bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep characterization of a one‐month‐old freely moving stumptail macaque (Macaca arctoides): a pilot study
Authors: Cruz‐Aguilar M.A. , Ramírez‐Salado I. , Arenas‐Rosas R.V. , Santillán‐Doherty A.M. , Muñoz‐Delgado J.I.
Published: May 2009

Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during both human and adult primates’ sleep has been proven to be similar and consequently, it could be assessed under similar parameters. However, there is no information regarding this EEG activity in the early stages of development in non‐human primates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe EEG sleep patterns in a 1‐month‐oldMacaca arctoideswith a non‐invasive and free‐movement method. Sleep stages were initially scored using the criteria of quiet sleep and active sleep. This procedure allowed us to observe graphoelements to distinguish sleep phases as described in adult macaques. Afterwards, the final score was recorded following the Slow Wave Sleep and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep criteria. The present results suggest that sleep features of this monkey are similar to those of a 2‐month‐old human neonate.
Reversible Phosphorylation as a Molecular Switch to Regulate Plasma Membrane Targeting of Acylated SH4 Domain Proteins
Authors: Tournaviti Stella , Pietro Enrica San , Terjung Stefan , Schafmeier Tobias , Wegehingel Sabine , Ritzerfeld Julia , Schulz Juliane , Smith Deborah F. , Pepperkok Rainer , Nickel Walter
Published: May 2009

Acylated SH4 domains represent N‐terminal targeting signals that anchor peripheral membrane proteins such as Src kinases in the inner leaflet of plasma membranes. Here we provide evidence for a novel regulatory mechanism that may control the levels of SH4 proteins being associated with plasma membranes. Using a fusion protein of the SH4 domain of Leishmania HASPB and GFP as a model system, we demonstrate that threonine 6 is a substrate for phosphorylation. Substitution of threonine 6 by glutamate (to mimic a phosphothreonine residue) resulted in a dramatic redistribution from plasma membranes to intracellular sites with a particular accumulation in a perinuclear region. As shown by both pharmacological inhibition and RNAi‐mediated down‐regulation of the threonine/ serine‐specific phosphatases PP1 and PP2A, recycling back to the plasma membrane required dephosphorylation of threonine 6. We provide evidence that a cycle of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation may also be involved in intracellular targeting of other SH4 proteins such as the Src kinase Yes.
Nosocomial infection in a Danish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a prospective study
Authors: Olsen Anne L , Reinholdt Jes , Jensen Anders Mørup , Andersen Leif P , Jensen Elsebeth Tvenstrup
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and identify independent risk factors for nosocomial infections in a Danish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and to compare these findings with international results.

Methods:  The study was performed prospectively from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. Specific criteria for blood stream infection and respiratory tract infection adapted for neonates in our ward were worked out.

Results:  Six hundred and eighty‐three patients were included. The overall incidence of nosocomial infection was 8.8/1000 hospital days. Blood stream infection was the most frequent type of infection, with an incidence of 5.1/1000 hospital days. Multivariate analysis showed gestational age and heart disease to be significant independent risk factors for both first time blood stream infection and respiratory tract infection, and central venous catheter and parenteral nutrition risk factors for first time blood stream infection.

Conclusion:  This first prospective study of nosocomial infection in a Danish Neonatal Intensive Care Unit found an overall incidence of 8.8/1000 hospital days, which is low or similar compared to other studies. Further Danish multicentre studies are needed, and we suggest that procedures related to central venous catheters should be a future focus area.
Coverage of recommended vaccines in children at 7–8 years of age in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Theeten Heidi , Vandermeulen Corinne , Roelants Mathieu , Hoppenbrouwers Karel , Depoorter Anne‐Marie , Van Damme Pierre
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Evaluation of the coverage of primary diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP), poliomyelitis, hepatitis B (HBV) and measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR) vaccine doses recommended before the age of 18 months in 7‐year‐old school children in Flanders, Belgium. Meningococcal serogroup C and DT‐polio vaccines offered respectively as catch‐up and booster vaccinations were also evaluated.

Methods:  Parents of 792 children born in Flanders in 1997 and selected by cluster sampling were interviewed at home in 2005. Vaccination data since infancy were collected retrospectively from vaccination documents and school health records.

Results:  Coverage rates were 88.0% for the first dose of MMR, and 72.0%, 84.2% and 91.4% for the recommended HBV, DTP and poliomyelitis primary vaccine doses, respectively. These rates included catch‐up of missed infant MMR (4.9%) and HBV (6.4%) vaccinations. In addition, 88.3% of the target group received the DT‐polio booster dose recommended at 6 years of age and 83.1% a meningococcal C vaccine dose. Preventive public health services as well as private physicians were involved to a varying extent. A lower socioeconomic status of the family was associated with a higher risk of nonvaccination.

Conclusion:  Vaccinators in Flanders reach children relatively well during infancy and at school age, but catch‐up of missed infant vaccine doses, especially MMR, should be optimized.
Prostheses Removal for Suture Removal after Immediate Load: Success of Implants
Authors: Borges Ana Flávia Sanches , Dias Pereira Luis Antonio Violin , Thomé Geninho , Melo Ana Cláudia Moreira , De Mattias Sartori Ivete Aparecida
Published: May 2009

Purpose: The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the success of implants after immediate loading in cases when the prostheses were removed for suture removal on the tenth day following implant placement. We describe a technique for fabricating effective definitive prostheses passively fitted to facilitate immediate load in edentulous patients.

