bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapamycin Prevents Early Steps of the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Jingjing , Qin Ling , Shou Zhangfei , Zhao Jie , Wang Huiping , Chen Ying , Chen Jianghua
Published: July 2007

Background/Aims: Recent studies suggested the involvement of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The effect of mTOR blockade by rapamycin in diabetic nephropathy was investigated, but in vivo study of rapamycin treatment in the course of early diabetes is still insufficient. This study was designed to determine the therapeutic effects of rapamycin on diabetic nephropathy at an early stage. Methods: Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin, and rapamycin (1 mg/kg) was administered by daily gavage for 4 weeks. Renal structural changes and some factors involved in the early pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy were tested. The activation level of the Akt/mTOR pathway was also determined. Results: Rapamycin treatment reduced albuminuria, glomerular enlargement, glomerular basement membrane thickening, renal macrophage recruitment, and levels of renal mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 without change in blood glucose level and blood pressure in experimental diabetic rats. In addition, treatment with rapamycin also down-regulated the enhanced levels of renal p-Akt, phospho-p70S6 kinase, and phospho-ribosomal S6 protein in diabetic rats. Conclusions: Rapamycin treatment can prevent the early renal structural changes of diabetes in experimental rats, and thus halt the early steps of the development of diabetic nephropathy. mTOR blockade might be beneficial for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
ABCG2 Expression Is an Independent Unfavorable Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tsunoda Shigeru , Okumura Tomoyuki , Ito Tetsuo , Kondo Kan , Ortiz Cristian , Tanaka Eiji , Watanabe Go , Itami Atsushi , Sakai Yoshiharu , Shimada Yutaka
Published: July 2007

Objective: ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2 (ABCG2) is a new member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette transporter proteins and known to be not only a member of the membrane transporters implicated in multidrug resistance, but also a molecular determinant of the side population phenotype, characteristics of which are reminiscent of stem cells. The aim of the current study was to clarify the significance of ABCG2 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: We immunohistochemically investigated paraffin sections of 100 ESCC tumors and assessed the expression level of ABCG2 mRNA in 33 specimens by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: In the immunohistochemical study, ABCG2 expression was detectable in 61% of patients and the proportion of ABCG2-positive cells was variable (0–100%). Interestingly, the presence of ABCG2-positive cells in the tumor, regardless of their amount, was associated with poorer survival (p = 0.0088). Moreover, it was revealed to be an independent prognostic factor along with the extent of the primary tumor and positive lymph node metastasis in multivariate analysis using Cox’s regression model. In the quantitative RT-PCR study, higher tumor ABCG2 mRNA expression was associated with poorer survival (p = 0.017). Conclusions: The absolute presence of ABCG2-positive cells in the tumor is a single independent prognostic factor, suggesting the underlying roles in malignant characteristics of ESCC other than drug resistance.
Statin Treatment in Children With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Rodenburg Jessica , Vissers Maud N. , Wiegman Albert , van Trotsenburg A. S. Paul , van der Graaf Anouk , de Groot Eric , Wijburg Frits A. , Kastelein John J.P. , Hutten Barbara A.
Published: July 2007

Background—

We previously demonstrated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial that 2-year pravastatin treatment induced a significant regression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in 8- to 18-year-old children with familial hypercholesterolemia. Subsequently, we continued to follow up these children to explore the relation between the age of statin initiation and carotid IMT after follow-up on statin treatment. We also examined safety aspects of statin therapy during this long-term follow-up.

Methods and Results—

All 214 children who initially participated in the previous placebo-controlled study were eligible for the follow-up study. After completion of the placebo-controlled study, all children continued treatment with pravastatin 20 or 40 mg, depending on their age. Blood samples were taken on a regular basis for lipids and safety parameters, and a carotid IMT measurement was performed after an average treatment period of 4.5 years. Follow-up data for 186 children were available for the statistical analyses. Multivariate analyses revealed that age at statin initiation was an independent predictor for carotid IMT after follow-up with adjustment for carotid IMT at initiation of statin treatment, sex, and duration of treatment. Early initiation of statin treatment was associated with a subsequently smaller IMT. Furthermore, no serious laboratory adverse events were reported during follow-up, and statin treatment had no untoward effects on sexual maturation.

Conclusions—

These data indicate that early initiation of statin treatment delays the progression of carotid IMT in adolescents and young adults. The present study shows for the first time that early initiation of statin therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia might be beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis in adolescence.
Statin Use in Patients With Extremely Low Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels Is Associated With Improved Survival
Authors: Leeper Nicholas J. , Ardehali Reza , deGoma Emil M. , Heidenreich Paul A.
Published: July 2007

Background—

Aggressive lipid management has recently become the standard of care for patients with coronary heart disease. The safety and effectiveness of statin usage for patients with extremely low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are less clear, however. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and clinical outcomes of statin treatment in patients with LDL cholesterol levels below 60 mg/dL.

