bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulation of SP-B gene expression by nitric oxide in H441 lung epithelial cells
Authors: Boggaram Vijay , Chandru Hemakumar , Gottipati Koteswara Rao , Thakur Vijayander , Das Aparajita , Berhane Kiflu
Published: April 2010

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is essential for the surface tension-lowering function of pulmonary surfactant. Surfactant dysfunction and reduced SP-B levels are associated with elevated nitric oxide (NO) in inflammatory lung diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. We previously found that NO donors decreased SP-B expression in H441 and MLE-12 lung epithelial cells by reducing SP-B promoter activity. In this study, we determined the roles of DNA elements and interacting transcription factors necessary for NO inhibition of SP-B promoter activity in H441 cells. We found that the NO donor diethylenetriamine-nitric oxide adduct (DETA-NO) decreased SP-B promoter thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF-3), and Sp1 binding activities but increased activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding activity. DETA-NO decreased TTF-1, but not Sp1, levels, suggesting that reduced TTF-1 expression contributes to reduced TTF-1 binding activity. Lack of effect on Sp1 levels suggested that DETA-NO inhibits Sp1 binding activity per se. Overexpression of Sp1, but not TTF-1, blocked DETA-NO inhibition of SP-B promoter activity. DETA-NO inhibited SP-B promoter induction by exogenous TTF-1 without altering TTF-1 levels. DETA-NO decreased TTF-1 mRNA levels and gene transcription rate, indicating that DETA-NO inhibits TTF-1 expression at the transcriptional level. We conclude that NO inhibits SP-B promoter by decreasing TTF-1, Sp1, and HNF-3 binding activities and increasing AP-1 binding activity. NO inhibits TTF-1 levels and activity to decrease SP-B expression. NO inhibition of SP-B expression could be a mechanism by which surfactant dysfunction occurs in inflammatory lung diseases.
Increased degradation of MYPT1 contributes to the development of tolerance to nitric oxide in porcine pulmonary artery
Authors: Ma Huijuan , He Qiong , Dou Dou , Zheng Xiaoxu , Ying Lei , Wu Yuming , Raj J. Usha , Gao Yuansheng
Published: April 2010

Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) is the regulatory subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). It plays a critical role in vasodilatation induced by cGMP-elevating agents such as nitric oxide (NO). The present study was performed to determine the role of MYPT1 in the development of tolerance of the pulmonary artery to NO. Incubation of isolated porcine pulmonary arteries for 24 or 48 h with DETA NONOate (DETA NO) significantly reduced protein levels of MYPT1 and the leucine zipper-positive (LZ+) isoform of MYPT1 but not that of PP1cδ. The extent of reduction in total MYPT1 protein level was comparable to that of MYPT1 (LZ+). The decrease in MYPT1 protein caused by 48-h DETA NO incubation was prevented by ODQ, an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, and by inhibitors of proteasomes (MG-132 and lactacystin) but was not affected by the inhibitor of protein synthesis, cycloheximide. A reduction in MYPT1 protein was also obtained with 8-bromo-cGMP, but this was prevented by Rp-8-bromo-PET-cGMP [inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)]. Incubation for 48 h with DETA NO also reduced dephosphorylation of myosin light chain and relaxation of the artery in response to DETA NO, which was prevented by MG-132. These results suggest that the reduction in MYPT1 protein contributes to the development of tolerance of pulmonary arteries to NO. This may result from increased degradation of MYPT1 after prolonged PKG activation.
Simple Exact Algorithm for Transistor Sizing of Low-Power High-Speed Arithmetic Circuits
Authors: Nikoubin Tooraj , Bahrebar Poona , Pouri Sara , Navi Keivan , Iravani Vaez
Published: April 2010

A new transistor sizing algorithm, SEA (Simple Exact Algorithm), for optimizing low-power and high-speed arithmetic integrated circuits is proposed. In comparison with other transistor sizing algorithms, simplicity, accuracy, independency of order and initial sizing factors of transistors, and flexibility in choosing the optimization parameters such as power consumption, delay, Power-Delay Product (PDP), chip area or the combination of them are considered as the advantages of this new algorithm. More exhaustive rules of grouping transistors are the main trait of our algorithm. Hence, the SEA algorithm dominates some major transistor sizing metrics such as optimization rate, simulation speed, and reliability. According to approximate comparison of the SEA algorithm with MDE and ADC for a number of conventional full adder circuits, delay and PDP have been improved 55.01% and 57.92% on an average, respectively. By comparing the SEA and Chang's algorithm, 25.64% improvement in PDP and 33.16% improvement in delay have been achieved. All the simulations have been performed with 0.13 m technology based on the BSIM3v3 model using HSpice simulator software.
Ring-Opening Polymerisation ofrac-Lactide Using a Calix[4]arene-Based Titanium (IV) Complex
Authors: Frediani Marco , Sémeril David , Matt Dominique , Rosi Luca , Frediani Piero , Rizzolo Fabio , Papini Anna Maria
Published: April 2010

