bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of rat mammary microsomal oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde by plant polyphenols
Authors: Maciel María Eugenia , Castro José Alberto , Castro Gerardo Daniel
Published: November 2010

We previously reported that the microsomal fraction from rat mammary tissue is able to oxidize ethanol to acetaldehyde, a mutagenic-carcinogenic metabolite, depending on the presence of NADPH and oxygen but not inhibited by carbon monoxide or other cytochrome P450 inhibitors. The process was strongly inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium, a known inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, and by nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an inhibitor of lipoxygenases. This led us to suggest that both enzymes could be involved. With the purpose of identifying natural compounds present in food with the ability to decrease the production of acetaldehyde in mammary tissue, in the present studies, several plant polyphenols having inhibitory effects on lipoxygenases and of antioxidant nature were tested as potential inhibitors of the rat mammary tissue microsomal pathway of ethanol oxidation. We included in the present screening study 32 polyphenols having ready availability and that were also tested against the rat mammary tissue cytosolic metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde. Several polyphenols were also able to inhibit the microsomal ethanol oxidation at concentrations as low was 10-50 μM. The results of these screening experiments suggest the potential of several plant polyphenols to prevent in vivo production and accumulation of acetaldehyde in mammary tissue.
The use of religious metaphors by UK newspapers to describe and denigrate climate change
Authors: Woods Ruth , Fernández Ana , Coen Sharon
Published: November 2010

British newspapers have denigrated anthropogenic climate change by misrepresenting scientific consensus and/or framing climate change within unsympathetic discourses. One aspect of the latter that has not been studied is the use of metaphor to disparage climate change science and proponents. This article analyses 122 British newspaper articles published using a religious metaphor between summer 2003 and 2008. Most were critical of climate change, especially articles in conservative newspapers The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Times. Articles used religion as a source of metaphor to denigrate climate change in two ways: (1) undermining its scientific status by presenting it as irrational faith-based religion, and proponents as religious extremists intolerant of criticism; (2) mocking climate change using notions of sin, e.g. describing ‘green’ behaviours as atonement or sacrifice. We argue that the religious metaphor damages constructive debate by emphasizing morality and how climate change is discussed, and detracting attention from the content of scientific data and theories.
Environmental conflicts, research projects and the generation of collective expectations: A case study of a land regeneration project in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Broto Vanesa Castán
Published: November 2010

Locally based research projects may generate multiple and competing expectations from local actors, particularly when they deal with local issues that are perceived as affecting the local quality of life, such as land regeneration. The sociology of expectations provides an entry point through which the expectations of research projects in the context of an environmental conflict can be investigated. This article analyzes a case study of a project (RECOAL) whose remit was to develop regeneration solutions for coal ash disposal sites in the western Balkans. The sociology of expectations is applied here to explain the linkage between the emergence of political discourses and collective expectations. The analysis suggests that the emergence of collective future orientations of locally based research projects needs to be understood with reference to the specific political positions from which such orientations are expressed. While expectations may shape the political debate, the political debate is also generative of such expectations.
Agricultural productivity in the European regions
Authors: Ezcurra Roberto , Iráizoz Belen , Pascual Pedro , Rapún Manuel
Published: November 2010

This paper examines the spatial distribution of agricultural productivity in the European regions for the period 1990–2000, using a twofold descriptive and explanatory approach that allows us to overcome some of the drawbacks of conventional convergence analysis. The spatial distribution of agricultural productivity is summarized in a regional typology that enables us to evaluate the distribution of agricultural productivity and trends across European regions. The various inequality indices and estimated density functions reveal a decrease in regional agricultural productivity disparities, and intra-distribution mobility appears to be relatively limited during the study period. Additionally, the results obtained from the regression analysis are in line with those obtained at the national level. Finally, our non-parametric approach permits us to assess the role of variables such as economic development, agricultural structure and productive specialization in the dynamics of the distribution under analysis.
Spanish cities in the knowledge economy
Authors: Méndez Ricardo , Moral Simón Sánchez
Published: November 2010

The article begins with a critical review of the multiplication of concepts today regarding the interrelationships between knowledge and urban development. An overview is given of complementary perspectives, such as knowledge-based cities, learning cities, intelligent cities and creative cities, as the foundation for the proposal that there are four main channels whereby cities join the knowledge society: by innovation systems, by economic structure, by human capital and by networking. On this basis Spanish cities are subjected to a comparative analysis of their knowledge indicators in each of these four components. From the exploratory analysis it is concluded that a sizeable share of Spanish cities are not involved in the process of joining the knowledge society. The rest of the cities are observed to follow one of two contrasting trajectories: cities in metropolitan sectors that are highly prized socially and environmentally have strengthened the presence of knowledge-intensive services and highly qualified human resources, while medium-sized and small cities have specialized in industries of an average or low technological intensity but have made a considerable innovative effort. The text concludes with a reflection on the challenge for local stakeholders to use knowledge to improve the multiple dimensions of urban development.
Oslo’s new Opera House: Cultural flagship, regeneration tool or destination icon?
Authors: Smith Andrew , von Krogh Strand Ingvild
Published: November 2010

