bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of NEDD4L Ubiquitin Ligase With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Russo Christopher J. , Melista Efthymia , Cui Jing , DeStefano Anita L. , Bakris George L. , Manolis Athanasios J. , Gavras Haralambos , Baldwin Clinton T.
Published: August 2005

NEDD4L is a ubiquitin ligase that controls cell surface expression of kidney epithelial Na
+
channels by ubiquitin-mediated endocytosis and lysosome targeting. Thus, it is a significant determinant of Na
+
reabsorption in the distal nephron. The
NEDD4L
gene is located on human chromosome 18q21 within several blood pressure quantitative trait loci, including those for familial orthostatic hypotension, essential hypertension, pulse pressure, and systolic blood pressure response to postural challenge. Because of the importance of NEDD4L to Na
+
balance, many of these studies have proposed that mutations in
NEDD4L
may be responsible for these blood pressure phenotypes. To test this hypothesis, we fine-mapped the
NEDD4L
region in 2 families with orthostatic hypotension, which we previously reported to be linked to human chromosome 18q21 but failed to implicate
NEDD4L
in these families. We also typed multiple
NEDD4L
single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a collection of US whites, Greek whites, and African-Americans individuals with essential hypertension. A significant association between several SNPs and hypertension was observed in all 3 populations. One of the SNPs associated in African Americans is known to result in premature truncation of the NEDD4L protein. Thus, genetic variation in
NEDD4L
may play a role in the development or progression of some forms of abnormal blood pressure.
Aliskiren, a Human Renin Inhibitor, Ameliorates Cardiac and Renal Damage in Double-Transgenic Rats
Authors: Pilz Bernhard , Shagdarsuren Erdenechimeg , Wellner Maren , Fiebeler Anette , Dechend Ralf , Gratze Petra , Meiners Silke , Feldman David L. , Webb Randy L. , Garrelds Ingrid M. , Jan Danser A.H. , Luft Friedrich C. , Müller Dominik N.
Published: August 2005

We tested the hypothesis that the renin inhibitor aliskiren ameliorates organ damage in rats transgenic for human renin and angiotensinogen genes (double transgenic rat [dTGR]). Six-week-old dTGR were matched by albuminuria (2 mg per day) and divided into 5 groups. Untreated dTGR were compared with aliskiren (3 and 0.3 mg/kg per day)-treated and valsartan (Val; 10 and 1 mg/kg per day)-treated rats. Treatment was from week 6 through week 9. At week 6, all groups had elevated systolic blood pressure (BP). Untreated dTGR showed increased BP (202±4 mm Hg), serum creatinine, and albuminuria (34±5.7 mg per day) at week 7. At week 9, both doses of aliskiren lowered BP (115±6 and 139±5 mm Hg) and albuminuria (0.4±0.1 and 1.6±0.6 mg per day) and normalized serum creatinine. Although high-dose Val lowered BP (148±4 mm Hg) and albuminuria (2.1±0.7 mg per day), low-dose Val reduced BP (182±3 mm Hg) and albuminuria (24±3.8 mg per day) to a lesser extent. Mortality was 100% in untreated dTGR and 26% in Val (1 mg/kg per day) treated rats, whereas in all other groups, survival was 100%. dTGR treated with low-dose Val had cardiac hypertrophy (4.4±0.1 mg/g), increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, and diastolic dysfunction. LV atrial natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain mRNA, albuminuria, fibrosis, and cell infiltration were also increased. In contrast, both aliskiren doses and the high-dose Val lowered BP to a similar extent and more effectively than low-dose Val. We conclude that in dTGR, equieffective antihypertensive doses of Val or aliskiren attenuated end-organ damage. Thus, renin inhibition compares favorably to angiotensin receptor blockade in reversing organ damage in dTGR.
Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Cardiac Function in a Rat Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nagaya Noritoshi , Kangawa Kenji , Itoh Takefumi , Iwase Takashi , Murakami Shinsuke , Miyahara Yoshinori , Fujii Takafumi , Uematsu Masaaki , Ohgushi Hajime , Yamagishi Masakazu , Tokudome Takeshi , Mori Hidezo , Miyatake Kunio , Kitamura Soichiro
Published: August 2005

Background—

Pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into a variety of cells, including cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. However, little information is available about the therapeutic potency of MSC transplantation in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), an important cause of heart failure.

Methods and Results—

We investigated whether transplanted MSCs induce myogenesis and angiogenesis and improve cardiac function in a rat model of DCM. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow aspirates of isogenic adult rats and expanded ex vivo. Cultured MSCs secreted large amounts of the angiogenic, antiapoptotic, and mitogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, adrenomedullin, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Five weeks after immunization, MSCs or vehicle was injected into the myocardium. Some engrafted MSCs were positive for the cardiac markers desmin, cardiac troponin T, and connexin-43, whereas others formed vascular structures and were positive for von Willebrand factor or smooth muscle actin. Compared with vehicle injection, MSC transplantation significantly increased capillary density and decreased the collagen volume fraction in the myocardium, resulting in decreased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (11±1 versus 16±1 mm Hg,
P
<0.05) and increased left ventricular maximum
dP
/
dt
(6767±323 versus 5138±280 mm Hg/s,
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