cone-25,27-Dipropyloxy-26,28-dioxo-calix[4]arene titanium (IV) dichloride(1)has been assessed in the ring-opening polymerisation ofrac-lactide (L,D-LA). The polymers formed (PLDA) turned out to display an isotactic stereoblock microstructure (determined by NMR) despite the fact that the catalyst hasC2vsymmetry. Two techniques were applied for initiating the polymerisation reaction, microwave irradiation, and conventional thermal treatment. The polymers obtained were all characterised by NMR, IR, HPLC-SEC, DSC, and MALDI-TOF analysis. The use of microwave irradiation, applied for the first time to calixarene-based catalysts in the presence of therac-lactide monomer, increased the polymerisation rate compared with that obtained by the other method. On the other hand, standard thermal treatment enabled a slightly better control than microwave irradiation over the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polylactides formed.
Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppressive Cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1) in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Szkaradkiewicz Andrzej , Karpiński Tomasz M. , Drews Michał , Borejsza-Wysocki Maciej , Majewski Przemyslaw , Andrzejewska Ewa
Published: April 2010

Cytotoxic activity of NK cells was estimated as related to IL-10 and TGF-β1 serum levels andHelicobacter pyloriinfection in gastric cancer patients. Moreover, we sought to determine whether human gastric adenocarcinoma cells in vitro release IL-10, TGF-β1 or factor(s) affecting NK cytotoxicity. The studies were conducted on 42 patients with gastric cancer (14 with I-II stage—group 1; 28 with III-IV stage—group 2) and on 20 healthy volunteers. The cytotoxicity was tested on NK cells isolated from peripheral blood. IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were determined by ELISA.H. pyloriwas detected in cultures of gastric mucosa biopsies and in direct preparations. In 71.4% patients of group 1 NK cytotoxicity and IL-10 serum levels remained within a normal range while in 68% patients of group 2 a marked decrease was noted in cytotoxic function of NK cells, accompanied by increased levels of IL-10 in serum. In turn, in most patients of either group, independently of NK cytotoxicity and stage grouping in the patients, elevated serum levels of TGF-β1 were detected. Presence ofH. pyloriinfection manifested no relationship with NK cytotoxicity, IL-10, or the TGF-β1 serum levels. In cultures of tumour cells presence of IL-10 and TGF-β1 was demonstrated. Nevertheless, supernatants of the cultures did not change cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Development of gastric carcinoma is accompanied by markedly decreased cytotoxic function of NK cells and by elevated IL-10 and TGF-β1 serum levels. Gastric carcinoma cells may release IL-10, the suppressive activity of which may in a secondary manner decrease NK cytotoxicity.
Hybrid Terrestrial-Satellite DVB/IP Infrastructure in Overlay Constellations for Triple-Play Services Access in Rural Areas
Authors: Pallis E. , Negru D. , Bourdena A.
Published: April 2010

This paper discusses the convergence of digital broadcasting and Internet technologies, by elaborating on the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of a hybrid terrestrial/satellite networking infrastructure, enabling triple-play services access in rural areas. At local/district level, the paper proposes the exploitation of DVB-T platforms in regenerative configurations for creating terrestrial DVB/IP backhaul between the core backbone (in urban areas) and a number of intermediate communication nodes distributed within the DVB-T broadcasting footprint (in rural areas). In this way, triple play services that are available at the core backbone, are transferred via the regenerative DVB-T/IP backhaul to the entire district and can be accessed by rural users via the corresponding intermediate node. On the other hand, at regional/national level, the paper proposes the exploitation of a satellite interactive digital video broadcasting platform (DVB S2/RCS) as an overlay network that interconnects the regenerative DVB-T/IP platforms, as well as individual users, and services providers, to each other. Performance of the proposed hybrid terrestrial/satellite networking environment is validated through experimental tests that were conducted under real transmission/reception conditions (for the terrestrial segment) and via simulation experiments (for the satellite segment) at a prototype network infrastructure.
Agreement Is Poor Among Current Criteria Used to Define Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Fornwalt Brandon K. , Sprague William W. , BeDell Patrick , Suever Jonathan D. , Gerritse Bart , Merlino John D. , Fyfe Derek A. , León Angel R. , Oshinski John N.
Published: April 2010

Background—

Numerous criteria believed to define a positive response to cardiac resynchronization therapy have been used in the literature. No study has investigated agreement among these response criteria. We hypothesized that the agreement among the various response criteria would be poor.

Methods and Results—

A literature search was conducted with the keywords “cardiac resynchronization” and “response.” The 50 publications with the most citations were reviewed. After the exclusion of editorials and reviews, 17 different primary response criteria were identified from 26 relevant articles. The agreement among 15 of these 17 response criteria was assessed in 426 patients from the Predictors of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (PROSPECT) study with Cohen’s κ-coefficient (2 response criteria were not calculable from PROSPECT data). The overall response rate ranged from 32% to 91% for the 15 response criteria. Ninety-nine percent of patients showed a positive response according to at least 1 of the 15 criteria, whereas 94% were classified as a nonresponder by at least 1 criterion. κ-Values were calculated for all 105 possible comparisons among the 15 response criteria and classified into standard ranges: Poor agreement (κ≤0.4), moderate agreement (0.4<κ<0.75), and strong agreement (κ≥0.75). Seventy-five percent of the comparisons showed poor agreement, 21% showed moderate agreement, and only 4% showed strong agreement.

