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor Degradation Mechanism in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Sanada Fumihiro , Taniyama Yoshiaki , Iekushi Kazuma , Azuma Junya , Okayama Keita , Kusunoki Hiroshi , Koibuchi Nobutaka , Doi Takefumi , Aizawa Yoshifusa , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: August 2009

Rationale:

Neointimal hyperplasia contributes to atherosclerosis and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. Vascular injury in each of these conditions results in the release of mitogenic growth factors and hormones that contribute to pathological vascular smooth muscle cell growth and inflammation. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known as an antiinflammatory growth factor, although it is downregulated in injured tissue. However, the precise mechanism how HGF reduces inflammation is unclear.

Objective:

To elucidate the mechanism how HGF and its receptor c-Met reduces angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced inflammation.

Methods and Results:

HGF reduced Ang II–induced vascular smooth muscle cell growth and inflammation by controlling translocation of SHIP2 (Src homology domain 2–containing inositol 5′-phosphatase 2), which led to Ang II–dependent degradation of epithelial growth factor receptor. Moreover, the present study also revealed a preventive effect of HGF on atherosclerotic change in an Ang II infusion and cuff HGF transgenic mouse model.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that the HGF/c-Met system might regulate extrinsic factor signaling that maintains the homeostasis of organs.
Prostaglandin E
2
Primes the Angiogenic Switch via a Synergic Interaction With the Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Pathway
Authors: Finetti Federica , Donnini Sandra , Giachetti Antonio , Morbidelli Lucia , Ziche Marina
Published: August 2009

Rationale:

Prostaglandin (PG)E
2
exerts temporally distinct actions on blood vessels, immediate vasodilatation, and long-term activation of angiogenesis.

Objective:

To study the mechanism of PGE
2
induction of angiogenesis, we characterized its effect on fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 signaling in cultured endothelial cells and in ex vivo and in vivo assays of blood vessel formation.

Methods and Results:

Using Western blotting assay, we demonstrated that PGE
2
induced upregulation of components of the FGF-2 pathway: FGF-2 protein, phosphorylation of FGF receptor type 1 (FGFR1), activation of FRS2α (FGFR substrate 2α), phospholipase Cγ, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and the transcription factor STAT-3. Synergism between PGE
2
and FGF-2 promoted endothelial cell proliferation and robust angiogenesis in vivo, in rabbit cornea and Matrigel assays. The magnitude of the angiogenic response to PGE
2
was directly related to FGF-2 availability which determined the extent of FGFR1 activation. In fact, PGE
2
induction of angiogenesis in vitro was impaired in FGF-2
−/−
endothelial cells and FGFR1 blockade abrogated PGE
2
action on the endothelium, preventing the activation of FGF-2 signaling.

Conclusion:

We propose a model for the angiogenic switch based on the autocrine/paracrine FGF-2/FGFR1 activation by PGE
2
and FGF-2 synergistic interaction. The synergism between the PGE
2
and FGF-2 signaling pathways here described may explain the mechanism of action of drug combinations, the most notable being cyclooxygenase inhibitors with growth factors or growth factor receptor inhibitors.
Individual Difference and Study-Specific Characteristics Influencing Attitudes about the Use of Animals in Medical Research
Authors: Pulcino Roarke , Henry Bill
Published: August 2009

Research has shown that both individual difference characteristics (e.g., sex, attachment to pets) and study-specific characteristics (e.g., type of animal used) influence the extent to which people support or oppose the use of animals in research. The current study examined how three study-specific characteristics (type of animal used, level of harm to the animal, and severity of the disease being investigated) influenced attitudes toward the use of animals in biomedical research. Participants read one of 27 scenarios describing the use of an animal in research. Scenarios systematically varied each of the study-specific characteristics described above. Participants then completed a survey to assess their support for, or opposition to, the research described. Data on attachment to pets and attitudes toward the treatment of animals were also collected. Analysis of variance revealed significant main effects for each of the study-specific characteristics. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the individual difference and study-specific characteristics accounted for 49% of the variability in opposition to the use of animals in biomedical research among men, and 37% among women. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Middle Earth, Narnia, Hogwarts, and Animals: A Review of the Treatment of Nonhuman Animals and Other Sentient Beings in Christian-Based Fantasy Fiction
Authors: Morris Michael
Published: August 2009