MSC transplantation improved cardiac function in a rat model of DCM, possibly through induction of myogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as by inhibition of myocardial fibrosis. The beneficial effects of MSCs might be mediated not only by their differentiation into cardiomyocytes and vascular cells but also by their ability to supply large amounts of angiogenic, antiapoptotic, and mitogenic factors.
Anemia and Change in Hemoglobin Over Time Related to Mortality and Morbidity in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Anand Inder S. , Kuskowski Michael A. , Rector Thomas S. , Florea Viorel G. , Glazer Robert D. , Hester Allen , Chiang Yann Tong , Aknay Nora , Maggioni Aldo P. , Opasich Cristina , Latini Roberto , Cohn Jay N.
Published: August 2005

Background—

Anemia is known to be a prognostic marker for patients with heart failure. However, little is known about the prognostic value of changes in hemoglobin (Hgb) over time or about the causes of anemia.

Methods and Results—

Retrospective analysis of Valsartan Heart Failure Trial data indicated that the quartile of patients with the biggest average decrease in Hgb over 12 months (from 14.2 to 12.6 g/dL) had significantly (
P
≤0.01) increased risk of subsequent hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47), morbid events (HR, 1.41), and death (HR, 1.6) compared with the quartile that exhibited little change in Hgb over 12 months (from 13.7 to 13.8 g/dL). Increasing Hgb was significantly associated with lower mortality in patients with (HR, 0.78) and without (HR, 0.79) anemia at baseline. Anemia at baseline and the changes in Hgb were independently associated with serum albumin, blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, B-type natriuretic peptide, and C-reactive protein. Lack of anemia at baseline and increases in Hgb over 12 months were not associated with smaller left ventricular diameters or higher ejection fractions.

Conclusions—

Changes in Hgb over 12 months were inversely associated with subsequent risk of mortality and morbidity, independently of the effects of baseline anemia and other important predictors. Several factors were independently related to anemia at baseline and changes in Hgb, suggesting multiple causes of anemia in patients with heart failure. These findings raise important questions about the optimal level of Hgb in patients with moderate to severe heart failure and how to achieve them.
Volumetric Quantification of Global and Regional Left Ventricular Function From Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Images
Authors: Corsi Cristiana , Lang Roberto M. , Veronesi Federico , Weinert Lynn , Caiani Enrico G. , MacEneaney Peter , Lamberti Claudio , Mor-Avi Victor
Published: August 2005

Background—Real-time 3D echocardiographic (RT3DE) data sets contain dynamic volumetric information on cardiac function. However, quantification of left ventricular (LV) function from 3D echocardiographic data is performed on cut-planes extracted from the 3D data sets and thus does not fully exploit the volumetric information. Accordingly, we developed a volumetric analysis technique aimed at quantification of global and regional LV function.

Methods and Results—RT3DE images obtained in 30 patients (Philips 7500) were analyzed by use of custom software based on the level-set approach for semiautomated detection of LV endocardial surface throughout the cardiac cycle, from which global and regional LV volume (LVV)–time and wall motion (WM)–time curves were obtained. The study design included 3 protocols. In protocol 1, time curves obtained in 16 patients were compared point-by-point with MRI data (linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses). Global LVV correlated highly with MRI (r=0.98;y=0.99x+2.3) with minimal bias (1.4 mL) and narrow limits of agreement (±20 mL). WM correlated highly only in basal and midventricular segments (r=0.88;y=0.85x+0.7). In protocol 2, we tested the ability of this technique to differentiate populations with known differences in LV function by studying 9 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 9 normal subjects. All calculated indices of global and regional systolic and diastolic LV function were significantly different between the groups. In protocol 3, we tested the feasibility of automated detection of regional WM abnormalities in 11 patients. In each segment, abnormality was detected when regional shortening fraction was below a threshold obtained in normal subjects. The automated detection agreed with expert interpretation of 2D WM in 86% of segments.

Conclusions—Volumetric analysis of RT3DE data is clinically feasible and allows fast, semiautomated, dynamic measurement of LVV and automated detection of regional WM abnormalities.
Increased Cardiac Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 Is Related to Cardiac Fibrosis and Dysfunction in the Chronic Pressure-Overloaded Human Heart
Authors: Heymans Stephane , Schroen Blanche , Vermeersch Pieter , Milting Hendrik , Gao Fangye , Kassner Astrid , Gillijns Hilde , Herijgers Paul , Flameng Willem , Carmeliet Peter , Van de Werf Frans , Pinto Yigal M. , Janssens Stefan
Published: August 2005

Background—

Alterations in the balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Whether their expression is related to interstitial fibrosis or LV dysfunction in patients with chronic pressure overload–induced LV hypertrophy, however, is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Therefore, cardiac biopsies were taken in 36 patients with isolated aortic stenosis (AS) and in 29 control patients without LV hypertrophy. Microarray analysis revealed significantly increased mRNA expression of collagen types I, III, and IV and transcripts involved in collagen synthesis, including procollagen endopeptidase and lysine and proline hydroxylases, in AS compared with control patients. Collagen deposition was greater in AS than in control patients and was most pronounced in AS patients with severe diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac mRNA expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was significantly increased in AS compared with control patients (mRNA transcript levels normalized to GAPDH: TIMP-1, 0.67±0.1 in AS versus 0.37±0.08 in control patients; TIMP-2, 9.5±2.6 in AS versus 1.6±0.4 in control patients;
P
<0.05 for both) but did not differ significantly for MMP-1, -2, or -9. Cardiac TIMP-1 and -2 transcripts were significantly related to the degree of interstitial fibrosis and proportional to diastolic dysfunction in AS patients.