Methods and Results—

A total of 6107 consecutive patients with LDL levels less than 60 mg/dL were identified from a tertiary care medical center or affiliated community clinic. Statin therapy was defined as a prescription during the 150 days after the low LDL value was obtained. The propensity to be treated with a statin was used to adjust the association of statin therapy and survival. A total of 4295 patients (70%) had at least 1 prescription for any medication during the 150-day observation period after the low LDL value. Their mean age was 65 years, 43% had prior ischemic heart disease, and 47% had diabetes mellitus. Statins were prescribed in 2564 patients (60%) after the low LDL value was observed. During a mean follow-up of 2.0±1.4 years after the observation period, there were 510 deaths. After controlling for the propensity to receive a statin, statin therapy was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.80). This lower mortality was also observed for subgroups of patients already taking statins at baseline (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.88), those with extremely low LDL levels (<40 mg/dL, n=623; HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.79), and those without a history of ischemic heart disease (n=2438; HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.80). Statin use was not associated with an increase in malignancy, transaminase elevation, or rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusions—

Statin therapy in the setting of a very low LDL level appears to be safe and is associated with improved survival.
Association of Antihypertensive Therapy and Diastolic Hypotension in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Peralta Carmen A. , Shlipak Michael G. , Wassel-Fyr Christina , Bosworth Hayden , Hoffman Brian , Martins Susana , Oddone Eugene , Goldstein Mary K.
Published: July 2007

The extent to which chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects achievement of blood pressure targets is not comprehensively understood. We evaluated the effects of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate: <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) on achievement of blood pressure control (nondiabetic: <140/90 mm Hg; diabetic: <130/85 mm Hg) using data from the Guidelines for Drug Therapy of Hypertension Trial. This 15-month study obtained outpatient blood pressures from 3 Veteran’s Affairs institutions. Among 9985 subjects with hypertension, we evaluated the association of CKD with achieved control and antihypertensive medication use. We also explored the association between the number of antihypertensives and systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure. After 15 months, 41% of participants met blood pressure targets. CKD was not associated with control (adjusted odds ratio: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.15). However, CKD was associated with higher odds of use of ≥3 medications among nondiabetic subjects (odds ratio: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.71) and diabetic subjects (odds ratio: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.66). A significant interaction was observed between CKD and the number of antihypertensives as determinants of diastolic and pulse pressures. Among non-CKD participants, a greater number of antihypertensives (0 compared with 4) was associated with wider pulse pressure (Δ5.2 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), mainly because of higher systolic pressures (Δ3.6 mm Hg;
P
=0.001). Among participants with CKD, although greater numbers of antihypertensives were associated with even wider pulse pressures (Δ8.3 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), this was primarily because of lower diastolic pressures (Δ4.8 mm Hg;
P
<0.01). Among participants with CKD, greater use of antihypertensives was associated with lower diastolic pressures. Given recent evidence suggesting adverse effects of diastolic hypotension, these results suggest potential risks in patients with CKD from aggressive attempts to control systolic blood pressure.
Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Heterozygous Carrier Mice of Carnitine Transporter Gene Mutation
Authors: Takahashi Ryotaro , Asai Toru , Murakami Hisashi , Murakami Ryuichiro , Tsuzuki Michitaka , Numaguchi Yasushi , Matsui Hideo , Murohara Toyoaki , Okumura Kenji
Published: July 2007

Primary systemic carnitine deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a decreased renal reabsorption of carnitine because of mutations of the carnitine transporter
OCTN2
gene, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common clinical feature of homozygotes. Although heterozygotes for
OCTN2
mutations are generally healthy with normal cardiac performance, heterozygotes may be at risk for cardiomyopathy in the presence of additional risk factors, such as hypertension. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of surgically induced pressure overload on the hearts of heterozygous mutants of a murine model of
OCTN2
mutation, juvenile visceral steatosis mouse (jvs/+). Eleven-week-old jvs/+ mice and age-matched wild-type mice were used. At baseline, there were no differences in physical characteristics between wild-type and jvs/+ mice. However, plasma and myocardial total carnitine levels in jvs/+ mice were lower than in wild-type mice. Both wild-type and jvs/+ mice were subjected to ascending aortic constriction with or without 1%
l
-carnitine supplementation for 4 weeks. At 4 weeks after ascending aortic constriction, jvs/+ mice showed an exaggeration of cardiac hypertrophy and pulmonary congestion, further increased gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide in the left ventricles, further deterioration of left ventricular fractional shortening, reduced myocardial phosphocreatine:adenosine triphosphate ratio, and increased mortality compared with wild-type mice;
l
-carnitine supplementation prevented these changes in jvs/+ mice subjected to ascending aortic constriction. In conclusion, cardiomyopathy and heart failure with energy depletion may be induced by pressure overload in heterozygotes for
OCTN2
mutations and could be prevented by
l
-carnitine supplementation.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure of Pregnant Mothers and Blood Pressure in Their Newborns
Authors: Geerts Caroline C. , Grobbee Diederick E. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , de Jong Brita M. , van der Zalm Marieke M. , van Putte-Katier Nienke , Kimpen Jan L.L. , Uiterwaal Cuno S.P.M.
Published: July 2007

