bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Acyl-Homoserine Lactone-Type Quorum-Sensing System Modulates Cell Motility and Virulence of
Erwinia chrysanthemi
pv. zeae
Authors: Hussain Mumtaz B. B. M. , Zhang Hai-Bao , Xu Jin-Ling , Liu Qiongguang , Jiang Zide , Zhang Lian-Hui
Published: December 2007

Erwinia chrysanthemi
pv. zeae is one of the
Erwinia chrysanthemi
pathovars that infects on both dicotyledons and monocotyledons. However, little is known about the molecular basis and regulatory mechanisms of its virulence. By using a transposon mutagenesis approach, we cloned the genes coding for an
E. chrysanthemi
pv. zeae synthase of acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing signals (

expI
Ecz

) and a cognate response regulator (

expR
Ecz

). Chromatography analysis showed that

expI
Ecz

encoded production of the AHL signal
N
-(3-oxo-hexanoyl)-homoserine lactone (OHHL). Null mutation of

expI
Ecz

in the
E. chrysanthemi
pv. zeae strain EC1 abolished AHL production, increased bacterial swimming and swarming motility, disabled formation of multicell aggregates, and attenuated virulence of the pathogen on potato tubers. The mutation also marginally reduced the inhibitory activity of
E. chrysanthemi
pv. zeae on rice seed germination. The mutant phenotypes were rescued by either exogenous addition of AHL signal or in
trans
expression of

expI
Ecz

. These data demonstrate that the AHL-type QS signal plays an essential role in modulation of
E. chrysanthemi
pv. zeae cell motility and the ability to form multicell aggregates and is involved in regulation of bacterial virulence.
In Vivo Growth of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Strains PAO1 and PA14 and the Hypervirulent Strain LESB58 in a Rat Model of Chronic Lung Infection
Authors: Kukavica-Ibrulj Irena , Bragonzi Alessandra , Paroni Moira , Winstanley Craig , Sanschagrin François , O'Toole George A. , Levesque Roger C.
Published: December 2007

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
chronic lung infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The
P. aeruginosa
strains PAO1 and PA14 were compared with the Liverpool epidemic strain LESB58 to assess in vivo growth, infection kinetics, and bacterial persistence and localization within tissues in a rat model of chronic lung infection. The three
P. aeruginosa
strains demonstrated similar growth curves in vivo but differences in tissue distribution. The LESB58 strain persisted in the bronchial lumen, while the PAO1 and PA14 strains were found localized in the alveolar regions and grew as macrocolonies after day 7 postinfection. Bacterial strains were compared for swimming and twitching motility and for the production of biofilm. The
P. aeruginosa
LESB58 strain produced more biofilm than PAO1 and PA14. Competitive index (CI) analysis of PAO1, PA14, and LESB58 in vivo indicated CI values of 0.002, 0.0002, and 0.14 between PAO1-PA14, PAO1-LESB58, and LESB58-PA14, respectively. CI analysis comparing the in vivo growth of the PAO1 ΔPA5441 mutant and four PA14 surface attachment-defective (
sad
) mutants gave CI values 10 to 1,000 times lower in competitions with their respective wild-type strains PAO1 and PA14.
P. aeruginosa
strains studied in the rat model of chronic lung infection demonstrated similar in vivo growth but differences in virulence as shown with a competitive in vivo assay. These differences were further confirmed with biofilm and motility in vitro assays, where strain LESB58 produced more biofilm but had less capacity for motility than PAO1 and PA14.
ANNIHILATION AND CREATION OPERATORS FOR THE CALDIROLA–KANAI HAMILTONIAN WITH COMPLEX FRICTION COEFFICIENT
Authors: BRODIMAS G. , GOUPIOS N. , JANNUSSIS A.
Published: December 2007

In the present note, we consider the annihilation and creation operators with complex friction coefficient and we find the coherent, squeezed states, the uncertainty Heisenberg relation and the behavior of the PT and, CPT symmetries. Also we demonstrated that the (CK) Hamiltonian is a special case of the complex time-dependent mass.
THE INVERSE OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A CHAOTIC SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE ATTRACTORS
Authors: WANG XINGYUAN , GAO YONG
Published: December 2007

This paper studies the dynamical behavior of the Newton–Leipnik system and its trajectory-transformation control problem to multiple attractors. A simple linear state feedback controller for the Newton–Leipnik system based on the Lyapunov stability theory and applying the inverse optimal control method is designed. We stabilize asymptotically the chaotic attractors to unstable equilibriums of the system, so that the transformation of one attractor to another for the trajectory of the Newton–Leipnik system is realized. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations both indicate the effectiveness of the controller. At last, the inverse optimal control method is proven effective for the chaotic systems with multiple attractors by the example on the unified chaotic system.
A STUDY ON TRANSIT TIME FLUCTUATION, AND CORRELATION BETWEEN LOW FREQUENCY PHASE AND CURRENT OR AMPLITUDE NOISES IN A TRANSISTOR
Authors: TAKAGI K.
Published: December 2007

