bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics of Diabetic Nephropathy: Are There Clues to the Understanding of Common Kidney Diseases?
Authors: Conway B.R. , Maxwell A.P.
Published: June 2009

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease in the Western world. There is evidence for a genetic susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease, but despite intensive research efforts it has proved difficult to identify the causative genes. Improvements in genotyping technologies have made genome-wide association studies (GWAS), employing hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, affordable. Recently, such scans have advanced understanding of the genetics of common complex diseases, finding more than 100 novel susceptibility variants for diverse disorders including type 1 and 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. In this review, type 2 diabetes is highlighted to illustrate how genome-wide association studies have been used to study the genetics of complex multifactorial conditions; in addition, diabetic nephropathy will be used to demonstrate how similar scans could be employed to detect genetic factors predisposing to kidney disease. The identification of such variants would permit early identification of atrisk patients, enabling targeting of therapy and a move towards primary prevention. In addition, these powerful research methodologies may identify genes that were not previously known to predispose to nephropathy, thereby enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of renal disorders and potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches.
Pentosidine – A New Biochemical Marker in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Salman Abdelrahman Gaber , Mansour Dina Ezzat Abdel Aziz , Swelem Al-Hussein Ali , Al-Zawahary Walid Mohamed Abdel-Raaouf , Radwan Ahmad Abdelmegid
Published: June 2009

Aim: This study was done to evaluate the role of pentosidine in predicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Patients and Methods: We included 30 subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1) and 10 healthy control individuals. A case control study was done. Full ophthalmological examination together with laboratory investigations (blood glucose level, HbA1C and blood pentosidine level corrected to blood total protein values were measured) were done in all subjects included in this study. The level of pentosidine was correlated with the duration of diabetes and the stage of retinopathy. All data were analyzed and reported. Results: Significant elevation of pentosidine was found in patients during the earliest detectable phase of diabetic retinopathy (early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy) and more elevation at the preproliferative stage of retinopathy, returning to lower levels at the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: Pentosidine can be used as a biochemical marker for early occurrence of diabetic retinopathy and as an alarming factor in the preproliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy, thus helping decrease ocular complications.
Tree Hole Utilisation by the Hairy-Eared Dwarf Lemur (Allocebus trichotis) in Analamazaotra Special Reserve
Authors: Biebouw Karla , Bearder Simon , Nekaris Anna
Published: June 2009

In this study we describe tree hole characteristics and use by the hairy-eared dwarf lemur (Allocebus trichotis) to determine habitat needs, potential functions of tree holes and sleeping group composition. We radio-tracked 6 adult individuals between April and November 2007 in the Analamazaotra Special Reserve. Tree holes were 1–9 m high (median: 7 m), in living trees measuring 26–54 cm in diameter at breast height (median: 32 cm), and could be a limiting resource. Each individual used 4 or 5 tree holes and had high nest fidelity. Animals most often slept socially in mixed-sex groups of 2–6 individuals and occasionally shared a tree hole with white-tailed tree rats (Brachytarsomys albicauda). We identified two sleeping groups: one composed of 2 adult males, 2 adult females and 2 juveniles; one composed of at least 2 adult females and 2 juveniles. Although tree holes were generally group exclusive, some intergroup sleeping was observed. Tree holes could have antipredator and thermoregulatory functions. Further research into sleeping hole availability, nest use and the degree of niche separation or competition between sympatric Cheirogaleidae and other tree hole users (e.g. endemic rodents) is needed to assess better the conservation needs of these species.
Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with End-Stage Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Mollica Corrado , Paone Gregorino , Conti Vittoria , Ceccarelli Daniela , Schmid Giovanni , Mattia Paolo , Perrone Nicola , Petroianni Angelo , Sebastiani Alfredo , Cecchini Luca , Orsetti Remo , Terzano Claudio
Published: June 2009

Background: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) occurring during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with a poor prognosis. In this subset of individuals, mechanical ventilation (MV) may be required. Objectives: We analysed the characteristics of a group of IPF patients undergoing MV for ARF in order to give some indications on the supposed prognosis. Methods: Hospital records of 34 consecutive patients with IPF, who underwent MV for ARF, were retrospectively examined. Demographic data, time from diagnosis, gas exchange, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, ARF causes and MV failure were recorded. Results: Fifteen subjects (group A) underwent invasive MV and 19 patients (group B) non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The 2 groups were different for disease severity (APACHE II score 24.2 ± 6 vs. 19.5 ± 5.9; p = 0.01). Both ventilatory strategies temporarily increased PaO2/FiO2 as compared with spontaneous breathing (group A: 148.5 ± 52 vs. 99 ± 39, p = 0.0004; group B: 134 ± 36 vs. 89 ± 26, p = 0.0004). NIV reduced the respiratory rate (26 ± 7 vs. 36 ± 9 with spontaneous breathing; p = 0.002). Duration of MV correlated with the time of evolution of IPF (r = 0.45; p = 0.018). The in-hospital mortality rate was 85% (100% for invasive MV, 74% for NIV). Four of the 5 survivors died within 6 months from hospital discharge (range 2–6 months). Conclusions: MV does not appear to have a significant impact on the survival of patients with end-stage IPF. NIV may be useful for compassionate use, providing relief from dyspnoea and avoiding aggressive approaches.
Nonirradiated Human Fibroblasts and Irradiated 3T3-J2 Murine Fibroblasts as a Feeder Layer for Keratinocyte Growth and Differentiation in vitro on a Fibrin Substrate
Authors: Panacchia Laura , Dellambra Elena , Bondanza Sergio , Paterna Patrizia , Maurelli Riccardo , Paionni Emanuel , Guerra Liliana
Published: June 2009

