bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Model of the Lower Leg and Foot/Ankle Complex: Application to Arch Stability
Authors: Iaquinto Joseph M. , Wayne Jennifer S.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this work was the design and evaluation of a computational model to predict the functional behavior of the lower leg and foot/ankle complex whereby joint behavior was dictated by three-dimensional articular contact, ligamentous constraints, muscle loading, and external perturbation. Three-dimensional bony anatomy was generated from stacked CT images after which ligament mimicking elements were attached and muscle/body loading added to recreate the experimental conditions of selected cadaveric studies. Comparisons of model predictions to results from two different experimental studies were performed for the function of the medial arch in weight bearing stance and the contributions of soft tissue structures to arch stability. Sensitivity simulations evaluated selected in situ strain and stiffness values for ligament tissue. The greatest contributor to arch stability was the plantar fascia, which provided 79.5% of the resistance to arch collapse, followed by the plantar ligaments (12.5%), and finally the spring ligament (8.0%). Strains measured after plantar fasciotomy increased in the remaining plantar ligament by ∼300% and spring ligament by ∼200%. Sensitivity tests varying both in situ strain and stiffness across reported standard deviations showed that functional trends remained the same and true to experimental data, although absolute magnitudes changed. While not measured experimentally, the model also predicted that load can increase dramatically in the remaining plantar tissues when one of such tissues is removed. Overall, computational predictions of stability and soft tissue load sharing compared well with experimental findings. The strength of this simulation approach lies in its capacity to predict biomechanical behavior of modeled structures and to capture physical parameters of interest not measurable in experimental simulations or in vivo.
Madagascar's Forests Get a Reprieve—But for How Long?
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: April 2010

Last week, after months of pressure from scientists, conservation groups, and foreign diplomats, Madagascar's military rulers announced that they would resume the ban on the logging and exportation of rosewood, a commodity from a threatened ecosystem.
Trade Trumps Science for Marine Species at International Meeting
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: April 2010

It was all about the money, not the science. So say environmentalists and conservation biologists reeling from a remarkable number of setbacks for wildlife conservation at a major international meeting that wrapped up last week in Doha, Qatar.
Ivory Ban Upheld
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: April 2010

Last November, Tanzania and Zambia proposed selling elephant ivory. A majority of delegates of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora at last week's meeting in Doha rejected both proposals.
The Spread of Culture, Primitive as It Is
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: April 2010

Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center studying two groups of chimps that live in separate but nearly identical conditions published a landmark study in 2005 that provided the most convincing evidence yet that chimpanzee communities have unique "cultures."
Cutting to the Bone Of Human Origins
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: April 2010

Computed tomography scans of a large collection of skeletons from closely monitored captive chimpanzees will soon become part of the growing "anthropogeny" database at the University of California, San Diego.
Chlamydia trachomatis
Serovar Distribution and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Coinfection in Male Patients with Urethritis in Greece
Authors: Papadogeorgakis Helen , Pittaras Theodore E. , Papaparaskevas Joseph , Pitiriga Vassiliki , Katsambas Andreas , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: April 2010

The distribution of
Chlamydia trachomatis
serovars and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
coinfection was studied in a group of 100
C. trachomatis
-positive males with urethritis in Greece. The serovar distribution revealed that apart from the predominant worldwide types E and F, the relatively uncommon type G is also prevalent. Gonococcal coinfection was frequent (30%) and was associated with genovariant Ja (75%,
P
= 0.008).
Evaluation of New Rapid Antigen Test for Detection of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 Virus
Authors: Choi Young Jin , Kim Hwi Jun , Park Joon Soo , Oh Myung Ho , Nam Hae Seon , Kim Yong Bae , Cho Byung Ki , Ji Mi Jung , Oh Jin Sik
Published: April 2010

We evaluated the SD Bioline Influenza Ag A/B/A(H1N1) Pandemic test kit and compared it with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for its ability to detect H1N1 2009. The sensitivity and specificity of the test kit for H1N1 2009 were 77% and 100%, respectively.
Estimation of the Initial Viral Growth Rate and Basic Reproductive Number during Acute HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Ribeiro Ruy M. , Qin Li , Chavez Leslie L. , Li Dongfeng , Self Steven G. , Perelson Alan S.
Published: April 2010

During primary infection, the number of HIV-1 particles in plasma increases rapidly, reaches a peak, and then declines until it reaches a set point level. Understanding the kinetics of primary infection, and its effect on the establishment of chronic infection, is important in defining the early pathogenesis of HIV. We studied the viral dynamics of very early HIV-1 infection in 47 subjects identified through plasma donation screening. We calculated how fast the viral load increases and how variable this parameter is among individuals. We also estimated the basic reproductive ratio, the number of new infected cells generated by an infectious cell at the start of infection when target cells are not limiting. The initial viral doubling time had a median of 0.65 days with an interquartile range of 0.56 to 0.91 days. The median basic reproductive ratio was 8.0 with an interquartile range of 4.9 to 11. In 15 patients, we also observed the postpeak decay of plasma virus and found that the virus decay occurred at a median rate of 0.60 day−1, corresponding to a half-life of 1.2 days. The median peak viral load was 5.8 log10HIV-1 RNA copies/ml, and it was reached 14 days after the virus was quantifiable with an assay, with a lower limit of detection of 50 copies/ml. These results characterize the early plasma viral dynamics in acute HIV infection better than it has been possible thus far. They also better define the challenge that the immune response (or therapeutic intervention) has to overcome to defeat HIV at this early stage.
DISTANCE PREFERENCES SMALL-WORLD COMMUNICATION TOPOLOGY FOR AGENT NETWORK
Authors: WU ZHENGPING , WANG RENMING
Published: April 2010