New cultural buildings are justified via reference to a range of objectives including city image enhancement, national identity, tourism development, cultural engagement, economic development and physical regeneration. This paper examines the role envisaged for the Opera House in Oslo, which opened in April 2008. The study looks at the motivations and justifications for the building, examined through interviews with individuals who played an important role in the project. Research findings suggest that the Opera House is best understood as a cultural and national symbol, although it was also designed to assist urban regeneration and development. One of the interesting aspects of the project is the way artistic and regeneration justifications were coupled to ensure the project came to fruition. Other roles seem to have emerged that were not necessarily planned or expected. Tourism effects have been witnessed and its innovative design means the new Opera House functions as both a marketing symbol and a visitor attraction in its own right. The case demonstrates the value of focusing good urban design, with the possible bonus of external image enhancement, rather than relying on an iconic building and a ‘look at me’ effect. Thus, the Opera House may represent a less speculative type of iconic building — where bombastic design and external focus are replaced with more attention to public access and a local orientation.
Adverse Experiences With Implantable Defibrillators in Oregon Hospices
Authors: Fromme Erik K. , Lugliani Stewart Tanya , Jeppesen Margaret , Tolle Susan W.
Published: November 2010

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) improve survival in patients at risk for recurrent, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Unless deactivated, ICDs may deliver unwanted shocks to terminally ill patients near the time of death. This study sought to determine the frequency and nature of adverse experiences with ICDs in hospice programs and what preventative measures the programs had taken. Method: A mailed survey to all 50 Oregon Hospice Programs in August 2008. Results: 42 (84%) of 50 programs participated. In all 36 (86%) of 42 programs reported having taken care of a patient with an ICD in the preceding 4 years. The average number of patients with ICDs per program increased from 2.2 (SD 2.5) in 2005 and 2006 to 3.6 (SD 3.7) in 2007 and 2008. Of the 36 programs who had cared for a patient with an ICD, 31 (86%) reported having some kind of adverse experience. These ranged from unwanted shocks delivered (64%), patient/family distress related to the decision to deactivate the ICD (47%), and time delay in ICD deactivation (42%). Only 16 (38%) programs had policies for managing ICDs and only 19 (43%) routinely screened new patients for ICDs. Discussion: As patients near the end of their lives, receiving defibrillating shocks may no longer be consistent with their goals of care. Based on the high frequencies of potentially preventable adverse outcomes documented by this study, we propose that hospices routinely screen patients for ICDs and proactively adopt policies to manage them, rather than in response to an adverse event.
Institutions and Work
Authors: Kaghan William , Lounsbury Michael
Published: November 2010

In this article, we argue that the flowering conversation under the label of “institutional work” can be productively enriched by segregating the notions of “institutions” and “work, and by engaging more fully with both micro- and macro-sociological contributions of the “old institutionalism.” We illustrate the value of these extensions by discussing three areas of theoretical and empirical interest: methodological groupism, the relationship between social structure and social process at both micro and macro levels, and the relationship between social analysis and social critique. By pursuing these directions, we believe the notion of institutional work can avoid conflation with variants of methodological individualism, and might usefully contribute to ongoing conversations about agency across the social sciences.
Open-closed-loop PID-type iterative learning control for linear systems with initial state error
Authors: Fali Ma  , Chuandong Li
Published: November 2010

An open-closed-loop proportional-integral-derivative (PID) type iterative learning control (ILC) strategy is studied for linear time-invariant systems with initial state errors. Two cases of initial state errors are considered. The first case is that the initial states are the same but different from the desired initial states, and another is subject to random initial states. For both cases, the sufficient and necessary conditions guaranteeing the convergence and robustness of proposed open-closed-loop ILC system are presented. It will be shown that the proposed ILC scheme is robust when initial state errors are bounded, and furthermore, we will also show that the open-closed-loop PID-type learning algorithm can speed up the convergence of the tracking error and the controller parameters in comparison with the open-loop PID-type learning algorithm. In order to show the validity and advantage of our schemes, two numerical examples are given.
Sliding mode control design for generalized projective synchronization of unified chaotic systems containing nonlinear inputs
Authors: Yang Yi-Sung , Liao Teh-Lu , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: November 2010

