bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the TcpP-Binding Site in the
toxT
Promoter of
Vibrio cholerae
and the Role of ToxR in TcpP-Mediated Activation
Authors: Goss Thomas J. , Seaborn Craig P. , Gray Miranda D. , Krukonis Eric S.
Published: August 2010

ToxR-dependent recruitment of TcpP to the
toxT
promoter facilitates
toxT
transcription in
Vibrio cholerae
, initiating a regulatory cascade that culminates in cholera toxin expression and secretion. Although TcpP usually requires ToxR to activate the
toxT
promoter, TcpP overexpression can circumvent the requirement for ToxR in this process. To define nucleotides critical for TcpP-dependent promoter recognition and activation, a series of
toxT
promoter derivatives with single-base-pair transversions spanning the TcpP-binding site were generated and used as plasmid-borne
toxT-lacZ
fusions, as DNA mobility shift targets, and as allelic replacements of the chromosomal
toxT
promoter. When present in Δ
toxR V. cholerae
overexpressing TcpP, several transversions affecting nucleotides within two direct repeats present in the TcpP-binding region (TGTAA-N
6
-TGTAA) caused defects in TcpP-dependent
toxT-lacZ
fusion activation and toxin production. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that these same transversions reduced the affinity of the
toxT
promoter for TcpP. The presence of ToxR suppressed transcription activation defects associated with most, but not all, transversions. Particularly, the central thymine nucleotide of both pentameric repeats was essential for efficient
toxT
activation, even in the presence of ToxR. These results suggest that the
toxT
promoter recognition function provided by ToxR can facilitate the interaction of TcpP with the
toxT
promoter but is insufficient for promoter activation when the TcpP-binding site has been severely compromised by mutation. Thus, the interaction of TcpP with nucleotides of the direct repeat sequences appears to be a prerequisite for
toxT
promoter activation.
Overcoming the Heme Paradox: Heme Toxicity and Tolerance in Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Anzaldi Laura L. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: August 2010

Virtually all bacterial pathogens require iron to infect vertebrates. The most abundant source of iron within vertebrates is in the form of heme as a cofactor of hemoproteins. Many bacterial pathogens have elegant systems dedicated to the acquisition of heme from host hemoproteins. Once internalized, heme is either degraded to release free iron or used intact as a cofactor in catalases, cytochromes, and other bacterial hemoproteins. Paradoxically, the high redox potential of heme makes it a liability, as heme is toxic at high concentrations. Although a variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain heme toxicity, the mechanisms by which heme kills bacteria are not well understood. Nonetheless, bacteria employ various strategies to protect against and eliminate heme toxicity. Factors involved in heme acquisition and detoxification have been found to contribute to virulence, underscoring the physiological relevance of heme stress during pathogenesis. Herein we describe the current understanding of the mechanisms of heme toxicity and how bacterial pathogens overcome the heme paradox during infection.
ROAD TYPE ESTIMATION BY WAVELET ANALYSIS OF RUNNING TIRE SOUND
Authors: HAYASHI KENSUKE , SHIN SEIICHI
Published: August 2010

This paper proposes a new method of road type estimation by means of the running tire sound (the tire inner sound). The sound is collected with a microphone installed in a tire and a wireless communication and power supply system. Characteristic frequency of each road condition is extracted from wavelet transform of the sound signal. An experiment result shows the proposing logic can discriminate the road conditions, including flat, pave, rough and ditch.
STRATEGIC CAPABILITIES FOR THE GROWTH OF MANUFACTURING SMEs: A CONFIGURATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: RAYMOND LOUIS , ST-PIERRE JOSÉE , FABI BRUNO , LACOURSIÈRE RICHARD
Published: August 2010

In a now global knowledge-based economy, the strategic intent of manufacturing SMEs is manifested by the development of strategic capabilities not only for product and market development, but also for the development of their network, technological and human resources. This paper presents the results of a survey study of the strategic capabilities of 292 manufacturing firms, that is, 213 Canadian and 79 French SMEs. Taking the firms' entrepreneurial and organizational context into account, three distinct configurations of strategic capabilities are identified, namely 57 entrepreneurial SMEs, 93 engineering SMEs and 142 administrative SMEs, the first configuration being the "ideal" one in terms of growth.
A Survey of Scheduling and Interference Mitigationin LTE
Authors: Kwan Raymond , Leung Cyril
Published: August 2010

Among the goals of 3GPP LTE networks are higher user bit rates, lower delays, increased spectrum efficiency, support for diverse QoS requirements, reduced cost, and operational simplicity. Resource scheduling and interference mitigation are two functions which are key to achieving these goals. This paper provides a survey of related techniques which have been proposed and shown to be promising. A brief discussion of the challenges for LTE‐Advanced, the next step in the evolution, is also provided.
Interleukin-6 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Furuya Yoshiaki , Satoh Toru , Kuwana Masataka
Published: August 2010

