bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Changes in Gene Expression Induced by Tobacco Smoke: Evidence for the Importance of Estrogen within Lung Tissue
Authors: Meireles Sibele I. , Esteves Gustavo H. , Hirata Roberto , Peri Suraj , Devarajan Karthik , Slifker Michael , Mosier Stacy L. , Peng Jing , Vadhanam Manicka V. , Hurst Harrell E. , Neves E. Jordao , Reis Luiz F. , Gairola C. Gary , Gupta Ramesh C. , Clapper Margie L.
Published: June 2010

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, surpassing breast cancer as the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in women. The goal of the present study was to identify early molecular changes in the lung induced by exposure to tobacco smoke and thus identify potential targets for chemoprevention. Female A/J mice were exposed to either tobacco smoke or HEPA-filtered air via a whole-body exposure chamber (6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 3, 8, and 20 weeks). Gene expression profiles of lung tissue from control and smoke-exposed animals were established using a 15K cDNA microarray. Cytochrome P450 1b1, a phase I enzyme involved in both the metabolism of xenobiotics and the 4-hydroxylation of 17β-estradiol (E2), was modulated to the greatest extent following smoke exposure. A panel of 10 genes were found to be differentially expressed in control and smoke-exposed lung tissues at 3, 8, and 20 weeks (P < 0.001). The interaction network of these differentially expressed genes revealed new pathways modulated by short-term smoke exposure, including estrogen metabolism. In addition, E2 was detected within murine lung tissue by gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry. Identification of the early molecular events that contribute to lung tumor formation is anticipated to lead to the development of promising targeted chemopreventive therapies. In conclusion, the presence of E2 within lung tissue when combined with the modulation of cytochrome P450 1b1 and other estrogen metabolism genes by tobacco smoke provides novel insight into a possible role for estrogens in lung cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 3(6); 707–17. ©2010 AACR.
Early Changes in Pulmonary Gene Expression following Tobacco Exposure Shed Light on the Role of Estrogen Metabolism in Lung Carcinogenesis
Authors: Siegfried Jill M.
Published: June 2010

This perspective on Meireles et al. (beginning on p. 707 in this issue of the journal) discusses the increasing evidence for the role of female steroid hormones in lung cancer development and progression. The novel work of Meireles et al. is the first evidence for the rapid upregulation by tobacco smoke of a key cytochrome P450 gene that can metabolize estrogens such as β-estradiol to potentially carcinogenic catechol and quinine forms, as well as the first evidence for the colocalization of β-estradiol and estrogen receptors in murine airway epithelium. Actions of estrogens that contribute to lung carcinogenesis, especially in the presence of tobacco smoke, may involve both reactive intermediates that damage DNA and steroid hormone receptor signaling that promotes growth. Cancer Prev Res; 3(6); 692–5. ©2010 AACR.
Differential Effects of Low-Dose and High-Dose Beta-Carotene Supplementation on the Signs of Photoaging and Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in vivo
Authors: Cho Soyun , Lee Dong Hun , Won Chong-Hyun , Kim Sang Min , Lee Serah , Lee Min-Jung , Chung Jin Ho
Published: June 2010

Background: Although the photoprotective effects of β-carotene are thought to originate from its antioxidant properties, some studies documented pro-oxidant effects of β-carotene. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the effects of 2 different doses of dietary β-carotene on wrinkles and elasticity, procollagen gene expression and ultraviolet (UV)-induced DNA damage in human skin. Methods: Thirty healthy female subjects over the age of 50 years were randomized and received 2 different doses (30 and 90 mg/day) of β-carotene for 90 days. The baseline status was used as control. At baseline and completion of the study, facial wrinkles and elasticity were measured objectively. Buttock skin was taken to determine the type I procollagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 and fibrillin-1 mRNA levels, and UV-induced thymine dimer and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine formation. Results: β-Carotene improved facial wrinkles and elasticity significantly only in the low-dose group. The minimal erythema dose decreased significantly only in the high-dose group. Type I procollagen mRNA levels were significantly increased to 4.4 ± 1.6 times the baseline level only in the low-dose group, and procollagen immunostaining increased accordingly. UV-induced thymine dimer staining was reduced in the low-dose group but tended to increase in the high-dose group. 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine staining was significantly reduced in the low-dose group. Conclusions: 30 mg/day of β-carotene supplementation is demonstrated to prevent and repair photoaging.
Sensitivity to the Anorectic Effects of Leptin Is Retained in Rats Maintained on a Ketogenic Diet despite Increased Adiposity
Authors: Kinzig Kimberly P. , Honors Mary Ann , Hargrave Sara L. , Davenport Brandon M. , Strader April D. , Wendt Donna
Published: June 2010

