bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Country of Parts, Country of Manufacturing, and Country of Origin
Authors: Ha-Brookshire Jung E.
Published: January 2012

In response to the dominance of hybrid and multinational products in the U.S. textile and apparel marketplace, and the increasing consumer demand for product origin information, the study examined the relationship among multi-level COO displays, consumer purchase preferences, and perceived price. The results of 76 responses through a 2 × 2 randomized block, repeated measures research, using the United States and China as country of parts (COP) and country of manufacturing (COM), showed that the two-level COO impacted consumers’ purchase preferences and perceived prices, based on their perceived value of sustainability. However, consumers' purchase preferences significantly decreased as a result of unusually high perceived prices. These findings have important implications for textile and apparel businesses and policy makers as adding COP along with COM to declare the product’s COO would increase consumer purchase preferences and perceived values, if applied along with careful pricing strategies.
Ringing the Chord
Authors: Nash Jeffrey Eugene
Published: January 2012

Singing in barbershop choruses and quartets evokes sentimentality and nostalgia as a means of interpreting the present and establishing an identity as a barbershop singer. In choruses devoted to the preservation of a highly stylized form of singing, a gendered social context shapes the acquisition of identities in the development of relationships. An analysis of the barbershop experience reveals that men, particularly those with common backgrounds, are routinely involved in expressing deep emotions through ritualized means, allowing them to maintain a version of traditional masculine identity.
Correcting distortion and rotation direction of an elliptical trajectory in elliptical vibration cutting by modulating phase and relative magnitude of the sinusoidal excitation voltages
Authors: Loh Byoung Gook , Kim Gi Dae
Published: January 2012

In elliptical vibration cutting, cutting performance is largely affected by the shape and the rotational direction of a micro-scale elliptical trajectory generated at the cutting edge. In this study, change in the shape of the ellipse, which was created by two parallel piezoelectric actuators attached at the tool, was experimentally observed as the excitation frequency to the piezoelectric actuators was increased from 10 Hz to 25 kHz to investigate the effect of the excitation frequency on the elliptical trajectory. For the whole range of experimental frequencies, the major axis of the ellipse becomes tilted, and the aspect ratio of the ellipse is significantly distorted as the excitation frequency approaches the resonant frequency of the elliptical vibration cutting device. To correct the distortion and rotational direction of the elliptical trajectory, an analytical model describing the elliptical path of the tool was developed and verified with experimental results. Based on the analytical model, the distortions in the elliptical trajectories created at various frequencies were corrected for tilt and aspect ratio by changing the phase and relative magnitude of the sinusoidal excitation voltages.
Investigation of thin boron steel sheet formability in hot deep-drawing processes according to process parameters
Authors: Lee Min-sik , Baeck Seung-cheol , Kang Chung-gil
Published: January 2012

This study has evaluated the formability of thin boron alloy sheets, 0.6 mm thick, which can be bent through heating and torn easily during hot press forming. The punch velocity was used as the parameter for the contact time, and the initial blank temperature and blank holding force parameters were controlled. The temperature of the dies and punch was fixed at 300 °C to improve the formability. Microstructural observations and the hardness were examined at different parts of the formed boron steel sheets after die quenching. After the forming process, relationships between the process parameters were found. The punch load and forming depth decreased with increasing punch velocity. On the other hand, the punch load increased with increasing blank holding force, but the forming depth decreased. An increase in the initial blank temperature resulted in an increase in forming depth, but a decrease in punch load.
A study of electrode compensation model improvement in micro-electrical discharge machining milling based on large monolayer thickness
Authors: Zhang Lingxuan , Jia Zhenyuan , Liu Wei , Wei Li
Published: January 2012

Micro-electrical discharge machining (EDM) milling with a simple-shaped electrode is an effective machining method to fabricate three-dimensional micro parts and micro structures. However, the serious electrode wear occurring in the machining process significantly deteriorates the geometrical accuracy of the products. Since the electrode wear in micro-EDM milling is inevitable and hard to model accurately, it is difficult to conduct effective electrode compensation. To enhance the machining quality and efficiency of micro-EDM milling, a large layer thickness milling method is introduced and the improved electrode compensation model for large monolayer thickness milling is proposed based on modification of the conventional compensation model. First of all, proper machining parameters are obtained from processing tests without compensation. The wear law of the micro-electrode is then investigated and the conventional electrode compensation model is modified taking into consideration the changes of electrode shape during machining. Moreover, a new relative volume wear ratio measurement method is also presented through material composition analysis and the improved compensation model based on large monolayer thickness is finally established. Experiments demonstrate that the improved electrode compensation model can achieve accuracy when machining micro structures with large monolayer thickness and this method is an effective way to ensure the quality of micro products. Meanwhile, the use of large monolayer thickness in micro-EDM milling can enhance the machining efficiency significantly.
Interior structure-borne noise reduction by controlling the automotive body panel vibration
Authors: Guo Rong , Zhang Li-Jun , Zhao Jing , Zhou Hong
Published: January 2012