Conclusions—

The 26 most-cited publications on predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy define response using 17 different criteria. Agreement between different methods to define response to cardiac resynchronization therapy is poor 75% of the time and strong only 4% of the time, which severely limits the ability to generalize results over multiple studies.
Marcion’s Antitheses and the Isagogic Genre
Authors: Scherbenske Eric W.
Published: April 2010

According to early Christian heresiologists, the Antitheses articulated Marcion’s fundamental convictions based on the separation of the God of the Hebrew Bible from the God of the Christ. While scholars have long stressed the importance of this separation for Marcion’s theology, the genre of the Antitheses, the primary vehicle for this belief, remains problematic. This article proposes that Marcion’s Antitheses ought to be categorized as isagogic, a genre utilized primarily for preliminary instruction. A survey of the salient characteristics of isagogic texts reveals that in form, content, audience, and function, the Antitheses (as described by Marcion’s opponents) align nicely with this genre. Identifying the Antitheses as an isagogic text offers insight into Marcion’s composition and deployment of this work for his evangelic campaign; by leading the reader into a Marcionite interpretation of the scriptures, the Antitheses fostered the catechetical indoctrination and continual growth in the rudiments of his faith.
Spatial Predictions of Extreme Wind Speeds over Switzerland Using Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Etienne Christophe , Lehmann Anthony , Goyette Stéphane , Lopez-Moreno Juan-Ignacio , Beniston Martin
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this work is to present a methodology aimed at predicting extreme wind speeds over Switzerland. Generalized additive models are used to regionalize wind statistics for Swiss weather stations using a number of variables that describe the main physiographical features of the country. This procedure enables one to present the results for Switzerland in the form of a map that provides the 98th percentiles of daily maximum wind speeds (W98) at a 10-m anemometer height for cells with a 50-m grid interval. This investigation comprises three major steps. First, meteorological data recorded by the weather stations was gathered to build local wind statistics at each station. Then, data describing the topographic and landscape characteristics of the country were prepared using geographic information systems (GIS). Third, appropriate regression models were selected to make spatially explicit predictions of extreme wind speeds in Switzerland. The predictions undertaken in this study provide realistic values of the W98. The effects of topography on the results are particularly conspicuous. Wind speeds increase with altitude and are greatest on mountain peaks in the Alps, as would be intuitively expected. Relative errors between observations and model results calculated for the meteorological stations do not exceed 30%, and only 12 out of 70 stations exhibit errors that exceed 20%. The combination of GIS techniques and statistical models used to predict a highly uncertain variable, such as extreme wind speed, yields interesting results that can be extended to other fields, such as the assessment of storm damage on infrastructures.
Investigating the Influence of Carbon Dioxide and the Stratosphere on the Long-Term Tropospheric Temperature Monitoring from HIRS
Authors: Chung Eui-Seok , Soden Brian J.
Published: April 2010

Contrary to a midtropospheric warming trend detected from Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) measurements, High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) temperature (15 μm) channels, sensitive to the thermal emission from the troposphere, produce distinct cooling trends for the period 1980–99. This apparent discrepancy in the tropospheric temperature trend is investigated through radiative transfer simulations using Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory climate model output and the profiles of the standard model atmospheres. Radiative simulations with time-invariant carbon dioxide concentration throughout the entire analysis period produce trends that are qualitatively similar to that obtained from the MSU observations, implying that the observed cooling trends of the HIRS temperature channels are attributable to increased carbon dioxide concentration over the 20-yr period. Additional simulations with the observed time-varying concentration of carbon dioxide confirm this basic result. Whereas temperature fluctuations dominate variability on monthly to interannual time scales, carbon dioxide changes dominate the decadal trends in both the observations and model simulations. Further simulations examined the sensitivity of the brightness temperature change with respect to the changes in tropospheric and stratospheric temperature. These calculations indicate that the influences of stratospheric temperature on the measured radiances are greater for the HIRS temperature channels relative to the MSU midtropospheric channel. These results highlight the contributions of time-varying carbon dioxide concentrations and stratospheric temperature to the HIRS 15-μm (temperature channel) radiance record and underscore the importance of accurately accounting for these changes when using HIRS measurements for long-term monitoring.
A Nonlinear Impedance Relation for the Surface Winds in Pressure Disturbances
Authors: Coleman Timothy A. , Knupp Kevin R.
Published: April 2010

The “impedance relation” between the wind perturbation within an ageostrophic atmospheric disturbance and its pressure perturbation and intrinsic propagation speed has been in use for decades. The correlation between wind and pressure perturbation was established through this relation. However, a simple Lagrangian model of an air parcel traversing an idealized sinusoidal wave in the pressure field indicates that the impedance relation produces significant errors. Examination of the nonlinearized horizontal momentum equation with a sinusoidal disturbance in pressure reveals an additional nonlinear term in the impedance relation, not previously included.