There is evidence to suggest that exposure of pregnant women to tobacco smoke is related to higher childhood blood pressure in their offspring. It is not well known whether this association is set in utero or by shared postnatal environments. The objective of this study was to assess the association between tobacco smoke exposure of pregnant mothers and blood pressure and heart rate of their newborns. In an unselected birth cohort, blood pressure and heart rate were measured in 456 infants at ≈2 months of age. Smoking exposure of mothers in pregnancy was obtained by questionnaire. Of 456 mothers whose infants had blood pressure measured, 363 (79.6%) were not exposed to tobacco smoke in pregnancy, 63 (13.8%) did not smoke in pregnancy but were exposed by others, and 30 (6.6%) smoked. Infant offspring of mothers who had smoked during pregnancy had 5.4 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.2 to 9.7;
P
=0.01) higher systolic blood pressure levels than offspring of mothers who were not exposed to tobacco smoke in pregnancy, taking account of birth weight, infant age, gender, nutrition, and age of mother. No associations were found between maternal exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnancy and diastolic blood pressure. A positive association between maternal exposure to tobacco smoke and heart rate was largely explained by confounding. It can be concluded that maternal exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnancy has a substantial increasing effect on systolic blood pressure in early infancy.
Role of Exercise Training in Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction and Mortality in Diabetic Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Souza Silvia B.C. , Flues Karin , Paulini Janaina , Mostarda Cristiano , Rodrigues Bruno , Souza Leandro E. , Irigoyen Maria-Cláudia , De Angelis Kátia
Published: July 2007

Diabetes and menopause markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and on total mortality in diabetic female rats undergoing ovarian hormone deprivation. Female Wistar rats were divided into ovariectomized groups: sedentary and trained controls and sedentary and trained diabetic rats (streptozotocin, 50 mg/kg IV). Trained groups were submitted to an exercise training protocol on a treadmill (8 weeks). The baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated by heart rate responses to arterial pressure changes. Heart rate variability was determined using the SD of the basal heart rate. Vagal and sympathetic tonus were evaluated by pharmacological blockade. Diabetes impaired baroreflex sensitivity (≈55%), vagal tonus (≈68%), and heart rate variability (≈38%). Exercise training improved baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability in control and diabetic groups in relation to their sedentary groups. Trained control rats presented increased vagal tonus compared with that of sedentary ones. The sympathetic tonus was reduced in the trained diabetic group as compared with that of other studied groups. Significant correlations were obtained between heart rate variability and vagal tonus with baroreflex sensitivity. Mortality, assessed during the training period, was reduced in trained diabetic (25%) rats compared with mortality in sedentary diabetic rats (60%). Together, these findings suggest that decreases in baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability may be related to increased mortality in female diabetic subjects and that improved autonomic regulation induced by exercise training may contribute to decreased mortality in this population.
Fissions and Fusions, Foes and Friends
Authors: Rakner Lise , Svåsand Lars , Khembo Nixon S.
Published: July 2007

The issue of presidential term limits is an important political norm on the African continent, but the effects of this on the institutionalization of the party systems have so far not been analyzed. The authors argue that the third presidential election represents a window of opportunity for politicians aspiring for the top position, leading to party fragmentation (fissions) and party mergers (fusions). Politicians pursue an office-seeking strategy, weakly connected to ideological priorities. The combination of leadership-centered parties, executive dominance, and the institutional rules for presidential elections encourage turbulence in the party system in the context of the third elections. The authors illustrate these processes with the case of Malawi's 2004 presidential and parliamentary elections, which led to a number of new party formations. After the elections, fusions of parties and coalitions among parties became alternative strategies for winning office.
A Pharmacogenomics Primer
Authors: Court Michael H.
Published: July 2007

