bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological evolution of three‐dimensional chemical dissolution front in fluid‐saturated porous media: a numerical simulation approach
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Hobbs B. E. , Ord A. , Hornby P. , Peng Shenglin
Published: April 2008

This paper is concerned with the morphological evolution of three‐dimensional chemical dissolution fronts that occur in fluid‐saturated porous media. A fully coupled system between porosity, pore‐fluid flow and reactive chemical species transport is considered to describe this phenomenon. Using the newly presented concept of the generalized dimensionless pore fluid pressure‐gradient, which can be used to represent the interaction between solute advection, solute diffusion, chemical kinetics and the shape factor of the soluble mineral, a theoretical criterion has been established to assess the likelihood of instability at a chemical dissolution front in the reactive transport system. To simulate the chemical dissolution front evolution in a three‐dimensional fluid‐saturated porous medium, a numerical procedure combining both the finite difference method and the finite element method has been proposed. As the problem belongs to a complex system science problem, a small randomly generated perturbation of porosity is added to the initial porosity of a three‐dimensional homogeneous domain to trigger instability of a planar chemical dissolution front during its propagation within the fluid‐saturated porous medium. To test the correctness and accuracy of the proposed numerical procedure, a three‐dimensional benchmark problem has been constructed and the related analytical solution has been derived. This enables using the proposed numerical procedure for simulating the morphological evolution of a three‐dimensional chemical dissolution front from a stable, planar state into an unstable, fingering state. The related numerical results demonstrate that the proposed numerical procedure is useful for, and capable of, simulating the morphological instability of a three‐dimensional chemical dissolution front within a fluid‐saturated porous medium.
Human brain aminopeptidase A: biochemical properties and distribution in brain nuclei
Authors: De Mota Nadia , Iturrioz Xavier , Claperon Cedric , Bodineau Laurence , Fassot Celine , Roques Bernard Pierre , Palkovits Miklos , Llorens‐Cortes Catherine
Published: April 2008

Aminopeptidase A (APA) generated brain angiotensin III, one of the main effector peptides of the brain renin angiotensin system, exerting a tonic stimulatory effect on the control of blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The distribution of APA in human brain has not been yet studied. We first biochemically characterized human brain APA (apparent molecular mass of 165 and 130 kDa) and we showed that the human enzyme exhibited similar enzymatic characteristics to recombinant mouse APA. Both enzymes had similar sensitivity to Ca2+. Kinetic studies showed that the Km (190 μmol/L) of the human enzyme for the synthetic substrate‐l‐glutamyl‐β‐naphthylamide was close from that of the mouse enzyme (256 μmol/L). Moreover, various classes of inhibitors including the specific and selective APA inhibitor, (S)‐3‐amino‐4‐mercapto‐butyl sulfonic acid, had similar inhibitory potencies toward both enzymes. Using (S)‐3‐amino‐4‐mercapto‐butyl sulfonic acid, we then specifically measured the activity of APA in 40 microdissected areas of the adult human brain. Significant heterogeneity was found in the activity of APA in the various analyzed regions. The highest activity was measured in the choroids plexus and the pineal gland. High activity was also detected in the dorsomedial medulla oblongata, in the septum, the prefrontal cortex, the olfactory bulb, the nucleus accumbens, and the hypothalamus, especially in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Immunostaining of human brain sections at the level of the medulla oblongata strengthened these data, showing for the first time a high density of immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies and fibers in the motor hypoglossal nucleus, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the Roller nucleus, the ambiguus nucleus, the inferior olivary complex, and in the external cuneate nucleus. APA immunoreactivity was also visualized in vessels and capillaries in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the inferior olivary complex. The presence of APA in several human brain nuclei sensitive to angiotensins and involved in blood pressure regulation suggests that APA in humans is an integral component of the brain renin angiotensin system and strengthens the idea that APA inhibitors could be clinically tested as an additional therapy for the treatment of certain forms of hypertension.
Glial connexins and gap junctions in CNS inflammation and disease
Authors: Kielian Tammy
Published: April 2008

Gap junctions facilitate direct cytoplasmic communication between neighboring cells, facilitating the transfer of small molecular weight molecules involved in cell signaling and metabolism. Gap junction channels are formed by the joining of two hemichannels from adjacent cells, each composed of six oligomeric protein subunits called connexins. Of paramount importance to CNS homeostasis are astrocyte networks formed by gap junctions, which play a critical role in maintaining the homeostatic regulation of extracellular pH, K+, and glutamate levels. Inflammation is a hallmark of several diseases afflicting the CNS. Within the past several years, the number of publications reporting effects of cytokines and pathogenic stimuli on glial gap junction communication has increased dramatically. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent observations characterizing the consequences of inflammatory stimuli on homocellular gap junction coupling in astrocytes and microglia as well as changes in connexin expression during various CNS inflammatory conditions.
Accumulation and clearance of α‐synuclein aggregates demonstrated by time‐lapse imaging
Authors: Opazo Felipe , Krenz Antje , Heermann Stephan , Schulz Jörg B. , Falkenburger Björn H.
Published: April 2008

