bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF THE CAVITATION AND PRESSURE CHANGE OF BRAIN TISSUE BASED ON A TRANSPARENT HEAD MODEL IN ITS DECELERATING IMPACT
Authors: LIU SHENGXIONG , YIN ZHIYONG , ZHAO HUI , YANG GUANGYU
Published: July 2010

In this paper, a transparent physical head model with air bubbles to simulate the brain cavitation phenomena in head decelerating impact is presented. The transparent skull model was generated based on a real human skull through the turnover formwork technique, and a transparent gel was used to substitute the brain tissue. Air bubbles were created in the gel at the representative sites such as coup site and contrecoup site. After this, the head model was made to free fall from a position and impact on a fixed platform. The decelerating impacting process was recorded by a high-speed video camera and an accelerometer system. Through analyzing the video, the volume change of the air bubbles, namely, the mean pressure change of the air bubbles were calculated and compared. This new method has an advantage in investigating the brain cavitation phenomena using a direct and visual technique. The results showed explicitly and effectively that during the decelerating impact the contrecoup site air bubble was exposed mainly to a negative pressure which value became smaller and smaller in the first half of the impacting cycle and then came near to the normal level in the second half of the cycle; contrarily, the coup site air bubble was exposed mainly to a positive pressure which value became greater and greater in the first half of the impacting cycle and then came near to the normal level in the second half cycle. The probable biomechanics of the cavitation phenomenon is also given in this paper.
Mono-, bis- and tetrahydroxy phthalocyanines as building blocks for monomolecular layer assemblies
Authors: Sariola Essi , Kotiaho Anne , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Lemmetyinen Helge , Efimov Alexander
Published: July 2010

We have developed three basic phthalocyanine structures, containing one, two, or four hydroxy groups, which are simple to synthesize and purify, as well as can be characterized well by NMR and MS. These building blocks can easily be further modified to have anchor groups, which make the molecules suitable for attachment to solid substrates. We have used thioacetate and pentafluorophenyl ester moieties, giving target phthalocyanines the ability to self-assemble on gold, metal oxides, and glass. Bonding densities calculated from the absorbances of the layers suggest mean molecular area to be in the range of 1–3 nm2, which can be partially controlled by side substituents and the number of linkers.
Photoelectrochemical properties of donor-acceptor nanocomposite films composed of porphyrin-functionalized cup-shaped nanocarbon materials
Authors: Ohtani Masataka , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: July 2010

Porphyrin-functionalized cup-shaped nanocarbons (CNC-H2P) have been assembled onto nanostructured SnO2 films using an electrophoretic deposition method to examine the photoelectrochemical properties. The obtained CNC-H2P nanohybrid films were examined by a series of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic measurements and photoelectrochemical measurements. The resulting nanohybrid film afforded drastic enhancement in the photoelectrochemical performance as well as broader photoresponse in the visible region as compared with the reference CNC system without porphyrins. The enhancement of photocurrent generation may be caused by the efficient electron injection from the long-lived charge-separated state of CNC-H2P upon photoexcitation. This feature makes cup-shaped nanocarbon materials a useful candidate for developing efficient photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic cells.
A SURVEY OF RECENT PATENTS OF FIN-AND-TUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS FROM 2001 TO 2009
Authors: WANG CHI-CHUAN
Published: July 2010

This study presents the updated information about patents of the fin-and-tube heat exchangers during 2001–2009. A total of 23 patents were examined and some explanations about how they work are provided. Fin patterns like convex-louver, enhanced wavy, enhanced slit, enhanced louver, vortex generators, and special fin pattern are reported in the present review paper. It is recommended that further detailed examinations via numerical simulation or experimental investigation be carried out in the future to gain further insight to these fin designs.
A General Approach for Orthogonal 4‐Tap Integer Multiwavelet Transforms
Authors: Jing Mingli , Huang Hua , Liu Wuling , Qi Chun
Published: July 2010

An algorithm for orthogonal 4‐tap integer multiwavelet transforms is proposed. We compute the singular value decomposition (SVD) of block recursive matrices of transform matrix, and then transform matrix can be rewritten in a product of two block diagonal matrices and a permutation matrix. Furthermore, we factorize the block matrix of block diagonal matrices into triangular elementary reversible matrices (TERMs), which map integers to integers by rounding arithmetic. The cost of factorizing block matrix into TERMs does not increase with the increase of the dimension of transform matrix, and the proposed algorithm is in‐place calculation and without allocating auxiliary memory. Examples of integer multiwavelet transform using DGHM and CL are given, which verify that the proposed algorithm is an executable algorithm and outperforms the existing algorithm for orthogonal 4‐tap integer multiwavelet transform.
Adverse Interaction between Capecitabine and Warfarin Resulting in Altered Coagulation Parameters: A Review of the Literature Starting from a Case Report
Authors: Giunta Giovanni
Published: July 2010

