bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapamycin Conditioning of Dendritic Cells Differentiated from Human ES Cells Promotes a Tolerogenic Phenotype
Authors: Silk Kathryn M. , Leishman Alison J. , Nishimoto Kevin P. , Reddy Anita , Fairchild Paul J.
Published: February 2012

While human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) may one day facilitate the treatment of degenerative diseases requiring cell replacement therapy, the success of regenerative medicine is predicated on overcoming the rejection of replacement tissues. Given the role played by dendritic cells (DCs) in the establishment of immunological tolerance, we have proposed that DC, rendered tolerogenic during their differentiation from hESC, might predispose recipients to accept replacement tissues. As a first step towards this goal, we demonstrate that DC differentiated from H1 hESCs (H1-DCs) are particularly responsive to the immunosuppressive agent rapamycin compared to monocyte-derived DC (moDC). While rapamycin had only modest impact on the phenotype and function of moDC, H1-DC failed to upregulate CD40 upon maturation and displayed reduced immunostimulatory capacity. Furthermore, coculture of naïve allogeneic T cells with rapamycin-treated H1-DC promoted an increased appearance of CD25hiFoxp3+regulatory T cells, compared to moDC. Our findings suggest that conditioning of hESC-derived DC with rapamycin favours a tolerogenic phenotype.
Changes in Peak Flow Value during Immunotherapy Administration
Authors: Saporta Diego
Published: February 2012

Nasal allergies are prevalent affecting a large percentage of the population. Not only the upper respiratory tract but the whole body is involved. Allergies produce morbidity (and even occasional mortality) as they can lead to asthma development, and increased number of accidents. Immunotherapy results can be evaluated by following symptom scores, medication use, and objective measurements. Using a Peak Flow Meter (PFM) to evaluate immunotherapy results, it became evident that patients with and without asthma exhibited an improvement in the Peak Flow (PF) value, suggesting that lower airway involvement in allergic patients could be more prevalent than assumed. A consecutive chart review was performed including patients of any age with nasal allergies (with or without asthma) treated with immunotherapy for at least 6 months that had at least 2 complete evaluations. When immunotherapy was successful, most patients exhibited an increase in the PF value regardless of asthma status. A very significant finding was that most allergy sufferers may have lower airway inflammation. The use of the PF value to assess immunotherapy results and the potential failure to diagnose asthma in allergy sufferers are discussed. A better diagnosis of lower airway inflammation could be substantial in the management of these patients.
Are 100%Green Composites and Green Thermoplastics the New Materials for the Future?
Authors: Saiter Jean Marc , Dobircau Larisa , Leblanc Nathalie
Published: February 2012

A review of the history of the evolution of material science and material technology shows us that one tendency for the future could be the use of agriculture resources. In this work, we review the performances of one of these resources, that is, wheat flour. We show that it is possible to get thermoplastic films with properties quasiequivalent to what is obtained for expensive pure starch. By adding natural fibres, composites are also obtained. These composites exhibit performances which allow their use only for short duration.
Approximate Implicitization Using Linear Algebra
Authors: Barrowclough Oliver J. D. , Dokken Tor
Published: February 2012

We consider a family of algorithms for approximate
implicitization of rational parametric curves and surfaces. The main approximation
tool in all of the approaches is the singular value decomposition, and
they are therefore well suited to floating‐point implementation in computer‐aided geometric design (CAGD) systems. We unify the approaches under the
names of commonly known polynomial basis functions and consider various
theoretical and practical aspects of the algorithms. We offer new methods
for a least squares approach to approximate implicitization using orthogonal
polynomials, which tend to be faster and more numerically stable than some
existing algorithms. We propose several simple propositions relating the properties
of the polynomial bases to their implicit approximation properties.
Statistically Bounding Detection Latency in Low-Duty-Cycled Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhu Yanmin
Published: February 2012

Detecting abnormal events represents an important family of applications for wireless sensor networks. To achieve high performance of event detection, a sensor network should stay active most of the time, which is energy inefficient for battery driven sensor networks. This paper studies the fundamental problem of bounding detection delays when the sensor network is low duty cycled. We propose a novel approach for statistically bounding detection latency for event detection in sensor networks. The key issue is the wakeup scheduling of sensor nodes and minimization of wakeup activity. We propose a lightweight distributed algorithm for coordinating the wakeup scheduling of the sensor nodes. A distinctive feature of this algorithm is that it ensures that the detection delay of any event occurring anywhere in the sensing field is statistically bounded. In addition, the algorithm exposes a convenient interface for users to define the requirement on detection latency, thereby tuning the intrinsic tradeoff between energy efficiency and event detection performance. Extensive simulations have been conducted and results demonstrate that this algorithm can successfully meet delay bound and significantly reduce energy consumption.
Modeling of Brain Shift Phenomenon for Different Craniotomies and Solid Models
Authors: Valencia Alvaro , Blas Benjamin , Ortega Jaime H.
Published: February 2012