Materials and Methods: Seventy‐one patients with resin‐metal prostheses installed within less than 48 hours after implant placement were recalled. Patients for whom various amounts of time had elapsed since implant placement returned for follow‐up. Time elapsed ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Stability of the implants was tested after prosthesis removal by horizontal and vertical percussion tests. Implant success was determined as the number of functional implants displaying no mobility.

Results: Follow‐up revealed that all implants from each period evaluated were stable, with no mobility (100% of implants success), except for the 1‐year time point (99.5%) and the 2‐year time point (98.9%). No signs of inflammation and/or bleeding were observed.

Conclusion: Prosthesis removal for suture removal on the tenth day after implant placement represents a reliable and predictable procedure that did not jeopardize implant stability during bone remodeling.
A Lateral Approach for Sinus Elevation Using PRGF Technology
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Prado Roberto , Orive Gorka
Published: May 2009

Purpose: A lateral approach for sinus elevation using plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology is described. The long‐term survival of dental implants installed following a two‐stage procedure after sinus elevation using this procedure is reported, using implant loss as the outcome variable.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used. Eighteen patients received 43 implants (BTI implants, Biotechnology Institute, Vitoria, Spain) with sinus floor elevation. All patients presented a residual bone height of class D (1–3 mm). Implants were installed using a low‐speed drilling procedure (50 rpm) without irrigation. Finally, the histological and histomorphometric evaluation of eight samples from PRGF grafted sinus involved in the study was carried out 5–6 months posttreatment.

Results: The overall survival rate of dental implants was 100%. The mean follow‐up period for all implants was 33 ± 7 months ranging from 24 to 44 months. In addition, the histomorphometrical evaluation of the samples evidenced a 25.24 ± 4.62% of vital newly formed bone, 50.31 ± 15.56% of soft connective tissue, and the remaining 24.46 ± 12.79% of bovine anorganic bone.

Conclusions: Based on these results, this new approach for sinus elevation and implant installation using PRGF technology can be considered safe, simple, effective, and predictable.
Effect of Implant Angulation, Connection Length, and Impression Material on the Dimensional Accuracy of Implant Impressions: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Sorrentino Roberto , Gherlone Enrico Felice , Calesini Gaetano , Zarone Fernando
Published: May 2009

Background: With regard to implant‐supported prostheses, to date no technique has been proven to guarantee a completely passive fit of prosthetic frameworks. Several clinical variables may affect the precision of impressions, particularly in the presence of implants.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of implant impressions made with different materials, lengths of impression coping connections, and not parallel position of the implants.

Materials and Methods: A calibrated testing device allowing reproducible standardized positions was used. Two control groups of master models and eight experimental groups with predetermined undercuts were used to make addition silicon and polyether implant impressions by means of the open‐tray pick‐up technique. Four reference distances were evaluated on each study cast by using a profile projector and a standardized measurement protocol. The data were statistically analyzed by means of three‐factor analysis of variance.

Results: The impressions made in the presence of angulated implants were significantly less accurate than the ones made with parallel implants. The tested addition silicon resulted advantageous in presence of nonparallel implants whereas the polyether achieved the best results with parallel implants and standard impression copings.

Conclusions: The angulation of the implants may cause strains of impressions, probably because of the higher forces required for the impression removal. Moreover, undercuts negatively affected the impression accuracy. More accurate casts were obtained using the tested addition silicon in the presence of nonparallel implants and using a standard length connection of the copings in the presence of parallel implants, respectively.
Reconstruction of Critical‐Sized Bone Defect in Dog Skull by Octacalcium Phosphate Combined with Collagen
Authors: Kawai Tadashi , Matsui Keiko , Iibuchi Shinya , Anada Takahisa , Honda Yoshitomo , Sasaki Kazuo , Kamakura Shinji , Suzuki Osamu , Echigo Seishi
Published: May 2009

Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate whether synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) combined with collagen (OCP/collagen) can repair a critical‐sized defect in dog skull. OCP/collagen has been shown to biodegrade and to tend to be replaced by newly formed bone if implanted in rat calvaria defects.

Materials and Methods: An OCP/collagen disk was prepared from pepsin‐digested atelocollagen isolated from porcine dermis and synthetic OCP. Two critical‐sized defects (20 mm in diameter) were made in a dog skull. Ten disks of OCP/collagen or collagen (control) were implanted in the bone defects and resected with surrounding tissues at 3, 6, or 12 months after the implantation. The specimens were analyzed radiographically, crystallographically, histologically, and histomorphometrically.