In multi-agent system (MAS), the communication topology of agent network plays a very important role in its collaboration. Small-world networks are the networks with high local clustering and small average path length, and the communication networks of MAS can be analyzed within the frame of small-world topology. Yet the real multiagent communication networks are abundant and the classical WS small-world model is not suitable for all cases. In this paper, two new small-world network models are presented. One is based on random graph substrate and local nodes preference reconnection and the other is based on regular graph substrate and long-range nodes preference reconnection. The characteristic of the network parameter such as the clustering coefficients, average path length, and eigenvalue λ2 and λn of the Laplacian matrix for these two models and WS model is studied. The consensus problem that based on these three models is also studied. An example is given and the conclusions are made in the end.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DYE (PHENOSAFRANINE) SENSITIZED FLOWER-TYPE ZnO NANORODS
Authors: RAJKUMAR N. , MARIAMMAL R. N. , RAMACHANDRAN K.
Published: April 2010

Flower-type ZnO nanorods were synthesized by two-step low temperature solution growth and dye-sensitized with phenosafranine for the first time. The scanning electron microscope result shows that the diameter and the length of a single rod of the flower-type nanostructures depend on the method of synthesis. Optical absorption analysis shows a visible absorption at 517 nm, which was otherwise absent in nano ZnO . The photoluminescence spectra of ZnO and dye-sensitized ZnO nano flowers were also analyzed.
CHUA'S CIRCUIT TOPOLOGY EVOLUTION USING GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: RÁK ÁDÁM , GANDHI GAURAV , CSEREY GYÖRGY
Published: April 2010

In this paper, a novel approach of using genetic algorithm towards the realization of Chua's circuit is presented. The paper demonstrates the use of genetic algorithm to evolve Chua's circuit from a set of given passive and active components. More than a dozen of the evolved designs are demonstrated to work satisfactorily in simulation. The evolved designs are found to be competitive in a human environment and are also demonstrated to work in a laboratory set up.
FREE KNOTS AND GROUPS
Authors: MANTUROV O. V. , MANTUROV V. O.
Published: April 2010

Free knots are a simplification of virtual knots obtained by forgetting arrow/sign information at classical crossings. First non-trivial examples of free knots were constructed recently by the second named author.

By using parity considerations, we construct invariants of free knots valued in certain groups. These groups have a simple combinatorial description, the first one being the infinite dihedral group.
ALMOST POSITIVE LINKS HAVE NEGATIVE SIGNATURE
Authors: PRZYTYCKI JÓZEF H. , TANIYAMA KOUKI
Published: April 2010

We analyze properties of links which have diagrams with a small number of negative crossings. We show that if a nontrivial link has a diagram with all crossings positive except possibly one, then the signature of the link is negative. If a link diagram has two negative crossings, we show that the signature of the link is nonpositive with the exception of the left-handed Hopf link (possibly, with extra trivial components). We also characterize those links which have signature zero and diagrams with two negative crossings. In particular, we show that if a nontrivial knot has a diagram with two negative crossings then the signature of the knot is negative, unless the knot is a twist knot with negative clasp. We completely determine all trivial link diagrams with two or fewer negative crossings. For a knot diagram with three negative crossings, the signature of the knot is nonpositive except for the left-handed trefoil knot. These results generalize those of Rudolph, Cochran, Gompf, Traczyk and Przytycki, solve [27, Conjecture 5], and give a partial answer to [3, Problem 2.8] about knots dominating the trefoil knot or the trivial knot. We also describe all unknotting number one positive knots.
A COUPLED BEM AND ENERGY FLOW METHOD FOR MID-HIGH FREQUENCY INTERNAL ACOUSTIC
Authors: BESSET SBASTIEN , ICHCHOU M. N. , JÉZÉQUEL L.
Published: April 2010

This paper deals with the behavior of acoustic cavities in the mid-high frequency range. The method proposed here is based on an energy flow method named Simplified Energy Method (MES). MES method is quite efficient in the mid-high frequency range but the directivity of the boundary sources is not well estimated. We propose a hybrid method which couples MES and the Boundary Element Method (BEM). Thus, the BEM method is used to estimate the direct field, considering a "correct" directivity. As a complete calculation is not adapted to BEM in mid-high frequency range because of the calculation costs, we only apply BEM on the domains including boundary sources. Other parts of the system and the reverberated field are estimated by the mean of MES method. This hybrid method leads to a consistent prediction of injected power densities. Numerical comparisons prove the efficiency of the proposed reformulation.
A VISUALIZATION AND FUSION SYSTEM FOR IMAGE GUIDED RFA PROCEDURES
Authors: ALI WAJID , MORVAN TANGUI , RISHOLM PETTER , ELLE OLE JAKOB , SAMSET EIGIL
Published: April 2010

