bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene by Sex Interaction for Measures of Obesity in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Benjamin Ashlee M. , Suchindran Sunil , Pearce Kaela , Rowell Jennifer , Lien Lillian F. , Guyton John R. , McCarthy Jeanette J.
Published: December 2010

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent and severe health concern with a substantial heritable component and marked sex differences. We sought to determine if the effect of genetic variants also differed by sex by performing a genome-wide association study modeling the effect of genotype-by-sex interaction on obesity phenotypes. Genotype data from individuals in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort were analyzed across five exams. Although no variants showed genome-wide significant gene-by-sex interaction in any individual exam, four polymorphisms displayed a consistent BMI association (P-values .00186 to .00010) across all five exams. These variants were clustered downstream ofLYPLAL1, which encodes a lipase/esterase expressed in adipose tissue, a locus previously identified as having sex-specific effects on central obesity. Primary effects in males were in the opposite direction from females and were replicated in Framingham Generation 3. Our data support a sex-influenced association between genetic variation at theLYPLAL1locus and obesity-related traits.
The Influence of Prior Natural Aging on the Subsequent Artificial Aging Response of Aluminium Alloy A356 with Respective Globular and Dendritic Microstructures
Authors: Möller Heinrich , Govender Gonasagren , Rossouw Pierre , Stumpf Waldo
Published: December 2010

Alloy A356 is one of the most popular alloys used for semisolid metal forming. The heat treatment cycles that are currently applied to semisolid processed components are mostly those that are in use for dendritic casting alloys. The assumption has been made that these heat treatments are not necessarily the optimum treatments, as the difference in solidification history and microstructure of SSM processed components should be considered. The objective of this study is to determine whether dendritic A356 behaves in a similar way to globular A356 in terms of its response to artificial aging with or without prior natural aging. The results indicate that the differences in microstructures (globular or dendritic) do not have a noteworthy effect on the heat treatment response. It is also shown that strong linear correlations are found between T4 and T6 hardness and wt% Mg of A356, regardless of the casting technique used.
Positive Solutions to Boundary Value Problems of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Zhao Yige , Sun Shurong , Han Zhenlai , Li Qiuping
Published: December 2010

We study the existence of positive solutions for the boundary value problem of nonlinear fractional differential equations , 0 < t < 1, u(0) = u(1) = u′(0) = 0, where 2 < α ≤ 3 is a real number, is the Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative, λ is a positive parameter, and f : (0, +∞)→(0, +∞) is continuous. By the properties of the Green function and Guo‐Krasnosel′skii fixed point theorem on cones, the eigenvalue intervals of the nonlinear fractional differential equation boundary value problem are considered, some sufficient conditions for the nonexistence and existence of at least one or two positive solutions for the boundary value problem are established. As an application, some examples are presented to illustrate the main results.
Topography of Lipid Droplet-Associated Proteins: Insights from Freeze-Fracture Replica Immunogold Labeling
Authors: Robenek Horst , Buers Insa , Robenek Mirko J. , Hofnagel Oliver , Ruebel Anneke , Troyer David , Severs Nicholas J.
Published: December 2010

Lipid droplets are not merely storage depots for superfluous intracellular lipids in times of hyperlipidemic stress, but metabolically active organelles involved in cellular homeostasis. Our concepts on the metabolic functions of lipid droplets have come from studies on lipid droplet-associated proteins. This realization has made the study of proteins, such as PAT family proteins, caveolins, and several others that are targeted to lipid droplets, an intriguing and rapidly developing area of intensive inquiry. Our existing understanding of the structure, protein organization, and biogenesis of the lipid droplet has relied heavily on microscopical techniques that lack resolution and the ability to preserve native cellular and protein composition. Freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling overcomes these disadvantages and can be used to define at high resolution the precise location of lipid droplet-associated proteins. In this paper illustrative examples of how freeze-fracture immunocytochemistry has contributed to our understanding of the spatial organization in the membrane plane and function of PAT family proteins and caveolin-1 are presented. By revisiting the lipid droplet with freeze-fracture immunocytochemistry, new perspectives have emerged which challenge prevailing concepts of lipid droplet biology and may hopefully provide a timely impulse for many ongoing studies.
A Rabbit Model of Thrombosis on Atherosclerotic Lesions
Authors: Yamashita Atsushi , Asada Yujiro
Published: December 2010

Thrombus formation on a disrupted atherosclerotic plaque is a key event that leads to atherothrombosis. Because thrombus is induced by chemical or physical injury of normal arteries in most animal models of thrombosis, the mechanisms of thrombogenesis and thrombus growth in atherosclerotic vessels should be investigated in diseased arteries of appropriate models. Pathological findings of human atherothrombosis suggest that tissue factor, an initiator of the coagulation cascade, significantly affects enhanced platelet aggregation and fibrin formation after plaque disruption. We established a rabbit model of atherothrombosis based on human pathology in which differences in thrombus formation between normal and atherosclerotic arteries, factors contributing to thrombus growth, and mechanisms of plaque erosion can be investigated. Emerging transgenic and stem cell technologies should also provide an invaluable rabbit experimental model in the near future.
SALSA: SAving Lives Staying Active to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
Authors: Lee Rebecca E. , Mama Scherezade K. , Medina Ashley , Orlando Edwards Raul , McNeill Lorna
Published: December 2010

Physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and obesity are vexing problems among minorities. SAving Lives, Staying Active (SALSA) was an 8-week randomized controlled crossover design, pilot study to promote regular physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption as a means to preventing weight gain among women of color. Participants completed measures of demographics, PA, and dietary habits. Women ( years) who participated were overweight (  kg/m2; ) and reported low levels of leisure time PA ( MET-min/wk) and FV consumption ( servings/day). All were randomized to a four-week (1) semiweekly Latin dance group or (2) internet-based dietary education group. All participants reported a significant increase in weekly leisure time PA from baseline ( MET-min/wk) to follow up ( MET-min/wk, ), and FV consumption increased over time by group (). Data suggest that Latin dance interventions to improve PA and web-based interventions to improve dietary habits show promise for improving health among women of color.
Coral Diversity and the Severity of Disease Outbreaks: A Cross-Regional Comparison ofAcroporaWhite Syndrome in a Species-Rich Region (American Samoa) with a Species-Poor Region (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands)
Authors: Aeby G. S. , Bourne D. G. , Wilson B. , Work T. M.
Published: December 2010

The dynamics of the coral disease,Acroporawhite syndrome (AWS), was directly compared on reefs in the species-poor region of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) and the species-rich region of American Samoa (AS) with results suggesting that biodiversity, which can affect the abundance of susceptible hosts, is important in influencing the impacts of coral disease outbreaks. The diversity-disease hypothesis predicts that decreased host species diversity should result in increased disease severity of specialist pathogens. We found that AWS was more prevalent and had a higher incidence within the NWHI as compared to AS. IndividualAcroporacolonies affected by AWS showed high mortality in both regions, but case fatality rate and disease severity was higher in the NWHI. The site within the NWHI had a monospecific stand ofA. cytherea; a species that is highly susceptible to AWS. Once AWS entered the site, it spread easily amongst the abundant susceptible hosts. The site within AS contained numerousAcroporaspecies, which differed in their apparent susceptibility to infection and disease severity, which in turn reduced disease spread. Manipulative studies showed AWS was transmissible through direct contact in threeAcroporaspecies. These results will help managers predict and respond to disease outbreaks.
The Development and the Use of Experimental Animal Models to Study the Underlying Mechanisms of CA Formation
Authors: Aoki Tomohiro , Nishimura Masaki
Published: December 2010

Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) have a high prevalence and can cause a lethal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Currently, CAs can only be treated with invasive surgical procedures. To unravel the underlying mechanisms of CA formation and to develop new therapeutic drugs for CAs, animal models of CA have been established, modified, and analyzed. Experimental findings from these models have clarified some of the potential mechanisms of CA formation, especially the relationship between hemodynamic stress and chronic inflammation. Increased hemodynamic stress acting at the site of bifurcation of cerebral arteries triggers an inflammatory response mediated by various proinflammatory molecules in arterial walls, inducing pathological changes in the models similar to those observed in the walls of human CAs. Findings from animal studies have provided new insights into CA formation and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic drugs for CAs.
Benefits of Massage‐Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain, Anxiety, Quality of Sleep, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María , Matarán-Peñarrocha Guillermo A. , Granero-Molina José , Aguilera-Manrique Gabriel , Quesada-Rubio José Manuel , Moreno-Lorenzo Carmen
Published: December 2010

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by generalized pain, joint rigidity, intense fatigue, sleep alterations, headache, spastic colon, craniomandibular dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether massage‐myofascial release therapy can improve pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Seventy‐four fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to experimental (massage‐myofascial release therapy) and placebo (sham treatment with disconnected magnotherapy device) groups. The intervention period was 20 weeks. Pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life were determined at baseline, after the last treatment session, and at 1 month and 6 months. Immediately after treatment and at 1 month, anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain, and quality of life were improved in the experimental group over the placebo group. However, at 6 months postintervention, there were only significant differences in the quality of sleep index. Myofascial release techniques improved pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.
Ceramide in Stem Cell Differentiation and Embryo Development: Novel Functions of a Topological Cell-Signaling Lipid and the Concept of Ceramide Compartments
Authors: Bieberich Erhard
Published: December 2010