The problem of generalized projective synchronization for unified chaotic systems coupled with sector nonlinear inputs is investigated. Using the sliding mode control technique, a control scheme containing a new proportional–integral switching surface is developed to guarantee generalized projective synchronization even when the uncertainties and sector nonlinearity are present. Numerical simulations are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed synchronization scheme.
Geometry effects on the vibro-acoustic behavior of railway resilient wheels
Authors: Cigada A. , Manzoni S. , Vanali M.
Published: November 2010

Noise generated by railway vehicles is nowadays one of the most important concerns in the railway engineering community and sometimes becomes one of the key points in the discussions preceding the design of a new line. Many researchers have contributed to achieve important improvements in the reduction of railway wheel noise during recent years. One of the solutions effectively able to reduce rolling noise is the adoption of resilient wheels, nowadays widely used on city trams and sometimes on high-speed trains. Some studies have shown the important role played by the wheel rubber blocks in reducing rolling noise and a strict link between their stiffness and the emitted noise has been demonstrated as well. On the other hand the resilient wheel effectiveness in mitigating squeal noise has not yet been deeply investigated. Moreover the effects of factors, different from the rubber block features, have not been completely stated. The aim of the present paper is to analyze which are the main parameters affecting the resilient wheel vibro-acoustic behavior and the consequences on squeal noise emission. This study considers not only the rubber block features but also other parameters, such as wheel geometry. The research approach is both experimental and numerical. The analysis has been carried out up to 5 kHz. Two different resilient wheels have been tested performing modal analyses and getting sound pressure levels at the same time. The results have been compared and commented. It has been found that the wheel geometry plays an important role in determining the wheel vibro-acoustic behavior, although rubber blocks remain the most influent elements. Particularly the wheel width value has significant effects on the tread dynamics and, as the main consequence, on the wheel sound radiation.
Study on cyclic energy indicator for degradation assessment of rolling element bearings
Authors: Dong GM , Chen J.
Published: November 2010

Performance degradation assessment has emerged to realize equipment’s near-zero downtime and maximum productivity. Exploring effective indices is crucial for it. In this study, taking rolling element bearing as a research object, cyclic energy indicator is proposed for its performance degradation assessment. The proposed cyclic energy indicator is based on signals’ cyclic coherence analysis and its variation with the damage extent of the rolling element bearing is verified through simulation and seeded fault experimental data. Then an accelerated life test of the rolling element bearing is performed to collect vibration data over the whole life time (normal-fault-failure). Results of both simulation and experiments show that the cyclic energy indicator is an effective index for the degradation assessment of rolling element bearings.
Variable curvature pendulum isolator and viscous fluid damper for seismic isolation of structures
Authors: Krishnamoorthy A.
Published: November 2010

The performance of a variable curvature pendulum isolator (VCPI) with additional passive damping using a viscous fluid damper (VFD) for seismic isolation of a structure is studied. VCPI is developed by varying the curvature of the conventional friction pendulum system (FPS). A four story symmetrical space frame structure isolated using VCPI with VFD is analysed to study the effectiveness of the proposed system. The performance of the VCPI is compared to a corresponding performance of a conventional FPS. The results of the analysis show that the proposed isolator reduces the base shear considerably without increase in the residual displacement. Further, a hybrid system consisting of VCPI and VFD is found to be more effective than a FPS and VFD hybrid system to isolate the structure subjected to the earthquake ground motions.
Thermally induced vibration of orthotropic trapezoidal plate of linearly varying thickness
Authors: Gupta AK , Sharma S.
Published: November 2010

In this paper, the thermal effect on vibration of orthotropic trapezoidal plate of linearly varying thickness is studied. The Rayleigh Ritz method is used to evaluate the fundamental frequencies. The deflection function is defined by the product of the equations of the prescribed continuous piecewise boundary shape. Frequency corresponding to the first two modes of vibration is calculated for the trapezoidal plate having clamped-simply supported-clamped-simply supported (C-S-C-S) edges for different values of thermal gradient, taper constant and aspect ratio. The proposed method is applied to solve orthotropic trapezoidal plate of variable thickness with C-S-C-S boundary conditions. Results are shown by figures for different values of thermal gradient, taper constant and aspect ratio for first two modes of vibrations.
Experimental evaluations of track structure effects on dynamic properties of railway bridges
Authors: Kim Sung-Il
Published: November 2010

The dynamic stability under the passage of a moving train has become one of the most important issues in railway bridge designs. A precise application of the dynamic properties of a structure will lead to a precise description of the dynamic behavior of a structure under moving train loads. A railway bridge is completed with a track structure, which is composed of rail, sleeper and track (concrete or ballast). A track structure can change the modal properties of the railway bridge, through the contribution of stiffness as well as mass effects. Consequently, the critical speed of the train that gives rise to the resonance behavior should be also changed, with or without the track. In the present study, a twin I-shaped steel composite girder bridge was fabricated as a test specimen, and modal testing was carried out with the installation of non-ballast, ballast track and concrete track. Modal tests were performed with hydraulic dynamic actuators. The natural frequencies, damping ratios and dynamic responses of each type of track structure were observed, along with the variation of magnitudes, frequencies and amplitudes of dynamic loading. From the results, the effects of a track structure on the railway bridge can be evaluated.
A single-degree-of-freedom system using a time-delayed control algorithm: principle and experimental study
Authors: Junlong Liu  , Luyu Li  , Jinghui Dai  , Jinping Ou
Published: November 2010

