bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTEGRATING THE PRINCIPLES OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT INTO LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNING
Authors: TANG ZHENGHONG
Published: September 2008

The lack of early integration with the planning and decision-making process has been a major problem in environmental assessment. Traditional project-based environmental impact assessment has inadequate incentives and capacities to incorporate critical environmental impacts at a broader temporal or spatial scale. While many applications have been geared towards implementing project-level environmental assessments, comparatively little research has been done to determine how to incorporate strategically critical environmental impacts into local comprehensive land use planning. Although the principles of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) are not yet required in local comprehensive land use planning in the United States, these principles create a theoretical framework for local environmental assessment. This study builds a theoretical framework for more effectively integrating the principles of strategic environmental assessment into local comprehensive land use plans. The empirical case study results indicate that California local jurisdictions did not fully integrated the SEA principles into their local plans.
Data density and trend reversals in auditory graphs
Authors: Nees Michael A. , Walker Bruce N.
Published: September 2008

Auditory graphs—displays that represent quantitative information with sound—have the potential to make data (and therefore science) more accessible for diverse user populations. No research to date, however, has systematically addressed the attributes of data that contribute to the complexity (the ease or difficulty of comprehension) of auditory graphs. A pair of studies examined the role of data density (i.e., the number of discrete data points presented per second) and the number of trend reversals for both point-estimation and trend-identification tasks with auditory graphs. For the point-estimation task, more trend reversals led to performance decrements. For the trend-identification task, a large main effect was again observed for trend reversals, but an interaction suggested that the effect of the number of trend reversals was different across lower data densities (i.e., as density increased from 1 to 2 data points per second). Results are discussed in terms of data sonification applications and rhythmic theories of auditory pattern perception.
A study of the modification of the speed and size of the cursor for simulating pseudo-haptic bumps and holes
Authors: Lécuyer Anatole , Burkhardt Jean-Marie , Tan Chee-Hian
Published: September 2008

In previous work on so-called pseudo-haptic textures, we investigated the possibility of simulating sensations of texture without haptic devices by using the sole manipulation of the speed of a mouse cursor (a technique called speed technique). In this paper, we describe another technique (called Size technique) to enhance the speed technique and simulate texture sensations by varying the size of the cursor according to the local height of the texture displayed on the computer screen. With the size technique, the user would see an increase (decrease) in cursor size corresponding to a positive (negative) slope of the texture. We have conducted a series of experiments to study and compare the use of both the size and speed technique for simulating simple shapes like bumps and holes. In Experiment 1, our results showed that participants could successfully identify bumps and holes using the size technique alone. Performances obtained with the size technique reached a similar level of accuracy as found previously with the speed technique alone. In Experiment 2, we determined a point of subjective equality between bumps simulated by each technique separately, which suggests that the two techniques provide information that can be perceptually equivalent. In Experiment 3, using paradoxical situations of conflict between the two techniques, we have found that participants' answers were more influenced by the size technique, suggesting a dominance of the size over the speed technique. Furthermore, we have found a mutual reinforcement of the techniques, i.e., when the two techniques were consistently combined, the participants were more efficient in identifying the simulated shapes. In Experiment 4, we further observed the complex interactions between the information associated with the two techniques in the perception and in the decision process related to the accurate identification of bumps and holes. Taken together, our results promote the use of both techniques for the low-cost simulation of texture sensations in applications, such as videogames, internet, and graphical user interfaces.
Lead-me interface for a pulling sensation from hand-held devices
Authors: Amemiya Tomohiro , Ando Hideyuki , Maeda Taro
Published: September 2008

When a small mass in a hand-held device oscillates along a single axis with asymmetric acceleration (strongly peaked in one direction and diffuse in the other), the holder typically experiences a kinesthetic illusion characterized by the sensation of being continuously pushed or pulled by the device. This effect was investigated because of its potential application to a hand-held, nongrounded, haptic device that can convey a sense of a continuous translational force in one direction, which is a key missing piece in haptic research. A 1 degree-of-freedom (DOF) haptic device based on a crank-slider mechanism was constructed. The device converts the constant rotation of an electric motor into the constrained movement of a small mass with asymmetric acceleration. The frequency that maximizes the perceived movement offered by the haptic device was investigated. Tests using three subjects showed that for the prototype, the best frequencies were 5 and 10 cycles per second.
Auditory distance perception in an acoustic pipe
Authors: Fontana Federico , Rocchesso Davide
Published: September 2008