This study investigates the effects of different solid models on predictions of brain shift for three craniotomies. We created a generic 3D brain model based on healthy human brain and modeled the brain parenchyma as single continuum and constrained by a practically rigid skull. We have used elastic model, hyperelastic 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Ogden models, and hyperelastic Mooney‐Rivlin with 2‐ and 5‐parameter models. A pressure on the brain surface at craniotomy region was applied to load the model. The models were solved with the finite elements package ANSYS. The predictions on stress and displacements were compared for three different craniotomies. The difference between the predictions of elastic solid model and a hyperelastic Ogden solid model of maximum brain displacement and maximum effective stress is relevant.
How Reading Books Fosters Language Development around the World
Authors: Dickinson David K. , Griffith Julie A. , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick , Hirsh-Pasek Kathy
Published: February 2012

Research on literacy development is increasingly making clear the centrality of oral language to long-term literacy development, with longitudinal studies revealing the continuity between language ability in the preschool years and later reading. The language competencies that literacy builds upon begin to emerge as soon as children begin acquiring language; thus, the period between birth and age three also is important to later literacy. Book reading consistently has been found to have the power to create interactional contexts that nourish language development. Researchers, pediatricians, and librarians have taken notice of the potential for interventions designed to encourage parents to read with their children. This article reviews research on the connections between language and later reading, environmental factors associated with language learning, and interventions developed in varied countries for encouraging book use by parents of young children.
The Effect of Microstructure on Stress-Strain Behaviour and Susceptibility to Cracking of Pipeline Steels
Authors: Mustapha A. , Charles E. A. , Hardie D.
Published: February 2012

The effect of microstructure on the stress-strain behaviour of pipeline steels was studied. Slow strain rate (2×10-6 s-1) tests were conducted on grade X65 and X100 steels in silicone oil and hydrogen carbonate/carbonate solution. The as-received grade X100 steel at 75°C showed serrated stress-strain curves. The magnitude of the serrations depended upon the strain rate and test temperature. Annealing at 600°C or above removes the serrations, but this increased the susceptibility to transgranular cracking in hydrogen carbonate/carbonate solution at potentials below −800 mV (sce). The removal and reformation of banding in pipeline steels were also studied. Ferrite/pearlite becomes aligned during the hot rolling stage of pipe manufacture and causes directionality in crack propagation and mechanical properties. Heat treatments were carried out which show that banding in grade X65 and X100 can be removed above 900°C. This depends on homogenisation of carbon which also depends on temperature, time, and cooling rate.
Effect of Domperidone on Insufficient Lactation in Puerperal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Osadchy Alla , Moretti Myla E. , Koren Gideon
Published: February 2012

Background. There is a controversy within the medical community regarding the role of domperidone as a galactagogue and the drug has been removed from the US market owing to safety concerns.Objective. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data assessing the effect of domperidone on breast milk production in women experiencing insufficient lactation.Study Selection. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of domperidone on breast milk production of puerperal women were eligible for inclusion.Data Analysis. Absolute and relative changes from baseline were calculated for individual studies and pooled using a random effects model.Results. Three RCTs including 78 participants met the inclusion criteria. All showed a statistically significant increase in breast milk production following treatment with domperidone. The analysis of pooled data demonstrated a statistically significant relative increase of 74.72% (95%  CI=54.57; 94.86,P<0.00001) in daily milk production with domperidone treatment compared to placebo. No maternal or neonatal adverse events were observed in any of the trials.Conclusions. Evidence from a few small RCTs of moderate to high quality suggests that domperidone produces a greater increase in breast milk supply than placebo.
SmFeTaO Photocatalyst for Degradation of Indigo Carmine Dye under Solar Light Irradiation
Authors: Torres-Martínez Leticia M. , Ruiz-Gómez Miguel A. , Figueroa-Torres M. Z. , Juárez-Ramírez Isaías , Moctezuma Edgar
Published: February 2012

This paper is focused to study Sm2FeTaO7pyrochlore-type compound as solar photocatalyst for the degradation of indigo carmine dye in aqueous solution. Sm2FeTaO7was synthesized by using conventional solid state reaction and sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction results indicated that Sm2FeTaO7exhibit a monoclinic crystal structure. By scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that sol-gel material presents particle size of around 150 nm. The specific surface area and energy bandgap values were 12 m2 g−1and 2.0 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic results showed that indigo carmine molecule can be degraded under solar light irradiation using the synthesized materials, sol-gel photocatalyst was 8 times more active than solid state. On the other hand, when Sm2FeTaO7was impregnated with CuO as cocatalyst the photocatalytic activity was increased because CuO acts as electron trap decreasing electron-hole pair recombination rates.
Breast Cancer Screening Trends in the United States and Ethnicity
Authors: Miranda Patricia Y. , Tarraf Wassim , González Patricia , Johnson-Jennings Michelle , González Hector M.
Published: February 2012

Background: The study objectives were to compare and examine mammography use trends among ethnic/racial women in the context of United States Healthy People 2010 goals.

