bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Orotate Phosphoribosyltransferase Gene Expression Predicts Complete Response to Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Kajiwara Takeshi , Nishina Tomohiro , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Moriwaki Toshikazu , Endo Shinji , Nasu Junichirou , Hori Shinichiro , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Onji Morikazu
Published: March 2009

Objective: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a possible alternative to surgery for esophageal cancer. As complete response (CR) to CRT is essential for a good prognosis, potential biomarkers predictive of CR were explored. Methods: Endoscopic tumor biopsies were obtained from 41 patients with stage II–III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma before 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin-based definitive CRT. cDNA was derived from RNA isolated from microdissected tumor cells. mRNA expression levels of 10 genes involved in CRT or tumor biology were measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Results: Expression levels of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and dihydrofolate reductase mRNA were significantly higher in the CR group compared with the non-CR group (p = 0.0206 and 0.0191, respectively). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the CR group (p = 0.0436). CR rates were significantly higher in patients with node-negative disease and high expression levels of OPRT and dihydrofolate reductase genes (p = 0.0448, 0.0104 and 0.0104, respectively). No significant difference in CR rates was observed for other variables. Multivariate analysis revealed that high OPRT gene expression was an independent predictive factor of CR (p = 0.0192). It was also significantly associated with good prognosis (p = 0.0450). Conclusion: High OPRT gene expression may be a predictive factor of CR to 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin-based CRT in esophageal cancer.
Reverse Cholesterol Transport Pathway in Experimental Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Moradi Hamid , Yuan Jun , Ni Zhemin , Norris Keith , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: March 2009

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) causes oxidative stress, inflammation, oxidation of lipoproteins, impaired maturation of HDL and accelerated atherosclerosis. Uptake of oxidized lipoproteins by macrophages via scavenger receptors (scavenger receptor class A type I – SR-AI, and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor – LOX-1) leads to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. HDL mitigates atherosclerosis by retrieving surplus cholesterol via ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 transporters whose expression is regulated by liver X receptor (LXR). Free cholesterol reaching the surface of HDL is esterified by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and sequestered in the core of HDL, thereby maximizing cholesterol uptake. In the liver, lipid-rich HDL unloads its lipid contents via reversible binding to SR-BI while lipid-poor HDL is degraded by the holo-receptor (ATP synthase β-chain). Methods: Expression of the above molecules involved in reverse cholesterol/lipid transport was assessed in rats 8 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy (CRF) or sham operation. Results: CRF caused heavy accumulation of neutral lipids, upregulation of SR-AI, LOX-1, LXRα/β, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in the aorta, reduction in LCAT in the plasma and no significant change in either SR-BI or β-chain ATP synthase in the liver. Conclusions: Lipid accumulation despite upregulation of the efflux (LXR, ABCA1, ABCG1) system in the aorta in CRF is largely due to upregulation of influx (SR-AI and LOX-1) pathway and LCAT deficiency.
Function-Orientated Structural Analysis of the Proximal Human Femur
Authors: Skuban Tobias P. , Vogel Tobias , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Jansson Volkmar , Heimkes Bernhard
Published: March 2009

In his model of the biomechanics of the proximal human femur, Friedrich Pauwels assumes a resultant force acting on the femoral head that is created by the partial body weight and the force of the abductor muscles inserting at the greater trochanter. This model suggests a tensile force in the region of the greater trochanter. An exact examination of the muscle insertions at the greater trochanter resulted in a contrasting hypothesis assuming a local compression stress in the region of the greater trochanter. The aim of this study was to examine which hypothesis is favored by the internal architecture of the proximal femur. Based on the architectural software Allplan®, we performed an extended analysis of the trabecular structure within the proximal femur using CT scans of 10 human cadaver femora altogether. According to our results, both the medial and the trochanteric trabecular systems are orientated approximately perpendicular to the arcuate trabecular system [angles between systems ranging from 84.6 to 93.0° (mean angle 90.7°) and from 80.9 to 86.5°, (mean angle 84.9°), respectively]; furthermore, the medial trabecular system is orientated perpendicular to the epiphysis of the femoral head (mean of angles: 94.7°). The biomechanical interpretation of these results strongly supports the idea of compressive stress in the region of the greater trochanter and makes a predominant tensile force of the abductor muscles highly unlikely.
Exploring Genetic Counselors’ Perceptions of and Attitudes towards Schizophrenia
Authors: Monaco Laura C. , Conway Laura , Valverde Kathleen , Austin Jehannine C.
Published: March 2009