Results: X‐ray diffraction and FTIR analyses showed that OCP tended to convert to a poorly crystallized hydroxyapatite, similar to that of biological apatite, by 3 months. Radiographic and histologic analyses showed that the implantation of OCP/collagen disks initiated new bone formation in the defects at 3 months after implantation. However, there was no promotion of bone formation by control collagen disks even with prolonged implantation up to 12 months. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the percentage of newly formed bone in the defect implanted with OCP/collagen increased significantly, from 30.91 ± 6.65 at 3 months to 51.22 ± 5.99 at 12 months, although the value tended to reach a plateau at 6 months (44.49 ± 3.34). On the other hand, the percentage of remaining OCP was estimated at approximately 10% at 3 months and remained nearly unchanged thereafter.

Conclusion: The results suggest that bone regeneration of a critical‐sized bone defect of dog calvaria by OCP/collagen can be enhanced for 3 to 6 months and that OCP/collagen holds potential as a bone substitute material.
The Influence of Bone Type on the Gene Expression in Normal Bone and at the Bone‐Implant Interface: Experiments in Animal Model
Authors: Omar Omar , Suska Felicia , Lennerås Maria , Zoric Neven , Svensson Sara , Hall Jan , Emanuelsson Lena , Nannmark Ulf , Thomsen Peter
Published: May 2009

Background: Studies on the biological processes in different bone types and the reaction of different bone types to biomaterials are often hindered because of the difficulties in sampling procedures and lack of sensitive techniques.

Purpose: The purpose was to assess the suitability of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for investigation of the biological differences between cortical and trabecular bone types and their responses to biomaterials.

Materials and Methods: Gene expression of selected markers in rat bone samples from different locations was evaluated. Samples were harvested by trephines from the trabecular femoral epiphysis, cortico‐trabecular proximal tibial metaphysic, and the cortical distal tibial metaphysis. Gene expression was also evaluated at the surfaces of anodically oxidized implants retrieved from cortical and trabecular sites after 3 days of implantation. mRNA in the bone samples and in the tissue associated with the implant surfaces was extracted and quantified using qPCR. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CATK), and 18S ribosomal subunits (18S) were analyzed.

Results: In the bone samples, higher expression of ALP, OC, TRAP, and CATK was found in femoral epiphysis compared to proximal or distal tibial metaphysis, indicating a higher turnover in the trabecular bone. On the other hand, TNF‐α and IL‐1β showed higher expression in both tibia sites compared with the femur site, which suggests higher inflammatory potential in the cortical bone. In response to the oxidized implants trabecular bone expressed a higher level of IL‐1β, whereas the implants in cortical bone were associated with higher expression of ALP and OC.

Conclusion: There are biological differences between cortical and trabecular bone types, both in the normal steady‐state condition and in response to biomaterials. Such differences can be characterized and discriminated quantitatively using a sensitive technique such as qPCR.
Life in the ‘Hood: Postwar Suburban Literature and Films
Authors: Knapp Kathryn
Published: May 2009

This article examines the postwar suburb and its representation in literature and films, which shares responsibility with the housing boom for propagating the suburban myth, as Herbert Gans coined the term in his seminal sociological study, The Levittowners (1963), whereby ‘the suburbs were breeding a new set of Americans, as mass produced as the houses, driven into a never ending round of group activity ruled by the strictest conformity’ yet which also revolved around ‘a matriarchal family of domineering wives, absent husbands, and spoiled children, and with it, rising marital friction, adultery, divorce, drunkenness, and mental illness’ (xxviii). This myth, contradictory but enduring, was propagated by the competing sensibilities of business interests intent on selling the ‘suburbs‐as‐lifestyle’ and by urban intellectuals who located there all that they disdained about middlebrow culture. This suburban aesthetic has remained largely unaltered despite the radical changes that the suburbs themselves are now undergoing: the majority of all Americans, including immigrants and people in poverty, now live in the suburbs, rendering obsolete the notion of the suburbs as the exclusive playground of the white middle class. Recent suburban literature and films work within the suburban literary tradition yet point toward a new suburban aesthetic that reflects and renegotiates this changing, fraught landscape.
Creation of a new eye lens crystallin (Gambeta) through structure‐guided mutagenic grafting of the surface of βB2 crystallin onto the hydrophobic core of γB crystallin
Authors: Kapoor Divya , Singh Balvinder , Subramanian Karthikeyan , Guptasarma Purnananda
Published: May 2009

The degree of conservation of three‐dimensional folds in protein superfamilies is greater than that of amino acid sequences. Therefore, very different groups of residues (and schemes of residue packing) can be found displayed upon similar structural scaffolds. We have previously demonstrated the workability of a protein engineering‐based method for rational mixing of the interior features of an all‐beta enzyme with the substrate‐binding and catalytic (surface) features of another enzyme whose sequence is not similar but which is structurally homologous to the first enzyme. Here, we extend this method to whole‐protein surfaces and interiors. We show how two all‐beta Greek key proteins, βB2 crystallin and γB crystallin, can be recombined to produce a new protein through rational transplantation of the entire surface of βB2 crystallin upon the structure of γB crystallin, without altering the latter’s interior. This new protein, Gambeta, consists of 61 residues possessing the same identity at structurally equivalent positions in βB2‐ and γB crystallin, 91 surface residues unique to βB2 crystallin, and 27 interior residues unique to γB crystallin. Gambeta displays a mixture of the structural/biochemical characteristics, surface features and colligative properties of its progenitor crystallins. It also displays optical properties common to both progenitor crystallins (i.e. retention of transparency at high concentrations, as well as high refractivity). The folding of a protein with such a ‘patchwork’ residue ancestry suggests that interior/surface transplants involving all‐beta proteins are a feasible engineering strategy.
Convenient and Efficient Preparations of Azodye‐Labeled Peptides
Authors: Katritzky Alan R. , Chen Qi‐Yin , Tala Srinivasa R.
Published: May 2009