In the last two decades, the view on the function of ceramide as a sole metabolic precursor for other sphingolipids has completely changed. A plethora of studies has shown that ceramide is an important lipid cell-signaling factor regulating apoptosis in a variety of cell types. With the advent of new stem cell technologies and knockout mice for specific steps in ceramide biosynthesis, this view is about to change again. Recent studies suggest that ceramide is a critical cell-signaling factor for stem cell differentiation and cell polarity, two processes at the core of embryo development. This paper discusses studies on ceramide usingin vitrodifferentiated stem cells, embryo cultures, and knockout mice with the goal of linking specific developmental stages to exciting and novel functions of this lipid. Particular attention is devoted to the concept of ceramide as a topological cell-signaling lipid: a lipid that forms distinct structures (membrane domains and vesicles termed “sphingosome”), which confines ceramide-induced cell signaling pathways to localized and even polarized compartments.
Metabolic Bone Disease in the Bariatric Surgery Patient
Authors: Williams Susan E.
Published: December 2010

Bariatric surgery has proven to be a life-saving measure for some, but for others it has precipitated a plethora of metabolic complications ranging from mild to life-threatening, sometimes to the point of requiring surgical revision. Obesity was previously thought to be bone protective, but this is indeed not the case. Morbidly obese individuals are at risk for metabolic bone disease (MBD) due to chronic vitamin D deficiency, inadequate calcium intake, sedentary lifestyle, chronic dieting, underlying chronic diseases, and the use of certain medications used to treat those diseases. After bariatric surgery, the risk for bone-related problems is even greater, owing to severely restricted intake, malabsorption, poor compliance with prescribed supplements, and dramatic weight loss. Patients presenting for bariatric surgery should be evaluated for MBD and receive appropriate presurgical interventions. Furthermore, every patient who has undergone bariatric surgery should receive meticulous lifetime monitoring, as the risk for developing MBD remains ever present.
New Iterative Approximation Methods for a Countable Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Nammanee Kamonrat , Wangkeeree Rabian
Published: December 2010

We introduce new general iterative approximation methods for finding a common fixed point of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings. Strong convergence theorems are established in the framework of reflexive Banach spaces which admit a weakly continuous duality mapping. Finally, we apply our results to solve the the equilibrium problems and the problem of finding a zero of an accretive operator. The results presented in this paper mainly improve on the corresponding results reported by many others.
Developmental Mechanisms in Articular Cartilage Degradation in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tchetina Elena V.
Published: December 2010

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritic condition, which involves progressive degeneration of articular cartilage. The most recent accomplishments have significantly advanced our understanding on the mechanisms of the disease development and progression. The most intriguing is the growing evidence indicating that extracellular matrix destruction in osteoarthritic articular cartilage resembles that in the hypertrophic zone of fetal growth plate during endochondral ossification. This suggests common regulatory mechanisms of matrix degradation in OA and in the development and can provide new approaches for the treatment of the disease by targeting reparation of chondrocyte phenotype.
Modeling of Transistor's Tracking Behavior in Compact Models
Authors: Lu Ning
Published: December 2010

We present a novel method to model the tracking behavior of semiconductor transistors undergoing across-chip variations in a compact Monte Carlo model for SPICE simulations and show an enablement of simultaneous tracking relations among transistors on a chip at any poly density, any gate pitch, and any physical location for the first time. At smaller separations, our modeled tracking relation versus physical location reduces to Pelgrom's characterization on device's distance-dependent mismatch. Our method is very compact, since we do not use a matrix or a set of eigen solutions to represent correlations among transistors.
Experimental Validation of RELAP5 and TRACE5 for Licensing Studies of the Boron Injection System of Atucha II
Authors: Lazarte Alejandro I. , Fullmer William , Bertodano Martín
Published: December 2010

This paper presents an experimental validation of RELAP5 and TRACE5 for licensing studies of the Atucha II‐PHWR nuclear power plant. A scaled experimental facility, representing the boron injection system of Atucha II, was built. The system has a fundamental importance for loss of coolant accidents (LOCA) and anticipated transients without scram (ATWS). The experiment consists of the discharge of a tank that represents the boron tank filled with air or a mixture of air‐water onto a discharge tank that represents the moderator tank. Both tanks are connected by a pipe which includes a valve and an orifice plate to model the pressure losses due to the fittings in the real system. The pressure and water level measured in the tanks are compared with the RELAP5 and TRACE5 predictions. The codes predict the pressure in the tanks accurately. However, both codes overpredict the heat transfer in the boron tank air‐water interface which produces a greater expansion of the air which leads to a small discrepancy in the boron tank level prediction.
Outcome of Very Late Relapse in Patients with Hodgkin's Lymphomas
Authors: Gaudio Francesco , Giordano Annamaria , Pavone Vincenzo , Perrone Tommasina , Curci Paola , Pastore Domenico , Delia Mario , de' Risi Clara , Spina Alessandro , Liso Vincenzo , Specchia Giorgina
Published: December 2010