The low frequency phase and amplitude or average collector current noises are studied in a bipolar transistor. The transit time fluctuation is calculated from the diffusion coefficient fluctuation in the base. The phase noise is proportional to the base transit time fluctuation of the carriers. We discuss the relation between the phase and amplitude fluctuations and find both fluctuations correlate each other in low frequency. An experimental study is carried out in a bipolar transistor.
MODELING OF NOISE BEHAVIOR OF GRADED BAND GAP CHANNEL MOSFET AT GHz FREQUENCIES
Authors: ABOU-ELNOUR ALI , ABO-ELNOR OSSAMA , ABDELHAMEED HAMDY , EL-HENAWY ADEL
Published: December 2007

A novel graded band gap channel Si - SiGe MOSFET structure has been suggested and its characteristics have been investigated. The investigations indicated that the suggested structure reduces the short-channel effects, increases the cut-off frequency, and hence makes its usage at high frequency and Low noise applications possible. To show the superior performance of the suggested structure at GHz frequencies, and as an example, the noise behavior of the structure is determined. First the device noise model parameters are calculated from D.C. and A.C. characteristics. The extracted noise model parameters are then used to determine the minimum noise figure at GHz frequencies. The effects of the different device parameters on the noise performance are determined. Finally, the results are compared with those of conventional MOSFET structure to show the superior performance of graded band gap Si - SiGe MOSFETs at high frequency ranges.
Coastal chalk cliff instability in NW France: role of lithology, fracture pattern and rainfall
Authors: Duperret A. , Genter A. , Martinez A. , Mortimore R. N.
Published: December 2007

Coastal retreat has been studied along 120km of French Channel chalk coast from Upper Normandy to Picardy. During the investigation period, 1998–2001, 55 significant collapses were recorded. Of these 5.5% were very large-scale, 34.5% large-scale, 34.5% medium-scale and 25.5% small-scale collapses. Observations indicate that the larger the collapse size the greater the coastal cliff retreat. Four types of cliff failure were observed: (1) vertical failures in homogeneous chalk units; (2) sliding failures where two superimposed chalk units were present; (3) wedge and plane failures mainly recognized in the UK in formations with stratabound fractures; (4) complex failures in cliffs with more than one style of fracturing. Rainfall in relation to the timing of cliff collapse indicates two periods that trigger a collapse. The first occurs about one month after heavy rainfall within poorly fractured chalk and the second occurs when a dry period is interrupted by sharp rainfall in cliffs with major karst features (pipes etc). Medium to small-scale cliff collapses were, in some cases, caused by marine erosion at the base of the cliff creating a notch. A key factor controlling the type of collapse is the lithostratigraphic unit, while the extent of the collapse scar may be controlled by fracture type.
Metabolic response to an acute jump in cardiac workload: effects on malonyl-CoA, mechanical efficiency, and fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Zhou Lufang , Huang Hazel , Yuan Celvie L. , Keung Wendy , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Stanley William C.
Published: December 2007

Inhibition of myocardial fatty acid oxidation can improve left ventricular (LV) mechanical efficiency by increasing LV power for a given rate of myocardial energy expenditure. This phenomenon has not been assessed at high workloads in nonischemic myocardium; therefore, we subjected in vivo pig hearts to a high workload for 5 min and assessed whether blocking mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation with the carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I inhibitor oxfenicine would improve LV mechanical efficiency. In addition, the cardiac content of malonyl-CoA (an endogenous inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I) and activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (which synthesizes malonyl-CoA) were assessed. Increased workload was induced by aortic constriction and dobutamine infusion, and LV efficiency was calculated from the LV pressure-volume loop and LV energy expenditure. In untreated pigs, the increase in LV power resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in fatty acid oxidation and cardiac malonyl-CoA content but did not affect the activation state of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The activation state of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitory kinase AMP-activated protein kinase decreased by 40% with increased cardiac workload. Pretreatment with oxfenicine inhibited fatty acid oxidation by 75% and had no effect on cardiac energy expenditure but significantly increased LV power and LV efficiency (37 ± 5% vs. 26 ± 5%, P < 0.05) at high workload. In conclusion, 1) myocardial fatty acid oxidation increases with a short-term increase in cardiac workload, despite an increase in malonyl-CoA concentration, and 2) inhibition of fatty acid oxidation improves LV mechanical efficiency by increasing LV power without affecting cardiac energy expenditure.
Computational modeling of coupled blood-wall mass transport of LDL: effects of local wall shear stress
Authors: Olgac Ufuk , Kurtcuoglu Vartan , Poulikakos Dimos
Published: December 2007

The work herein represents a novel approach for the modeling of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport from the artery lumen into the arterial wall, taking into account the effects of local wall shear stress (WSS) on the endothelial cell layer and its pathways of volume and solute flux. We have simulated LDL transport in an axisymmetric representation of a stenosed coronary artery, where the endothelium is represented by a three-pore model that takes into account the contributions of the vesicular pathway, normal junctions, and leaky junctions also employing the local WSS to yield the overall volume and solute flux. The fraction of leaky junctions is calculated as a function of the local WSS based on published experimental data and is used in conjunction with the pore theory to determine the transport properties of this pathway. We have found elevated levels of solute flux at low shear stress regions because of the presence of a larger number of leaky junctions compared with high shear stress regions. Accordingly, we were able to observe high LDL concentrations in the arterial wall in these low shear stress regions despite increased filtration velocity, indicating that the increase in filtration velocity is not sufficient for the convective removal of LDL.
Treatment with an adenoviral vector encoding hepatocyte growth factor mitigates established cardiac dysfunction in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Esaki Masayasu , Takemura Genzou , Kosai Ken-ichiro , Takahashi Tomoyuki , Miyata Shusaku , Li Longhu , Goto Kazuko , Maruyama Rumi , Okada Hideshi , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Ogino Atsushi , Ushikoshi Hiroaki , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi
Published: December 2007