Time delay is an important issue when dealing with control system design and analysis in mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering. The unavoidable existence of time delays will hamper the controller, and even amplify undesired responses. It is difficult to design a controller that compensates for the influence of large time delays. Accordingly this study will investigate the design of, and experimental verification of, controllers that take into account such time delays. A single-degree-of-freedom system was analyzed and time delay compensated velocity and displacement feedback control algorithms were designed. Additionally, a new method was developed to take advantage of the time delay when large time delays occur. A one story shear-type structure was set up to experimentally verify the proposed time-delayed control algorithms. Numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed time-delayed control algorithm was effective in reducing the maximum response of the system and that the system stability can be guaranteed despite large time delays.
Energy-consistent, Galerkin approach for the nonlinear dynamics of beams using intrinsic equations
Authors: Patil Mayuresh J , Althoff Matthias
Published: November 2010

The paper presents a Galerkin approach for the solution of nonlinear beam equations. The approach is energy consistent, that is, it is shown that the weighted residual integral describes energy flow. The Galerkin approach gives accurate results with fewer degrees of freedom as compared to low-order finite-element formulation. The Galerkin approach also leads to a nonlinear order-reduction technique that can be used to further decrease the order of the system. The reduced-order model is shown to capture the dominant nonlinearities in the system and is ideal for preliminary design and control synthesis.
Effects of a Therapeutic Lifestyle Modification Program on Inflammatory Chemokines and Insulin Resistance in Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Eui Geum Oh  , Sang Hui Chu  , So Youn Bang  , Mi Kyung Lee  , Soo Hyun Kim  , Sa Saeng Hyun  , Jeon Justin Y. , Jee Aee Im  , Jung Eun Lee
Published: November 2010

Background. Although therapeutic lifestyle modification (TLM) effectively improves the values of diagnostic biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, less is known about its effects on inflammatory chemokines and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with this syndrome. Objectives. To examine the effects of a short-term TLM program on inflammatory chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], retinol binding protein-4 [RBP-4]) and IR in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Method. Twenty-nine women (aged 66.5 ± 9.5 years) with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to the TLM intervention group (n = 16) or control group (n = 13). The TLM intervention group was provided with 4 weeks of health screening, education, exercise, diet, and counseling. Participants in the control group were instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle behavior. Outcome variables measured included MCP-1, RBP-4, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). An intention-to-treat strategy was not followed, and the final number of subjects in the analysis was 22 (14 in the TLM group and 8 in the control group). Results. After a 4-week TLM program, MCP-1, fasting insulin, and HOMA were significantly decreased in the TLM group compared to those in the control group (all p < .05). Conclusions. We conclude that a short-term TLM program could be effective for improving inflammatory state and IR, which are significant preceding biomarkers for cardiovascular complications in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
Morning Cortisol in Relation to Behavioral Symptoms of Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Authors: Woods Diana Lynn , Kim Haesook , Yefimova Maria
Published: November 2010

Behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD) are a significant challenge for elders, their caregivers, and clinicians, with a prevalence ranging between 66% and 98%. Although several studies have examined BSD type and frequency, few studies have examined a possible neuroendocrine basis of BSD. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between morning cortisol levels and BSD in nursing home (NH) residents. Method: Using a within-subject longitudinal design, saliva was collected four times daily for 5 days to obtain basal cortisol levels from 30 NH residents, aged 80 to 102. Behavior was observed every 20 min for 12 hr/day for 5 days. Mixed-model analysis was used to test the association between morning cortisol (MC) and BSD. To examine the association between MC and BSD across time, participants were divided into low (LM) and high morning (HM) cortisol groups. Results: A significant inverse association between mean overall BSD and morning cortisol (F = 12.71, p = .000) was found. A significant inverse association between low and high morning cortisol and behavior variability across time (F = 15.36. p = .000) was found. The LM group exhibited significantly more behavioral variability across the day than the HM cortisol group. There was a significant group difference between two co-occurring behaviors, vocalization, and restlessness (F = 19.59, p = .000). Conclusion: Although preliminary, these results suggest an association between morning cortisol and BSD. Low morning cortisol, potentially indicating HPA axis dysregulation, may increase vulnerability to BSD.
Nutritional Status of Nursing Home Residents in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Shu-Ju , Wang Hsiu-Hung , Chen Kuei-Min , Yeh Shu-Hui
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to explore the nutritional status of nursing home residents. A convenience sample of 111 residents from four nursing homes in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was recruited. The residents’ nutritional status was assessed on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level. Data on demographic characteristics, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and mode of feeding were collected and examined for association with nutritional status. Among the subjects, 41.1% had a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m2 and 18.9% had a serum albumin level of less than 3.5 g/dl. Mode of feeding was a significant predictor of malnutrition. When compared with residents on oral feedings, those on nasogastric (NG) feedings had four times the risk of a low BMI and about eight times the risk of a low albumin level. In conclusion, it is important to regularly assess the physical function and nutritional status of nursing home residents and adjust their dietary intake accordingly.
Gene Expression Profiling for Discovery of Novel Targets in Human Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Barr Taura L. , Alexander Sheila , Conley Yvette
Published: November 2010