Capecitabine is an orally active prodrug of fluorouracil and is extensively used as an antineoplastic agent. It is converted to 5-Fluorouracil in the liver and tumor tissues. Warfarin is an anticoagulant agent for preventing and treating venous and arterial thrombosis and embolism and is metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the liver. Preclinical in vitro studies using human liver microsomes report no inhibitory effects between capecitabine and substrates of cytochrome P. However, the concomitant administration of capecitabine and warfarin resulted in INR elevation in the cases previously reported in the literature. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown but may be related to downregulation of cytochrome P450 2C9 by capecitabine or its metabolites. We report on the possible adverse interaction between capecitabine and warfarin in a patient with metastatic breast cancer and critically review the existing literature on this topic. Physicians should be aware of adverse reactions arising from the combined use of capecitabine and warfarin. In the light of the current data, INR levels should be closely monitored in patients using these drugs together.
Beating the Uncertainties: Ensemble Forecasting and Ensemble‐Based Data Assimilation in Modern Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Zhang Hailing , Pu Zhaoxia
Published: July 2010

Accurate numerical weather forecasting is of great importance. Due to inadequate observations, our limited understanding of the physical processes of the atmosphere, and the chaotic nature of atmospheric flow, uncertainties always exist in modern numerical weather prediction (NWP). Recent developments in ensemble forecasting and ensemble‐based data assimilation have proved that there are promising ways to beat the forecast uncertainties in NWP. This paper gives a brief overview of fundamental problems and recent progress associated with ensemble forecasting and ensemble‐based data assimilation. The usefulness of these methods in improving high‐impact weather forecasting is also discussed.
Contribution of Filopodia to Cell Migration: A Mechanical Link between Protrusion and Contraction
Authors: Xue Fei , Janzen Deanna M. , Knecht David A.
Published: July 2010

Numerous F-actin containing structures are involved in regulating protrusion of membrane at the leading edge of motile cells. We have investigated the structure and dynamics of filopodia as they relate to events at the leading edge and the function of the trailing actin networks. We have found that although filopodia contain parallel bundles of actin, they contain a surprisingly nonuniform spatial and temporal distribution of actin binding proteins. Along the length of the actin filaments in a single filopodium, the most distal portion contains primarily T-plastin, while the proximal portion is primarily bound byα-actinin and coronin. Some filopodia are stationary, but lateral filopodia move with respect to the leading edge. They appear to form a mechanical link between the actin polymerization network at the front of the cell and the myosin motor activity in the cell body. The direction of lateral filopodial movement is associated with the direction of cell migration. When lateral filopodia initiate from and move toward only one side of a cell, the cell will turn opposite to the direction of filopodial flow. Therefore, this filopodia-myosin II system allows actin polymerization driven protrusion forces and myosin II mediated contractile force to be mechanically coordinated.
Role of Lysyl Oxidases in Neointima Development in Vascular Allografts
Authors: Rodríguez M. , Pascual G. , Cifuentes A. , Perez-Köhler B. , Bellón J.M. , Buján J.
Published: July 2010

Background: Extracellular matrix deposition is the main factor inducing stenotic lesions in arterial grafts. Lysyl oxidases (LOX) play a key role in stabilizing collagen and elastin. Objective: To examine the repair response to arterial allografts in terms of LOX expression and collagen/elastin deposition using LOX inhibitors. Methods: Lewis/Fisher-344 rats were used as donors/recipients. Donor segments were grafted to the right iliac artery of recipients and retrieved 14/30 (short-term) or 90/180 days (long-term) after surgery. One group of animals was injected with a potent irreversible LOX inhibitor daily for 30 days. Results: Intimal hyperplasia increased in thickness until 90/180 days postsurgery. Elastin showed great expression in the neointima at 14/30 days and in the media at 90/180 days. LOX/LOXL1 were similarly expressed in the arterial wall during the first month. In the long term, their overexpression was confined to neointimal layers. At 14 days, collagen types I/III were identified in the grafts. The neointima acquired collagen I over time. In the group of animal treated with the LOX inhibitor, intimal hyperplasia was significantly inhibited. Conclusion: LOX were overexpressed in late stages of intimal hyperplasia in the allografts. LOX inhibitors prevented the development of the neointimal layer, such that their modulation could reduce the excessive extracellular matrix deposition that leads to stenosis.
Was Denmark At War?
Authors: Hurwitz Stephan
Published: July 2010

This question has often been discussed amongst Danes: Did the occupation lead to a state of war between Denmark and Germany? - not because anyone possibly could be in doubt that an intense and well-organised struggle was going on throughout the country, but because it is not clear how this struggle should be characterised. The question is not only of juridical importance. It also contains political and psychological elements, which account for the fact that special emotional interests attach to it. We are now going to discuss this problem briefly, but to begin with, it is necessary to give a sketch of the background, of what actually happened in Denmark since April 1940.
Shifting Tacitisms. Style and Composition in Grotius's Annales
Authors: Waszink Jan
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this article is to assess the nature and proper context of Grotius's imitation of Tacitus. It starts by establishing how the Tacitean style is characterised in the literary criticism around 1600. It then explores the qualities of Grotius's imitation from both the seventeenth-century and the modern perspective. It concludes that Grotius's imitation shows Tacitus's style in a characteristically seventeenth-century mirror, in that it emphasises Tacitean syntax, brevity and choice of words (the stylistic micro-level), as well as political edge and iudicium, but overlooks the narrative and structural qualities of the longer lines of composition in Tacitus's works, that are recognised in modern interpretations.
10-year course of social adjustment in major depression
Authors: Furukawa Toshi A. , Azuma Hideki , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Kitamura Toshinori , Takahashi Kiyohisa
Published: July 2010