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) reportedly exerts beneficial effects on the heart following myocardial infarction and during nonischemic cardiomyopathy, but the precise mechanisms underlying the latter have not been well elucidated. We generated nonischemic cardiomyopathy in mice by injecting them with doxorubicin (15 mg/kg ip). Two weeks later, when cardiac dysfunction was apparent, an adenoviral vector encoding human HGF gene (Ad.CAG-HGF, 1×1011 particles/mouse) was injected into the hindlimb muscles; LacZ gene served as the control. Left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction normally seen 4 wk after doxorubicin administration were significantly mitigated in HGF-treated mice, as were the associated cardiomyocyte atrophy/degeneration and myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial expression of GATA-4 and a sarcomeric protein, myosin heavy chain, was downregulated by doxorubicin, but the expression of both was restored by HGF treatment. The protective effect of HGF against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte atrophy was confirmed in an in vitro experiment, which also showed that neither cardiomyocyte apoptosis nor proliferation plays significant roles in the present model. Upregulation of c-Met/HGF receptor was noted in HGF-treated hearts. Among the mediators downstream of c-Met, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was reduced by doxorubicin, but the activity was restored by HGF. Levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and cyclooxygenase-2 did not differ between the groups. Our findings suggest the HGF gene delivery exerts therapeutic antiatrophic/degenerative and antifibrotic effects on myocardium in cases of established cardiac dysfunction caused by doxorubicin. These beneficial effects appear to be related to HGF-induced ERK activation and upregulation of c-Met, GATA-4, and sarcomeric proteins.
Eucapnic intermittent hypoxia augments endothelin-1 vasoconstriction in rats: role of PKCδ
Authors: Allahdadi Kyan J. , Duling Laura C. , Walker Benjimen R. , Kanagy Nancy L.
Published: December 2007

We reported previously that simulating sleep apnea by exposing rats to eucapnic intermittent hypoxia (E-IH) causes endothelin-dependent hypertension and increases constrictor sensitivity to endothelin-1 (ET-1). In addition, augmented ET-1-induced constriction in small mesenteric arteries (sMA) is mediated by increased Ca2+sensitization independent of Rho-associated kinase. We hypothesized that exposing rats to E-IH augments ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction by increasing protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent Ca2+sensitization. In sMA, the nonselective PKC inhibitor GF-109203x (3 μM) significantly inhibited ET-1-stimulated constriction in E-IH arteries but did not affect ET-1-stimulated constriction in sham arteries. Phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (1 μM) also inhibited constriction by ET-1 in E-IH but not sham sMA. In contrast, the classical PKC (cPKC) inhibitor Gö-6976 (1 μM) had no effect on ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction in either group, but a PKCδ-selective inhibitor (rottlerin, 3 μM) significantly decreased ET-1-mediated constriction in E-IH but not in sham sMA. ET-1 increased PKCδ phosphorylation in E-IH but not sham sMA. In contrast, ET-1 constriction in thoracic aorta from both sham and E-IH rats was inhibited by Gö-6976 but not by rottlerin. These observations support our hypothesis that E-IH exposure significantly increases ET-1-mediated constriction of sMA through PKCδ activation and modestly augments ET-1 contraction in thoracic aorta through activation of one or more cPKC isoforms. Therefore, upregulation of a PKC pathway may contribute to elevated ET-1-dependent vascular resistance in this model of hypertension.
Role of PAR2 in murine pulmonary pseudomonal infection
Authors: Moraes Theo J. , Martin Raiza , Plumb Jonathan D. , Vachon Eric , Cameron Cheryl M. , Danesh Ali , Kelvin David J. , Ruf Wolfram , Downey Gregory P.
Published: December 2007

Proteinases can influence lung inflammation by various mechanisms, including via cleavage and activation of protease-activated receptors (PAR) such as PAR2. In addition, proteinases such as neutrophil and/or Pseudomonas-derived elastase can disarm PAR2 resulting in loss of PAR2 signaling. Currently, the role of PAR2 in host defense against bacterial infection is not known. Using a murine model of acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, we examined differences in the pulmonary inflammatory response between wild-type and PAR2−/−mice. Compared with wild-type mice, PAR2−/−mice displayed more severe lung inflammation and injury in response to P. aeruginosa infection as indicated by higher bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophil numbers, protein concentration, and TNF-α levels. By contrast, IFN-γ levels were markedly reduced in PAR2−/−compared with wild-type mice. Importantly, clearance of P. aeruginosa was diminished in PAR2−/−mice. In vitro testing revealed that PAR2−/−neutrophils killed significantly less bacteria than wild-type murine neutrophils. Further, both neutrophils and macrophages from PAR2−/−mice displayed significantly reduced phagocytic efficiency compared with wild-type phagocytes. Stimulation of PAR2 on macrophages using a PAR2-activating peptide resulted in enhanced phagocytosis directly implicating PAR2 signaling in the phagocytic process. We conclude that genetic deletion of PAR2 is associated with decreased clearance of P. aeruginosa. Our data suggest that a deficiency in IFN-γ production and impaired bacterial phagocytosis are two potential mechanisms responsible for this defect.
Surfactant protein-A plays an important role in lung surfactant clearance: evidence using the surfactant protein-A gene-targeted mouse
Authors: Bates Sandra R. , Dodia Chandra , Tao Jian-Qin , Fisher Aron B.
Published: December 2007