Methods: We analyzed pooled, multistage probability sample data from the 1996–2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Included in the sample were female respondents of ages 40 to 75 years (N = 64,811) from six ethnic/racial groups (Black, White, Mexican, Other Latinas, Puerto Rican, and Cuban). The primary outcome was self-reported, past two-year mammography use consistent with screening practice guidelines.

Results: We found that for most U.S. women, the Healthy People 2010 mammography goal (70%) was achieved between 1996 and 2007. Puerto Rican and White women, respectively, had the highest mammography rates, and Black and Cuban women had rates that approached the 2010 goal.

Conclusion: Mexican Latinas reported the lowest rates of past two-year mammography; however, factors enabling healthcare access markedly moderated this lower likelihood. From 2000, Mexican Latinas' mammography use was markedly below (10%) the Healthy People 2010 goal and remained there for the duration.

Impact: Our findings indicate that healthcare equity goals are attainable if efforts are made to reach a sizeable portion of vulnerable populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 351–7. ©2011 AACR.
TLE3 Expression Is Associated with Sensitivity to Taxane Treatment in Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Samimi Goli , Ring Brian Z. , Ross Doug T. , Seitz Robert S. , Sutherland Robert L. , O'Brien Philippa M. , Hacker Neville F. , Huh Warner K.
Published: February 2012

Background: We have previously shown that transducin-like enhancer of split 3 (TLE3) is associated with outcome specifically in patients with taxane-treated breast cancer and not in patients treated with anthracycline-based regimens without a taxane. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between TLE3 expression and recurrence in patients with ovarian carcinoma treated with a taxane containing regimen as opposed to those treated with a platinum-based agent alone.

Methods: We carried out immunohistochemical staining of TLE3 in two series of ovarian cancer specimens from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL and the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia. Local and distant recurrences within the first five years of follow-up were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier, Cox proportional hazard, and multivariate analysis to assess an association between TLE3 expression and response to therapy.

Results: TLE3 was expressed in approximately 30% of tumors and expression was associated with a favorable outcome only in patients who had received taxane as part of their treatment regimen (n = 173, HR = 0.62, P = 0.012; Pinteraction = 0.024). Further analysis revealed that the predictive association between TLE3 expression and outcome was strongest in patients with nonserous histology.

Conclusion: High TLE3 expression predicts a favorable response to taxane containing chemotherapy regimens in ovarian carcinoma.

Impact: Our findings warrant an independent evaluation of TLE3 as a potential therapeutic response marker for taxane-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 273–9. ©2011 AACR.
Dried Blood Spot Samples for Seroepidemiology of Infections with Human Papillomaviruses, Helicobacter pylori, Hepatitis C Virus, and JC Virus
Authors: Waterboer Tim , Dondog Bolormaa , Michael Kristina M. , Michel Angelika , Schmitt Markus , Vaccarella Salvatore , Franceschi Silvia , Clifford Gary , Pawlita Michael
Published: February 2012

Background: To establish antibody analysis from dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper for seroepidemiologic infection and cancer association studies, we analyzed data from a population-based study in Mongolia.

Methods: Using multiplex serology, we analyzed 985 paired DBS and serum samples from the same donors for antibodies to 12 different proteins from four groups of infectious agents: human papillomaviruses (HPV), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and JC polyomavirus (JCV).

Results: Quantitative antibody reactivities in serum and DBS showed good correlation, with median correlation coefficients (Pearson R2) of 0.88 (range, 0.80–0.90) for high-titer (i.e., H. pylori, HCV, JCV) and 0.79 (range, 0.72–0.85) for low-titer antibodies (i.e., HPV). For high-titer antibodies, serum and DBS data were comparable (median slope of linear trend line, 1.14; range, 1.09–1.21), whereas for low-titer antibodies, DBS reactivities were lower than in serum (median slope, 0.54; range, 0.50–0.80). By extrapolating seropositivity cutoff points previously defined for serum to DBS, we found high agreement (>89% for all antigens) of dichotomized DBS and serum results and median kappa values for high- and low-titer antibodies of 0.86 and 0.78 (range, 0.78–0.92 and 0.55–0.86), respectively. Epidemiologic associations with known risk factors for HPV antibodies were as strong for DBS as for serum.

Conclusions: DBS provide a reliable alternative to serum or plasma for detection of antibodies against various pathogens by multiplex serology.