N‐(4‐Arylazobenzoyl)‐1H‐benzotriazoles 15a, 15b react with dipeptides 12a–d, (12d+12d′) and tripeptides 14a, 14b to give azodye labeled‐dipeptides (16a–e), (16d+16d′), (16e+16e′) and ‐tripeptides 16f, 16g in high yields (73–93%) with retention of chirality.
Taxane Analogues against Lung Cancer: A Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Study
Authors: Verma Rajeshwar P. , Hansch Corwin
Published: May 2009

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men (after prostate cancer) and women (after breast cancer). The microtubule‐stabilizing taxane such as docetaxel is the only agent currently approved for both first‐ and second‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer. Although docetaxel has made significant progress in the treatment of lung cancers either using alone or in combination with various novel targeted agents, its use often results in various undesired side‐effects. These limitations have led to the search for new taxane derivatives with fewer side‐effects, superior pharmacological properties, and improved anticancer activity to maximize the induced benefits for lung cancer patients. Herein, four series of taxane derivatives were used to correlate their inhibitory activities against lung cancer cells with hydrophobic and steric descriptors to gain a better understanding of their chemical–biological interactions. A parabolic correlation with MRY is the most encouraging example, in which the optimum value of this parameter is well defined. On the basis of this quantitative structure–activity relationship model, six compounds (3‐23 to 3‐28) are suggested as potential synthetic targets. Internal (cross‐validation (q 2), quality factor (Q), Fischer statistics (F ) and Y‐randomization) and external validation tests have validated all the quantitative structure–activity relationship models.
Characterization of Multiple Stable Conformers of the EC5 Domain of E‐cadherin and the Interaction of EC5 with E‐cadherin Peptides
Authors: Zheng Kai , Laurence Jennifer S. , Kuczera Krzysztof , Verkhivker Gennady , Russell Middaugh C. , Siahaan Teruna J.
Published: May 2009

The objectives of this work were to express the EC5 domain of E‐cadherin and determine its structural characteristics as well as to evaluate the binding properties of HAV and BLG4 peptides to EC5 using spectroscopic methods. Homophilic interactions of E‐cadherins are responsible for cell–cell adhesion in the adherens junctions of the biological barriers (i.e. intestinal mucosa and blood–brain barriers). The EC5 domain of E‐cadherin has an important role in T‐cell adhesion to intestinal mucosa via αEβ7 integrin–E‐cadherin interactions. In this study, the expressed EC5 has a high thermal stability (Tm = 64.3 °C); it also has two stable conformations at room temperature, which convert to one conformation at approximately 54.5 °C. NMR and FTIR showed that HAV and BLG4 peptides bind to EC5. HSQC‐NMR showed that either Asn or Gln of EC5 was involved in the interactions with HAV and BLG4 peptides. EC5 underwent a conformational change upon interaction with the HAV and BLG4 peptides. Finally, the binding properties of both peptides were modeled by docking experiments, and the results suggest that Asn‐46 and Asn‐75 of EC5 could be involved during the interaction with the peptides and that the Ser and Trp residues of the HAV and BLG4 peptides, respectively, were important for binding to EC5.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Novel Dibutyltin Carboxylates of Aminoglucosyl Derivatives
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Zhong‐Wei , Ren Su‐Mei , Sibiril Yann , Parent Massin Dominique , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2009

In this study, di‐n‐butyltin(IV) oxide was reacted with the amino glucose analog, cis‐4‐[N‐(1′,3′,4′,6′‐tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐2‐deoxy‐glucopyranosyl)imido]‐4‐oxo‐2‐butenoic acid (1a) and o‐[N‐(1′,3′,4′,6′‐tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐2‐deoxy‐glucopyranosyl) carbamoyl] benzoic acid (2a) to give the complexes bis‐{cis‐4‐[N‐(1′,3′,4′,6′‐tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐2‐deoxy‐glucopyranosyl)imido‐4‐oxo‐2‐butenoic acid]‐di‐n‐butyltin} carboxylate (1) and bis‐{o‐[N‐(1′,3′,4′,6′‐tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐2‐deoxy‐glucopyranosyl) carbamoyl‐benzoic acid]‐di‐n‐butyltin}carboxylate (2). These two compounds were then characterized by IR, NMR and MS. In vitro tests showed that both compounds have high cytotoxicity in four tumor cell lines (P388, HL‐60, A549 and BEL‐7402). Clonogenic assays demonstrated that both compounds 1 and 2 have hematopoietic cell toxicity at 10−6 m.
Whatever Became of the Socratic Elenchus? Philosophical Analysis in Plato
Authors: Matthews Gareth
Published: May 2009