Background: Rats maintained on a ketogenic diet (KD; 80% fat, 15% protein, 5% carbohydrate) have increased adiposity and leptin as compared to chow-fed controls (CH; 16% fat, 19% protein, 65% carbohydrate), although body weights and daily caloric intakes do not differ. Methods: Rats maintained on a KD or CH were assessed for responsivity to intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) leptin. Hypothalamic gene expression was evaluated to determine the effects of KD on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression and components of the leptin-signaling system. Results: Caloric intake by KD rats was decreased at a lower dose of i.p. leptin (100 µg) than was required to reduce intake by CH rats (leptin, caloric intake was reduced in KD rats as compared to intake following i.p. saline; p < 0.05). In a separate experiment to evaluate responsivity to i.c.v. leptin, the minimal dose of leptin required to significantly reduce 24-hour caloric intake did not differ between the groups. In the arcuate nucleus, POMC mRNA was elevated after a lower dose of i.c.v. leptin in KD rats (5 µg) than was required to increase POMC mRNA expression in CH rats (15 µg) or reduce caloric intake in either group. Finally, evaluation of the level of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in the arcuate and SOCS3 mRNA in the hypothalamus revealed significantly more pSTAT3-positive cells and increased SOCS3 mRNA expression at baseline for KD rats, compared to CH, neither of which was further increased following i.p. leptin administration. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that despite increased adiposity, leptin and markers of leptin resistance, responsivity to the anorectic effects of exogenous leptin is retainable during maintenance on a KD.
Age-Dependent Prognostic Significance of Atrial Fibrillation in Outpatients with Chronic Heart Failure: Data from the Italian Network on Congestive Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Baldasseroni Samuele , Orso Francesco , Fabbri Gianna , De Bernardi Alberto , Cirrincione Vincenzo , Gonzini Lucio , Fumagalli Stefano , Marchionni Niccolò , Midi Paolo , Maggioni Aldo Pietro
Published: June 2010

Objectives: The role of atrial fibrillation (AF) in older patients with heart failure (HF) is controversial because many variables seem to influence their outcome. We investigated the predictivity of AF in 3 age groups of outpatients with HF. Methods: We analyzed 8,178 outpatients enrolled in the Italian Network on Congestive Heart Failure Registry with HF diagnosed according to the European Society of Cardiology criteria. A trained cardiologist established the diagnosis of AF and HF at the entry visit at each center. We stratified the population into 3 age groups, as follows: group A, ≤65 years; group B, 66–75 years, and group C, >75 years. Results: Group A was composed of 4,261 patients, 683 with AF (16.0%); in group B there were 2,651 patients, 638 with AF (24.1%), and group C was composed of 1,266 patients, 412 with AF (32.5%). The 1-year mortality rate was higher in AF patients in all groups. In a multivariate model, AF remained an independent risk factor for death in groups A and B, but not in group C [group A: hazard ratio (HR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.81; group B: HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.00–1.67; group C: HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.78–1.43]. Conclusion: The prevalence of AF increased with age and was associated with a higher mortality rate. However, AF independently predicted all-cause mortality only in patients aged ≤75 years.
Spinal Seeding of a Pilocytic Astrocytoma in an Adult, Initially Diagnosed 18 Years Previously
Authors: Crabtree Kelli L. , Arnold Paul M.
Published: June 2010

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a slow-growing, well-circumscribed grade I glioma generally considered benign, with a low recurrence rate and an excellent prognosis following complete surgical resection. PA is the most common central nervous system glioma in the pediatric population and is rare in adults. We report a 26-year-old male with an intradural extramedullary PA at the thoracolumbar junction following subtotal cerebellar PA resection 18 years previously. Fifteen months after spinal PA resection, the patient is doing well, has regained the ability to stand independently, and has no evidence of any new or enlarging lesions. To our knowledge, this is the longest time reported from initial tumor resection of leptomeningeal dissemination to the distal spinal cord. PA patients with subtotal resection may benefit from continued follow-up for up to 20 years after the initial diagnosis and resection.
A Novel Method for Confirmation of Hemispheric Disconnection during Hemispherotomy Surgery
Authors: Kim Daniel L. , Osburn Leisha L. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aims: Hemispherotomy has become a safe and effective surgical option for patients suffering from intractable epilepsy associated with diffuse unihemispheric malformations of cortical development. However, as compared to hemispherectomy, hemispherotomy, by leaving brain tissue behind, may leave some hemispheric connections intact, therefore increasing the risk of postoperative seizures. This is especially important to consider in the case of the highly epileptogenic hemisphere in hemimegalencephaly. Methods: The authors use intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG) on the ipsilateral occipital lobe and contralateral hemisphere to confirm complete hemispheric disconnection during hemispherotomy surgery. Results: This technique has been successful in the confirmation of hemispheric disconnection as no patient has had recurrence of his/her seizure postoperatively. Conclusion: Intraoperative EEG may be a useful tool to confirm hemispheric disconnection during hemispherotomy.
The Natural History of an Untreated Growing Skull Fracture: An Unusual Case
Authors: Singla Navneet , Gupta Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2010