In a study of auditory distance perception, we investigated the effects of exaggeration the acoustic cue of reverberation where the intensity of sound did not vary noticeably. The set of stimuli was obtained by moving a sound source inside a 10.2-m long pipe having a 0.3-m diameter. Twelve subjects were asked to listen to a speech sound while keeping their head inside the pipe and then to estimate the egocentric distance from the sound source using a magnitude production procedure. The procedure was repeated eighteen times using six different positions of the sound source. Results show that the point at which perceived distance equals physical distance is located approximately 3.5 m away from the listening point, with an average range of distance estimates of approximately 3.3 m, i.e., 1.65 to 4.9 m. The absence of intensity cues makes the acoustic pipe a potentially interesting modeling paradigm for the design of auditory interfaces in which distance is rendered independently of loudness. The proposed acoustic environment also confirms the known unreliability of certain distance cues.
Recalibration of rotational locomotion in immersive virtual environments
Authors: Kuhl Scott A. , Creem-Regehr Sarah H. , Thompson William B.
Published: September 2008

This work uses an immersive virtual environment (IVE) to examine how people maintain a calibration between biomechanical and visual information for rotational self-motion. First, we show that no rotational recalibration occurs when visual and biomechanical rates of rotation are matched. Next, we demonstrate that mismatched physical and visual rotation rates cause rotational recalibration. Although previous work has shown that rotational locomotion can be recalibrated in real environments, this work extends the finding to virtual environments. We further show that people do not completely recalibrate left and right rotations independently when different visual--biomechanical discrepancies are used for left and right rotations during a recalibration phase. Finally, since the majority of participants did not notice mismatched physical and visual rotation rates, we discuss the implications of using such mismatches to enable IVE users to explore a virtual space larger than the physical space they are in.
Molecular Genetics of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Teitell Michael A. , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: September 2008

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is mainly a disease of childhood that arises from recurrent genetic insults that block precursor B and T cell differentiation and drive aberrant cell proliferation and survival. Recurrent defects including chromosomal translocations, aneuploidies, and gene-specific alterations generate molecular subgroups of B- and T-ALL with differing clinical courses and distinct responses to therapy. Recent discoveries arising from genome-wide surveys and adoptive transfer of leukemia-initiating cells have uncovered multiple gene copy number aberrations and have yielded new insight into at least one type of ALL-originating cell. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of ALL has benefited from genetically modified mouse models that recapitulate cellular transformation at specific developmental stages of lymphoid lineage cells. Here, we review the spectrum of genetic aberrations that promote acute B and T cell leukemias and the mechanisms of cell transformation and malignant progression that are reinforced by mouse models of human ALL.
Long-term effects of dietary glycemic index on adiposity, energy metabolism, and physical activity in mice
Authors: Scribner Kelly B. , Pawlak Dorota B. , Aubin Cristin M. , Majzoub Joseph A. , Ludwig David S.
Published: September 2008

A high-glycemic index (GI) diet has been shown to increase adiposity in rodents; however, the long-term metabolic effects of a low- and high-GI diet have not been examined. In this study, a total of 48 male 129SvPas mice were fed diets high in either rapidly absorbed carbohydrate (RAC; high GI) or slowly absorbed carbohydrate (SAC; low GI) for up to 40 wk. Diets were controlled for macronutrient and micronutrient content, differing only in starch type. Body composition and insulin sensitivity were measured longitudinally by DEXA scan and oral glucose tolerance test, respectively. Food intake, respiratory quotient, physical activity, and energy expenditure were assessed using metabolic cages. Despite having similar mean body weights, mice fed the RAC diet had 40% greater body fat by the end of the study and a mean 2.2-fold greater insulin resistance compared with mice fed the SAC diet. Respiratory quotient was higher in the RAC group, indicating comparatively less fat oxidation. Although no differences in energy expenditure were observed throughout the study, total physical activity was 45% higher for the SAC-fed mice after 38 wk of feeding. We conclude that, in this animal model, 1) the effect of GI on body composition is mediated by changes in substrate oxidation, not energy intake; 2) a high-GI diet causes insulin resistance; and 3) dietary composition can affect physical activity level.
Ciglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in part through homocysteine clearance
Authors: Sen Utpal , Rodriguez Walter E. , Tyagi Neetu , Kumar Munish , Kundu Soumi , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: September 2008