The way that nonhuman animals and other nonhuman sentient beings are portrayed in the Christian-based Harry Potter series, C. S. Lewis's Narnia series, and Tolkien's Middle Earth stories is discussed from a Christian animal liberationist perspective.Middle Earth comes closest to a liberationist ideal, in that vegetarianism is connected with themes of power, healing, and spirituality. Narnia could be described as a more enlightened welfarist society where extremes of animal cruelty are frowned upon, but use of animals for food is acceptable. In contrast, the more recent Harry Potter series portrays a less enlightened attitude toward human and nonhuman animals. Animals are treated merely as ends, vegetarianism is unheard of, and the view that even iconic species have intrinsic worth is ridiculed.
Journeys toward an Authentic Self
Authors: Porter Pete
Published: August 2009

This review explores the central themes and species ideology of Bolt, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. All suggest incremental changes in human attitudes toward animals but all strongly confirm the mainstream view of animals as domestic companions and as models of human society. Whatever the limitations of their imagining of nonhuman existence, however, these films promise to raise awareness of some challenges faced by nonhuman animals in a human world.
Memento Mori: Gary Lease and the Study of Religion
Authors: Levene Nancy
Published: August 2009

Gary Lease wrote vividly about the entanglement of religion and power, pursuing critical histories of religious claims and their social support structures. He sought to replace a standard story of religion's ubiquity (often coupled with an attitude of approval) with a much darker version of the human desires and conflicts embedded in, and masking as, religious discourse. But Lease seems to have been fundamentally ambivalent about the object in question. Is it "religion," namely the ideological dynamics deployed by human beings to dominate one another (and themselves), or is it religion, a void or death wish at the heart of human existence, a now-refashioned ubiquity but without the happy ending? I claim that there are profound, and ultimately productive, ambivalences in Lease's attempt cleanly to circumscribe the object of study—ambivalences which makes him a vital interlocutor in the effort to move beyond conventional histories of religion and consciousness.
Religion's Death Drive and the Future of Religious Studies
Authors: Waggoner Matt
Published: August 2009

This paper seeks to recalibrate Lease's place within what Samuel Preus called the "explanatory tradition" of Religious Studies. While others sought to humanize religion by stressing its latent rationality, Lease humanized religion by stressing that it is constantly interrupted by its own internal movement towards failure. "Failure" is for me the central theme of "The History of 'Religious' Consciousness and the Diffusion of Culture."
On the Sensitivity of Annular Mode Dynamics to Stratospheric Radiative Time Scales
Authors: Charlton-Perez Andrew J. , O’Neill Alan
Published: August 2009

Long decorrelation time scales of the annular mode are observed in the lower stratosphere. This study uses a simple dynamical model, which has been used extensively to study stratosphere–troposphere coupling to investigate the origin of the long dynamical time scales. Several long runs of the model are completed, with different imposed thermal damping time scales in the stratosphere. The dynamical time scales of the annular mode are found to be largely insensitive to the input thermal damping time scales, producing similar dynamical time scales in all cases below 50 hPa. This result suggests that the hypothesis that long time scales in the lower stratosphere are due to long radiative time scales in this region is false.
Roles of Anomalous Tibetan Plateau Warming on the Severe 2008 Winter Storm in Central-Southern China
Authors: Bao Qing , Yang Jing , Liu Yimin , Wu Guoxiong , Wang Bin
Published: August 2009

Anomalous warming occurred over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) before and during the disastrous freezing rain and heavy snow hitting central and southern China in January 2008. The relationship between the TP warming and this extreme event is investigated with an atmospheric general circulation model. Two perpetual runs were performed. One is forced by the climatological mean sea surface temperatures in January as a control run; and the other has the same model setting as the control run except with an anomalous warming over the TP that mimics the observed temperature anomaly. The numerical results demonstrate that the TP warming induces favorable circulation conditions for the occurrence of this extreme event, which include the deepened lower-level South Asian trough, the enhanced lower-level southwesterly moisture transport in central-southern China, the lower-level cyclonic shear in the southerly flow over southeastern China, and the intensified Middle East jet stream in the middle and upper troposphere. Moreover, the anomalous TP warming results in a remarkable cold anomaly near the surface and a warm anomaly aloft over central China, forming a stable stratified inversion layer that favors the formation of the persistent freezing rain. The possible physical linkages between the TP warming and the relevant resultant circulation anomalies are proposed. The potential reason of the anomalous TP warming during the 2007–08 winter is also discussed.
Meditation on Lovesickness, Loss, and Temporality
Authors: Furlong Allannah
Published: August 2009