Schizophrenia is a common complex condition, for which no genetic testing is yet clinically available. Genetic counseling for psychiatric disorders is viewed by genetic counselors as a growth area, and to meet any increase in demand it is important to understand existing context. Thus, we surveyed general practice members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, to examine perceptions and attitudes relating to schizophrenia. A total of 136 genetic counselors completed the survey, of whom 50% were engaged in general practice roles and therefore eligible to participate. Of these, 40% reported ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ asking about psychiatric illness when taking a family history. Some respondents expressed concern that discussing genetics of schizophrenia and providing risk assessment with families may be more confusing or worrisome than helpful. Many counselors reported that patients feel frustrated with the inability of genetic counselors to provide individual risk calculations. It appears that genetic counselors are reluctant to ask patients about psychiatric illness, and are concerned that their services might not be helpful in the context of schizophrenia.
Collicular Vision Guides Nonconscious Behavior
Authors: Tamietto Marco , Cauda Franco , Corazzini Luca Latini , Savazzi Silvia , Marzi Carlo A. , Goebel Rainer , Weiskrantz Lawrence , de Gelder Beatrice
Published: March 2009

Following destruction or deafferentation of primary visual cortex (area V1, striate cortex), clinical blindness ensues, but residual visual functions may, nevertheless, persist without perceptual consciousness (a condition termed blindsight). The study of patients with such lesions thus offers a unique opportunity to investigate what visual capacities are mediated by the extrastriate pathways that bypass V1. Here we provide evidence for a crucial role of the collicular–extrastriate pathway in nonconscious visuomotor integration by showing that, in the absence of V1, the superior colliculus (SC) is essential to translate visual signals that cannot be consciously perceived into motor outputs. We found that a gray stimulus presented in the blind field of a patient with unilateral V1 loss, although not consciously seen, can influence his behavioral and pupillary responses to consciously perceived stimuli in the intact field (implicit bilateral summation). Notably, this effect was accompanied by selective activations in the SC and in occipito-temporal extrastriate areas. However, when instead of gray stimuli we presented purple stimuli, which predominantly draw on S-cones and are thus invisible to the SC, any evidence of implicit visuomotor integration disappeared and activations in the SC dropped significantly. The present findings show that the SC acts as an interface between sensory and motor processing in the human brain, thereby providing a contribution to visually guided behavior that may remain functionally and anatomically segregated from the geniculo-striate pathway and entirely outside conscious visual experience.
A Multimodal Neural Network Recruited by Expertise with Musical Notation
Authors: Wong Yetta Kwailing , Gauthier Isabel
Published: March 2009

Prior neuroimaging work on visual perceptual expertise has focused on changes in the visual system, ignoring possible effects of acquiring expert visual skills in nonvisual areas. We investigated expertise for reading musical notation, a skill likely to be associated with multimodal abilities. We compared brain activity in music-reading experts and novices during perception of musical notation, Roman letters, and mathematical symbols and found selectivity for musical notation for experts in a widespread multimodal network of areas. The activity in several of these areas was correlated with a behavioral measure of perceptual fluency with musical notation, suggesting that activity in nonvisual areas can predict individual differences in visual expertise. The visual selectivity for musical notation is distinct from that for faces, single Roman letters, and letter strings. Implications of the current findings to the study of visual perceptual expertise, music reading, and musical expertise are discussed.
Impact of Climate Change on Crop Yield: A Case Study of Rainfed Corn in Central Illinois
Authors: Cai Ximing , Wang Dingbao , Laurent Romain
Published: March 2009

This paper assesses the effect of climate change on crop yield from a soil water balance perspective. The uncertainties of regional-scale climate models, local-scale climate variability, emissions scenarios, and crop growth models are combined to explore the possible range of climate change effects on rainfed corn yield in central Illinois in 2055. The results show that a drier and warmer summer during the corn growth season and wetter and warmer precrop and postcrop seasons will likely occur. Greater temperature and precipitation variability may lead to more variable soil moisture and crop yield, and larger soil moisture deficit and crop yield reduction are likely to occur more frequently. The increased water stress is likely to be most pronounced during the flowering and yield formation stages. The expected rainfed corn yield in 2055 is likely to decline by 23%–34%, and the probability that the yield may not reach 50% of the potential yield ranges from 32% to 70% if no adaptation measures are instituted. Among the multiple uncertainty sources, the greenhouse gas emissions projection may have the strongest effect on the risk estimate of crop yield reduction. The effects from the various uncertainties can be offset to some degree when the uncertainties are considered jointly. An ensemble of GCMs with an equal weight may overestimate the risk of soil moisture deficits and crop yield reduction in comparison with an ensemble of GCMs with different weight determined by the root-mean-square error minimization method. The risk estimate presented in this paper implies that climate change adaptation is needed to avoid reduced corn yields and the resulting profit losses in central Illinois.
Cyclonic versus Anticyclonic Circulation in Lakes and Inland Seas
Authors: Orlić Mirko , Lazar Martin
Published: March 2009