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a wide range of biologic activities in immune regulation, hematopoiesis, inflammation, and oncogenesis. Recent accumulating evidence indicates a pathologic role for IL-6 in promoting proliferation of both smooth muscle and endothelial cells in the pulmonary arterioles, resulting in development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Here, we describe a patient with mixed connective tissue disease and severe, refractory PAH. Her functional activity and hemodynamic parameters dramatically responded to tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to human IL-6 receptor, which was aimed at treating multicentric Castleman's disease. It appears that IL-6 blockade may hold promise as an adjunct drug in treatment of PAH in idiopathic form as well as in association with connective tissue disease.
Expression of TLR4-MyD88 and NF-κB in the Iris during Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis
Authors: Li Shang , Lu Hong , Hu Xiaofeng , Chen Wei , Xu Yingzhi , Wang Jing
Published: August 2010

Purpose. To observe the expression of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) in iris tissue during endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) and evaluate the significance of these factors in uveitis.Methods. Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, n = 10/group). Animal model of acute anterior uveitis was established by a hind footpad injection of 200 μgCholera vibrio LPS. Expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in iris ciliary body tissue was detected through immunohistochemical staining.Results. Expression of TLR4 was not detected in normal iris-ciliary body complex, TLR4 positive cells with round morphology appeared in the iris stroma 12 hours after injection, significantly increased(P<.001)48 hours after injection, and decreased gradually 72 hours after injection. Expression of MyD88 and NF-κB p65 is consistent with the change of the TLR4.Conclusions. The increased expression of TLR4 and its downstream signal transduction moleculesMyD88, NF-κB p65 indicate the potential role of pathway in the pathogenesis of acute anterior uveitis (AAU).
Hybrid Data Fusion and Tracking for Positioning with GNSS and 3GPP-LTE
Authors: Mensing Christian , Sand Stephan , Dammann Armin
Published: August 2010

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) can provide reliable positioning information under optimum conditions, where at least four satellites can be accessed with sufficient quality. In critical situations, for example, urban canyons or indoor, due to blocking of satellites by buildings and severe multipath effects, the GNSS performance can be decreased substantially. To overcome this limitation, we propose to exploit additionally information from communications systems for positioning purposes, for example, by using time difference of arrival (TDOA) information. To optimize the performance, hybrid data fusion and tracking algorithms can combine both types of sources and further exploit the mobility of the user. Simulation results for different filter types show
the ability of this approach to compensate the lack of satellites by additional TDOA measurements from a future 3GPP-LTE communications system. This paper analyzes the performance in a fairly realistic manner by taking into account ray-tracing simulations to generate a coherent environment for GNSS and 3GPP-LTE.
Synthesis, and Characterization, and Evaluation of Cellular Effects of the FOL‐PEG‐g‐PEI‐GAL Nanoparticles as a Potential Non‐Viral Vector for Gene Delivery
Authors: Ghiamkazemi S. , Amanzadeh A. , Dinarvand R. , Rafiee-Tehrani M. , Amini M.
Published: August 2010

In this manuscript, we synthesized the potential non viral vector for gene delivery with proper transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a well‐known cationic polymer which has high positive surface charge for condensing plasmid DNA. However; it is highly cytotoxic in many cell lines because of the high surface charge, non‐biodegradability and non‐biocompatibility. To enhance PEI biodegradability, the graft copolymer “PEG‐g‐PEI” was synthesized. To target cancer liver cells, two targeting ligands folic acid and galactose (lactobionic acid) which are over expressed on human hepatocyte carcinoma were attached to graft copolymer and “FOL‐PEG‐g‐PEI‐GAL” copolymer was synthesized. Composition of this grafted copolymer was characterized using  1H‐NMR and FTIR spectra. The molecular weight and zeta potential of this copolymer was compared to PEI. The particle size and zeta potential of FOL‐PEG‐g‐PEI‐GAL/DNA complexes at various N/P ratio were measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cytotoxicity of the copolymer was also studied in cultured HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cell line. The FOL‐PEG‐g‐PEI‐GAL/DNA complexes at various N/P ratios exhibited no cytotoxicity in HepG2 cell line compared to PEI 25K as a control. The novel copolymer showed enhanced biodegradability in physiological conditions in compared with PEI and targeted cultured HepG2 cells. More importantly, significant transfection efficiency was exhibited in cancer liver cells. Together, our results showed that “FOL‐PEG‐g‐PEI‐GAL” nanoparticals could be considered as a useful non‐viral vector for targeted gene delivery.
Gossypiboma: Retained Surgical Sponge after a Gynecologic Procedure
Authors: Sümer Aziz , Çarparlar M. Ali , Uslukaya Ömer , Bayrak Vedat , Kotan Çetin , Kemik Ozgur , Iliklerden Umit
Published: August 2010

We report on a case of gossypiboma. A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with abdominal mass. She had undergone a caesarean operation 23 years previously. The mass in the right abdominal quadrant was suspected by abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The mass was removed by laparotomy excision and the final diagnosis was gossypiboma.
Partial Purification and Characterization of the Mode of Action of Enterocin S37: A Bacteriocin Produced byEnterococcus faecalisS37 Isolated from Poultry Feces
Authors: Belguesmia Y. , Choiset Y. , Prévost H. , Dalgalarrondo M. , Chobert J.-M. , Drider D.
Published: August 2010