Background: An uncommon complication of fractures of the skull is a growing skull fracture (GSF), which is usually seen in children less than 3 years of age. A posttraumatic GSF presenting in adolescents and adults is uncommon and may cause significant management problems. Case Description: A 16-year-old male presented with a progressively increasing scalp swelling following trauma in infancy. The diagnosis and treatment was delayed until the swelling had enlarged to enormous size with ventriculomegaly and development of seizures. The patient was managed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Conclusion: Untreated GSFs may cause delayed-onset neurological manifestations in addition to cranial growth asymmetry. These enormous-sized GSFs may be difficult to treat.
A Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Enalapril in Older Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kitzman Dalane W. , Hundley W. Gregory , Brubaker Peter H. , Morgan Timothy M. , Moore J. Brian , Stewart Kathryn P. , Little William C.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Exercise intolerance is the primary symptom in older patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF); however, little is known regarding its mechanisms and therapy.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-one stable elderly (70±1 years) patients (80% women) with compensated HFPEF and controlled blood pressure were randomized into a 12-month follow-up double-blind trial of enalapril 20 mg/d versus placebo. Assessments were peak exercise oxygen consumption; 6-minute walk test; Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire; MRI; Doppler echocardiography; and vascular ultrasound. Compliance by pill count was excellent (94%). Twenty-five patients in the enalapril group versus 34 in the placebo group completed the 12-month follow-up. During follow-up, there was no difference in the primary outcome of peak exercise oxygen consumption (enalapril, 14.5±3.2 mL/kg/min; placebo, 14.3±3.4 mL/kg/min;
P
=0.99), or in 6-minute walk distance, aortic distensibility (the primary mechanistic outcome), left ventricle mass, or neurohormonal profile. The effect size of enalapril on peak exercise oxygen consumption was small (0.7%; 95% CI, 4.2% to 5.6%). There was a trend toward improved Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire total score (
P
=0.07), a modest reduction in systolic blood pressure at peak exercise (
P
=0.02), and a marginal improvement in carotid arterial distensibility (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

In stable, older patients with compensated HFPEF and controlled blood pressure, 12 months of enalapril did not improve exercise capacity or aortic distensibility. These data, combined with those from large clinical event trials, suggest that angiotensin inhibition does not substantially improve key long-term clinical outcomes in this group of patients. This finding contrasts sharply with observations in HF with reduced EF and highlights our incomplete understanding of this important and common disorder.
Association of Maternal Weight Gain in Pregnancy With Offspring Obesity and Metabolic and Vascular Traits in Childhood
Authors: Fraser Abigail , Tilling Kate , Macdonald-Wallis Corrie , Sattar Naveed , Brion Marie-Jo , Benfield Li , Ness Andy , Deanfield John , Hingorani Aroon , Nelson Scott M. , Smith George Davey , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: June 2010

Background—

We sought to examine the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) and prepregnancy weight with offspring adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods and Results—

Data from 5154 (for adiposity and blood pressure) and 3457 (for blood assays) mother-offspring pairs from a UK prospective pregnancy cohort were used. Random-effects multilevel models were used to assess incremental GWG (median and range of repeat weight measures per woman: 10 [1, 17]). Women who exceeded the 2009 Institute of Medicine–recommended GWG were more likely to have offspring with greater body mass index, waist, fat mass, leptin, systolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 levels. Children of women who gained less than the recommended amounts had lower levels of adiposity, but other cardiovascular risk factors tended to be similar in this group to those of offspring of women gaining recommended amounts. When examined in more detail, greater prepregnancy weight was associated with greater offspring adiposity and more adverse cardiovascular risk factors at age 9 years. GWG in early pregnancy (0 to 14 weeks) was positively associated with offspring adiposity across the entire distribution but strengthened in women gaining >500 g/wk. By contrast, between 14 and 36 weeks, GWG was only associated with offspring adiposity in women gaining >500 g/wk. GWG between 14 and 36 weeks was positively and linearly associated with adverse lipid and inflammatory profiles, with these associations largely mediated by the associations with offspring adiposity.

Conclusions—

Greater maternal prepregnancy weight and GWG up to 36 weeks of gestation are associated with greater offspring adiposity and adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Before any GWG recommendations are implemented, the balance of risks and benefits of attempts to control GWG for short- and long-term outcomes in mother and child should be ascertained.
Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness on the Development of Incident Hypertension
Authors: Carnethon Mercedes R. , Evans Natalie S. , Church Timothy S. , Lewis Cora E. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Jacobs David R. , Sternfeld Barbara , Sidney Stephen
Published: June 2010

