bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of piles and casings to horizontal free-field soil displacements
Authors: Byrne Peter M. , Anderson Donald L. , Janzen Walter
Published: December 2008

A simple method of analysis for predicting the response of piles and casings to horizontal free-field soil displacements is presented. Such free-field displacements can be induced in the soil by ice or earthquake loading and can damage piles or casings within the soil. The method involves a modification to the conventional laterally loaded pile problem to account for the load induced by the free-field deflections.The method is applied to analyze the response of a casing within a caisson-retained island subject to high ice loading. The results indicate that flexible casings essentially track with the soil and are subjected to low forces and moments, whereas stiff casings deflect as a rigid body and attract high forces and moments.
CALIBRATING FUNCTION POINT BACKFIRING CONVERSION RATIOS USING NEURO-FUZZY TECHNIQUE
Authors: WONG JUSTIN , HO DANNY , CAPRETZ LUIZ FERNANDO
Published: December 2008

Software size estimation is an important aspect in software development projects because poor estimations can lead to late delivery, cost overruns and possibly project failure. Backfiring is a popular technique for sizing and predicting the volume of source code by converting the function point metric into source lines of code mathematically using conversion ratios. While this technique is popular and useful, there is a high margin of error in backfiring. This research introduces a new method to reduce this margin of error. Neural networks and fuzzy logic in software prediction models have been demonstrated in the past to have improved performance over traditional techniques. For this reason, a neuro-fuzzy approach is introduced to the backfiring technique to calibrate the conversion ratios. This paper presents the neuro-fuzzy calibration solution and compares the calibrated model against the default conversion ratios currently used by software practitioners.
Gastrin activates paracrine networks leading to induction of PAI-2 via MAZ and ASC-1
Authors: Almeida-Vega Simon , Catlow Krista , Kenny Susan , Dimaline Rod , Varro Andrea
Published: December 2008

The gastric hormone gastrin regulates the expression of a variety of genes involved in control of acid secretion and also in the growth and organization of the gastric mucosa. One putative target is plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2), which is a component of the urokinase activator system that acts extracellularly to inhibit urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and intracellularly to suppress apoptosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that gastrin induces PAI-2 both in gastric epithelial cells expressing the gastrin (CCK-2) receptor and, via activation of paracrine networks, in adjacent cells that do not express the receptor. We have now sought to identify the response element(s) in the PAI-2 promoter targeted by paracrine mediators initiated by gastrin. Mutational analysis identified two putative response elements in the PAI-2 promoter that were downstream of gastrin-activated paracrine signals. One was identified as a putative MAZ site, mutation of which dramatically reduced both basal and gastrin-stimulated responses of the PAI-2 promoter by a mechanism involving PGE2and the small GTPase RhoA. Yeast one-hybrid screening identified the other as binding the activating signal cointegrator-1 (ASC-1) complex, which was shown to be the target of IL-8 released by gastrin. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of two subunits of the ASC-1 complex (p50 and p65) inhibited induction of PAI-2 expression by gastrin. The data reveal previously unsuspected transcriptional mechanisms activated as a consequence of gastrin-triggered paracrine networks and emphasize the elaborate and complex cellular control mechanisms required for a key component of tissue responses to damage and infection.
Rescue of Ca2+ overload-induced left ventriclur dysfunction by targeted ablation of phospholamban
Authors: Tsuji Tsuyoshi , del Monte Federica , Yoshikawa Yoshiro , Abe Takehisa , Shimizu Juichiro , Nakajima-Takenaka Chikako , Taniguchi Shigeki , Hajjar Roger J. , Takaki Miyako
Published: December 2008

In failing hearts, a deficiency in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)2a results in abnormal Ca2+ handling and diminished contraction. In addition, a decrease in the phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) has been reported. Gene transfer of antisense PLB (asPLB) can improve contractile function in the failing human myocardium. Gene transfer of SERCA2a improves survival and the energy potential in failing hearts. The aim of present study was to evaluate whether enhancement of SERCA2a function prevents acute Ca2+ overload-induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in rat hearts. We ablated PLB using adenoviral gene transfer of asPLB by a new and less invasive gene delivery method, which involved a percutaneous technique. Experiments were performed on 13 excised cross-circulated rat hearts: 5 rats underwent sham operations, 4 rats underwent gene transfer of the reporter gene β-galactosidase (Ad.β-gal), and 4 rats underwent gene transfer of asPLB (Ad.asPLB). After clearance of high Ca2+ infused into the coronary, there was LV contractile dysfunction associated with the decreased myocardial O2 consumption per beat (Vo2) intercept (equal to decreased Vo2 for Ca2+ handling in excitation-contraction coupling) of the Vo2-systolic pressure-volume area (PVA; total mechanical energy per beat) linear relation in the hearts that underwent sham operation and had been infected with Ad.β-gal. Hearts that had been infected with Ad.asPLB were rescued from LV contractile dysfunction associated with an unchanged Vo2 intercept of the Vo2-PVA linear relation. We conclude that SERCA2a function enhanced by adenoviral gene transfer of asPLB prevents Ca2+ overload-induced LV contractile dysfunction in terms of mechanical work and especially energetics.
Effects of spaceflight on murine skeletal muscle gene expression
Authors: Allen David L. , Bandstra Eric R. , Harrison Brooke C. , Thorng Seiha , Stodieck Louis S. , Kostenuik Paul J. , Morony Sean , Lacey David L. , Hammond Timothy G. , Leinwand Leslie L. , Argraves W. Scott , Bateman Ted A. , Barth Jeremy L.
Published: December 2008