The human genome project and related research initiatives have enabled the identification of a significant number of genetic variants that are predictive of drug response and outcome (pharmacogenomic biomarkers). As yet, incorporation of routine pharmacogenomic testing into clinical practice has been relatively modest. Potential barriers to adoption include a relative lack of prospective controlled trials establishing the benefits of such testing, economic constraints, and ethical concerns, among others. Clinicians considering the use of pharmacogenomic testing in their practice also may be unfamiliar with the concepts and principles underlying this rapidly evolving discipline. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to provide the clinical pharmacologist with a primer on the principles and molecular mechanisms underlying pharmacogenomics. In addition, the methods currently being used to discover novel pharmacogenomic biomarkers and then apply these to clinical practice will be described.
Are There Religious Variations in Marital Infidelity?
Authors: Burdette Amy M. , Ellison Christopher G. , Sherkat Darren E. , Gore Kurt A.
Published: July 2007

Although previous scholarship has examined the relationship between religious involvement and a wide range of family outcomes, the relationship between religion and extramarital sexual behavior remains understudied. The authors investigate how religious affiliation, participation, and biblical beliefs explain differences in self-reported marital infidelity. This study examines data from the 1991-2004 General Social Surveys and finds that religious factors are associated with the likelihood of marital infidelity. Both church attendance and biblical beliefs are associated with lower odds of self-reported infidelity. Additionally, the authors find substantial denominational variations in the odds of marital infidelity, particularly among those who strongly affiliate with their religious group.
Parent–Child Relations and Peer Associations as Mediators of the Family Structure–Substance Use Relationship
Authors: Crawford Lizabeth A. , Novak Katherine B.
Published: July 2007

Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Survey of 1988, the authors assess the extent to which adolescents' levels of parental attachment and opportunities for participating in delinquent activities mediate the family structure—substance use relationship. A series of hierarchical regressions supported the hypotheses that high levels of substance use among adolescents residing with stepfamilies would be explained by low parental attachment, whereas heightened opportunities for participating in deviant activities would account for the substance use behaviors of individuals living in single-parent households. More generally, the findings suggest that family structure has a moderate effect on youth substance use; that parental and peer relations are better predictors than family structure of levels of alcohol and marijuana consumption; and that variations in parental attachment, parenting style, and peer relations across family types explain some, but not all, of the effects of family structure on adolescents' substance use behaviors.
Anatomical Limitations of Transtibial Drilling in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Heming James F. , Rand Jason , Steiner Mark E.
Published: July 2007

Background

Recommended techniques for transtibial drilling in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are based on strategies to prevent graft impingement and preserve tibial tunnel length. The limitations of this drilling technique may restrict the ability to centralize tunnels in the anterior cruciate ligament footprints.

Hypothesis

A transtibial drilling starting point to centralize the tibial and femoral tunnels in their respective footprints can be identified, but it will result in a short tibial tunnel.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods

The femoral and tibial attachments of the anterior cruciate ligament were characterized in 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Knees were secured in 70° and 90° of flexion. A guide pin was drilled antegrade through the central femoral and proximal anterior cruciate ligament attachment sites through the central tibial anterior cruciate ligament attachment site to exit on the anterior tibia.

Results

In 90° of flexion using the central femoral and tibial attachment sites, the exit point of the pin on the anterior tibia was 14.1 mm from the tibial joint line and 20.9 mm anterior to the superficial medial collateral ligament. The length of the pin in the tibia was 30.6 mm. Extending the knee to 70° or directing the pin through the proximal femoral anterior cruciate ligament attachment moved the starting point less than 4 mm from this point.

Conclusion

The transtibial technique can produce tunnels centered in the anterior cruciate ligament footprints, but a starting point close to the tibial joint line is required. This will result in a relatively short tibial tunnel.

Clinical Relevance

If tunnels centered in the anterior cruciate ligament attachment sites are desired with the transtibial drilling technique, then a short tibial tunnel is necessary. A short tibial tunnel may compromise graft fixation and graft incorporation, or it may result in a tunnel length—graft length mismatch. An alternative drilling strategy might be employed.
Muscle Strength after Anterior Shoulder Stabilization
Authors: Rhee Yong Girl , Lim Chan Teak , Cho Nam Su
Published: July 2007

Background

A number of reports have been made on the muscle strength at the last follow-up after arthroscopic or open Bankart repairs. Few have analyzed the change over time in muscle strength and compared the changes between different operative methods.

Hypothesis

Muscle strength recovers faster after arthroscopic Bankart repair than after open Bankart repair, and the final muscle strength is not different between the 2 procedures.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Sixty patients with anterior shoulder instability and an isolated Bankart lesion were enrolled for this study. Thirty patients underwent open Bankart repair (open group), and 30 patients went through arthroscopic Bankart repair (arthroscopic group).