In this paper, the impedance relation is rederived, with the solution being the original equation with the addition of the nonlinear term. The new equation is then evaluated against the Lagrangian model of an air parcel traversing an idealized gravity wave, as well as three observed cases. It is shown that the new impedance relation is indeed more accurate in predicting wind perturbations in disturbances based on pressure perturbations and intrinsic speed than the accepted equation. Implications for determination of the intrinsic phase speed of a disturbance when pressure and wind perturbations are known (another widely used application of the impedance relation) are also discussed.
General Strain Theory and School Bullying
Authors: Moon Byongook , Morash Merry , McCluskey John D.
Published: April 2010

Despite recognition of bullying as a serious school and social problem with negative effects on students’ well-being and safety, and the overlap between aggressive bullying acts and delinquent behavior, few empirical studies test the applicability of criminological theories to explaining bullying. This limitation in research is especially evident in studies of non-Western countries. Using longitudinal data on 2,817 South Korean youth, the current study attempts to fill the gaps by examining whether general strain theory can explain school bullying. As the theory suggests, youth who experience victimization by peers and conflict with parents are more likely to engage in bullying. However, there is limited evidence of the expected interaction effects between strains and conditioning factors. Inconsistent with general strain theory, parental attachment and positive relationships with teachers do not condition the effects of strains, and anger is not a mediating variable. Implications for interventions and for future research are discussed.
A multi-paradigm approach supporting the modular execution of reconfigurable hybrid systems
Authors: Giese Holger , Henkler Stefan , Hirsch Martin
Published: April 2010

Advanced mechatronic systems have to integrate existing technologies from mechanical, electrical and software engineering. They must be able to adapt their structure and behavior at runtime by reconfiguration to react flexibly to changes in the environment. Therefore, a tight integration of structural and behavioral models of the different domains is required. This integration results in complex reconfigurable hybrid systems, the execution logic of which cannot be addressed directly with existing standard modeling, simulation, and code-generation techniques. We present in this paper how our component-based approach for reconfigurable mechatronic systems, MECHATRONIC UML, efficiently handles the complex interplay of discrete behavior and continuous behavior in a modular manner. In addition, its extension to even more flexible reconfiguration cases is presented.
Exclusivist Republicanism and the Non-Monarchical Republic
Authors: Hankins James
Published: April 2010

The idea that a republic is the only legitimate form of government and that non-elective monarchy and hereditary political privileges are by definition illegitimate is an artifact of late eighteenth century republicanism, though it has roots in the “godly republics” of the seventeenth century. It presupposes understanding a republic ( respublica) to be a non-monarchical form of government. The latter definition is a discursive practice that goes back only to the fifteenth century and is not found in Roman or medieval sources. This article explains how the definition emerged in Renaissance Italy.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Canine Neuroepithelial Tumors
Authors: Ide T. , Uchida K. , Kikuta F. , Suzuki K. , Nakayama H.
Published: April 2010

The expression of cell differentiation and proliferation markers of canine neuroepithelial tumors was examined immunohistochemically to identify the histogenesis of these tumors. Astrocytomas ( n = 4) consisted of cells positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nestin and a few cells positive for doublecortin (DCX). Immunoreactive cells for receptor tyrosine kinases (epidermal growth factor receptor and c-erbB2) and their downstream molecules (phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and phospho-Akt) were often detected in astrocytomas, especially in medium- and high-grade tumors. Gliomatosis cerebri ( n = 3) consisted of cells positive for ionized calcium–binding adaptor molecule 1 and GFAP, including a minor population of cells positive for nestin, DCX, and beta III tubulin, suggesting their glial differentiation. In choroid plexus tumors ( n = 4), most tumor cells were positive for cytokeratins AE1/AE3 and 18, and few were positive for GFAP. The majority of cells of oligodendrogliomas ( n = 5) were DCX positive, but the tumors also contained minor populations of cells positive for GFAP, nestin, or beta III tubulin. Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs; n = 2) consisted of heterogeneous cell populations, and the tumor cells were positive for nestin, beta III tubulin, and DCX, suggesting glial and neuronal differentiation. The major population of neuroblastoma cells ( n = 3) were positive for beta III tubulin and DCX, suggesting single neuronal differentiation. As for antiapoptotic cell death molecules, most tumor cells in the choroid plexus tumors, PNETs, and neuroblastomas were intensely positive for Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, whereas those in gliomatosis cerebri were almost negative. In astrocytomas, Bcl-xL-positive cells predominated over Bcl-2-positive cells, but the opposite was observed in oligodendrogliomas. The immunohistochemical results were analyzed by hierarchical clustering, and the constructed dendrogram clearly indicated a novel position of oligodendrogliomas: the primitive glial and neuronal differentiation.
Pathophysiology of Cyclooxygenases in Cardiovascular Homeostasis
Authors: Sellers R. S. , Radi Z. A. , Khan N. K.
Published: April 2010