Spaceflight results in a number of adaptations to skeletal muscle, including atrophy and shifts toward faster muscle fiber types. To identify changes in gene expression that may underlie these adaptations, we used both microarray expression analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify shifts in mRNA levels in the gastrocnemius from mice flown on the 11-day, 19-h STS-108 shuttle flight and from normal gravity controls. Spaceflight data also were compared with the ground-based unloading model of hindlimb suspension, with one group of pure suspension and one of suspension followed by 3.5 h of reloading to mimic the time between landing and euthanization of the spaceflight mice. Analysis of microarray data revealed that 272 mRNAs were significantly altered by spaceflight, the majority of which displayed similar responses to hindlimb suspension, whereas reloading tended to counteract these responses. Several mRNAs altered by spaceflight were associated with muscle growth, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit p85α, insulin response substrate-1, the forkhead box O1 transcription factor, and MAFbx/atrogin1. Moreover, myostatin mRNA expression tended to increase, whereas mRNA levels of the myostatin inhibitor FSTL3 tended to decrease, in response to spaceflight. In addition, mRNA levels of the slow oxidative fiber-associated transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-associated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator-1α and the transcription factor PPAR-α were significantly decreased in spaceflight gastrocnemius. Finally, spaceflight resulted in a significant decrease in levels of the microRNA miR-206. Together these data demonstrate that spaceflight induces significant changes in mRNA expression of genes associated with muscle growth and fiber type.
Acceptance and Discomfort from Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in Secondary School Students in Egypt
Authors: Farag A. , Frencken J.E.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To assess the level of acceptance and discomfort experienced by secondary school students when undergoing an atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restoration. Subjects and Methods: Ninety secondary school students, aged 14 and 15 years, were included in the study. The ART restorations were prepared in 90 cavities and restored using an encapsulated high-viscosity glass ionomer. The depth of the cavities was judged from radiographs and clinically into outer, middle and inner third of dentine. Using a graded periodontal probe, cavity size was measured, into approximately half the width of the mesiodistal and buccolingual/palatal distance of the occlusal surface. The students were asked about the level of sensation experienced during cavity preparation immediately after completion of restoration. χ2-Test was used to test the effect of cavity depth and size on sensitivity from the teeth. Results: Of the 90 students, 6 (6.6%) and 26 (29.2%) experienced pain and discomfort, respectively, during cavity preparation, more often in large than in small cavities (p = 0.003) and in cavities extending into the inner third than in the middle and outer third of dentine (p < 0.0001). Only 1 student reported postoperative sensitivity. Conclusions: The ART approach to treat dental cavities was well accepted by this group of secondary school students. Only a few reported pain during cavity instrumentation, and this was more prevalent in large cavities and in cavities with the floor close to the pulp.
Clinical Evaluation of a Colored Compomer in Primary Molars
Authors: Akbay Oba Aylin , Şaroğlu Sönmez Işıl , Sari Şaziye
Published: December 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a new colored compomer material, Twinky Star, in primary molars. Subjects and Methods: Eighty class II restorations were placed in a total of 36 subjects and the clinical success of the restorations was evaluated after 12 months based on modified US Public Health Services criteria. Results: The failure rate of the restorations was 3.9% (3 out of 77) and the clinical success of the restorations, measured by anatomic form, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, surface texture, maintenance of interproximal contact and secondary caries, was acceptable. Conclusion: The clinical success of the colored compomer material, Twinky Star, indicates that it could be a good alternative to tooth colored compomers.
Comparison of Noninvasive Diagnostic Tests for Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Peng Nan-Jing , Lai Kwok-Hung , Lo Gin-Ho , Hsu Ping-I
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Since the 13C-urea breath test (UBT) has become a highly reliable method for the noninvasive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, this study was performed in order to compare the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy among noninvasive tests including capsule UBT, conventional UBT and serology in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Patients and Methods: One hundred patients received capsule UBT, conventional UBT and gave blood samples for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in all patients. H. pylori infection was defined as the presence of a positive culture or positive results of both histology and rapid urease test (CLO test). McNemar’s test was used to determine the significance of differences among capsule UBT, conventional UBT and serology. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: According to the predefined criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of capsule UBT, conventional UBT and serology was 100, 95.7, 96.4 and 100%; 100, 85.1, 88.3 and 100%, and 90.6, 85.1, 82.7 and 88.9%, respectively. The accuracy of capsule UBT was higher than that of conventional UBT and serology (98 vs. 93 and 88%, respectively). Capsule UBT had a similar ability for the detection of H. pylori infection compared with conventional UBT and serology (McNemar’s test, p > 0.05). Conclusions: According to our study, capsule UBT was highly accurate compared with other noninvasive tests including conventional UBT and serology. It could become a good alternative to endoscopy for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection.
The Therapeutic Efficacy of Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine against Plasmodium falciparum in Yemen
Authors: Al-Kabsi Abdulgodos M. , Al-Shamahy Hassan A. , Al-Harazy Abdulilah Hussein , Harmal Nabil S.
Published: December 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivities of Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) using in vivo and in vitro methods. Subjects and Methods: In vivo and Mark III in-vitro test techniques according to World Health Organization protocols of antimalarial drug tests were used to determine the SP susceptibility of the P. falciparum isolates from 100 malaria patients of both sexes between the ages of 3.5 and 45 years and living in Tihamah, Yemen. The study was conducted between 19 March and 12 May 2005. Results: In vivo: no therapeutic failure occurred; the clinical outcome matched the parasitological response and all patients were parasite free by day 3 and remained so on days 7, 14 and 28. In vitro: all the P. falciparum isolates developed to schizonts in zero-drug-concentration wells, but were inhibited in 40 nmol/l of SP; the mean effective concentration (EC99) was 67.17 nmol/l. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the SP combination is still effective for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Yemen. It is recommended that further studies be carried out to address the importance of dihydropteroate synthetase/dihydrofolate reductase mutations as predictive markers of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine resistance in Yemen.
Transition Zone Index and Bothersomeness of Voiding Symptoms as Predictors of Early Unfavorable Outcomes after Transurethral Resection of Prostate
Authors: Milonas Daimantas , Saferis Viktoras , Jievaltas Mindaugas
Published: December 2008