The standard method for producing graftable epithelia relies on the presence of a feeder layer of lethally irradiated 3T3-J2 murine fibroblasts (Rheinwald and Green technique). Here, we studied a new keratinocyte culture system, which envisages the utilization of nonirradiated human fibroblasts embedded into a fibrin substrate, in cultures destined for a future clinical application. We tested this culture system using keratinocytes grown on a fibrin gel precoated with 3T3-J2 murine fibroblasts as a control. In order to evaluate the new technology, we compared the clonogenic potential and the proliferative, differentiative and metabolic characteristics of keratinocytes cultured on the fibrin gel under the two culture conditions. The results demonstrated that the proposed technology did not impair the behavior of cultured keratinocytes and revealed that cells maintained their proliferative potential and phenotype under the experimental conditions. In particular, the demonstration of stem cell maintenance under the adopted culture conditions is very important for acute burn treatment with skin substitutes. This work is a first step in the evaluation of a new keratinocyte culture system, which has been studied in order to take advantage of an additional human cell population (i.e. nonirradiated, growing fibroblasts) for future transplantation purposes in acute and chronic wounds. Additional research will allow us to attain (1) the removal of murine cells in the initial phase of keratinocyte cultures, and (2) the removal of other potentially dangerous animal-derived materials from the entire culture system.
Systematic Review of Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effects of Adjunctive Medications Added to Latanoprost
Authors: Cheng Jin-Wei , Li You , Wei Rui-Li
Published: June 2009

Objective: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of adjunctive medications when added to 0.005% latanoprost taken once daily. Methods: Pertinent publications were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Randomized clinical trials with over 85% of patients presenting with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were treated with the combination treatment of latanoprost were selected. The pooled additional IOP-lowering effects at 1–3 months after a run-in phase of at least 2 weeks on 0.005% latanoprost once daily were calculated using the random effects model. Results: Nine randomized clinical trials were included. The mean pooled IOP reductions were 3.3 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.1–4.5) at trough and 4.4 mm Hg (95% CI: 3.4–5.4) at peak when adding 0.5% timolol once daily, 2.6 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.9–3.3) at trough and 3.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.5–5.2) at peak when adding 0.1/0.15% brimonidine twice daily, 2.6 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.7–3.4) at trough and 3.1 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.6–3.6) at peak when adding 2% dorzolamide twice daily, 2.4 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.0 –2.8) at trough and 2.7 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.2–3.2) at peak when adding 0.5% timolol twice daily, and 2.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.5–4.1) at trough and 1.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.2–2.3) at peak when adding 1% brinzolamide twice daily. Conclusions: The addition of brimonidine, dorzolamide, timolol, or brinzolamide can further lower IOP in eyes being treated with latanoprost. Timolol 0.5% once daily might be the most effective adjunctive medication.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Solid Tumours: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Roszkiewicz F. , Garidi R. , Vaida I. , Royer B. , Parcelier A. , Marolleau J.P. , Damaj G.
Published: June 2009

Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib or dasatinib produce high cytogenetic response rates in patients with Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) with a good overall safety profile. Despite a complete molecular response, it is currently recommended to continue these targeted therapies to avoid relapse. The immediate and short-term TKI side effects are well known, but the long-term side effects have not yet been clearly identified. A preclinical study in rats treated with TKI showed a statistically significant increase in benign and malignant renal tumours. The authors report the case of a 61-year-old man with CML treated with imatinib with a good response, and they switched to dasatinib after grade 4 hepatic toxicity. He had received treatment with 400 mg of imatinib per day for 77 days, followed by dasatinib for 133 days. He developed a metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin during TKI therapy. Despite chemotherapy, the patient died 2 months after the diagnosis. Although several cases of solid tumours have been reported during TKI therapy, the link between cancer and TKIs is not yet clear. Imatinib has remarkably improved the prognosis of patients with CML. Monitoring of the long-term safety profile of TKIs is essential due to the prolonged survival of these patients.
Endothelial Dysfunction in the Mesenteric Artery and Disturbed Nonadrenergic Noncholinergic Relaxation of the Ileum due to Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Can Be Prevented by Sildenafil
Authors: Soydan Güray , Çekiç Edip Güvenç , Tuncer Meral
Published: June 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sildenafil on endothelium-dependent mesenteric artery vasorelaxation and nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) ileal responses in an experimental rat intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 45 min of ischemia and then the clamp was removed for 60 min of reperfusion. Sildenafil (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or saline was administered prior to surgery in the I/R and sham-operated groups. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation of the mesenteric arteries, which were precontracted via submaximal phenylephrine, decreased markedly after I/R. Sildenafil pretreatment reversed the acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In the ileum, NANC responses were significantly attenuated following I/R, which were increased by sildenafil pretreatment. These results indicate that pretreatment with sildenafil prevented both endothelial dysfunction in the mesenteric artery and impairment of ileal NANC responses in a rat intestinal I/R model.
Accuracy and Feasibility of Electromagnetic Navigated Bronchoscopy under Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Pulmonary Peripheral Opacities: An Outpatient Study
Authors: Bertoletti Laurent , Robert Aurélie , Cottier Michèle , Chambonniere Marie Laure , Vergnon Jean-Michel
Published: June 2009