Fitness and physical activity are each inversely associated with the development of hypertension. We tested whether fitness and physical activity were independently associated with the 20-year incidence of hypertension in 4618 men and women. Hypertension was determined in participants who had systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or who reported antihypertensive medication use. Fitness was estimated based on the duration of a symptom-limited graded exercise treadmill test, and physical activity was self-reported. The incidence rate of hypertension was 13.8 per 1000 person-years (n=1022). Both baseline fitness (hazard ratio: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.56 to 0.70 per SD]; 2.9 minutes) and physical activity (hazard ratio: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.79 to 0.84 per SD]; 297 exercise units) were inversely associated with incident hypertension when included jointly in a model that also adjusted for age, sex, race, baseline smoking status, systolic blood pressure, alcohol intake, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, dietary fiber, dietary sodium, fasting glucose, and body mass index. The magnitude of association between physical activity and hypertension was strongest among participants in the high fitness (hazard ratio: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.68 to 0.94]) category, whereas the magnitude of association between fitness and hypertension was similar across tertiles of physical activity. The estimated proportion of hypertension cases that could be prevented if participants moved to a higher fitness category (ie, preventive fraction) was 34% and varied by race and sex group. Fitness and physical activity are each associated with incident hypertension, and low fitness may account for a substantial proportion of hypertension incidence.
Preeclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease Death
Authors: Mongraw-Chaffin Morgana L. , Cirillo Piera M. , Cohn Barbara A.
Published: June 2010

This study prospectively investigates the contribution of pregnancy complications and other reproductive age risk factors on the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease death. Participants were 14 403 women in the Child Health and Development Studies pregnancy cohort drawn from the Kaiser Permanente Health Plan in California. Only women with nonmissing parity and no previously diagnosed heart conditions were included. A total of 481 had observed preeclampsia, and 266 died from cardiovascular disease. The median age at enrollment was 26 years, and the median follow-up time was 37 years. Cardiovascular disease death was determined by linkage with the California Department of Vital Statistics. Observed preeclampsia was independently associated with cardiovascular disease death (mutually adjusted hazard ratio: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.29 to 3.57]). The risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease death was notably higher among women with onset of preeclampsia by 34 weeks of gestation (hazard ratio: 9.54 [95% CI: 4.50 to 20.26]). At 30 years of follow-up and a median age of 56 years, the cumulative cardiovascular disease death survival for women with early preeclampsia was 85.9% compared with 98.3% for women with late preeclampsia and 99.3% for women without preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease death later in life, independent of other measured risk factors. These findings reinforce previously reported recommendations that a history of preeclampsia should be used to target women at risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, women with preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy may be particularly at risk for cardiovascular disease death and could be targeted for early and intensive screening and intervention.
Moon Music: A Composition of Art and Science in Dialogue
Authors: Østergaard Edvin
Published: June 2010

Leonardo da Vinci's careful descriptions of the reflection of light by the moon inspired the author to compose a piece for choir on ways of perceiving the moon. In The Two Moons, Leonardo's words are contrasted with two additional texts: facts from a textbook on astronomy and a poem by Denise Levertov. The author discusses the challenge of transforming text and idea into musical sound. Further he discusses exploring natural phenomena by means of parallel efforts in art and science.
Lynn Hershman Leeson in Conversation with Gabriella Giannachi
Authors: Leeson Lynn Hershman , Giannachi Gabriella
Published: June 2010

Lynn Hershman Leeson has been called the most influential woman working in new media today. Here she discusses her acclaimed work in photography, video, installation, interactive and net-based media, the honors for which now include the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from SIGGRAPH.
building_space_with_words: An Interactive Multimedia Installation Exploring the Relationship between Physical and Virtual Space
Authors: Fayard Anne-Laure , Wilson Aileen
Published: June 2010

The authors, a social scientist and a visual artist, collaborated to produce building_space_with_words, an interactive multimedia installation. The project investigated the relationship between physical and virtual space and more specifically what happens when the physical properties of space become intangible and discourse becomes the main material. Drawing on studies of organizational space and of on-line communities, the authors created an environment that materialized virtual and physical interactions. This paper describes the elements—the maze, the sound, the tag wall, the tag journey and the blog—that created the installation and the concepts that inspired the work.
Perceptual Disruption and Composure in Bridget Riley's Fall
Authors: van Tonder Gert J.
Published: June 2010

The geometry of the conspicuous variations in the apparent contrast observed in Fall, a representative painting by Bridget Riley, is analyzed here with a computational model of human vision. Observed contrast patterns constitute a source of perceptual rivalry between compositional elements in the artwork, causing visual tension. The analysis further brings to attention previously unnoticed abstract order—a global structure that may visually anchor perception during active viewing of the artwork. The combination of the different compositional layers drives sophisticated visual effects, setting the painting apart from similar patterns that are often used as scientific experimental stimuli.
Cry of Nature: A Plant Interfaces with the World Using Music
Authors: Karabey Bugra
Published: June 2010