Background: It is now widely acknowledged that depression is accompanied by major deficits in social functioning. However, the course of this dysfunction and its relationship with depressive symptoms in the long term is less understood.

Methods: The Group for Longitudinal Affective Disorders Study (GLADS) in Japan has conducted a 10-year prospective, serial follow-up of a cohort of mood disorder patients starting treatment for their index episode. The vicissitudes of the social adjustment of patients with major depression were analyzed using the standardized instrument (Social Adjustment Scale — Self-Report) and in conjunction with the measurement of depressive severity (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression).

Results: The results showed: (i) psychiatric patients with major depression commencing treatment showed moderate to extremely large social dysfunction at baseline; (ii) this dysfunction declined rapidly in the first six months of treatment but then levelled off and showed fluctuating patterns up to 10 years of follow-up; (iii) the degree of dysfunction varied from domain to domain, most notable in Work and least notable in Economy subscales; and (iv) the influence of persistent depression also varied from domain to domain, stronger in Housework and Leisure and weakest in Work spheres.

Conclusion: Future studies of social functioning in depression need to differentiate its various aspects.
Facial emotion linked cooperation in patients with paranoid schizophrenia: A test on the Interpersonal Communication Model
Authors: Tse Wai S. , Yan Lu  , Bond Alyson J. , Chan Raymond CK , Tam Danny W.H.
Published: July 2010

Background: Patients with schizophrenia consistently show deficits in facial affect perception and social behaviours. It is illusive to suggest that these deficits in facial affect perception cause poor social behaviours.

Aim: The present research aims to study how facial affects influence ingratiation, cooperation and punishment behaviours of the patients.

Methods: Forty outpatients with paranoid schizophrenia, 26 matched depressed patients and 46 healthy volunteers were recruited. After measurement of clinical symptoms and depression, their facial emotion recognition, neurocognitive functioning and the facial affects dependent cooperative behaviour were measured using a modified version of Mixed-Motive Game.

Results: The depressed control group showed demographic characteristics, depression levels and neurocognitive functioning similar to the schizophrenic group. Patients with schizophrenia committed significantly more errors in neutral face identification than the other two groups. They were significantly more punitive on the Mixed-Motive Game in the neutral face condition.

Conclusion: Neutral face misidentification was a unique emotion-processing deficit in the schizophrenic group. Their increase in punitive behaviours in the neutral face condition might confuse their family members and trigger more expressed emotion from them, thus increasing the risk of relapse. Family members might display more happy faces to promote positive relationships with patients.
What does recovery from psychosis mean? Perceptions of young first-episode patients
Authors: Lam May M.L. , Pearson Veronica , Ng Roger M.K. , Chiu Cindy P.Y. , Law C.W. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: July 2010

Background: This study explored the experience of first-episode psychosis from the patients’ perspective and the meanings they attach to the illness and their recovery.

Method: A qualitative methodology was used based on a focus group. Audio tapes were transcribed verbatim and three researchers participated in a content analysis that identified four major themes: the meaning of psychosis and psychotic experience; the meaning of recovery; stigma; and having an optimistic view of recovery.

Discussion: Participants’ view of recovery was broader than that often held by psychiatrists, extending beyond symptom control and medication compliance, and they identified positive features that the experience of illness had brought. Their concerns included the side effects of medication and the fear of their illness being disclosed (to employers, university authorities, acquaintances, etc.) in the face of societal stigma.

Conclusion: Ideas about what constitutes recovery need to take account of patients’ views and experience in order to emphasize therapeutic optimism rather than pessimism, and to inform treatment contexts and the views of medical staff.
Perceived community participation in tsunami recovery efforts and the mental health of tsunami-affected mothers: Findings from a study in rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickrama K.A.S. , Wickrama T.
Published: July 2010

Background: The 2004 tsunami seriously affected millions of families in several developing countries by destroying their livelihoods, houses and communities, subsequently damaging social and physical resources. Disaster studies have documented that both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression develop during the first six months following disaster exposure for the majority of those afflicted.

Aims and Methods: Using data from 325 tsunami-affected families living in southern Sri Lanka, the current study investigates whether community social resources such as residents’ perceived community participation in tsunami recovery efforts reduce mental health risks (PTSD and depressive symptoms) of tsunami-affected mothers. The analysis is based on structural equation modelling.