Aggregates of α‐synuclein are the pathological hallmark of sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), and mutations in the α‐synuclein gene underlie familial forms of the disease. To characterize the formation of α‐synuclein aggregates in living cells, we developed a new strategy to visualize α‐synuclein by fluorescence microscopy: α‐synuclein was tagged with a six amino acid PDZ binding motif and co‐expressed with the corresponding PDZ domain fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). In contrast to the traditional approach of α‐synuclein‐EGFP fusion proteins, this technique provided several‐fold higher sensitivity; this allowed us to compare α‐synuclein variants and perform time‐lapse imaging. A C‐terminally truncated α‐synuclein variant showed the highest prevalence of aggregates and toxicity, consistent with stabilization of the α‐synuclein monomer by its C‐terminus. Time‐lapse imaging illustrated how cells form and accumulate aggregates of α‐synuclein. A substantial number of cells also reduced their aggregate load, primarily through formation of an aggresome, which could itself be cleared from the cell. The molecular chaperone Hsp70 not only prevented the formation of aggregates, but also increased their reduction and clearance, underlining the therapeutic potential of similar strategies. In contrast to earlier assumptions build‐up, reduction and clearance of α‐synuclein aggregation thus appear a highly dynamic process.
Energy Balance of a Semicrystalline Polymer During Local Plastic Deformation
Authors: Muracciole J.‐M. , Wattrisse B. , Chrysochoos A.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  This paper, in a first part, presents the characteristics of a new experimental set‐up using digital image correlation (DIC) and infrared thermography (IRT). In a second part, the kinematical data, obtained by DIC, are used to track the material surface element temperature variations deduced from thermal images. They are then combined to construct the local energy balance. To illustrate the interest of such an approach, the paper then describes the calorimetric effects accompanying the propagation of necking in a plasticised PolyAmide 11. A thermodynamic analysis of cyclic loading finally aims to show the existence of an entropic elastic effect generally associated with rubber‐like materials.
Measurement of Residual Stresses with Optical Techniques
Authors: Ribeiro J. , Monteiro J. , Vaz M. , Lopes H. , Piloto P.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  The goal of this work was the development of other experimental techniques to measure residual stresses, as an alternative to the hole‐drilling method with strain gauges. The proposed experimental techniques are based on the use of Moiré interferometry and in‐plane electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI). Both are field techniques allowing the assessment of in‐plane displacements without contact and high resolution. Grating replication techniques were developed to record high‐quality diffraction gratings onto the specimen's surfaces. An optical set‐up of laser interferometry was developed to generate the master grating (virtual). An in‐plane ESPI set‐up was also designed and implemented to measure displacements in one direction. The stress relaxation was promoted by the blind hole‐drilling and the obtained fringe patterns (Moiré and speckle) were video‐recorded. Image processing techniques were applied to assess the in‐plane strain field. A finite‐element code (ansys®) was used to simulate the stress relaxation process, whose values were compared with the experimental data, and to calculate the hole‐drilling calibration constants.
Spherical cuts for integer programming problems
Authors: Liberti Leo
Published: April 2008

We introduce a new family of valid inequalities for general linear integer programming problems, based on the distance of the relaxed solution to the closest integral point. We show that these are valid cuts, establish some relations with Balas' intersection cuts, and show that a straightforward cutting plane algorithm derived from either spherical or intersection cuts will in general only converge if a suitable Gomory‐type strengthening is put in place.
Single‐period inventory model with a delayed incentive option for selling excess inventory
Authors: Khouja Moutaz , Vergara F. Elizabeth
Published: April 2008

The single‐period problem (SPP) is to find the order quantity which maximizes the expected profit in a single period probabilistic demand framework. We extend the SPP to a case where a retailer uses delayed incentives in the form of cash mail‐in rebates to sell remaining inventory that did not sell at the regular price. The advantage of cash mail‐in rebates is that not all consumers will redeem them. We address three cases: (1) rebate value is predetermined and the order quantity is a decision variable; (2) order quantity is a decision variable and rebate value is set to the value needed to sell all excess inventory, and (3) order quantity is a decision variable and the rebate may be used to sell part of or all excess inventory. In the third case, any inventory remaining after the rebate offer is salvaged at reduced price. We provide analytical solutions for uniform and exponential demand distributions. In all cases, rebates can lead to significant increases in expected profit. We first maximize the expected profit. We then maximize the probability of achieving a target profit and show that the use of rebates can lead to a substantial increase in that probability.
Models and methods for frequency assignment with cumulative interference constraints
Authors: Palpant Mireille , Oliva Cristian , Artigues Christian , Michelon Philippe , Didi Biha Mohamed
Published: April 2008