Conclusions—

Cardiac expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 is significantly increased in chronic pressure-overloaded human hearts compared with controls and is related to the degree of interstitial fibrosis.
Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation in Humans
Authors: Khambadkone Sachin , Coats Louise , Taylor Andrew , Boudjemline Younes , Derrick Graham , Tsang Victor , Cooper Jeffrey , Muthurangu Vivek , Hegde Sanjeet R. , Razavi Reza S. , Pellerin Denis , Deanfield John , Bonhoeffer Philipp
Published: August 2005

Background—

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction with valved conduits in infancy and childhood leads to reintervention for pulmonary regurgitation and stenosis in later life.

Methods and Results—

Patients with pulmonary regurgitation with or without stenosis after repair of congenital heart disease had percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). Mortality, hemodynamic improvement, freedom from explantation, and subjective and objective changes in exercise tolerance were end points. PPVI was performed successfully in 58 patients, 32 male, with a median age of 16 years and median weight of 56 kg. The majority had a variant of tetralogy of Fallot (n=36), or transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect with pulmonary stenosis (n=8). The right ventricular (RV) pressure (64.4±17.2 to 50.4±14 mm Hg,
P
<0.001), RVOT gradient (33±24.6 to 19.5±15.3,
P
<0.001), and pulmonary regurgitation (PR) (grade 2 of greater before, none greater than grade 2 after,
P
<0.001) decreased significantly after PPVI. MRI showed significant reduction in PR fraction (21±13% versus 3±4%,
P
<0.001) and in RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) (94±28 versus 82±24 mL · beat
−1
· m
−2
,
P
<0.001) and a significant increase in left ventricular EDV (64±12 versus 71±13 mL · beat
−1
· m
−2
,
P
=0.005) and effective RV stroke volume (37±7 versus 42±9 mL · beat
−1
· m
−2
,
P
=0.006) in 28 patients (age 19±8 years). A further 16 subjects, on metabolic exercise testing, showed significant improvement in V̇
o
2
max (26±7 versus 29±6 mL · kg
−1
· min
−1
,
P
<0.001). There was no mortality.

Conclusions—

PPVI is feasible at low risk, with quantifiable improvement in MRI-defined ventricular parameters and pulmonary regurgitation, and results in subjective and objective improvement in exercise capacity.
Volume-Outcome Relationships for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in the Stent Era
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Wu Chuntao , Walford Gary , King Spencer B. , Holmes David R. , Ambrose John A. , Sharma Samin , Katz Stanley , Clark Luther T. , Jones Robert H.
Published: August 2005

Background—

Most studies that are the basis of recommended volume thresholds for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) predate the routine use of stent placement.

Methods and Results—

Data from New York’s Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Reporting System in 1998 to 2000 (n=107 713) were used to examine the impact of annual hospital volume and annual operator volume on in-hospital mortality, same-day coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and same-stay CABG surgery after adjustment for differences in patients’ severity of illness. For a hospital-volume threshold of 400, the odds ratios for low-volume hospitals versus high-volume hospitals were 1.98 (95% CI, 1.17, 3.35) for in-hospital mortality, 2.07 (95% CI, 1.36, 3.15) for same-day CABG surgery, and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.03, 2.21) for same-stay CABG surgery. For an operator-volume threshold of 75, the odds ratios for low-volume versus high-volume operators were 1.65 (95% CI, 1.05, 2.60) for same-day CABG surgery and 1.55 (95% CI, 1.10, 2.18) for same-stay CABG surgery. Operator volume was not significantly associated with mortality. Also, for hospital volumes below 400 and operator volumes below 75, the respective odds of mortality, same-day CABG surgery, and same-stay CABG surgery were 5.92, 4.02, and 3.92 times the odds for hospital volumes of 400 or higher and operator volumes of 75 or higher.

Conclusions—

Higher-volume operators and hospitals continue to experience lower risk-adjusted PCI outcome rates.
Vascular Smooth Muscle Overexpression of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase 5 Elevates Blood Pressure, Which Segregates With Sex and Is Dependent on G
i
-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Keys Janelle R. , Zhou Rui-Hai , Harris David M. , Druckman Charles A. , Eckhart Andrea D.
Published: August 2005

Background—

Essential hypertension involves an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and an associated decrease in β-adrenergic receptor (AR)–mediated dilation. In addition, increased levels of G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs), which regulate GPCR signaling, are associated with increased blood pressure (BP).