Results and Conclusions: The findings of structural equation modelling supports the main hypothesis that residents’ perceived community participation directly and indirectly (through collective family functioning and mental health service use) reduces mental health risks (both PTSD and depressive symptoms) of tsunami-affected mothers after controlling for pre-tsunami family adversities. In addition, the results show that residents’ perceived community participation buffers the influence of trauma exposure on PTSD symptom levels of mothers. The identification of specific social and family processes that relate to mental health can be useful for post-disaster interventions and recovery programmes.
A contingency approach to representative bureaucracy: power, equal opportunities and diversity
Authors: Groeneveld Sandra , Van de Walle Steven
Published: July 2010

In this article we develop a contingency approach to representative bureaucracy. We argue that representative bureaucracy is a multidimensional and changing concept, and that in the academic and policy debate on representative bureaucracy three different dimensions are intermingled: power, equal opportunities and diversity. These dimensions not only reflect a particular view on the role of the state and the relation between the state and citizens, they also diverge in the motives for making the bureaucracy representative. Even the conception of what representation means can be totally different. We conclude that modern diversity management approaches alone may not contribute to nation-building because these mainly emphasize organizational performance. Approaches to representative bureaucracy in nation-building must also be built on moral arguments and underline the exemplary role of the state. In addition, the political viability of managerial and moral approaches needs to be taken into account through acknowledging political realities and existing distributions of power in society.

Points for practitioners

Through using a contingency approach we show how representative bureaucracy has been used as a political and administrative answer to quite different social, political and administrative problems and challenges. Through analysing these contingencies, this article contributes to nation-builders’ quest for a fitting concept of representative bureaucracy in the contexts in which they are working. The instruments used to make the bureaucracy representative need to be aligned with dominant conceptions of the state, politics, and citizens.
Contextualizing the meaning of public management reforms: a comparison of the Netherlands and South Korea
Authors: Brandsen Taco , Kim Sunhyuk
Published: July 2010

Previous literature has demonstrated that the apparent global convergence between public management reforms is misleading because there are major differences in how a global paradigm of reform is implemented. This is not only a question of implementation, but also of interpretation. Even when reforms are similar with respect to the administrative measures that are implemented, they can have significantly different political and cultural meanings, depending on the broader state—society relations within which they are embedded. A cross-national analysis of reforms must therefore take sufficient account of the historical development of the position of the state and of state—civil society relations. To demonstrate the point, the article compares public management reforms in the Netherlands and South Korea.

Points for practitioners

Although cross-national comparison of public management reforms can be a source of inspiration, it is crucial to keep in mind that similar reforms can have different meanings depending on the national context and thus can result in different policies, programmes, and institutions. For practitioners in public management and administration, this implies that, before importing ‘good’ practices from elsewhere, it is imperative to assess how those practices were part of broader historical developments in the country of origin and to what extent the conditions within the country of destination are different.
Incentive power and authority types: towards a model of public service delivery
Authors: Barbieri Dario , Salvatore Domenico
Published: July 2010

Substantial research has been conducted concerning the efficiency and efficacy of different modes of public service delivery and contracting out. This article develops a model of service delivery choice taking into account the distinction between public, private and non-profit organizations and the characteristics of the service to be delivered. Transaction Costs Economics has mainly debated the attributes of the technology involved in production and the required investments. In this article, considerations on the organizational nature of the actors participating in the process are added to this framework, pointing out that features of the internal structure and of the external mode of social control of organizational forms make them more suitable for providing certain services rather than others. The model is based on two dimensions: incentives power and authority types. Evidence from the contracting-out debate is used for discussing the implications of the model for the feasibility and efficiency of organizations in the service delivery.

Points for practitioners

Politicians and public managers daily face the challenge of choosing the best way to manage the delivery of public services to the citizenship. Our research aims at supporting this decisional process, taking into account the nature of the service and of the organization delegated to deliver the service. The incentives provided by different organizational structures and the authority types involved should be considered. Our model suggests that low or high political authority and low- or high-powered incentives can lead to the contractualization to private, public or non-profit organizations. When incentives are high-powered and political authority is low, the service delivery should be privatized.
First things first: sustaining political will for public governance change
Authors: Ormond Derry
Published: July 2010

This revised text of the Braibant lecture delivered in Helsinki addresses the widely shared difficulty of creating enough political will to reform public institutions, before crisis strikes and not after, and then to sustain the reforms through to completion. There is virtually no incentive for politicians or governments to do this: interests (including the administration itself) will most likely be hostile; meaningful change is only measured in years; few votes can be won. Yet the complex problems faced today by both individual countries and at planetary level, summarized in the beginning of the article, are so serious that it is vital to find ways to alleviate this difficulty without which all public policies and programmes suffer. The principal means must be much sharper and more articulately organized pressures for change so as to make it politically inconvenient to ignore them, and thus provide a genuine incentive to act. Nine propositions are made.