In this paper, a realistic modeling of interferences for frequency assignment in hertzian telecommunication networks is presented. In contrast with traditional interference models based only on binary interference constraints involving two frequencies, this new approach considers the case of cumulative disruptions that are modeled through a unique non‐binary constraint. To deal with these complex constraints, we propose extensions of classical integer linear programming formulations. On a set of realistic instances, we propose hybrid constraint programming and large neighborhood search solution methods to solve minimum interference and minimum span frequency assignment problems. We compare their performances with those of existing heuristics. Finally, we show how the end‐user benefits from using the cumulative model instead of the traditional one.
Estimating Sustainable Bycatch Rates for California Sea Lion Populations in the Gulf of California
Authors: UNDERWOOD JARED G. , HERNANDEZ CAMACHO CLAUDIA J. , AURIOLES‐GAMBOA DAVID , GERBER LEAH R.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Commercial and subsistence fisheries pressure is increasing in the Gulf of California, Mexico. One consequence often associated with high levels of fishing pressure is an increase in bycatch of marine mammals and birds. Fisheries bycatch has contributed to declines in several pinniped species and may be affecting the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) population in the Gulf of California. We used data on fisheries and sea lion entanglement in gill nets to estimate current fishing pressure and fishing rates under which viable sea lion populations could be sustained at 11 breeding sites in the Gulf of California. We used 3 models to estimate sustainable bycatch rates: a simple population‐growth model, a demographic model, and an estimate of the potential biological removal. All models were based on life history and census data collected for sea lions in the Gulf of California. We estimated the current level of fishing pressure and the acceptable level of fishing required to maintain viable sea lion populations as the number of fishing days (1 fisher/boat setting and retrieving 1 day's worth of nets) per year. Estimates of current fishing pressure ranged from 101 (0–405) fishing days around the Los Machos breeding site to 1887 (842–3140) around the Los Islotes rookery. To maintain viable sea lion populations at each site, the current level of fishing permissible could be augmented at some sites and should be reduced at other sites. For example, the area around San Esteban could support up to 1428 (935–2337) additional fishing days, whereas fishing around Lobos should be reduced by at least 165 days (107–268). Our results provide conservation practitioners with site‐specific guidelines for maintaining sustainable sea lion populations and provide a method to estimate fishing pressure and sustainable bycatch rates that could be used for other marine mammals and birds.
Economic Valuation of Biodiversity Conservation: the Meaning of Numbers
Authors: MARTÍN‐LÓPEZ BERTA , MONTES CARLOS , BENAYAS JAVIER
Published: April 2008

Abstract: Recognition of the need to include economic criteria in the conservation policy decision‐making process has encouraged the use of economic‐valuation techniques. Nevertheless, whether it is possible to accurately assign economic values to biodiversity and if so what these values really represent is being debated. We reviewed 60 recent papers on economic valuation of biodiversity and carried out a meta‐analysis of these studies to determine what factors affect willingness to pay for biodiversity conservation. We analyzed the internal variables of the contingent‐valuation method (measure of benefits, vehicle of payment, elicitation format, or timing of payment) and anthropomorphic, anthropocentric and scientific factors. Funding allocation mostly favored the conservation of species with anthropomorphic and anthropocentric characteristics instead of considering scientific factors. We recommend researchers and policy makers contemplate economic valuations of biodiversity carefully, considering the inherent biases of the contingent‐valuation method and the anthropomorphic and anthropocentric factors resulting from the public's attitude toward species. Because of the increasing trend of including economic considerations in conservation practices, we suggest that in the future interdisciplinary teams of ecologists, economists, and social scientists collaborate and conduct comparative analyses, such as we have done here. Use of the contingent‐valuation method in biodiversity conservation policies can provide useful information about alternative conservation strategies if questionnaires are carefully constructed, respondents are sufficiently informed, and the underlying factors that influence willingness to pay are identified.
Finding Hope in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
Authors: NORGAARD RICHARD B.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Over the past quarter century, a new scientific activity has emerged: collective assessments by large numbers of scientists from different disciplines combining their expertise to better understand human interrelations with nature and to inform policy. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment exceeded all such assessments before it in both the breadth of its coverage and the depth of its analysis of socioecological system dynamics. The findings are not encouraging. Nearly all ecosystems are being degraded and will continue to be degraded for decades to come even if policy changes are initiated now. For scientists participating in the assessment, the MA had another disconcerting aspect. It clearly shows that our fragmented, disciplinary knowledges cannot simply be combined to form an understanding of a whole complex system. Counterbalancing the despair of the findings and scientific difficulties of aggregating specialized knowledges, the MA demonstrated the potential of a deliberative democratic approach to grappling with complex problems.
Seizure remission and relapse in adults with intractable epilepsy: A cohort study
Authors: Choi Hyunmi , Heiman Gary , Pandis Dionysis , Cantero Julio , Resor Stanley R. , Gilliam Frank G. , Hauser W. Allen
Published: April 2008

Summary

Purpose: To investigate the cumulative probabilities of ≥12 month seizure remission and seizure relapse following remission, and to test the associations of clinical characteristics with these two study end points in a prevalence cohort of intractable adult epilepsy patients during medical management.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of intractable epilepsy patients seen in 2001 at a single center was conducted. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the cumulative probabilities of seizure remission and subsequent seizure relapse. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association (1) between clinical factors and ≥12 month seizure remission and (2) between clinical factors and seizure relapse following remission.