Diabetes and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are two independent risk factors for glomeruloslerosis and renal insufficiency. Although PPARγ agonists such as ciglitazone (CZ) are known to modulate diabetic nephropathy, the role of CZ in diabetes-associated HHcy and renopathy is incompletely defined. We tested the hypothesis that induction of PPARγ by CZ decreases tissue Hcy level; this provides a protective role against diabetic nephropathy. C57BL/6J mice were administered alloxan to create diabetes. Mice were grouped to 0, 1, 10, 12, and 16 wk of treatment; only 12- and 16-wk animals received CZ in drinking water after a 10-wk alloxan treatment. In diabetes, PPARγ cDNA, mRNA, and protein expression were repressed, whereas an increase in plasma and glomerular Hcy levels was observed. CZ normalized PPARγ mRNA and protein expression and glomerular level of Hcy, whereas plasma level of Hcy remained unchanged. GFR was dramatically increased at 1-wk diabetic induction, followed by hypofiltration at 10 wk, and was normalized by CZ treatment. This result corroborated with glomerular and preglomerular arteriole histology. A steady-state increase of RVR in diabetic mice became normal with CZ treatment. CZ ameliorated decrease bioavailability of NO in the diabetic animal. Glomerular MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities as well as TIMP-1 expression were increased robustly in diabetic mice and normalized with CZ treatment. Interestingly, TIMP-4 expression was opposite to that of TIMP-1 in diabetic and CZ-treated groups. These results suggested that diabetic nephropathy exacerbated glomerular tissue level of Hcy, and this caused further deterioration of glomerulus. CZ, however, protected diabetic nephropathy in part by activating PPARγ and clearing glomerular tissue Hcy.
Supraphysiological testosterone enanthate administration prevents bone loss and augments bone strength in gonadectomized male and female rats
Authors: Yarrow Joshua F. , Conover Christine F. , Purandare Amol V. , Bhakta Ashish M. , Zheng Naiquan , Conrad Bryan , Altman Molly K. , Franz Sarah E. , Wronski Thomas J. , Borst Stephen E.
Published: September 2008

High-dose testosterone enanthate (TE) may prevent hypogonadism-induced osteopenia. For this study, 3-mo-old male and female Fisher SAS rats underwent sham surgery, gonadectomy (GX), or GX plus 28 days TE administration (7.0 mg/wk). GX reduced serum sex hormones (i.e., testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol) ( P < 0.05) in both sexes and bone concentrations of testosterone (males only), and estradiol (females only). GX also elevated urine deoxypyridinoline/creatinine in both sexes and serum osteocalcin (females only), findings that are consistent with high-turnover osteopenia. GX reduced cancellous bone volume (CBV) and increased osteoid surfaces in tibia of both sexes. GX males also experienced reduced trabecular number and width and increased trabecular separation, whereas GX females experienced increased osteoblast and osteoid surfaces. Bone biomechanical characteristics remained unaffected by GX, except that femoral stiffness was reduced in females. In contrast, TE administration to GX rats elevated serum and bone androgens to supraphysiological concentrations in both sexes but altered neither serum nor bone estradiol in males. Additionally, TE did not prevent GX-induced reductions in serum or bone estradiol in females. TE also reduced markers of high-turnover osteopenia in both sexes. In males, TE prevented GX-induced changes in trabecular number and separation, CBV, and osteoid surfaces while diminishing osteoblast and osteoclast surfaces; however, these changes were not fully prevented in females. In both sexes, TE increased femoral length and femoral maximal strength to above that of Sham and GX animals while preventing the loss of femoral stiffness in females. In conclusion, TE administration appears protective of cancellous bone in male rats and augments cortical bone strength in both sexes.
Chronic sustained and intermittent hypoxia reduce function of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Zhang Weirong , Carreño Flávia R. , Cunningham J. Thomas , Mifflin Steve W.
Published: September 2008

Activation of neuronal ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels is an important mechanism that protects neurons and conserves neural function during hypoxia. We investigated hypoxia (bath gassed with 95% N2-5% CO2 vs. 95% O2-5% CO2 in control)-induced changes in KATP current in second-order neurons of peripheral chemoreceptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Hypoxia-induced KATP currents were compared between normoxic (Norm) rats and rats exposed to 1 wk of either chronic sustained hypoxia (CSH) or chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Whole cell recordings of NTS second-order neurons identified after 4-(4-(dihexadecylamino)styryl)- N-methylpyridinium iodide (DiA) labeling of the carotid bodies were obtained in a brain stem slice. In Norm cells ( n = 9), hypoxia (3 min) induced an outward current of 12.7 ± 1.1 pA with a reversal potential of −73 ± 2 mV. This current was completely blocked by the KATP channel blocker tolbutamide (100 μM). Bath application of the KATP channel opener diazoxide (200 μM, 3 min) evoked an outward current of 21.8 ± 5.8 pA ( n = 6). Hypoxia elicited a significantly smaller outward current in both CSH (5.9 ± 1.4 pA, n = 11; P < 0.01) and CIH (6.8 ± 1.7 pA, n = 6; P < 0.05) neurons. Diazoxide elicited a significantly smaller outward current in CSH (3.9 ± 1.0 pA, n = 5; P < 0.05) and CIH (2.9 ± 0.9 pA, n = 3; P < 0.05) neurons. Western blot analysis showed reduced levels of KATP potassium channel subunits Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 in the NTS from CSH and CIH rats. These results suggest that hypoxia activates KATP channels in NTS neurons receiving monosynaptic chemoreceptor afferent inputs. Chronic exposure to either sustained or intermittent hypoxia reduces KATP channel function in NTS neurons. This may represent a neuronal adaptation that preserves neuronal excitability in crucial relay neurons in peripheral chemoreflex pathways.
Deep Brain Stimulation Reduces Neuronal Entropy in the MPTP-Primate Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Dorval Alan D. , Russo Gary S. , Hashimoto Takao , Xu Weidong , Grill Warren M. , Vitek Jerrold L.
Published: September 2008