Readers who are introduced to philosophical analysis by reading the early Platonic dialogues may be puzzled to find that Plato, in his middle and late periods, largely abandons the style of analysis characteristic of early Plato, namely, the ‘Socratic elenchus’. This paper undertakes to solve the puzzle. In contrast to what is popularly called ‘the Socratic method’, the elenchus requires that Socrates, the lead investigator, not have a satisfactory answer to his ‘What is F‐ness?’ question. Here is the bind. Part of what motivates the elenctic inquiry is the natural assumption that one cannot identify F‐things unless one has a satisfactory analysis of what it is to be F. But to test the adequacy of suggested analyses of F‐ness one needs to be able to identify counterexamples. Together these two points present us with a ‘catch‐22’, which is something the ‘paradox of inquiry’ in theMenobrings out. In theTheaetetusPlato makes clear that, although the elenchus, including Socratic ignorance, can refute philosophical theses arrived at by other means, it cannot, by itself, give birth to viable philosophical theses. Its legitimate role is therefore only propaedeutic.
Low‐volume muscle endurance training prevents decrease in muscle oxidative and endurance function during 21‐day forearm immobilization
Authors: Homma T. , Hamaoka T. , Murase N. , Osada T. , Murakami M. , Kurosawa Y. , Kitahara A. , Ichimura S. , Yashiro K. , Katsumura T.
Published: May 2009

Aim:  To examine the effects of low‐volume muscle endurance training on muscle oxidative capacity, endurance and strength of the forearm muscle during 21‐day forearm immobilization (IMM‐21d).

Methods:  The non‐dominant arm (n = 15) was immobilized for 21 days with a cast and assigned to an immobilization‐only group (Imm‐group; n = 7) or an immobilization with training group (Imm+Tr‐group; n = 8). Training comprised dynamic handgrip exercise at 30% of pre‐intervention maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at 1 Hz until exhaustion, twice a week during the immobilization period. The duration of each exercise session was 51.7 ± 3.4 s (mean ± SE). Muscle oxidative capacity was evaluated by the time constant for phosphocreatine recovery (τoffPCr) after a submaximal handgrip exercise using 31phosphorus‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An endurance test was performed at 30% of pre‐intervention MVC, at 1 Hz, until exhaustion.

Results:  τ
offPCr was significantly prolonged in the Imm‐group after 21 days (42.0 ± 2.8 and 64.2 ± 5.1 s, pre‐ and post‐intervention respectively; P < 0.01) but did not change for the Imm+Tr‐group (50.3 ± 3.0 and 48.8 ± 5.0 s, ns). Endurance decreased significantly for the Imm‐group (55.1 ± 5.1 and 44.7 ± 4.6 s, P < 0.05) but did not change for the Imm+Tr‐group (47.9 ± 3.0 and 51.7 ± 4.0 s, ns). MVC decreased similarly in both groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Twice‐weekly muscle endurance training sessions, each lasting approx. 50 s, effectively prevented a decrease in muscle oxidative capacity and endurance; however, there was no effect on MVC decline with IMM‐21d.
Gaps Between Hypertension Treatment Guidelines and Clinical Practice in Japan: Baseline Survey Results From Fukushima Research of Hypertension (FRESH)
Authors: Yokokawa Hirohide , Goto Aya , Sanada Hironobu , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Yasumura Seiji
Published: May 2009

This observational study assessed the achievement of treatment goals, as defined by the Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension (JSH 2004). These goals are: <140/80 mm Hg in elderly patients (65 years and older), <130/80 mm Hg in patients with diabetes or kidney disease, and <130/85 mm Hg in younger patients (younger than 65). From July 2006 to May 2007, 72 physician members of the Fukushima Hypertension Conference enrolled a total of 3320 patients from Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The median age of the patients was 71 years and 46% were male. The success rate was 27% among patients with diabetes mellitus or renal disease, 30% among those younger than 65 years, and 66% among the elderly without the diseases. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of failure to achieve goals were obesity, dyslipidemia, family histories of diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and number of antihypertensive drugs used. The presence of atherosclerotic complications decreased the risk. This study revealed low achievement rates, identified the importance of weight control and family histories, and indicated a need for better management to prevent complications.
Adrenal Venous Sampling for Primary Aldosteronism and Clinical Outcomes After Unilateral Adrenalectomy: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Murashima Miho , Trerotola Scott O. , Fraker Douglas L. , Han Dale , Townsend Raymond R. , Cohen Debbie L.
Published: May 2009

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) remains controversial in the management of primary aldosteronism. Retrospective chart review was conducted at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from July 2001 to September 2007. A total of 113 patients underwent AVS, 16 patients were excluded as records were unavailable. Among 97 remaining patients, 61 had unilateral disease and 57 underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. Blood pressure (BP) improved significantly with less antihypertensive medication requirement. Among those with different BP responses to adrenalectomy (cure, improvement, or no change), a higher number of preoperative antihypertensive medications was associated with persistent hypertension (P = .03). There were no significant differences in age (P = .14), duration of hypertension (P = .60), family history of hypertension (P = .68), or serum creatinine (P = .34). When AVS shows lateralization, age, duration of hypertension, family history, or renal dysfunction did not predict BP response to adrenalectomy. Results suggest that these factors should not preclude AVS and subsequent adrenalectomy. Further studies are indicated to confirm these findings.
Man Smart, Woman Smarter? Getting to the Root of Gender Differences in Self‐handicapping
Authors: Hirt Edward R. , McCrea Sean M.
Published: May 2009