We introduce a 3D visualization and fusion system to enhance the safety of Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA) procedures by means of new concepts and techniques of data visualization. The developed system introduces a novel Collision Detection (CD) feature in order to avoid hitting major vessels and vital organs with the RFA probe. Intra-operative registration allows the fusion of image data for visual guidance during the insertion of the RFA probe in the abdomen. The proposed system has a component based design and architecture. This RFA system is integrated to support a complete interventional workflow. The system has been successfully used to develop different applications for RFA of liver tumors. The performance of the collision detection has been validated by experiments on a multi-modality abdominal phantom which have shown very good and accurate results.
A New Classification Based on Association Algorithm
Authors: Thabtah Fadi , Mahmood Qazafi , McCluskey Lee , Abdel-Jaber Hussein
Published: April 2010

Associative classification is a branch in data mining that employs association rule discovery methods in classification problems. In this paper, we introduce a novel data mining method called Looking at the Class (LC), which can be utilised in associative classification approach. Unlike known algorithms in associative classification such as Classification based on Association rule (CBA), which combine disjoint itemsets regardless of their class labels in the training phase, our method joins only itemsets with similar class labels. This saves too many unnecessary itemsets combining during the learning step, and consequently results in massive saving in computational time and memory. Moreover, a new prediction method that utilises multiple rules to make the prediction decision is also developed in this paper. The experimental results on different UCI datasets reveal that LC algorithm outperformed CBA with respect to classification accuracy, memory usage, and execution time on most datasets we consider.
TWO PATCHES IMPULSIVE DIFFUSION PERIODIC SINGLE-SPECIES LOGISTIC MODEL
Authors: LIU ZIJIAN , TENG ZHIDONG , ZHANG LONG
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we study a periodic single-species logistic system with impulsive diffusion in two patches. By using the iterative method, sufficient and necessary conditions on the existence, uniqueness and global attractivity of positive periodic solution and the extinction of species for this system are established. Two examples and numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the feasibility of our results.
HIV/AIDS MODEL ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF GENDER-INEQUALITY AFFECTING WOMEN IN AFRICAN HETEROSEXUAL SETTINGS
Authors: MUKANDAVIRE ZINDOGA , MALUNGUZA NOBLE J. , CHIYAKA CHRISTINAH , MUSUKA GODFREY , TCHUENCHE JEAN M.
Published: April 2010

A sex-structured model for heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS for addressing the epidemic as a gender-based issue in African heterosexual settings is presented. The epidemic threshold and equilibria for the model are determined and stabilities are investigated. Comprehensive qualitative analysis of the model including positivity and boundedness of solutions, as well as persistence are carried out. The epidemic threshold for the model is computed and used to assess the effects of gender-inequality affecting women in heterosexual settings. The obtained gender-inequality-induced reproductive number [Formula: see text] is greater than the reproductive number in the absence of gender-inequality [Formula: see text] suggesting that gender-inequality affecting women in heterosexual settings enlarges the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Numerical simulations are carried out using demographic and epidemiological parameters for Zimbabwe and the obtained results confirm that gender-inequality increases HIV/AIDS prevalence in heterosexual settings. We conclude from the study that gender-inequality affecting women among heterosexuals should be properly addressed for the effective control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Lattice-Latching Effect in Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy Growth of InGaAsN Film Lattice-Matched to Bulk InGaAs Substrate
Authors: Sanorpim Sakuntam , Katayama Ryuji , Onabe Kentaro , Usami Noritaka , Nakajima Kazuo
Published: April 2010

The effects of lattice mismatch between an In
z
Ga1-z
As bulk substrate and an In
x
Ga1-x
As1-y
N
y
epilayer on the incorporation kinetics of N (y) and In (x) were investigated. Compositions (x,y) were revealed to be pinned by the substrate to those satisfying lattice-matching conditions. With decreasing In (z) content in the substrate, the incorporation of N is spontaneously enhanced. On the other hand, the In content of the layer is reduced to decrese the deformation energy due to the lattice mismatch. On the basis of our results, thick In
x
Ga1-x
As1-y
N
y
(0.289 < x < 0.312 and 0.009 < y < 0.014) layers exhibiting photoluminescence in the wavelength range of 1.3–1.55 µm were observed to grow owing to the “lattice-latching” effect.
Improving Efficiency of Poly(3-hexylthiophene):1-(3-Methoxycarbonyl)-propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)C61-Based Organic Solar Cells by Heat-Treatment under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Shih Chuan-Feng , Hung Kuang-Teng , Wu Jhen-Wei , Huang Kuan-Ta , Wu Shih-Hsiung
Published: April 2010