Background: Recent studies have described the promising method of electromagnetic navigated bronchoscopy (ENB) for diagnosis of peripheral solitary nodules. However, they require general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation. We wanted to know if ENB could be applied more easily in outpatients. Objectives: We prospectively evaluated the accuracy and the feasibility of ENB under local anaesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as unique sedation in outpatients. Methods: After mapping time, the bronchoscopic procedure was carried out under local anaesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation with the unique help of the ENB to confirm the right position of the extended working channel before sampling. The primary end point was the accuracy of ENB and the secondary end point was the feasibility in outpatients. Results: Among 54 screened patients, 53 completed the study protocol. The overall diagnostic success rate to diagnose malignancy was 71.4% in tumours of 28 mm in median size. ENB classified correctly peripheral lesions according to malignity in 41 cases (30 cases of cancer, 11 benign diagnosis) and failed in 12 cases (1 probable lung metastasis, 11 lung cancers). All patients but 1 were dismissed 1 h after the procedure and the tolerance of the procedure was excellent in all cases except 2 (agitation and anxiety). In two cases (4%) a pneumothorax was recorded, 1 requiring drainage with a chest tube during a short hospitalisation. Conclusions: ENB under nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation seems to be an accurate and safe procedure. In our series, it allowed us to obtain the diagnosis in 71.4% of the tumours, with a good tolerance and an outpatient strategy.
Granulomatous Slack Skin Responds to UVA1 Phototherapy
Authors: Oberholzer Patrick A. , Cozzio Antonio , Dummer Reinhard , French Lars E. , Hofbauer Günther F.L.
Published: June 2009

Granulomatous slack skin (GSS) is an extremely rare disorder within the group of cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy has previously been reported to be useful in the treatment of CTCL such as mycosis fungoides. We report a 35-year-old Caucasian male with GSS treated with UVA1 phototherapy starting at 20 J/cm2 UVA1 3 times a week and subsequently increased in increments of 5 J/cm2 to a medium-range dose of 50 J/cm2 per session. The patient underwent a total of 45 sessions with a cumulative dose of 1,495 J/cm2 UVA1 without any adverse events. At the conclusion of UVA1 phototherapy, a decrease in erythema and skin thickness was observed which was most prominent in the periphery of the lesion in the right groin area. A follow-up 12 months after phototherapy showed continued treatment benefit. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the successful use of UVA1 (340–400 nm) phototherapy in a patient with GSS.
East Coast Cool-Weather Storms in the New York Metropolitan Region
Authors: Salmun H. , Molod A. , Buonaiuto F. S. , Wisniewska K. , Clarke K. C.
Published: June 2009

New York coastal regions are frequently exposed to winter extratropical storm systems that exhibit a wide range of local impacts. Studies of these systems either have used localized water-level or beach erosion data to identify and characterize the storms or have used meteorological conditions from reanalysis data to provide a general regional “climatology” of storms. The use of meteorological conditions to identify these storms allows an independent assessment of impacts on the coastal environment and therefore can be used to predict the impacts. However, the intensity of these storms can exhibit substantial spatial variability that may not be captured by the relatively large scales of the studies using reanalysis data, and this fact may affect the localized assessment of storm impact on the coastal communities. A method that uses data from National Data Buoy Center stations in the New York metropolitan area to identify East Coast cool-weather storms (ECCSs) and to describe their climatological characteristics is presented. An assessment of the presence of storm conditions and a three-level intensity scale was developed using surface pressure data as measured at the buoys. This study identified ECCSs during the period from 1977 through 2007 and developed storm climatologies for each level of storm intensity. General agreement with established climatologies demonstrated the robustness of the method. The impact of the storms on the coastal environment was assessed by computing “storm average” values of storm-surge data and by examining beach erosion along the south shore of Long Island, New York. A regression analysis demonstrated that the best storm-surge predictor is based on measurements of significant wave height at a nearby buoy.
Observed Synoptic-Scale Variability during the Developing Phase of an ISO over the Indian Ocean during MISMO
Authors: Katsumata Masaki , Johnson Richard H. , Ciesielski Paul E.
Published: June 2009