High-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or internal segment of the globus pallidus is a clinically successful treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanisms by which HFS alleviates these symptoms are not understood. Whereas initial studies focused on HFS-induced changes in neuronal firing rates, recent studies suggest that changes in patterns of neuronal activity may correlate with symptom alleviation. We hypothesized that effective STN HFS reduces the disorder of neuronal firing patterns in the basal ganglia thalamic circuit, minimizing the pathological activity associated with parkinsonism. Stimulating leads were implanted in the STN of two rhesus monkeys rendered parkinsonian by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Action potentials were recorded from neurons of the internal and external globus pallidus and the motor thalamus (ventralis anterior, ventralis lateralis pars oralis, and ventralis posterior lateralis pars oralis) during HFS that reduced motor symptoms and during clinically ineffective low-frequency stimulation (LFS). Firing pattern entropy was calculated from the recorded spike times to quantify the disorder of the neuronal activity. The firing pattern entropy of neurons within each region of the pallidum and motor thalamus decreased in response to HFS ( n ≥ 18 and P ≤ 0.02 in each region), whereas firing rate changes were specific to pallidal neurons only. In response to LFS, firing rates were unchanged, but firing pattern entropy increased throughout the circuit ( n ≥ 24 and P ≤ 10−4 in each region). These data suggest that the clinical effectiveness of HFS is correlated with, and potentially mediated by, a regularization of the pattern of neuronal activity throughout the basal ganglia thalamic circuit.
Gene expression profiling of skeletal muscle in exercise-trained and sedentary rats with inborn high and low VO2max
Authors: Bye Anja , Høydal Morten A. , Catalucci Daniele , Langaas Mette , Kemi Ole Johan , Beisvag Vidar , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Ellingsen Øyvind , Wisløff Ulrik
Published: September 2008

The relationship between inborn maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and skeletal muscle gene expression is unknown. Since low VO2maxis a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality, genes related to low VO2maxmight also be involved in cardiovascular disease. To establish the relationship between inborn VO2maxand gene expression, we performed microarray analysis of the soleus muscle of rats artificially selected for high- and low running capacity (HCR and LCR, respectively). In LCR, a low VO2maxwas accompanied by aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors similar to the metabolic syndrome. Although sedentary HCR were able to maintain a 120% higher running speed at VO2maxthan sedentary LCR, only three transcripts were differentially expressed (FDR ≤ 0.05) between the groups. Sedentary LCR expressed high levels of a transcript with strong homology to human leucyl-transfer RNA synthetase, of whose overexpression has been associated with a mutation linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, we studied exercise-induced alterations in soleus gene expression, since accumulating evidence indicates that long-term endurance training has beneficial effects on the metabolic syndrome. In terms of gene expression, the response to exercise training was more pronounced in HCR than LCR. HCR upregulated several genes associated with lipid metabolism and fatty acid elongation, whereas LCR upregulated only one transcript after exercise training. The results indicate only minor differences in soleus muscle gene expression between sedentary HCR and LCR. However, the inborn level of fitness seems to influence the transcriptional adaption to exercise, as more genes were upregulated after exercise training in HCR than LCR.
The Robustness of Strong Stability of Positive Homogeneous Difference Equations
Authors: Bui The Anh , Duong Dang Xuan Thanh
Published: September 2008

We study the robustness of strong stability of the homogeneous difference equation via the concept of strong stability radii: complex, real and positive radii in this paper. We also show that in the case of positive systems, these radii coincide. Finally, a simple example is given.
Endogenous Instability in Credit‐Constrained Emerging Economies with Leontief Technology
Authors: Mammana Cristiana , Michetti Elisabetta
Published: September 2008

This work provides a framework to analyze the role of financial development
as a source of endogenous instability in emerging economies
subject to moral hazard problems. We propose and study a dynamic
model describing a small open economy with a tradeable good produced
by internationally mobile capital and a country specific input, using Leontief
technology. We demonstrate that emerging markets could be endogenously
unstable since large capital inflows increase risk and exacerbate
asymmetric information problems, according to empirical evidences. Using
bifurcation and stability analysis, we describe the properties of the
system attractors, we assess the plausibility for complex dynamics and, we
find out that border collision bifurcations can emerge due to the fact that
the state space is piecewise smooth. As a consequence, when a fixed or
periodic point loses its stability, the final dynamics may become suddenly
chaotic. This fact may explain how financial crises occurred in emerging
economies.
GeneSpeed Beta Cell: An Online Genomics Data Repository and Analysis Resource Tailored for the Islet Cell Biologist
Authors: Quayum Nayeem , Kutchma Alecksandr , Sarkar Suparna A. , Juhl Kirstine , Gradwohl Gerard , Mellitzer Georg , Hutton John C. , Jensen Jan
Published: September 2008