The aim of this research was to purify and characterize the mode of action of enterocin S37, a bacteriocin produced byEnterococcus faecalisS37, a strain recently isolated from the chicken feces. Enterocin S37 has a molecular weight comprised between 4 and 5 kDa. It remained active after 1 h at and at pH values ranging from 4.0 to 9.0. Furthermore, cell-free supernatant ofEnterococcus faecalisS37 and purified enterocin S37 were active against Gram-positive bacteria includingListeria monocytogenesEGDe,L. innocuaF,Enterococcus faecalisJH2-2, andLactobacillus brevisF145. The purification of enterocin S37 was performed by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed up by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography procedures. Treatment of enterocin S37 with proteinase K, -chymotrypsin, and papain confirmed its proteinaceous nature, while its treatment with lysozyme and lipase resulted in no alteration of activity. Enterocin S37 is hydrophobic, anti-Listeriaand likely acting by depletion of intracellular K+ions upon action on channels. This study contributed to gain more insights into the mode of action of enterocins.
Impact of Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Treatment Response to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kasahara Kazuo , Arao Tokuzo , Sakai Kazuko , Matsumoto Kazuko , Sakai Asao , Kimura Hideharu , Sone Takashi , Horiike Atsushi , Nishio Makoto , Ohira Tatsuo , Ikeda Norihiko , Yamanaka Takeharu , Saijo Nagahiro , Nishio Kazuto
Published: August 2010

Purpose: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status has emerged as a validated biomarker for predicting the response to treatment with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) in patients with non–small cell lung cancer. However, the responses to EGFR-TKIs vary even among patients with EGFR mutations. We studied several other independently active biomarkers for EGFR-TKI treatment.

Experimental Design: We retrospectively analyzed the serum concentrations of 13 molecules in a cohort of 95 patients with non–small cell lung adenocarcinoma who received EGFR-TKI treatment at three centers. The pretreatment serum concentrations of amphiregulin, β-cellulin, EGF, EGFR, epiregulin, fibroblast growth factor-basic, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor β polypeptide, placental growth factor, tenascin C, transforming growth factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a multiplex immunoassay system. The associations between clinical outcomes and these molecules were evaluated.

Results: The concentrations of HGF and VEGF were significantly higher among patients with progressive disease than among those without progressive disease (P < 0.0001). HGF and VEGF were strongly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a univariate Cox analysis (all tests for hazard ratio showed P < 0.0001). A stratified multivariate Cox model according to EGFR mutation status (mutant, n = 20; wild-type, n = 23; unknown, n = 52) showed that higher HGF levels were significantly associated with a shorter PFS and OS (P < 0.0001 for both PFS and OS). These observations were also consistent in the subset analyses.

Conclusions: Serum HGF was strongly related to the outcome of EGFR-TKI treatment. Our results suggest that the serum HGF level could be used to refine the selection of patients expected to respond to EGFR-TKI treatment, warranting further prospective study. Clin Cancer Res; 16(18); 4616–24. ©2010 AACR.
An Unusual Form of Occipitocervical Assimilation Presenting with Spastic Tetraparesis in a Child
Authors: Lee James Anthony , Wood Martin James
Published: August 2010

A diagnosis of ‘cerebral palsy’ in childhood is relatively common. Abnormalities of the upper cervical spine causing spinal cord compression are rare, but can be a cause of symptoms and signs that may otherwise be attributed to brain injury acquired during development. We present an interesting case of a congenital abnormality of the atlas causing severe cervical spinal cord compression in a 9-year-old child, together with a discussion of the relevant aspects of spinal development and a review of the literature.
Simultaneous Middle Fossa Arachnoid Cyst and Ambient Cistern Epidermoid Cyst: Case Report and Endoscope-Assisted Microsurgical Management
Authors: Kasliwal Manish K. , Fraser Justin F. , Greenfield Jeffrey P. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: August 2010