A simple diagnostic model, reproducing circulation in lakes and marginal seas in which low-density waters are found close to the coasts while high-density waters dominate the offshore areas, is developed. An explicit solution is obtained for the central transverse section of an elongated basin, assuming that the Boussinesq and hydrostatic approximations are valid and that the alongshore variability vanishes. The model reveals cyclonic circulation that may either extend throughout the vertical (type C) or may top anticyclonic circulation developed in the bottom layer (type C/A). With the amplitude of the imposed density anomaly being fixed, the flow type is controlled by the frictional processes and by the basin dimensions. In a typical basin, type C/A flow is supported by weak bottom and vertical friction and by moderate lateral friction, unlike type C flow, which is supported by moderate bottom and vertical friction and by weak lateral friction. Strong frictional influence, especially in the basin interior, suppresses the flow everywhere. The flow is also suppressed in a basin that is narrow O(1 km) and shallow O(10 m), even without the frictional control being too strong. A basin that is narrow and deep favors type C/A flow, whereas a basin that is wide and shallow tends to support type C flow. The theoretical findings are related to observations, particularly those originating from the Adriatic Sea where type C flow prevails but may occasionally be replaced by type C/A flow, as well as to previous modeling results.
Observation of Wave Energy Evolution in Coastal Areas Using HF Radar
Authors: Ramos Rafael J. , Graber Hans C. , Haus Brian K.
Published: March 2009

The capability of phased-array HF radar systems to sample the spatial distribution of wave energy is investigated in different storm scenarios and coastal configurations. First, a formulation introduced by D. E. Barrick to extract significant wave height Hs from backscatter Doppler spectra was calibrated and subsequently tested (to assess bias and uncertainty) with data from seven different buoy/gauge stations collected during three different field experiments. Afterward, Hs observations were obtained for selected sampling locations within the radar effective domain (in all experiments), and a filtering technique based on wavelet transform characterization and decomposition was applied. The accuracy of the filtered radar-derived observations was assessed by comparing these estimates to results from independently calibrated wave propagation models. It was found that the HF radar accurately measured the energy field induced by different storm events. The filtering technique minimized the contribution of unrealistic features introduced by the presence of defective sampling, which is intrinsic to radar remote sensing at this frequency, and it proved to be central for the use of the HF radar as a tool to identify wave energy trends and potential zones of wave energy concentration in coastal areas. These findings show that the sampling capabilities of radar systems may be greatly enhanced because reliable wave energy estimates can be obtained in addition to conventional surface current measurements. This is particularly important in locations such as harbor entrances where in situ measuring devices cannot be deployed.
Explicit Forecasts of Hail Occurrence and Expected Hail Size Using the GEM–HAILCAST System with a Rainfall Filter
Authors: Brimelow Julian C. , Reuter Gerhard W.
Published: March 2009

HAILCAST is a numerical model developed specifically to predict the size of the largest hail reaching the ground. It consists of a steady-state cloud model combined with a time-dependent hailstone growth model. The regional version of the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model is used to provide prognostic model soundings that are used as input data for HAILCAST. A map of forecasted maximum hail size is thereby obtained. Because hail is typically accompanied by rain, it would be advantageous if the GEM–HAILCAST system were to predict the occurrence of hail only in those regions where the GEM model was predicting precipitation. Hence, the utility of applying a forecast rainfall mask from the GEM model to restrict hail forecasts to those areas where rainfall is forecast during a 12-h window centered on 0000 UTC was tested. The accumulated precipitation filter is objective and integrates both the thermodynamic and dynamic output from the GEM model over many time steps.

To test the utility of applying the GEM forecast precipitation mask, the masking technique was applied to HAILCAST-predicted maximum hail size maps for the three Canadian prairie provinces between 1 June and 31 August 2000. Several case studies will be presented to illustrate the usefulness of adding the precipitation mask. Verification statistics confirm that applying the rainfall mask tends to slightly reduce the false alarm ratio while still identifying the majority of hail events within a special study area over southern Alberta. The performance of the precipitation masking technique was not as effective on severe hail days, especially when attempting to identify both the occurrence and location of severe hail swaths.
Cops and Cameras
Authors: Addington Lynn A.
Published: March 2009

After the shootings at Columbine High School, many public schools increased their visible security measures, such as use of security cameras and guards. This study assesses this policy response. Particular attention is given to the fear that prompted changes in school security, the types of visible security measures adopted by schools after Columbine, and the positive and negative consequences of these measures. Synthesizing the relevant literature highlights the lack of evaluative work regarding the effectiveness of school security and how little is known about the impact of security measures on students' civil liberty and privacy interests. Gaining a better understanding of school security can help officials make more informed decisions in response to rare, but highly publicized, violent crimes such as Columbine.
Study on Some Aspects of Machinability in Unreinforced and Reinforced Polyamides
Authors: Gaitonde V.N. , Karnik S.R. , Mata Francisco , Davim J. Paulo
Published: March 2009