Cyclooxygenase (COX) catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2(PGH2), which is subsequently converted to the prostanoids PGE2, PGI2, PGF2α, and thromboxane A2. COX has 2 distinct membrane-anchored isoenzymes: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in most normal tissues; COX-2 is highly induced by proinflammatory mediators in the setting of inflammation, injury, and pain. Inhibitors of COX activity include conventional nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as COX-2 inhibitors. The adverse effects of COX inhibitors on the cardiovascular system have been addressed in the last few years. In general, COX inhibitors have many effects, but those most important to the cardiovascular system can be direct (through the effects of prostanoids) and indirect (through alterations in fluid dynamics). Despite reports of detrimental human cardiovascular events associated with COX inhibitors, short, long, and lifetime preclinical toxicology studies in rodents and nonrodents have failed to identify these risks. This article focuses on the expression and function of COX enzymes in normal and pathologic conditions of the cardiovascular system and discusses the cardiovascular pathophysiologic complications associated with COX inhibition.
Prognostic Value of Histologic and Immunohistochemical Features in Feline Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors
Authors: Sabattini S. , Bettini G.
Published: April 2010

Feline cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) have been histologically classified as mastocytic (well differentiated or pleomorphic) and atypical/poorly granulated. Their biologic behavior ranges from benign to malignant, but prognostic factors are not well defined. Histologic classification, number of tumors, mitotic index, cytoplasmic granularity, and infiltration by eosinophils or lymphocytes were evaluated retrospectively in 25 feline cutaneous MCTs. Immunohistochemistry was applied to assess KIT (CD117) pattern and immunoreactivity score, telomerase expression (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), and proliferation index (MIB-1/Ki67 index). Case outcome was obtained via telephone interviews. The tumors comprised 15 mastocytic well-differentiated, 7 mastocytic pleomorphic, and 3 atypical/poorly granulated MCTs. Immunohistochemically, CD117 was expressed in 13 of 25 tumors (52%), and telomerase reverse transcriptase was expressed in 15 of 22 (68%), with no correlation to histologic classification. Mitotic index, KIT immunoreactivity score, and Ki67 index were significantly higher in mastocytic pleomorphic MCTs than in the other 2 categories. Five cats (20%) died of tumor-related causes. Multiplicity of lesions, pleomorphic phenotype, KIT immunoreactivity score, and mitotic and Ki67-indices correlated with an unfavorable outcome. Mitotic index was the strongest predictive variable. These results suggest that histologic classification, CD117/KIT immunohistochemistry, and proliferation indices may help to identify potentially aggressive cases of feline cutaneous MCT. Aberrant KIT protein localization and telomerase immunoreactivity warrant further exploration as potential prognostic markers.
Proposing the Term Purkinjeoma
Authors: Jacobsen B. , Kreutzer M. , Meemken D. , Baumgärtner W. , Herden C.
Published: April 2010

Rhabdomyomas, defined as rare benign tumors of striated muscle, predominantly occur in the myocardium. In veterinary medicine, cardiac rhabdomyomas have rarely been reported but most frequently in pigs as an incidental finding. In the present case report, multiple circumscribed nodules found in the myocardium of 2 pigs were composed of large, vacuolated, glycogen-loaded cells. They expressed vimentin and desmin, neuron-specific enolase, and atrial natriuretic peptide. In addition, these cells expressed protein gene product 9.5, a marker for neuronal tissue and Purkinje fiber cells, in contrast to adjacent myocytes. The present findings—especially, the protein gene product 9.5 immunoreactivity—provide further evidence for the Purkinje fiber cell origin of the porcine myocardial proliferation. Therefore, the term purkinjeoma or purkinjeomatosis is proposed for cardiac rhabdomyoma in pigs.
Self-Reported Psychopathic Traits and Their Relation to Intentions to Engage in Environmental Offending
Authors: Ray James V. , Jones Shayne
Published: April 2010

The extent and impact of white-collar offending has drawn the attention of many researchers. However, despite its association with both general and violent criminal behavior, the role that psychopathic traits plays in white-collar crime has been researched less. In an effort to better understand this relationship, psychopathic personality traits were assessed among a sample of 265 undergraduate students using the Psychopathic Personality Inventory—Revised, along with attitudes supportive of environmental offending and intentions to engage in a specific form of environmental offending (toxic dumping). The current study assessed if psychopathic traits were associated with intentions to engage in toxic dumping, as well as the extent to which attitudes supportive of environmental offending would mediate this relationship. Results suggest that both attitudes and certain traits associated with psychopathy uniquely explain intention to engage in toxic dumping. However, a mediating effect was not found. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Landscapes of care
Authors: Milligan Christine , Wiles Janine
Published: April 2010

The term ‘landscapes of care’ has increasingly taken hold in the lexicon of health geography. As the complex social, embodied and organizational spatialities that emerge from and through relationships of care, landscapes of care open up spaces that enable us to unpack how differing bodies of geographical work might be thought of in relationship to each other. Specifically, we explore the relation between ‘proximity’ and ‘distance’ and caring for and about. In doing so, we seek to disrupt notions of proximity as straightforward geographical closeness, maintaining that even at a physical distance care can be socially and emotionally proximate.
Constrained agency? Re-evaluating the geographies of labour
Authors: Coe Neil M. , Jordhus-Lier David C.
Published: April 2010

This article critically evaluates the concept of labour agency. First, we briefly reprise structure/agency debates in human geography in order to distil how agency is best conceived. Second, we propose a more discerning approach to labour agency that unpacks its many spatial and temporal dimensions. Third, we develop a ‘re-embedded’ notion of labour agency and identify global production networks, the state, the community and labour market intermediaries as key arenas for consideration. The paper argues that worker strategies must always be assessed in relation to these wider social relations, suggesting a constrained, variegated notion of labour agency.
Clinical determinants of migraine preventive treatment: Contribution of SMILE, an observational survey of primary care migraine management in France
Authors: Valade D , Lantéri-Minet M , Radat F , Mekies C , Lucas C , Vivès E , Joubert JM , Géraud G
Published: April 2010

Methods: SMILE was an observational study carried out in France among office-based general practitioners (GPs) and neurologists from November 2005 to July 2006 to assess the determinants of prescription of migraine preventive therapy in primary care medicine. A total of 1467 GPs and 83 neurologists were included, treating 5417 and 248 migraine sufferers, respectively.