Simultaneous occurrence of dual intracranial pathology is very rare. Most of such reported cases occur in the setting of a genetic or hereditary predisposing condition like neurofibromatosis. Though some cases of coexistence of multiple intracranial pathologies have been reported, occurrence of an arachnoid and epidermoid cyst in the same patient has never been reported. A 16-year-old boy was referred to us with a diagnosis of left temporal arachnoid cyst. Careful review of the MRI showed the presence of 2 different signal intensities with restricted diffusion in the cyst in the ambient cistern and normal diffusion in the cyst anterior to the temporal tip suggesting the presence of an arachnoid cyst adjacent to an epidermoid cyst which was managed using endoscope-assisted microsurgical transcranial surgery. The possibility of such an association could be explained based on the congenital origin of both lesions. Diffusion-weighted imaging can be invaluable in unraveling such a relationship.
Clinical Impact of Renal Biopsy on Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Yoon Hye Eun , Shin Mi Jung , Kim Young Soo , Choi Bum Soon , Kim Byung Soo , Choi Young Jin , Kim Young Ok , Yoon Sun Ae , Kim Yong Soo , Yang Chul Woo
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: The number of elderly patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is increasing. This study aimed to assess the implications of renal biopsy on the outcomes in elderly patients with NS. Methods: Ninety-nine patients diagnosed with NS who were over 60 years of age were reviewed. Secondary NS related to diabetes was excluded. Histopathological diagnosis, comparison of outcomes between the biopsied group (n = 64) and the nonbiopsied group (n = 35) and factors affecting renal survival were evaluated. Results: The biopsied group was significantly younger and had better renal function than the nonbiopsied group. More patients in the biopsied group than in the nonbiopsied group received immunosuppressive treatment (76.6 vs. 42.9%, p < 0.005), and achieved complete remission (45.3 vs. 26.5%, p = 0.013). The complication rates and renal survival rates were not different between the two groups, but the patient survival rates were significantly higher in the biopsied group (p < 0.005). Predictors for renal survival were renal function at diagnosis and response to treatment. Conclusion: Renal biopsy is essential for a correct diagnosis and directed therapeutic approach in elderly patients with NS and may improve the clinical outcomes of these patients.
Induction of Therapeutic Hypothermia by Paramedics After Resuscitation From Out-of-Hospital Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Bernard Stephen A. , Smith Karen , Cameron Peter , Masci Kevin , Taylor David M. , Cooper D. James , Kelly Anne-Maree , Silvester William
Published: August 2010

Background—

Therapeutic hypothermia is recommended for the treatment of neurological injury after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Laboratory studies have suggested that earlier cooling may be associated with improved neurological outcomes. We hypothesized that induction of therapeutic hypothermia by paramedics before hospital arrival would improve outcome.

Methods and Results—

In a prospective, randomized controlled trial, we assigned adults who had been resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with an initial cardiac rhythm of ventricular fibrillation to either prehospital cooling with a rapid infusion of 2 L of ice-cold lactated Ringer’s solution or cooling after hospital admission. The primary outcome measure was functional status at hospital discharge, with a favorable outcome defined as discharge either to home or to a rehabilitation facility. A total of 234 patients were randomly assigned to either paramedic cooling (118 patients) or hospital cooling (116 patients). Patients allocated to paramedic cooling received a median of 1900 mL (first quartile 1000 mL, third quartile 2000 mL) of ice-cold fluid. This resulted in a mean decrease in core temperature of 0.8°C (
P
=0.01). In the paramedic-cooled group, 47.5% patients had a favorable outcome at hospital discharge compared with 52.6% in the hospital-cooled group (risk ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.17,
P
=0.43).

Conclusions—

In adults who have been resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with an initial cardiac rhythm of ventricular fibrillation, paramedic cooling with a rapid infusion of large-volume, ice-cold intravenous fluid decreased core temperature at hospital arrival but was not shown to improve outcome at hospital discharge compared with cooling commenced in the hospital.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.anzctr.org.au. Unique identifier: ACTRN12605000179639.
Intra-Arrest Transnasal Evaporative Cooling
Authors: Castrén Maaret , Nordberg Per , Svensson Leif , Taccone Fabio , Vincent Jean-Louise , Desruelles Didier , Eichwede Frank , Mols Pierre , Schwab Tilmann , Vergnion Michel , Storm Christian , Pesenti Antonio , Pachl Jan , Guérisse Fabien , Elste Thomas , Roessler Markus , Fritz Harald , Durnez Pieterjan , Busch Hans-Jörg , Inderbitzen Becky , Barbut Denise
Published: August 2010

Background—

Transnasal evaporative cooling has sufficient heat transfer capacity for effective intra-arrest cooling and improves survival in swine. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and cooling efficacy of prehospital transnasal cooling in humans and to explore its effects on neurologically intact survival to hospital discharge.

Methods and Results—

Witnessed cardiac arrest patients with a treatment interval ≤20 minutes were randomized to intra-arrest cooling with a RhinoChill device (treatment group, n=96) versus standard care (control group, n=104). The final analysis included 93 versus 101 patients, respectively. Both groups were cooled after hospital arrival. The patients had similar demographics, initial rhythms, rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and intervals to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and arrival of advanced life support personnel. Eighteen device-related adverse events (1 periorbital emphysema, 3 epistaxis, 1 perioral bleed, and 13 nasal discolorations) were reported. Time to target temperature of 34°C was shorter in the treatment group for both tympanic (102 versus 282 minutes,
P
=0.03) and core (155 versus 284 minutes,
P
=0.13) temperature. There were no significant differences in rates of return of spontaneous circulation between the groups (38% in treated subjects versus 43% in control subjects,
P
=0.48), in overall survival of those admitted alive (44% versus 31%, respectively,
P
=0.26), or in neurologically intact survival to discharge (Pittsburgh cerebral performance category scale 1 to 2, 34% versus 21%,
P
=0.21), although the study was not adequately powered to detect changes in these outcomes.