Results

The open group demonstrated markedly weaker muscle strength during forward elevation than did the arthroscopic group up to 3 months after surgery, but the difference narrowed to about 5% at 6 months (P = .074). At 6 months after surgery, the muscle strength of the open group measured 85.8% ± 11.5% in forward elevation, 89.5% ± 10.3% in external rotation, and 89.3% ± 13.3% in internal rotation. The corresponding figures of the arthroscopic group were 90.6% ± 8.6%, 92.1% ± 9.1%, and 92.1% ± 11.7%. As for external and internal rotations, the open group demonstrated markedly weaker muscle strength 6 weeks after surgery, but the differences were reduced to about 6% and 4%, respectively, at 3 months (P = .092 and .163, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in final muscle strength 12 months after the operation between the 2 groups (P = .503, .468, and .659, respectively).

Conclusion

Muscle strength recovered faster with an arthroscopic procedure than with an open procedure during the early postoperative periods, and strength was restored to the level of the unaffected side at 6 months postoperatively. In the group with open Bankart repairs, the muscle strength during forward elevation recovered slower than did external and internal rotation muscle strengths.
Factors Associated With Newborn In-Hospital Weight Loss: Comparisons by Feeding Method, Demographics, and Birthing Procedures
Authors: Martens Patricia J. , Romphf Linda
Published: July 2007

Full-term newborn normative weight loss and factors influencing this were determined through chart audits (n = 812) at 6 hospitals in Manitoba, Canada. The effects of parity, gestational age, birth weight, sex, length of stay, type of delivery (cesarean vs vaginal), epidural use, and type of infant feeding (exclusively breastfed, partially breastfed, exclusively formula-fed) on percentage weight loss in hospital were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. In-hospital weight loss was 5.09% ± 2.89% (95% CI, 4.89-5.29), varying by feeding category: exclusively breastfed 5.49% ± 2.60% (95% CI, 5.23-5.74), partially breastfed 5.52% ± 3.02% (95% CI, 5.16-5.88), and formula-fed 2.43% ± 2.12% (95% CI, 2.02-2.85). Factors significantly increasing the percentage weight loss included higher birth weight, female sex, epidural use, and longer hospital stay. Lower percentage weight loss was associated with greater gestational age and exclusive formula feeding. Parity and type of delivery were not significant. Controlling for demographic and delivery-related variables, exclusive formula feeding had the largest impact, with 3.1% less weight loss than exclusive breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 23(3):233-241.
Reassessment of Baby-friendly Hospitals in Brazil
Authors: Moura de Araújo María de Fátima , Soares Schmitz Bethsáida de Abreu
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to assess adherence to the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” in certified hospitals in Brazil in 2002. The Ministry of Health ordered that all 172 hospitals certified from 1992 to 2000 be reassessed. Of the 167 eligible Baby-friendly Hospitals assessed, 137 (82%) met all of the 10 steps. Steps 2 and 3 presented the lowest adherence rates (91% and 92%, respectively), followed by steps 4, 5, and 10, with 95% each. Steps 7 and 9 reflected the highest adherence rate of 99% among all eligible Baby-friendly Hospitals. These findings suggest the need to intensify regular health training programs for professionals working in Baby-friendly Hospitals on managing and promoting breastfeeding and to implement strategies that favor steps 3 and 10, to further promote and support breastfeeding before and after delivery. J Hum Lact. 23(3):246-252.
Effects of High-Pressure Processing on Immunoglobulin A and Lysozyme Activity in Human Milk
Authors: Viazis Stelios , Farkas Brian E. , Allen Jonathan C.
Published: July 2007

Banked human milk, processed using low-temperature/long-time or Holder pasteurization, inactivates pathogenic microorganisms but degrades important biochemical components. High-pressure processing kinetics favor inactivation of microorganisms with retention of biochemical activity and nutritional quality of foods. The effects of high-pressure processing (400 MPa) and low-temperature/long-time pasteurization (62.5°C, 30 minutes) on total immunoglobulin A and lysozyme activity in human milk were investigated. Indirect modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent and a Micrococcus lysodeikticus turbidimetric assay were performed to measure immunoglobulin A immunoactivity and lysozyme activity, respectively. Pressure-treated samples retained significantly higher ( P < .05) levels of immunoglobulin A and lysozyme activity compared to samples treated with low-temperature/ long-time pasteurization. These data suggest that high-pressure processing is a potential alternative to thermal pasteurization of human milk that can give greater retention of some bioactive components. Further research is needed to determine whether high-pressure processing can inactivate pathogens of concern in donor human milk. J Hum Lact. 23(3):253-261.
Titanic FTAs
Authors: Chadha Rajesh , Pratap Devender
Published: July 2007