Results: The main factors leading physicians to deem a patient eligible for preventive treatment were perceived medication overuse and frequency of headaches, and secondarily, severity of headaches and functional impact. On the other hand, patient satisfaction with the acute treatment of attacks and triptan use, and secondarily, a long migraine history were found to influence patient eligibility negatively.

Discussion/conclusion: Noticeably, psychiatric disorders (anxiety, stress) did not appear, aside from somatic factors, among the determinants that significantly influence physicians' judgment about the option of establishing a preventive treatment. However, they are important features of migraine condition and should be listed among the factors guiding choices about migraine preventive therapy.
Nano-TiO 2 Enriched Polymeric Powder Coatings Support Human Mesenchymal Cell Attachment and Growth
Authors: Sayem Mozumder Mohammad , Zhu Jesse , Perinpanayagam Hiran
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to utilize ultrafine powder coating technology to prepare (PPC) that can support human mesenchymal cell attachment and growth. Resins were modified with titanium dioxide and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and enriched with either SiO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles (nSiO2 or nTiO2) to create continuous PPC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed complex surface topographies with nano features, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis with Ti mapping confirmed a homogenous dispersion of the material. SEM and inverted fluorescence microscopy showed that human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cells attached and spread out on the PPC surfaces, particularly those enriched with nTiO 2. Cell counts were higher, and the MTT assay measured more metabolic activity from the nTiO2 enriched PPCs. Furthermore, these cellular responses were enhanced on PPC surfaces that were enriched with a higher concentration of nTiO2 (2% vs. 0.5%), and appeared comparable to that seen on commercially pure titanium (cpTi). Therefore the nTiO 2 enrichment of PPC was shown to favor human mesenchymal cell attachment and growth. Indeed, this modification of the materials created continuous surface coatings that sustained a favorable cellular response.
Tablets Based on Compressed Zein Microspheres for Sustained Oral Administration: Design, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Study
Authors: Gong Sheng-Ju , Sun Shi-Xuan , Sun Qing-Shen , Wang Jin-Ye , Liu Xin-Ming , Liu Guo-Yan
Published: April 2010

In our previous study, we reported a novel tablet based on compressed zein microspheres as a universal drug delivery system using the hydrophobic protein zein, which shows zero-order release in the presence of pepsin. However, this formulation had difficulty with disintegration under physiological conditions within 48 h, and thus could not be used directly for oral administration. In the present study, a formulation of ivermectin (IVM) tablets based on compressed zein microspheres was improved as a new dosage form. The plasma disposition pharmacokinetics of IVM tablets based on compressed zein microspheres after oral administration was studied over a 7-day period with six dogs (Canis familiaris), using a commercial IVM tablet (5 mg/piece, Yilijia® ) as a control. Clinical efficacy was tested using 270 dogs presented as veterinary patients for the treatment of demodicidosis. A formulation with disintegration time within 15 min could be obtained. The acquired C max, Tmax, and AUC were 9.89 ± 0.34 ng/mL, 11.33 ± 2.63 h, and 883.87 ng h/mL for IVM tablets based on compressed zein microspheres and 9.64 ± 1.05 ng/mL, 7.26 ± 2.09 h, and 666.30 ng h/mL for Yilijia®, respectively. The bioavailability of the tablets based on compressed zein microspheres was 132.65% that of Yilijia ®. Efficacy for the dogs in all the IVM tablets based on compressed zein microspheres-treated groups reached 100% at 7, 14, and 21 days post administration.
Holocene stratigraphy and chronology of the Casper Dune Field, Casper, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Halfen Alan F. , Fredlund Glen G. , Mahan Shannon A.
Published: April 2010

Activation chronologies of dune fields within the North American Great Plains are significant sources of paleoclimate information. Although many regional chronologies exist, several dune fields have been understudied, including the Casper Dune Field of central Wyoming. This study investigated aeolian dune sediment and buried soils of the Casper Dune Field. Complex parabolic and hairpin parabolic dunes dominate the eastern dune field, while simple parabolic and linear dunes dominate the western dune field. Buried soils are found throughout the dune field, though their distribution and degree of development varies. Buried soils in the eastern dune field are weakly developed with typical A-C profiles, whereas soils in the western dune field typically exhibit A-Bt-C profiles. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon ages were used to provide a chronology of dune field activation that spans most of the Holocene. At the onset of the Holocene, alluvium was deposited first, followed by widespread dune activity ~ 10.0—6.2 ka. Following activity, the dune field stabilized until about 4.1 ka. During this stabilization period, however, reactivation occurred in at least one locality within the dune field at 5.1 ka. Subsequent aeolian activity occurred at 4.1 ka and between 1.0 ka and 0.4 ka. The resulting activation chronology is compared with those obtained from elsewhere in Wyoming and from other west-central Great Plains dune fields.
Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) declines at 9800 and 5300 cal. yr BP caused by Holocene climatic shifts in northeastern North America
Authors: Yan Zhao  , Zicheng Yu  , Cheng Zhao
Published: April 2010