Conclusions—

Prehospital intra-arrest transnasal cooling is safe and feasible and is associated with a significant improvement in the time intervals required to cool patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00808236.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Suppresses Pathological Hypertrophy, Myocardial Fibrosis, and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Zhong JiuChang , Basu Ratnadeep , Guo Danny , Chow Fung L. , Byrns Simon , Schuster Manfred , Loibner Hans , Wang Xiu-hua , Penninger Josef M. , Kassiri Zamaneh , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: August 2010

Background—Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a pleiotropic monocarboxypeptidase capable of metabolizing several peptide substrates. We hypothesized that ACE2 is a negative regulator of angiotensin II (Ang II)–mediated signaling and its adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.

Methods and Results—Ang II infusion (1.5 mg · kg−1· d−1) for 14 days resulted in worsening cardiac fibrosis and pathological hypertrophy in ACE2 knockout (Ace2−/y) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Daily treatment of Ang II–infused wild-type mice with recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2; 2 mg · kg−1· d−1IP) blunted the hypertrophic response and expression of hypertrophy markers and reduced Ang II–induced superoxide production. Ang II–mediated myocardial fibrosis and expression of procollagen type Iα1, procollagen type IIIα1, transforming growth factor-β1, and fibronectin were also suppressed by rhACE2. Ang II–induced diastolic dysfunction was inhibited by rhACE2 in association with reduced plasma and myocardial Ang II and increased plasma Ang 1-7 levels. rhACE2 treatment inhibited Ang II–mediated activation of protein kinase C-α and protein kinase C-β1 protein levels and phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated 1/2, Janus kinase 2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathways in wild-type mice. A subpressor dose of Ang II (0.15 mg · kg−1· d−1) resulted in a milder phenotype that was strikingly attenuated by rhACE2 (2 mg · kg−1· d−1IP). In adult ventricular cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts, Ang II–mediated superoxide generation, collagen production, and extracellular signal-regulated 1/2 signaling were inhibited by rhACE2 in an Ang 1-7–dependent manner. Importantly, rhACE2 partially prevented the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in pressure-overloaded wild-type mice.

Conclusions—Elevated Ang II induced hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction, which were exacerbated by ACE2 deficiency, whereas rhACE2 attenuated Ang II– and pressure-overload–induced adverse myocardial remodeling. Hence, ACE2 is an important negative regulator of Ang II–induced heart disease and suppresses adverse myocardial remodeling.
Upregulation of Ecto-5′-Nucleotidase by Rosuvastatin Increases the Vasodilator Response to Ischemia
Authors: Meijer Patrick , Wouters Constantijn W. , van den Broek Petra H.H. , de Rooij Maarten , Scheffer Gert Jan , Smits Paul , Rongen Gerard A.
Published: August 2010

3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Although originally developed to improve lipid profile, statins have demonstrated a surplus of beneficial pleiotropic effects, including improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation, and increased tolerance to ischemia-reperfusion injury. In preclinical studies, increased ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity, the key enzyme in extracellular adenosine formation, plays an important role in these effects. Because human data are absent, we explored the effects of rosuvastatin on ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity and the clinical relevance of increased extracellular adenosine during ischemia in humans in vivo. The forearm vasodilator responses to 3 increasing periods of forearm ischemia (2, 5, and 13 minutes) were determined during placebo and caffeine (an adenosine receptor antagonist) infusion into the brachial artery. At the end of an 8-day treatment period with rosuvastatin (20 mg per day), this whole procedure was repeated. During both experiments, ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity was determined. Vasodilator responses are expressed as the percentage increase in forearm blood flow ratio from baseline. Rosuvastatin increased ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity by 49±17% and enhanced the vasodilator response after 2, 5, and 13 minutes of ischemia in the absence (146±19, 330±26, and 987±133 to 312±77, 566±107, and 1533±267) but not in the presence of caffeine (98±25, 264±54, and 727±111 versus 95±19, 205±34, and 530±62). Rosuvastatin increases extracellular formation of adenosine in humans in vivo probably by enhancing ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity. This action results in the improvement of reactive hyperemia and may further enhance the clinical benefit of statins, in particular in conditions of ischemia.
Alpha Oscillations Correlate with the Successful Inhibition of Unattended Stimuli
Authors: Händel Barbara F. , Haarmeier Thomas , Jensen Ole
Published: August 2010