A case study of an intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) is investigated in the period leading up to its convectively active phase during the Mirai Indian Ocean Cruise for the Study of the MJO-Convection Onset (MISMO), which was conducted during boreal autumn 2006. Detailed observations, including apparent heat and moisture analyses, reveal that synoptic-scale variability of heat and moisture sources and sinks associated with the passage of three eastward-propagating cloud systems (EPCSs) was prominent during this period. These systems with periods of ∼6 days propagated through the MISMO domain, priming the atmosphere for a convectively active phase of the ISO. The prominent shallow heating during this period may explain the rather slow (8 m s−1) propagation speed for EPCSs. The zonal structure and sign of the frictional convergence show that these EPCSs have common characteristics to the frictional Kelvin mode studied by Ohuchi and Yamasaki. With the analyses of the period-averaged vertical profiles, the EPCSs were identified as the principal mechanism to moisten the atmosphere prior to the ISO convectively active phase.
Atmosphere Feedbacks during ENSO in a Coupled GCM with a Modified Atmospheric Convection Scheme
Authors: Guilyardi Eric , Braconnot Pascale , Jin Fei-Fei , Kim Seon Tae , Kolasinski Michel , Li Tim , Musat Ionela
Published: June 2009

The too diverse representation of ENSO in a coupled GCM limits one’s ability to describe future change of its properties. Several studies pointed to the key role of atmosphere feedbacks in contributing to this diversity. These feedbacks are analyzed here in two simulations of a coupled GCM that differ only by the parameterization of deep atmospheric convection and the associated clouds. Using the Kerry–Emanuel (KE) scheme in the L’Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace Coupled Model, version 4 (IPSL CM4; KE simulation), ENSO has about the right amplitude, whereas it is almost suppressed when using the Tiedke (TI) scheme. Quantifying both the dynamical Bjerknes feedback and the heat flux feedback in KE, TI, and the corresponding Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) atmosphere-only simulations, it is shown that the suppression of ENSO in TI is due to a doubling of the damping via heat flux feedback. Because the Bjerknes positive feedback is weak in both simulations, the KE simulation exhibits the right ENSO amplitude owing to an error compensation between a too weak heat flux feedback and a too weak Bjerknes feedback. In TI, the heat flux feedback strength is closer to estimates from observations and reanalysis, leading to ENSO suppression. The shortwave heat flux and, to a lesser extent, the latent heat flux feedbacks are the dominant contributors to the change between TI and KE. The shortwave heat flux feedback differences are traced back to a modified distribution of the large-scale regimes of deep convection (negative feedback) and subsidence (positive feedback) in the east Pacific. These are further associated with the model systematic errors. It is argued that a systematic and detailed evaluation of atmosphere feedbacks during ENSO is a necessary step to fully understand its simulation in coupled GCMs.
An Investigation Into the Choral Singer's Experience of Music Performance Anxiety
Authors: Ryan Charlene , Andrews Nicholle
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance experiences of choral singers with respect to music performance anxiety. Members of seven semiprofessional choirs ( N = 201) completed questionnaires pertaining to their experience of performance anxiety in the context of their performance history, their experience with conductors, and their use of coping mechanisms. Results indicated that performance anxiety was a common experience for these choral singers. Solo performances were reported to be more anxiety inducing than ensemble experiences, but performing in instrumental ensembles induced greater anxiety than choral ensembles. Participants with college music training reported less frequent, although not less severe, episodes of performance anxiety than those without. The conductor emerged as one of the primary factors in choral singers' experience of performance anxiety.
E-Business Readiness, Intensity, and Impact: An Austrian Destination Management Organization Study
Authors: Fuchs Matthias , Höpken Wolfram , Föger Andreas , Kunz Martin
Published: June 2009

The majority of today’s information and communication technology (ICT) impact studies disregard infrastructural, organizational, and environmental factors typically responsible for successful e-business adoption and use. This article proposes an empirical approach that shows how the mentioned factors determine both e-business adoption and the impact of information and communication technologies. The research framework is based on E. Rogers’ Innovation Diffusion Theory and is tested with survey data gathered in the Austrian destination management organization sector. By referring to K. Zhu and K. L. Kraemer’s (2005) e-business impact model, the proposed approach explicates how the use of e-business applications may positively affect the performance of tourism organizations. Online survey data are analyzed through a linear structural equation modeling approach.
Local and External Language Standards in African American English
Authors: Kendall Tyler , Wolfram Walt
Published: June 2009