The film 2046 is used as a screen and a springboard from which to reflect on the compulsive plight of some lovesick individuals. A particular oedipal constellation that generates lovesickness is hypothesized, wherein an unmourned third object preoccupies yet frustrates the primary object. This thwarted longing for another on the part of the original parent figure inflicts a defect in the self-esteem of the subject, who is then compelled to seek out an object that will re-create, while promising to repair, the wound. A trait common to the new object of adoration and the old, retriggering the peculiar paradoxical draw of the parent, sets this process in motion. The chaotic temporality so often associated with both the raptures of new love and with the chronic condition of lovesickness may be related to a traumatic hobbling of the ego’s stimulus barrier in the presence of such a paradoxically exciting object.
Working at Fun
Authors: Rapuano Deborah
Published: August 2009

Today, in Irish music pub sessions that are structured to attract tourists, the majority of musicians are engaging in what is for them a leisure activity. However, complicating their leisure activity is the fact that pub sessions are increasingly commercialized, as the profit motive becomes primary for pub owners. As more and more commercialized sessions aim to attract tourists, many musicians must participate in the new economic session structure. This makes problematic the leisure activities of musicians who believe they are playing music for fun, when they are in effect working to increase the profit of pub owners. The study looks at a form of leisure that takes on certain characteristics of work. Six years of fieldwork in nine Irish pub sites in Ireland and Chicago, and 50 in-depth interviews with pub session musicians, highlights the complexity of trying to construct conceptual boundaries around fluid human activities. This research takes into consideration the meanings that participants give to their activities as it explores the ways in which Irish traditional music pub sessions function as both leisure and work at the same time.
The Making of a Social Movement
Authors: Kern Thomas , Nam Sang-hui
Published: August 2009

This article investigates the emergence of innovations in the social movement sector by exploring citizen journalism in South Korea. The findings show that the innovation resulted from brokerage activities among journalists, labour and unification activists, and progressive intellectuals. Despite different cultural visions and interests, these groups succeeded in building coalitions and constituted a sociocultural milieu that promoted reciprocal learning by allowing actors to realize new ideas and to exchange experiences. The empirical part of the study is based on a social network analysis of social movement groups and alternative media organizations active in South Korea between 1995 and 2002.
The Contemporary Culture of Blame and the Fetishization of the Modernist Mentality
Authors: Lau Raymond W. K.
Published: August 2009

In recent years, a culture of blame has arisen in certain economically advanced societies that rules out the unexpected mishap. Its nature is theorized with reference to Mary Douglas’s blame theory. A genealogy of the modern concept of accident shows that the conceptual distinction between the foreseeable and the unforeseeable becomes meaningful under a secular cosmology. Since contemporary society is secular, how the culture of blame is able, despite this meaningfulness, to delegitimize the unexpected is analysed by tracing it to the modernist mentality itself. Why the culture of blame has arisen is shown by tracing its emergence to neoliberalism’s ascendance. By showing, with reference to Garfinkel and others, why the unexpected is intrinsic to social life, and by combining the lay and Marxist meanings of the term fetishism, it is explained why the culture of blame’s mentality constitutes a fetishization of the modernist mentality. Illustrative cases are given. The culture of blame’s implications for understanding contemporary modernity vis-a-vis Giddens’, Beck’s and Bauman’s theories are discussed. The entrenchedness of the culture of blame is examined from a discursive angle.
Factor Structure Invariance of the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test Across Male and Female Samples
Authors: Immekus Jason C. , Maller Susan J.
Published: August 2009

Multisample confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) and latent mean structures analysis (LMS) were used to test measurement invariance and latent mean differences on the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Scale™ (KAIT) across males and females in the standardization sample. MCFA found that the parameters of the KAIT two-factor model were invariant across groups. A follow-up LMS found intercept differences on the Memory for Block Designs, Famous Faces, Auditory Comprehension, and Logical Steps subtests, indicating low to moderately higher expected scores for males. Thus, latent means were not tested for invariance. Although the KAIT two-factor model met partial measurement invariance, it did not demonstrate strong factorial invariance. Implications for test score interpretation are discussed.
Human Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of an Interleukin‐4 and Interleukin‐13 Dual Antagonist in Asthma
Authors: Getz Elise Burmeister , Fisher Dennis M. , Fuller Rick
Published: August 2009