The adoption of a numerical method to perform vibration and acoustic analyses is attracting increasing attention because of its merits in saving costs and time. The analysis flow chart of structure-borne noise reduction by controlling the vehicle body panel vibration is proposed. A finite element analysis of a body in white is performed according to this flow chart, using MSC. Nastran, and the experimental modal analysis of a body in white is also carried out. To verify the finite element model, a correlation analysis between the test and the finite element results is performed. After the acoustic boundary element model with seats has been constructed, the acoustic transfer vector is calculated using LMS software. A transfer path analysis is performed to estimate the powertrain and exhaust pipe operational forces at idle. Then the forces are input into the acoustic boundary element model to calculate the body panel velocity. By combining the acoustic transfer vector and the body panel velocity, the interior acoustic response can be obtained. The simulation results are verified by tests. To determine the main contribution panels for the interior sound pressure level, a panel acoustic contribution analysis is based on the boundary element method. Finally, constrained damping treatments are adopted to control the main panel vibration based on the results of the panel acoustic contribution analysis. The test results indicate that the sound pressure level of the interior noise at idle is reduced obviously before and after treatments, which has proved the correctness of the results from the panel acoustic contribution analysis. Therefore it is believed that the proposed analysis method is feasible for reducing interior structure-borne noise.
When Leaving Your Ex, Love Yourself
Authors: Sbarra David A. , Smith Hillary L. , Mehl Matthias R.
Published: January 2012

Divorce is a highly stressful event, and much remains to be learned about the factors that promote psychological resilience when marriages come to an end. In this study, divorcing adults ( N = 109) completed a 4-min stream-of-consciousness recording about their marital separation at an initial laboratory visit. Four judges rated the degree to which participants exhibited self-compassion (defined by self-kindness, an awareness of one’s place in shared humanity, and emotional equanimity) in their recordings. Judges evidenced considerable agreement in their ratings of participants’ self-compassion, and these ratings demonstrated strong predictive utility: Higher levels of self-compassion at the initial visit were associated with less divorce-related emotional intrusion into daily life at the start of the study, and this effect persisted up to 9 months later. These effects held when we accounted for a number of competing predictors. Self-compassion is a modifiable variable, and if our findings can be replicated, they may have implications for improving the lives of divorcing adults.
The discursive nature of inner speech
Authors: Larrain Antonia , Haye Andrés
Published: January 2012

If inner speech is first of all speech, then a critical departure point is to study its discursive nature. The aim of this paper is to deepen the notion of inner speech from a discursive and dialogical perspective. Drawing on the works of Vygotsky, Bakhtin, and Vološinov, we discuss the idea that consciousness is structured by language, exploring the concept of internalization, and making an analogy between acts of thinking and uttering. Inner discourse is understood as a dialogical movement of interchange between different ideological positions. Furthermore, we propose a distinction between inner discourse and self-talk: inner discourse is a basal dialogical process that may give form to syntactically well-organized self-talk, but also to processes that are on the border of language because of a weak or very instable syntactic organization. Consequently, inner discourse should be conceived of not as a homogeneous and unitary process but as a heterogeneous class of discursive practices.
Moral distress in nursing practice in Malawi
Authors: Maluwa Veronica Mary , Andre Judy , Ndebele Paul , Chilemba Evelyn
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to explore the existence of moral distress among nurses in Lilongwe District of Malawi. Qualitative research was conducted in selected health institutions of Lilongwe District in Malawi to assess knowledge and causes of moral distress among nurses and coping mechanisms and sources of support that are used by morally distressed nurses. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 20 nurses through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was used. The results show that nurses, irrespective of age, work experience and tribe, experienced moral distress related to patient/nursing care. The major distressing factors were inadequate resources and lack of respect from patients, guardians, peers and bosses. Nurses desire teamwork and ethics committees in their health institutions as a means of controlling and preventing moral distress. There is a need for creation of awareness for nurses to recognize and manage moral distress, thus optimizing their ability to provide quality and uncompromised nursing care.
Research on Work as a Calling
Authors: Duffy Ryan D. , Dik Bryan J.
Published: January 2012

Research on work as a calling has increased substantially in the last 5 years within vocational psychology and related disciplines. This special issue brings together a diverse group of scholars who address four key needs of empirical research on calling: (a) research on the measurement of calling and closely related constructs, (b) research with participants from outside the United States, (c) research using qualitative and longitudinal designs, and (d) research and theory that explores the conditions in which a sense of calling can lead to negative outcomes. Our hope is that these articles will advance the growing literature on the study of work as a calling.
Sea-Level Rise and Storm Surges
Authors: Brecht Henrike , Dasgupta Susmita , Laplante Benoit , Murray Siobhan , Wheeler David
Published: January 2012