Plants react to the environmental variables like heat, humidity, wind, light and even touch of a person or the presence of someone in the vicinity, and these changes are reflected to the bioelectric potential of the plant. So it is envisioned that using these changes in bioelectricity a plant may communicate with the world by synthesizing sounds. Within this study a plant interfaces with the world using our Cry of Nature platform that converts these bioelectrical responses to sounds.
Lessons about Virtual Environment Software Systems from 20 Years of VE Building
Authors: Taylor Russell M , Jerald Jason , VanderKnyff Chris , Wendt Jeremy , Borland David , Marshburn David , Sherman William R , Whitton Mary C
Published: June 2010

What are desirable and undesirable features of virtual environment (VE) software architectures? What should be present (and absent) from such systems if they are to be optimally useful? How should they be structured? In order to help answer these questions, we present experience from application designers, toolkit designers, and VE system architects along with examples of useful features from existing systems. Topics are organized under the major headings of 3D space management, supporting display hardware, interaction, event management, time management, computation, portability, and the observation that less can be better. Lessons learned are presented as discussion of the issues, field experiences, nuggets of knowledge, and case studies.
On Device Driver Architectures for Virtual Reality Toolkits
Authors: Assenmacher Ingo , Rausch Dominik , Kuhlen Torsten
Published: June 2010

One major goal for the development of virtual reality (VR) toolkits is to provide interfaces for novel input or output hardware to support multimodal interaction. The research community has produced several implementations that feature a large variety of device interfaces and abstractions. As a lesson learned from existing approaches, we sum up the requirements for the design of a driver layer that is the basis for a multimodal input and output system in this paper. We derive a general model for driver architectures based on these requirements. This model can be used for reasoning about different implementations of available architectures. As the flow of data through the system is of interest, we take a closer look at common patterns of data processing. Finally, we discuss a number of openly accessible driver architectures currently used for VR development.
Comparing and Evaluating Real Time Character Engines for Virtual Environments
Authors: Gillies Marco , Spanlang Bernhard
Published: June 2010

As animated characters increasingly become vital parts of virtual environments, then the engines that drive these characters increasingly become vital parts of virtual environment software. This paper gives an overview of the state of the art in character engines, and proposes a taxonomy of the features that are commonly found in them. This taxonomy can be used as a tool for comparison and evaluation of different engines. In order to demonstrate this we use it to compare three engines. The first is Cal3D, the most commonly used open source engine. We also introduce two engines created by the authors, Piavca and HALCA. The paper ends with a brief discussion of some other popular engines.
Potential amplification of territorial advertisement markings by black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)
Authors: Hayward Matt , Hayward Gina
Published: June 2010

Optimality theory suggests that territorial scent marks are under selective pressure through the information they provide about competitive quality/reproductive status and so should be situated to maximize their detection to alert conspecifics that they are intruding upon the territory of a resident. Factors that increase mark detectability are consequently beneficial to both resident and intruder by allowing tactical withdrawal by intruders and, thus, reducing the costs of conflict. We tested whether black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) preferentially deposited territory marks on substrates (rocks or faeces) in two separate sites in South Africa's Addo Elephant National Park. Elephant (Loxodonta africana) dung piles were preferentially defecated upon by jackals in both sites. Where black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) was present at relatively high density, rhino middens were also preferentially marked by jackals; however, jackals resorted to defecating on elevated surfaces, such as rocks, where rhinos were scarce. We hypothesize that the odour of elephant and rhino dung may increase the detectability of jackal markings while providing an additional olfactory signal component, while rocks and elephant dung provide visual amplification. Manipulative experimentation will be necessary to confirm our multimodal amplification hypothesis.
The effect of crowding and density on male mating behaviour in the rose bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus)
Authors: Reichard Martin , Smith Carl , Casalini Mara
Published: June 2010

Female density and resource availability are two key variables that shape mating systems. Theory predicts that reproductive skew will amplify with increased male density and decreasing availability of resources, though limited empirical evidence suggests that this may not always be the case. Here we tested mean crowding, defined as the number of males per unit of resource, and density per se, defined as the number of individuals present per unit area, to investigate their effect on the mating system of Rhodeus ocellatus, a fish with a promiscuous, resource-based mating system. Males were exposed to combinations of high and low levels of crowding and density, while the operational sex ratio was held constant. High levels of crowding significantly affected the proportion of mussel spawning sites defended by males and the proportion of mussels into which sperm was released. In contrast to theoretical predictions, neither density nor crowding influenced overall male aggressive behaviours. Density, but not crowding, had a significant effect on male courtship rate, which arose as a possible trade-off between intra-sexual competition and inter-sexual behaviour. We discuss the results in the context of mating system evolution.
Why Did Ümmü Gülsüm Go to Court? Ottoman Legal Practice between History and Anthropology
Authors: Ergene Boğaç
Published: June 2010