Results: One hundred eighty‐seven subjects met the eligibility criteria for intractable epilepsy. The estimate of probability of remission was about 4% per year. Seizure remission was temporary for some individuals, as 5 out of 20 subjects with remission ultimately relapsed. No clinical factors predicted the likelihood of achieving ≥12 month seizure remission or subsequent seizure relapse.

Discussion: Some people with intractable epilepsy achieve ≥12 month seizure remission during medical treatment. Remission, however, is only temporary for some individuals. We were unable to identify clear predictors for remission.
The FLEP scale in diagnosing nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, NREM and REM parasomnias: Data from a tertiary sleep and epilepsy unit
Authors: Manni Raffaele , Terzaghi Michele , Repetto Alessandra
Published: April 2008

Summary

Purpose: To test the usefulness of the FLEP scale in diagnosing nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE), arousal parasomnias, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

Methods: The FLEP scale was applied to 71 subjects (60 male; 11 female; aged 54 ± 21) referred to an outpatient's sleep and epilepsy unit for diagnostic assessment of nocturnal motor‐behavioral episodes, which turned to be arousal parasomnias (11 subjects), NFLE (14 subjects), or idiopathic RBD (46 subjects), based on the findings of in‐lab full night video polysomnography with extended EEG montages.

Results: The sensitivity of the scale as a diagnostic test for NFLE was 71.4%, the specificity 100%, the positive predictive value 100%, and the negative predictive value 91.1%. The FLEP scale gave an incorrect diagnosis in 4/71 (5.6%) of the cases, namely NFLE patients with episodes of nocturnal wandering, and uncertain diagnostic indications in 22/71 subjects (30.9%).

Conclusions: The FLEP scale shows high positive and negative predictive values in diagnosing NFLE versus arousal parasomnias and RBD. However, the scale is associated with a real risk of misdiagnosis in some patients and gives uncertain indications in about one‐third of cases, mainly RBD. Our investigation highlights the inadequacy of some of the items in the scale. The item investigating wandering, as presently formulated, may be unable to distinguish nocturnal wandering from sleepwalking. The items about “recall” and “clustering” of the events throughout the night may increase the likelihood of mistaking RBD for seizures. Further testing of the reliability of the FLEP scale items appears to be needed.
The Evolving Market for Catastrophic Event Risk
Authors: Froot Kenneth A.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: In the last two years, the market for catastrophic event risk has witnessed important change. The first large and truly successful catastrophe (“CAT”) bonds have been issued. New exchanges have opened, traded contracts have been created, and indexes of CAT losses have been introduced. The array of products confronting issuers and investors has widened substantially.