As the climate changes during the 21st century, larger cyclonic storm surges and growing populations may collide in disasters of unprecedented size. As conditions worsen, variations in coastal morphology will magnify the effects in some areas, while largely insulating others. In this article, we explore the implications for 31 developing countries and 393 of their cyclone-vulnerable coastal cities with populations greater than 100,000. Combining the most recent scientific and demographic information, we estimate the future impact of climate change on storm surges that will strike coastal populations, economies, and ecosystems. We focus on the distribution of heightened impacts, because we believe that greater knowledge of their probable variation will be useful for local and national planners, as well as international donors. Our results suggest gross inequality in the heightened impact of future disasters, with 50% of the burden falling on the residents of 10 Asian cities and over 40% falling on Manila, Karachi, and Jakarta alone. In light of these huge asymmetries, we believe that careful targeting of international assistance will be essential for the effective and equitable allocation of resources for coastal protection and disaster prevention.
Fluid rheology, traction/creep relationships and friction in machine elements with rolling contacts
Authors: Poll GWG , Wang D
Published: January 2012

The correct prediction of shear stresses in lubricants applied to concentrated rolling/sliding contacts has been an issue of intense debate for many years. Traction testers of various kinds such as two-disc roller rigs or ball on disc apparatus have been extensively used in order to obtain experimental data, as well as, more recently, molecular dynamics simulations. Several, partly competing, phenomenological models have been developed to describe the dependence of shear stresses on various parameters. Evidently, the importance lies in the need to predict and reduce friction, or, more accurately, resistance to motion of rolling element bearings in order to increase efficiency of machines and vehicles. Also, it plays a crucial role in design and performance of traction drives. As a prerequisite, experimental data for a wide variety of fluids were obtained from two-disc roller tests with a wide variation of contact pressures, rolling speeds and slide-to-roll ratios. Following earlier investigations, the amount of slip created by the elastic deformation of the discs was separated from the contribution of the fluids and their rheological properties. In accordance with experiments of Jacobson a threshold pressure in the fluid was identified which marks the onset of a nearly linear relationship between a limiting shear stress and pressure. However, this threshold does not appear to be constant but rather declining with decreasing hydrodynamic film thickness respective of rolling speed, while the slope changes to a lesser extent. When measurements were extended far into the mixed lubrication regime close to the limiting case of boundary lubrication, the shear stress/pressure relationship became quasi-Coulomb with a virtually zero threshold pressure. These results have successfully been used to predict the friction torque of angular contact ball bearings and the traction characteristics in toroidal drives.
Model and experiments to determine lubricant film formation and frictional torque in aircraft landing gear pin joints
Authors: Zhu J , Pugh S , Dwyer-Joyce RS
Published: January 2012

Pin joints are found in many large articulating structures. They tend to be under high load and articulate slowly; so, the joints typically operate in the boundary or mixed lubrication regimes. This means that the operating torque depends on the respective proportions of liquid and solid contact between the joint mating faces. In this article, a mixed lubrication model of a grease-lubricated landing gear joint is established to determine a theoretical Stribeck curve, frictional torque and lubricant film thickness under different loads. Parameters describing pin joint working conditions, geometry, lubricant properties and pin/bush texture are used. The model can also predict the proportion of the load that is supported by contacting asperities and lubricant film. The changing proportions of these two parts indicate transformations between different lubrication regimes. Experiments on an instrumented pin joint have been carried out to compare with the predicted friction and torque performance. Theoretical calculation results show good consistency with experimental plots at high load. But under low load, the real friction between pin and bush is significantly lower than theoretical predictions.
Effect of different rubber materials on husking dynamics of paddy rice
Authors: Baker A , Dwyer-Joyce RS , Briggs C , Brockfeld M
Published: January 2012

The conventional way to husk rice is to pass it between two rubber rollers that are rotating with a surface speed differential. The resulting normal pressure and shear stress causes the husk to be peeled away from the kernel. The process is suited to high-rice flow rates, but is energy intensive and can result in considerable wear to the surfaces of the rollers. The operating parameters for machines of this design are usually determined and set empirically. In this article, some experiments and calculations had been carried out in order to explore the mechanisms involved in husking rice grains using this method. A simple sliding friction rig with load cell and high-speed camera was used to observe the mechanisms that occur during husking. The husking performance of different rubbers was compared for changes in the applied normal load. It was found that grains rotate between the rubber counterfaces on initial motion before being husked. In addition, harder rubbers were found to husk a higher proportion of entrained grains at lower applied normal load. By measuring the coefficient of friction between rice and rubber samples, the shear force required to husk a given percentage of grains could be calculated and was shown to be constant regardless of rubber type. Based on the mechanism seen in the high-speed video, it was evident that there was a limiting shear stress that was the governing factor over the husked ratio.
Reliability and equivalence of alternate forms for the Symbol Digit Modalities Test: implications for multiple sclerosis clinical trials
Authors: Benedict Ralph HB , Smerbeck Audrey , Parikh Rajavi , Rodgers Jonathan , Cadavid Diego , Erlanger David
Published: January 2012