Several clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a significant effect on outcome following human traumatic brain injury (TBI) despite promising results obtained in preclinical animal studies. These failures may be due in part to a misinterpretation of the findings obtained in preclinical animal models of TBI, a misunderstanding of the complexity of the human response to TBI, limited knowledge about the biological pathways that interact to contribute to good and bad outcomes after brain injury, and the effects of genomic variability and environment on individual recovery. Recent publications suggest that data obtained from gene expression profiling studies of complex neurological diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may contribute to a more informed understanding of what affects outcome following TBI. These data may help to bridge the gap between successful preclinical studies and negative clinical trials in humans to reveal novel targets for therapy. Gene expression profiling has the capability to identify biomarkers associated with response to TBI, elucidate complex genetic interactions that may play a role in outcome following TBI, and reveal biological pathways related to brain health. This review highlights the current state of the literature on gene expression profiling for neurological disease and discusses its ability to aid in unraveling the variable human response to TBI and the potential for it to offer treatment strategies in an area where we currently have limited therapeutic options primarily based on supportive care.
Fetal Microchimerism and Women’s Health
Authors: Groër Maureen W. , Manion Maura , Szekeres Charles , El-Badri Nagwa S.
Published: November 2010

Pregnancy is associated with transfer of maternal cells to the fetus and fetal cells to the mother. In both cases, the transferred cells are described as microchimeric. Fetal microchimeric cells include semi-allogeneic stem cells, which are few in number and are capable of long-term survival in the “foreign” host. They are recognized by the maternal immune system but not rejected or attacked. These cells appear to survive and even thrive for years in a mother’s body, perhaps for her lifetime. Previously regarded as potentially dangerous interlopers that might propagate autoimmune and even malignant disease, fetal microchimeric cells are now increasingly being recognized and analyzed for their healing, reparative, and perhaps regenerative roles. Fetal microchimerism (MC) may make significant and previously unknown positive contributions to women’s health, longevity, and risk of disease. This article reviews the history, major discoveries, and current concepts and gaps in knowledge in the field of fetal MC.
Biological Mechanisms Related to the Effectiveness of Guided Imagery for Chronic Pain
Authors: Lewandowski Wendy , Jacobson Ann , Palmieri Patrick A. , Alexander Thomas , Zeller Richard
Published: November 2010

Specific aims of this pilot study were to (a) determine the effect of a guided imagery (GI) intervention over an 8-week period on pain and pain disability in a sample of persons with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) and (b) analyze the mediating effects of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune functioning on the effectiveness of GI on outcome variables. A simple interrupted time-series design (12-week period) was used. GI was introduced at Week 4 and used daily by 25 participants for the remaining 8 weeks. Measures of pain and pain disability were obtained at the beginning of the study period and at six repeated 2-week intervals. Measures of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation (plasma cortisol), immune-mediated analgesia (lymphocyte subset counts and proliferation), and immune-mediated hyperalgesia (interleukin-1β) were obtained at the beginning of the study and at Week 11. Usual pain levels were lower after the introduction of GI at Week 4 (Wilks' λ = 52.31; df = 2, 22; p = .000). Pain disability levels were lower after the introduction of GI at Week 4 (Wilks' λ = 5.98; df = 6, 18; p = .001). Correlation coefficients between change scores of dependent variables and mediating variables were not significant. GI was effective in reducing pain intensity and pain disability over an 8-week period; however, the results did not support the expected effects of decreased HPA axis activation, improved immune-mediated analgesia, and reduced immune-mediated hyperalgesia in mediating these outcomes. These findings may be related to procedural and theoretical issues and limitations related to the study design.
Preliminary Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Essential Oils ofZingiber zerumbet
Authors: Zakaria Z. A. , Mohamad A. S. , Ahmad M. S. , Mokhtar A. F. , Israf D. A. , Lajis N. H. , Sulaiman M. R.
Published: November 2010