The polyamides have replaced many traditional metallic materials due to excellent property profile. Even though polyamides are produced as near net shapes, machining has to be performed in the final stage of production. In this article an attempt was been made to study the effects of cutting speed and feed rate on machining force, cutting power, and specific cutting pressure during turning of PA6 and PA66 GF30 polyamides with K10 carbide tool. The response surface methodology (RSM) based parametric analysis reveals that machining force and cutting power increase with cutting conditions, while specific cutting pressure decreases with increase in feed rate.
Adherence to Medical Regimens
Authors: Frain Michael P. , Bishop Malachy , Tschopp Molly K. , Ferrin Micheal J. , Frain Judy
Published: March 2009

Adherence studies have taken center stage due to the life-threatening risks associated with nonadherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens for people with HIV/AIDS. This study examines adherence through self-report of individuals on HAART regimens in a manner to account for demand characteristic bias, while still attempting to get an accurate portrayal of individuals' adherence to their medication. Results indicate that individuals who are more certain about their course of treatment, are more trusting of their medical provider, have family resources, and are more optimistic about life adhere better. The model predicts who will be adherent with 92% accuracy while accounting for 55% of the variance in adherence. Practice implications for increasing adherence and accurately assessing adherence are discussed.
Kerfuffle!
Authors: Grasela Thaddeus H. , Ludwig Elizabeth , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill
Published: March 2009

to become disheveled. A kerfuffle is the polite term for a cascading series of errors that can be initiated by a seemingly innocuous event that then leads to other errors that gain in severity and impact. This article describes some of the common kerfuffles that arise in modeling and simulation efforts. The process of eradicating or minimizing the impact of these pharmacometric kerfuffles begins with the recognition that the errors that contribute to the kerfuffle can and should be addressed systematically. They are not just an unpleasant aspect of the job that pharmacometricians must learn to live with in the conscientious execution of their work.
Reciprocity and Dating
Authors: Hendrickson Blake , Goei Ryan
Published: March 2009

A robust finding in compliance-seeking message effects research is that providing an unsolicited favor to a target before making a direct request for compliance is more effective than a direct request alone. Explaining this effect, however, has proven a more elusive goal. Most existing studies either do not examine potential mediators of the favor-compliance relationship or restrict their focus to one or two potential mediators. In this study, the authors extend compliance research by testing five potential explanations for the favor-compliance relationship and examine the relationship in an untested context, a cross-sex date request. We also examine the impact of another important predictor of compliance, socioeconomic status (SES). Findings suggest that favor and SES interact to affect compliance with a date request and that the positive affective mechanisms of gratitude, liking, and physical attraction best explain these effects. Implications for understanding human reciprocal behavior and its explanatory mechanisms are discussed.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Into Practice
Authors: Jackson Lindsey
Published: March 2009

Purpose The purpose of this review is to summarize community interventions based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) curriculum and to describe differences in curriculum and its effect on outcome measurements.

Methods A keyword search of PubMed and review of citation lists of relevant articles yielded 161 articles. Primary outcomes of interest were achievement of the DPP study goals: 5% to 7% loss of body weight and increased moderate physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week. A secondary outcome of improvement in metabolic syndrome components was also included. Inclusion criteria included application of a DPP-based curriculum to a community setting and publication in English.

Results Seven articles were included in the review. Interventions were conducted across a variety of settings. All showed a significant amount of weight loss immediately following a DPP-based curriculum, varying in length from 6 to 24 weeks. Three held significance by 12 months. Two articles reported on physical activity improvements. Two articles reported improvement in metabolic syndrome components.

Conclusion Although the most effective intervention for type 2 diabetes prevention may not yet be identified, DPP-based interventions show promise for long-term sustainability. The DPP intervention is effective in treating overweight and obesity across a variety of settings and thus may prevent chronic diseases in which overweight and obesity are risk factors. Public health practitioners can use this successful intervention to help individuals lead healthier lives.
Training YMCA Wellness Instructors to Deliver an Adapted Version of the Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Finch Emily A. , Kelly Melinda S. , Marrero David G. , Ackermann Ronald T.
Published: March 2009

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe efforts to develop and administer a formal curriculum to train community workers to deliver a group-based adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention in YMCA settings. The DPP demonstrated that a structured diet and physical activity intervention that achieves and maintains modest weight loss for overweight adults with impaired glucose tolerance can significantly reduce the development of diabetes. Although tens of millions of American adults could benefit from access to the DPP lifestyle intervention, there currently is no available model for nationwide dissemination of this highly beneficial and cost-effective approach to diabetes prevention. A description of 2 ongoing randomized pilot studies provides information about the feasibility and effectiveness of future efforts to apply this new training curriculum on a national scale.