Because the human visual system is continually being bombarded with inputs, it is necessary to have effective mechanisms for filtering out irrelevant information. This is partly achieved by the allocation of attention, allowing the visual system to process relevant input while blocking out irrelevant input. What is the physiological substrate of attentional allocation? It has been proposed that alpha activity reflects functional inhibition. Here we asked if inhibition by alpha oscillations has behavioral consequences for suppressing the perception of unattended input. To this end, we investigated the influence of alpha activity on motion processing in two attentional conditions using magneto-encephalography. The visual stimuli used consisted of two random-dot kinematograms presented simultaneously to the left and right visual hemifields. Subjects were cued to covertly attend the left or right kinematogram. After 1.5 sec, a second cue tested whether subjects could report the direction of coherent motion in the attended (80%) or unattended hemifield (20%). Occipital alpha power was higher contralateral to the unattended side than to the attended side, thus suggesting inhibition of the unattended hemifield. Our key finding is that this alpha lateralization in the 20% invalidly cued trials did correlate with the perception of motion direction: Subjects with pronounced alpha lateralization were worse at detecting motion direction in the unattended hemifield. In contrast, lateralization did not correlate with visual discrimination in the attended visual hemifield. Our findings emphasize the suppressive nature of alpha oscillations and suggest that processing of inputs outside the field of attention is weakened by means of increased alpha activity.
Driver Acceptance of False Alarms to Simulated Encroachment
Authors: Smith Kip , Källhammer Jan-Erik
Published: August 2010

Objective: We investigated driver acceptance of alerts to left-turn encroachment incidents that do not produce a crash. If an event that produces a crash is the criterion for a “true” alert, all the alerts we studied are technically false alarms. Our aim was to inform the design of intersection-assist active safety systems.

Background: The premise of this study is that it may be possible to overcome driver resistance to alerts that are false alarms by designing systems to issue alerts when and only when drivers would expect and accept them.

Method: Participants were passengers in a driving simulator that presented left-turn encroachment incidents. Participant point of view, the direction of encroachment, and postencroachment time (PET) were manipulated to produce 36 near-crash incidents. After viewing each incident, the participant rated the relative acceptability of a hypothetical alert to it.

Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA and logistic regression indicate that acceptability varies inversely with PET. At PET intervals less than 2.2 s, driver point of view and encroachment direction interact. At PET intervals more than 2.2 s, alerts to lateral encroachments are more acceptable than alerts to oncoming encroachments.

Conclusion: Driver acceptance of alerts by active safety systems will be sensitive to context.

Application: This study demonstrates the utility of eliciting subjective criteria to inform system design to match driver (user) expectations. Intersection-assist active safety systems will need to be designed to adapt to the interaction of driver point of view, the direction of encroachment, and PET.
An Eye Movement Analysis of the Effect of Interruption Modality on Primary Task Resumption
Authors: Ratwani Raj , Trafton J. Gregory
Published: August 2010

Objective: We examined the effect of interruption modality (visual or auditory) on primary task (visual) resumption to determine which modality was the least disruptive.

Background: Theories examining interruption modality have focused on specific periods of the interruption timeline. Preemption theory has focused on the switch from the primary task to the interrupting task. Multiple resource theory has focused on interrupting tasks that are to be performed concurrently with the primary task. Our focus was on examining how interruption modality influences task resumption. We leverage the memory-for-goals theory, which suggests that maintaining an associative link between environmental cues and the suspended primary task goal is important for resumption.

Method: Three interruption modality conditions were examined: auditory interruption with the primary task visible, auditory interruption with a blank screen occluding the primary task, and a visual interruption occluding the primary task. Reaction time and eye movement data were collected.

Results: The auditory condition with the primary task visible was the least disruptive. Eye movement data suggest that participants in this condition were actively maintaining an associative link between relevant environmental cues on the primary task interface and the suspended primary task goal during the interruption.

Conclusion: These data suggest that maintaining cue association is the important factor for reducing the disruptiveness of interruptions, not interruption modality.

Application: Interruption-prone computing environments should be designed to allow for the user to have access to relevant primary task cues during an interruption to minimize disruptiveness.
Conceptualizing ‘precarious prosperity’: Empirical and theoretical elements for debate
Authors: Budowski Monica , Tillmann Robin , Keim Wiebke , Amacker Michèle
Published: August 2010

Empirical studies have recently pointed towards a socio-structural category largely overlooked in social inequality research: the dynamic positions of households adjacent to those of the poor and yet not representing those of the established, more prosperous positions in society. These results suggest that the population in this category fluctuates into and out of poverty more often than moving into and out of secure prosperity. This category — still lacking theoretical conceptualization — is characterized by both precariousness and a certain degree of prosperity; despite a restricted and uncertain living standard it holds a range of opportunities for action. We seek analytical elements to conceptualize ‘precarious prosperity’ for comparative empirical research by subjecting various concepts of social inequality research to critical scrutiny. We then operationally define ‘precarious prosperity’ to screen for this population in three countries. Based on qualitative interviews with households in precarious prosperity, we present first analyses of perceptions and household strategies that underline the relevance of the concept in different countries.
Falling at the bottom: Unskilled jobs at entry in the labor market in Spain over time and in a comparative perspective
Authors: Bernardi Fabrizio , Martínez-Pastor Juan-Ignacio
Published: August 2010