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used for the treatment of inflammation. However, despite their effectiveness, most NSAIDs cause various side effects that negatively affect the management of inflammation and, in part, pain. Thus, there is a need to search for new anti-inflammatory agents with few, or no, side effects. Natural products of plant, animal, or microorganism origin have been good sources of new bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to evaluate the acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil of the rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet (Zingiberaceae) using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tests, respectively. The effect of the essential oil on inflammatory- and noninflammatory-mediated pain was also assessed using the formalin test. Essential oil of Z. zerumbet, at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally to rats. The substance exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity both in acute and chronic animal models. The essential oil also inhibited inflammatory- and noninflammatory-mediated pain when assessed using the formalin test. In conclusion, the essential oil of Z. zerumbet possessed anti-inflammatory activity, in addition to its antinociceptive activity, which may explain its traditional uses to treat inflammatory-related ailments.
Biomarkers and Perceived Emotional Stress in Early-Stage Pregnant Taiwanese Women With Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Chou Fan-Hao , Chan Te-Fu , Chin Chi-Chun , Chen Yi-Ling , Shen Ching Ju , Kuo Shih-Hsien
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to compare physiological and psychological reactions among Taiwanese women with different degrees of severity of nausea and vomiting (NV) during pregnancy. Based on their scores on the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), 59 pregnant women ≥ 18 years of age, with single gestations and without diagnosed pregnancy complications or hospitalizations were divided into two groups: mild or less (scores 0–8, n = 33) and moderate or severe (scores 9–32, n = 26). A single blood sample was obtained early in pregnancy during a prenatal visit to examine the biochemical data related to NV and stress. The INVR and Perceived Stress Scale were also administered at this time. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and leptin levels were significantly different between the two groups, whereas IFN-α, IL-2, TNF-α, adiponectin, perceived stress, and cortisol showed no significant differences. The cutoff point between high and low levels of NV severity was consistent between INVR scores (psychological reactions) and hCG level (physiological reactions). Logistic regression analysis indicated that leptin levels accounted for 24.4% of the variance for NV in early pregnancy. A further multiple linear regression analysis showed that NV, first trimester pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and age explained 72.4% of the variance in leptin levels. The findings of this study add new information to the understanding of the biomarkers and perceived emotional stress in early-stage pregnant women with high and low severities of NV.
Imbalance in the Stress-Adaptation System in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kuroki Tsukasa , Ohta Akihide , Sherriff-Tadano Ryoko , Matsuura Emi , Takashima Tooru , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: November 2010

Aim: Though inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known as a stress-related disorder, basic evidence for this claim is lacking. The current study was performed to investigate the function of the neuroendocrine-immune system as a main pathway in stress response and stress-coping ability and the associations among stress response, stress-coping ability, and disease activity in IBD patients. Method: A questionnaire was administered to obtain information concerning stress state and stress-coping ability (self-efficacy and sense of coherence [SOC]) in 78 IBD patients and 21 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were taken for determining the serum levels of various stress-related hormones and cytokines before and after a calculation stress test. Results: Self-efficacy was significantly decreased in patients, though the degree of perceived stress and SOC did not differ between patients and controls. Basal levels of cortisol did not differ, but levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, β-endorphin and interleukin (IL)-6 were significantly higher in patients than in controls. In addition, the control group, but not the patient group, demonstrated significant differences in the basal cortisol levels between low and high SOC subgroups and between low and high perceived stress subgroups. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were significantly increased following the calculation stress test in patients only. Conclusion: Results indicate that IBD patients may have skewed neuroendocrine-immune systems and that emotional stress may aggravate the disease. Stress-management interventions might be useful, not only for patients' quality of life (QOL) but also for disease control.
Peripheral arterial ischemic events in cancer patients
Authors: Sanon Saurabh , Lenihan Daniel J , Mouhayar Elie
Published: November 2010

Thromboembolic complications are the second leading cause of death in cancer patients. In contrast to the large body of literature on venous thromboembolism (VTE), relatively few reports have focused on the pathogenesis, incidence, management and outcomes of arterial thromboembolic events in patients with malignancy. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on the etiology, mechanisms, and prognosis of arterial thromboembolic events in cancer patients and outline appropriate screening and management guidelines that may help lower the rates of morbidity and mortality related to these events.
Perceived importance of contact revisited: Anticipated consequences of intergroup contact for the ingroup as predictors of the explicit and implicit ethnic attitudes of youth
Authors: Mähönen Tuuli A. , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga , Liebkind Karmela , Finell Eerika
Published: November 2010