Objective. We here describe the development of a freely available online database resource, GeneSpeed Beta Cell, which has been created for the pancreatic islet and pancreatic developmental biology investigator community. Research Design and Methods. We have developed GeneSpeed Beta Cell as a separate component of the GeneSpeed database, providing a genomics‐type data repository of pancreas and islet‐relevant datasets interlinked with the domain‐oriented GeneSpeed database. Results. GeneSpeed Beta Cell allows the query of multiple published and unpublished select genomics datasets in a simultaneous fashion (multiexperiment viewing) and is capable of defining intersection results from precomputed analysis of such datasets (multidimensional querying). Combined with the protein‐domain categorization/assembly toolbox provided by the GeneSpeed database, the user is able to define spatial expression constraints of select gene lists in a relatively rigid fashion within the pancreatic expression space. We provide several demonstration case studies of relevance to islet cell biology and development of the pancreas that provide novel insight into islet biology. Conclusions. The combination of an exhaustive domain‐based compilation of the transcriptome with gene array data of interest to the islet biologist affords novel methods for multidimensional querying between individual datasets in a rapid fashion, presently not available elsewhere.
The International Criminal Court
Authors: Arajärvi Noora , Jacobs Dov
Published: September 2008

This article covers the past two years of the activity of the International Criminal Court. Ten years after the signature of the Rome Statute, the Court has continued investigating situations in four countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, the Sudan and the Central African Republic). The activity of the Court has accelerated, with four indictees in custody in the DRC situation, one public arrest warrant in the CAR situation and two in the Sudan situation. The Court has developed its case law on victim participation and refined its procedural framework, through constant debate between the Prosecutor and the pre-trial chambers. It has also pursued its goal of increasing cooperation with State parties, and raising awareness of the Court through outreach programs. The Court faces difficult challenges in establishing itself as a credible court, balancing the necessary requirements of fairness in a criminal trial and the high expectations of victims and the international community. The recent stay of proceedings and granting of release in the Lubanga case, which is supposed to be the first trial of the Court, is an illustration of this challenge and the difficulty in finding this balance.
The Second Death of Euripide Mavrommatis? Notes on the International Law Commission's Draft Articles on Diplomatic Protection
Authors: Pellet Alain
Published: September 2008

In 2006 the International Law Commission adopted a set of Draft Articles on Diplomatic Protection that represent a departure from the traditional “Mavrommatis Fiction” which had patterned the institution ever since the Permanent Court of International Justice rendered its judgment in the Mavrommatis Palestine Concessions case. These “Notes” on the ILC's Draft Articles on Diplomatic Protection describe in detail how that “fiction” functioned and how the ILC's efforts have been instrumental in bringing about its slow, but sure, abandonment.
No Right to Liberty: The Detention of Asylum Seekers for Administrative Convenience
Authors: O'Nions Helen
Published: September 2008

This article critically examines the recent decision of the Grand Chamber of the EctHR in Saadi v UK 2008. The decision endorses short-term detention of asylum seekers on the basis of administrative convenience, specifically ruling out a requirement of necessity. The decision is examined in the light of international law on the detention of asylum seekers and the requirements of proportionality and lack of arbitrariness. It is anticipated that the use of routine detention will increase across Europe and that asylum seekers will be lumped together with other migrants in policies aimed at further restricting access to the European club. This presents a serious threat to the international right to seek and enjoy asylum provided in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Constitutionalisation of the Implementing Act of the Procedures Directive: The Slovenian Perspective
Authors: Zalar Boštjan
Published: September 2008

The author identifies the initial challenging questions that will be posed to judges in relation to the application of implementing act and the Procedures Directive. The arguments put forth are directed towards the need for interpreting the transposition act and the minimum standards from the Procedures Directive in a way that would be consistent with the international and constitutional human rights law standards. The actual situation and prospects of this challenge for the case of Slovenia are examined from the period before and after the adoption of the Procedures Directive through the analysis of administrative practice and jurisprudence in relation to the grounds for abuse of the asylum procedure within the accelerated procedure, the procedural requirements for the use of country of origin information and the right to free legal assistance. In the section on the main challenges for the protection of fundamental rights in relation to the Procedures Directive, the author focuses on methods of interpreting Community law, the question of the scope of Community law, the concept of judicial cooperation for the protection of human rights, conditions for annulling Community provisions due to violation of fundamental rights, and the effects of international law standards on the protection of fundamental rights under Community law.
The Long-Term Consequences of Childbearing
Authors: Spence Naomi J.
Published: September 2008