This article analyses the risk of occupying an unskilled job for young people in Spain over the last 30 years. In order to study change over time, all of the quarters of the Spanish Labor Force Survey have been used, from the third quarter of 1976 to the third quarter of 2007. The results show that the likelihood of having an unskilled job has decreased slightly. The logit regressions highlight: 1) the continuing importance of education in helping avoidance of the worst jobs; 2) greater equality of the sexes; and 3) nationality as a new and significant structuring factor of inequality. We have complemented the in-depth analysis for Spain with a comparative analysis for 24 countries using data from the European Labor Force Survey of 2005. Our findings demonstrate that there are more unskilled jobs in Spain in comparison with the other 23 countries.
The deterrent effects of economic integration
Authors: Aydin Aysegul
Published: August 2010

Economic interdependence and international conflict studies have traditionally focused on the role of bilateral trade on direct deterrence, mostly omitting its indirect effects on third-party states. While scholars in the extended deterrence literature have examined the role of defender–target trade in deterring aggressors, most empirical research has remained limited to immediate deterrence and neglected general deterrence. This article synthesizes these literatures and goes beyond the dyad-level analysis in trade–conflict studies by focusing on the deterrent effects of trade. I claim that trade ties between the defender and target are not sufficient for extended general deterrence. This is mainly because international trade by itself is a poor indicator of the extent to which the target is an economically important friend of the defender, worth defending against aggressors. Empirical analysis of militarized disputes between rival states in the post-1945 period supports this point and shows that extended deterrence success is most likely in cases where the defender and target are economically integrated through regional trade institutions as well as conducting heavy trade. Economically minded defenders can successfully generate credible signals of resolve if they have institutional ties with their important trade partners.
From toys to warships: Interdependence and the effects of disaggregated trade on militarized disputes
Authors: F Goenner Cullen
Published: August 2010

The United States recently proposed to sell Saudi Arabia advanced weaponry worth 20 billion dollars over the next 10 years. The volume of trade, while significant, is second in the news headline that the United States would provide Saudi Arabia with precision-guided bombs, upgrades to its fighters, and new naval vessels. Trade of strategic commodities, such as armaments, suggests a strong interdependence between countries, which may influence international relations differently than the same volume of toys traded between nations. The author posits the volume and pattern of commodities that countries trade with each other are both relevant to interstate conflict. Commodities are heterogeneous and thus vary in terms of their strategic importance, substitutability, and ease of expropriation. This heterogeneity, along with the volume of trade, influences the opportunity cost of lost trade caused by conflict. This article empirically examines whether the pattern of trade is relevant to conflict for the period 1962–2000. The results from both single and simultaneous equations models indicate that increasing the share of bilateral trade in energy, non-ferrous metals, and electronics increases conflict, whereas for chemicals and arms it reduces conflict. Differences in these strategic commodities’ elasticity of import demand and export supply, along with their ease of expropriation, contribute to the heterogeneous effects.
Communicating Identity
Authors: Wæraas Arild
Published: August 2010

This study analyzes the core value statements of 25 regulative institutions located in 11 different OECD countries. Four types of institutions are studied: six tax agencies, six food safety authorities, four environmental protection agencies, and nine supreme audit institutions. The study shows that there is a clear emphasis on people-related and professional values. Based on these findings, I argue that regulative organizations, which we normally would assume need legitimacy for their authoritative role and coercive powers, attempt to become identified with values that imply a more lenient identity, distancing themselves from the more “traditional” authoritative and bureaucratic identity. Potential implications for organizational legitimation are discussed.
Public–Private Partnership in Poland
Authors: Jorna Frans , Wagenaar Pieter , Das Enny , Jezewski Jan
Published: August 2010

A language barrier prevents us from understanding how other cultures look at public administration, as “semantic fields” differ between languages. These differences can never be fully grasped, but what we can do is study what happens when a particular concept crosses the border. In this article we select a concept, public–private partnership, that in recent times migrated from one administrative order, the United States, to another, Poland. We follow this concept on its migration to see how it changes and to find out what these shifts in meaning tell us about the differences between the two social realities involved.
Belonging, Believing, Behaving
Authors: Freeman Patricia K. , Houston David J.
Published: August 2010

How do public servants compare to the general public in their religious affiliation, beliefs, and behaviors? Using data from the 2004 General Social Survey, we compare public servants in government and outside government to the general public through a series of logistic regression models. Although there is little difference in terms of denominational affiliation, public servants have a stronger commitment to, and are more active in, their religious communities. The implications of these findings for public administration are discussed.
Objective and Subjective Performance Measures
Authors: Schachter Hindy Lauer
Published: August 2010

At least since the late 1970s, the performance measurement literature has used different terminologies to describe agency- and citizen-generated performance measures. The first type of measures are placed into objective and the second type into subjective categories. This article argues that this terminology is outdated owing to evidence on the contextual subjectivity of all performance measures. The analysis also examines the potential impact of the dichotomization on the role accorded citizens in helping to develop public sector performance measures.
Back to the Garden: Communes, the Environment, and Antiurban Pastoralism at the End of the Sixties
Authors: Conn Steven
Published: August 2010