This study investigated the impact of the perceived importance of intergroup contact on the explicit and implicit attitudes of Finnish adolescents ( N = 93) towards Russian immigrants. It is argued that irrespective of the effects of personal contact experiences, perceived importance of contact depends on the anticipated consequences of contact for the ingroup, further divided into realistic (i.e., economic) and symbolic (i.e., cultural) gains. Controlling for age and gender, results showed that there was no association between perceived realistic gains and explicit attitudes, while perceived symbolic ingroup gains were associated with more positive explicit attitudes towards immigrants. In addition, perceived realistic ingroup gains predicted more negative implicit attitudes. Implications for the promotion of cultural diversity and work-related immigration are discussed.
Cultural discordance and the polarization of identities
Authors: Mähönen Tuuli Anna , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga , Liebkind Karmela
Published: November 2010

This study focuses on the role of two identity threats, perceived cultural discordance and perceived discrimination in the relationship between ethnic identification and national identification. Data on the identification patterns of Russian-speaking minority youth ( N = 132) living in Finland indicated that their ethnic and national identities were negatively associated and appeared as oppositional when there was a perceived discordance between an individual’s wish to maintain the heritage culture and the majority group’s attitude towards immigrants’ maintenance of their ethnic heritage. When cultural discordance was not experienced, ethnic and national identification were independent of each other. In contrast, perceived discrimination had only a direct negative effect on minority youth’s national identification and did not moderate the association between ethnic and national identification. The effects of age and age at arrival to Finland were controlled for in the analysis. The results are discussed in relation to the notion of reciprocity in intergroup relations.
A Study on the Method of Measurement of Heavy-Weight Floor Impact Sound Considering the Room Mode in Low Frequency Ranges
Authors: Joo Mun-Ki , Han Myung-Ho , Hwang Hey-Zoo , Oh Yang-Ki
Published: November 2010

Most of receiving rooms for the measurement of floor impact sound have rectangular shapes with couple of meters of dimension, with reflective finishing, no furniture and no curtains. Modal overlaps in those conditions are the major reason for the low reproducibility, and as a matter of course, low credibility in measurement. Especially the standard sound source that is currently being used for measurement of heavy-weight floor impact sounds, would cause many social problems due to the excessive low-frequency energy created, within a range from 63 to 125 Hz, and is difficult to evaluate and measure. To solve this problem, space-time average SPL’s through combinations of rotating microphones was suggested in the preceding research. In this study, measurement method using rotating machine and fixed microphones were compared and analysed by the field measurement. The measurement method using rotating machine has good consistencies with average SPL of entire receiving room. This method is expected to reduce the measurement time and measurement deviation as well as to support building regulation/standard development in Korea for Korean apartment buildings.
Generation, family and migration: Young Brazilian factory workers in Japan
Authors: Green Paul
Published: November 2010

This article focuses on the significance of generational difference and kinship ties in the lives of young Brazilian migrants living and working in Japan. On these terms, I transcend an ongoing tendency in transnational migration studies to highlight the importance of economic motivation, a myth of return and the primary significance of communal ties in the shaping of everyday migrant experiences. By treating generational difference as a kin relationship I consider the central influence of family in shaping the experiences and future plans of young Brazilian migrants in Japan. By considering generational difference as a migrant relationship I discuss young people’s perceptions of freedom, familial obligation and easy money in the light of contested understandings of what it means to be a Brazilian migrant in Japan. Through this analysis, the article offers fresh insights into both migration between Brazil and Japan and understandings of belonging, difference and attachment in transnational social spaces.
Exclusion from the social contract
Authors: Weirich Paul
Published: November 2010

Does rational bargaining yield a social contract that is efficient and so inclusive? A core allocation, that is, an allocation that gives each coalition at least as much as it can get on its own, is efficient. However, some coalitional games lack a core allocation, so rationality does not require one in those games. Does rationality therefore permit exclusion from the social contract? I replace realization of a core allocation with another type of equilibrium achievable in every coalitional game. Fully rational agents coordinate the pursuit of incentives so that equilibria of this type are efficient. They adopt a social contract that is efficient and inclusive.
Machine learning algorithms for damage detection under operational and environmental variability
Authors: Figueiredo Eloi , Park Gyuhae , Farrar Charles R , Worden Keith , Figueiras Joaquim
Published: November 2010

The goal of this article is to detect structural damage in the presence of operational and environmental variations using vibration-based damage identification procedures. For this purpose, four machine learning algorithms are applied based on the auto-associative neural network, factor analysis, Mahalanobis distance, and singular value decomposition. A base-excited three-story frame structure was tested in laboratory environment to obtain time-series data from an array of accelerometers under several structural state conditions. Tests were performed with varying stiffness and mass conditions with the assumption that these sources of variability are representative of changing operational and environmental conditions. Damage is simulated through nonlinear effects introduced by a bumper mechanism that induces a repetitive, impact-type nonlinearity. This mechanism intends to simulate the cracks that open and close under dynamic loads or loose connections that rattle. The unique contribution of this study is a direct comparison of the four proposed machine learning algorithms that have been reported as reliable approaches to separate structural conditions with changes resulting from damage from changes caused by operational and environmental variations.
Advanced practice in ophthalmic nursing: A comparison of roles and the effects of policy on practice in the UK and New Zealand
Authors: Marsden Janet , Shaw Mary E. , Raynel Sue
Published: November 2010