Previous studies with the isolated perfused rat lung showed that both clathrin- and actin-mediated pathways are responsible for endocytosis of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)-labeled liposomes by granular pneumocytes in the intact lung. Using surfactant protein-A (SP-A) gene-targeted mice, we examined the uptake of [3H]DPPC liposomes by isolated mouse lungs under basal and secretagogue-stimulated conditions. Unilamellar liposomes composed of [3H]DPPC: phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol:egg phosphatidylglycerol (10:5:3:2 mol fraction) were instilled into the trachea of anesthetized mice, and the lungs were perfused (2 h). Uptake was calculated as percentage of instilled disintegrations per minute in the postlavaged lung. Amantadine, an inhibitor of clathrin and, thus, receptor-mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits, decreased basal [3H]DPPC uptake by 70% in SP-A +/+ but only by 20% in SP-A −/− lung, data compatible with an SP-A/receptor-regulated lipid clearance pathway in the SP-A +/+ mice. The nonclathrin, actin-dependent process was low in the SP-A +/+ lung but accounted for 55% of liposome endocytosis in the SP-A −/− mouse. With secretagogue (8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate) treatment, both clathrin- and actin-dependent lipid clearance were elevated in the SP-A +/+ lungs while neither pathway responded in the SP-A −/− lungs. Binding of iodinated SP-A to type II cells isolated from both genotypes of mice was similar indicating a normal SP-A receptor status in the SP-A −/− lung. Inclusion of SP-A with instilled liposomes served to “rescue” the SP-A −/− lungs by reestablishing secretagogue-dependent enhancement of liposome uptake. These data are compatible with a major role for receptor-mediated endocytosis of DPPC by granular pneumocytes, a process critically dependent on SP-A.
Reactivation of γHV68 induces neointimal lesions in pulmonary arteries of S100A4/Mts1-overexpressing mice in association with degradation of elastin
Authors: Spiekerkoetter Edda , Alvira Cristina Maria , Kim Yu-Mee , Bruneau Alexandra , Pricola Katie Lynn , Wang Lingli , Ambartsumian Noona , Rabinovitch Marlene
Published: December 2007

S100A4/Mts-overexpressing mice have thick elastic laminae and mild pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and the occasional older mouse develops occlusive neointimal lesions and perivascular inflammation. We hypothesized that a vasculotropic virus could induce neointimal lesions in the S100A4/Mts1 mouse by facilitating breakdown of elastin and migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. To test this hypothesis, we infected S100A4/Mts1 mice with gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68). We observed, 6 mo after γHV68 [4 × 103 plaque-forming units (PFU)], perivascular inflammation in 10/15 S100A4/Mts1 mice and occlusive neointimal formation in 3/10 mice, accompanied by striking degradation of elastin. We then compared the early response after high-dose γHV68 (4 × 106 PFU) in C57Bl/6 and S100A4/Mts1 mice. In S100A4/Mts1 mice only, significant PAH, muscularization of distal vessels, and elastase activity were observed 6 wk after γHV68. These features resolved by 3 mo without neointimal formation. We therefore infected mice with the M1-γHV68 strain that reactivates from latency with higher efficiency and observed neointimal lesions at 3 mo in 2/5 C57Bl/6 (5–9% of vessels) and in 5/5 S100A4/Mts1 mice (13–40% of vessels) accompanied by mild PAH, heightened lung elastase activity, and intravascular viral expression. This suggested that enhanced generation of elastin peptides in S100A4/Mts1 mice may promote increased viral entry in the vessel wall. Using S100A4/Mts1 PA organ culture, we showed, in response to elastase activity, heightened production of elastin peptides associated with invasion of inflammatory cells and intravascular viral antigen. We therefore propose that early viral access to the vessel wall may be a critical determinant of the extent of vascular pathology following reactivation.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Public Places in Guatemala: Comparison with other Latin American Countries
Authors: Barnoya Joaquin , Mendoza-Montano Carlos , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: December 2007

Objective: To measure secondhand smoke levels in workplaces in Guatemala and to compare exposure to levels in other Latin American cities.

Methods: Exposure was estimated by passive sampling of vapor phase nicotine using a filter badge. Filters were placed in 1 hospital, 1 school, 2 universities, 1 government building, the airport, and 10 restaurants/bars. In total, 103 filters were deployed (plus 7 duplicates and 10 blanks). Nicotine (μg/m3) was measured by gas chromatography. Medians [interquartile ranges (IQR)] of nicotine concentrations were reported and compared with other Latin American cities. A survey about attitudes for smoke-free workplaces was distributed among employees.