Hot-pressing, which combined thermal annealing and the in situ application of hydrostatic pressure, was used to improve the efficiency of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)-propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)C61 (PCBM)-based organic solar cells. When they were hot-pressed at 0.3 MPa and 160 °C for 5 min, their efficiency was approximately 20% higher than that of devices that only underwent heat-treatment. Open-circuit voltage (V
oc) remained at around 0.62 V after hot-pressing, but short-circuit current (J
sc) and fill factor (FF) were significantly improved by hot-pressing. The hot-pressed devices have higher quantum efficiencies, higher electron mobility, and lower series resistance than those of devices that underwent treatment without pressure. The improvement in the transport of the carriers and the modification of the metal/organic interface properties by hot-pressing contributed to the fill factor, improving the efficiency of the solar cells. The proposed process can be applied to other organic solar cell systems to improve the conversion efficiency.
Soft Imprinting Lithography for Multi-Domain Alignment Layers in Liquid Crystal Devices
Authors: Chun Ji-Yun , Seo Dae-Shik
Published: April 2010

We describe molecular-scale soft nanoimprint lithographic replication of rubbed poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates to form alignment layers for liquid crystal (LC) devices. Systematic studies of the surface relief morphology of the PDMS and molded structures in three different rubbing strength illustrate good lithographic fidelity down to relief heights of several nanometers, and with some capabilities at the level of 1 nm. Collective results of experiments for molds and molded materials and process conditions indicate that this molecular scale fidelity in replication can be used to produce surfaces that will effectively align LC molecules. It has been demonstrated that the PDMS nano groove pattern has a comparable influence on LC alignment to the conventional rubbing process. It has been also shown that the artificial topography of the line grooves on the conventionally PDMS surface has a significant influence on the anchoring stability of the LC molecules.
Local Melting of High-Melting-Point Materials by Discharge with Water–Ceramic Electrode
Authors: Deguchi Mikio , Niki Toru
Published: April 2010

By using the discharge mechanism of the water–ceramic electrode, any high-melting-point material can be locally melted simply using an electric discharge of a few kilowatts of power, even if the material is electrically insulating. Several kinds of high-melting-point materials, e.g., heatproof bricks, have been locally melted by the discharge with a water–ceramic electrode. The discharge current is about 1 A. When the material to be melted is in contact with the water, the heated portion was approximately 1 cm above the water surface in all the tested cases, which suggests that the water evaporation from the water surface plays an important role in heating up the ceramic component in the discharge with the water–ceramic electrode.
Epileptic seizures increase circulating endothelial cells in peripheral blood as early indicators of cerebral vascular damage
Authors: Parfenova Helena , Leffler Charles W. , Tcheranova Dilyara , Basuroy Shyamali , Zimmermann Aliz
Published: April 2010

Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are nonhematopoetic mononuclear cells in peripheral blood that are dislodged from injured vessels during cardiovascular disease, systemic vascular disease, and inflammation. Their occurrence during cerebrovascular insults has not been previously described. Epileptic seizures cause the long-term loss of cerebrovascular endothelial dilator function. We hypothesized that seizures cause endothelial sloughing from cerebral vessels and the appearance of brain-derived CECs (BCECs), possible early indicators of cerebral vascular damage. Epileptic seizures were induced by bicuculline in newborn pigs; venous blood was then sampled during a 4-h period. CECs were identified in the fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the expression of endothelial antigens (CD146, CD31, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase) and by Ulex europeaus lectin binding. In control animals, few CECs were detected. Seizures caused a time-dependent increase in CECs 2–4 h after seizure onset. Seizure-induced CECs coexpress glucose transporter-1, a blood-brain barrier-specific glucose transporter, indicating that these cells originate in the brain vasculature and are thus BCECs. Seizure-induced BCECs cultured in EC media exhibited low proliferative potential and abnormal cell contacts. BCEC appearance during seizures was blocked by a CO-releasing molecule (CORM-A1) or cobalt protoporphyrin (heme oxygenase-1 inducer), which prevented apoptosis in cerebral arterioles and the loss of cerebral vascular endothelial function during the late postictal period. These findings suggest that seizure-induced BCECs are injured ECs dislodged from cerebral microvessels during seizures. The correlation between the appearance of BCECs in peripheral blood, apoptosis in cerebral vessels, and the loss of postictal cerebral vascular function suggests that BCECs are early indicators of late cerebral vascular damage.
Acute and chronic exposure to shear stress have opposite effects on endothelial permeability to macromolecules
Authors: Warboys Christina M. , Eric Berson R. , Mann Giovanni E. , Pearson Jeremy D. , Weinberg Peter D.
Published: April 2010