There seems to be no conclusive note on strengthening multilateralism except for the lip service generally paid by the World Trade Organization (WTO) members during their meetings, only to go back and get increasingly involved in their respective regional pursuits. The success of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) in the Hong Kong Ministerial is crucial for the future growth of the developing countries as well as for good future economic prospects for the developed countries. In case the Asian developing countries would like to adopt a dual strategy of mix of regionalism and multilateralism, they need to adopt a careful approach while treading this path. Small and narrow regional trade agreements (RTAs) can be costly as well as trade diverting. Larger and broader RTAs may be a better option. A Pan-Asian Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) may be an appropriate response to the Enlarged European Union (EEU) and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Open regionalism through autonomous liberalisation within a pre-fixed period of time is a better option for PAFTA than preferential trade liberalisation.
CO2 Emission Reduction Strategies and Economic Development of India
Authors: Murthy N. Satyanarayana , Panda Manoj , Parikh Kirit
Published: July 2007

This article examines the consequences of alternative CO2 emission reduction strategies on economic development and, in particular, the implications for the poor by empirically implementing an economy-wide model for India over a 35-year time horizon. A multi-sectoral, inter-temporal model in the activity analysis framework is used for this purpose. The model with specific technological alternatives, endogenous income distribution and truly dynamic behaviour and that covers the whole economy is an integrated top-down–bottom-up model. The results show that CO2 emission reduction imposes costs in terms of lower GDP and higher poverty. Cumulative emission reduction targets are, however, preferable to annual reduction targets and that a dynamically optimum strategy can help reduce the burden of emission reductions. The scenarios involving compensation for the loss in welfare are not very encouraging as they require large capital inflows. Contrasted with these, scenarios involving tradable emission quota give India an incentive to be carbon efficient. It becomes a net seller for the first 25 years, and because of reduction in carbon intensity it would demand less in later years when it becomes a net buyer. The results suggest that for India and other developing countries, the window of opportunity to sell carbon quotas is the next two decades or so.
Experimental Demonstration of H∞ Control based Active Vibration Suppression in Composite Fin-tip of Aircraft using Optimally Placed Piezoelectric Patch Actuators
Authors: Rao A.K. , Natesan Kannan , Seetharama Bhat M. , Ganguli Ranjan
Published: July 2007

The goal of this study is the multi-mode structural vibration control in the composite fin-tip of an aircraft. Structural model of the composite fin-tip with surface bonded piezoelectric actuators is developed using the finite element method. The finite element model is updated experimentally to reflect the natural frequencies and mode shapes accurately. A model order reduction technique is employed for reducing the finite element structural matrices before developing the controller. Particle swarm based evolutionary optimization technique is used for optimal placement of piezoelectric patch actuators and accelerometer sensors to suppress vibration. H∞ based active vibration controllers are designed directly in the discrete domain and implemented using dSpace® (DS-1005) electronic signal processing boards. Significant vibration suppression in the multiple bending modes of interest is experimentally demonstrated for sinusoidal and band limited white noise forcing functions.
Electroelastic Analysis of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Material Beams
Authors: Zheng Zhong  , Tao Yu
Published: July 2007

A general two-dimensional solution is proposed for functionally graded piezoelectric material beams with arbitrary graded material properties along the beam thickness direction. The beam is subjected to normal and shear tractions of polynomial form on the top and bottom surfaces, while the end boundary conditions can be cantilever, simply supported or rigidly clamped. The Airy stress function and the electric potential are expressed in a finite power series, and the corresponding recurrence-governing equations are obtained. Explicit expressions of analytical solution to a specific example for a cantilever beam are obtained to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed general solution technique. The proposed solution method will be useful in analyzing functionally graded piezoelectric structures with arbitrary variations of material properties, and the obtained results can serve as a basis for establishing simplified theories and numerical methodology of functionally graded piezoelectric material beams.
Simulation Analysis on Intelligent Structures with Magnetorheological Dampers
Authors: Guo Ying-Qing , Fei Shu-Min , Xu Zhao-Dong
Published: July 2007

The magnetorheological (MR) damper, a shock absorption device, can be used to reduce vibration or dynamic response of controlled systems. Its parameters can be adjusted in real-time by updating its control current, therefore, it is critical to determine the control current of the MR damper accurately and quickly. This study proposes a fuzzy control strategy based on a neural network forecasting model of the building structure with MR dampers, in which a neural network forecasting model is developed to predict dynamic responses of the system with MR dampers and a fuzzy controller is then designed to determine control currents of MR dampers. A five-floor steel structure with MR dampers using the proposed fuzzy control strategy is simulated by using Simulink. Simulation results of the fuzzy control system are compared with those of the bi-state control system, the passive-on control system, the passive-off control system, and the uncontrolled system. Analysis results demonstrate that the fuzzy control strategy can determine control currents of MR dampers accurately and quickly; furthermore, the fuzzy control strategy reduces seismic responses of structures more effectively than the passive-on control strategy, the passive-off control strategy, and the bi-state control strategy.
Synthesis of Reference Signal in Adaptive Feedback Controller for Structure Vibration Suppression
Authors: Yang S.M. , Sheu G.J. , Li C.C.
Published: July 2007