Impact: DBS do not require blood centrifugation and allow storage and shipment at ambient temperature, thus facilitating field work for seroepidemiologic studies especially in environments with limited technical infrastructure. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 287–93. ©2011 AACR.
Spheroid Formation and Neural Induction in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on a Chitosan-Coated Surface
Authors: Hsueh Yuan-Yu , Chiang Yi-Lun , Wu Chia-Ching , Lin Sheng-Che
Published: February 2012

The application of stem cells appears to have great therapeutic potential to facilitate nerve regeneration in patients with neurodegenerative disease or spinal cord injury. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs), a subset of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, possess the great advantages of an abundant amount of cells, less ethical conflict and minimal invasive surgical procedures to obtain the cells. Chitosan, a naturally derived polysaccharide from chitin, has been widely studied to facilitate and guide the direction of nerve regeneration as a biomaterial for the neural tube. Chitosan also serves as a three-dimensional culture substrate to facilitate cellular sphere formation among various cells but is as yet unexplored in hADSCs. In this study, the ability of hADSCs to transdifferentiate from the mesenchymal into the neural lineage by seeding hADSCs on a chitosan-coated surface to form therapeutic cell spheres was investigated. The optimal seeding density (2 × 104 cells/cm2) and harvesting time (72 h) to obtain sphere formation were determined by cell viability on a chitosan-coated surface. Expression of neural lineage markers was observed by immunofluorescent staining of nestin, neurofilament heavy chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The neural induction potentials were also provoked by replating spheres from primary to tertiary passages. The effect of neural induction in hADSCs on a chitosan-coated surface may help to provide cell sources for facilitating nerve regeneration in future clinical applications.
Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Is Enhanced by Secreted Factors That Block Innate Immune Defenses
Authors: Jongerius Ilse , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Horsburgh Malcolm J. , Ruyken Maartje , Nizet Victor , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M.
Published: February 2012

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading human pathogen that causes a large variety of diseases. In vitro studies have shown that S. aureus secretes several small proteins that block specific elements of the host innate immune system, but their role in bacterial pathogenicity is unknown. For instance, the extracellular complement-binding protein (Ecb) impairs complement activation by binding to the C3d domain of C3. Its homolog, the extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb), is known to block both complement activation and neutrophil adhesion to fibrinogen. Here, we show that targeted inactivation of the genes encoding Ecb and Efb strongly attenuates S. aureus virulence in a murine infection model: mice experienced significantly higher mortality rates upon intravenous infection with wild-type bacteria (79%) than with an isogenic ΔEcbΔEfb mutant (21%). In addition, Ecb and Efb are both required for staphylococcal persistence in host tissues and abscess formation in the kidneys (27% for wild-type vs. 7% for the ΔEcbΔEfb mutant). During staphylococcal pneumonia, Ecb and Efb together promote bacterial survival in the lungs (p = 0.03) and block neutrophil influx into the lungs. Thus, Ecb and Efb are essential to S. aureus virulence in vivo and could be attractive targets in future vaccine development efforts.
Oculocerebral Hypopigmentation Syndrome Maps to Chromosome 3q27.1q29
Authors: Chabchoub E. , Cogulu O. , Durmaz B. , Vermeesch J.R. , Ozkinay F. , Fryns J.-P.
Published: February 2012

Background: In 1967, Cross et al. [J Pediatr 1967;70:398–406] reported four siblings with intellectual disability, microcephaly, neurologic and ocular disorders, and hypopigmentation involving skin and hair. This novel entity, known as oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome (OCHS) or Cross syndrome (OMIM 257800), is assumed to be autosomal recessive. However, its genetic cause is still unknown. Case Report: A 4-year-old girl is reported with OCHS, a history of recurrent infections and vertebral fusion of L4–L5. Central nervous system and cardiac imaging as well as metabolic screening were normal. Microscopic hair investigations did not show any melanin deposit defects. Results: Using molecular cytogenetics, we detected a de novo interstitial del(3)(q27.1q29) of the paternal chromosome. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular genetics finding in a patient with OCHS. Here we discuss the genotype-phenotype correlations and suggest candidate genes for this disorder. Conclusion: Investigating further patients would enable fine-mapping the OCHS locus and identifying its putative gene.
Mitochondria and Oxidative Stress in the Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Aroor Annayya R. , Mandavia Chirag , Ren Jun , Sowers James R. , Pulakat Lakshmi
Published: February 2012

Mitochondria play a fundamental role in the maintenance of normal structure, function, and survival of tissues. There is considerable evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in association with metabolic diseases including insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and the cardiorenal metabolic syndrome. The phenomenon of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced ROS release through interactions between cytosolic and mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to a vicious cycle of enhanced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Activation of the cytosolic and mitochondrial NADPH oxidase system, impairment of the mitochondrial electron transport, activation of p66shc pathway-targeting mitochondria, endoplasmic reticular stress, and activation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin-S6 kinase pathway underlie dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics and promote mitochondrial oxidative stress. These processes are further modulated by acetyltransferases including sirtuin 1 and sirtuin 3, the former regulating nuclear acetylation and the latter regulating mitochondrial acetylation. The regulation of mitochondrial functions by microRNAs forms an additional layer of molecular control of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Alcohol further exacerbates mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by overnutrition and promotes the development of metabolic diseases.
Efficacy of Bevacizumab plus Erlotinib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Predictors of Outcome: Final Results of a Phase II Trial
Authors: Kaseb A.O. , Garrett-Mayer E. , Morris J.S. , Xiao L. , Lin E. , Onicescu G. , Hassan M.M. , Hassabo H.M. , Iwasaki M. , Deaton F.L. , Abbruzzese J.L. , Thomas M.B.
Published: February 2012