Methods and Results—

We generated transgenic mice with ≈2-fold vascular smooth muscle (VSM)–specific overexpression of GRK5 to recapitulate a selective aspect of hypertension and understand the impact on GPCR regulation of BP. VSM-GRK5 mice were hypertensive, with a 25% to 35% increase in BP, whereas there was no concomitant cardiac or VSM hypertrophy. BP elevations were segregated with sex, with male mice having higher levels than female mice, and ovariectomy did not alter this phenotype. BP was restored to control values with pertussis toxin G
i
-signaling inhibition or chronic β
1
AR inhibition after 7 days of CGP20712A, whereas the β
2
AR antagonist ICI 118,551 was ineffective. α
1
AR response was not altered, nor was βAR-mediated dilation in male blood vessels, whereas norepinephrine sensitivity was increased. In contrast, female VSM-GRK5 blood vessels have diminished βAR-mediated dilation and enhanced sensitivity to angiotensin II (Ang II).

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that in both male and female mice, VSM-specific overexpression of GRK5 elevates BP mediated by G
i
and, at least in part, by β
1
AR in males and Ang II receptors in females. Understanding mechanisms underlying an increase in VSM-GRK5 may have a profound influence on the use and development of antihypertensive therapeutics.
Systemic Endothelial Dysfunction in Adults With Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Oechslin Erwin , Kiowski Wolfgang , Schindler Ruth , Bernheim Alain , Julius Barbara , Brunner-La Rocca Hans Peter
Published: August 2005

Background—

Secondary erythrocytosis results in increased shear stress in cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD), which may modify the balance between vasodilators and vasoconstrictors and affect systemic endothelial function. Because no data are available on systemic vasomotion, systemic endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) availability were investigated in CCHD patients.

Methods and Results—

Responses to arterial endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine [Ach]) and -independent (sodium nitroprusside [SNP]) vasodilation, NO synthase blockade (
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine [
l
-NMMA]), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and ET-1 receptor blockade by BQ-123 in 11 CCHD patients (O
2
saturation <90%; mean±SD, 79±1%; mean±SD age, 39±2 years) were compared with those in 10 age-matched healthy referents by using forearm venous occlusion plethysmography. Resting forearm blood flow (FBF) was lower in CCHD patients than in referents (2.4±0.2 versus 3.5±0.4 mL · min
−1
· 100 mL
−1
of forearm volume [FAV],
P
<0.05). Although the response to SNP was similar in both groups (CCHD, 2.0±0.3 to 8.3±1.0; referents, 3.6±0.7 to 11.9±1.2 mL · min
−1
· 100 mL
−1
of FAV;
P
>0.1), the response to Ach was markedly reduced in CCHD (maximal increase in FBF, 2.8±0.8 versus 37.5±4.4 mL · min
−1
· 100 mL
−1
of FAV;
P
<0.0001).
l
-NMMA was less effective in CCHD (decrease in FBF, 25±6% versus 40±4%;
P
<0.05). ET-1 caused less vasoconstriction in the CCHD group (−25±9% versus −51±7%,
P
<0.05), but the response to BQ-123 was similar in both groups (32±9% versus 27±9%).

Conclusions—

Systemic endothelial dysfunction is evident in CCHD patients as shown by strikingly reduced endothelial vasodilation to Ach. The response to exogenous ET-1 is reduced, possibly because of elevated endogenous ET-1 levels, but the effects of endogenous ET-1 on arterial tone are not enhanced, as indicated by the similar response to ET-1 blockade.
Platelet Adhesion Via Glycoprotein IIb Integrin Is Critical for Atheroprogression and Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Massberg Steffen , Schürzinger Katrin , Lorenz Michael , Konrad Ildiko , Schulz Christian , Plesnila Nikolaus , Kennerknecht Elisabeth , Rudelius Martina , Sauer Susanne , Braun Siegmund , Kremmer Elisabeth , Emambokus Nikla R. , Frampton Jon , Gawaz Meinrad
Published: August 2005

Background—

The platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa integrin binds to fibrinogen and thereby mediates platelet aggregation. Here, we addressed the role of GP IIb for platelet adhesion and determined the relevance of platelet GP IIb for the processes of atherosclerosis and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods and Results—

GP IIb
−/−
mice were generated and bred with ApoE
−/−
animals to create GP IIb
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice. Platelet adhesion to the mechanically injured or atherosclerotic vessel wall was monitored by in vivo video fluorescence microscopy. In the presence of GP IIb, vascular injury and early atherosclerosis induced platelet adhesion in the carotid artery (CA). In contrast, platelet adhesion was significantly reduced in the absence of GP IIb integrin (
P
<0.05). To address the contribution of platelet GP IIb to atheroprogression, we determined atherosclerotic lesion formation in the CA and aortic arch (AA) of GP IIb
+/+
ApoE
−/−
or GP IIb
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice. Interestingly, the absence of GP IIb attenuated lesion formation in CA and AA, indicating that platelets, via GP IIb, contribute substantially to atherosclerosis. Next, we assessed the implication of GP IIb for cerebral I/R injury. We observed that after occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, the cerebral infarct size was drastically reduced in mice lacking GP IIb compared with wild-types.