Conclusions Diabetes educators are challenged to partner with community organizations and other health care workers for extensive distribution of the DPP lifestyle intervention messages.
The Past and the Future of International Entrepreneurship: A Review and Suggestions for Developing the Field
Authors: Keupp Marcus Matthias , Gassmann Oliver
Published: March 2009

In this article, the authors analyze the field of international entrepreneurship (IE), which is in desperate need of further theory development. They study the field of IE since its inception by offering a comprehensive review of 179 articles on IE published in 16 journals over 14 years, covering the academic disciplines of strategic management, international business, entrepreneurship, and technology and innovation management. From a systematic content analysis of this literature, the authors develop an organizing framework to analyze the field's current status. On the basis of this analysis, the authors can identify theoretical inconsistencies, conflicting predictions, and knowledge gaps that all forestall the further development of IE research. They then develop directions for future research that can help to overcome these obstacles and promote future theory development.
Understanding the sustainability of a virtual community: model development and empirical test
Authors: Cheung Christy M.K. , Lee Matthew K.O.
Published: March 2009

With the proliferation of Web 2.0 technologies, there is an expanded opportunity for individuals to get involved in information exchange. In this study, the sustainability of a virtual community for teachers and educators were investigated. The research model borrows the key concepts from the IS continuance model, social influence theory, the uses and gratifications paradigm, and relationship marketing to explain user intention to continue using a virtual community, as well as intention to recommend the community to others. Satisfaction, commitment, group norms are found to have significant impacts on intention to continue using and intention to recommend. Among the three factors, satisfaction has the highest impact on behavioral intentions. Individual-related factors (purposive value and self-discovery) are found to have significant impacts on user satisfaction, while social-related factors are more important in determining commitment and group norms. The results of this study provide important implications for both research and practice.
A new sampling technique for association rule mining
Authors: Mahafzah Basel A. , Al-Badarneh Amer F. , Zakaria Mohammed Z.
Published: March 2009

Association Rule Mining (ARM) is one of the data mining techniques used to extract hidden knowledge from datasets, that can be used by an organization's decision makers to improve overall profit. However, performing ARM requires repeated passes over the entire database. Obviously, for large database, the role of input/output overhead in scanning the database is very significant. A popular solution to improve the speed of ARM is to apply the mining algorithm on a sample instead of the entire database. In this paper, a parameterized sampling algorithm for ARM is presented. This algorithm extracts sample datasets based on three parameters: transaction frequency, transaction length and transaction frequency-length. To evaluate its performance and accuracy, a comparison against a two-phase sampling-based algorithm is performed using real and synthetic datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed sampling algorithm in some cases outperforms two-phase sampling algorithm, and achieves up to 98% accuracy.
A Qualitative Study of Families and Children Possessing Diagnoses of ADHD
Authors: Firmin Michael W. , Phillips Annie
Published: March 2009

This phenomenological research study replicates R. Segal's (1998) study of 17 Canadian families. The authors interview 17 American families participating in the national support group Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder, focusing on the challenges they face in rearing children diagnosed with ADHD. Three particular themes emerge. First, the parents appear to be attuned to their children's needs and report being proactive in making adaptations and interventions when needed to accomplish family objectives. Second, the results are generally congruent with those reported by Segal. In both cases, mornings and afternoons are vulnerable times for the families. Segal found mornings most difficult, however, whereas families in this study relate homework periods in the afternoons to be most challenging. Third, parental strategies are salient for successfully rearing children with ADHD. The families emphasize the constructs of routine and structure as being paramount to navigating daily life successfully.
Spots of Spatial Desire
Authors: Vivoni Francisco
Published: March 2009

This article examines the intersection of alternative sport practices and spatial regulation ideologies in urban environments through an analysis of skateboarding terrains. It forwards skateboard spaces as contradictory sites for both practicing and contesting urban governance. These urban spaces span the gamut from do-it-yourself struggles for public space to public—private partnerships and corporate brand-building theme parks. Skatespots, skateparks, and skateplazas conform locations of exhilarating desire that frame skateboarding within a landscape of social control. The article surveys the found and purpose-built sites to demonstrate the political potential of skateboarding within variations on the themes of accommodation and resistance to spatial regulation.
Territorial Integrity Treaties and Armed Conflict over Territory
Authors: Hensel Paul R. , Allison Michael E. , Khanani Ahmed
Published: March 2009