This article provides a brief overview of these changes. It also takes a functional approach to diagnosing the problems in the market for CAT event risk in order to understand how future change is likely to occur. Finally, it provides information to companies looking to assess whether these new markets are useful for solving their problems.
Insurance Redlining and Disparate Impact: The Application of a Federal Civil Rights Doctrine to Homeowners Insurance
Authors: Detlefsen Robert R.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Allegations of inner‐city insurance redlining are increasingly facilitated through the jurisprudence of “disparate impact,” a legal doctrine holding that a policy or practice based on race‐neutral criteria may nevertheless constitute illegal discrimination if it has a disproportionate adverse impact on racial minorities or women. Disparate impact analysis would require insurers to document a precise cause‐and‐effect relationship between a challenged underwriting variable and its associated risk. Moreover, they would be required to show that no “less discriminatory” risk‐assessment technique is available. If it is not possible—or too costly—to meet this burden, insurers will have no choice but to abandon the use of those risk‐selection practices and cost‐based pricing mechanisms that yield a disparate racial impact. This will result in higher premiums and less insurance availability for consumers. Furthermore, dubious charges of unfair discrimination will exacerbate racial tensions and divert attention from the social and economic pathologies of which insurance costs are merely symptomatic.
Mapping the Diffusion of Advanced Risk Management Practices Among Italian Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Firms
Authors: Petroni Alberto
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: This work has a twofold aim: (1) to investigate the application of general risk management concepts among small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and (2) to provide an analytical picture of prevailing managerial practices in Italian SMEs. With these objectives in mind, a survey questionnaire was given to a sample of 95 manufacturers of machinery for the food and beverage industry. The extent to which risk management practices are spread among SMEs is described in terms of seven dimensions: awareness, quality of firm/insurer interactions, competence, autonomy, insurance/prevention integration, risk analysis, and financial risk management. Important research results include identifying significant differences in behavior among firms through clustering analysis based on size and a proposal for measuring such differences via the use of a single indicator.
Politics, Insurance Regulation, and Unfunded Pension Liabilities
Authors: Power Mark L. , Dark Frederick H. , Singh Ajai K.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Insurance regulators operate in an environment in which resources are scarce and issues are most often complex and not salient to affected persons. Consequently, regulatory agencies, such as the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), need to use resources efficiently by making issues salient and not complex if regulatory goals are to be attained. To further its goal of full funding of defined benefit pension plans, the PBGC annually published a list of the Top Fifty Companies With the Largest Underfunded Pension Liability (LIST). This article investigates the issue of the economic effects of pension plan disclosure by measuring the share price response of the companies included on the LIST; then policy implications are drawn. The event study findings show that, on average, publication of the LIST did not have a negative effect on firm value. However, cross‐sectional analysis provides some support for the contention that publication of the LIST had an economic cost on LISTed firms. The authors' results show that the value of large firms on the PBGC's list is less negatively affected at arrival (ARRIVAL) than smaller LISTed firms. Conversely, when firms leave the list (DEPARTURE), the value of large growth‐oriented firms is more negatively affected than the value of other firms that reduce their unfunded pension liability. From a policy perspective, as hypothesized by Meier (1991), the PBGC used its scarce resources effectively by publishing the LIST. The issue of unfunded pension liability became less complex and more salient to interested parties. Consequently, consumer groups and political elites provided their support to further the regulatory agency's stated goal, which was the full funding of defined benefit pension plans. Furthermore, increased awareness of the underfunding problem contributed to the passage of the Retirement Protection Act of 1994.
Two Classroom Simulations in Financial Risk Management and Insurance
Authors: Russell David T.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Few classroom experiences provide as much educational value as a simulation exercise. A properly structured simulation provides students with the motivation to learn, the opportunity to explore strategies in an environment conducive to experimentation, and the immediate instructional benefit of watching their decisions affect the outcome of the collective simulation experience.

This article describes the procedure and relative success of two classroom simulations for students in introductory and intermediate risk management and insurance courses.

The first simulation replicates the risk management function of futures contracts through the use of hypothetical traders in the corn market with different risk management needs. The corn futures trading simulation achieves several goals for an introductory course in risk management and insurance: (1) students learn the importance of capital market risk management mechanisms; (2) students understand the transfer of risk among hedgers and speculators; and (3) students receive exposure to the concept that risk management is both possible and necessary for both speculative and pure risks.

The second simulation mimics the operation of the market for homeowners insurance. By dividing students into consumer groups and insurer groups, participants experience the effect of chance events and insurance purchase decisions on their wealth. Small groups of upper‐level students act as insurers, and must price, package, and sell their product with a limited amount of surplus. Introductory students serve as consumers with limited resources who must survey the market and decide what product to buy and from whom. The competitive element and relatively unregulated market provide students with the incentive to innovate in a market for a common type of insurance and also demonstrates the need for some amount of insurance regulation.

These simulations supply a simple way to enhance students' understanding of important basic concepts in a format that provides a welcome break from the traditional lecture format.
ANALYZING ETHICAL DECISION MAKING: APPLYING THE HUNT‐VITELL MODEL IN INSURANCE COURSES
Authors: Boose Mary Ann , Dean F. Peter
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Although many insurance textbooks incorporate ethics cases into their material, most leave both the teacher and the student to consider what is “right” and what is not. Unfortunately, without theoretical underpinnings or formal training in ethical decision making, insurance faculty and their students are left to rely on life experience or feelings rather than critical analyses of the ethics cases. This article introduces the Hunt‐Vitell model of ethical decision making, demonstrates its usefulness in analyzing cases, and introduces a few short cases. Each case consists of a brief scenario, questions to assist the student in analyzing the ethical content of the situation, a list of key insurance terms and issues, and a list of important ethics terms and issues. The article closes with an annotated bibliography and a glossary of ethics terms.
Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Isolated Ventricular Noncompaction in Adults: Follow‐Up of Four Cases
Authors: OGINOSAWA YASUSHI , NOGAMI AKIHIKO , SOEJIMA KYOKO , AONUMA KAZUTAKA , KUBOTA SHOICHI , SATO TOSHIAKI , SUGIYASU AIKO , YOSHIDA KENTARO , KOWASE SHINYA , SAKAMAKI MIHOKO , KUROSAKI KENJI , KATO KENICHI
Published: April 2008

Background:
An isolated ventricular noncompaction (IVNC) is an unclassified cardiomyopathy and, despite the increasing awareness of and interest in this disorder, the role of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains obscure.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to clarify the long‐term effect of CRT on IVNC in adult patients.