Endothelial properties are affected by mechanical stresses. Several studies have shown that an acute application of shear stress increases the permeability of endothelial monolayers in culture. We investigated whether more prolonged application of shear has the opposite effect. Porcine aortic endothelial cells were cultured on Transwell filters to assess monolayer permeability to albumin. The medium above the cells was swirled using an orbital shaker; resultant shears were computed to lie within the physiological range. Acute application of shear increased permeability, but chronic application reduced it. The effect of chronic but not acute shear was reversed by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. The effect of chronic shear was also reversed by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K) and soluble guanylyl cyclase. None of these interventions affected permeability under static conditions, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase was without effect. Chronic shear decreased mitosis rates by a fraction comparable to the reduction in permeability, but this effect was not reversed by inhibiting NO synthesis. We conclude that chronic application of shear stress reduces endothelial permeability to macromolecules by a PI3K-NO-cGMP-dependent mechanism. Since atherosclerosis can be triggered by excessive entry of plasma macromolecules into the arterial wall, the phenomenon may help explain the atheroprotective effects of shear and NO.
AFos inhibits phenylephrine-mediated contractile dysfunction by altering phospholamban phosphorylation
Authors: Jeong Mark Y. , Walker John S. , Brown R. Dale , Moore Russell L. , Vinson Charles S. , Colucci Wilson S. , Long Carlin S.
Published: April 2010

Using neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, we previously reported that the expression of a dominant negative form of the c-Fos proto-oncogene (AFos) inhibited activator protein 1 activity and blocked the induction of the pathological gene profile stimulated by phenylephrine (PE) while leaving growth unaffected. We now extend these observations to the adult rat ventricular myocyte (ARVM) to understand the relationship between gene expression, growth, and function. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from adult rats and infected with adenovirus expressing β-galactosidase (control) or AFos. The cells were subsequently treated with PE, and protein synthesis, gene program, calcium transients, and contractility were evaluated. As seen with the neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, in control cells PE stimulated an increase in protein synthesis, induced the pathological gene profile, and exhibited both depressed contractility and calcium transients. Although ARVMs expressing AFos still had PE-induced growth, pathological gene expression as well as contractility and calcium handling abnormalities were inhibited. To determine a possible mechanism of the preserved myocyte function in AFos-expressing cells, we examined phospholamban (PLB) and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase proteins. Although there was no change in total PLB or sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase expression in response to PE treatment, PE decreased the phosphorylation of PLB at serine-16, an observation that was prevented in AFos-expressing cells. In conclusion, although PE-induced growth was unaffected in AFos-expressing ARVMs, the expression of the pathological gene profile was inhibited and both contractile function and calcium cycling were preserved. The inhibition of functional deterioration was, in part, due to the preservation of PLB phosphorylation.
Myocardial adenosine A1-receptor-mediated adenoprotection involves phospholipase C, PKC-ε, and p38 MAPK, but not HSP27
Authors: Fenton Richard A. , Shea Lynne G. , Doddi Cecilia , Dobson James G.
Published: April 2010

Adenosine via an adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) is a negative feedback inhibitor of adrenergic stimulation in the heart, protecting it from toxic effects of overstimulation. Stimulation of the A1R results in the activation of Gi protein, release of free Gβγ-subunits, and activation/translocation of PKC-ε to the receptor for activated C kinase 2 protein at the Z-line of the cardiomyocyte sarcomere. Using an anti-Gβγ peptide, we investigated the role of these subunits in the A1R stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC), with the premise that the resulting diacylglycerol provides for the activation of PKC-ε. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate release was an index of PLC activity. Chlorocyclopentyl adenosine (CCPA), an A1R agonist, increased inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate production by 273% in mouse heart homogenates, an effect absent in A1R knockout hearts and inhibited by anti-Gβγ peptide. In a second study, p38 MAPK and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), found by others to be associated with the loss of myocardial contractile function, were postulated to play a role in the actions of A1R. Isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, increased the Ca2+ transient and sarcomere shortening magnitudes by 36 and 49%, respectively. In the rat cardiomyocyte, CCPA significantly reduced these increases, an action blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580. While CCPA significantly increased the phosphorylation of HSP27, this action was inhibited by isoproterenol. These data indicate that the activation of PKC-ε by A1R results from the activation of PLC via free Gβγ-subunits released upon A1R-induced dissociation of Giαβγ. Attenuation of β-adrenergic-induced contractile function by A1R may involve the activation of p38 MAPK, but not HSP27.
Speckle tracking imaging improves in vivo assessment of EPO-induced myocardial salvage early after ischemia-reperfusion in rats
Authors: Treguer Frederic , Donal Erwan , Tamareille Sophie , Ghaboura Nehmat , Derumeaux Geneviève , Furber Alain , Prunier Fabrice
Published: April 2010

A noninvasive assessment of infarct size and transmural extension of myocardial infarction (TEMI) is fundamental in experimental models of ischemia-reperfusion. Conventional echocardiography parameters are limited in this purpose. This study was designed to examine whether speckle tracking imaging can be used in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion to accurately detect the reduction of infarct size and TEMI induced by erythropoietin (EPO) as early as 24 h after reperfusion. Rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: myocardial infarction (MI)-control group, 45 min ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion; MI-EPO group, similar surgery with a single bolus of EPO administered at the onset of reperfusion; and sham-operated group. Short-axis two-dimensional echocardiography was performed after reperfusion. Global radial (GSr) and circumferential (GScir) strains were compared with infarct size and TEMI assessed after triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. As a result, ejection fraction, shortening fraction, GSr, and GScir significantly correlated to infarct size, whereas only GSr and GScir significantly correlated to TEMI. EPO significantly decreased infarct size (30.8 ± 3.5 vs. 56.2 ± 5.7% in MI-control, P < 0.001) and TEMI (0.37 ± 0.05 vs. 0.77 ± 0.05 in MI-control, P < 0.001). None of the conventional echocardiography parameters was significantly different between the MI-EPO and MI-control groups, whereas GSr was significantly higher in the MI-EPO group (29.1 ± 4.7 vs. 16.4 ± 3.3% in MI-control; P < 0.05). Furthermore, GScir and GSr appeared to be the best parameters to identify a TEMI >0.75 24 h after reperfusion. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the usefulness of speckle tracking imaging in the early evaluation of a cardioprotective strategy in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion.
A Bäcklund Transformation for the Burgers Hierarchy
Authors: Cao Xifang , Xu Chuanyou
Published: April 2010