Pitrakinra, a 15‐kDa recombinant human interleukin‐4 mutein, targets allergic Th2 inflammation by competitively binding to interleukin‐4 receptor alpha to interfere with interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13 action. The authors characterized pitrakinra pharmacokinetics using data from 96 atopic patients, then compared pharmacokinetics with pharmacological response in asthma following subcutaneous versus inhalation dosing. A 1‐compartment systemic model with site‐specific absorption describes pitrakinra pharmacokinetics following subcutaneous, nebulization, and inhalation powder delivery. Typical CL/F and V/F, referenced to subcutaneous administration, are 15.5 L/h and 67.5 L, yielding a 3.0‐hour half‐life of plasma decline. Absorption into the blood (half‐life ≤1.0 hour, lag ≤18 minutes) is more rapid than elimination. Relative to subcutaneous injection, systemic availability of the first inhaled dose is ≤3%. Subcutaneous injection produced variable efficacy despite high systemic exposure, suggesting inadequate exposure at the site of action in some participants. Inhalation produced consistent pharmacodynamic response despite low systemic exposure. The lung appears as the primary site of pitrakinra's antiasthmatic action, supporting direct administration to the lung for the treatment of asthma.
Secret Romantic Relationships: Consequences for Personal and Relational Well-Being
Authors: Lehmiller Justin J.
Published: August 2009

Previous research on romantic secrecy found that hiding one’s relationship from others predicted lower levels of relationship quality. The present research built on this work by exploring the potential consequences of relationship concealment on partners’ commitment level and personal health. Study 1 found that greater secrecy was associated with reduced commitment to one’s relationship, lower self-esteem, and more reported health symptoms. Study 2 tested a theoretical model of the effects of secrecy using structural equation modeling. This model was well supported and suggests that romantic secrecy (a) undermines relational commitment by means of constraining cognitive interdependence (i.e., by limiting psychological closeness to one’s partner) and (b) poses a threat to partners’ personal health as a result of generating negative affect (e.g., nervousness and fear). These findings indicate that romantic secrecy may have harmful consequences for both the relationship itself and the health of the partners involved.
Culture and First-Person Pronouns
Authors: Na Jinkyung , Choi Incheol
Published: August 2009

Priming research has shown that repeated exposures to first-person singular pronouns (I, my, me, mine ) activate an individualistic orientation, whereas first-person plural pronouns (we, our, us, ours ) activate a collectivistic orientation. However, little research has been done to explore the opposite direction of influence such that one’s cultural orientation determines one’s choice between first-person singular versus plural pronouns. The authors conducted three studies to examine the effects of one’s cultural orientation on one’s use of first-person possessive pronouns. Results show that, compared to their individualistic counterparts, participants who have a collectivistic orientation, chronically or temporarily by priming, preferred to use first-person plural possessive pronouns.
Rejection Sensitivity Moderates the Impact of Rejection on Self-Concept Clarity
Authors: Ayduk Özlem , Gyurak Anett , Luerssen Anna
Published: August 2009

Self-concept clarity (SCC) refers to the extent to which self-knowledge is clearly and confidently defined, internally consistent, and temporally stable. Research shows that SCC can be undermined by failures in valued goal domains. Because preventing rejection is an important self-relevant goal for people high in rejection sensitivity (RS), it is hypothesized here that failures to attain this goal would cause them to experience diminished SCC. Study 1, an experimental study, showed that high-RS people’s SCC was undermined following rejection but not following an aversive experience unrelated to rejection. Study 2, a daily diary study of couples in relationships, used occurrence of partner conflicts to operationalize rejection. Replicating the findings in Study 1, having a conflict on any given diary day predicted a greater reduction in the SCC of high- compared to low-RS people on the following day. The implications for understanding the conditions under which rejection negatively affects the self-concept are discussed.
We Blame Innocent Victims More Than I Do: Self-Construal Level Moderates Responses to Just-World Threats
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem , van den Bos Kees
Published: August 2009