Background:

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but is seldom assessed in clinical trials investigating the effects of disease-modifying therapies. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a particularly promising tool due to its sensitivity and robust correlation with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and vocational disability. Unfortunately, there are no validated alternate SDMT forms, which are needed to mitigate practice effects.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to assess the reliability and equivalence of SDMT alternate forms.

Methods:

Twenty-five healthy participants completed each of five alternate versions of the SDMT – the standard form, two versions from the Rao Brief Repeatable Battery, and two forms specifically designed for this study. Order effects were controlled using a Latin-square research design.

Results:

All five versions of the SDMT produced mean values within 3 raw score points of one another. Three forms were very consistent, and not different by conservative statistical tests. The SDMT test–retest reliability using these forms was good to excellent, with all r values exceeding 0.80.

Conclusions:

For the first time, we find good evidence that at least three alternate versions of the SDMT are of equivalent difficulty in healthy adults. The forms are reliable, and can be implemented in clinical trials emphasizing cognitive outcomes.
Renal effects of long-term darbepoetin alpha treatment in hypertensive TGR(mRen2)27 rats
Authors: Frenay Anne-Roos S , Ruifrok Willem-Peter T , Bulthuis Marian , Huitema Sippie , de Boer Rudolf A , van Goor Harry
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Erytropoietin (EPO) has cytoprotective and angiogenic properties and has a beneficial effect in ischaemic conditions. Since the development of renal interstitial abnormalities are often associated with ischaemia, we studied the effects of the long-acting EPO analogue darbepoetin alpha (DA) on kidney damage in TGR(mRen2)27 (Ren2) rats.

Materials and methods: Ren2 rats were randomised to DA or vehicle (VEH) or to DA + angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or VEH + ACEi. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats served as controls. Blood pressure was measured weekly and 24-h urine was collected to measure proteinuria. Blood samples were collected for creatinine and haematocrit. Kidneys were studied for inflammation and pre-fibrosis. Renal mRNA expression was studied for EPO, EPO-receptor, collagen-3α1 and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1).

Results: DA had no effect on SBP, serum creatinine and proteinuria. Interstitial and glomerular α-SMA expression was significantly increased in Ren2. ACEi but not DA improved the increased renal inflammatory and pro-fibrotic profile in Ren2 rats. DA on top of ACEi further reduced glomerular α-SMA and KIM-1 expression.

Conclusion: Long-term DA treatment has no beneficial effects on renal structural and functional changes in TGR(mRen2)27 rats in the time frame studied and the dose provided.
Associations between the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to vasculitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Choi Sung Jae , Ji Jong Dae , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: January 2012

Introduction: To explore whether the insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) confers susceptibility to vasculitis.

Materials and methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and vasculitis.

Results: Twelve studies, including four on Behçet’s disease (BD), four on Henoch–Schenlein purpura (HSP), three on Kawasaki disease (KD), and one on Wegener’s granulomatosis, were available for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the DD + ID genotype was associated with susceptibility to vasculitis (odds ratio [OR] 1.468, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.214–1.468, p = 7.4 × 10−5). The overall OR for the D allele was significantly increased in BD (OR 1.313, 95% CI 1.017–1.695). Meta-analysis of the DD+ID genotype, the DD genotype and the DD vs. II genotype showed marginal associations with BD, but meta-analysis of the D allele, and the DD+ID genotype showed significant associations with HSP (OR 1.446, 95% CI 1.021–2.049, p = 0.038; OR 1.881, 95% CI 1.385–2.595, p = 6.6 × 10−5). On the other hand, meta-analysis showed no association between KD and the ACE I/D polymorphism.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that the ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with vasculitis susceptibility, especially in BD and HSP.
Meta-analysis of the association between the insertion/deletion polymorphism in ACE gene and coronary heart disease among the Chinese population
Authors: Zhou Liang , Xi Bo , Wei Yuan , Shen Weihua , Li Yixiang
Published: January 2012

Objective: Many studies have suggested that the angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) gene might be involved in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, the authors performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and CHD susceptibility among the Chinese population.

Methods: Published literature from PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI and Wan Fang Data was searched. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed or random-effects model.