Adaptive control has been known to be desirable to accommodate the system parameter variations and adapt to operational requirements in smart (intelligent) structures. Conventional feedforward controller requires both the reference sensor to measure the disturbance and the error sensor to measure the residual vibration; however, the reference sensor measurement may be impractical because the disturbance is often not known a priori in structural vibration. This study presents an adaptive feedback controller design in which the reference signal is synthesized by the error sensor measurement and the system dynamics identification, which is a prerequisite also in adaptive feedforward controller design. The infinite impulse response (IIR) adaptive filter for system identification and the finite impulse response (FIR) adaptive filter for feedback controller are implemented on digital signal processor for effective on-line vibration suppression. Experimental results show that the controller performance is strongly influenced by the accuracy of system identification. The controller achieves broadband attenuation and remains robust under parameter variations.
Dynamic Stability of Beam-type Vibratory Angular Rate Sensors Subjected to Rate Fluctuations
Authors: Asokanthan Samuel F. , Cho Jihyun
Published: July 2007

Dynamic stability behavior of a beam-type vibratory structure, for applications in a class of vibratory angular rate sensors is investigated. A suitable mathematical model for a rotating beam perturbed by periodic velocity fluctuations is developed. The natural frequency variations due to the gyroscopic coupling present in the system are characterized. When the system is considered to be under an influence of periodic perturbations in the input angular speed, the dynamic stability is investigated. The method of averaging is employed for this purpose, and closed-form stability conditions are obtained. The analytical results are verified by direct numerical integration of the system equations.
Biotech Firms, Biotech Politics
Authors: Newell Peter
Published: July 2007

This article identifies and explains the ways in which firms involved in the debate about the role of biotechnology in Indian agriculture have sought to advance their interests. It argues that the public positions of larger biotech and agro-chemical companies, seed enterprises, and newer start-up firms and the associations to which they belong relate to the differences in their underlying corporate strategies. The extent to which these firms are involved in primary research, export their products, or require protection for their products helps to determine their political affiliations to the leading industry bodies that are active on biotechnology issues. In turn, each of these associations has been shown to have distinct patterns of interaction with particular government agencies involved in the regulation of biotechnology products, as well as differing degrees of contact with global industry coalitions. Through a combination of material influences, in most cases high levels of institutional access, and in a context in which claims about the benefits of biotechnology are echoed and repeated in influential media, industry has played an important role in the evolving regulatory regime. These forms of leverage apply to some firms more than others and smaller actors in the vast seed sector in India are barely involved directly in the current debate about India's “gene revolution.” Currently, the policy agenda in Delhi appears to be far more influenced by a fairly close-knit policy network of biotech entrepreneurs from larger multinationals and successful start-up firms with good national and global connections.
Biodiversity and Socioeconomic Impacts of Selected Agro-Commodity Production Systems
Authors: Kessler Jan Joost , Rood Trudy , Tekelenburg Tonnie , Bakkenes Michel
Published: July 2007

This study assesses the socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts associated with the production of selected agro-commodities in their production countries and areas. Selected agro-commodities are soy (in Argentina and Brazil), palm oil (in Indonesia and Malaysia), beef (in Argentina and Brazil), and coffee (in Honduras and Vietnam). In each of the countries specific production areas and regions were selected, where production of the agro-commodity has shown strong expansion during the last 5 to 8 years. Using data and information on biodiversity and socioeconomic indicators available at the subnational level, a loss of biodiversity as well as a decline of critical socioeconomic indicators was observed in 54% of the studied production areas. Because in the mid-1990s several production areas had lower values for important socioeconomic indicators compared to the national average, a widening of the gap between the socioeconomic situation in production areas as compared to the national average was found in 26% of the cases studied. This corresponds to 59% of areas with a poor initial development situation. We found that factors explaining these patterns are characteristics of the commodities, macroeconomic and governance issues of the countries, as well as the history of the production area and whether production increase occurs through frontier expansion or intensification. Overall these results contradict the neoliberal assumption that export-oriented development will generally stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in the production areas.
Searching for Pollution Havens
Authors: Spatareanu Mariana
Published: July 2007

This study takes a fresh look at the regulatory determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) by asking whether the stringency and sustainability of environmental regulations affect FDI flows across 25 Western and Eastern European countries. Unlike the earlier literature, which considered only host country characteristics, this article focuses on the difference in the regulatory environments in home and host economies. The data suggest that more stringent environmental regulations in the investor's country relative to those in the potential host country are positively correlated with the probability of investment as well as with the volume of FDI. The results also show that firms in industries with higher abatement costs tend to invest more abroad.
Governance Failure and Financial Crisis in German Football
Authors: Dietl Helmut M. , Franck Egon
Published: July 2007