Methods:
Four cases of IVNC were included in this study. Before the CRT device was implanted, all four patients (54 ± 16‐year‐old, 4 males) presented with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Echocardiography revealed their systolic dysfunction and their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 21 ± 8%. There was also mechanical dyssynchrony observed between the LV septum and free wall area. The QRS duration was “narrow” (112 and 120 ms) in two patients. One patient had been resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation (VF) and two had nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). A CRT defibrillator (CRT‐D) was implanted in three patients with VT/VF and a CRT pacemaker (CRT‐P) in a patient without VT/VF. The LV lead was positioned in a lateral branch of the coronary sinus where a thickened noncompacted wall existed.

Results:
During the follow‐up period (28 ± 23 months), their congestive heart failure had improved in terms of the cardiothoracic ratio on the chest X‐ray, B‐type natriuretic peptide level, LV systolic dimension, and LVEF. No episodes of defibrillation shocks were observed.

Conclusion:
CRT may improve the prognosis and quality‐of‐life in patients with an IVNC with mechanical dyssynchrony.
Mechanism of Tissue Heating During High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Implications for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Efficacy and Phrenic Nerve Protection
Authors: OKUMURA YASUO , KOLASA MARK W. , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , BUNCH T. JARED , HENZ BENHUR D. , O'BRIEN CHRISTINE J. , MILLER DYLAN V. , PACKER DOUGLAS L.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to examine tissue temperatures around pulmonary veins (PVs) during high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) balloon ablation for atrial fibrillation. The thermodynamics and extent of PV and phrenic nerve (PN) heating during HIFU ablation have not been established.

Methods and Results:
Tissue temperatures were recorded from epicardial thermocouples at right superior (RS) PV orifice and PN in eight dogs undergoing 51 RSPV HIFU ablations (40 seconds, 40 W). Maximum tissue temperatures, reflected by 288 recording profiles, were negatively correlated with distance from balloon surface (r =–0.79, P < 0.001). Average maximum RSPV temperature was 56.8 ± 16.8 °C (distance: 6.6 ± 4.1 mm), resulting in full‐thickness, circumferential PV isolation in 7 of 8 animals. Direct local mechanical heating restricted to the focused ultrasound zone showed temperature rise to ≥50°C within 10 seconds to a maximum temperature of 82.6 ± 8.9°C (n = 31). Apparent conductive heating showed gradual heating patterns (<50°C within 10 seconds) at greater distance. PN temperature at all recording sites was 45.0 ± 11.3°C (distance: 9.2 ± 5.0 mm). Intentional PN injury (10 of 51 [19.6%] ablations), occurred at 63.7 ± 16.0°C with closest distance of 4.4 ± 2.5 mm, which was closer than in PNs without injury (7.3 ± 4.3 mm, P = 0.005).

Conclusions:
HIFU ablation is highly effective in generating temperatures needed for full‐thickness, circumferential ablation through rapid direct mechanical heating. Gradual heating of surrounding tissue supports the presence of conductive heating. This study also discloses direct HIFU effects as the mechanism of PN injury occurring within 4–7 mm from balloon surface.
High‐Temperature Instability of Li‐ and Ta‐Modified (K,Na)NbO3 Piezoceramics
Authors: Wang Yongli , Damjanovic Dragan , Klein Naama , Setter Nava
Published: April 2008

This paper addresses the high‐temperature instability of Li‐ and Ta‐modified (K,Na)NbO3 piezoceramics. The grains with abnormal size evolve out of the fine matrix grains during high‐temperature annealing. They are found to be precipitates with a tetragonal tungsten bronze structure, which result from the volatilization and segregation of the alkali metal elements. With the growth of the abnormal grains the composition of the perovskite matrix phase also changes remarkably, as has been suggested by EDX analysis (for Na) and electric measurements (for Li). These variations lead to a large increase in the tetragonal/orthorhombic phase transition temperature and appreciable variations in the dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of the ceramic samples. Control of the volatilization of the alkali metal elements can efficiently depress the abnormal grain growth and the compositional segregation.
Microstructural Evolution in Clay‐Based Ceramics I: Single Components and Binary Mixtures of Clay, Flux, and Quartz Filler
Authors: Tarvornpanich Tarnkamol , Souza Guilherme P. , Lee William E.
Published: April 2008