Introduction: The objective of this study was to establish the influence of preoperative parameters on unfavorable outcomes after transurethral resection of the prostate. Patients and Methods: In a prospective study, 90 patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. The standardized protocol was used to investigate parameters, preoperatively and after 6 months. The baseline values were analyzed with respect to the probability of predicting the effectiveness of the outcome. Results: All preoperative parameters changed significantly, from 55.1 to 116% (p < 0.001). Treatment was effective for 85.6% of the patients, and the outcomes were unfavorable for 14.4%. The monovariate analysis detected the transition zone index (cut-off 0.48, p = 0.002, OR 7.48) as independent predictor of ineffective outcome. Logistic regression analysis found two the most important parameters – transition zone index (OR 30.26, p = 0.002) and bothersomeness of voiding symptoms (OR 20.7, p = 0.008) for unfavorable outcomes. Conclusions: The parameters that are traditionally used cannot predict unfavorable outcomes. The transition zone index and bothersomeness of voiding symptoms are most important parameters for predicting an unfavorable outcome after TURP.
Down-Regulation of Allergic Responses in Conditions of Experimental Diabetes: A Role for Glucocorticoids?
Authors: e Silva Patrícia M.R. , Carvalho Vinicius F. , Cordeiro Renato S.B. , Martins Marco A.
Published: December 2008

The prevalence of atopic diseases and diabetes is increasing worldwide, though the co-occurrence of both diseases in the same individual is less frequent than predicted. Previously published studies suggest that the Th1/Th2 concept could explain the inverse relationship between allergic diseases and type 1 diabetes. However, down-regulation of the IgE-mast cell system can also markedly contribute to the lack of responsiveness to local and systemic allergen challenges in diabetic conditions. Moreover, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and elevated endogenous glucocorticoid levels play a pertinent role in some of the pathological-related processes associated with poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes.
BV2 Enhanced the Neurotrophic Functions of Mesenchymal Stem Cells after Being Stimulated with Injured PC12
Authors: Luo Xiaoguang , Ge Chunlin , Ren Yan , Zhou Jin , Li Xiaolei , Yan Rong , Zhang Chaodong
Published: December 2008

Objective: Immune-related mechanisms are involved in various neurological diseases and although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to repair and replace injured neurons, it remains uncertain what the immune cells in the brain do during this process. Microglial cells are the representatives of immune cells in the brain. Microglial cells, injured neurons and stem cells often coexist in the same microenvironment. To investigate the effect of microglial cells on stem cells in such an environment, we tried to see how microglial cells affect the neurotrophicity of MSCs after being stimulated with injured neurons. Methods: Microglial cells (BV2) were stimulated by being cocultured with various sets of injured neurons (neuron cell pheochromocytoma, PC12), and we cocultured stimulated BV2 with MSCs whose supernatant was applied to injured PC12 to see if PC12 apoptosis was reduced. Neurotrophic factors in MSCs’ supernatant, including basic fibroblast growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factors and nerve growth factors, were detected. Results: We found that after coculturing with injured PC12, BV2 were able to promote the neurotrophic functions of MSCs. The supernatant of MSCs cocultured with stimulated BV2 reduced PC12 apoptosis significantly compared with control, and had the highest basic fibroblast growth factor concentration, which was also significantly different from the control. Conclusions: Our results showed that after being stimulated with injured neurons, microglial cells enhanced the neurotrophic functions of MSCs.
Aire and Foxp3 Expression in a Particular Microenvironment for T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Hansenne Isabelle , Louis Céline , Martens Henri , Dorban Gauthier , Charlet-Renard Chantal , Peterson Pärt , Geenen Vincent
Published: December 2008