This article offers a critical assessment of the existing literature on Ottoman courts of law, which characterizes the court's operations as single-mindedly legalistic and socially disinterested. There is a conceptual discrepancy between this literature and recent legal and anthropological studies of modern Islamic courts, which highlight the influence on the court's actions of communal considerations, such as the desire to make peace among disputants. With reference to a specific rape incident in eighteenth-century Anatolia, I propose in this article a characterization of Ottoman legal practice that acknowledges the contextual and socially-bounded nature of the court's actions.
Why Aren't Women Sharī'a Court Judges? The Case of Syria
Authors: Cardinal Monique
Published: June 2010

Women make up 14% of the judiciary in Syria and work at all levels of the ordinary courts, both civil and criminal. However, they do not hold office in the personal status courts, special courts that apply codified religious law. This essay presents all opinions, both majority and minority, that explain the legal and social reasons for the non-appointment of women to the Muslim personal status courts known as sharī'a courts. I discuss how religious texts and classical Islamic legal doctrine are used today to undermine women's judicial power and oppose their appointment to the ordinary courts. If a woman cannot act as a sharī'a court judge, then who can? I attempt to answer this all-important question within the Syrian context. The main source of data is interviews conducted with eighty judges and public prosecutors of Damascus and Aleppo between May 2004 and July 2007.
Whose Past Is Our Prologue?
Authors:   Fraser
Published: June 2010

Although globalization promotes homogenization, what we are observing is an intricate and bewildering, worldwide chaos of plans and values. Could some part of history be identified as a prologue to our epoch and, for that reason, used as a guide in our search for ways and means of dealing with that storm of values and plans? I suggest that there can be no prologue to the tensions and problems of globalizing humanity because no prior epoch possessed the promises and threats of our epoch, in the dimensions and intensities we observe them. This essay suggests that the history of humankind as a single social entity—with its unique problems is just beginning. A global community of instant everywhere is only now being constructed. This essay visits that construction process. It recommends that the cries of globalization be explored with the help of the integrated, interdisciplinary study of time for the purpose of helping us appreciate the nature and details of the global changes.
The Undiscovered Country: Sonnets of a Wayfarer
Authors: Turner Frederick
Published: June 2010

In a group of poems several time-related themes are explored in imagistic and narrative terms. The sequence imagines answers to such questions as: What would it feel like to live a second life? If medical science can extend life for many, what would be the sociopolitical implications? How much would such experience replicate mystical conceptions such as reincarnation, afterlife, etc? How would memory survive such a massive reorganization of brain and body? What would be the moral and psychological consequences of not having the pressure of death in one's future? How would personal relationships be affected? What are the implications for authentic living?
Exploring the effects of online social ties on knowledge sharing: A comparative analysis of collocated vs dispersed teams
Authors: Suh Ayoung , Shin Kyung-shik
Published: June 2010

This study examines the different mechanisms of online social ties underlying individual knowledge sharing through comparative perspectives of collocated vs geographically dispersed teams. By integrating social capital theory and social cognitive theory, this study develops a theoretical model that predicts individual knowledge sharing. Next, the study uses social network analysis to empirically test the proposed model using 186 participants: 84 on collocated teams and 102 on dispersed teams. The results indicate that the frequency of online interaction does not affect knowledge sharing in collocated teams, while it plays a critical role in stimulating motivational factors that affect knowledge sharing of dispersed teams. On the other hand, centrality of online interaction positively influences trust of collocated teams and norms of reciprocity of dispersed teams. Based on these findings, this study suggests users should manage online social ties as carefully as offline social ties to facilitate knowledge sharing in work groups.
Measuring students’ information skills through concept mapping
Authors: Pinto Maria , Doucet Anne-Vinciane , Fernández-Ramos Andrés
Published: June 2010

This paper seeks to develop a methodology that will discover, specify and measure students’ abilities and skills in creating concept maps. Because competencies are the key factor in higher education, the paper analyzes the role of concept maps as a tool to diagnose and improve information analysis, synthesis, organization and representation skills and competencies. We propose a methodology that enables these skills to be evaluated by observing, analyzing and measuring the stages involved in creating a concept map: identification of the main and secondary subjects; subject codification by concepts; grading of concepts; and representation of the concepts and their relationships with labels. A case study using action research methodology tests its usefulness on a group of university students of library and information science. The method proposed provides information on the strengths and weaknesses of the students’ skills, thus enabling their training to be improved by means of specific actions.
How do organizations remember? The influence of organizational structure on organizational memory
Authors: Fiedler Marina , Welpe Isabell
Published: June 2010