Microstructural evolution on heating kaolinite clay, quartz, nepheline syenite, and soda–lime–silica (SLS) glass to various temperatures to 1300°C was investigated in quenched and slowly cooled samples by XRD, thermal analysis and SEM, and by in situ XRD. In the individual components, the expected behavior was observed and in SLS glass, devitrification led to crystallization of cristobalite, quartz, devitrite, and wollastonite, which dissolved at 900°–1000°C. Significant effects of each component on microstructural evolution in the others were often observed in binary mixtures. For example, in SLS glass and quartz mixtures, devitrification of SLS glass to form cristobalite was delayed and two forms of cristobalite with different morphologies were identified. Albite and plagioclase crystallized on heating kaolin clay and SLS glass mixtures, decreasing the alumina content available for mullite formation. Melting of nepheline syenite promoted reaction with the clay, including accelerated phase dissolution. SLS glass accelerated dissolution of nepheline syenite and prevented leucite formation.
On‐Site Fabrication of Crystalline Cerium Oxide Films and Patterns by Ink‐Jet Deposition Method at Moderate Temperatures
Authors: Gallage Ruwan , Matsuo Atsushi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Watanabe Tomoaki , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: April 2008

Crystalline CeO2 films and patterns have been successfully fabricated in a “single‐step process” at moderate temperature. In this process, the combination of the ink‐jet technique and depositing the precursor on a hot substrate (≤300°C) gave crystalline CeO2 without further heat treatment. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the phase formed was crystallized ceria with nanosized (<10 nm) crystallites. The film thickness was several hundred nanometers and the pattern width was about 150 μm. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the films and patterns were free of cracks and adhered to the substrate. This is the first report about the direct patterning of crystalline CeO2 without postfiring or posttreatments like masking, etching, etc.
When Will Older Patients Follow Doctors’ Recommendations? Interpersonal Treatment, Outcome Favorability, and Perceived Age Differences1
Authors: Eggenberger Carroll Judith , Smith Heather , Hillier Susan
Published: April 2008

Study participants were 104 older patients (M age = 76 years) who rated their last visit to a doctor. If they felt respectfully and honestly treated by the doctor, they were more willing to confide in a medical professional. If they received the information that they needed, they were more likely to follow the doctor's recommendations. However, if they perceived their doctor to be closer to them in age, respectful treatment was most closely related to compliance. If they perceived their doctor to be much younger than themselves, obtaining needed information was related most closely to compliance. The results illustrate the value of treating age as a salient social category that can shape older patients’ reactions to their medical visits.
Coercive and Face‐Threatening Questions to Left‐Wing and Right‐Wing Politicians During Two Italian Broadcasts: Conversational Indexes of Par Conditio for Democracy Systems1
Authors: Gnisci Augusto
Published: April 2008

Indexes of political interviewers' neutrality, proposed in the face model, capture the treatment reserved in televised interviews for politicians or parties. This contribution proposes that they should be introduced in the official survey of political appearances on television and be prescribed by law. The research compares questions of 2 Italian interviewers to the same 13 politicians (7 left‐wing, 6 right‐wing). In over 11 hr of interviews (7 months' sampling), 804 questions were codified. Italian interviewers were less threatening than their Anglo Saxon colleagues, even if just as coercive. They treated the government less coercively than the opposition, even if they were just as threatening; and they seemed sensitive to the prestige of politicians. Implications of the proposal are discussed.
Disregarding Preliminary Information When Rating Job Applicants' Performance: Mission Impossible?1
Authors: Miron‐Shatz Talya , Ben‐Shakhar Gershon
Published: April 2008

Firms allocate considerable resources to test job applicants' skills and to ensure that hiring decisions are nondiscriminatory. Interpreting selection output in light of preliminary information may undermine the impartiality of personnel selection decisions. In this study, human resource managers were presented preliminary information about a candidate's performance and asked to rate him according to a detailed assessment‐center report of his performance. We examined several interventions for reducing reliance on preliminary information: retrieving assessment‐center information, generating a rating model, or both. Participants (N = 167) excluded preliminary information from the interventions, but relied on it when rating the candidate. The documented failure to control for the effects of preliminary information on subsequent judgments can contribute to improved selection procedures.
Absentéisme et productivité: le cas des enseignants aux Etats‐Unis
Authors: MILLER Raegen T. , MURNANE Richard J. , WILLETT John B.
Published: April 2008

Partant de données relatives à 285 professeurs et 8 631 élèves d'un district scolaire économiquement désavantagé des Etats‐Unis, les auteurs testent l'hypothèse selon laquelle les absences des enseignants sont souvent discrétionnaires et réduisent leur productivité, mesurée par les résultats des élèves à un examen de mathématiques. Comme cela est courant, lorsque le remplaçant est moins qualifié, l'enseignement est moins intense et cohérent, avec une chute, limitée mais significative, des résultats des élèves, pouvant conduire à une baisse de leur classification et de leur motivation. Les auteurs proposent des mesures susceptibles de limiter cet absentéisme.
Resistin modulates glucose uptake and glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1) expression in trophoblast cells
Authors: Di Simone Nicoletta , Di Nicuolo Fiorella , Marzioni Daniela , Castellucci Mario , Sanguinetti Maurizio , D’lppolito Silvia , Caruso Alessandro
Published: April 2008