Points for practitioners

There are no obvious answers to the problem of getting the sustained interest of the political class to prosecute reform of public governance. Can sharper pressures along with the necessary fora and processes be developed? The difficulty is compounded by the trend to cynicism and outright dismissal as regards public authorities. On the other hand, the growing perception of dramatic problems shared across the planet introduces a potential for new institutional initiatives, mobilization of external groupings, incentive structures or attitude changes. As one example, could the trend to independent, more transparent responsibilities in such domains as monetary or fiscal policy be relevant?
Inequalities in health care and social work intervention: The case of Iran
Authors: Doostgharin Taghi
Published: July 2010

This article examines the role of social workers in tackling inequalities in health care. The aim of such social work interventions is to empower service users, increase their well-being and reduce stress symptoms, mainly by advocacy and facilitating their access to health-care facilities and promoting social change.
Adoption with complications: Conversations with adoptees and adoptive parents on everyday racism and ethnic identity
Authors: Tigervall Carina , Hübinette Tobias
Published: July 2010

This study is based on qualitative interviews with 20 adult international adoptees of colour and eight adoptive parents with internationally adopted children in Sweden regarding their experiences of racialization, ethnic identifications and coping strategies. The findings suggest that the non-white bodies of the adoptees are constantly made significant in their everyday lives in interactions with the white Swedish majority population, whether expressed as ‘curious questions’ concerning the ethnic origin of the adoptees or as outright aggressive racialization. The study argues that race has to be taken into consideration by Swedish adoption research and the Swedish adoption community, to be able to fully grasp the high preponderance of psychic ill health among adult adoptees as found by quantitative adoption research.
School performance at age 16 among international adoptees: A Swedish national cohort study
Authors: Vinnerljung Bo , Lindblad Frank , Hjern Anders , Rasmussen Finn , Dalen Monica
Published: July 2010

School performance at age 16 for 6448 intercountry adoptees to Sweden was compared with that of siblings and majority population peers. The school performance of Korean-born adoptees was on a par with nonadopted peers, but non-Korean adoptees’ school performance was lower, as was that of adoptees who were older at the time of adoption.
Interest in and identification with the birth culture: An examination of ethnic socialization in New Zealand intercountry adoptions
Authors: Scherman Rhoda , Harré Niki
Published: July 2010

Interviews with 44 families in New Zealand who had adopted children from Russia or Romania found that parents’ interest in and children’s exposure to the birth culture were related to the children’s birth culture interest, but less related to their ethnic identification with the birth culture.
Contributions to variations in academic trajectories amongst recent immigrant youth
Authors: Suárez-Orozco Carola , Hee Jin Bang  , Onaga Marie
Published: July 2010

Immigration presents both challenges and opportunities that affect students’ academic achievement. Over the course of five years, varying academic trajectories were identified for recent immigrant students from Central America, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Mexico. Latent class growth curve analysis revealed that although some students performed at high or improving levels over time, others showed diminishing performance. Multinomial logistic regressions identified significant group differences in academic trajectories, particularly between the high-achieving youth and the other groups. Consistent with ecological systems theory, school characteristics (a: school segregation rate; b: school poverty rate; and c: student perceptions of school violence), family characteristics (a-separation from mother and father; b-maternal education; and c-paternal employment), and individual characteristics (a-academic English proficiency; b-academic engagement; c-psychological symptoms; d-gender) were associated with different trajectories of academic performance.
Paths to success in young adulthood from mental health and life transitions in emerging adulthood
Authors: Howard Andrea L. , Galambos Nancy L. , Krahn Harvey J.
Published: July 2010

This study followed a school-based sample (N = 920) to explore how trajectories of depressive symptoms and expressed anger from age 18 to 25, along with important life transitions, predicted life and career satisfaction at age 32. A two-group (women and men) bivariate growth model revealed that higher depressive symptoms at age 18 predicted lower life satisfaction in men and women, and lower career satisfaction in women. Slower declines across emerging adulthood in women’s depressive symptoms predicted lower life satisfaction, but slower declines in women’s expressed anger predicted higher career satisfaction. Marital and employment-related transitions were differentially related to men’s and women’s life and career satisfaction. Paths to success in young adulthood are diverse and gendered.
Pharmacological characterization of VIP and PACAP receptors in the human meningeal and coronary artery
Authors: Chan Kayi Y , Baun Michael , Vries René de , van den Bogaerdt Antoon J , Dirven Clemens MF , Danser Alexander HJ , Jansen-Olesen Inger , Olesen Jes , Villalón Carlos M , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette , Gupta Saurabh
Published: July 2010

Objective: We pharmacologically characterized pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptides (PACAPs), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1 receptors in human meningeal (for their role in migraine) and coronary (for potential side effects) arteries.

Methods: Concentration response curves to PACAP38, PACAP27, VIP and the VPAC1 receptor agonist ([Lys15,Arg16,Leu27]-VIP[1-7]-GRF[8-27]) were constructed in the absence or presence of the PAC1 receptor antagonist PACAP6-38 or the VPAC1 receptor antagonist, PG97269. mRNA expression was measured using qPCR.