Conclusions—

These findings show for the first time in vivo that GP IIb not only mediates platelet aggregation but also triggers platelet adhesion to exposed extracellular matrices and dysfunctional endothelial cells. In a process strictly involving GP IIb, platelets, which are among the first blood cells to arrive at the scene of endothelial dysfunction, contribute essentially to atherosclerosis and cerebral I/R injury.
Reversal of Cardiomyopathy in Patients With Repetitive Monomorphic Ventricular Ectopy Originating From the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Yarlagadda Ravi K. , Iwai Sei , Stein Kenneth M. , Markowitz Steven M. , Shah Bindi K. , Cheung Jim W. , Tan Vivian , Lerman Bruce B. , Mittal Suneet
Published: August 2005

Background—

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy caused by ventricular tachycardia is a well-defined clinical entity. Less well appreciated is whether simple ventricular ectopy can result in cardiomyopathy. We sought to examine a potential causal relationship between repetitive monomorphic ventricular ectopy originating from the right ventricular outflow tract and cardiomyopathy and the role of ablation in reversing this process.

Methods and Results—

The study consisted of 27 patients (11 men; age, 47±15 years) with repetitive monomorphic ventricular ectopy, including 8 patients (30%) with depressed ventricular function (ejection fraction ≤45%). All patients underwent assessment of cardiac structure and function. The burden of ectopy was quantified through 24-hour Holter monitoring. Patients then underwent ablation guided by 3D mapping. After ablation, patients underwent repeated Holter monitoring and reassessment of cardiac function. Patients with depressed ventricular function were more likely to be older than patients with normal function (58±14 versus 42±18 years;
P
=0.013). However, the burden of ventricular ectopy was similar in patients with (17 859±13 488 ectopic beats per 24 hours) and without (17 541±11 479 ectopic beats per 24 hours;
P
=0.800) preserved ventricular function. Successful ablation was performed in 23 patients (85%), including 7 of 8 patients with depressed ventricular function. In this latter group, ventricular function improved in all patients (from 39±6% to 62±6%;
P
=0.017).

Conclusions—

Repetitive monomorphic ventricular ectopy (in the absence of sustained ventricular tachycardia) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract is an underappreciated cause of unexplained cardiomyopathy. Successful ablation of the focal source of ventricular ectopy results in normalization of left ventricular function. Patients with ectopy-induced cardiomyopathy are significantly older than patients with preserved ventricular function, which suggests either that older patients are more susceptible to the development of a cardiomyopathy or that the cardiomyopathy has had a longer period of time in which to evolve.
The Greek of Codex Vaticanus in the Second Gospel and Marcan Greek
Authors: Voelz James
Published: August 2005

This study seeks to describe in some detail the characteristics of the Greek of ms. B, Vaticanus, in the Gospel of Mark (including features of orthography, vocabulary, morphology, and syntax) and then to compare them to the characteristics of the Greek of that gospel, as determined on the basis of a much greater range of ms. evidence. It finds that the relationship between ms. B's characteristics and those of Mark is complex; the two are largely but not completely congruent. Of special interest is the fact that the Greek of both exhibits a great "shift" in the latter half of the book; from chapter 8 onward it is more "Hellenic," new linguistic patterns emerge, and inconsistencies of usage begin to make a strong appearance.
Community Opportunity, Perceptions of Opportunity, and the Odds of an Adolescent Birth
Authors: Driscoll Anne K. , Sugland Barbara W. , Manlove Jennifer , Papillo Angela R.
Published: August 2005

The ability of the opportunity cost framework to predict the risk of a teen birth is tested by analyzing the relationship between adolescents’ perceptions of opportunity and the odds of a teen birth across levels of community opportunity. Patterns of this relationship are compared across African American, Latina, and White teens and across socioeconomic status (SES) level. High educational expectations protect Whites, Latinas, and low-SES teens from low-opportunity communities from a teen birth.
The Relationship between Social Capital and Corporal Punishment in Schools
Authors: Owen Stephen S.
Published: August 2005

This article explores the relationship between the use of corporal punishment in the public schools and the amount of social capital (i.e., residents’ degree of involvement in community matters) in a state. Existing state-level data regarding social capital and incidents of corporal punishment were utilized. Results show a statistically significant inverse relationship between the amount of social capital and the legality and use of school corporal punishment. Social capital is also related to racial disproportionality in the use of corporal punishment in schools. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Finding Homeless Youth
Authors: Witkin Andrea L. , Milburn Norweeta G. , Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane , Batterham Philip , May Susanne , Brooks Ronald
Published: August 2005

A census of homeless youth was conducted in locations across Los Angeles County, California. Building on previous research that has focused on homeless youth in cruise areas, the authors examined demographic and behavioral differences between homeless youth in cruise and noncruise areas. Youth in cruise areas were more likely than youth in noncruise areas to be older, to have been away from home longer, to have recently visited community-based agencies, and were likely to have resided in shelters and less likely to attend school. These data suggest possible selection bias in earlier studies that relied primarily on homeless youth from cruise areas.
Social change and the corporate construction of gay markets in the New York Times’ advertising business news
Authors: Ragusa Angela T.
Published: August 2005