We give a Bäcklund transformation in a unified form for each member in the Burgers hierarchy. By applying the Bäcklund transformation to the trivial solutions, we generate some solutions of the Burgers hierarchy.
The Origin and Character of Hannah Arendt’s Theory of Judgment
Authors: Marshall David L.
Published: April 2010

Hannah Arendt’s theory of judgment has been the object of considerable interest in the last three decades. Political theorists in particular have hoped to find in her theory of judgment a viable account of how diverse modern societies can sustain a commitment to dialogue in the absence of shared basic principles. A number of scholars, however, have critiqued Arendt’s account of judgment in various ways. This article examines criticisms from Richard Bernstein, Ronald Beiner, George Kateb, Jürgen Habermas, and Linda Zerilli. On the basis of early sources from Arendt’s manuscripts and Denktagebuch that have not been used in these debates, this article contends that Arendt’s position on judgment can be defended against these critics and that her account warrants further exploration.
Do Sex Offender Registration and Notification Requirements Deter Juvenile Sex Crimes?
Authors: Letourneau Elizabeth J. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Armstrong Kevin S. , Sinha Debajyoti
Published: April 2010

This study examined whether South Carolina’s sex offender registration and notification (SORN) policy was associated with a general deterrent effect on juvenile sex crimes. Using juvenile justice data from 1991 through 2004, trend analyses modeled the intervention effects of 1995 (the year South Carolina’s SORN policy was initially implemented) and 1999 (the year the policy was revised to include online registration). Initial results suggested a significant deterrent effect of SORN on first-time juvenile sex crimes. However, comparison analyses with nonsex offenses identified a similar effect on first-time robbery crimes. Follow-up analyses indicated that the apparent declines identified for first-time sex and robbery offenses were due to another legislative change, also enacted in 1995, that moved the prosecution of 16-year-old defendants from juvenile to adult court. When these cases were included in the database, follow-up analyses indicated no significant effect for the 1995 intervention year. Thus, South Carolina’s SORN policy was not associated with a general deterrent effect on juvenile sex crimes. Specific policy changes are suggested regarding the application of registration and notification requirements to juveniles.
Comparing Nonviolent, Other-Violent, and Domestic Batterer Sex Offenders
Authors: Stalans Loretta J. , Hacker Robyn , Talbot Mary E.
Published: April 2010

This study compared an understudied subgroup of sex offenders, those who had arrests for nonsexual domestic violence ( n = 174), with nonviolent sex offenders ( n = 467) and sex offenders arrested for nonsexual violent crimes against nonfamily members ( n = 205). The domestic batterer subgroup had significantly higher sexual and general recidivism within the first 7 years after supervision. The four standardized risk assessment scales, Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offender Recidivism, Static-99, Structured Anchored Clinical Judgment—Minimum Version, and Static-2002, showed significant and similar performance for predicting the nonviolent subgroup’s sexual recidivism after supervision, but these scales had less predictive accuracy for the other two subgroups. Two risk factors, general criminality and self-reported use of substances before committing sex crimes, had different predictive accuracy on sexual recidivism across these three subgroups. Implications for improving risk assessment and supervision of sex offenders are discussed.
Widening the Net
Authors: Harris Andrew J. , Lobanov-Rostovsky Christopher , Levenson Jill S.
Published: April 2010

With the 2006 passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA), the U.S. Congress set forth a range of minimum standards governing the operation of sex offender registration and notification (SORN) systems throughout the nation. Many of these standards are based on the AWA’s uniform system of registrant classification, which distinguishes registrants solely based on offense history and the nature of the conviction offense, without regard for additional risk factors. The current study evaluates the impact of the federal registration classification system on the distribution of individuals within state sex offender registries, specifically drawing on the experiences of Ohio and Oklahoma, two of the first states to undertake a reclassification of their registrant populations under the new federal guidelines. The findings indicate that the federal reclassification process produces a redistribution of registrants from lower SORN levels to higher ones and reveals statistically significant differences between newly reclassified “high-risk” individuals and those designated as high risk under prior registration classification systems. Findings also suggest that juveniles and those potentially subject to AWA’s retroactivity provisions may be disproportionately placed into the highest SORN tiers. Implications of these findings for practice and public policy are discussed.
Arbitrary Arbitration: Diverting Juveniles Into the Justice System-A Reexamination After 22 Years
Authors: Béchard Stephanie , Ireland Connie , Berg Bruce , Vogel Brenda
Published: April 2010