How do organizational factors influence knowledge retention and storage within companies? In this study, we examine the influence of organizational structure on organizational memory. We are specifically interested in the effects of specialization and standardization—dimensions of the organizational structure—on organizational memory as conceptualized by Walsh and Ungson (1991) and Argote (2005). This study is based on recent survey data from 122 respondents of multi-unit organizations that are mainly from the consulting, financial, automotive, and electrical industries. The results suggest that structural organizational factors, i.e. specialization and standardization as well as organizational processes such as codification and personalization of information and electronic communication influence organizational memory. Furthermore, the results show that codification of information fully mediates the relationship between standardization and organizational memory and that electronic communication partially mediates the relationship between specialization and organizational memory. Overall, the results suggest that the processes of codification of knowledge as well as electronic communication are conducive to the formation of organizational memory and that respective organizational memory bins have unique associations with the organizational structure factors. Our study is one of the first to empirically test propositions with regard to the concept of organizational memory.
The effect of Achillea millefolium extract on spermatogenesis of male Wistar rats
Authors: Takzare Nasrin , Hosseini Mir-Jamal , Hamideh Mortazavi Seyedeh , Safaie Sahar , Moradi Rayhaneh
Published: June 2010

Achillea millefolium or yarrow, a native plant in many countries, has been recognized in historical medicine, mainly because of its astringent effects. However, some aspects of the toxicity of yarrow such as possible effects on male reproductive system are not well established. In this investigation, the effects of A. millefolium L. extract on spermatogenesis in adult male wistar rats were studied. Eighty-five male Wistar rats were divided into nine experimental groups (10 in each group except the ninth group). Extract was administered at the dose of 200,400 and 800 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal (IP) injection or through gavage for 22 days, on every other day. Three groups were determined as sham and control groups. Five rats from each group were killed and the rest of the rats were kept for 40 days later, but with no injection, to assess the reversibility of extract effect on spermatogenesis. The results of the study showed scattered immature cells on basal membrane in seminiferous tubules at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day IP. Moreover, a significant decrease in cell accumulation and vacuolization in seminiferous tubule was seen. At the dose of 800 mg/kg, IP, thickened seminiferous tubules on basal membrane, decrease in cell accumulation in seminiferous tubule, severe disarrangement, degenerative cells and severe decrease in sperm count were seen. At the dose of 800 mg/kg/day, orally, basal membrane was thickened and the disarrangement in cells was demonstrated. As a conclusion, our results suggest that the total extract of A. millefolium L. exhibit temporary antifertile activity in adult male animals.
TNIP1, SLC15A4, ETS1, RasGRP3 and IKZF1 are associated with clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese Han population
Authors: He C-F. , Liu Y-S. , Cheng Y-L. , Gao J-P. , Pan T-M. , Han J-W. , Quan C. , Sun L-D. , Zheng H-F. , Zuo X-B. , Xu S-X. , Sheng Y-J. , Yao S. , Hu W-L. , Li Y. , Yu Z-Y. , Yin X-Y. , Zhang X-J. , Cui Y. , Yang S.
Published: June 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Five novel susceptibility genes (TNIP1, SLC15A4, ETS1, RasGRP3 and IKZF1) for SLE have been identified in a recent genome-wide association study of a Chinese Han population. This study investigated their relationships with disease subphenotypes, including renal nephritis, photosensitivity, antinuclear antibody (ANA), age at diagnosis, malar rash, discoid rash, immunological disorder, oral ulcer, hematological disorder, neurological disorder, serositis, arthritis and vasculitis. Significant associations were found for the single nucleotide polymorphism rs10036748 of TNIP1 with photosensitivity (odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, p = 0.01) and vasculitis (OR = 1.18, p = 0.04); rs10847697 of SLC15A4 with discoid rash (OR = 1.18, p = 0.02); rs6590330 of ETS1 with SLE of age at diagnosis <20 years (OR = 1.24, p = 8.91 × 10-5); rs13385731 of RasGRP3 with malar rash (OR = 1.20, p = 0.01), discoid rash (OR = 0.78, p = 0.02) and ANA (OR = 0.72, p = 0.004); rs4917014 of IKZF1 with renal nephritis (OR = 1.13, p = 0.02) and malar rash (OR = 0.83, p = 0.00038), respectively. The study suggested that these susceptibility genes might not only play important roles in the development of SLE, but also contribute to the complex phenotypes of SLE. Lupus (2010) 19, 1181—1186.
A retrospective study of catastrophic invasive fungal infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from southern Taiwan
Authors: Weng C-T. , Lee N-Y. , Liu M-F. , Weng M-Y. , Wu A-B. , Chang T-W. , Lin T-S. , Wang J-Y. , Chang H-Y. , Wang C-R.
Published: June 2010