We reconceptualize a territorial integrity norm that has been discussed in recent research, distinguishing between general guarantees of territorial integrity and proscriptions of the forcible acquisition of territory, and we measure the strength of this norm using treaties. Over the past two centuries, the general territorial integrity norm has reduced territorial conflict, but treaties proscribing only violent gains are associated with increased conflict.The norm's strongest effects stem from pressure by other states that have accepted the norm rather than from direct effects of treaties, and territorial integrity treaties have typically followed rather than preceded a reduction in territorial conflict.
Senate Influence or Presidential Unilateralism?
Authors: Prins Brandon C. , Marshall Bryan W.
Published: March 2009

Treaty-making involves the constitutional struggle for policy control. Both the Executive and Senate are defined as official actors in establishing international commitments and both closely guard their constitutionally defined roles.Yet most research concludes that Congress rarely matters when defining US commitments abroad.We explore the Senate's role in treaty-making during the administrations of Theodore Roosevelt (1901—1909) and the first term of George W. Bush (2001— 2005). Our evidence confirms that even recent studies showing greater Senate influence on treaty-making significantly underestimate the upper chamber's role in defining US commitments abroad. Rather than killing treaties with a formal floor vote, the Senate exerts influence at the committee stage by refusing to act on controversial agreements negotiated by presidential administrations. President Bush has responded to such congressional oversight by establishing more international commitments through executive agreements rather than treaties, particularly when it comes to issues of security.
A New Sun: Democracy, the Public, and Journalism Education
Authors: Shenton Stephen G-M.
Published: March 2009

Professor James W. Carey, former dean emeritus of the College of Communications at the University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign, encouraged his students to study the ideas of Professor John Dewey, one of America's leading philosophers, teachers, and communications scholars. Dewey's work is not easily accessible, however. The manifold questions he asked in the process of reaching answers to his key concerns and hundreds of related questions fill (at least) 36 books and 815 articles, in which one writer insists there is not one eminently quotable line. Nonetheless, Carey maintained that studying Dewey's conversation was a key to understanding both democracy and journalism, which he maintained are synonymous.
Community-Based Adaptive Physical Activity Program for Chronic Stroke: Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of the Empoli Model
Authors: Stuart Mary , Benvenuti Francesco , Macko Richard , Taviani Antonio , Segenni Lucianna , Mayer Federico , Sorkin John D. , Stanhope Steven J. , Macellari Velio , Weinrich Michael
Published: March 2009

Objective. To determine whether Adaptive Physical Activity (APA-stroke), a community-based exercise program for participants with hemiparetic stroke, improves function in the community. Methods. Nonrandomized controlled study in Tuscany, Italy, of participants with mild to moderate hemiparesis at least 9 months after stroke. Forty-nine participants in a geographic health authority (Empoli) were offered APA-stroke (40 completed the study). Forty-four control participants in neighboring health authorities (Florence and Pisa) received usual care (38 completed the study). The APA intervention was a community-based progressive group exercise regimen that included walking, strength, and balance training for 1 hour, thrice a week, in local gyms, supervised by gym instructors. No serious adverse clinical events occurred during the exercise intervention. Outcome measures included the following: 6-month change in gait velocity (6-Minute Timed Walk), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Berg Balance Scale, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Barthel Index, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and Index of Caregivers Strain. Results. After 6 months, the intervention group improved whereas controls declined in gait velocity, balance, SPPB, and SIS social participation domains. These between-group comparisons were statistically significant at P < .00015. Individuals with depressive symptoms at baseline improved whereas controls were unchanged ( P < .003). Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on a subset of participants in the intervention group. For these individuals, insulin secretion declined 29% after 6 months ( P = .01). Conclusion. APA-stroke appears to be safe, feasible, and efficacious in a community setting.
Heat, Air, and Moisture Control in Slab-on-ground Structures
Authors: Rantala Jukka , Leivo Virpi
Published: March 2009