Objective: The thymus is the primary lymphoid organ responsible for T cell development and the establishment of central self-tolerance. Among thymic epithelial cells, thymic nurse cells (TNC) interact closely with immature thymocytes and constitute a special microenvironment for T cell differentiation and selection. In addition, TNC express neuroendocrine self-antigens such as oxytocin and insulin-like growth factor-2, whose intrathymic transcription is regulated by the autoimmune regulator gene/protein (Aire). Both effector and natural regulatory T cell (nTreg) lineages develop in the thymus, but the mechanisms leading to nTreg selection in the thymus are still unclear. Foxp3 is the most specific nTreg marker that is required for nTreg functional activity, but not for engagement into the Treg lineage. Aire has been suggested to be a potential factor implicated in this role. The objective of this study was to characterize Aire and Foxp3 expression in TNC/thymocyte complexes. Methods:Aire and Foxp3 expression was investigated by RT-qPCR in TNC/thymocyte complexes isolated by enzymatic digestion and sedimentation. Aire and Foxp3 proteins were located by confocal microscopy and specific immunocytochemistry. Results: Both Aire and Foxp3 transcripts were detected in TNC/thymocyte complexes. Foxp3 was detected in the nucleus of thymocytes internalized into TNC. Aire was located mainly in TNC cytoplasm and, although to a lower degree, in the nucleus of some TNC-associated thymocytes. Conclusions: Aire and Foxp3 are present in the particular TNC microenvironment which has previously been shown to support thymic selection. The differential localization of these two markers suggests a role for TNC in nTreg development.
Thermoregulation and Vasopressin Secretion during Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Oliveira-Pelegrin Gabriela Ravanelli , Ravanelli Maria Ida Bonini , Branco Luiz Guilherme Siqueira , Rocha Maria José Alves
Published: December 2008

Objective: We investigated the time course of thermoregulation, nitric oxide (NO) formation and hydroelectrolytic alterations, as well as mean arterial pressure and arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion, in experimental sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Methods: Male Wistar rats submitted to CLP or a sham operation were divided into 4 groups, as follows: group 1, for survival rate evaluation for 24 h; group 2, for body temperature (Tb) analysis; group 3, for mean arterial pressure registration, and group 4, for blood collection and processing of the neurohypophysis and hypothalamic nuclei 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after surgery. AVP levels and content were measured in plasma, neurohypophysis and the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Results: Animals which underwent CLP showed high mortality, a progressive decrease in mean arterial pressure and an increase in plasma NO. Tb dropped during the first 4 h and showed a progressive increase 6 h after surgery. Plasma AVP levels increased immediately after CLP surgery and again at 6 h, before returning to basal levels at 24 h. This was followed by a depletion of neurohypophyseal AVP content at 4 h that continued until 24 h. AVP content in the supraoptic nucleus was elevated 24 h after CLP surgery, while in the paraventricular nucleus, an increase was observed at 6 h and 24 h. Conclusions: In the present study, laparotomy and hypotension may have been responsible for the increase in plasma AVP in the initial phase of polymicrobial sepsis, and this may have contributed to the observed hypothermia. Moreover, an apparently impaired replenishment of AVP content in the neurohypophysis, possibly due to increased NO formation, may explain the impaired AVP secretion in the late phase of severe sepsis.
Neuropathy of Gastrointestinal Chagas’ Disease: Immune Response to Myelin Antigens
Authors: Oliveira Elaine C. , Fujisawa Márcia M. , Hallal Longo Dannie E.M. , Farias Alessandro S. , Contin Moraes Juliana , Guariento Maria Elena , de Almeida Eros Antônio , Saad Mario José A. , Langone Francesco , Toyama Marcos H. , Andreollo Nelson A. , Santos Leonilda M.B.
Published: December 2008