Results: Forty-six studies (5215 cases and 4782 controls) were identified. The results from the meta-analysis indicated statistically significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and CHD risk under all three genetic models (co-dominant model DD vs. II: OR=2.40, 95% CI 2.02–2.84, DI vs. II: OR=1.19, 95% CI 1.05–1.34; dominant model: OR=1.51, 95% CI 1.33–1.70; recessive model: OR=2.14, 95% CI 1.86–2.45; multiplicative model: OR=1.57, 95% CI 1.43–1.72 ). Further sensitivity analysis confirmed the significant association.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis indicated a significant association between ACE I/D polymorphism and CHD susceptibility among the Chinese population. However, further studies with the consideration of gene–gene and gene–environment interactions should be conducted to investigate the association.
Laïcité, gender equality and the politics of non-domination
Authors: Daly Eoin
Published: January 2012

The relationship between constitutional secularism and gender equality acquires peculiar dimensions in the context of the laïcité project in republican France – particularly, in the contemporary conflict between a laïcité interpreted as a politics of emancipatory social transformation, and the more minimalist liberal conception prevailing in French law. The dominant narrative in the republican establishment, shared between left and right, has been that laïcité will lead to gender emancipation not only by dissolving any sectarian dimensions of women’s citizenship – that is, by sustaining a religiously neutral public sphere – but also, by preventing the domination as well as the coercion of religious choice in the intimate and private spheres of family and community. In this narrative, laïcité represents a more ambitious project of gender emancipation than that promised by the liberalisms more redolent of the Anglo-American world. The apogee of this expansionary interpretation of constitutional secularism is expressed in the 2004 prohibition on conspicuous markers of religious affiliation in the public schools, and the recent debate on the ‘full’ Islamic veil. This article considers the relationship of laïcité to gender equality through the lens of the broader theoretical debate surrounding the relationship of political liberalism to the politics of non-domination. The elusive challenge is to craft a constitutional secularism that can sustain a viable politics of non-domination – going beyond the formalist voluntarism redolent of classical liberalisms, offering undominated as well as uncoerced religious choice – yet also avoiding an overzealous emancipatory stance that itself assumes a regulative role for women’s religious choices.
The varieties of thoughtlessness and the limits of thinking
Authors: Schiff Jacob
Published: January 2012

This article explores problems of thoughtlessness through a critical engagement with Hannah Arendt. Thoughtlessness was more complicated for Arendt than her interpreters have acknowledged. She described it as the failure of conscience; as ideology; and as an everyday condition that sustains ideology. While the first has been widely acknowledged, the latter two have been virtually ignored. Arendt identifies the cultivation of everyday thoughtfulness as a remedy for failures of conscience, but this provides no defence against ideological and everyday thoughtlessness, which can actually reinforce failures of conscience. To address them Arendt turns to storytelling. But narratives can combat and reinforce thoughtlessness. To confront thoughtlessness we need to attend to narrative production and reception. Drawing on Paul Ricoeur I call for deeper engagement between political theorists, literary critics and philosophers of literature on the roles of narrative in promoting or undermining thinking in contemporary politics.
Mary Wollstonecraft, freedom and the enduring power of social domination
Authors: Coffee Alan M. S. J.
Published: January 2012

Even long after their formal exclusion has come to an end, members of previously oppressed social groups often continue to face disproportionate restrictions on their freedom, as the experience of many women over the last century has shown. Working within in a framework in which freedom is understood as independence from arbitrary power, Mary Wollstonecraft provides an explanation of why such domination may persist and offers a model through which it can be addressed. Republicans rely on processes of rational public deliberation to highlight and combat oppression. However, where domination is primarily social rather than legal or political (such as where cultural attitudes, traditions and values exert an arbitrary and inhibiting force) then this defence against domination is often negated. Prejudice, she argues, ‘clouds’ people’s ability to reason and skews debate in favour of the dominant powers, thereby entrenching patterns of subjection. If they are to be independent, then, citizens require not only political rights but a platform from which to add their perspectives and interests to the background social values which govern political discussion.
Rawls’s notion of the political conception as educator
Authors: Bøyum Steinar
Published: January 2012

This paper explores John Rawls’s strangely neglected notion, the political conception as educator, which captures how the public political culture can educate citizens. The aim is to elucidate both the idea itself and above all its function in Rawls’s Political Liberalism. After first surveying its main content and some historical parallels, the main body of the paper explores why Rawls places so much trust in the educative effect of institutions and, apparently, so little in schools. Along the way we shall discuss the relation between political liberalism and republicanism, the border disagreement between political conception and comprehensive doctrine, Mackie’s distinction between wide and narrow morality and the importance of trust in Rawls’s view of society.
Mortality prediction in the elderly by an easily measured metabolic index
Authors: Venskutonyte Laura , Rydén Lars , Nilsson Göran , Öhrvik John
Published: January 2012

Objective:

Hyperglycaemia enhances the risk of cardiovascular events and death, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) is protective. Information on these associations among the elderly population is scanty. We applied a cardiometabolic risk index (CMRI) based on HDLc and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in an elderly Swedish population.