Research in self‐handicapping has consistently demonstrated a robust yet puzzling gender difference in the use of behavioral self‐handicaps. Women not only are less likely to use behavioral self‐handicaps when such opportunities present themselves, but are also more punitive in their evaluations of others who utilize these types of handicaps. For years, the literature has considered several possible explanations for these consistent gender differences, with little success. The present work highlights our recent efforts suggesting that the personal value placed on effort, as indexed by the ‘Worker scale’ (McCrea, Hirt, Hendrix, Milner, & Steele, 2008), is an important mediator of these gender differences in both the use of and evaluation of others’ use of behavioral self‐handicaps. Discussion centers on the implications of the present results for gaining a better understanding of the motivations and tradeoffs that underlie the use of this self‐defeating strategy.
Resistance to Group Criticism and Recommendations for Change: Lessons from the Intergroup Sensitivity Effect
Authors: Hornsey Matthew J. , Esposo Sarah
Published: May 2009

This essay reviews research relating to criticism of groups. It is argued that, in order to successfully critique (and change) a group culture, it is not enough to be right. Rather, critics need to be sensitive to a range of variables wrapped up in who they are: their group memberships, their history, and the intergroup context. One example of this is the intergroup sensitivity effect, the phenomenon whereby criticisms that seem reasonable in the mouth of an insider are rejected when coming from an outsider. We discuss the intergroup sensitivity effect, the psychological mechanisms underpinning it, and the contextual factors that moderate it. On the basis of this review, we present a model that can be used to predict resistance (or open‐mindedness) in the face of group‐directed criticisms and recommendations for change. It is hoped that this model can open up new ways of thinking about group‐mediated communication, and at the same time can provide specific, concrete and usable instruction for how to promote change within and between groups.
Pornography, Panopticism and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
Authors: Petley Julian
Published: May 2009

In May 2008, the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act was passed in the United Kingdom. Among other things, this made it an offence even to possess what it describes as an ‘extreme pornographic image’. This paper analyses the particular factors which gave rise to this measure, support for it amongst the police and politicians, and the problems which are likely to arise from attempts to enforce it. In particular, the paper argues that the measure is so ill‐conceived that it is likely to criminalise the possession of a far wider range of images than was originally intended. More generally, the paper examines the Act in the context of (a) the increasing tendency on the part of governments both democratic and non‐democratic to attempt to regulate the Internet and its users; (b) the development of the ‘surveillance society’; and (c) New Labour's marked tendency to legislate for private and personal realms traditionally regarded as out‐of‐bounds in a democratic polity. The paper concludes that the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act is a disturbing symptom of the development of the United Kingdom as not simply a surveillance society but also a post‐social democratic state.
Social Class and Attitudes toward Mental Illness: a Study of a Canadian Prairie Community*
Authors: Rootman Irving
Published: May 2009

A partir d'entrevues obtenues auprés d'une population adulte échantillonnée au hasard, vivant dans une petite ville typiques des prairies canadiennes, l'auteur entreprend l'examen des relations qui existent entre les classes sociales et les attitudes vis‐à‐vis la santé mentale. Il n'existe aucune relation significative entre ces deux facteurs lorsqu'on utilise une échelle de « negation » de la santé mentale et deux indicateurs traduisant le refus de l'informateur à reconnaître que l'isolement est un problème.

Par ailleurs, il existe des relations significatives entre les classes sociales et les échelles d'isolement physique et sociale. On tente, par après, d'éclairer ces résultats par diverses explications possibles.

The relationship between social class and attitudes toward mental illness is examined using interviews with a random sample of the adult population of a typical, small, Canadian prairie town. There were no statistically significant relationships between social class and scores on a scale measuring “denial” of mental illness and two indicators of “insulation” of mental illness. There were, however, significant relationships between social class and scores on scales of physical and social “isolation” and responses to one other interview question. Various explanations for the results are explored.
Zacatipan Kinship Terminology: A Dual Approach
Authors: Arizpe S. Lourdes
Published: May 2009

Utilisant d'abord l'analyse componentielle ‐ qui présente un grand intérêt pour l'ethnologie des systèmes cognitifs, comme Font démontre les recherches récentes ‐ l'auteur établit que l'ensemble des termes de parenté d'une population nahuat du Mexique oriental peut être percu comme le reasultat de certaines opérations theaoriques simples ‐ oppositions, permutations ‐ à partir d'un nombre limité d'éléments. Elle complète ensuite cette perspective par une approche plus «classique», qui s'inspire du structuro‐fonctionnalisme et qui lui permet d'expliquer certaines particularités du système qu'elle a décrit: entre autres l'emploi de certains termes espagnols et le fait que d'autres termes indigenes soient en train de tomber en désuétude. Elle montre que ces phénomènes sont consécutifs aux transformations socio‐économiques des dernières générations qui ont profoundément modifyé tant les dimensions que la composition du groupe domestique indigène.
Cycle écologique et cycle rituel: le cas d'un village andin
Authors: Vallee Lionel
Published: May 2009