Growing evidence points to relationships between patterns of childbearing and health outcomes for mothers; yet a need remains to clarify these relationships over the long term and to understand the underlying mechanisms. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women ( N = 1,608), the author found that the long-term consequences of childbearing vary by health outcome. Early childbearing is associated with higher risk of activities of daily living limitations at ages 65 to 83, though effects appear stronger among White than Black mothers until socioeconomic status (SES) is controlled. Early childbearing is also associated with greater levels of depressive symptomatology, though this association is mediated by SES and health. Late childbearing is associated with more depressive symptoms net of early life and current SES, child proximity and support, and physical health. Finally, no significant effects of high parity are found. These findings emphasize the need to better understand the mechanisms linking childbearing histories to later physical and psychological well-being.
The Psychosocial Effect of Thoughts of Personal Mortality on Cardiac Risk Assessment
Authors: Arndt Jamie , Vess Matthew , Cox Cathy R. , Goldenberg Jamie L. , Lagle Stephen
Published: September 2008

Background . Prejudice by medical providers has been found to contribute to differential cardiac risk estimates. As such, empirical examinations of psychological factors associated with such biases are warranted. Considerable psychological research implicates concerns with personal mortality in motivating prejudicial biases. The authors sought to examine whether provoking thoughts of mortality among medical students would engender more cautious cardiac risk assessments for a hypothetical Christian than for a Muslim patient. Methods . During the spring of 2007, university medical students (N = 47 ) were randomly assigned to conditions in a 2 (mortality salience) × 2 (patient religion) full factorial experimental design. In an online survey, participants answered questions about their mortality or about future uncertainty, inspected emergency room admittance forms for a Muslim or Christian patient complaining of chest pain, and subsequently estimated risk for coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and the combined risk of either of the two. A composite risk index was formed based on the responses (on a scale of 0— 100) to each of the 3 cardiac risk questions. Results . Reminders of mortality interacted with patient religion to influence risk assessments, F1,41 = 11:57 , P = 0:002 , η 2 =:22 . After being reminded of mortality, participants rendered more serious cardiac risk estimates for a Christian patient (F1,41 = 8:66 , P = 0:01 ) and less serious estimates for a Muslim patient (F1,41 = 4:08 , P=0:05 ). Conclusion . Reminders of personal mortality can lead to biased patient risk assessment as medical providers use their cultural identification to psychologically manage their awareness of death.
Fibromyalgia: A Review of Its Pathophysiology and Drug Treatment
Authors: Krypel Linda L.
Published: September 2008

The objective of this article is to review the literature related to the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and the drug therapy used to treat this disease. Fibromyalgia, the second most frequently diagnosed rheumatological disorder, has complex interrelated pathologies that must be addressed to achieve effective symptom control. Central and peripheral sensitization along with neurotransmitter abnormalities play a major role in defining the symptoms associated with this disease. Drug therapy must be multifaceted because no single drug addresses all pathologies. Drug and nondrug therapies showing strong-to-moderate effectiveness should be used to obtain the most benefit.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Therapeutic Update
Authors: Heyneman Catherine A.
Published: September 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with variable clinical manifestations that is characterized by flares and periods of relative quiescence. The disease occurs approximately 10 times more frequently in women and is more prevalent among certain ethnic groups. The etiology is complex and dependent upon an interaction of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents have transformed the outlook for patients with lupus. Unfortunately, the increased lifespan unmasked an accelerated process of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Early mortality is usually attributable to active lupus, but deaths late in the disease process are often secondary to thrombotic events. Advancements in the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis have resulted in development of novel therapies. Immunomodulatory drugs developed for other diseases are being investigated for use in specific manifestations of lupus. Individualization of treatment and lifelong monitoring are required in most patients.
Oxidative DNA damage and total antioxidant status in rats during experimental gram-negative sepsis
Authors: Kaymak C , Kadioglu E , Ozcagli E , Osmanoglu G , Izdes S , Agalar C , Basar H , Sardas S
Published: September 2008