Methods:

In total, 432 75-year-olds were followed for 10-year mortality. The impact of risk factors on survival was analysed using Cox regression.

Results:

HDLc (mmol/l; median and interquartile range) was 1.6 (1.3–2.0) in women and 1.4 (1.2–1.5) in men, while FPG was 5.9 (5.5–6.6) and 5.9 (5.5–6.5). Some 89 persons were at high risk according to CMRI, and 163 persons died. FPG was related to mortality in women (HR; 95% CI: 1.23; 1.10–1.37) and there was a similar trend in men (1.08; 1.00–1.17; p = 0.061). Increasing HDLc was protective in men (0.38; 0.19–0.77) but not in women (0.77; 0.45–1.29). CMRI was related to mortality in both genders even after adjustment for established risk factors (1.79; 1.14–2.79; p = 0.011).

Conclusions:

The CMRI helps identify elderly subjects at risk and may serve as a cost-effective risk prediction tool.
Mesenteric endothelial dysfunction in a cardiopulmonary bypass rat model: The effect of diabetes
Authors: Le Guillou Vincent , Tamion Fabienne , Jouet Isabelle , Richard Vincent , Mulder Paul , Bessou Jean Paul , Doguet Fabien
Published: January 2012

Background:

Diabetes is a risk factor for perioperative complications after cardiac surgery. We studied its effects on mesenteric endothelial function in a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model.

Methods:

Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham (D-CPB-), cardiopulmonary bypass (D-CPB+), diabetic (D+CPB-) and diabetic that have undergone CPB (D+CPB+). Two samples of mesenteric artery were used for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) Western blot analysis, and two others for assessing contractile response and endothelium relaxations. Nitrite products and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed as markers of inflammatory response.

Results:

We observed an enhanced contractile response to the α-adrenergic agonist associated with impairment of mesenteric vasorelaxation in D+CPB+ rats. Western immunoblot analysis of D+CPB+ highlighted an additive effect of hyper-expression of inducible NOS. A significantly increased inflammatory response was observed after CPB in diabetic animals.

Conclusions:

This work confirms the potential deleterious impact of diabetes on the mesenteric endothelium during CPB in cardiac surgery.
6-Mer hyaluronan oligosaccharides increase IL-18 and IL-33 production in mouse synovial fibroblasts subjected to collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Campo Giuseppe M , Avenoso Angela , D’Ascola Angela , Scuruchi Michele , Prestipino Vera , Calatroni Alberto , Campo Salvatore
Published: January 2012

Hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharides stimulate pro-inflammatory responses in different cell types by modulating both cluster determinant 44 (CD44) and TLR4. The activation of these receptors is also mediated by collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) that, via two different pathways, culminates in the liberation of NF-κB. This then stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-18 and IL-33, that are greatly involved in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-mer HA oligosaccharides on mouse synovial fibroblasts obtained from normal DBA/J1 mice or mice subjected to CIA. Compared with normal synovial fibroblasts (NSF), rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) showed no up-regulation of CD44 and TLR4 mRNA expression and the related proteins, as well as no activation of NF-κB. Very low levels of both mRNA and related proteins were also detected for IL-18 and IL-33. Treatment of NSF and RASF with 6-mer HA oligosaccharides significantly increased all the parameters in both fibroblast groups, although to a greater extent in RASF. The addition of hyaluronan binding protein to both NSF and RASF inhibited HA activity and was able to reduce the effects of 6-mer HA oligosaccharides and the consequent inflammatory response.
An Overview of the Medical Home Clinic for Special Needs Children at a Tertiary Care Center in Regard to the Role of the Registered Dietitian
Authors: Bailey Paula J. , Brown Carrie , Casey Patrick , Breaux Ashley
Published: January 2012