Analysis of a random sample of New York Times’ advertising business news articles reveals change in the perception and pursuit of sexual minorities - gays, lesbians, bisexuals and trans-persons (GLBTs) - as consumers of mainstream products between 1980 and 2000. Critical analysis identified three trends: corporate shunning; corporate curiosity and fear; corporate pursuit. Social representation, cultural norms, stereotypes and visibility were explored for each trend, revealing qualitative and quantitative inequality among social groups. Although all GLBTs experienced increased news coverage, gay men received twice the coverage of lesbians. Advertisers and the Times changed from stigmatizing and avoiding homosexuals to promoting stereotypes of gay affluence, creating ‘controversial’ ad campaigns with ‘shock value’, commodifying social identity and establishing a gay market niche. Representations reflect homogenized understandings of sexuality, with bisexuals and trans-persons invisible. Case studies demonstrate the Times’ contribution to norms, values and beliefs characterizing GLBTs, supporting research characterizing the media an active agent shaping cultural production of sexuality. Visibility is argued not to have granted social legitimation but to evidence social change in the status of homosexuality from deviant/stigmatized to selectively commodified and spectacularized.
The global ‘epidemic’ of movie ‘piracy’: crime-wave or social construction?
Authors: Yar Majid
Published: August 2005

The growth of film ‘piracy’ has become an increasingly high-profile issue. Business groups, national governments, international organizations and law enforcement agencies have claimed that ‘piracy’ has undergone near-exponential growth, doing untold damage to the movie industry. This article attempts to critically examine this apparent ‘epidemic’. Two contrasting types of explanation are explored. The first treats the rise in film ‘piracy’ as the real effect of a range of social, economic and technological changes. However, the second perspective takes a more critical stance towards ‘official’ discourse, and suggests that the ‘epidemic’ in fact ought to be seen as the product of shifting legal regimes, lobbying activities, rhetorical manoeuvres, criminal justice agendas, and ‘interested’ or ‘partial’ processes of statistical inference. I suggest that this latter reading of ‘piracy’ as a ‘social construction’ is a necessary and valuable counter to an industry-led discourse that tends to obscure rather than illuminate the complex array of processes at work.
Interpretability and social power, or, why postmodern advertising works
Authors: Morris Martin
Published: August 2005

It is commonplace to recognize in contemporary advertising a ‘hyperreality’ associated with the greatly expanded and intensified use of images and simulations. While the predominance of an image culture seems to de-emphasize the cognitive generation of meaning that is achieved through linguistically mediated logic, consumers are nevertheless expected to respond with far greater ‘interpretive reflexivity’ to such advertising, a response that activates their cognitive engagement. This article seeks to explain why such ‘postmodern’ advertising works with reference to the political economy of postmodern capitalism and by developing the concept of ‘interpretive power’ that is drawn from Jürgen Habermass’s theory of communicative action and his notion of intelligibility. I argue that postmodern media culture increasingly relies upon an orientation toward validity that the ‘commodity aesthetics’ of earlier advertising either minimized or did not require. Accompanying this demonstration is a contextualization and analysis of an emblematic case of postmodern advertising. I conclude that, far from necessarily signaling a profound crisis in meaning as some commentators assert, a postmodern media culture that relies more and more on the interpretive ‘communicative competence’ of its addressees suggests both greater potential power for cultural commodification as well as greater potential resistance to this by consumers.
‘The whole nation is listening to you’: the presentation of the self on a tabloid talk radio show
Authors: O’Sullivan Sara
Published: August 2005

This article focuses on callers’ experiences of participating on a tabloid talk radio show. The performative dimension of calling was found to be central. This is an aspect of participation on talk radio shows that has been largely neglected by previous studies. Callers have concerns about how they manage their self-presentation on-air. They are aware of both the host and the listening audience, and try to control the impression they ‘give off’. Callers to The Gerry Ryan Show are central players who, together with the host and the production team, contribute to the staging of debate in this on-air forum. Concerns about performance were found to be secondary for those who rang the show with a problem. These callers tended to prioritize instrumental goals such as problem-solving or support-seeking.
The politics of the web: the case of one newsgroup
Authors: Waldstein Maxim
Published: August 2005

The internet is often portrayed as a borderless liberal space of equal opportunities and unconstrained communication. By contrast, this article emphasizes the profoundly contested nature of the communication on ‘the web’. Based on a short period of close observation of one internet newsgroup, this study illuminates specific discursive strategies by means of which domination, cooption, resistance and exclusion enter the virtual space of internet communication. In addition, the liberal character of the internet is observed to be not so much due to the reign of liberal principles as due to the strategic advantage enjoyed by ‘liberal actors’ in newsgroup exchanges. Hence, the study illuminates major mechanisms of the ‘liberal domination’ in the net as well as the operations of power in contemporary liberal societies at large.
Unveiling imperialism: media, gender and the war on Afghanistan
Authors: Stabile Carol A. , Kumar Deepa
Published: August 2005