This study investigated the impact of self-construal levels on people’s tendency to blame innocent victims for the victims’ fates. The authors hypothesized that when the belief in a just world is threatened, social self-construal is associated with more victim blaming than individual self-construal is. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants were primed with either the individual self (with the word I ) or the social self (with the word we ). Results indeed showed that when threats to just-world beliefs were high, social self-activation produced more victim blaming than individual self-activation did. This effect was not found when just-world threats were low. Extending on these findings, Experiment 3 revealed that, following a just-world threat, an independent self-construal measure was negatively related to victim blaming, and an interdependent self-construal measure was positively related to victim blaming. It is concluded that self-construal levels are important to understanding the justice motive.
Teachers and Learners: Roles Adopted in Interracial Discussions
Authors: Tatum Travis Jonathan Daniel , Sekaquaptewa Denise
Published: August 2009

Whites are stereotyped as ignorant of race issues, and African Americans as race experts. Therefore they may respond differently when discussing race. We examined whether Whites and African Americans adopt ‘teacher’ versus ‘learner’ roles when discussing race-relevant versus race-irrelevant topics in mixed-race versus same-race groups. Furthermore, we tested whether concern about appearing prejudiced and prior knowledge of the topic predicted role adopted. Results confirmed that African Americans adopted a ‘teacher’ role whereas Whites adopted a ‘learner’ role during interracial discussions about race. Assuming a teacher role predicted greater willingness to engage in future interracial discussions about race; but Whites, who were concerned about appearing prejudiced when talking about race, were less likely to adopt a teacher role than African Americans.
The Dynamics of Category Conjunctions
Authors: Hutter Russell R. C. , Crisp Richard J. , Humphreys Glyn W. , Waters Gillian M. , Moffitt Graham
Published: August 2009

In three experiments we investigated the dynamics of impression formation when perceivers encounter unsurprising (e.g. male mechanic) versus surprising (e.g. female mechanic) social category conjunctions. In Experiment 1, participants took longer to form an impression of targets described using a surprising versus an unsurprising conjunction of categorizations. In Experiment 2, we investigated the stages during which impressions of category conjunctions are formed. While unsurprising category combinations were characterized with reference to ‘constituent’ stereotypic traits, surprising combinations were characterized initially by stereotypic traits but later by ‘emergent’ impressions. In Experiment 3, we investigated motivational states that drive the dynamics of category conjunction. We found that higher Personal Need for Structure (PNS) predicted the use of more emergent and fewer constituent attributes in the impressions formed of surprising combinations. Across all three experiments, more ‘causal attributes’ were used in descriptions of the surprising combination. We discuss the implications of these findings for developing a model of the dynamics and composition of social category conjunctions.
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia and its effectiveness in the prevention of vascular disease
Authors: Herman Katherine , Van Heyningen Charles , Wile David
Published: August 2009

We describe cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and review the evidence for its effectiveness. We consider how it will be implemented into primary and secondary care, its potential advantages and disadvantages, and how it will help to prevent myocardial infarctions in patients with FH. Evidence from European countries and the recent pilot study in the UK show cascade screening for FH to be highly effective by facilitating early identification of many new patients. Treatment to lower cholesterol, if started early, is likely to lead to reductions in cardiovascular events. There are shortcomings in the current care of patients with FH and these should be addressed with the implementation of the new guidelines. To reduce the premature cardiovascular events seen in FH new healthcare infrastructures need to be in place and more education provided for both patients and professionals.

Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2009;9:171—174
Processed platelet HPA1a peptides au naturel
Authors: Semple John W.
Published: August 2009

An understanding of how helper T cells are activated to drive blood group immune responses will help to explain the immunogenicity of antigens such as HPA-1a. In this issue of Blood, Anani Sarab and colleagues identify the naturally processed HPA1a peptides recognized by T cells and set the stage for peptide-based therapies in NAIT.1
Partial correlation analysis indicates causal relationships between GC-content, exon density and recombination rate in the human genome
Authors: Freudenberg Jan , Wang Mingyi , Yang Yaning , Li Wentian
Published: August 2009

Background

Several features are known to correlate with the GC-content in the human genome, including recombination rate, gene density and distance to telomere. However, by testing for pairwise correlation only, it is impossible to distinguish direct associations from indirect ones and to distinguish between causes and effects.

Results

We use partial correlations to construct partially directed graphs for the following four variables: GC-content, recombination rate, exon density and distance-to-telomere. Recombination rate and exon density are unconditionally uncorrelated, but become inversely correlated by conditioning on GC-content. This pattern indicates a model where recombination rate and exon density are two independent causes of GC-content variation.