This essay examines the complicated relationship among hippie communes, the environmental movement, and New Left and Black Power militants in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In those relationships lie the roots of the divide that separated environmental issues on one hand and urban issues on the other during the 1970s and beyond. This essay examines how the fight between militants and back-to-the-land communards and environmentalists, between what we might call urban progressives and antiurban progressives, was staged as a fight between those who cared about the issues of the city and those who turned their backs on them. In this way, this essay locates the city more centrally in politics of the era.
Employee attitudes to the distribution of organizational influence: Who should have the most influence on which issues?
Authors: Jeppesen Hans Jeppe , Jønsson Thomas , Shevlin Mark
Published: August 2010

This article investigates the relationship between how individuals actually experience influence in organizational issues and which actors in the organizational structure are preferred to have the most influence over different issues. In this way the article also highlights links between different forms of direct and indirect influence. Four different Danish companies applying teamwork, varying in size and type, participated in the study. The total sample size included 526 employees involved in teamwork who returned the questionnaire (response rate of 72 percent). The results indicated that employees would like the actors who already have responsibilities for a given area to control that area. The results of the regression analyses show significant associations between the degree to which influence was experienced and desires for which organizational actors should have most influence. Furthermore, employees who experience the highest degree of influence within a domain want similarly placed colleagues to have high levels of influence. The results emphasize the significance of considering the level of employee influence in understanding employee attitudes to the distribution of organizational influence and leadership.
Rural Residents’ Perspectives on Multiple Morbidity Management and Disease Prevention
Authors: Bardach Shoshana H. , Schoenberg Nancy E. , Tarasenko Yelena N. , Fleming Steven T.
Published: August 2010

Middle-aged and older adults often experience several simultaneously occurring chronic conditions or “multiple morbidity” (MM). The task of both managing MM and preventing chronic conditions can be overwhelming, particularly in populations with high disease burdens, low socioeconomic status, and health care provider shortages. This article sought to understand Appalachian residents’ perspectives on MM management and prevention. Forty-one rural Appalachian residents aged 50 and above with MM were interviewed about disease management and colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. Transcripts were examined for overall analytic categories and coded using techniques to enhance transferability and rigor. Participants indicate facing various challenges to prevention due, in part, to conditions within their rural environment. Patients and providers spend significant time and energy on MM management, often precluding prevention activities. This article discusses implications of MM management for CRC prevention and strategies to increase disease prevention among this rural, vulnerable population burdened by MM.
Creating and Sustaining Effective Partnerships to Advance Research on Youth With Serious Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Duppong Hurley Kristin , Trout Alexandra , Griffith Annette , Epstein Michael , Thompson Ronald , Mason W. Alex , Huefner Jonathan , Daly Daniel
Published: August 2010

A key barrier to conducting research involving children and families is the difficulty of creating partnerships among researchers, treatment agencies, and schools. This article describes several key factors that were essential to establishing an effective research collaboration between practitioners and university-based researchers, including a mutual respect for the unique needs of research and practice; a strategy for joint decision making; a partnership model of incremental growth; a plan for mentoring junior faculty and students; a format for regular contact between the partners; and a plan for long-term sustainability. This collaboration has conducted over a dozen evaluation studies, as well as examined best practice issues surrounding the needs of children and families with serious emotional and behavioral needs. Even more important has been the lines of research that have been developed from this partnership which keeps the collaboration focused. The lessons learned from this research partnership should inform other collaborations.
An Asymmetric Stroop/Reverse-Stroop Interference Phenomenon in ADHD
Authors: Song Yongning , Hakoda Yuji
Published: August 2010

Objective: To examine whether participants with ADHD showed a deficit in Stroop/reverse-Stroop interference by comparing them to non-ADHD participants. Method: A group with ADHD, primarily inattentive type ( n = 15), and a paired non-ADHD group ( n = 15) completed the group version of the Stroop/reverse-Stroop test. Results: Asymmetric interference was observed between the Stroop test and the reverse-Stroop test in ADHD participants, presenting evidence contrary to Barkley’s behavioral inhibition model of ADHD in which response inhibition deficits pertained only to the ADHD-C subtype. Conclusion: Participants with ADHD showed a control deficit in reverse-Stroop interference but not in Stroop interference.
Time Estimation Abilities of College Students With ADHD
Authors: Prevatt Frances , Proctor Briley , Baker Leigh , Garrett Lori , Yelland Sherry
Published: August 2010

Objective: To evaluate the time estimation abilities of college students with ADHD on a novel, complex task that approximated academically oriented activities. Method: Totally 20 college students with ADHD were compared to a sample of 20 non-ADHD students. Both groups completed a task, and scores were obtained for time to complete the task, errors made, prospective time estimate, confidence in estimate, and retrospective time estimate. In addition, scores were calculated for the difference between prospective estimate and actual time as well as the difference between retrospective estimate and actual time. Results: Controlling for cognitive ability, the ADHD participants were significantly different from the non-ADHD participants on all dependent measures except confidence and errors. Conclusion: College students with ADHD showed retrospective time estimation difficulties that may be related to academic functioning in the college setting.