Results: Nicotine was detected in most (68%) locations surveyed (including workplaces where smoking is banned). The highest levels were found in bars [median, 4.58 μg/m3 (IQR, 1.71-6.44)] and restaurants [median, 0.56 μg/m3 (IQR, 0.46-0.71)]. Nicotine concentrations in bars and restaurants were 710 and 114 times higher, respectively, compared with hospital concentrations after adjustment for smoking ban signs, type of ventilation, and volume of the area. Support for smoke-free environments was high, except in bar/restaurant and airport workers. Airborne nicotine levels in Guatemala were similar to those found in other Latin American cities.

Conclusion: In Guatemala, exposure to secondhand smoke is highly prevalent. Workers in bars and restaurants are disproportionately exposed to secondhand smoke compared with other workers. There is an urgent need for complete smoke-free legislation and for educating workers about the benefits of smoke-free workplaces. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2730–5)
Distinctive Heavy Metal Composition of Pancreatic Juice in Patients with Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Carrigan Patricia E. , Hentz Joseph G. , Gordon Gwyneth , Morgan Jennifer L. , Raimondo Massimo , Anbar Ariel D. , Miller Laurence J.
Published: December 2007

Epidemiologic studies have shown the health risks of exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollution, with heavy metal composition implicated as contributing to both. Environmental exposure to cigarette smoke has been epidemiologically associated with pancreatic cancer, but the pathophysiologic basis for this is not yet clear. In the current work, we have used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify the metal composition of pancreatic juice collected in response to secretin stimulation in successive patients evaluated for abdominal pain (35 with pancreatic cancer, 30 with chronic pancreatitis, and 35 with normal pancreas). Indeed, metal composition of pancreatic juice was distinctive in patients with pancreatic cancer relative to those without such a cancer. The metal concentrations that were found to have the strongest association with pancreatic cancer were chromium, selenium, and molybdenum, with 1 SD increases in the concentrations of each associated with substantial increases in the odds of having pancreatic cancer relative to those in patients with normal pancreas (210%, 160%, and 76%, respectively). Of note, elevations in concentrations of chromium and selenium did not correlate in individuals, whereas those having a 1 SD increase in the sum of the concentrations of these two metals in their pancreatic juice had a 480% increase in the odds of having pancreatic cancer. Elevations of nickel and zinc correlated with elevated chromium in individuals, with each of these metals known to be present in cigarette smoke, whereas other recognized metal components of cigarette smoke were not elevated. An understanding of why these metals are elevated in pancreatic juice and what effects they might have on pancreatic cells may have important implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention of pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2656–63)
Time Trend and Geographic Patterns of Lung Adenocarcinoma in the United States, 1973-2002
Authors: Chen Fan , Cole Phillip , Bina William F.
Published: December 2007

Objective: To find the major factor explaining the substantial increase in incidence of adenocarcinoma of the lung (ADL), we observed its temporal trend, distributions in geographic areas and populations, and compared them with the distributions of air pollution and low-tar cigarette consumption in time, place, and populations.

Methods: The temporal and spatial patterns of ADL were compared with the level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions as well as the use of low-tar cigarettes.

Results: Similar increasing trends followed by declining trends were seen in emission levels of NOx and ADL incidence rates. These trends peak about 20 years earlier for NOx levels than for ADL incidence. Incidence rates of ADL in high NOx emission areas were substantially higher than those in low NOx emission areas. Incidence rates of ADL in Black males are about 50% higher than in White males and can be explained by the differences in air quality related to residence site and size.

Conclusions: The descriptive epidemiologic data help generate the hypothesis that long-term exposure to low-dose NOx may play a major role in causing steep increases in past ADL incidence rates. There is an urgent need to conduct further studies to determine whether the association is a causal relationship between long-term, low-dose exposure to NOx and ADL. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2724–9)
Leptin Concentrations, Leptin Receptor Polymorphisms, and Colorectal Adenoma Risk
Authors: Chia Victoria M. , Newcomb Polly A. , Lampe Johanna W. , White Emily , Mandelson Margaret T. , McTiernan Anne , Potter John D.
Published: December 2007

Obesity has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of both colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. One mechanism underlying this relationship may involve the growth-promoting effects of the circulating hormones associated with obesity, such as leptin. We conducted a gastroenterology clinic-based, case-control study to evaluate the relationship between circulating leptin concentrations and colorectal adenoma risk; in addition, we evaluated the relationship between leptin receptor polymorphisms and adenoma risk. Individuals with adenomas (n = 157) and colonoscopy-negative controls (n = 191), who had a clinically indicated colonoscopy, were recruited from a large health maintenance organization in the Seattle metropolitan area from 1999 to 2003. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using logistic regression, adjusting for age at diagnosis, body mass index, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking history, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, physical activity, and, among women, menopausal status and postmenopausal hormone use. Among men, those in the highest tertile of leptin concentrations had a 3.3-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.2-8.7) increased adenoma risk compared with those in the lowest tertile (P trend = 0.01). There were no associations between leptin concentrations and adenoma risk in women. There were no associations of leptin receptor genotypes or haplotypes and adenoma risk. The results of this study suggest that, in men, leptin may be associated with risk of colorectal adenomas. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2697–703)
Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Cytome Assays for the Determination of Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of Cecal Water in Rats and Fecal Water in Humans
Authors: Benassi Bianca , LeLeu Richard , Bird Tony , Clifton Peter , Fenech Michael
Published: December 2007