Recurrences of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) 5 years after the initial therapy are rare. The aim of this study is to report a single centre experience of the clinical characteristics, outcome, and toxicity of pts who experienced very late relapses, defined as relapses that occurred 5 or more years after the achievement of first complete remission. Of 532 consecutive pts with classical HL treated at our Institute from 1985 to 1999, 452 pts (85%) achieved a complete remission. Relapse occurred in 151 pts: 135 (29.8%) within 5 years and 16 over 5 years (3.5%, very late relapses). Very late relapses occurred after a median disease-free interval of 7 years (range: 5–18). Salvage treatment induced complete remission in 14 pts (87.5%). At a median of 4 years after therapy for very late relapse, 10 pts (63%) are still alive and free of disease and 6 (37%) died (1 from progressive HL, 1 from cardiac disease, 1 from thromboembolic disease, 1 from HCV reactivation, and 2 from bacterial infection). The probability of failure-free survival at 5 years was 75%. The majority of deaths are due to treatment-related complications. Therapy regimens for very late relapse HL are warranted to minimize complications.
Genetic Analyses and Simulations of Larval Dispersal Reveal Distinct Populations and Directional Connectivity across the Range of the Hawaiian Grouper (Epinephelus quernus)
Authors: Rivera Malia Ana J. , Andrews Kimberly R. , Kobayashi Donald R. , Wren Johanna L. K. , Kelley Christopher , Roderick George K. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: December 2010

Integration of ecological and genetic data to study patterns of biological connectivity can aid in ecosystem-based management. Here we investigated connectivity of the Hawaiian grouperEpinephelus quernus, a species of management concern within the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), by comparing genetic analyses with simulated larval dispersal patterns across the species range in the Hawaiian Archipelago and Johnston Atoll. Larval simulations revealed higher dispersal from the MHI to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) than in the opposite direction and evidence for a dispersal corridor between Johnston and the middle of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Genetic analyses using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and microsatellites revealed relatively high connectivity across the Hawaiian Archipelago, with the exception of genetically distinct populations and higher mtDNA diversity in the mid-Archipelago. These analyses support the preservation of the mid-archipelago as a source of genetic diversity and a region of connectivity with locations outside the Hawaiian Archipelago. Additionally, our evidence for directional dispersal away from the MHI lends caution to any management decisions that would rely on the NWHI replenishing depleted MHI stocks.
Influence of Sleeve Gastrectomy on NASH and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Karcz W. K. , Krawczykowski D. , Kuesters S. , Marjanovic G. , Kulemann B. , Grobe H. , Karcz-Socha I. , Hopt U. T. , Bukhari W. , Grueneberger J. M.
Published: December 2010

Background.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is present in up to 85% of adipose patients and may proceed to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). With insulin resistance and obesity being the main risk factors for NASH, the effect of isolated sleeve gastrectomy (ISG) on these parameters was examined.Methods. 236 patients underwent ISG with intraoperative liver biopsy from December 2002 to September 2009. Besides demographic data, pre-operative weight/BMI, HbA1c, AST, ALT, triglycerides, HDL and LDL levels were determined.Results. A significant correlation of NASH with higher HbA1c, AST and ALT and lower levels for HDL was observed (P<.05, <.0001, <.0001, <.01, resp.). Overall BMI decreased from 45.0 ± 6.8 to 29.7 ± 6.5 and 31.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2at 1 and 3 years. An impaired weight loss was demonstrated for patients with NASH and patients with elevated HbA1c (plateau 28.08 kg/m2versus 29.79 kg/m2and 32.30 kg/m2versus 28.79 kg/m2, resp.). Regarding NASH, a significant improvement of AST, ALT, triglyceride and HDL levels was shown (P<.0001for all). A resolution of elevated HbA1c was observed in 21 of 23 patients.Summary. NASH patients showed a significant loss of body weight and amelioration of NASH status. ISG can be successfully performed in these patients and should be recommended for this subgroup.
Gateways to Hawai‘i: Genetic Population Structure of the Tropical Sea CucumberHolothuria atra
Authors: Skillings Derek J. , Bird Christopher E. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: December 2010

Holothuria atrais one of the most common and widest ranging tropical, coral reef sea cucumbers in the world, and here we examine population genetic structure based on mitochondrial COI to aid in determining the appropriate scale for coral reef management. Based on SAMOVA, AMOVA and BARRIER analyses, we show that despite its large range,H. atrahas hierarchical, fine-scale population structure driven primarily by between-archipelago barriers, but with significant differences between sites within an archipelago as well. Migrate analyses along with haplotype networks and patterns of haplotype diversity suggest that Hawai‘i and Kingman reef are important centers of the genetic diversity in the region rather than an evolutionary dead-end for migrants from the Indo-Pacific. Finally we show that forH. atraKingman Reef is the most likely stepping stone between Hawai‘i and the rest of the Pacific, not Japan or Johnston Atoll as previously presumed. Based on our data, Johnston Atoll can instead be seen as an outpost of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands rather than a gateway to the Hawaiian Archipelago.
Ludwig: A Training Simulator of the Safety Operation of a CANDU Reactor
Authors: Boroni Gustavo , Clausse Alejandro
Published: December 2010