This investigation attempts to determine the social distribution and contextual shifting of African American English (AAE) within rural Southern African American communities. The study compares selective diagnostic AAE variables and features of speech rate and pause in the speech of three recognized sociopolitical leaders in public presentations and sociolinguistic interviews. The results show that there are not significant shifts in the use of AAE from the sociolinguistic interview to the public presentation settings and that leaders do not necessarily align their speech with their age and sex cohorts in terms of vernacular AAE usage. The authors conclude that the relative autonomy of the community, its endocentric versus exocentric orientation, the primary public service constituency of the leader, the different social affiliations and divisions within the community, the speaker’s personal background and history, and the socialized demands and expectations for public presentation are all factors in understanding the leaders’ use of local vernacular and mainstream standard variants.
Strategy and Structure in Context: Universalism versus Institutional Effects
Authors: Galan Jose I. , Sanchez-Bueno Maria J.
Published: June 2009

This study analyses the evolution in large firms' strategy and structure in a new spatial and temporal context (Spain 1993—2003). The central question of this work is to determine whether transformations undergone in this country have led Spanish companies' strategies and structures to converge with those of other European countries, following the predictions of `universalistic' theories of strategy and organization; or whether cultural/institutional effects have remained strong, following a path-dependence/cultural-lag type logic. The Spanish experience is particularly significant for theory in general because its late development and very distinctive institutional origins allow us to test theories applied before in a new country and more recent time period. Our findings show that a changing context (e.g. liberalization) has led Spanish firms to converge with those of other European economies in the pattern of strategy and structure (increasing levels of diversification and divisionalization). Thus, the findings of this study in a new context are consistent with universalistic predictions that strategies and structures will evolve towards a common model of corporate development, as Chandler postulated initially.
Managing the Rivalry of Competing Institutional Logics
Authors: Reay Trish , Hinings C.R.
Published: June 2009

We investigated an organizational field where competing institutional logics existed for a lengthy period of time. We identified four mechanisms for managing the rivalry of competing logics that facilitated and strengthened the separate identities of key actors, thus providing a way for competing logics to co-exist and separately guide the behaviour of different actors. We contribute to the institutional literature by showing that competing logics can co-exist and rivalry between logics can be managed through the development of collaborative relationships.
After Reflexivity: Ethics, Freedom and the Writing of Organization Studies
Authors: Rhodes Carl
Published: June 2009

Building on existing considerations of reflexivity in research writing, this essai seeks to reappraise the concept of responsibility in relation to the ethics of post-representational research methodology in organization studies. Jacques Derrida's discussions of responsibility and undecidability and Emmanuel Lévinas' distinction between the saying and the said are brought to bear on the ethics of the discursive construction of organizational research as a form of representing the Other. The essai argues that responding to reflexivity extends beyond textual practice and self-accounting towards a responsibility for the exercise of academic freedom. This freedom entails a radical openness that is operationalized in an ongoing reinvention that resists the institutionalization of the field of inquiry through a form of transformative knowledge. It is the legacy and promise of reflexivity in organization studies that can invigorate the imagination in research — its poiesis — as an ongoing project of saying the ethical.
Occult Cardiotoxicity—Toxic Effects on Cardiac Ischemic Tolerance
Authors: Golomb Eliahu , Nyska Abraham , Schwalb Herzl
Published: June 2009

The outcome of cardiac ischemic events depends not only on the extent and duration of the ischemic stimulus but also on the myocardial intrinsic tolerance to ischemic injury. Cardiac ischemic tolerance reflects myocardial functional reserves that are not always used when the tissue is appropriately oxygenated. Ischemic tolerance is modulated by ubiquitous signal transduction pathways, transcription factors and cellular enzymes, converging on the mitochondria as the main end effector. Therefore, drugs and toxins affecting these pathways may impair cardiac ischemic tolerance without affecting myocardial integrity or function in oxygenated conditions. Such effect would not be detected by current toxicological studies but would considerably influence the outcome of ischemic events. The authors refer to such effect as “occult cardiotoxicity.” In this review, the authors summarize current knowledge about main mechanisms that determine cardiac ischemic tolerance, methods to assess it, and the effects of drugs and toxins on it. The authors offer a view that low cardiac ischemic tolerance is a premorbid status and, therefore, that occult cardiotoxicity is a significant potential source of cardiac morbidity. The authors propose that toxicologic assessment of compounds would include the assessment of their effect on cardiac ischemic tolerance.
Bounding with Active Wheels and Liftoff Angle Velocity Adjustment
Authors: Smith James Andrew , Poulakakis Ioannis , Trentini Michael , Sharf Inna
Published: June 2009

The bounding gait for the Platform for Ambulating Wheels (PAW), a new and unique hybrid wheeled—leg system is presented. Two hypotheses are tested and discussed: first, that the robot’s forward speed can be increased by increasing the leg liftoff angles and, second, that the addition of distally mounted actuated wheels can be used in running gaits such as the bound. Both hypotheses were tested experimentally and found to be valid.
A Feminist Re-reading of Theories of Late Modernity: Beck, Giddens and the Location of Gender
Authors: Mulinari Diana , Sandell Kerstin
Published: June 2009