We tested the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay using the WIL2-NS human B lymphoblastoid cell line as a biomarker of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of cecal water from rats and fecal water from humans. Cecal water was assessed in rats fed either a diet rich in fat, low in calcium and fiber, and barbecued red meat as the protein source (high colorectal cancer risk diet) or a diet high in fiber and calcium, low in fat, and casein as the protein source (low colorectal cancer risk diet) for 2 weeks. There was a significant 7.6-, 1.8-, and 4.0-fold increase in binucleated (BN) cells with micronuclei (Mn-BN), BN cells with nucleoplasmic bridges (Npb-BN), and necrotic cells (P < 0.001) with 1-h incubation with a 10% dilution of the cecal water isolated from rats fed the high colorectal cancer risk diet compared with rats fed the low colorectal cancer risk diet. In humans, fecal water samples collected from feces of free-living volunteers showed that 24-h exposure to 1% dilution of fecal water produced a significant 2.6-, 6.5-, 7.5-, and 2.2-fold increase in Mn-BN, Npb-BN, BN cells with nuclear buds, and necrotic cells compared with controls (P < 0.05). The coefficients of variations for interindividual differences for Mn-BN, Npb-BN, BN cells with nuclear buds, and necrosis biomarkers were greater than corresponding coefficients of variations for intraindividual variation. These results indicate that the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay can be used successfully to determine the interindividual variation in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of cecal or fecal water and to identify dietary patterns that are likely to increase carcinogenic events in the colon. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2676–80)
MDM2 Promoter Polymorphism SNP309 Contributes to Tumor Susceptibility: Evidence from 21 Case-Control Studies
Authors: Hu Zhibin , Jin Guangfu , Wang Lu , Chen Feng , Wang Xinru , Shen Hongbing
Published: December 2007

Since the identification of a well-characterized functional polymorphism named SNP309 in MDM2, abundant studies were published in the last 2 years to evaluate the association between SNP309 and tumor risk in diverse populations. However, the results remain conflicting rather than conclusive. Because a single study may have been underpowered to detect the effect of low-penetrance genes, a quantitative synthesis to accumulate data from different studies may provide better evidence on the association of genetic variant with tumor susceptibility. We conducted a meta-analysis on 14,770 cases with different tumor types and 14,524 controls from 25 published case-control studies to estimate the effect of SNP309 on tumor risk, as well as to quantify the potential between-study heterogeneity. We found that variant homozygote 309GG was associated with a significantly increased risk of all types of tumors [homozygote comparison: odds ratio (OR), 1.17, 95% confidential interval (95% CI), 1.04-1.33, P = 0.0002 for heterogeneity test; recessive model comparison: OR, 1.15, 95% CI, 1.03-1.28, P = 0.0005 for heterogeneity test]. Tumor type and ethnicity contributed to the substantial heterogeneity (69.5% for homozygote comparison and 77.2% for recessive model comparison). The analyses suggest that MDM2 SNP309 serves as a low-penetrance susceptibility tumor marker. Further large studies incorporate quantitative detection of different p53-responsible environmental stresses, p53 mutation status, and also functional genetic variants in p53-MDM2–related genes are warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2717–23)
Spike Train Decoding Without Spike Sorting
Authors: Ventura Valérie
Published: December 2007

We propose a novel paradigm for spike train decoding, which avoids entirely spike sorting based on waveform measurements. This paradigm directly uses the spike train collected at recording electrodes from thresholding the bandpassed voltage signal. Our approach is a paradigm, not an algorithm, since it can be used with any of the current decoding algorithms, such as population vector or likelihood-based algorithms. Based on analytical results and an extensive simulation study, we show that our paradigm is comparable to, and sometimes more efficient than, the traditional approach based on well-isolated neurons and that it remains efficient even when all electrodes are severely corrupted by noise, a situation that would render spike sorting particularly difficult. Our paradigm will also save time and computational effort, both of which are crucially important for successful operation of real-time brain-machine interfaces. Indeed, in place of the lengthy spike-sorting task of the traditional approach, it involves an exact expectation EM algorithm that is fast enough that it could also be left to run during decoding to capture potential slow changes in the states of the neurons.
Medical Treatment in the Ottoman Navy in the Early Modern Period
Authors: Mossensohn Miri Shefer
Published: December 2007

Ottoman sources from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries tell us a great deal about naval finances or dockyard operations. Indeed, the logistics of the Ottoman have been studied reasonably well. However, the Ottoman sources are virtually silent about the people involved in these naval operations. In this article the manpower will be in focus, with particular emphasis on the oarsmen who manned the galleys, the captives and criminals, and the medical treatment offered to them. The resulting discussion allows us to gain insights into the experiences of non-elite or behind the scenes Ottomans involved in the navy—whose voices are difficult to recover—toward the end of the seventeenth century. This article also indirectly contributes to the growing scholarship in recent years on Ottoman slavery. Les sources ottomanes du XVIème-XVIIème siècles sont très informatives au sujet des finances navales, autrement dit, les opérations du chantier naval. Pour cette raison le logiciel de la marine ottomane a été plutôt bien étudié. Par contre, les manuscrits ottomans adressent à peine la main-d'œuvre engagée dans les opérations navales. Cette contribution traite particulièremt des rameurs des galères, des captifs et des condamnés, ainsi que du traitement médical offert à eux. La discussion qui en résulte nous donne une idée des expériences du menu peuple ottoman servant dans la flotte et de ceux travaillant dans les coulisses – des personnes dont les archives nous parlent à peine – vers la fin du XVIIème siècle. En outre elle contribue de façon indirecte à l'étude de l'esclavage ottoman, un thème déployé depuis quelques ans.
Rhetorics of Power and Development: Intellectual Property Rights and The Pharmaceutical Industry in Brazil
Authors: McCabe Ariane
Published: December 2007