This paper compares the results of studies of ophthalmic advanced practice in two similar but distinct health economies and integrates the effects of the setting, health policy and professional regulation on such roles. A mixed method questionnaire design was used, distributed at national ophthalmic nursing conferences in the UK and in New Zealand. Participants were nurses undertaking advanced practice who opted to return the questionnaire. Data were analysed separately, and are compared here, integrated with national health policy and role regulation to provide commentary on the findings. The findings suggest that health policy priorities stimulate the areas in which advanced practice roles in ophthalmic nursing emerge. The drivers of role development appear similar and include a lack of experienced doctors and an unmanageable rise in healthcare demand. Titles and remuneration are different in the two health economies, reflecting the organisation and regulation of nursing. In clinical terms, there are few differences between practice in the two settings and it appears that the distinct systems of regulation have minimal effect on role development. Ophthalmic nursing, as a reactive, needs based profession and in common with nursing in general, evolves in order that practice reflects what is needed by patients and services.
Low susceptibility of NC/Nga mice to the lipopolysaccharide-mediated lethality with d-galactosamine sensitization and the involvement of fewer natural killer T cells
Authors: Koide Naoki , Morikawa Akiko , Odkhuu Erdenezaya , Haque Abedul , Badamtseren Battuvshin , Naiki Yoshikazu , Komatsu Takayuki , Yoshida Tomoaki , Yokochi Takashi
Published: November 2010

The LPS-mediated lethality of NC/Nga mice, having fewer NKT cells, was examined by using d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-sensitization. The NC/Nga mice were not killed by a simultaneous administration of d-GalN and LPS whereas all C57BL/6 (B6) control mice were killed. The injection of d-GalN and LPS failed to elevate the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and caspase 3 in the liver tissues of NC/Nga mice. Further, the nitric oxide (NO) level of the d-GalN- and LPS-injected NC/Nga mice was much lower than those of the B6 mice. The expression of an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was significantly reduced in the livers of NC/Nga mice. However, there was no significant difference in LPS-induced TNF-α production between B6 mice and NC/Nga mice. The NC/Nga mice had an impaired expression of IFN-γ protein and mRNA in response to d-GalN and LPS. The pretreatment with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), which activates Vα14+ NKT cells and induces the production of IFN-γ, rendered NC/Nga mice more susceptible to the LPS-mediated lethality. The livers of NC/Nga mice had fewer NKT cells compared to B6 mice. Taken together, it is suggested that the resistance of NC/Nga mice to the LPS-mediated lethality with d-GalN sensitization depended on the impaired IFN-γ production caused by fewer NKT cells and reduced NO production that followed.
Biphasic adaptative responses in VLDL metabolism and lipoprotein homeostasis during Gram-negative endotoxemia
Authors: Bartolomé Nerea , Aspichueta Patricia , Martínez María J , Vázquez-Chantada Mercedes , Martínez-Chantar María L , Ochoa Begoña , Chico Yolanda
Published: November 2010

Dyslipidemia and hepatic overproduction of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) are hallmarks of the septic response, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully defined. We evaluated the lipoprotein subclasses profile and hepatic VLDL assembly machinery over 24 h in fasted LPS-treated rats. The response of serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose to endotoxin was biphasic, with increased levels of NEFA and hypoglycemia in the first 12 h-phase, and low NEFA and high glucose in the second 12 h-phase. Hypertriglyceridemia was more marked in the first 12 h (6.8-fold), when triglyceride abundance increased in all lipoprotein subclasses, and preferentially in large VLDL. The abundance of medium-sized VLDL and the increase in the number of VLDL particles was higher in the second phase (10-fold vs 5-fold in the first phase); however, apoB gene transcript abundance increased only in the second phase. Analysis of putative pre-translational mechanisms revealed that neither increased Apob transcription rate nor increased transcript binding to mRNA stabilizing HuR (Hu antigen R) protein paralleled the increase in apoB transcripts. In conclusion, endotoxin challenge induces increases in plasma NEFA and large, triglyceride-rich VLDL. After approximately 12 h, the triglyceride-rich VLDLs are replaced by medium-sized, triglyceride-poor VLDL particles. Hepatic apoB mRNA abundance also increases during the second period, suggesting a role for apoB protein expression in the acute reaction against sepsis.