In the present article, the author examines the relationships existing between the ecological cycle and the ritual cycle of a Quechua‐speaking community of the South Central Andes of Peru (Department of Ayacucho). His analysis takes into consideration a double dimension: the ecological (objective and subjective) and the spatio‐temporal (physical and cultural). These two dimensions are seen as the essential basis for the elaboration of a dynamic model of analysis of the Andean communities. This model relies heavily on Murra's formulation of the “vertical” control of the ecology, and is exemplified by data the author and a Peruvian colleague, Salvador Palomino Flores, collected in 1969.
Gating, permselectivity and pH‐dependent modulation of channels formed by connexin57, a major connexin of horizontal cells in the mouse retina
Authors: Palacios‐Prado Nicolas , Sonntag Stephan , Skeberdis Vytenis A. , Willecke Klaus , Bukauskas Feliksas F.
Published: May 2009

Mouse connexin57 (Cx57) is expressed most abundantly in horizontal cells of the retina, and forms gap junction (GJ) channels, which constitute a structural basis for electrical and metabolic intercellular communication, and unapposed hemichannels (UHCs) that are involved in an exchange of ions and metabolites between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu. By combining fluorescence imaging and dual whole‐cell voltage clamp methods, we showed that HeLa cells expressing Cx57 and C‐terminally fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (Cx57‐EGFP) form junctional plaques (JPs) and that only cell pairs exhibiting at least one JP demonstrate cell‐to‐cell electrical coupling and transfer of negatively and positively charged dyes with molecular mass up to ∼400 Da. The permeability of the single Cx57 GJ channel to Alexa fluor‐350 is ∼90‐fold smaller than the permeability of Cx43, while its single channel conductance (57 pS) is only 2‐fold smaller than Cx43 (110 pS). Gating of Cx57‐EGFP/Cx45 heterotypic GJ channels reveal that Cx57 exhibit a negative gating polarity, i.e. channels tend to close at negativity on the cytoplasmic side of Cx57. Alkalization of pHi from 7.2 to 7.8 increased gap junctional conductance (gj) of ∼100‐fold with pKa= 7.41. We show that this gj increase was caused by an increase of both the open channel probability and the number of functional channels. Function of Cx57 UHCs was evaluated based on the uptake of fluorescent dyes. We found that under control conditions, Cx57 UHCs are closed and open at [Ca2+]o=∼0.3 mm or below, demonstrating that a moderate reduction of [Ca2+]o can facilitate the opening of Cx57 UHCs. This was potentiated with intracellular alkalization. In summary, our data show that the open channel probability of Cx57 GJs can be modulated by pHi with very high efficiency in the physiologically relevant range and may explain pH‐dependent regulation of cell–cell coupling in horizontal cell in the retina.
Activation of mGluR5 induces spike afterdepolarization and enhanced excitability in medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens by modulating persistent Na+ currents
Authors: D’Ascenzo Marcello , Podda Maria Vittoria , Fellin Tommaso , Azzena Gian Battista , Haydon Philip , Grassi Claudio
Published: May 2009

The involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptors type 5 (mGluR5) in drug‐induced behaviours is well‐established but limited information is available on their functional roles in addiction‐relevant brain areas like the nucleus accumbens (NAc). This study demonstrates that pharmacological and synaptic activation of mGluR5 increases the spike discharge of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc. This effect was associated with the appearance of a slow afterdepolarization (ADP) which, in voltage‐clamp experiments, was recorded as a slowly inactivating inward current. Pharmacological studies showed that ADP was elicited by mGluR5 stimulation via G‐protein‐dependent activation of phospholipase C and elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels. Both ADP and spike aftercurrents were significantly inhibited by the Na+ channel‐blocker, tetrodotoxin (TTX). Moreover, the selective blockade of persistent Na+ currents (INaP), achieved by NAc slice pre‐incubation with 20 nm TTX or 10 μm riluzole, significantly reduced the ADP amplitude, indicating that this type of Na+ current is responsible for the mGluR5‐dependent ADP. mGluR5 activation also produced significant increases in INaP, and the pharmacological blockade of this current prevented the mGluR5‐induced enhancement of spike discharge. Collectively, these data suggest that mGluR5 activation upregulates INaP in MSNs of the NAc, thereby inducing an ADP that results in enhanced MSN excitability. Activation of mGluR5 will significantly alter spike firing in MSNs in vivo, and this effect could be an important mechanism by which these receptors mediate certain aspects of drug‐induced behaviours.
Biomechanical and Biotribological Correlation of Induced Wear on Bovine Femoral Condyles
Authors: Shields Kelly J. , Owen John R. , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: May 2009