This paper presents the application Ludwig designed to train operators of a CANDU Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by means of a computer control panel that simulates the response of the evolution of the physical variables of the plant under normal transients. The model includes a close set of equations representing the principal components of a CANDU NPP plant, a nodalized primary circuit, core, pressurizer, and steam generators. The design of the application was performed using the object‐oriented programming paradigm, incorporating an event‐driven process to reflect the action of the human operators and the automatic control system. A comprehensive set of online graphical displays are provided giving an in‐depth understanding of transient neutronic and thermal hydraulic response of the power plant. The model was validated against data from a real transient occurring in the Argentine NPP Embalse Río Tercero, showing good agreement. However, it should be stressed that the aim of the simulator is in the training of operators and engineering students.
Comparative Effects of Different Disturbances in Coral Reef Habitats in Moorea, French Polynesia
Authors: Trapon Mélanie L. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Penin Lucie
Published: December 2010

Degradation and loss of critical coastal habitats has significant ramifications for marine fisheries, such that knowledge of changes in habitat quality and quantity are fundamental to effective ecosystem management. This study explores changes in the structure of coral reef habitats, specifically changes in coral cover and composition, in Moorea, French Polynesia, to assess the independent and combined effects of different disturbances since 1979. During this period, reefs on the north coast have been subject to coral bleaching, severe tropical storms, as well as outbreaks ofAcanthaster. Coral cover varied significantly among years, showing marked declines during some, but not all, disturbances. The greatest rates of coral loss coincided with outbreaks ofA. planci. Moreover, successive disturbances have had differential effects among coral genera, leading to strong directional shifts in coral composition.Acroporais declining in abundance and coral assemblages are becoming increasingly dominated byPocillopora and Porites. Observed changes in the cover and composition of corals are likely to have further significant impacts on the reef fish assemblages. Given that significant disturbances have been mostly associated with outbreaks ofA. planci, rather than climate change, effective ecosystem management may reduce and/or delay impending effects of climate change.
Assessment of an Isolation Condenser of an Integral Reactor in View of Uncertainties in Engineering Parameters
Authors: Lorenzo G. , Zanocco P. , Giménez M. , Marquès M. , Iooss B. , Bolado Lavín R. , Pierro F. , Galassi G. , D′Auria F. , Burgazzi L.
Published: December 2010

RMPS methodology is used for estimating the uncertainties in the fulfillment of a target related with the design of the isolation condenser of a “CAREM‐like” integral reactor.
The passive‐system assessment is made on a basis of a loss of heat sink transient. Given this scenario, the safety function is to remove the core decay heat after the actuation of the shutdown system, thus reducing the primary system pressure and leading the plant to a safe condition. The design target to evaluate is the avoidance of the RPV safety valves opening. In order to accomplish the evaluation, the following RMPS steps were followed: system identification, system modeling, characterization of TH phenomena, direct Monte Carlo simulation, sensitivity analysis, and quantitative reliability estimation.
As main outcomes, a ranking of parameters′ importance and an estimate of the failure probability, from a design target point of view, were achieved by sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations based on a response surface model.
Amiloride-Sensitive Sodium Channels and Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Althaus Mike , Clauss Wolfgang G. , Fronius Martin
Published: December 2010

The development of pulmonary edema can be considered as a combination of alveolar flooding via increased fluid filtration, impaired alveolar-capillary barrier integrity, and disturbed resolution due to decreased alveolar fluid clearance. An important mechanism regulating alveolar fluid clearance is sodium transport across the alveolar epithelium. Transepithelial sodium transport is largely dependent on the activity of sodium channels in alveolar epithelial cells. This paper describes how sodium channels contribute to alveolar fluid clearance under physiological conditions and how deregulation of sodium channel activity might contribute to the pathogenesis of lung diseases associated with pulmonary edema. Furthermore, sodium channels as putative molecular targets for the treatment of pulmonary edema are discussed.
Survey of BGFA Criteria for the Cu-Based Bulk Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Janovszky D. , Tomolya K. , Sveda M. , Roosz A.
Published: December 2010

To verify the effect of composition on the bulk glass forming ability (BGFA) of Cu-based alloys, properties have been collected from the literature (~100 papers, more than 200 alloys). Surveying the BGFA criteria published so far, it has been found that the atomic mismatch condition of Egami-Waseda is fulfilled for all the Cu-based BGFAs, the value being above 0,3. The Zhang Bangwei criterion could be applied for the binary Cu-based alloys. The Miracle and Senkov criteria do not necessarily apply for Cu based bulk amorphous alloys. The critical thickness versus plot of Lu and Liu extrapolates to , somewhat higher than the 0.33 value found in other BGFA alloys. The Park and Kim parameter correlates rather poorly with the critical thickness for Cu based alloys. The Cheney and Vecchino parameter is a good indicator to find the best glass former if it is possible to calculate the exact liquids projection. In 2009 Xiu-lin and Pan defined a new parameter which correlates a bit better with the critical thickness. Based on this survey it is still very difficult to find one parameter in order to characterize the real GFA without an unrealized mechanism of crystallization.
Liposome Model Systems to Study the Endosomal Escape of Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Transport across Phospholipid Membranes Induced by a Proton Gradient
Authors: Madani Fatemeh , Perálvarez-Marín Alex , Gräslund Astrid
Published: December 2010