This paper examines the rise of an intellectual property (IP) rights discourse and highlights how it has been translated into national IP regimes. Recently, IP has become a polarizing concept, and attention has focused on questions that are overly narrow in scope. The characterization of the issue in simplistic dichotomous terms has ignored complex realities of developing countries. The case of Brazil is to highlights the complex ways in which the local pharmaceutical industry has been shaped by and has responded to the regulatory framework that has been established since and including the passage of the 1996 Industrial Property Law.
Marx's Critique of Economic Categories: Reflections on the Problem of Validity in the Dialectical Method of Presentation in Capital
Authors: Reichelt Helmut
Published: December 2007

It has often been pointed out that the Marxian theory of value contains some inconsistencies, usually in relation to the concept of abstract labour. However, the contradiction between the concept of labour and the concept of validity with which Marx operates in Capital (without actually explaining this conception) has never been discussed. A detailed analysis shows that this concept of validity refers to the process of abstraction which is carried out by the participants of the exchange process. Only the rigorous comprehension of this process of abstraction can illuminate that for which the concept of abstract labour was developed: the unity and universality of value. On this basis, the paper criticises the Marxian development of the money-form and presents an alternative approach that builds on the aforementioned concept of validity. This concept is formulated in more depth by recourse to the works of Hegel, Simmel and Adorno. Furthermore, the paper reconsiders the dialectical development of categories in the light of this alternative conception of the money-form as totality and abstraction (in the sense of Hegel and the young Marx). Finally, the distinction between simple circulation and the process as a whole (found only in the Grundrisse) is explored and it is argued that, according to the novel reading proposed, it acquires a fundamental significance.
Production vs. Realisation: A Critique of Fine and Saad-Filho on Value Theory
Authors: Kincaid Jim
Published: December 2007

This article assess two important recent books on Marx's political economy and argues that, despite many virtues, there are some crucial limitations in their approach to Marx's political economy. Ben Fine's and Alfredo Saad-Filho's Marx's 'Capital' and The Value of Marx by Saad-Filho place too much explanatory weight on the composition of capital, giving too little attention to Marx's analysis of money, and to the processes of circulation and realisation.
Yūsuf al-'Uyairī and the Making of a Revolutionary Salafi Praxis
Authors: Meijer Roel
Published: December 2007

Yūsuf al-'Uyairī was the first leader of al-Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula. Besides being part of the al-Qaeda network he was also an important ideologue, whose ideas give a much more coherent view of Jihadism as it has developed during the past few years and as it has been adopted by a new generation. Al-'Uyairī, who was killed in June 2003, aged 29, was a prolific writer who wrote on a variety of topics, ranging from the clash of civilization with the West to economic and political relations between the United States and the Middle East, to jihadist movements in Chechnya, the Philippines, Afghanistan, and finally, just before he died, Iraq. Interestingly, his goal is not only geared to mobilizing the Muslim umma as a whole for the jihād against the West and its local allies, the rulers (tawāghīt), the 'establishment 'ulamā'', and the Westernized intellectuals, who undermine the umma with the discourse of cooperation, mutual understanding, rationalism and tolerance. In his modernist project, he also tries to show that the mujāhid has a superior knowledge and insight into reality and therefore deserves to be on the forefront of the permanent revolution to change reality in accordance with the will of God.
Between Ideology and Pragmatism: Fathī Yakan's Theory of Islamic Activism
Authors: Elsässer Sebastian
Published: December 2007

Fathi Yakan is the pre-eminent figure of the Sunni Islamist movement in Lebanon. His theory of Islamic activism provides an example of how Islamists try to reconcile radical ideological thought with a pragmatic approach to social and political activism. After tracing Yakan's theory of activism along the concepts of education, mission or da'wa, and community, the article points out some of the tensions inherent in Yakan's thought. It explores the problem of ideological and practical boundary-setting by analysing Yakan's use of the concepts of umma, jahiliyya, and community (jamī'a). Then it highlights Yakan's ambiguous attitude towards the Lebanese polity and his political record as a deputy in the Lebanese parliament between 1992 and 1996. The article concludes with the assessment that Yakan manages to integrate both radicalism and pragmatism into a single theory of activism by shifting between different levels of thought and discourse. The intellectual ambiguity that characterises this approach seems to be partly motivated by the need to preserve the largest possible measure of practical flexibility in a complex and shifting political environment.
Rethinking sharī'a: Javēd Ahmad Ghāmidī on hudūd
Authors: Masud Muhammad Khalid
Published: December 2007