Medically complex children are children with special needs with the most medically complex conditions. The Medical Home Clinic for Special Needs Children provides care for these children through an outpatient clinic using the premises of the medical home concept of care as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team, which works together with the caregivers and patients and assists in care coordination and management. A registered dietitian is an essential member of the interdisciplinary team to help manage nutritional needs to promote proper growth and development and to help ensure patients and families have access to nutritional supplies to meet the child’s needs.
Dear Rin Tin Tin: An Analysis of William Safire’s Dog-Naming Survey from 1985
Authors: Brandes Stanley
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper contributes to the study of how and why we bestow particular types of names upon companion animals, specifically dogs. The research is based on a cache of letters written in 1985 in response to a request from New York Times columnist, William Safire. Although the survey is in no sense scientific, it nonetheless taps trends in dog naming that have become steadily more prominent to the present day. Dog names as well as the criteria by which they are selected reflect central aspects of the relation- ship between pet owners and their canine companions. The letters reveal a growing preference for people names for dogs, which accords with the increasing treatment of companion animals as human. Dog nicknaming is common, particularly for those pedigree canines registered with the American Kennel Club. Dog naming provides pet owners a creative outlet, and a way to reinforce and communicate publicly a particular self-image.
S1P promotes murine progenitor cell egress and mobilization via S1P1-mediated ROS signaling and SDF-1 release
Authors: Golan Karin , Vagima Yaron , Ludin Aya , Itkin Tomer , Cohen-Gur Shiri , Kalinkovich Alexander , Kollet Orit , Kim Chihwa , Schajnovitz Amir , Ovadya Yossi , Lapid Kfir , Shivtiel Shoham , Morris Andrew J. , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. , Lapidot Tsvee
Published: January 2012

The mechanisms of hematopoietic progenitor cell egress and clinical mobilization are not fully understood. Herein, we report that in vivo desensitization of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors by FTY720 as well as disruption of S1P gradient toward the blood, reduced steady state egress of immature progenitors and primitive Sca-1+/c-Kit+/Lin− (SKL) cells via inhibition of SDF-1 release. Administration of AMD3100 or G-CSF to mice with deficiencies in either S1P production or its receptor S1P1, or pretreated with FTY720, also resulted in reduced stem and progenitor cell mobilization. Mice injected with AMD3100 or G-CSF demonstrated transient increased S1P levels in the blood mediated via mTOR signaling, as well as an elevated rate of immature c-Kit+/Lin− cells expressing surface S1P1 in the bone marrow (BM). Importantly, we found that S1P induced SDF-1 secretion from BM stromal cells including Nestin+ mesenchymal stem cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. Moreover, elevated ROS production by hematopoietic progenitor cells is also regulated by S1P. Our findings reveal that the S1P/S1P1 axis regulates progenitor cell egress and mobilization via activation of ROS signaling on both hematopoietic progenitors and BM stromal cells, and SDF-1 release. The dynamic cross-talk between S1P and SDF-1 integrates BM stromal cells and hematopoeitic progenitor cell motility.
JAK inhibitors for myeloproliferative neoplasms: clarifying facts from myths
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew
Published: January 2012

On November 16, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved ruxolitinib (a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor) for use in the treatment of high and intermediate risk myelofibrosis. This is welcome news for those patients in whom such therapy is indicated and treatment benefit outweighs attendant risk. The question is who are these patients, what should they expect in terms of both short-term effects and long-term impact, and why would they choose ruxolitinib over other JAK inhibitors that are freely available for use in a research setting. Ruxolitinib and most other JAK inhibitors exert a salutary effect on constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly but have yet to produce histopathologic or cytogenetic remissions, reverse bone marrow fibrosis, or improve survival over best supportive care. Furthermore, the palliative value of JAK inhibitors is diminished by notable side effects, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal disturbances, metabolic abnormalities, peripheral neuropathy, and hyperacute relapse of symptoms during treatment discontinuation. Therefore, risk-benefit balance favors use of currently available JAK inhibitors in only a select group of patients with myelofibrosis, and their potential value in polycythemia vera, outside of special circumstances (eg, intractable pruritus), is undermined by the absence of evidence for a disease-modifying effect and presence of arguably superior alternatives.
Hyaluronan synthase mediates dye translocation across liposomal membranes
Authors: Medina Andria P , Lin Jialing , Weigel Paul H
Published: January 2012

Background

Hyaluronan (HA) is made at the plasma membrane and secreted into the extracellular medium or matrix by phospolipid-dependent hyaluronan synthase (HAS), which is active as a monomer. Since the mechanism by which HA is translocated across membranes is still unresolved, we assessed the presence of an intraprotein pore within HAS by adding purified Streptococcus equisimilis HAS (SeHAS) to liposomes preloaded with the fluorophore Cascade Blue (CB).

Results

CB translocation (efflux) was not observed with mock-purified material from empty vector control E. coli membranes, but was induced by SeHAS, purified from membranes, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. CB efflux was eliminated or greatly reduced when purified SeHAS was first treated under conditions that inhibit enzyme activity: heating, oxidization or cysteine modification with N-ethylmaleimide. Reduced CB efflux also occurred with SeHAS K48E or K48F mutants, in which alteration of K48 within membrane domain 2 causes decreased activity and HA product size. The above results used liposomes containing bovine cardiolipin (BCL). An earlier study testing many synthetic lipids found that the best activating lipid for SeHAS is tetraoleoyl cardiolipin (TO-CL) and that, in contrast, tetramyristoyl cardiolipin (TM-CL) is an inactivating lipid (Weigel et al, J. Biol. Chem. 281, 36542, 2006). Consistent with the effects of these CL species on SeHAS activity, CB efflux was more than 2-fold greater in liposomes made with TO-CL compared to TM-CL.