Detergent-mediated reconstitution of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) into large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) was investigated, and the effects were carefully characterized for every step of the procedure. LUVs were prepared by the extrusion method, and their size and stability were examined by dynamic light scattering. BR was incorporated into the LUVs using the detergent-mediated reconstitution method and octyl glucoside (OG) as detergent. The result of measuring pH outside the LUVs suggested that in the presence of light, BR pumps protons from the outside to the inside of the LUVs, creating acidic pH inside the vesicles. LUVs with 20% negatively charged headgroups were used to model endosomes with BR incorporated into the membrane. The fluorescein-labeled cell-penetrating peptide penetratin was entrapped inside these BR-containing LUVs. The light-induced proton pumping activity of BR has allowed us to observe the translocation of fluorescein-labeled penetratin across the vesicle membrane.
Reduced SMAD7 Leads to Overactivation of TGF-β Signaling in MDS that Can Be Reversed by a Specific Inhibitor of TGF-β Receptor I Kinase
Authors: Zhou Li , McMahon Christine , Bhagat Tushar , Alencar Cristina , Yu Yiting , Fazzari Melissa , Sohal Davendra , Heuck Christoph , Gundabolu Krishna , Ng Chun , Mo Yongkai , Shen Wa , Wickrema Amittha , Kong Guanghui , Friedman Ellen , Sokol Lubomir , Mantzaris Giannis , Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline , Platanias Leonidas C. , Steidl Ulrich , Yan Lei , Yingling Jonathan M. , Lahn Michael M. , List Alan , Bitzer Markus , Verma Amit
Published: December 2010

Even though myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, the molecular alterations that lead to marrow failure have not been well elucidated. We have previously shown that the myelosuppressive TGF-β pathway is constitutively activated in MDS progenitors. Because there is conflicting data about upregulation of extracellular TGF-β levels in MDS, we wanted to determine the molecular basis of TGF-β pathway overactivation and consequent hematopoietic suppression in this disease. We observed that SMAD7, a negative regulator of TGF-β receptor I (TBRI) kinase, is markedly decreased in a large meta-analysis of gene expression studies from MDS marrow-derived CD34+ cells. SMAD7 protein was also found to be significantly decreased in MDS marrow progenitors when examined immunohistochemically in a bone marrow tissue microarray. Reduced expression of SMAD7 in hematopoietic cells led to increased TGF-β–mediated gene transcription and enhanced sensitivity to TGF-β–mediated suppressive effects. The increased TGF-β signaling due to SMAD7 reduction could be effectively inhibited by a novel clinically relevant TBRI (ALK5 kinase) inhibitor, LY-2157299. LY-2157299 could inhibit TGF-β–mediated SMAD2 activation and hematopoietic suppression in primary hematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, in vivo administration of LY-2157299 ameliorated anemia in a TGF-β overexpressing transgenic mouse model of bone marrow failure. Most importantly, treatment with LY-2157199 stimulated hematopoiesis from primary MDS bone marrow specimens. These studies demonstrate that reduction in SMAD7 is a novel molecular alteration in MDS that leads to ineffective hematopoiesis by activating of TGF-β signaling in hematopoietic cells. These studies also illustrate the therapeutic potential of TBRI inhibitors in MDS. Cancer Res; 71(3); 955–63. ©2010 AACR.
Efficacy and Duration of Benazepril Plus Amlodipine or Hydrochlorthiazide on 24-Hour Ambulatory Systolic Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Jamerson Kenneth A. , Devereux Richard , Bakris George L. , Dahlöf Björn , Pitt Bertram , Velazquez Eric J. , Weir Matthew , Kelly Roxzana Y. , Hua Tsushung A. , Hester Allen , Weber Michael A.
Published: December 2010