Objective: A phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bevacizumab and erlotinib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to investigate clinical and molecular predictors of outcome. Methods: 59 patients with advanced HCC received 10 mg/kg i.v. of bevacizumab every 14 days and 150 mg p.o. of erlotinib daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 16 weeks. Clinical characteristics and plasma biomarkers expression levels were analyzed. Results: PFS at 16 weeks was 64% (95% CI 51–76): 14 patients achieved partial response (24%), 33 had stable disease (56%), 6 progressed (10%), and 6 were not evaluable (10%). Median overall survival was 13.7 months (95% CI 9.6–19.7), and median PFS was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.6–8.3). Grade 3–4 adverse events included fatigue (30%), diarrhea (17%), hypertension (14%), elevated transaminases (12%), and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (10%). High plasma angiopoietin-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, and endothelin-1, and lack of acneiform rash were associated with poor outcome. Conclusions: The combination of bevacizumab with erlotinib achieved encouraging results in patients with advanced HCC. Current correlatives may help to guide future HCC studies.
Clinical Predictors of Fidelis Lead Failure
Authors: Birnie David H. , Parkash Ratika , Exner Derek V. , Essebag Vidal , Healey Jeffrey S. , Verma Atul , Coutu Benoit , Kus Teresa , Mangat Iqwal , Ayala-Paredes Felix , Nery Pablo , Wells George , Krahn Andrew D.
Published: February 2012

Background—

Approximately 268 000 Fidelis leads were implanted worldwide until distribution was suspended because of a high rate of early failure. Careful analyses of predictors of increased lead failure hazard are required to help direct future lead design and also to inform decision making on lead replacement. We sought to perform a comprehensive analysis of all potential predictors in a multicenter study.

Methods and Results—

A total of 3169 Sprint Fidelis leads were implanted in 11 centers with a total of 251 failures. Lead failure rates at 3, 4, and 5 years were 5.3%, 10.6%, and 16.8%, respectively. The rate of lead failure continues to accelerate (
P
<0.001). There were 4 independent predictors of failure: center, sex, access vein, and previous lead failure. Women had a higher hazard of failure (hazard ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.04;
P
=0.005). Both axillary and subclavian access increased the hazard of failure (
P
=0.007); hazard ratio for axillary was 1.94, (95% confidence interval, 1.23–3.04) and for subclavian 1.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.46). Previous lead failure increased the hazard of a subsequent Fidelis failure with a hazard ratio of 3.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.80–5.41;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The rate of Fidelis failure continues to increase over time, with failures approaching 17% at 5 years. Women, patients with leads inserted via the subclavian or axillary vein, and those with a previous lead fracture were at greatest risk of Fidelis failure. Our data suggest that Fidelis replacement should be strongly considered at the time of generator replacement.
Ambrisentan and Tadalafil Synergistically Relax Endothelin-Induced Contraction of Rat Pulmonary Arteries
Authors: Liang Faquan , Yang Suya , Yao Lina , Belardinelli Luiz , Shryock John
Published: February 2012

Endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that a selective endothelin type A receptor antagonist (ambrisentan) and a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (tadalafil) may act synergistically to relax endothelin-constricted pulmonary arteries. Rat isolated intrapulmonary arterial rings contracted with 8 nmol/L endothelin-1 were relaxed by 10 nmol/L ambrisentan and 30 nmol/L tadalafil alone by 26±3% and 21±1%, respectively, whereas both drugs in combination acted synergistically to relax arterial rings by 83±6%. The nonselective endothelin type A and B receptor antagonists bosentan (100 nmol/L) and macitentan (30 nmol/L) alone relaxed endothelin-contracted rings by 30±5% and 24±3%, respectively. Combinations of 30 nmol/L tadalafil with 100 nmol/L bosentan or 30 nmol/L macitentan relaxed endothelin-contracted rings by 53±5% or 46±7%, respectively; these values are similar to the calculated sums of the individual effects of these compounds. Denudation of endothelium from pulmonary arterial rings abolished the vasodilator response to 30 nmol/L tadalafil and the synergistic vasorelaxant effect of tadalafil with ambrisentan. In the presence of 1 μmol/L BQ-788, a selective endothelin type B receptor antagonist, the vasorelaxant effects of 10 nmol/L ambrisentan and 30 nmol/L tadalafil were additive but not synergistic. These data can be interpreted to suggest that ambrisentan and tadalafil synergistically inhibit endothelin-1-induced constriction of rat intrapulmonary arteries and that endothelin type B receptors in endothelium are necessary to enable a synergistic vasorelaxant effect of the drug combination.
Tissue-Specific Upregulation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 1 in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Through Histone Code Modifications
Authors: Lee Hae-Ahm , Cho Hyun-Min , Lee Dong-Youb , Kim Kee-Chul , Han Hyung Soo , Kim In Kyeom
Published: February 2012

The renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the development of hypertension and damages several organs. The expressions of the components of a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the hypertensive rats differ from those of the normotensive rats. We hypothesized that local tissue-specific upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) in hypertension is caused by epigenetic changes. Adrenal gland, aorta, heart, kidney, liver, and lung tissues were excised from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).
Ace1
mRNA and protein expressions were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Promoter methylation was revealed by bisulfite sequencing. Histone modifications, such as histone 3 acetylation (H3Ac), fourth lysine trimethylation (H3K4me3), and ninth lysine dimethylation (H3K9me2), were quantified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), followed by real-time PCR. The expressions and associations of chromatin remodeling genes were analyzed by real-time PCR and ChIP, respectively. Local tissues from SHRs showed higher expressions of
Ace1
mRNA and protein than those from the WKY rats.
Ace1
promoter was mostly unmethylated in all of the tissues from both strains. The
Ace1
promoter regions of SHR tissues were more enriched with H3Ac and H3K4me3, except in the lungs. The adrenal glands, hearts, and kidneys of SHRs showed less enrichment with H3K9me2. Valsartan treatment in SHRs decreased local
Ace1
mRNA and protein expressions, which were accompanied by higher H3K9me2, as well as less H3Ac and H3K4me3. In conclusion, ACE1 is upregulated in local tissues of SHRs via histone code modifications.
Synergistic Effect of Norepinephrine Transporter Blockade and α-2 Antagonism on Blood Pressure in Autonomic Failure
Authors: Okamoto Luis E. , Shibao Cyndya , Gamboa Alfredo , Choi Leena , Diedrich André , Raj Satish R. , Black Bonnie K. , Robertson David , Biaggioni Italo
Published: February 2012

Patients with autonomic failure have disabling orthostatic hypotension because of impaired sympathetic activity. Norepinephrine transporter blockade with atomoxetine raises blood pressure in autonomic failure by increasing synaptic norepinephrine concentrations in postganglionic sympathetic neurons. This effect requires tonic release of norepinephrine, which is decreased in patients with low sympathetic tone. We hypothesized that increasing residual sympathetic outflow with the α-2 antagonist yohimbine would potentiate the pressor effect of norepinephrine transporter blockade with atomoxetine and improve orthostatic tolerance in peripheral autonomic failure. Seventeen patients received a single oral dose of either placebo, yohimbine 5.4 mg or atomoxetine 18.0 mg, and the combination yohimbine and atomoxetine in a single blind, crossover study. Blood pressure was assessed while patients were seated and standing for ≤10 minutes before and 1 hour postdrug. Neither yohimbine nor atomoxetine significantly increased seated systolic blood pressure or orthostatic tolerance compared with placebo. The combination, however, significantly increased seated systolic blood pressure and orthostatic tolerance (
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.016, respectively) in a synergistic manner. The maximal increase in seated systolic blood pressure seen with the combination was 31±33 mm Hg at 60 minutes postdrug. Only the combination showed a significant improvement in orthostatic symptoms. In conclusion, the combination of yohimbine and atomoxetine had a synergistic effect on blood pressure and orthostatic tolerance in peripheral autonomic failure, which may be explained by an increased release of norepinephrine in peripheral sympathetic neurons by α-2 antagonism combined with a reduced norepinephrine clearance by norepinephrine transporter blockade. Safety studies are required to address the clinical usefulness of this pharmacological approach.
Decomposition Without Death: A Research Agenda for a New Class Analysis
Authors: Grusky David B. , Weeden Kim A.
Published: February 2012

It has become fashionable to argue that stratification is taking on an increasingly ‘postmodern' form, as participation in lifestyles or communities becomes a function of individual taste, choice, and commitment rather than a direct reflection of class membership. Although postmodernism of this sort has become popular in some circles, relevant empirical analyses are few and far between and have inevitably been carried out at a highly aggregate level, thereby muting or obscuring the local subcultures that are generated at the more detailed occupational level. The great failing, then, of conventional quantitative analyses of ‘class effects' is that gemeinschaftlich occupations are regarded as nominal categories and are therefore blithely aggregated or dimensionalized. If analyses are instead ratcheted down to the disaggregate level of detailed occupations, the effects of class may become sufficiently strong to cast doubt on the postmodernist retreat from production-based groupings. The purpose of this paper is to lay out the research agenda that this line of reasoning implies. We review new lines of research on such core sociological topics as (a) the underlying structure of social classes, (b) the reproduction of inequality across generations and over the lifecourse, (c) the social processes by which income streams are attached to occupations, and (d) the consequences of class membership for lifestyles, attitudes, and consumption practices.
New Directions in Theorizing the Professions: the Case of Urban Planning in Sweden
Authors: Edman Johan
Published: February 2012