The adipocytokine resistin impairs glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Here, we examine the effect of resistin on glucose uptake in human trophoblast cells and we demonstrate that transplacental glucose transport is mediated by glucose transporter (GLUT)‐1. Furthermore, we evaluate the type of signal transduction induced by resistin in GLUT‐1 regulation. BeWo choriocarcinoma cells and primary cytotrophoblast cells were cultured with increasing resistin concentrations for 24 hrs. The main outcome measures include glucose transport assay using [3H]‐2‐deoxy glucose, GLUT‐1 protein expression by Western blot analysis and GLUT‐1 mRNA detection by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Quantitative determination of phospho(p)‐ERK1/2 in cell lysates was performed by an Enzyme Immunometric Assay and Western blot analysis. Our data demonstrate a direct effect of resistin on normal cytotrophoblastic and on BeWo cells: resistin modulates glucose uptake, GLUT‐1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression in placental cells. We suggest that ERK1/2 phosphorylation is involved in the GLUT‐1 regulation induced by resistin. In conclusion, resistin causes activation of both the ERK1 and 2 pathway in trophoblast cells. ERK1 and 2 activation stimulated GLUT‐1 synthesis and resulted in increase of placental glucose uptake. High resistin levels (50–100 ng/ml) seem able to affect glucose‐uptake, presumably by decreasing the cell surface glucose transporter.
Curcumin‐induced fibroblast apoptosis and in vitro wound contraction are regulated by antioxidants and heme oxygenase: implications for scar formation
Authors: Scharstuhl A. , Mutsaers H.A.M. , Pennings S.W.C. , Szarek W.A. , Russel F.G.M. , Wagener F.A.D.T.G.
Published: April 2008

Fibroblast apoptosis plays a crucial role in normal and pathological scar formation and therefore we studied whether the putative apoptosis‐inducing factor curcumin affects fibroblast apoptosis and may function as a novel therapeutic. We show that 25‐μM curcumin causes fibroblast apoptosis and that this could be inhibited by co‐administration of antioxidants N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC), biliverdin or bilirubin, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved. This is supported by our observation that 25‐μM curcumin caused the generation of ROS, which could be completely blocked by addition of NAC or bilirubin. Since biliverdin and bilirubin are downstream products of heme degradation by heme oxygenase (HO), it has been suggested that HO‐activity protects against curcumin‐induced apoptosis. Interestingly, exposure to curcumin maximally induced HO‐1 protein and HO‐activity at 10–15 μM, whereas, at a concentration of >20‐μM curcumin HO‐1‐expression and HO‐activity was negligible. NAC‐mediated inhibition of 25‐μM curcumin‐induced apoptosis was demonstrated to act in part via restored HO‐1‐induction, since the rescuing effect of NAC could be reduced by inhibiting HO‐activity. Moreover pre‐induction of HO‐1 using 5‐μM curcumin protected fibroblasts against 25‐μM curcumin‐induced apoptosis. On a functional level, fibroblast‐mediated collagen gel contraction, an in vitro wound contraction model, was completely prevented by 25‐μM curcumin, while this could be reversed by co‐incubation with NAC, an effect that was also partially HO‐mediated. In conclusion, curcumin treatment in high doses (>25 μM) may provide a novel way to modulate pathological scar formation through the induction of fibroblast apoptosis, while antioxidants, HO‐activity and its effector molecules act as a possible fine‐tuning regulator.
Mitochondrial nutrients improve immune dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats
Authors: Hao Jiejie , Shen Weili , Tian Chuan , Liu Zhongbo , Ren Jinmin , Luo Cheng , Long Jiangang , Sharman Edward , Liu Jiankang
Published: April 2008

The development of type 2 diabetes is accompanied by decreased immune function and the mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesize that oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction may play an important role in the immune dysfunction in diabetes. In the present study, we investigated this hypothesis in diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats by treatment with a combination of four mitochondrial‐targeting nutrients, namely, R‐α‐lipoic acid, acetyl‐L‐carnitine, nicotinamide and biotin. We first studied the effects of the combination of these four nutrients on immune function by examining cell proliferation in immune organs (spleen and thymus) and immunomodulating factors in the plasma. We then examined, in the plasma and thymus, oxidative damage biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, reactive oxygen species, calcium and antioxidant defence systems, mitochondrial potential and apoptosis‐inducing factors (caspase 3, p53 and p21). We found that immune dysfunction in these animals is associated with increased oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction and that the nutrient treatment effectively elevated immune function, decreased oxidative damage, enhanced mitochondrial function and inhibited the elevation of apoptosis factors. These effects are comparable to, or greater than, those of the anti‐diabetic drug pioglitazone. These data suggest that a rational combination of mitochondrial‐targeting nutrients may be effective in improving immune function in type 2 diabetes through enhancement of mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative damage, and delayed cell death in the immune organs and blood.