We present fossil pollen data from a sediment core at Lake Grinnell in northern New Jersey of the northeastern United States. The 12 500-yr chronology of the sediment record was controlled by seven calibrated AMS radiocarbon dates on terrestrial plant macrofossils. Similar to many pollen profiles in the region, our data show that vegetation changed from Picea- and Pinus-dominated woodland/forest at 12.5—11.4 ka (1 ka = 1000 cal. yr BP), through Pinus-dominated mixed forest at 11.4—9.3 ka, to Quercus-dominated forest after 9.3 ka. Some main tree taxa, including Tsuga, Ulmus and Acer, arrived and expanded during the Quercus expansion phase at 11.4—9.3 ka in the early Holocene, while other trees, including Fagus and Carya, established and expanded much later around 9 ka. Pollen data show that major forest shifts were in response to climatic change as independently inferred from oxygen-isotope records in the same core. These responses include major turnovers of tree species at the onset of the Holocene after the Younger Dryas, including the disappearance of Picea, declines of boreal taxa Betula and Alnus, and expansions of most other temperate trees. Our new records show two hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis) decline events during the Holocene that were both likely caused by climatic change. The early-Holocene hemlock decline centering around 9.5 ka was marked by >10-fold decrease in hemlock populations, which was probably caused by summer high temperature as inferred from high oxygen isotope values. The mid-Holocene hemlock decline from 5.3 ka to 3.0 ka corresponds with a pronounced shift in oxygen isotopes at Grinnell and with a dry climate interval documented from other records in northeastern North America. Our results support the notion that a dry climate caused or triggered the mid-Holocene hemlock decline and that the Appalachian Forest has shown sensitive responses to climatic change in the Holocene.
Mid- to late-Holocene paleoceanographic changes on the southeastern Brazilian shelf based on grain size records
Authors: Gyllencreutz R. , Mahiques M.M. , Alves D.V.P. , Wainer I.K.C.
Published: April 2010

High-resolution grain size analyses of three AMS 14C-dated cores from the Southeastern Brazilian shelf provide a detailed record of mid- to late-Holocene environmental changes in the Southwestern Atlantic Margin.The cores exhibit millennial variability that we associate with the previously described southward shift of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) average latitudinal position over the South American continent during the Holocene climatic maximum. This generated changes in the wind-driven current system of the SW Atlantic margin and modified the grain size characteristics of the sediments deposited there. Centennial variations in the grain size are associated with a previously described late-Holocene enhancement of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude, which led to stronger NNE trade winds off eastern Brazil, favouring SW transport of sediments from the Paraiba do Sul River. This is recorded in a core from off Cabo Frio as a coarsening trend from 3000 cal. BP onwards. The ENSO enhancement also caused changes in precipitation and wind pattern in southern Brazil, allowing high discharge events and northward extensions of the low-saline water plume from Río de la Plata. We propose that this resulted in a net increase in northward alongshore transport of fine sediments, seen as a prominent fine-shift at 2000 cal. BP in a core from ~24°S on the Brazilian shelf. Wavelet- and spectral analysis of the sortable silt records show a significant ~1000-yr periodicity, which we attribute to solar forcing. If correct, this is one of the first indications of solar forcing of this timescale on the Southwestern Atlantic margin.
Changes in settlement patterns on the River Rena, southeast Norway: A response to Holocene climate change?
Authors: Balbo Andrea L. , Persson Per , Roberts Stephen J.
Published: April 2010

The melting of the Scandinavian Ice-Sheet in the early Holocene allowed humans to populate the northernmost parts of Europe. Recent excavations of archaeological sites on the riverbank, floodplain and kame terraces of the River Rena, southeast Norway have defined periods of human occupation in riverside environments, which became ice-free during the last deglaciation. In this paper, we extend the scope of previous archaeological work by examining the sedimentology and chronology of five riverside sedimentary sequences along the River Rena. Our aims were to reconstruct the Holocene evolution of part of the river, and determine whether changes in Holocene settlement patterns might be linked to changes in river evolution and/or climate. Results show: (1) widespread draining of the kame terraces of the River Rena occurred shortly before the first consistent human settlement in the area began c. 8 ka BP; (2) human settlement was maintained until the present day, except during a period of previously undocumented abandonment between c. 4 and 3 ka BP, associated with a sustained period of high river discharge. We link the establishment of first undisputable settlement to reduced water levels as glaciers retreated upstream during a ‘warmer’ phase of the early Holocene, shortly after the 8.2 ka climatic downturn event. The most recent abandonment of the riverbank settlements 4—3 ka BP occurred during the last phase of glacier advance in the River Rena region, which has been linked to the Europe-wide late-Holocene Thermal Decline (Neoglacial) downturn in climate.
Protective effects of aliskiren in doxorubicin-induced acute cardiomyopathy in rats
Authors: Rashikh Azhar , Abul Kalam Najmi  , Akhtar Mohammad , Mahmood Danish , Pillai Krishna K , Ahmad Shibli J
Published: April 2010