Most reports of autoimmune response during infection with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi have dealt with the cardiomyopathic form of Chagas’ disease, but little is known about the mechanisms of tissue damage involved in the gastrointestinal form, which was studied here. Chronically infected patients with a severe gastrointestinal form of Chagas’ disease present increased antibody production and proliferative responses to peripheral myelin components, such as myelin basic protein (MBP), which is homologous to the P1 protein fraction of peripheral myelin. T lymphocytes preferentially recognize a region on the MBP molecule (1–30), which suggests that the MBP is a potential target on the peripheral nerve for autoimmune reactions in patients with gastrointestinal lesions resulting from Chagas’ disease.
Phase II Study of UFT with Leucovorin Plus Hepatic Arterial Infusion with Irinotecan, 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin for Non-Resectable Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Idelevich Efraim , Greif Franklin , Mavor Eli , Miller Rafael , Kashtan Hanoch , Susmalian Sergo , Ariche Arie , Brenner Baruch , Baruch Noa Ben , Dinerman Michael , Shani Adi
Published: December 2008

Background: Compared with systemic therapy, hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) increases the response to fluoropyrimidines. Methods: Thirty-one patients with non-resectable, colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases received irinotecan 120 mg/m2, followed by leucovorin (LV) 20 mg/m2 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg/m2 administered by HAI every 2 weeks, plus UFT (tegafur-uracil) 200 mg/m2/day with LV 30 mg/day on days 1–22, followed by a 6-day rest. Results: The objective response rate was 65% (all 20 patients achieving a partial response). Ten patients (32%) had stable disease. The median time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were 12 and 36 months. OS was similar in patients with low versus high expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) and/or dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). The regimen was well tolerated. Conclusions: UFT with LV plus HAI irinotecan and 5-FU/LV was a feasible and effective treatment for non-resectable CRC liver metastases, increasing response, TTP and OS. TS and DPD levels in liver metastases did not predict outcome.
Acoustic Output as Measured by Thermal and Mechanical Indices during Fetal Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound Examinations
Authors: Sheiner Eyal , Abramowicz Jacques S.
Published: December 2008

Objective: Nuchal translucency (NT), performed between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks’ gestation as part of a screening test for fetal chromosomal abnormalities, involves relatively steady ultrasound scanning of the fetus. The present study was aimed at measuring the acoustic output, as expressed by thermal index (TI) and mechanical index (MI), during routine NT examinations. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in patients undergoing routine NT screening. Examinations were performed between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks’ gestation. Fetuses with anomalies were excluded from the analysis. Data were collected by an obstetrician, including duration of the examination, and each MI and TI during ultrasound examinations. Sonographers were unaware of the data being sought. Results: A total of 50 ultrasound NT examinations were evaluated. Mean gestational age was 12.3 ± 0.6 weeks. Mean duration of the ultrasound examination was 11.6 ± 4.2 min. There were 109 variations of the TI during the examinations. Mean TI was 0.2 ± 0.1; the median was 0.2, with a range of 0.1–0.7. There were 105 variations of the MI during the examinations. Mean MI was 1.1 ± 0.1 (median 1.1, range 0.7–1.3). Mean NT was 1.4 ± 0.4 mm. Conclusions: Acoustic exposure levels during NT ultrasound examination, as expressed by TI and MI, are generally low.
Discrepancy between Intrarenal Messenger RNA and Protein Expression of ACE and ACE2 in Human Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Wang Gang , Lai Fernand Mac-Moune , Lai Ka-Bik , Chow Kai-Ming , Kwan Ching-Ha Bonnie , Li Kam-Tao Philip , Szeto Cheuk-Chun
Published: December 2008

Background: The intrarenal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and type 2 ACE (ACE2) play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, but human data are limited. We studied glomerular and tubulointerstitial mRNA and the protein expression of ACE and ACE2 in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods: We studied renal biopsy specimens of 22 patients with diabetic nephropathy and 11 transplant donors as normal controls. Intrarenal mRNA expression of ACE and ACE2 was measured by laser microdissection and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; expression at the protein level was determined by immunostaining. Results: Glomerular and tubulointerstitial mRNA expression levels of ACE and ACE2 were significantly higher in patients with diabetic nephropathy than in normal controls (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Glomerular ACE and ACE2 protein levels of patients with diabetic nephropathy were significantly higher than those of kidney donors (4.90 ± 2.55% vs. 2.64 ± 0.98%, p = 0.022, and 7.40 ± 3.36% vs. 4.37 ± 2.36%, p = 0.017, respectively). The tubulointerstitial ACE at the protein level, however, was similar between diabetic patients and controls (8.76 ± 4.18% vs. 10.44 ± 6.61%, p = 0.453), and the tubulointerstitial ACE2 at the protein level was significantly lower in diabetic nephropathy (16.48 ± 7.68% vs. 23.23 ± 7.65%, p = 0.025). Conclusion: The mRNA expression of ACE and ACE2 increased in both the glomerular and tubulointerstitial area of diabetic nephropathy. However, the tubulointerstitial ACE expression at the protein level remained unchanged, while that of ACE2 actually decreased. Our results suggest a posttranscriptional modulation of tubulointerstitial ACE and ACE2 expression. Experimental data of intrarenal mRNA expression of ACE and ACE2 should be interpreted with caution.
Assessment of Creatinine Clearance in Healthy Subjects over 65 Years of Age
Authors: Nicoll Susan R. , Sainsbury Richard , Bailey Ross R. , King Audrey , Frampton Christopher , Elliot John R. , Turner John G.
Published: December 2008