This article is a critical reappraisal of the understandings of gender and the location of women within theories of late modernity. These theories, as articulated by Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck, have gained a wide use, not the least since they claim to account for changes in intimate relations. We will use four major feminist interventions for our argument — the problematization of the public-private divide, feminist theorizing of kinship, feminist understandings of labour, and the heterosexual matrix. We argue that the late-modern story is made through violently created presences — of the reinvention of the heterosexual matrix, the private sphere as the location of women/gender, reproduction coupled to biology, and gender as an intimate relation between women and men — and absences of analysis of reproductive and productive labour, of the role of the state, and of gender as a social relation constituted through and within other social inequalities.
Understanding Social Structure in the Context of Global Uncertainties
Authors: Entrena-Durán Francisco
Published: June 2009

This article proposes a three-dimensional model to understand the complex dynamics inherent in the construction, deconstruction and/or reconstruction processes of current social structures, embedded in the context of global uncertainties. The socioeconomic, politico-institutional and symbolic-legitimizing dimensions of these social structures are analysed.
The Effects of Church Attendance and Marital Status on the Longitudinal Trajectories of Depressed Mood Among Older Adults
Authors: Law Rita W. , Sbarra David A.
Published: June 2009

Objective: The present study investigated the potential effects of church attendance and marital status on mood trajectories among older adults and whether these effects varied by gender. Method: Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging were used to examine the effects of church attendance and marital status on changes in depressed mood. Participants included 791 older adults (42.4% men; mean age at study entry = 75.62) who were interviewed at three time points over 8 years. Results: Using multilevel modeling to assess change, church attendance was found to have a protective effect against the emergence of mood problems among older adults. Also, although becoming married was associated with a decrease in depressed mood, becoming nonmarried was associated with an increase in depressed mood. Discussion: A sense of purpose as a potential explanation for the association between church attendance and changes in depressed mood in old age was discussed.
Strategic Group Analysis of Poland’s Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Domański Jarosław
Published: June 2009

This article reviews empirically studied strategic groups of nonprofit organizations that operate in the area of education and culture in Poland. The study was based on a sample of 485 organizations that were tested according to the hierarchical and the two-step cluster methods. This generated five largely diverse strategic groups in the sector, and each group is thoroughly described in the article.
Global Financial Turmoil and Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Loser Claudio M.
Published: June 2009

A year ago, the prospects for Emerging Economies (EE) looked very promising. There were concerns about the effect of a shallow recession in the US, but the general perception was that Asia and, to a large extent, Latin America and other regions were doing well. Most thought they had ‘decoupled’ from the advanced economies, and the emerging markets would grow with few restrictions.

Since then, the financial crisis has become the worst in the last fifty years. The complex and wide-ranging interaction between the financial world and the real economy already has begun to have serious consequences for the emerging economies. Whereas the conditions in the financial markets have tended to stabilise from the unsustainable position of September–October of 2008, the real economy is weakening and the prospects for an early recovery are remote. Commodity prices have declined by about one half from their peak; demand for manufactured goods is declining sharply all over the world; stock market valuations have declined by about one half or more; and currencies in many emerging countries have depreciated, as capital flows reversed seeking to find a safe heaven. The loss of financial wealth is enormous. The authorities and economic agents were initially taken by surprise by the collapse. Now they are responding to the challenges caused by the rapidly deteriorating external environment. However, there are serious economic and political stumbling blocks that may well cause the recovery to be costly and slow to consolidate.

This article reviews the origins of the current crisis in emerging market economies, mainly in Asia and Latin America in the context of the global crisis. It reviews the recent developments on a worldwide basis and how they affected them, even after the process of consolidation observed over the last 10 years or so, including the integration with the rest of the world. The article also discusses what can be realistically expected as financial volatility and recessionary forces may continue to prevail for a while.
The Impact of the Global Economic Slowdown on South Asia
Authors: Bhaskaran Manu
Published: June 2009

The current global economic slowdown is unprecedented in scale and has severe implications on policy formulation among emerging market economies. A prolonged period of sub-par growth driven by the substantial weakening of the financial sectors will have multiple effects on these economies. In this article we shall explore the transmission mechanisms through which the global crisis impacts emerging market economies, particularly South Asia. After studying the shock amplifiers and shock absorbers present in South Asia we offer some crucial policy suggestions. In the short term, with inflation under control, aggressive monetary policy easing would be appropriate. This should be complemented by cautious fiscal stimuli. Material currency devaluation should be considered only in the event of clear misalignment. Policy coordination at the regional level should also be practised. In the longer term, structural enhancements such as increased economic diversification, infrastructure development and augmented regional integration will be the primary tools to help bolster resilience against future external shocks.
Climate Change
Authors: Ramos Maria , Kahla Vuyo
Published: June 2009