The combination of benazepril plus amlodipine was shown to be more effective than benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide in reducing cardiovascular events in the Avoiding Cardiovascular Events through Combination Therapy in Patients Living with Systolic Hypertension (ACCOMPLISH) trial. There was a small difference in clinic systolic blood pressure between the treatment arms favoring benazepril plus amlodipine. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring provides a more rigorous estimate of blood pressure effects. A subset of 573 subjects underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring during year 2. Readings were obtained every 20 minutes during a 24-hour period. Between-treatment differences (benazepril plus amlodipine versus benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide) in mean values were analyzed using ANOVA. Treatment comparisons with respect to categorical variables were made using Pearson's χ
2
. At year 2, the treatment groups did not differ significantly in 24-hour mean daytime or nighttime blood pressures (values of 123.9, 125.9, and 118.1 mm Hg for benazepril plus amlodipine group versus 122.3, 124.1, and 116.9 for the benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide group), with mean between-group differences of 1.6, 1.8, and 1.2 mm Hg, respectively. Blood pressure control rates (24-hour mean systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) were greater than 80% in both groups. Nighttime systolic blood pressure provided additional risk prediction after adjusting for the effects of drugs. The 24-hour blood pressure control was similar in both treatment arms, supporting the interpretation that the difference in cardiovascular outcomes favoring a renin angiotensin system blocker combined with amlodipine rather than hydrochlorothiazide shown in the ACCOMPLISH trial was not caused by differences in blood pressure, but instead intrinsic properties (metabolic or hemodynamic) of the combination therapies.
Angiotensin AT
2
Receptor Stimulation Inhibits Early Renal Inflammation in Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Matavelli Luis C. , Huang Jiqian , Siragy Helmy M.
Published: December 2010

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT
2
R) counteracts most effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT
1
R). We hypothesized that direct AT
2
R stimulation reduces renal production of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and enhances the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) in the clipped kidney of 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) hypertension rat model. We used Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate changes in renal interstitial fluid recovery levels of TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and cGMP; renal expression of AT
1
R, AT
2
R, TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in sham and 2K1C rats treated for 4 days with vehicle, AT
2
R agonist compound 21 (C21), or AT
2
R antagonist PD123319 (PD), alone and combined (n=6, each group). Systolic blood pressure increased significantly in 2K1C and was not influenced by any treatment. Clipped kidneys showed significant increases in renal expression of AT
1
R, AT
2
R, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1 and decreases in NO and cGMP levels. These factors were not influenced by PD treatment. In contrast, C21 caused significant decrease in renal TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1 and an increase in NO and cGMP levels. Combined C21 and PD treatment partially reversed the observed C21 effects. Compared to sham, there were no significant changes in TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, NO, or cGMP in the nonclipped kidneys of 2K1C animals. We conclude that direct AT
2
R stimulation reduces early renal inflammatory responses and improves production of NO and cGMP in renovascular hypertension independent of blood pressure reduction.
The Challenge of Delivering Impact: Making Waves Through the ODC Debate
Authors: Antonacopoulou Elena P. , Dehlin Erlend , Zundel Mike
Published: December 2010

This article articulates the nature of the challenge of the academic—practitioner “divide” as one of delivering impact. While measurable impact of research on organizational practice is a key indicator of the value of academic work, the authors explore possibilities of sustainable impact by exploiting and maintaining similarities and differences that characterize academic and organizational practice. Drawing on a metaphor of making waves, they suggest that possibilities of academic impact emerge from day-to-day engagements between scholars and organizational practitioners whose efficacy depends on the creation of shared understandings and personal relationships. This also emphasizes the maintenance of differences in perspective, which alert managers and researchers alike to different aspects that lay hitherto concealed in everyday practice. The authors draw insights from organizational development and change research to distil lessons about ways in which collaborative research practice could make waves that energize responses that extend both theory and practice.
Workplace Discrimination and the Perception of Disability
Authors: Draper William R. , Reid Christine A. , McMahon Brian T.
Published: December 2010

This article documents the employment discrimination experienced by Americans “regarded as” disabled (but not medically verified as such), using the Integrated Mission System of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Claimants who were perceived as disabled, as contrasted with those with documented disabilities, were more likely to file charges of discrimination based on the issues of discharge or hiring. Decisions by the EEOC in favor of claimants perceived to have disabilities disproportionately exceeded those in favor of claimants with documented disabilities. This finding lends support to the assertion that unconscious/implicit bias is persistent in the workplace.
Spotlighting a Silent Category of Young Females
Authors: Çelik Kezban , Lüküslü Demet
Published: December 2010

This article examines the everyday life experiences of young women in Turkey known as ev kızı or “house girls.” The article explores how traditional gender roles and family structure in Turkish society limit their full participation in political, economic, and public life. The study is based on in-depth interviews conducted with a total of 30 young women who are house girls from a district in Istanbul and another district in Ankara. The women interviewed were between the ages of 18 and 24, single, living with their family, and not engaged in full-time education or employment. Historically contextualizing gender-related development in Turkey, the differences in access to full citizenship among two groups of women based on factors including levels of education, rural/urban divide, socialization, adherence to traditional family values of obedience, loyalty to parents, and the like and drawing on quotes from interviews, the article describes the ways that the experiences of house girls are constrained by traditional gendered expectations compared with other women in Turkey. Expectations of house girls includes fulfilling family obligations at home, conforming to specified codes of behavior, remaining virgin until marriage, and not participating in the formal educational system or the labor market. The authors argue that, compared with students or working women, house girls are restricted to the private sphere. This leads them to feel a sense of boredom, low self-worth, lack of economic empowerment, and inability to fully participate in the public sphere of contemporary Turkish society. The authors also underline the gap between youth studies and women’s studies and argue that the study of house girls is well situated for addressing this gap.
Team Leaders and Team Members in Interorganizational Networks
Authors: Susskind Alex M. , Odom-Reed Peggy R. , Viccari Anthony E.
Published: December 2010