Professional structure and its relations to certain social fields is an underdeveloped topic of research. A common understatement is that new eras require new professions, that is, when fields change the professional structure also changes. In some cases, the statement might be correct, but this common-sense understanding has little theoretical or empirical support. It ignores the fact that professional structures sometimes actually remain unchanged for long periods, even though the related fields have developed, or vice versa. Nor does it take into account that the knowledge base of the professions can be modified to suit new requirements. Moreover, it seems to underestimate the opportunities for professions to take part actively in field definition. In this paper, a conceptual framework is proposed to enable an analysis of professional structures and their relations to social fields. The professional structure is defined as the composition of professional groups and the power relations between them. The social field is defined as an institutionalized power area comprising actors and institutions struggling for influence. Swedish urban planning offers an excellent case for illustrating the theoretical and methodological findings in the paper. It is concluded that the field of urban planning has changed in some respects, but not fundamentally. The professional structure, on the other hand, has shifted dramatically. The variation in jurisdictional claims and influence can explain why the structure has developed in the ways it has.
Translation Networks, Knowledge Brokers and Novelty Construction: Pragmatic Environmentalism in Sweden
Authors: Sverrisson Árni
Published: February 2012

Pragmatic environmentalism, the increasing use of environmental criteria in industrial and transport activities, is analysed in this article as an instance of economic change and technological development. The article analyses the opportunities for and the obstacles to entrepreneurial activities, which are posed by pragmatic environmentalism, on the basis of interviews made in Sweden. Three types of opportunity are identified: networking brokerage, knowledge oriented (or ‘translation’) brokerage, and brokerage of organizational or technological novelties. The obstacles are rooted in the inertia of prevailing technological structures and in the fragmentation of practical environmental knowledge, both of which are turned into opportunity by environmental brokers. The resulting opportunity space is presented and it is argued that a collective or ‘networked' type of entrepreneurial practice has developed in the openings provided by pragmatic environmentalism. It is also argued that this activity is not necessarily profit-oriented or focused on creating new companies.
Culturally Sensitive Mentoring for Asian International Students in Counseling Psychology
Authors: Park-Saltzman Jeeseon , Wada Kaori , Mogami Tamiko
Published: February 2012

With growing attention to the internationalization of counseling psychology in the past decade, discussion on effective training of international students is much-needed. In order to provide effective mentorship to international students, the mentor needs to be aware of specific challenges faced by international students and cultural differences that may affect their mentoring relationship. With this in mind, this article discusses ways to provide culturally sensitive mentoring particularly to Asian international students in counseling psychology programs. A brief overview of Asian values is provided as a contextual backdrop to the article, followed by a discussion of culturally sensitive mentoring to Asian international mentees. In particular, the article addresses the mentor’s awareness and knowledge of unique issues faced by Asian international students, the structure and format of mentoring, communication between the mentor and the mentee, and professional development and career-related issues.
Public Attitudes Toward Juveniles Who Commit Crimes
Authors: Allen Terrence T. , Trzcinski Eileen , Kubiak Sheryl Pimlott
Published: February 2012

In this article, the authors used a statewide survey to investigate the extent to which beliefs regarding the age at which youth reach maturity, the role of peer influences, and other factors, such as abuse during childhood, are associated with measures of how harshly juveniles should be treated by the justice system. The results of this study provide strong support for the hypothesis that assessments of adolescent development are important predictors of attitudes about how juveniles should be treated in the justice system. In all cases, variables measuring attitudes surrounding adolescent development explained substantially more of the variance in attitudes toward punishment than did demographic and socioeconomic variables.
Developing and Testing a Human-Based Gesture Vocabulary for Tabletop Systems
Authors: Urakami Jacqueline
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The goal was to study the natural and intuitive use of surface gestures for the development of a tabletop system. Furthermore, the effect of expertise on choice of gestures was examined.

Background:

It is still not well understood what kinds of gestures novice users choose when they interact with gesture recognition systems.

Method:

First, novices’ and experts’ choice of gestures for a tabletop system was compared in a quasiexperimental design. Second, memorability of novices’ and experts’ gesture sets derived from the first study was compared in an experimental study. Third, memorization of hand shape and motion path was examined in a further experiment.

Results:

Data revealed user preferences for specific hand shapes and motion paths. Choice of gestures was affected by the size of the manipulated object, expertise, and nature of the command (direct manipulation of objects vs. assessment of abstract functions). Follow-up experiments revealed that the novices’ gesture set was better memorized than were the experts’ gesture set. Furthermore, the motion path of a gesture is better memorized than the specific hand shapes for a gesture.

Conclusion:

Expertise affects the choice of gesture to a certain degree. It is therefore essential to involve novice users in the development of gesture vocabularies. Gestures for technical systems should be simple and should involve distinctive motion patterns instead of focusing on specific hand shapes or number of fingers. Abstract or symbolic gestures should be avoided.