The oppression of Afghan women by fundamentalist groups was barely addressed by the corporate media until it proved rhetorically useful for US elites to argue for military intervention as a means to liberate the women of that country. This article critically interrogates this claim, and analyzes media coverage of Afghan women before and after the US invasion on 7 October 2001. First, we present an overview of conflicts in Afghanistan, focusing on the US’s economic and strategic interests in the region, and its role in supporting and funding Islamic fundamentalism. Attention to this context, absent from media accounts, is essential to understanding the plight of Afghan women in all its complexity. Second, we examine news frameworks and the ways in which Afghan women figure in imperialist agendas in a thoroughly Orientalist manner. Finally, we turn to the outcome of the war and the situation for Afghan women today.
How much is too little? Privacy and smart cards in Hong Kong and Ontario
Authors: Bailey Stuart G. M. , Caidi Nadia
Published: August 2005

In this article, we analyze the notion of privacy - how it is conceptualized and implemented as a constitutive element of identity - in two different cultures: Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and Ontario, Canada. By examining the two jurisdictions of Hong Kong and Ontario, we argue that, in addition to institutional structures, differing cultural notions of privacy affect the acceptance of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). For our comparison, we focus on one potentially privacy-invasive technology, smart cards, and discuss the factors that contribute to their adoption and use in the two regions selected, including one’s conceptualization of digital identity and privacy, and the role of consultation and public debate.
Integrating option model and knowledge management performance measures: an empirical study
Authors: Chen Mu-Yen , Chen An-Pin
Published: August 2005

The knowledge-based economy is coming, and knowledge management (KM) has rapidly disseminated in academic circles as well as in the business world. While an increasing number of companies have launched into knowledge management initiatives, a large proportion of these initiatives are limited to a technical focus. The problem with this type of focus is that it excludes and neglects the true potential benefits that can be derived from knowledge management. This paper develops a new metric, knowledge management performance index (KMPI), for evaluating the performance of a firm in its KM at a point in time. We therefore suggest that a KMPI can be used to determine KM activities from the following perspectives: knowledge creation, knowledge conversion, knowledge circulation and knowledge completion. When KM activities efficiency is increased, KMPI will also be expanded, enabling firms to become knowledge intensive. This paper makes three important contributions: (1) it provides a formal theoretical grounding for the validity of the Black-Scholes model that might be applied to KM; (2) it proposes a measurement framework to enable knowledge assets to be leveraged effectively and efficiently; and (3) it presents the first application of the Black-Scholes model that uses a real-world business situation involving KM as its test bed. The results prove the option pricing model can act as a measurement guideline to the whole range of KM activities.
A message conversion system, XML-based metadata semantics description language and metadata repository
Authors: Jeong Dongwon , In Peter Hoh , Jarnjak Fran , Kim Young-Gab , Baik Doo-Kwon
Published: August 2005

Metadata can be used to precisely represent data semantics. It can also serve to improve data sharing and exchange. Because the various types of metadata are created in different ways, they can suffer from a problem of inconsistency. Recently, metadata gateway methods have been researched to solve this problem. However, the performance of the existing approaches based on metadata schemas is poor and their maintenance (adaptation of metadata changes) is time consuming. In this paper, a novel message conversion system is proposed, which functions by separating the heterogeneous mapping information from the mapping rules of the metadata, in order to overcome the drawbacks of the existing metadata gateway methods. The proposed system controls the standardized data elements dynamically based on the Metadata Registry (MDR), which is one of the most important elements of the ISO/IEC 11179 standard. The problems associated with adding supplementary metadata are resolved, since the standard provides for incorporating additional data elements created in the future. MSDL is defined as a protocol which can be used for exchanging messages between heterogeneous systems, and which ensures that all of the systems have their own independent metadata schemas.
Constructing intelligent and open mobile commerce using a semantic web approach
Authors: Liao Lejian , Xu Kaiquan , Liao Stephen Shaoyi
Published: August 2005

To achieve the full potential of mobile commerce (m-Commerce), many problems need to be resolved, such as how to make m-Commerce seamlessly span wide areas with heterogeneous information sources; how to improve the matchmaking between user requirements and product specifications; and how to make m-Commerce systems more intelligent in taking different actions according to different user context environments. We believe that the semantic web is a promising technology to solve these problems. In this paper, a framework is proposed in which semantic web ontology is used to model the contexts, user profiles, and product/service information. The semantic web service ontology, OWL-S, is extended for matching user requirements with product specifications at the semantic level, with context information taken into account. Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) is used for inferencing with context and user profile descriptions. Our system adopts a multi-agent infrastructure to deal with the integration and interaction between information sources and users. This paper demonstrates some of the great potential of semantic web technology for m-Commerce.
Efficient mining method for retrieving sequential patterns over online data streams
Authors: Chang Joong Hyuk , Lee Won Suk
Published: August 2005