In this study, effect of aliskiren (ALK) on doxorubicin (DXR)-induced cardiomyopathy in rats was evaluated. ALK (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) was administered for 7 days and a single intraperitoneal injection of DXR (20 mg/kg) on day 5. The animals were sacrificed 48 h after DXR administration. DXR produced significant elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly inhibited the activity of glutathione (GSH) in heart tissue, with a significant rise in the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), indicating acute cardiac toxicity. ALK pretreatment significantly reduced the MDA concentration and ameliorated the inhibition of cardiac GSH activity. ALK also significantly improved the serum levels of LDH, TC, TG, LDL and reduction in HDL in DXR-treated rats. Furthermore, histological examination of the heart sections confirmed the myocardial injury with DXR administration and the near-normal pattern with ALK pretreatment. The results provide clear evidence that the ALK pretreatment offered significant protection against DXR-induced enzymatic changes and cardiac tissue damage.
Flexible Matrix Composite Skins for One-dimensional Wing Morphing
Authors: Murray Gabriel , Gandhi Farhan , Bakis Charles
Published: April 2010

Morphing aircraft wings require flexible skins that undergo large strains, have low in-plane stiffness, and high out-of-plane stiffness to carry aerodynamic loads. For some morphing applications deformation and low stiffness in the flexskin is required in one direction. In these cases, a flexible matrix composite (FMC) skin is proposed as a possible solution. A FMC comprises of stiff fibers embedded in a soft, high-strain capable matrix material. The matrix-dominated direction is aligned with the morphing direction. This allows the skin to undergo large strain at low energy cost. However, the high-stiffness in the fiber-dominated direction allows application of pretension along this direction, without rupture, and is critical for the membrane skin to carry out-of-plane pressure loads without excessive deformation. An analysis for a FMC skin panel is developed and validated against experiment. The analysis is used to conduct design studies. Comparison of the FMC skin to a matrix-only skin illustrates the importance of the fiber’s stiffness in tolerating pretension and limiting out-of-plane deformation under load. The other dominant parameter that limits out-of-plane deformation is panel size, with smaller lengths in the non-morphing direction proving beneficial. In general, fiber and matrix modulus has limited effect on out-of-plane deformation of flexskin panels.
Optimization of Smart Beams for Maximum Modal Electromechanical Coupling Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Bourisli Raed I. , Al-Ajmi Mohammed A.
Published: April 2010

In this article, the piezoelectric coverage area of a shear deformable cantilever beam is optimized for maximum modal electromechanical coupling coefficient. A discrete layer finite element model with piezoelectric capability is implemented to solve the free vibration problem under open-circuit and short-circuit electric boundary conditions. A binary-coded genetic algorithm was used to carry out the optimization. The piezoelectric coverage locations are found to be dependent upon the mode of vibration, which is primarily due to charge cancelation at higher modes. Optimal distribution tends to cover part of the beam experiencing maximum bending. It is shown that the type of base beam material has negligible effect on the optimum locations of the piezoelectric material. Furthermore, an optimum ratio of piezoelectric-to-beam thickness exists for the first three modes.
Influenza Vaccinations, Fall 2009: Model School-Located Vaccination Clinics
Authors: Herl Jenlink Carolyn , Kuehnert Paul , Mazyck Donna
Published: April 2010

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus presented a major challenge to health departments, schools, and other community partners to effectively vaccinate large numbers of Americans, primarily children. The use of school-located vaccination (SLV) programs to address this challenge led health departments and schools to become creative in developing models for successful SLV implementation. Successful models are explored in this article.
Gender Differences and Similarities in a Screening Process for Emotional and Behavioral Risks in Secondary Schools
Authors: Young Ellie L. , Sabbah Hilda Y. , Young Benjamin J. , Reiser Matthew L. , Richardson Michael J.
Published: April 2010

Few research studies have examined how screening outcomes may be different or similar for males and females, despite evidence that male students outnumber female students in special education populations and are more likely to experience school failure. During the 3 years of this study, 15,932 students in Grades 6 through 9 were screened with the use of a modified version of the Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD). Within this period, 1,065 nominations were collected for students identified as at risk for internalizing and externalizing problems, of which 77.4% were male. The average ratio of males to females nominated was approximately 5:1 for externalizing behaviors, 2:1 for internalizing behaviors, and 3:1 for total nominations. Reliability coefficients on the Adaptive and Maladaptive scales from the SSBD Stage 2 were comparable for both genders as determined by Fisher’s z tests. On the Adaptive scale, female students tended to be rated higher by their teachers. A multivariate analysis (general linear model) was conducted to examine gender socioeconomic status, and the internalizing—externalizing dimension at SSBD Stage 1 as predictors of scores on the three SSBD Stage 2 scales (Critical Events, Adaptive, and Maladaptive).