The objective of this research is to determine the heat, air, and moisture conditions of slab-on-ground of a heated building. Measurements show that the coarse-grained fill or drainage layers beneath heated slab-on-ground structures are warm and moist throughout the year. Moisture migration: gravitational water, ground water table, capillary action and diffusion, keep these layer moist throughout the year. The water vapor content of the warm and moist fill layer is usually higher than the content of the indoor air. Thus, the diffusion flow is directed into the indoor air, despite the existing heat flow into the opposite direction, and the ground is a moisture source for the structures above. Therefore, thermal and moisture conditions of the fill layers have the major effect on the overall moisture behavior of ground slabs: on the drying times of the fresh in situ cast concrete slab, and on the thermal and moisture behavior of the structure in normal long-term conditions. These conditions are also favorable for microbe growth, which is very common in fill layers. Fungal or bacterial growth was detected in 98% of the test specimens taken beneath the ground slabs of heated buildings. These conditions: warm fill layers, high moisture level (RH near 100%) and microbe growth, are the normal conditions for the well functioning slab-on-ground structure. They are not a sign of moisture damage, but the existing boundary conditions for the design of ground slabs. Therefore, it is important to prevent air infiltration between the ground and the indoor air, as effective as possible. The adequate sealing of the joints and lead-ins of the floor assure that the impurities do not penetrate the indoor air.
Experimental Investigation of Hygrothermal Parameters of Building Materials Under Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Li Kuishan  , Zhang Xu  , Gao Jun
Published: March 2009

To determine thermal parameters of porous building materials for building thermal and energy analysis, an experimental study is presently carried out, which applies constant relative humidity controlled by the saturated salt-water solution under isothermal conditions. The principle of isothermal vapor sorption is discussed and the method for temperature and humidity control is proposed. Experiments are first performed using the routine materials of concrete, mortars, and clay brick whose experimental data widely existed in the previous studies, to confirm the present experimental work. Insulation materials of expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, and polyurethane are tested for determining their water vapor permeability and isothermal sorption. These materials are considered due to the fact that they are mostly used as building insulation materials in China but lack thermal-hygro parameters for actual applications. The humidity-bound ranges 11.3—96.7%, which basically covers the whole range of building thermal-hygro environment is encountered. The least square method is used to fit the experimental data obtained, and finally to present regression equations for the three materials. Results of this study are expected to provide key parameters for the model of heat and moisture transfer in the materials for real buildings in hot-summer and cold-winter regions of China, where the transfer of moisture is exhibited significantly in building energy.
Derivation of functional mature neutrophils from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Yokoyama Yasuhisa , Suzuki Takahiro , Sakata-Yanagimoto Mamiko , Kumano Keiki , Higashi Katsumi , Takato Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Mineo , Ogawa Seishi , Chiba Shigeru
Published: March 2009

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) proliferate infinitely and are pluripotent. Only a few reports, however, describe specific and efficient methods to induce hESCs to differentiate into mature blood cells. It is important to determine whether and how these cells, once generated, behave similarly with their in vivo–produced counterparts. We developed a method to induce hESCs to differentiate into mature neutrophils. Embryoid bodies were formed with bone morphogenic protein-4, stem cell factor (SCF), Flt-3 ligand (FL), interleukin-6 (IL-6)/IL-6 receptor fusion protein (FP6), and thrombopoietin (TPO). Cells derived from the embryoid bodies were cultured on a layer of irradiated OP9 cells with a combination of SCF, FL, FP6, IL-3, and TPO, which was later changed to granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor. Morphologically mature neutrophils were obtained in approximately 2 weeks with a purity and efficiency sufficient for functional analyses. The population of predominantly mature neutrophils (hESC-Neu's) showed superoxide production, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and chemotaxis similar to peripheral blood neutrophils from healthy subjects, although there were differences in the surface antigen expression patterns, such as decreased CD16 expression and aberrant CD64 and CD14 expression in hESC-Neu's. Thus, this is the first description of a detailed functional analysis of mature hESC-derived neutrophils.
Isoform-selective phosphoinositide 3′-kinase inhibitors inhibit CXCR4 signaling and overcome stromal cell–mediated drug resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a novel therapeutic approach
Authors: Niedermeier Matthias , Hennessy Bryan T. , Knight Zachary A. , Henneberg Marina , Hu Jianhua , Kurtova Antonina V. , Wierda William G. , Keating Michael J. , Shokat Kevan M. , Burger Jan A.
Published: March 2009

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are among the most frequently activated signaling pathways in cancer. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), signals from the microenvironment are critical for expansion of the malignant B cells, and cause constitutive activation of PI3Ks. CXCR4 is a key receptor for CLL cell migration and adhesion to marrow stromal cells (MSCs). Because of the importance of CXCR4 and PI3Ks for CLL-microenvironment cross-talk, we investigated the activity of novel, isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors that target different isoforms of the p110-kDa subunit. Inhibition with p110α inhibitors (PIK-90 and PI-103) resulted in a significant reduction of chemotaxis and actin polymerization to CXCL12 and reduced migration beneath MSC (pseudoemperipolesis). Western blot and reverse phase protein array analyses consistently demonstrated that PIK-90 and PI-103 inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and S6, whereas p110δ or p110β/p110δ inhibitors were less effective. In suspension and MSC cocultures, PI-103 and PIK-90 were potent inducers of CLL cell apoptosis. Moreover, these p110α inhibitors enhanced the cytotoxicity of fludarabine and reversed the protective effect of MSC on fludarabine-induced apoptosis. Collectively, our data demonstrate that p110α inhibitors antagonize stromal cell-derived migration, survival, and drug-resistance signals and therefore provide a rational to explore the therapeutic activity of these promising agents in CLL.
von Willebrand factor to the rescue
Authors: De Meyer Simon F. , Deckmyn Hans , Vanhoorelbeke Karen
Published: March 2009