Characterizing the biomechanical and biotribological properties for articular surfaces in healthy, damaged, and repaired states will both elucidate the understanding of mechanical degradation and lubricating phenomena and enhance the development of functional tissue engineered cartilage and surgical repair techniques. In recent work, a new methodology involving concomitant linear translational and oscillating rotational motion was developed to determine the frictional and wear characteristics of articular cartilage. The impetus of this work was to further characterize the biomechanical characteristics from stress relaxation and dynamic cyclical indentation testing of normal and damaged articular cartilage and to correlate the biotribological characteristic findings with the biomechanical data. Quasilinear viscoelastic (QLV) theory was used to curve fit the stress-relaxation data, while the dynamic data were used both to determine the dynamic properties through fast Fourier transform analysis and to validate the dynamic behavior based on the properties obtained from the QLV theory. Comparisons of the curve-fit parameters showed a significant decrease in pre- versus postwear elastic response, A(p<0.04), and viscous response, c(p<0.01). In addition, the short term relaxation time, τ1(p<0.0062), showed a significant decrease between surfaces with and without a defect. The magnitude of the complex modulus from dynamic tests revealed a decrease due to wear, lGlpostwear∕lGlprewear<1(p<0.05). The loss factor, tanδ, was generally greater while lGl was less for those specimens experiencing rotation. A linear regression analysis was performed to correlate μstatic and μinitial with the curve-fit QLV parameters, A, B, c, τ1, and τ2. Increasing coefficients of friction correlated with decreases in the elastic response, A, viscous response, c, and the short term relaxation time constant, τ1, while B became increasingly nonlinear and τ2 became shorter postwear. Qualitatively, scanning electron microscopy photographs revealed the mechanical degradation of the tissue surface due to wear. Surfaces with a defect had an increased amount of wear debris, which ultimately contributed to third body wear. Surfaces without a defect had preferentially aligned abrasions, while those surfaces not within the wear path showed no signs of wear. The efficacy of various repair techniques and innovative repair tissue models in comparison to normal and worn articular surface tissue can be determined through experimental designs involving both biomechanical and biotribological parameter characterizations. The development of this comprehensive testing scenario involving both biotribological and biomechanical characteristics is essential to the continued development of potential articular repair tissue.
Transmural Strains in the Ovine Left Ventricular Lateral Wall During Diastolic Filling
Authors: Kindberg K. , Carlhäll C. , Karlsson M. , Nguyen T. C. , Cheng A. , Langer F. , Rodriguez F. , Daughters G. T. , Miller D. C. , Ingels N. B.
Published: May 2009

Rapid early diastolic left ventricular (LV) filling requires a highly compliant chamber immediately after systole, allowing inflow at low driving pressures. The transmural LV deformations associated with such filling are not completely understood. We sought to characterize regional transmural LV strains during diastole, with focus on early filling, in ovine hearts at 1 week and 8 weeks after myocardial marker implantation. In seven normal sheep hearts, 13 radiopaque markers were inserted to silhouette the LV chamber and a transmural beadset was implanted into the lateral equatorial LV wall to measure transmural strains. Four-dimensional marker dynamics were obtained 1 week and 8 weeks thereafter with biplane videofluoroscopy in closed-chest, anesthetized animals. LV transmural strains in both cardiac and fiber-sheet coordinates were studied from filling onset to the end of early filling (EOEF, 100 ms after filling onset) and at end diastole. At the 8 week study, subepicardial circumferential strain (ECC) had reached its final value already at EOEF, while longitudinal and radial strains were nearly zero at this time. Subepicardial ECC and fiber relengthening (Eff) at EOEF were reduced to 1 compared with 8 weeks after surgery (ECC:0.02±0.01 to 0.08±0.02 and Eff:0.00±0.01 to 0.03±0.01, respectively, both P<0.05). Subepicardial ECC during early LV filling was associated primarily with fiber-normal and sheet-normal shears at the 1 week study, but to all three fiber-sheet shears and fiber relengthening at the 8 week study. These changes in LV subepicardial mechanics provide a possible mechanistic basis for regional myocardial lusitropic function, and may add to our understanding of LV myocardial diastolic dysfunction.
Correlations Among Indicators of Disturbed Flow at the Normal Carotid Bifurcation
Authors: Lee Sang-Wook , Antiga Luca , Steinman David A.
Published: May 2009

A variety of hemodynamic wall parameters (HWP) has been proposed over the years to quantify hemodynamic disturbances as potential predictors or indicators of vascular wall dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine whether some of these might, for practical purposes, be considered redundant. Image-based computational fluid dynamics simulations were carried out for N=50 normal carotid bifurcations reconstructed from magnetic resonance imaging. Pairwise Spearman correlation analysis was performed for HWP quantifying wall shear stress magnitudes, spatial and temporal gradients, and harmonic contents. These were based on the spatial distributions of each HWP and, separately, the amount of the surface exposed to each HWP beyond an objectively-defined threshold. Strong and significant correlations were found among the related trio of time-averaged wall shear stress magnitude (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT). Wall shear stress spatial gradient (WSSG) was strongly and positively correlated with TAWSS. Correlations with Himburg and Friedman’s dominant harmonic (DH) parameter were found to depend on how the wall shear stress magnitude was defined in the presence of flow reversals. Many of the proposed HWP were found to provide essentially the same information about disturbed flow at the normal carotid bifurcation. RRT is recommended as a robust single metric of low and oscillating shear. On the other hand, gradient-based HWP may be of limited utility in light of possible redundancies with other HWP, and practical challenges in their measurement. Further investigations are encouraged before these findings should be extrapolated to other vascular territories.