With the usefulness of data mining in various fields of information science, various mining methods have been proposed in previous research. Recently, in these fields, data has taken the form of continuous data streams rather than finite stored data sets. In this paper, a mining method of sequential patterns over an online sequence data stream is proposed, which is useful for retrieving embedded knowledge in the data stream. The proposed method can minimize memory usage of the mining process while an error is allowed in its mining result, and supports flexible trade-off between memory usage and mining accuracy. However, the error is minimized by an accurate estimation method for the count of a sequence, which considers the ordering information of items. The proposed method can catch a recent change in a sequence data stream in a short time, by a decaying mechanism gracefully discarding old information that may be no longer useful.
Influencing web-browsing behavior with intriguing and informative hyperlink wording
Authors: Wei Carolyn Y. , Evans Mary B. , Eliot Matthew , Barrick Jennifer , Maust Brandon , Spyridakis Jan H.
Published: August 2005

Textual hyperlinks are important mainstays of the navigation systems of websites. The study presented here examines how the wording of hyperlinks in a navigation menu and embedded within the body text of a web page can influence users’ browsing behavior, perceptions, and comprehension. Five experimental conditions were tested that varied hyper-link wording (generic, intriguing, and informative) in a navigation menu and in embedded links. Significant differences were found between the experimental conditions concerning number of links clicked, number of pages viewed, and inferential comprehension, with higher scores for study participants in conditions that had a navigation menu with generic hyperlink wording and embedded hyperlinks with intriguing or informative wording.
‘Let a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought contend’: Towards a variety in programmes for perpetrators of domestic violence
Authors: Rees Alyson , Rivett Mark
Published: August 2005

As the new probation services’ Integrated Domestic Abuse Programmes (IDAP) are being rolled out over the country, this article seeks to argue that we should retain a variety of approaches to domestic abuse perpetrators. This argument is based on a number of themes and is supported by case examples from a programme that until April 2005 has worked with both voluntary and mandated perpetrators in Cardiff. These themes can be summarized into: those that relate to the state of knowledge about such perpetrators; those that relate to the limits of a criminal justice approach to the problem of domestic violence; and lastly to the ability of programmes not placed in the criminal justice arena to more effectively engage perpetrators in change. The particular programme from which case examples are drawn is one which combines a systemic (Duluth) approach with a cognitive behavioural one but which also integrates therapeutic group work methods.
The place of the officer-offender relationship in assisting offenders to desist from crime
Authors: Burnett Ros , McNeill Fergus
Published: August 2005

For decades, the relationship between the officer and offender (variously labelled as the ‘casework relationship’, the ‘supervisory relationship’ or ‘one-to-one work’) was the main channel for probation service interventions. In the modernized probation service in England and Wales, this relationship element has been marginalized, on a policy level at least, by accredited groupwork programmes and case management approaches involving referrals to specialist and other services. However, there are now promising signs that policy makers are re-instating the ‘relationship’ between the practitioner and offender as a core condition for changing the behaviour and social circumstances associated with recidivism. This article traces the factors behind the paradigm shift from casework (in its broadest sense) to case management (more recently termed ‘offender management’) in order to identify why an element of practice once regarded as vital became discredited. It then briefly draws on findings in the mental health field and desistance research to relocate the relationship element within a practice model that is focused on supporting desistance from crime.
Understanding the treatment needs of drug users in prison
Authors: Neale Joanne , Robertson Michele , Saville Esther
Published: August 2005

The authors use data collected in Scotland to investigate differences between individuals entering drug treatment in prison and those entering drug treatment outside the prison setting. They also explore variations between male and female drug-using prisoners. Their findings suggest that prison drug services should be more tailored to the specific needs of both their male and female clients.
The Information Needs of Female Adult Literacy Learners in Accra
Authors: Adjah Olive A.
Published: August 2005

Reports on a study to identify the information needs, information sources, information seeking behaviour and barriers to access to information of 122 female adult literacy learners in Accra, the capital of Ghana. The main information need identified was information to solve day-to-day problems followed by the need to acquire basic conversational skills in English, to communicate with customers they meet in their trades and professions. The information needs of the subjects demand a new concept of service and practice. Literacy agents must team up with librarians to take care of the special needs of women enrolled in literacy classes.
Issues and Challenges of Globalization of Library Services in Nigeria in the 21st Century
Authors: Ani Okon E. , Atseye Emmanuel U. , Esin Jacob E.
Published: August 2005

Reports on a study which sought to investigate the major challenges of globalization of library services in Nigeria. The respondents were librarians from 10 Nigerian university and 6 research libraries. The findings show that: inadequate funding/financial support of libraries, provision of relevant IT infrastructures, human resource/capacity building programme in ICT, uninterrupted power supply/backup, and user education in IT pose major challenges to the globalization of library services in the country. Recommends that governments should give priority to funding/financial support of libraries in their budgets and library managements should prioritize investment in ICT within their limited funds to enable them to support the globalization of library services.
Towards an Effective National Policy on Information and Communication Technologies for Nigeria
Authors: Adeyeye Mike , Iweha Chris C.
Published: August 2005

Examines the reasons for the ineffective implementation of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Policy and its shortcomings as a comprehensive and functional ICT policy for Nigeria. Outlines the efforts made by government agencies and professional associations towards evolving a sustainable national policy, as well as thefactors that have militated against it. Offers suggestions towards the emergence of an appropriate national ICT policy.