Eighteen healthy people over 65 years of age were studied to compare the 99mTC-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) clearance, the measured 24-hour creatinine clearance and the assessed creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft and Gault (C-G) formula to measure their glomerular filtration rate. Significant correlations were found between the isotopic method and the measured creatinine clearance (r = 0.71; p < 0.001); the measured creatinine clearance and the C-G formula (r = 0.81; p < 0.001), and the isotopic method and the C-G formula (r = 0.70; p < 0.001). The C-G formula correlated better with both the 99mTc-DTPA clearance and the measured creatinine clearance when the female correction factor was used. This study has shown that in healthy, elderly people, the C-G formula for assessing the creatinine clearance correlated extremely well with the standard clinical tests for measuring the glomerular filtration rate. Whilst the formula has clinical value and allows rapid and accurate assessment of renal function in the elderly, the clinician must be aware that the formula relatively underestimates the true renal clearance.
A colonial city and its time(s)
Authors: Guha Ranajit
Published: December 2008

Kaliprasanna Sinha's Hutom Pyanchar Naksha (1861) is justly famous for its racy and vibrant depiction of life in nineteenth-century Calcutta. Ostensibly modelled on the Sketches by Boz of Charles Dickens, a marvellously realistic portrayal of the seamier side of everyday life in London, Hutom's sketches, however, do not describe the everyday life of the colonial capital of British India. Instead, it presents a gallery of effervescent portrayals of festivals—of people in masks, dressed up to enjoy themselves. For the colonised population of the city, a large part of everyday time has been surrendered to the drudgery of ‘the office’; only the time of the festival is its own. Even in citing its provenance, Hutom parodies Boz.
Conformity and Resistance in Self-Management Strategies of `Good Girls'
Authors: Sanders Jackie , Munford Robyn
Published: December 2008

This article examines how girls manage challenging encounters with non-familial adults. Drawing on a subset of qualitative data collected as part of a larger ethnographic study, it examines the ways girls maintain a strong sense of self as a good person in the face of interpersonal challenge from these non-familial adults. The discourse of the `good girl' allows them to resist excessive demands of adults and provides opportunities to have fun. The importance of the parent—child relationship in terms of providing a safe context from which the girls can generate the good and bad girl facades is also highlighted.
Physical Restraint in Residential Childcare
Authors: Steckley Laura , Kendrick Andrew
Published: December 2008

There have long been concerns about the use of physical restraint in residential care. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that explores the experiences of children, young people and residential workers of physical restraint. The research identifies the dilemmas and ambiguities for both staff and young people, and participants discuss the situations where they feel physical restraint is appropriate as well as their concerns about unjustified or painful restraints. They describe the negative emotions involved in restraint but also those situations where, through positive relationships and trust, restraint can help young people through unsafe situations.
Demonstration in Experimental Phenomenology
Authors: Sinico Michele
Published: December 2008

This paper analyses the method of demonstration in experimental phenomenology. The theoretical basis of experimental phenomenology and meanings of demonstration in psychology are examined. The term `demonstration' in psychology typically means the presentation of concrete illustrations of facts generally to teach or to persuade scientifically, the reference to conclusive observational proof derived from theoretical arguments and opposition to the definition of experiment. The methodological inadequacies of these meanings for experimental phenomenology are illustrated. In experimental phenomenology the aim of the demonstration is to show the evidence for a law using a non-propositional argument. Two examples of demonstration from the studies of Wertheimer and Michotte are analysed.
Innovation Diffusion and Territorial Inertia
Authors: Cannarella Carmelo , Piccioni Valeria
Published: December 2008

The difficulties in developing and implementing innovative processes in a rural area can result from a number of obstacles impeding the diffusion of innovation among local agents whose causes, types and sizes can be of very different nature. Literature has deeply analyzed the characteristics and consequences of the resistances to innovation but innovation injection and propagation may be impeded also by peculiar inertial behaviours.The phenomenon of inertia has been at the core of many sector researches in psychology, organization science, economics and management studies; yet empirical observations can highlight the symptoms of a multifacet, pervasive and widespread inertia which affects an entire community of a given area. The presence of many feed–back chains and reciprocal influences among different social dimensions and conditions (individual, group, organization and institutional levels) thus make the description and explanation of the dynamics and mechanisms of these forms of ‘territorial inertia’ unapproachable only through sector analyses.Combining the contributions from different disciplines and studies, it has been possible to achieve a diagnosis of this phenomenon clearly differentiating inertia from resistance to innovation. The identification of the paths and causes facilitating inertia propagation (predisposition, contagious and scaleup factors) may provide relevant contributions for the understanding of the reasons why inertia, as commonly shared behavioural pattern, may become a preferable option compared to action with significant consequences for innovation introduction and the activation of processes of change.
Vulnerability Context of the Estuarine Set Bag Net Fishermen Community in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashed–Un–Nabi Md , Hoque Md Azharul , Rahman Ridzwan Abdul , Mustafa Saleem , Kader Md Abdul
Published: December 2008