Application:

Results of the study can be applied to the development of surface gestures for tabletop systems.
The Effect of Handhold Orientation, Size, and Wearing Gloves on Hand-Handhold Breakaway Strength
Authors: Young Justin G. , Woolley Charles B. , Ashton-Miller James A. , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of handhold orientation, size (diameter), and wearing a glove on the maximum breakaway strength between a hand and handhold.

Background: Manual breakaway strength is known to be greatly reduced for vertical compared with horizontal handholds, but oblique orientations have yet to be studied.

Method: For this study, 12 young adults (6 female) attempted to hold on to fixed overhead cylindrical handholds with one hand in low-speed simulated falls as forces on the handhold were recorded in two experimental designs. Breakaway strength was measured for (a) three different-sized cylinders in four orientations while the participants were using the dominant hand and (b) a single-sized cylinder in four orientations while the participants were bare-handed or wearing a glove on the nondominant hand.

Results: Handhold orientation ( p < .001), handhold diameter ( p < .001), and wearing gloves ( p < .001) significantly affected breakaway strength. Breakaway strength increased 75% to 94% as the orientation of the handhold was moved from vertical to horizontal. Breakaway strength decreased 8% to 13% for large-diameter (51-mm) handholds as compared with smaller diameters (22 mm to 32 mm), depending on orientation. Gloves may increase or decrease the ability to hang on depending on interface friction; greater friction increased breakaway force.

Conclusion: Handles oriented perpendicular to the pull direction and high-friction gloves provide the greatest breakaway strength. Smaller handhold diameters than predicted by grip strength afford greater capability in these orientations.

Application: These insights can be used to design handholds that increase the ability to support one’s body weight and reduce the effort needed to pull or lift heavy items.
The Hidden Curriculum of Youth Policy
Authors: Hopman Marit , de Winter Micha , Koops Willem
Published: February 2012

Youth policy is more than a mere response to the actual behavior of children, but it is equally influenced by values and beliefs of policy makers. These values are however rarely made explicit and, therefore, the authors refer to them as “the hidden curriculum” of youth policy. The study investigation explicates this hidden curriculum by empirically analyzing policy reports and interviews with policy makers. The study design is based on an existing theory on the content and structure of values. The results show that Dutch youth policy is most dominantly guided by security values. The results also show that there are differences between the social groups the policy measures target. Policy measures regarding “normal” families are becoming increasingly empowering, for example, by putting an emphasis on the competencies of parents. For families at risk, however, the focus is on control over these families by both professionals and citizens.
Comparison between fresh and exposed swelling elastomer
Authors: Pervez T. , Qamar S. Z. , Velden Mark van de
Published: February 2012

Last decade has seen growing use of swelling elastomers in various applications by the oil and gas industry. Elastomers with special properties have been developed to sustain the specific downhole conditions of temperature, pressure, and chemical environment in different wells. Apart from targeted short-term tests conducted by rubber developers and drilling application companies, little is known about material characterization of such elastomers. Even these test results are not generally available in the public domain due to proprietary rights. In particular, an important factor that has not been previously explored is the effect of exposure on material response of swelling elastomers. Zonal isolation packers and other forms of elastomer-mounted tubulars are often stacked in open yards for a long time before their deployment in wells. Properties of elastomers may significantly change due to their exposure to air, sunlight, and humidity. Some results from a comparative study of the behavior of fresh and exposed samples of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-type water-swelling elastomers are reported here. Methodology of the swelling test was developed in consultation with petroleum engineers and rubber manufacturers. Other experiments were designed and performed in line with standard ASTM test methods. Properties of elastomers that are investigated are hardness, compression set, tensile set, tensile properties, and swelling behavior. Elastomer samples were allowed to swell for a total test duration of 1000 h. Two specimen geometries were tested for swelling: unconfined disc samples to study the behavior of free elastomer and plate samples (elastomer vulcanized on steel plate) to emulate the actual seal performance. Swelling was carried out in salt solutions of different concentrations and at different temperatures. Hardness of exposed elastomer samples (EPDM1) was generally higher than that of fresh samples (EPDM2). Similarly, exposed elastomer showed significantly higher amount of compression set when compared with fresh elastomer. Short-duration tensile set values (10 min test) were almost the same for both sample types. However, tensile set results for the longer-duration tests (10 h and 20 h) were higher for exposed samples. Surprisingly, stress–strain graphs for both fresh and exposed elastomers were almost linear, while rubber-type materials typically show a highly nonlinear behavior. Values of modulus of elasticity and stress at fracture were considerably higher for exposed samples. In contrast, percentage elongation results were higher for fresh samples. Amount of swelling against swelling time showed an up-and-down trend for both the sample types. At the same temperature and under brine solution of the same concentration, fresh elastomer generally swelled far more than the exposed one. The overall observation from the variety of experimental results is that exposure to sun and moisture for extended periods of time reduces the flexibility and swelling capacity of these elastomers.