Results: PACAP38 was less potent than VIP in both arteries. Both peptides had lower potency and efficacy in meningeal than in coronary arteries, while mRNA expression of VPAC1 receptor was more pronounced in meningeal arteries. PACAP6-38 reduced the Emax of PACAP27, while PG97269 right-shifted the VIP-induced relaxation curve only in the coronary arteries.

Conclusion: The direct vasodilatory effect of VIP and PACAP might be less relevant than the central effect of this compound in migraine pathogenesis.
Increase in CGRP- and nNOS-immunoreactive neurons in the rat trigeminal ganglion after infusion of an NO donor
Authors: Dieterle Anne , Fischer Michael JM , Link Andrea S , Neuhuber Winfried L , Messlinger Karl
Published: July 2010

Background: Nitrovasodilators, such as glyceroltrinitrate (GTN), which produce nitric oxide (NO) in the organism, are known to cause delayed headaches in migraineurs, accompanied by increased plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the cranial venous outflow. Increases in plasma CGRP and NO metabolites have also been found in spontaneous migraine attacks. In a rat model of meningeal nociception, infusion of NO donors induced activity of neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus.

Methods: Isoflurane-anaesthetised rats were intravenously infused with GTN (250 µg/kg) or saline for two hours and fixed by perfusion after a further four hours. Cryosections of dissected trigeminal ganglia were immunostained for detection of CGRP and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS). The ganglion neurons showing immunofluorescence for either of these proteins were counted.

Results: The proportions of CGRP- and nNOS- as well as double-immunopositive neurons were increased after GTN infusion compared to saline treatment in all parts of the trigeminal ganglion (CGRP) or restricted to the ophthalmic region (nNOS). The size of immunopositive neurons was not significantly different compared to controls.

Conclusion: High levels of NO may induce the expression or availability of CGRP and nNOS. Similar changes may be involved in nitrovasodilator-induced and spontaneous headache attacks in migraineurs.
Stability Analysis of Magnetostatic Boundary Value Problems for Magnetic SMAs
Authors: Haldar Krishnendu , Chatzigeorgiou George , Lagoudas Dimitris C.
Published: July 2010

Magnetic shape memory alloys have been the subject of much research in recent years as potential high actuation energy multifunctional materials. They can be considered as continua that deform under mechanical and magnetic forces. The constitutive magnetization response of such materials is highly non-linear with magnetic field. A boundary value problem where Maxwell’s equations of the magnetostatic problem are coupled with the non-linear constitutive behavior is solved using finite element analysis. The numerical simulation reveals localization zones of the field variables, which appear due to loss of ellipticity of the magnetostatic problem. Stability analysis is performed by considering the characteristics of the magnetostatic field equations.
Power Optimization of Vibration Energy Harvesters Utilizing Passive and Active Circuits
Authors: Wickenheiser Adam M. , Garcia Ephrahim
Published: July 2010

This article presents the maximum power operating conditions for piezoelectric energy harvesters when connected to several different circuit topologies. Four circuits are studied herein for comparison: a simple resistive load, the standard rectifier circuit, and parallel and series synchronized switch harvesting on inductor. A single-mode model of a vibration-based energy harvester under base excitation is developed to capture the important dynamics near its fundamental resonance while providing a simple basis for performing design optimization. Relevant dimensionless parameters are given to provide a scale-free context for discussing the optimal operating points. For a prescribed vibration energy harvester, the base excitation frequency and load impedance for maximum power generation are provided by the results of this study. Furthermore, the effects of mechanical damping, electromechanical coupling, circuit quality factor, and rectifier forward voltage are presented. These effects are discussed in order to cite the salient parameters in the design of these energy harvesting systems.
Is one question enough to screen for depression?
Authors: Reme Silje Endresen , Eriksen Hege R.
Published: July 2010

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine if chronic pain patients with symptoms of depression could be identified by one single question. Methods: Data from 595 patients, 55% women, and 45% men, from three different patient populations; low back pain patients (n = 387), whiplash patients (n = 119), and disability pensioners (n = 89), were analysed. We evaluated the test characteristics of one question on depression from the Subjective Health Complaints (SHC) Inventory. The respondents report if, and to what extent, they have been affected by sadness/depression in the last 30 days. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) was used as the criterion standard. HSCL-25 is a self-report symptom rating scale with two dimensions: depression and anxiety. ‘‘Depressed’’ was defined as having a score above 1.75 on the depression subscale. Results: Thirty-three per cent of the patients were depressed according to HSCL-25. The sensitivity of the single SHC depression-question was 79%, and the specificity was 81%. Positive predictive value was 67% while negative predictive value was 89%. Kappa value for all groups combined was 0.58 (p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed an area under the curve of 0.83. Conclusions: The depression-question from SHC identified most of the depressed patients measured by HSCL-25 in low back pain patients, whiplash patients, and disability pensioners, and can therefore be considered an indicator of depression. Satisfactory sensitivity and specificity were detected, as well as similar responsiveness as determined by the ROC analyses. The results indicate that one simple question could replace a whole questionnaire (HSCL-25) in identifying depressive patients.
Gender Roles and Help-Seeking Behaviour
Authors: Chan Raymond K.H. , Hayashi Kiyoshi
Published: July 2010

• Summary: Japanese gender roles are usually constructed according to tradition, and men are assumed to possess a traditional masculine identity. This article examines the aspects of gender role identity and the socio-demographic factors that predict help-seeking attitudes among Japanese men. Data on 265 Japanese males were measured using the GRCS and ATSPPH-S scales.