As very few large scale publications of invasive fungal infection (IFI) have been reported in lupus patients from individual medical centers, a retrospective study was performed from 1988 to 2009 in southern Taiwan. Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory data, and mycological examinations were analyzed. Twenty cases with IFI were identified in 2397 patients (0.83% incidence). There were 19 females and one male with an average age of 31.8 ± 12.6. Involved sites included eight disseminated cases, six central nervous system, four lungs, one abdomen and one soft tissue. IFI contributed to a high mortality with 10 deaths (50%), and there were no survivors for the disseminated cases and Candida-infected patients. High activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) > 8) was noted in 50% of IFI episodes. The survival from IFI diagnosis to death was only 7.7 ± 4.2 days, all in a rapid course. No statistical difference was found between survivors and non-survivors when comparing their SLEDAI. Eighty-five percent of IFI episodes under high dosages of corticosteroids therapy and 95% of patients had lupus nephritis. There was an increased risk of IFI in the lupus patients receiving high daily dosage of prednisolone therapy. Critical information from analyses of the present large series could be applied into clinical practices to reduce the morbidity and mortality in such patients.
Nursing in Transition in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Pirnazarova Guljahan , Schlickau Jane
Published: June 2010

Nursing practice and nursing education in Kyrgyzstan are described in this article. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union and the establishment of independence in 1991, health care in Kyrgyzstan has deteriorated. In response to the Manas Health Care Reform program initiated in 1996, nursing education is being upgraded and nurses are being retrained throughout the country. Comparisons of nursing education in Kyrgyzstan with the U.S. and Soviet programs are discussed. Challenges in upgrading nursing education to meet international standards and in obtaining an advanced degree in nursing are explained.
The Cultural Context of the Sierra Leonean Mende Woman as Patient
Authors: Kallon Isata , Dundes Lauren
Published: June 2010

This article provides a clinically pertinent overview of Sierra Leonean immigrants, a growing patient population that most health care workers know little about. The focus is on Sierra Leonean Mende women and the relevance of their cultural perspective to clinical care. A literature review and interview responses from seven Sierra Leoneans are the sources of data. Immigrants from Sierra Leone are coming from a country that since the late 1990s has been ranked at the bottom of the United Nations’ Human Development Index. Practitioner knowledge of cultural norms such as female genital mutilation and discomfort with opposite sex health practitioners can improve cross-cultural interactions in the health arena. Given that most clinicians are unfamiliar with this unique patient population, this article provides background information including special attention to medically relevant aspects of the Sierra Leonean cultural milieu that will enhance the rapport between health care workers and these patients.
Cultural Considerations in Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Hulme Polly A.
Published: June 2010

The role of culture in evidence-based practice (EBP) is examined using the components of the EBP process as a framework for discussion. Issues that are identified include the recruitment and retention of ethnic groups in research; paternalism and institutional racism in regard to those who cannot afford best practice; and cultural differences between health professionals and patients in their understanding of best practice, health, and illness. Strategies that are suggested to reduce cultural incongruence include shared clinical decision making and development of a cultural knowledge system to improve EBP and outcomes on an organizational level.
THINKSPACE - the creation of a multi-agency consultation group for Looked After Children
Authors: Swann Rachel C. , York Ann
Published: June 2010

This paper describes a model of multi-agency consultation created for social workers and other allied professionals working with Looked After Children. THINKSPACE is based on a reflecting team model as developed by Andersen (1987). This paper describes some of the dilemmas and solutions faced when implementing the model and incorporates feedback from those providing and using the service.THINKSPACE has had a significant impact on creating a shared understanding of a child’s behaviour and needs across agencies, containing the system’s anxiety about a case, and at times ensuring that the relevant agencies are informed and appropriately involved in a child’s care plan. It is a successful example of the Government’s drive for multi-agency working and has allowed professionals to work together effectively across agencies to support some of the most vulnerable Looked After Children.
Elementary forms of place in Seachange
Authors: Osbaldiston Nicholas
Published: June 2010

The recent migratory movement known as Seachange is investigated in this article through the concept of place. Using Smith’s ‘Elementary Forms of Place’ model as a guide, and textual/media analysis coupled with qualitative research as examples, it is argued that the Seachange narrative is constructed on a dichotomous relationship to the city. While metropolitan areas are perceived as dull, stressful and degrading, the country and beach are sacralized through narratives of peace, quiet and serenity. Furthermore, the Seachange locales are also considered as places entrenched in the past, invoking aesthetics of traditional community values. Yet the sacralization of Seachange places is threatened by counter-narratives such as gentrification, commodification and sustainability issues which degrade the attractiveness of the locale.
Topographic analysis and Weibull regression for prediction of strain localisation in an automotive aluminium alloy
Authors: Hubbard J B , Stoudt M R , Possolo A M
Published: June 2010

We fit a two-parameter Weibull regression model by maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to filtered surface roughness data. These data were acquired with scanning confocal laser microscopy performed on aluminium alloy AA 5754-O surfaces that were subjected to a range of plastic strain intensities in three different in-plane strain modes. Noting that one of the two Weibull regression parameters is, to a good approximation, invariant with strain intensity for a given strain mode, the authors find that the variation of the second parameter with strain intensity conforms to a simple quadratic function. These functions may then be used to generate accurate, statistically significant, single parameter predictors of both strain intensity and strain mode up to and including the onset of critical strain localisation and/or failure.