The climate change policy debate has intensified as a result of several international developments. Potential opportunities for Africa are explored within the context of multi-lateral policy efforts embodied in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (‘UNFCCC’) and its Kyoto Protocol (supported by scientific understanding reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (‘IPCC’)). IPCC has reported that adverse impacts of climate change may be more severe than previously understood, particularly in Africa, but that technologies and means are available to address the challenge affordably. While Africa faces several significant threats, most opportunity lies in optimising Africa's responses, through building resilience to climate shocks, minimising projected damages, and obtaining greater advantage within the negotiated policy, technology transfer and investment frameworks. We must ensure that negotiations towards an inclusive climate architecture are fully cognisant of African interests relating to climate change risks and opportunities.
The Shaping Effects of the Conversational Interview
Authors: van Enk Anneke A. J.
Published: June 2009

The conversational research interview constitutes a complex and fraught context for personal accounts, and the methodological literature of the past few decades has acknowledged this. Theoretical discussions about representation, ethics, and power in interviews have been extended in empirical studies of actual interaction. Particularly useful for observing subtleties of talk between interviewer and interviewee are tools drawn from conversation analysis and other, overlapping forms of linguistic analysis. This article seeks to add to existing studies of interview interaction by proposing a strategy for examining the specifically generic features of interviewing. Genre, as framed by rhetorical theory, encompasses both form and social situation, allowing interviews to be framed as local enactments of historically regularized but flexible discursive forms. By focusing on interlocutors’ expectations around and linguistic action within the conventions of talk, genre offers a valuable additional wedge into an oft-used means for collecting narrative research data.
The Safety and Mobility Patterns of Older Women
Authors: Rosenbloom Sandra , Herbel Susan
Published: June 2009

The safety and mobility needs of older women are two sides of the same coin. Current generations of older women are extremely mobile because of their access to the car; future generations will be even more dependent on the car for their mobility but may suffer even greater mobility losses when they reduce or cease driving. But if they continue to drive when they should no longer do so, crash and death rates will soar. In order to address their safety and mobility needs we need a three-fold strategy: 1) alter the roadway system to make it safer and easier for older drivers and pedestrians, 2) develop a range of supportive transit and paratransit alternatives, and 3) retrofit the low density communities in which most older will age in place or to which they will move.
Demographics Matter
Authors: Contrino Heather , McGuckin Nancy
Published: June 2009

The United States is in a significant period of change. The significant growth in travel that the US has experienced since the 1960's is a product of demographic and economic changes including increases in vehicle ownership, baby boomers and women entering the workforce, and dramatic growth in personal income. More recently however, data are painting a different picture. The economic slowdown, vehicle saturation, climate change, new immigrant population growth, and the aging population may be contributing to a slowing growth of travel demand in the US (3).

Race and ethnicity do matter in terms of travel choices, needs, and options. Many factors contribute to the differences we see in patterns of travel within population segments. Using data from the US Census Bureau and the National Household Travel Survey Program, this paper examines the demographic characteristics of minority populations and the resulting differences in their travel behavior.
Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Proliferol: A Dose-Escalating, Placebo-Controlled Study in Swine
Authors: Dagenais Simon , Wooley James , Hite Mark , Green Robert , Mayer John
Published: June 2009

Prolotherapy is one of the many treatments available for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. A commonly used drug contains dextrose 12.5%, glycerin 12.5%, phenol 1.0%, and lidocaine hydrochloride 0.25% in aqueous solution (recently termed Proliferol). For chronic low back pain, this is injected into lumbosacral ligaments to stimulate connective tissue repair. Despite generally positive clinical results, the toxicity of this drug is not well characterized and was assessed in 48 (24 male, 24 female) Yucatan miniature swine randomly assigned to low (1×), medium (5×), or high (10×) dose or saline placebo. Outcomes included clinical observations, clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, toxicokinetics, and full gross and microscopic histopathology after 24 hours or 14 days. Findings attributable to Proliferol after 24 hours included dose-response elevations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase, which returned to normal after 14 days. There were no remarkable findings in hematology, coagulation, or urinalysis. Urine concentrations of lidocaine and phenol both peaked after 8 hours. Histopathology findings after 24 hours included hemorrhage, inflammation, necrosis, and vascular changes in the ligaments and adjacent soft tissues at the sites of injection. After 14 days, there was evidence of repair under way, with fibrosis and skeletal muscle regeneration at the injection sites.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) Induces Calcium Influx Through T-type Calcium Channel and Enhances Lysosomal Exocytosis and Insulin Secretion in INS-1 Cells
Authors: Kim Youn-Hee , Shim Young-Jun , Shin Yong-Jae , Sul Donggeun , Lee Eunil , Min Bon-Hong
Published: June 2009