The vulnerability context of the estuarine set bag net (ESBN) fishermen community of Bangladesh was examined through the sustainable livelihood approach format. Participatory methods were used to find out the attributes related to livelihoods vulnerability due to seasonality, shock and trend. Fifteen attributes—with their possible answers in a five point likert scale—were developed through the focus group discussion and validated by the key informant to quantify the extent of prevailing vulnerability in the community. Means for the attributes accounting for the seasonality, shocks and trend ranged between 4.15 and 4.38, 4.23 and 4.36 and 4.46 and 4.54 respectively. All the means of selected attributes were found significantly higher than the critical rating (here, 4) which indicated the prevalence of the acute vulnerable situation in the community. The information of the present study may be taken into consideration during construction of the management recommendations for ESBN fishermen community of Bangladesh.
The Indian View of Danish Aid*
Authors: Mathew George
Published: December 2008

Denmark was engaged in bilateral aid relations with India, extending devel–opmental aid under DANIDA programme for about half a century. This relationship is coming to an end now with Denmark severing bilateral aid connections with India. This process began with India carrying out its nuclear tests on 11 and 13 May 1998. Though the decision to cut off bilateral ties came as a shock to the Indian authorities, New Delhi finally decided to discontinue taking aid from all bilateral donors barring six—Japan, Germany, US, UK, the European Union and Russia. Since the world has a short memory of success stories made possible through aid offered by small donor countries, this article attempts at acknowledging the same. It recognises DANIDA's relatively small, though significant, contributions to development work in India especially in the field of dairy development, health and women's empowerment. DANIDA's bilateral initiatives, though modest in financial terms, left a significant impact on the development scene in India. This article assesses the contribution of the Danish development aid through the Indian lens.
Nurse Migration and the Global Health Care Economy
Authors: Kingma Mireille
Published: December 2008

Health care services represent one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the world economy. Today's health sector labor market and workforce are international, fast becoming global. Migration on a massive scale offers countless business opportunities, not only for the private sector but also for the public sector. The migration pathway is often filled with a significant number of obligatory stops. Many people and circumstances along the way will either facilitate or prevent progress. There will be a need for certain services and a series of goods to complete the migration. These will be provided by a wide range of agencies, institutions, entrepreneurs, regulatory bodies, and businesses. This article looks at the current global workforce and explores the commercialization or the business of nurse migration and its impact.
Recent Trends in Preparing Ethnic Minorities for Careers in Mathematics and Science
Authors: Brown Richard , Campbell D. Michael
Published: December 2008

This study compares trends in participation and performance on mathematics and science Advanced Placement exams for student ethnic subgroups in California high schools over a 6-year period. Results indicate that although growth in participation and performance is evident for all subgroups, the rates of increase differ across groups. As minority participation improves more slowly than the participation of other ethnic subgroups, there will be a continued lack of minorities in mathematics and science careers.
Interactional Diversity in Border Colleges
Authors: Casillas Arellano Eduardo , Torres Mónica F. , Valentine Kathryn
Published: December 2008

Research about the benefits of interactional diversity in college has been conducted at various U.S. institutions, but little research has focused on border colleges. This study explores the extent to which students at U.S.-Mexico border institutions reported having cross-racial and cross-ethnic interactions that researchers suggest promote academic and social development. To that end, the authors investigated how students identify by race and ethnicity, how frequently and where they interact with peers from other races and ethnicities, and how they view those interactions.
Family Structure, Family Processes, Economic Factors, and Delinquency
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Mack Kristin Y. , Featherstone Richard A.
Published: December 2008

Using data from the Add Health Study, the authors examined relationships among family structure, family processes, and economic factors with delinquency and to what extent similarities and differences may exist for Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics. Results from negative binomial regression analyses indicated that, in general, of the family processes, maternal attachment was consistently found to be an important predictor of nonserious and serious delinquency irrespective of family structure, economic factors, and race and ethnicity. The results are discussed within the context of Hirschi's original interpretation of social control theory, and future directions for research are suggested.
Fact and Fiction in English-Language Thrillers with Russian Characters: The 1930s
Authors: Bydder Jillene
Published: December 2008