The peculiar German football governance structure may be well suited to prevent integrity problems resulting from multiple club ownership or from ownership by "undesired'' persons or entities. However, this effect comes at a price. In the vacuum of power generated within large member associations, residual rights of control are de facto allocated to representatives who do not hold residual claims. Because these representatives externalize substantial parts of the risk associated with investment decisions, they are particularly ill-suited for managing the business of professional football, which has been transformed into a "gamble on success'' by ever-increasing revenue differentials between winners and losers. At the same time, low accounting standards for members clubs, combined with "soft'' law enforcement, invite club representatives to hide their consumption on the job behavior until their clubs are insolvent.
Keepers of the Covenant or Platonic Guardians? Decision Making on the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Pacelle Richard L. , Marshall Bryan W. , Curry Brett W.
Published: July 2007

How do the justices of the Supreme Court make their decisions? How does the Supreme Court of the United States make its decisions? The answer to these questions may not be the same. In studying judicial decision making, there has been a disconnection between individual and institutional levels of analysis. Lifetime tenure insulates individual justices and permits them to act on their substantive preferences. At the same time, the Court lacks the “sword and purse” and must rely on the other branches to fund or implement its directives. This study develops an integrative model to explain Supreme Court decision making. Using constitutional civil liberties and civil rights cases in the 1953 to 2000 period, conditions favorable to the attitudinal model, we find that institutional decision making is a function of attitudinal, strategic, and legal factors.
Delegating Discretion
Authors: Brashear Tiede Lydia
Published: July 2007

I test how the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, promulgated by the United States Sentencing Commission, affected district court decision making from 1999 to 2003. Policymakers effectively used legal regulation to constrain judicial discretion by specifying (a) the sentencing ranges applicable to certain factual patterns, (b) the departures from these ranges allowed for prosecutors, or (c) the departures allowed for judges. My results establish significant differences in how judges make decisions depending on whether or not they were constrained by guideline ranges. When the guidelines curtailed judges' discretion, judges followed these guidelines but overwhelmingly sentenced defendants to the minimum sentence possible under the guidelines. Conversely, when guidelines allowed judges to depart from the sentencing ranges and instead to exercise broad discretion, they used this authority, and case sentences, although widely varying, were right censored at a point at or below the guideline minimum. Finally, the lowest sentences arose from prosecutors' motions rather than judges' own initiatives.
Linking Judicial Selection to Consensus
Authors: Boyea Brent D.
Published: July 2007

This article focuses on differences in judicial ideology as an explanation of judicial consensus or disagreement in state supreme court decision making. First, state methods of judicial selection (election vs. appointment) are posited to influence the ideological composition of state supreme courts. Second, variations in ideological composition are related to the degree of consensus among judges on cases in the area of capital punishment. Factors other than selection mechanism and judicial ideology are considered as alternative explanations for differences in ideological composition and for the degree of judicial consensus. More broadly, state institutional characteristics, notably judicial selection mechanisms (election or appointment) are found to influence the authoritative presence of state supreme courts.
Presidential Strategy in the Judicial Appointment Process
Authors: Holmes Lisa M.
Published: July 2007

I examine presidential use of public appeals on behalf of nominees to the U.S. courts of appeals from 1977 to 2005. Presidents Clinton and W. Bush have utilized this strategy far more regularly than did their predecessors. I find that presidents go public more often and more quickly on behalf of nominees facing a difficult confirmation climate, as well as on behalf of those who would diversify the bench. However, nominees who received more presidential support were not more likely to be confirmed by the Senate and appeared to be less likely to be confirmed. These findings indicate an important shift in presidential strategy concerning appointments to the courts of appeals in the newly politicized confirmation climate. These findings also provide evidence that presidents may be motivated by factors beyond confirmation success when determining how to expend public support on behalf of individuals nominated to these important courts.
A Neo-Institutional Explanation of State Supreme Court Responses in Search and Seizure Cases
Authors: Comparato Scott A. , McClurg Scott D.
Published: July 2007

To better understand the relationship between the U.S. Supreme Court and state supreme courts, we examine how Supreme Court precedent affects state supreme court decision making. Examining state supreme court decisions in search and seizure cases decided by the Supreme Court between 1983 and 1993, we specifically test hypotheses about how state judicial context and Supreme Court behavior influences when the lower court is likely to be affected by Supreme Court precedent. We find that there is substantial variation in the responses to precedent by state supreme courts. We find that precedent has a substantial influence on the behavior of state supreme court justices, but judicial ideology and the level of historical conflict between the Supreme Court and the state supreme court also influence the dissemination of precedent to the states. Most interesting, the effect of judicial retention methods on the application of precedent are considerable.