Through the examination of 11 intact interuniversity research project teams, this study examines the relationship between team leaders, team members, their communication networks (represented as structural holes), and performance. The study shows that in the conduct of their work, the team leaders bridged more structural holes than team members. Although team leaders demonstrated a higher level of out-of-alliance performance, they did not demonstrate higher levels of individual performance on their teams (compared with team members). Furthermore, we examined the relationship between structural holes and both individual team member performance and overall team performance. Contrary to our expectations, bridging structural holes were not significantly related to individual team member performance but were negatively and significantly related to overall team performance, the effect of which came mainly from team members’ effective size.
Multiple Discussion Networks and Their Consequence for Political Participation
Authors: Ikeda Ken’ichi , Boase Jeffrey
Published: December 2010

Social capital studies have provided some evidence that discussion networks increase political participation. However, a counterargument is that discussion with heterogeneous networks may instead decrease political participation. We examine the empirical validity of this claim using multiple discussion network data collected through the 2003 Japanese General Social Survey. We find that talking about politics positively affects political participation, irrespective of whether politics is the main subject of conversation or merely a by-product of conversation about other topics. Further, our results do not support the somewhat controversial claim that interacting with others holding opposing political views decreases political participation. To the contrary, we find a positive link between political heterogeneity and political participation in a variety of discussion networks.
Teaching and Learning Color Consciousness in Black Families: Exploring Family Processes and Women’s Experiences With Colorism
Authors: Wilder JeffriAnne , Cain Colleen
Published: December 2010

Family is regarded as a powerful force in the lives of Black Americans. Often-times, families function as an agent of socialization that counters racism. At the same time, however, Black families can perpetuate skin tone consciousness and bias, or colorism . Although there is an extensive body of revisionist literature on Black families and a growing body of scholarship on the contemporary nature of colorism, there is a dearth of literature addressing the role of Black families in relation to colorism. This research begins to fill this gap by exploring the influence of Black families in the development and maintenance of a colorist ideology and consciousness among Black women. Results of focus group interviews with 26 Black women indicate that color differences are learned, reinforced, and in some cases contested within families, ultimately shaping Black women’s perspectives and experiences with colorism.
Isokinetic Strength, Endurance, and Subjective Outcomes After Biceps Tenotomy Versus Tenodesis
Authors: Wittstein Jocelyn R. , Queen Robin , Abbey Alicia , Toth Alison , Moorman Claude T.
Published: December 2010

Background: Similar subjective outcomes have been reported for tenotomy or tenodesis of the long head of the biceps. Few studies have reported on postoperative strength and endurance.

Hypothesis: Biceps tenodesis results in superior subjective outcomes, strength, and endurance compared with tenotomy.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Participants completed isokinetic strength and endurance testing for elbow flexion and supination on the operative and nonoperative sides a minimum of 2 years after biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. Modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (MASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were obtained. The operative/nonoperative strength and endurance scores were compared for the tenotomy and tenodesis groups, with the nonoperative shoulder serving as the control for each participant’s operative shoulder. Change scores for strength and endurance were reported as percentage increase or decrease as compared with the nonoperative side. Change scores and MASES and SANE scores were compared between the 2 groups. The presence of a “popeye” deformity or pain at the tenodesis site was noted.

Results: Thirty-five patients (19 tenotomy, 16 tenodesis) were studied. No significant difference was noted in postoperative MASES and SANE scores. Operative-side peak supination torque was significantly decreased relative to the nonoperative side in the tenotomy group, which had a significantly larger decrease in supination peak torque than did the tenodesis group on comparison of change scores. No significant difference was noted for peak flexion torque or flexion/supination endurance between operative and nonoperative sides in either group or between change scores for peak flexion torque or flexion/supination endurance in the tenotomy and tenodesis groups. Four tenotomy patients had a popeye deformity, 2 of whom reported painful cramping. Two patients had pain at the tenodesis site.

Conclusion: Subjective outcomes are similar for patients treated with tenotomy and tenodesis. Tenotomy decreases supination peak torque relative to the nonoperative side and tenodesis.
Subcontracting and the Creation of Inequality in the Dutch Clothing Industry 1980-1992
Authors: Akkermans Dirk H. M.
Published: December 2010

The paper analyzes a dual industry structure and its effects as hypothesized by segmentation theory. A dual industry structure refers to the simultaneous existence of two groups of firms within an industry which differ in terms of bargaining power and product and labor market performance: sales and job fluctuation levels should be higher in the dominated group, and job security lower. Empirical analysis of the clothing industry in the Netherlands for the period 1980-1992 confirms the hypotheses for the largest part.

JEL classifications: J42, L14, L11