Thriller fiction written in English during the 1930s provides evidence of the concerns and prejudices of that decade. Thrillers written later but set in the 1930s include supplementary historical and background information. Together, and set in their historical contexts, they provide a unique perspective on the decade. The thrillers in this survey all have Russian or Soviet or Communist characters. They reveal the visible presence of Russians and Communists in British society, show the social problems within that society, and highlight major European problems. They reflect fear of Communism rather than of the Soviet people.
Identifying Diachronic Transformations in Popular Culture Genres: A Cultural-Materialist Approach to the History of Popular Literature Publishing
Authors: Rafferty Pauline
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes a methodology through which to examine the history of generic novels. It is an attempt to reconstruct publishing history using the internal evidence of the books themselves. A key assumption is that popular literature genres are constructed in and through the writings of individual authors who use the codes and conventions of the genre and perpetuate the genre, but who also contribute to modifying and changing the genre. The methodology is based on the view that in the area of popular culture producers of generic cultural products are themselves, at some level, already consumers of the generic cultural products. This means that in popular culture consumption is always a prerequisite of popular culture production. Northern Ireland Troubles thrillers will be used to illustrate the method. The Troubles thriller has been chosen as a generic formation through which to actualize the methodology because, based as it is on a material historical conflict, it is rich in ideological content and contested representational signs. To map out material instances of intertextuality, the method will employ analytical concepts drawn from semiotics, specifically, paradigms and syntagms, which have their origins in Saussurean linguistics.
Conceptualizations of the Book Trade in Lithuania in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Zavadskytė-Zakarauskienė Živilė
Published: December 2008

Throughout the twentieth century, the book trade in Lithuania was influenced by momentous political and cultural developments. Following the abolition of press prohibition in 1904, the book trade entered a new period of national book distribution. In addition to being a vehicle for business interests, the book trade was also an essential arena for cultural activity. Favourable conditions for the commercial development of the book trade were created within the period of the Independent Republic of Lithuania from 1918 to 1940, which was interrupted by the Soviet occupation. The period of Soviet rule between 1940 and 1990 was one in which the ideological function of the book impacted greatly on publishing and the book trade activities. After the restoration of the Independent Republic, the Lithuanian book trade and other business sectors had to redress the losses of the Soviet years and take up the challenge of meeting the changing cultural and informational demands of society. This article explains the historical development of the Lithuanian book trade and shows how past forces have influenced its current condition. It also identifies a series of problems facing the book trade and suggests ways of coping with them.
How Buddhism Influenced the Origin and Development of Libraries in Sri Lanka (Ceylon): From the Third Century BC to the Fifth Century AD
Authors: Ranasinghe RHIS
Published: December 2008

The aim of the paper is to discuss the influence of Buddhism on the origin of libraries in Sri Lanka from the third century BC to fifth century AD. Contributions made by Buddhist monks and Buddhist kings in this connection too are discussed. A developed education system and scholarly personnel are essential prerequisites for the establishment of a library tradition. Throughout much of history, education systems developed side by side with religious systems. Sri Lanka was not an exception to this regard. Arahat Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the third century BC and it soon took root in the country. With the establishment of Buddhism, Buddhist education came into existence and that education enabled Buddhist monks to hand down the Tripitaka and its commentaries orally for centuries. In the first century BC Buddhist scriptures were written and manuscripts were kept at Mahavihara centres for the first time in history. Subsequently, copies of these manuscripts were sent to other temples. Thus, depositing of the Tripitaka and commentaries can be regarded as the origin of libraries in Sri Lanka. These libraries consisted not only of the Tripitaka and its commentaries, but also other Buddhist books too. Buddhist scholars were motivated to write religious books as it was considered to be a meritorious act. Further, libraries had the reputation for production and distribution of Buddhist texts, which attracted foreign scholars to the country.
Phase 1/2 study of fractionated 131I-rituximab in low-grade B-cell lymphoma: the effect of prior rituximab dosing and tumor burden on subsequent radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Illidge Tim M. , Bayne Mike , Brown Nicholas S. , Chilton Samantha , Cragg Mark S. , Glennie Martin J. , Du Yong , Lewington Valerie , Smart James , Thom James , Zivanovic Maureen , Johnson Peter W. M.
Published: December 2008

The effect of induction therapy with multiple doses of rituximab on the subsequent efficacy and toxicity of anti-CD20 radioimmunotherapy is unknown. We evaluated a novel protocol using 4 weekly infusions of 375 mg/m2 rituximab followed by 2 fractions of 131I-rituximab, preceded by a 100-mg/m2 predose of rituximab, in relapsed indolent B-cell lymphoma. Induction therapy with rituximab significantly increased the effective half-life of 131I-rituximab (P = .003) and high serum levels of rituximab after induction therapy correlated with increased effective half-life of the radioimmunoconjugate (P = .009). Patients with large tumor burdens experienced significant increases in the effective half-life of 131I-rituximab between delivery of the first and second fractions (P = .007). Induction therapy with multiple doses of rituximab did not appear to compromise the clinical efficacy or increase toxicity of subsequent 131I-rituximab radioimmunotherapy. The overall response rate was 94%, with complete response rate 50%. The median time to progression was 20 months, significantly longer than for the last qualifying chemotherapy (P = .001). Fractionation of 131I-rituximab allowed cumulative whole-body doses of more than 120 cGy, approximately 60% greater than those previously achieved with a single administration of a murine radioimmunconjugate, to be delivered without significant hematologic toxicity.