• Findings: In general, the participants showed a moderate level adherence to traditional gender roles. They were sceptical about the efficacy of professional help and did not actively seek or welcome professional assistance. The findings support the argument that men’s orientation towards success, power and competition, and their restricted emotionality have a significant impact on their likelihood to seek professional help.

• Application: The implications of these findings on psychological and counselling practices in Japanese society are also discussed.
Deletion of Irs2 causes reduced kidney size in mice: role for inhibition of GSK3β?
Authors: Carew Rosemarie M , Sadagurski Marianna , Goldschmeding Roel , Martin Finian , White Morris F , Brazil Derek P
Published: July 2010

Background

Male Irs2
-/- mice develop fatal type 2 diabetes at 13-14 weeks. Defects in neuronal proliferation, pituitary development and photoreceptor cell survival manifest in Irs2
-/- mice. We identify retarded renal growth in male and female Irs2
-/- mice, independent of diabetes.

Results

Kidney size and kidney:body weight ratio were reduced by approximately 20% in Irs2
-/- mice at postnatal day 5 and was maintained in maturity. Reduced glomerular number but similar glomerular density was detected in Irs2
-/- kidney compared to wild-type, suggesting intact global kidney structure. Analysis of insulin signalling revealed renal-specific upregulation of PKBβ/Akt2, hyperphosphorylation of GSK3β and concomitant accumulation of β-catenin in Irs2
-/- kidney. Despite this, no significant upregulation of β-catenin targets was detected. Kidney-specific increases in Yes-associated protein (YAP), a key driver of organ size were also detected in the absence of Irs2. YAP phosphorylation on its inhibitory site Ser127 was also increased, with no change in the levels of YAP-regulated genes, suggesting that overall YAP activity was not increased in Irs2
-/- kidney.

Conclusions

In summary, deletion of Irs2 causes reduced kidney size early in mouse development. Compensatory mechanisms such as increased β-catenin and YAP levels failed to overcome this developmental defect. These data point to Irs2 as an important novel mediator of kidney size.
Development of admixture mapping panels for African Americans from commercial high-density SNP arrays
Authors: Chen Guanjie , Shriner Daniel , Zhou Jie , Doumatey Ayo , Huang Hanxia , Gerry Norman P , Herbert Alan , Christman Michael F , Chen Yuanxiu , Dunston Georgia M , Faruque Mezbah U , Rotimi Charles N , Adeyemo Adebowale
Published: July 2010

Background

Admixture mapping is a powerful approach for identifying genetic variants involved in human disease that exploits the unique genomic structure in recently admixed populations. To use existing published panels of ancestry-informative markers (AIMs) for admixture mapping, markers have to be genotyped de novo for each admixed study sample and samples representing the ancestral parental populations. The increased availability of dense marker data on commercial chips has made it feasible to develop panels wherein the markers need not be predetermined.

Results

We developed two panels of AIMs (~2,000 markers each) based on the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 for admixture mapping with African American samples. These two AIM panels had good map power that was higher than that of a denser panel of ~20,000 random markers as well as other published panels of AIMs. As a test case, we applied the panels in an admixture mapping study of hypertension in African Americans in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Conclusions

Developing marker panels for admixture mapping from existing genome-wide genotype data offers two major advantages: (1) no de novo genotyping needs to be done, thereby saving costs, and (2) markers can be filtered for various quality measures and replacement markers (to minimize gaps) can be selected at no additional cost. Panels of carefully selected AIMs have two major advantages over panels of random markers: (1) the map power from sparser panels of AIMs is higher than that of ~10-fold denser panels of random markers, and (2) clusters can be labeled based on information from the parental populations. With current technology, chip-based genome-wide genotyping is less expensive than genotyping ~20,000 random markers. The major advantage of using random markers is the absence of ascertainment effects resulting from the process of selecting markers. The ability to develop marker panels informative for ancestry from SNP chip genotype data provides a fresh opportunity to conduct admixture mapping for disease genes in admixed populations when genome-wide association data exist or are planned.
The epidemiology of bone cancer in 0 - 39 year olds in northern England, 1981 - 2002
Authors: Eyre Rachel , Feltbower Richard G , James Peter W , Blakey Karen , Mubwandarikwa Emmanuel , Forman David , McKinney Patricia A , Pearce Mark S , McNally Richard JQ
Published: July 2010

Background

There is a paucity of recent epidemiological data on bone cancers. The aim of this study was to describe incidence and survival patterns for bone cancers diagnosed during 1981 - 2002.