This article reports on a study of a juvenile diversion program based in California. It replicates a similar 1986 study of a Florida-based juvenile diversion program. Both studies examine the appropriateness of the actual juvenile population serviced in comparison with the declared and described programs’ target populations. Findings in the current research support earlier findings that the diversion program services self-serving, low-risk populations, rather than their intended “first-time nonviolent,” more seriously at risk of continued delinquent behavior, target population. This finding is examined in terms of its relationship to issues of labeling and net widening, and suggests how the current study diversion program manages to create a façade that more seriously at-risk youth are being properly targeted by the program.
Commentary: Arts, Neighborhoods, and Social Practices: Towards an Integrated Epistemology of Community Arts
Authors: Chapple Karen , Jackson Shannon
Published: April 2010

Despite a common concern for social change, the multidisciplinary fields of city planning and performance studies rely on different theories, epistemologies, and language. We argue that these fields share common roots and would benefit from integrating their approaches.We use three issues in community arts, along with a case study from Oakland, California, as a lens into this new joint epistemology. The first is the concern over arts as instrument: the tension over the social uses of arts and the arts as commodifying neighborhood. Second is the concept of audience development, often conceptualized as uplifting the audience without acknowledging daily lived experience. Third is the vulnerability that threatens artists and neighborhoods alike. A concluding section addresses the human capital implications of a new field of arts and city planning.
Hyperperfusion on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Chemotherapy-Related Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: El-Hakam Lisa Michael , Ramocki Melissa Beth , Riviello James John , Illner Anna
Published: April 2010

Acute chemotherapy-related leukoencephalopathy can present similar to acute stroke with symptoms including aphasia, dysarthria, and hemiplegia. Differentiation based on clinical appearance is challenging, and physicians must distinguish between the 2 conditions rapidly to institute appropriate therapies. An 8-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy, including intrathecal methotrexate, presented to our emergency center with 2 hours of expressive aphasia and flaccid right hemiplegia. Emergent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained, demonstrating diffusion restriction within bilateral corona radiata and centrum semiovale. Magnetic resonance perfusion revealed mildly increased perfusion, a finding inconsistent with ischemic stroke and previously unreported in acute chemotherapy-related leukoencephalopathy without necrosis. This increased perfusion conclusively eliminated stroke from the clinical differential. Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging proved valuable to rapidly distinguish acute chemotherapy-related leukoencephalopathy from ischemia, and the evaluation of perfusion alterations in this disorder may provide further insight into the pathophysiology of this entity.
Anterior Sacral Pyocele With Meningitis: A Rare Presentation of Occult Spinal Dysraphism With Congenital Dermal Sinus
Authors: Bhatia Sonal , Tullu Milind S. , Date Nitin B. , Muzumdar Dattatraya , Muranjan Mamta N. , Lahiri Keya R.
Published: April 2010

The authors describe an interesting case of a hitherto asymptomatic occult spinal defect with a congenital sacral dermal sinus which proved to be the entry point for bacterial meningitis in an otherwise healthy 9-year-old female child. The patient presented with fever and neck stiffness, and a dermal sinus in the lumbosacral region was identified on examination. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis and a spinal magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a dermal sinus tract with an anterior spinal meningocele, caudal regression syndrome, and a tethered spinal cord. In addition to administration of intravenous antimicrobial agents, surgical exploration of the sacral dermal sinus tract was performed and an anterior sacral pyocele was drained. The pyocele cavity was disconnected from the thecal sac, and the thickened and fatty filum terminale was sectioned. Although congenital sacral dermal sinus manifesting as bacterial meningitis is known, the occurrence of an anterior sacral pyocele has not yet been described in children.
Static Progressive Stretch Brace as a Treatment of Pain and Functional Limitations Associated With Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Sharma Neena K. , Loudon Janice K.
Published: April 2010

Plantar fasciitis is a common and hard-to-treat disorder of the foot. Numerous studies have compared various stretching exercises, but the use of a day-wear static progressive stretch brace has not been studied. A randomized, single-blinded trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a static progressive stretch brace to standard care of active stretching exercises. Thirteen subjects (12 women and 1 man; mean age, 42 ± 9.0 years) with plantar fasciitis participated in this study between January 2004 and March 2007. Subjects were randomized to either an exercise group (static stretch group, n = 8) or a brace group (static progressive stretch group, n = 9) for an 8-week treatment period and 1-month follow up. Both groups received basic off-the-shelf foot orthoses. Data were available for 7 subjects in the exercise group and 6 in the brace group. Pain and functional limitations were evaluated with the Foot Functional Index pain subscale, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and great toe extension motion. Overall pain and morning pain improved in both groups as compared with baseline measures (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P = .04 and P = .02, respectively). Functional rating also improved in both groups (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P = .005). No changes were found in either group with great toe extension range of motion. In addition, there was no significant group difference or interaction with time and group with any measures. Both interventions (static, exercise, and brace stretching) were beneficial for treating pain and functional limitations, suggesting that static progressive stretch brace is an effective alternative option to static stretching exercises for people with plantar fasciitis.
Neurolymphomatosis: an International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group report
Authors: Grisariu Sigal , Avni Batia , Batchelor Tracy T. , van den Bent Martin J. , Bokstein Felix , Schiff David , Kuittinen Outi , Chamberlain Marc C. , Roth Patrick , Nemets Anatoly , Shalom Edna , Ben-Yehuda Dina , Siegal Tali
Published: April 2010