Conclusions

The results indicate the presence of an intraprotein pore in HAS and support a model in which HA is translocated to the exterior by HAS itself.
Electroacupuncture pretreatment attenuates cerebral ischemic injury through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 release in rats
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Feng , Li Xin , Yang Qianzi , Li Xuying , Xu Ning , Huang Yi , Zhang Qiaomei , Gou Xingchun , Chen Shaoyang , Xiong Lize
Published: January 2012

Background

We have previously reported that electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment induced tolerance against cerebral ischemic injury, but the mechanisms underlying this effect of EA are unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of EA pretreatment on the expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR), using the ischemia-reperfusion model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Further, we investigated the role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in neuroprotection mediated by the α7nAChR and EA.

Methods

Rats were treated with EA at the acupoint "Baihui (GV 20)" 24 h before focal cerebral ischemia which was induced for 120 min by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurobehavioral scores, infarction volumes, neuronal apoptosis, and HMGB1 levels were evaluated after reperfusion. The α7nAChR agonist PHA-543613 and the antagonist α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT) were used to investigate the role of the α7nAChR in mediating neuroprotective effects. The roles of the α7nAChR and HMGB1 release in neuroprotection were further tested in neuronal cultures exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD).

Results

Our results showed that the expression of α7nAChR was significantly decreased after reperfusion. EA pretreatment prevented the reduction in neuronal expression of α7nAChR after reperfusion in the ischemic penumbra. Pretreatment with PHA-543613 afforded neuroprotective effects against ischemic damage. Moreover, EA pretreatment reduced infarct volume, improved neurological outcome, inhibited neuronal apoptosis and HMGB1 release following reperfusion, and the beneficial effects were attenuated by α-BGT. The HMGB1 levels in plasma and the penumbral brain tissue were correlated with the number of apoptotic neurons in the ischemic penumbra. Furthermore, OGD in cultured neurons triggered HMGB1 release into the culture medium, and this effect was efficiently suppressed by PHA-543,613. Pretreatment with α-BGT reversed the inhibitory effect of PHA-543,613 on HMGB1 release.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that EA pretreatment strongly protects the brain against transient cerebral ischemic injury, and inhibits HMGB1 release through α7nAChR activation in rats. These findings suggest the novel potential for stroke interventions harnessing the anti-inflammatory effects of α7nAChR activation, through acupuncture or pharmacological strategies.
Characterizing operant hyperactivity in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat
Authors: Hill Jade C , Herbst Katrina , Sanabria Federico
Published: January 2012

Background

Operant hyperactivity, the emission of reinforced responses at an inordinately high rate, has been reported in children with ADHD and in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR), the most widely studied animal model of ADHD. The SHR emits behavior at hyperactive levels, relative to a normoactive strain, only when such behavior is seldom reinforced. Because of its dependence on rate of reinforcement, operant hyperactivity appears to be driven primarily by incentive motivation, not motoric capacity. This claim was evaluated in the present study using a novel strategy, based on the organization of behavior in bouts of reinforced responses separated by pauses.

Method

Male SHR, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Wistar rats (WIS) were exposed each to a multiple variable-interval schedule of sucrose reinforcement (12, 24, 48, 96, and 192 s) between post-natal days (PND) 48 and 93. Responding in each schedule was examined in two epochs, PND 58-62 and 89-93. Parameters of response-reinforcement functions (Herrnstein's hyperbola) and bout-organized behavior were estimated in each epoch.

Results

SHR emitted higher response rates than WKY and WIS, but only when rate of reinforcement was low (fewer than 2 reinforcers per minute), and particularly in the second epoch. Estimates of Herrnstein's hyperbola parameters suggested the primacy of motivational over motoric factors driving the response-rate differential. Across epochs and schedules, a more detailed analysis of response bouts by SHR revealed that these were shorter than those by WKY, but more frequent than those by WKY and WIS. Differences in bout length subsided between epochs, but differences in bout-initiation rate were exacerbated. These results were interpreted in light of robust evidence linking changes in bout-organization parameters and experimental manipulations of motivation and response-reinforcement contingency.

Conclusions

Operant hyperactivity in SHR was confirmed. Although incentive motivation appears to play an important role in operant hyperactivity and motoric capacity cannot be ruled out as a factor, response-bout patterns suggest that operant hyperactivity is primarily driven by steeper delay-of-reinforcement gradients. Convergence of this conclusion with theoretical accounts of ADHD and with free-operant performance in children with ADHD supports the use of SHR as an animal model of ADHD.