Methods

Cases aged 0 - 39 years (236 osteosarcomas, 166 Ewing sarcomas and 73 chondrosarcomas) were analysed using Poisson and Cox regressions.

Results

Incidence rates (per million persons per year) for osteosarcoma were 2.5 at age 0 - 14 years; 4.5 at age 15 - 29 years and 1.0 at age 30 - 39 years. Similarly, for Ewing sarcoma the incidence rates were 2.2; 2.9; 0.4 and for chondrosarcoma rates were 0.1; 1.2; 1.8 respectively. Incidence of osteosarcoma increased at an average annual rate of 2.5% (95% CI 0.4 - 4.7; P = 0.02), but there was no change in incidence of Ewing sarcoma or chondrosarcoma. There was a marginally statistically significant improvement in survival for Ewing sarcoma (hazard ratio (HR) per annum = 0.97; 95% CI 0.94 - 1.00; P = 0.06), although patients aged 15 - 39 years (n = 93) had worse overall survival than those aged 0 - 14 (n = 73; HR = 1.46; 95% CI 0.98 - 2.17; P = 0.06). There was no significant improvement in osteosarcoma survival (HR per annum = 0.98; 95% CI 0.95 - 1.01; P = 0.18).

Conclusions

Reasons for poorer survival in Ewing sarcoma patients aged 15 - 39 years and failure to significantly improve survival for osteosarcoma patients requires further investigation.
Time course of nitric oxide synthases, nitrosative stress, and poly(ADP ribosylation) in an ovine sepsis model
Authors: Lange Matthias , Connelly Rhykka , Traber Daniel L , Hamahata Atsumori , Nakano Yoshimitsu , Esechie Aimalohi , Jonkam Collette , von Borzyskowski Sanna , Traber Lillian D , Schmalstieg Frank C , Herndon David N , Enkhbaatar Perenlei
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Different isoforms of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and determinants of oxidative/nitrosative stress play important roles in the pathophysiology of pulmonary dysfunction induced by acute lung injury (ALI) and sepsis. However, the time changes of these pathogenic factors are largely undetermined.

Methods

Twenty-four chronically instrumented sheep were subjected to inhalation of 48 breaths of cotton smoke and instillation of live Pseudomonas aeruginosa into both lungs and were euthanized at 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours post-injury. Additional sheep received sham injury and were euthanized after 24 hrs (control). All animals were mechanically ventilated and fluid resuscitated. Lung tissue was obtained at the respective time points for the measurement of neuronal, endothelial, and inducible NOS (nNOS, eNOS, iNOS) mRNA and their protein expression, calcium-dependent and -independent NOS activity, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) protein expression.

Results

The injury induced severe pulmonary dysfunction as indicated by a progressive decline in oxygenation index and concomitant increase in pulmonary shunt fraction. These changes were associated with an early and transient increase in eNOS and an early and profound increase in iNOS expression, while expression of nNOS remained unchanged. Both 3-NT, a marker of protein nitration, and PAR, an indicator of DNA damage, increased early but only transiently.

Conclusions

Identification of the time course of the described pathogenetic factors provides important additional information on the pulmonary response to ALI and sepsis in the ovine model. This information may be crucial for future studies, especially when considering the timing of novel treatment strategies including selective inhibition of NOS isoforms, modulation of peroxynitrite, and PARP.
Contrasting chromatin organization of CpG islands and exons in the human genome
Authors: Choi Jung Kyoon
Published: July 2010

Background

CpG islands and nucleosome-free regions are both found in promoters. However, their association has never been studied. On the other hand, DNA methylation is absent in promoters but is enriched in gene bodies. Intragenic nucleosomes and their modifications have been recently associated with RNA splicing. Because the function of intragenic DNA methylation remains unclear, I explored the possibility of its involvement in splicing regulation.

Results

Here I show that CpG islands were associated not only with methylation-free promoters but also with nucleosome-free promoters. Nucleosome-free regions were observed only in promoters containing a CpG island. However, the DNA sequences of CpG islands predicted the opposite pattern, implying a limitation of sequence programs for the determination of nucleosome occupancy. In contrast to the methylation-and nucleosome-free states of CpG-island promoters, exons were densely methylated at CpGs and packaged into nucleosomes. Exon-enrichment of DNA methylation was specifically found in spliced exons and in exons with weak splice sites. The enrichment patterns were less pronounced in initial exons and in non-coding exons, potentially reflecting a lower need for their splicing. I also found that nucleosomes, DNA methylation, and H3K36me3 marked the exons of transcripts with low, medium, and high gene expression levels, respectively.

Conclusions

Human promoters containing a CpG island tend to remain nucleosome-free as well as methylation-free. In contrast, exons demonstrate a high degree of methylation and nucleosome occupancy. Exonic DNA methylation seems to function together with exonic nucleosomes and H3K36me3 for the proper splicing of transcripts with different expression levels.