Conclusion

Causal inference and graphical models are useful methods to understand genome evolution and the mechanisms of isochore evolution in the human genome.
Molecular mechanisms of tungstate-induced pancreatic plasticity: a transcriptomics approach
Authors: Altirriba Jordi , Barbera Albert , Del Zotto Héctor , Nadal Belen , Piquer Sandra , Sánchez-Pla Alex , Gagliardino Juan J , Gomis Ramon
Published: August 2009

Background

Sodium tungstate is known to be an effective anti-diabetic agent, able to increase beta cell mass in animal models of diabetes, although the molecular mechanisms of this treatment and the genes that control pancreas plasticity are yet to be identified. Using a transcriptomics approach, the aim of the study is to unravel the molecular mechanisms which participate in the recovery of exocrine and endocrine function of streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats treated with tungstate, determining the hyperglycemia contribution and the direct effect of tungstate.

Results

Streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats were treated orally with tungstate for five weeks. Treated (STZ)-diabetic rats showed a partial recovery of exocrine and endocrine function, with lower glycemia, increased insulinemia and amylasemia, and increased beta cell mass achieved by reducing beta cell apoptosis and raising beta cell proliferation. The microarray analysis of the pancreases led to the identification of three groups of differentially expressed genes: genes altered due to diabetes, genes restored by the treatment, and genes specifically induced by tungstate in the diabetic animals. The results were corroborated by quantitative PCR. A detailed description of the pathways involved in the pancreatic effects of tungstate is provided in this paper. Hyperglycemia contribution was studied in STZ-diabetic rats treated with phloridzin, and the direct effect of tungstate was determined in INS-1E cells treated with tungstate or serum from untreated or treated STZ-rats, observing that tungstate action in the pancreas takes places via hyperglycemia-independent pathways and via a combination of tungstate direct and indirect (through the serum profile modification) effects. Finally, the MAPK pathway was evaluated, observing that it has a key role in the tungstate-induced increase of beta cell proliferation as tungstate activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway directly by increasing p42/p44 phosphorylation and indirectly by decreasing the expression of raf kinase inhibitor protein (Rkip), a negative modulator of the pathway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tungstate improves pancreatic function through a combination of hyperglycemia-independent pathways and through its own direct and indirect effects, whereas the MAPK pathway has a key role in the tungstate-induced increase of beta cell proliferation.
Molecular analysis of Ku redox regulation
Authors: Bennett Sara M , Neher Tracy M , Shatilla Andrea , Turchi John J
Published: August 2009

Background

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can occur in response to ionizing radiation (IR), radiomimetic agents and from endogenous DNA-damaging reactive oxygen metabolites. Unrepaired or improperly repaired DSBs are potentially the most lethal form of DNA damage and can result in chromosomal translocations and contribute to the development of cancer. The principal mechanism for the repair of DSBs in humans is non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Ku is a key member of the NHEJ pathway and plays an important role in the recognition step when it binds to free DNA termini. Ku then stimulates the assembly and activation of other NHEJ components. DNA binding of Ku is regulated by redox conditions and evidence from our laboratory has demonstrated that Ku undergoes structural changes when oxidized that results in a reduction in DNA binding activity. The C-terminal domain and cysteine 493 of Ku80 were investigated for their contribution to redox regulation of Ku.

Results

We effectively removed the C-terminal domain of Ku80 generating a truncation mutant and co-expressed this variant with wild type Ku70 in an insect cell system to create a Ku70/80ΔC heterodimer. We also generated two single amino acid variants of Cys493, replacing this amino acid with either an alanine (C493A) or a serine (C493S), and over-expressed the variant proteins in SF9 insect cells in complex with wild type Ku70. Neither the truncation nor the amino acid substitutions alters protein expression or stability as determined by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. We show that the C493 mutations do not alter the ability of Ku to bind duplex DNA in vitro under reduced conditions while truncation of the Ku80 C-terminus slightly reduced DNA binding affinity. Diamide oxidation of cysteines was shown to inhibit DNA binding similarly for both the wild-type and all variant proteins. Interestingly, differential DNA binding activity following re-reduction was observed for the Ku70/80ΔC truncation mutant.

Conclusion

Together, these results suggest that the C-terminal domain and C493 of Ku80 play at most a minor role in the redox regulation of Ku, and that other cysteines are likely involved, either alone or in conjunction with these regions of Ku80.