Sepsis and septic shock remains as leading cause of death in adult intensive care units. It is widely accepted that gram-negative bacteria and their endotoxins cause sepsis and septic shock, predominantly. Enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species may be responsible for tissue injury in septic shock and endotoxemia. The aim of this study was to assess oxidative DNA damage and the total antioxidant status (TAS) in peripheral lymphocytes of rats during different intraperitoneal gram-negative sepsis stages. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups. Control group was intraperitoneally inoculated with 2 mL of pyrogene-free saline (Group I, n = 6), and the other rats received an intraperitoneal inoculum with 2 mL of saline containing 2 × 108 CFU of Escherichia coli. The animals were killed at time zero (Group I, n = 6), at 6th (Group II, n = 7), 12th (Group III, n = 7), and 24th (Group IV, n = 7) hour after the E. coli inoculation. Oxidative DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes of rats was evaluated by modified comet assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis). Formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) and Endonuclease III (Endo III) were used to detect oxidized purines and pyrimidines, respectively. Total antioxidant quantification was carried out using ABTS+ (2,2′-Azino-di-[3 ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) radical formation kinetics (Randox kit) in serum samples. Significant elevations of basal levels of strand breaks (SB) in Group IV were observed as compared with Group I, II, and III. There was a significant increase in Fpg sites in Group III as compared with Group I and II. However, there was no significant difference in terms of Endo III sites in any of the groups. Although the TAS was decreased with the stages of sepsis, this moderate decrease was significant in only Group IV as compared with Group I. There was no statistically significant correlation between DNA damage and TAS for any of the groups.
Effects of sub-chronic exposure to palladium (as potassium hexachloro-palladate) on cytokines in male Wistar rats
Authors: Iavicoli I , Carelli G , Marinaccio A , Fontana L , Calabrese EJ
Published: September 2008

Palladium (Pd) is a heavy metal belonging to the platinum group elements. It has been shown that Pd and its compounds can cause sensitization, asthma and dermatologic disorders. In this study, Wistar rats were exposed for 3 months to 0, 1, 10, 100, and 250 ng/ml of Pd (as potassium hexachloro-palladate) in drinking water. At the end of exposure, possible changes in two type-1 cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (INF)-γ] and one type-2 cytokine (IL-4) in the serum were measured. After the sub-chronic exposure, analysis of variance of IL-2 and INF-γ response shows that the difference between mean values in the groups of animals exposed reaches statistical significance for IL-2 ( P = 0.001), showing a J-shaped dose–response relationship. At the higher dose of 250 ng/ml Pd, it was observed a significant increase in IL-2 production when compared with the controls. Furthermore at 1 and 10 ng/ml of Pd we observed an increase of INF-γ production that was significant at 100 ng/ml of Pd, while at the higher dose of 250 ng/ml of Pd the response was indistinguishable from the control. At the doses investigated, Pd has been shown not to determine a modification of IL-4 response ( P = 0.10). These preliminary findings indicate the need to carry out further investigations regarding the effect of other Pd compounds and the measurement of other types of cytokines both in the animal model used in our study and other models.
Lack of chemoprevention of dietary Agaricus blazei against rat colonic aberrant crypt foci
Authors: Ziliotto L , Barbisan LF , Rodrigues MAM
Published: September 2008

The mushroom Agaricus blazei ( Ab) has been widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases including cancer. No information is available on its possible protective effects on the development of colon cancer. The potential blocking effect of Ab intake on the initiation stage of colon carcinogenesis was investigated in a short-term (4-week) bioassay using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as biomarker. Male Wistar rats were given four subcutaneous injections of the carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 40 mg/kg bw, twice a week), during 2 weeks to induce ACF. The diet containing Ab at 5% was given 2 weeks before and during carcinogen treatment to investigate the potential beneficial effects of this edible mushroom on DMH-induced ACF. All groups were killed at the end of the fourth week. The colons were analyzed for ACF formation in 1% methylene blue whole-mount preparations and for cell proliferation in histological sections immunohistochemically stained for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). All DMH-treated rats developed ACF mainly in the middle and distal colon. Agaricus blazei intake at 5% did not alter the number of ACF induced by DMH or the PCNA indices in the colonic mucosa. Thus, the results of the present study did not confirm a chemopreventive activity of Ab on the initiation stage of rat colon carcinogenesis.
Volatile solvent abuse caused glomerulopathy and tubulopathy in street children
Authors: Olgar S , Oktem F , Dindar A , Kilbas A , Turkoglu UD , Cetin H , Altuntas I , Yilmaz R , Uz E , Ertugrul T , Omeroglu R , Aydogan U
Published: September 2008

Substance misuse among street children is a significant problem in developing countries. Volatile substances are the most abused agents. According to case reports, chronic renal diseases are common among substance-abusing street children. In this study, we examined the renal findings of 42 volatile substance–abusing street children and compared them with results from 49 healthy children (control). The street children’s weight, height, and blood pressure were lower than the controls’ ( P < 0.05). However, their blood alkaline phosphatase and creatinine phosphokinase levels were higher ( P < 0.05), and total blood protein, creatinine, and phosphorus levels were lower than the controls’ ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the street children’s glomerular filtration rates were within normal limits ( P < 0.05), their urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), β2-microglobulin, microalbumin, protein, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chloride excretions were higher, and tubular phosphate reabsorption were lower than the controls’ ( P < 0.05). Volatile substances have been charged with causing distal tubular disease, but increased urinary protein, NAG, β2-microglobulin, microalbumin, and electrolyte excretions also result from glomerular, proximal, and distal tubular influences. We believe that increased volatile substance products in the renal parenchyma are responsible for glomerular and tubular damage. Volatile substance–abusing street children should be examined for glomerular and proximal tubular function and distal tubular acidosis.
Pleuropulmonary Blastoma
Authors: Fosdal Marian B.
Published: September 2008