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) has been associated with diabetes in several epidemiological studies. However, the diabetogenic action of TCDD on pancreatic cells is unclear. Here, we investigated the direct toxic effects of TCDD on a rat insulin-secreting beta cell line. We found that TCDD enhances exocytosis of MTT formazan and lysosomal proteins such as β-hexosaminindase and Lamp-1. This TCDD-induced exocytosis was abrogated by T-type calcium channel blockers (mibefradil, flunarizine) but not by an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist (α-naphtoflavone). Indeed, cytosolic calcium levels were increased by TCDD. Furthermore, TCDD stimulated insulin secretion, which was inhibited by flunarizine. Taken together, our results suggest that TCDD-induced calcium influx via T-type channels regulates vesicular trafficking, such as lysosomal and secretory granule exocytosis, and that TCDD might exert adverse effects on beta cells by continuous insulin release followed by beta cell exhaustion. This could contribute to the link between TCDD exposure and the risk of developing diabetes.
Calcium and Calmodulin Regulate Mercury-induced Phospholipase D Activation in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Peltz Alon , Sherwani Shariq I. , Kotha Sainath R. , Mazerik Jessica N. , O’Connor Butler Elizabeth S. , Kuppusamy M. Lakshmi , Hagele Thomas , Magalang Ulysses J. , Kuppusamy Periannan , Marsh Clay B. , Parinandi Narasimham L.
Published: June 2009

Earlier, we reported that mercury, the environmental risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, activates vascular endothelial cell (EC) phospholipase D (PLD). Here, we report the novel and significant finding that calcium and calmodulin regulated mercury-induced PLD activation in bovine pulmonary artery ECs (BPAECs). Mercury (mercury chloride, 25 μM; thimerosal, 25 μM; methylmercury, 10 μM) significantly activated PLD in BPAECs. Calcium chelating agents and calcium depletion of the medium completely attenuated the mercury-induced PLD activation in ECs. Calmodulin inhibitors significantly attenuated mercury-induced PLD activation in BPAECs. Despite the absence of L-type calcium channels in ECs, nifedipine, nimodipine, and diltiazem significantly attenuated mercury-induced PLD activation and cytotoxicity in BPAECs. This study demonstrated the importance of calcium and calmodulin in the regulation of mercury-induced PLD activation and the protective action of L-type calcium channel blockers against mercury cytotoxicity in vascular ECs, suggesting mechanisms of mercury vasculotoxicity and mercury-induced cardiovascular diseases.
The Validity and Clinical Utility of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Afghanistan
Authors: Miller Kenneth E. , Omidian Patricia , Kulkarni Madhur , Yaqubi Aziz , Daudzai Haqmal , Rasmussen Andrew
Published: June 2009

This study examined the validity and utility of PTSD among 320 adults in Afghanistan. Findings support the validity of PTSD in this cultural context: PTSD symptoms were highly prevalent, shared common variance, and correlated as expected with exposure to traumatic stress. However, only limited support was found for the clinical utility of PTSD. Other types of psychiatric symptomatology, including depression and a culturally specific measure of general distress, correlated more highly with traumatic stress than did PTSD; and PTSD accounted for limited variance in functioning beyond that explained by depression and general distress. Implications for research and intervention are considered.
A Qualitative Study of Mental Health Problems among Children Displaced by War in Northern Uganda
Authors: Betancourt Theresa Stichick , Speelman Liesbeth , Onyango Grace , Bolton Paul
Published: June 2009

While multiple studies have found that children affected by war are at increased risk for a range of mental health problems, little research has investigated how mental health problems are perceived locally. In this study we used a previously developed rapid ethnographic assessment method to explore local perceptions of mental health problems among children and adults from the Acholi ethnic group displaced by the war in northern Uganda. We conducted 45 free list interviews and 57 key informant interviews. The rapid assessment approach appears to have worked well for interviewing caretakers and children aged 10—17 years. We describe several locally defined syndromes: two tam/par/kumu (depression and dysthymia-like syndromes), ma lwor (a mixed anxiety and depression-like syndrome), and a category of conduct problems referred to as kwo maraco/gin lugero. The descriptions of these local syndromes were similar to western mood, anxiety and conduct disorders, but included culturespecific elements.
What Research tells us about the Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Sudanese Refugees: A Literature Review
Authors: Tempany Madeleine
Published: June 2009

Sudan has long been one of the world's chief refugee-producing nations. Many researchers and practitioners have developed considerable interest in culturally-specific information on the mental health and wellbeing of Sudanese refugees. In this selective review of studies with Sudanese refugees, on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, coping strategies and interventions, most quantitative studies found high rates of psychopathology, particularly PTSD and depression. However, some studies using mixed methods cautioned that while many Sudanese refugees have symptoms of traumatic stress, their functioning was not necessarily reduced, and they themselves often reported more concern with current stressors such as family problems than with past trauma. Some qualitative studies suggest that many Sudanese refugees use coping strategies such as silence, stoicism, and suppression. Few studies were available regarding appropriate interventions for Sudanese refugees and it remains unclear which aspects of standard treatments used by western-trained mental health practitioners may be beneficial for members of this population.