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare clinical entity. The International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group retrospectively analyzed 50 patients assembled from 12 centers in 5 countries over a 16-year period. NL was related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 90% and to acute leukemia in 10%. It occurred as the initial manifestation of malignancy in 26% of cases. The affected neural structures included peripheral nerves (60%), spinal nerve roots (48%), cranial nerves (46%), and plexus (40%) with multiple site involvement in 58%. Imaging studies often suggested the diagnosis with 77% positive magnetic resonance imaging, and 84% (16 of 19) positive computed tomography-positron emission tomography studies. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology was positive in 40%, and nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 23 of 26 (88%). Treatment in 47 patients included systemic chemotherapy (70%), intra-cerebrospinal fluid chemotherapy (49%), and radiotherapy (34%). Response to treatment was observed in 46%. The median overall survival was 10 months, with 12- and 36-month survival proportions of 46% and 24%, respectively. NL is a challenging diagnosis, but contemporary imaging techniques frequently detect the relevant neural invasion. An aggressive multimodality therapy can prevent neurologic deterioration and is associated with a prolonged survival in a subset of patients.
Imaging CSEM data in the presence of electrical anisotropy
Authors: Newman Gregory A. , Commer Michael , Carazzone James J.
Published: April 2010

Formation anisotropy should be incorporated into the analysis of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data because failure to do so can produce serious artifacts in the resulting resistivity images for certain data configurations of interest. This finding is demonstrated in model and case studies. Sensitivity to horizontal resistivity will be strongest in the broadside electric field data where detectors are offset from the tow line. Sensitivity to vertical resistivity is strongest for overflight data where the transmitting antenna passes directly over the detecting antenna. Consequently, consistent treatment of overflight and broadside electric field measurements requires an anisotropic modeling assumption. To produce a consistent resistivity model for such data, we develop and use a 3D CSEM imaging algorithm that treats transverse anisotropy. The algorithm is based on nonlinear conjugate gradients and full wave-equation modeling. It exploits parallel computing systems to effectively treat 3D imaging problems and CSEM data volumes of industrial size. We use it to demonstrate the anisotropic imaging process on model and field data sets from the North Sea and offshore Brazil. We also verify that isotropic imaging of overflight data alone produces an image generally consistent with vertical resistivity. However, superior data fits are obtained when the same overflight data are analyzed assuming an anisotropic resistivity model.
Petrophysical analysis of the Kharita and Bahariya reservoirs, Badr El Din-1 Field, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: El-Mowafy Hamed Z. , Eissa Mohamed A.
Published: April 2010

The Albian-Cenomanian Kharita and Bahariya formations are two of the most important oil-producing reservoirs in the Western Desert of Egypt. The area of study includes the Badr El Din-1 (BED-1) Field in the center of Abu Gharadig Basin about 300 km west of Cairo and 12.5 km north of Abu Gharadig Field (Figure 1). The BED1–1 oil discovery well, drilled in December 1981, was based on seismic and geological interpretations.
Marine ambient seismic noise in the frequency range 1–10 Hz
Authors: Olofsson Björn
Published: April 2010

The “low-frequency” range of seismic recordings has been of interest to global seismologists for many decades, but only recently has there been a growing interest in utilizing low-frequency passive seismic information for hydrocarbon exploration purposes. Examples of applications include passive seismic monitoring, interferometry methods using the ambient background field, and generally utilizing lower frequency energy for imaging and seismic inversion. Sources of low-frequency ambient background noise are often not well-understood, but a good understanding is essential to avoid pitfalls during data analysis and interpretation. In this study, I analyze a passive seismic data set from the North Sea with regard to ambient noise sources in the frequency range 1–10 Hz. As we shall see, we can find a multitude of explainable ambient noise sources, some of which are external, and some of which are related to the sensor and recording packages themselves. External noise sources include boats, seismic operations, and other fixed seabed installations. Environmental noise includes wind-generated ocean waves, water currents, and wildlife. The design of the sensor and recording unit in combination with the soft seabed sediments gives rise to resonances particularly detrimental to the frequency range of interest. These resonances are exacerbated by presumably strong water currents in the survey area. Boats can be observed at distances of more than 160 km.
Geophysical issues and challenges in Malay and adjacent basins from an E & P perspective
Authors: Ghosh Deva , Halim M. Firdaus Abdul , Brewer Martin , Viratno Bernato , Darman Nasir
Published: April 2010

Malay Basin, a northward-trending pull-apart extensional rift basin, formed during the late Eocene-early Oligocene and then underwent thermal subsidence and sedimentation during the early Miocene. Reorientation of regional stress fields during the mid-Miocene caused structural inversion resulting in east-west anticlines and half grabens.