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a dysontogenetic neoplasm of childhood that involves lung and/or pleura. There is an increased incidence of neoplasias and dysplasias among young relatives of children with PPB. Pathophysiologically, PPB evolves from a cystic to solid state over time. It is subclassified as type I (purely cystic), type II (both cystic and solid elements), and type III (completely solid). Type II and type III may be associated with metastasis, with the brain being the most common metastatic site. The absence of epithelial malignancy in PPB is a feature that distinguishes it from the adult-type pulmonary blastoma. The clinical presentation includes signs and symptoms associated with various respiratory disorders. To make a definitive diagnosis of PPB, an examination of the cystic fluid or solid tumor is required. Treatment for PPB consists primarily of surgery and chemotherapy. Nursing care is directed toward maintaining normal respiratory and neurological function, maintaining normal fluid and electrolyte balance, minimizing side effects associated with treatment, and providing education for the family.
Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Management of Patients' Symptoms
Authors: Rheingans Jennifer I.
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this article is to describe the results of a national descriptive survey of 509 pediatric oncology nurses' interventions for managing patients'symptoms. The Nurses' Distress and Interventions for Symptoms Survey (NDISS) is used to assess nurses' management of patients' 7 most distressing symptoms. The average number of symptoms reported as being present is 6.0 (SD 1.3; range, 0-7). Pain is the most commonly reported symptom; trouble sleeping is the least common. The mean score for nurses' distress is 2.9 (SD 0.8; range, 0-4); nurses' distress is greatest with trouble sleeping and lowest with hair loss. Nurses use an average of 12.7 interventions to treat each symptom; pain has the greatest number of interventions to treat and hair loss the least. The average perceived effectiveness of interventions across symptoms is 2.5 (SD 0.5; range, 0-4). Pain is perceived as the most effectively treated symptom; fatigue is the least.
Relationship Between Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Management of Patients' Symptoms and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Rheingans Jennifer I.
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this article is to describe the results of a study examining the relationship between nurses' management of pediatric oncology patients' symptoms and job satisfaction. Surveys were mailed to a national sample of pediatric oncology nurses to assess the presence of symptoms in their patients, the nurses' distress from the patients' symptoms, the interventions used to manage the symptoms, the perceived effectiveness of the interventions, and the nurses' job satisfaction. Based on the stress response sequence model, study hypotheses proposed that nurses' symptom management affects nurses' distress and, in turn, job satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate the hypotheses and study model. Results demonstrated that both the number of nursing interventions and the perceived effectiveness of nursing interventions were significant as mediators in predicting nurses' distress. The overall study model contributed significantly in predicting overall job satisfaction.
Contentious Challenges and Government Responses in Latin America
Authors: Franklin James C.
Published: September 2008

This article examines how seven Latin American governments responded to 827 contentious political challenges. The research goes beyond most previous research by considering four governmental responses: concession, repression, toleration, and the combination of concession and repression. The results show that challengers can increase their chances of winning concessions by making limited demands and utilizing nonviolent occupations and hunger strikes. Violent challenges are ineffective and tend to result in repression. Governments also tend to offer concessions under democratic regimes or when they have recently been criticized for human rights abuses while also receiving substantial foreign aid and investment.
Tocqueville as Critical Race Theorist
Authors: Tillery Alvin B.
Published: September 2008

This article demonstrates that there are affinities between Tocqueville’s commentary on race and race relations in Democracy in America and the core assumptions of the critical race theory movement. Tocqueville shares with critical race theorists the view that white privilege was endemic in American culture and shapes both jurisprudence and outcomes in democratic politics. Moreover, Tocqueville presages the criticalists’ arguments about the negative externalities of white privilege and interest convergence. The presence of these ideas in Tocqueville’s text undermines the consensus view in the political science literature that he failed to take racial inequality seriously in his analysis of America.
Policy Polarization among Party Elites and the Significance of Political Awareness in the Mass Public
Authors: Claassen Ryan L. , Highton Benjamin
Published: September 2008

This article analyzes opinions about abortion, racial, and social welfare policies, comparing their determinants among citizens with different levels of political information over the past several decades. Hypothesizing that growing elite partisan polarization may have exacerbated the political implications of differences in political awareness, the authors examine how increasing clarity of party—policy linkages among political elites influences party—policy linkages in the mass public. The results show that only the well informed responded to the growing elite polarization by becoming more partisan in their opinions. Apparently, in the absence of the motivation to develop coherent opinions, even a simplification of the political environment does not close the gaps between those who are more and less aware about politics.