Modern Muslim thought is usually studied in terms of a dichotomy between modernity and tradition; the former as Western impact, the latter as Muslim societies supposedly petrified in the past. These studies, however, have failed to appreciate the dynamics of Muslim intellectual movements. The west-centrism tends to overlook the local contexts. This paper is a study of a contemporary thought movement in Pakistan led by Javēd Ahmad Ghāmidī. In some ways this movement resembles the Wasatiyya of Egypt, especially in rethinking the application of sharīa in a modern state and the necessity of state in Islam. Ghāmidī's intellectual development took place in a traditional environment, and his movement grew with an analysis of the contemporary discourses on sharā'a in Pakistan. In his arguments on sharā'a, Ghāmidī is not apologetic; he rarely refers to Western criticism. He seldom differs with the Islamic modernists but he never leaves the traditional framework. Ghāmidī is not unaware of the modern context but since his discourse is primarily with the traditionalists on the one hand and Jamā' at Islāmī and its seceding groups on the other, he is more a critical traditionist than an Islamic modernist.
Erasmus, Willem Vorsterman, and the Printing of St Jerome's Letters
Authors: Pabel Hilmar
Published: December 2007

Willem Vorsterman was a leading printer in Antwerp in the first half of the sixteenth century. He printed two anthologies of the letters of St. Jerome, one in 1515, the other in 1533. These deserve attention in connection with Erasmus of Rotterdam, the renowned humanist champion and editor of Jerome. In its preface, the first anthology takes up the cause of humanist theology and invokes Erasmus' authority on the eve of his celebrated edition of Jerome. His name adds value to the anthology. The second anthology does not refer to Erasmus at all; nevertheless it yields traces of his editorial influence.
Nebivolol: Pharmacologic Profile of an Ultraselective, Vasodilatory β1‐Blocker
Authors: Prisant L. Michael
Published: December 2007

Beta‐blockers are well‐established therapeutic agents in the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, these agents are highly heterogeneous. Beta‐blockers differ in their ancillary pharmacologic properties, which are clinically important. Nebivolol is a highly selective β1‐adrenergic receptor blocker that induces vasodilation through stimulation of the endothelial nitric oxide/l‐arginine pathway. As a racemic mixture ofd‐ andl‐enantiomers, nebivolol is highly lipophilic and rapidly absorbed. Nebivolol undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism through the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) system. As a result of genetic polymorphisms, CYP2D6 has variable activity, manifested by extensive and poor metabolizers of nebivolol. Time to maximum concentration is 0.5 to 2 hours, and half‐life is 11 hours in extensive metabolizers; these values are about 3 times longer in poor metabolizers. Urinary and fecal excretion of unchanged nebivolol is less than 0.5% of the dose. Nebivolol has a unique hemodynamic profile of reduced systemic vascular resistance and increased left ventricular function. These properties are attributed to its vasodilating action and contrast with the hemodynamic effects of conventional β‐blockers. Nebivolol is thus a novel β‐blocker with several important pharmacologic properties that distinguish it from traditional β‐blockers. These unique properties may confer clinical benefits beyond simple blood pressure lowering.
Informationists or Information Specialists in Context (ISIC): six years after conception
Authors: Shipman Jean P.
Published: December 2007

Physicians and other health care providers rarely have the time to practice evidence-based medicine through the consistent application of the best available published evidence to answer clinical problems, or to explore questions that often arise in the context of treating a patient. Lack of time is often compounded by a lack of retrieval skills and knowledge of the structure of the published evidence. To bridge this evidence-practice gap, a 2000 editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine proposed a new kind of health professional capable of bridging two vastly different environments by possessing clinical knowledge as well as skills in information retrieval and synthesis. The evolution of this important and multifaceted concept is provided through this article which is based on an invited presentation for the IFLA/Health and Biosciences Libraries Section sponsored session at the 2006 World Library and Information Congress: 72nd IFLA General Conference and Council meeting in Seoul, Korea.
Parents' and Sons' Perspectives on Video Game Play
Authors: Kutner Lawrence A. , Olson Cheryl K. , Warner Dorothy E. , Hertzog Sarah M.
Published: December 2007

Public policy efforts to restrict children's access to electronic games with violent or sexual content are often predicated on assumptions about parental concerns. As an initial step in determining whether those assumptions are accurate, the authors conduct focus groups of 21 adolescent boys and 21 of their parents or guardians to explore parents' concerns, compare parents' and children's perceptions, and see whether these are consistent with the focus of proposed legislation and other public policy efforts. Parents' primary concern is that games not interfere with their children's schoolwork, social skills, and exercise. They worry about exposure to violent content, but definitions of and opinions about what is harmful vary and may not match proposed public policies.
“Running a Train”
Authors: Rothman Emily F. , Decker Michele R. , Reed Elizabeth , Raj Anita , Silverman Jay G. , Miller Elizabeth
Published: December 2007

The authors used qualitative research methods to explore the context and sexual risk behavior associated with sexual intercourse involving multiple males and one female, commonly called “running a train.” Participants were 20 adolescent males aged 14 to 22 years who were either perpetrators of dating violence or perceived by teachers to be at risk for dating violence perpetration. Trains were reported to be spontaneous or planned events, to occur in a variety of settings, and to be recreational behavior for male peers. Alcohol and drug use were frequently reported to both precede and co-occur with trains. Respondents provided motivations for both condom use and nonuse during trains. While respondents did not regard trains as sexual assault, they described numerous tactics used to coerce females' participation. Further investigation of the prevalence, causes, and consequences of this phenomenon is urgently needed.