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric adhesive glycoprotein with complex roles in thrombosis and hemostasis. Abnormalities in VWF give rise to a variety of bleeding complications, known as von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder in humans. Current treatment of VWD is based on the replacement of the deficient or dysfunctional protein either by endogenous release from endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies or by administration of plasma-derived VWF concentrates. During the last years, several efforts have been made to optimize existing therapies for VWD, but also to devise new approaches, such as inducing endogenous expression with interleukin-11, administering exogenous recombinant VWF, or introducing the protein via gene delivery. Clearly, the efficacy of any strategy will depend on several factors, including, for example, the quantity, activity, and stability of the delivered VWF. The inherent complexity of VWF biosynthesis, which involves extensive posttranslational processing, may be limiting in terms of producing active VWF outside of its native cellular sources. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of different treatment strategies for VWD, including those that are established and those that are at the experimental stage. Potential pitfalls and benefits of each strategy are discussed.
Alkane inducible proteins in Geobacillus thermoleovorans B23
Authors: Kato Tomohisa , Miyanaga Asuka , Kanaya Shigenori , Morikawa Masaaki
Published: March 2009

Background

Initial step of β-oxidation is catalyzed by acyl-CoA dehydrogenase in prokaryotes and mitochondria, while acyl-CoA oxidase primarily functions in the peroxisomes of eukaryotes. Oxidase reaction accompanies emission of toxic by-product reactive oxygen molecules including superoxide anion, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities are essential to detoxify them in the peroxisomes. Although there is an argument about whether primitive life was born and evolved under high temperature conditions, thermophilic archaea apparently share living systems with both bacteria and eukaryotes. We hypothesized that alkane degradation pathways in thermophilic microorganisms could be premature and useful to understand their evolution.

Results

An extremely thermophilic and alkane degrading Geobacillus thermoleovorans B23 was previously isolated from a deep subsurface oil reservoir in Japan. In the present study, we identified novel membrane proteins (P16, P21) and superoxide dismutase (P24) whose production levels were significantly increased upon alkane degradation. Unlike other bacteria acyl-CoA oxidase and catalase activities were also increased in strain B23 by addition of alkane.

Conclusion

We first suggested that peroxisomal β-oxidation system exists in bacteria. This eukaryotic-type alkane degradation pathway in thermophilic bacterial cells might be a vestige of primitive living cell systems that had evolved into eukaryotes.
Construction of 12 EST libraries and characterization of a 12,226 EST dataset for chicory (Cichorium intybus) root, leaves and nodules in the context of carbohydrate metabolism investigation
Authors: Dauchot Nicolas , Mingeot Dominique , Purnelle Bénédicte , Muys Céline , Watillon Bernard , Boutry Marc , Van Cutsem Pierre
Published: March 2009

Background

The industrial chicory, Cichorium intybus, is a member of the Asteraceae family that accumulates fructan of the inulin type in its root. Inulin is a low calories sweetener, a texture agent and a health promoting ingredient due to its prebiotic properties. Average inulin chain length is a critical parameter that is genotype and temperature dependent. In the context of the study of carbohydrate metabolism and to get insight into the transcriptome of chicory root and to visualize temporal changes of gene expression during the growing season, we obtained and characterized 10 cDNA libraries from chicory roots regularly sampled in field during a growing season. A leaf and a nodule libraries were also obtained for comparison.

Results

Approximately 1,000 Expressed Sequence Tags (EST) were obtained from each of twelve cDNA libraries resulting in a 12,226 EST dataset. Clustering of these ESTs returned 1,922 contigs and 4,869 singlets for a total of 6,791 putative unigenes. All ESTs were compared to public sequence databases and functionally classified. Data were specifically searched for sequences related to carbohydrate metabolism. Season wide evolution of functional classes was evaluated by comparing libraries at the level of functional categories and unigenes distribution.

Conclusion

This chicory EST dataset provides a season wide outlook of the genes expressed in the root and to a minor extent in leaves and nodules. The dataset contains more than 200 sequences related to carbohydrate metabolism and 3,500 new ESTs when compared to other recently released chicory EST datasets, probably because of the season wide coverage of the root samples. We believe that these sequences will contribute to accelerate research and breeding of the industrial chicory as well as of closely related species.