bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat-flow determinations of basement age in small oceanic basins of the southern central Scotia Sea
Authors: Barker P. F. , Lawver L. A. , Larter R. D.
Published: April 2013

Results are reported from seven heat flow stations in small basins of the southern part of the central Scotia Sea (CSS), undertaken in order to determine basement ages. The basins are small, which makes magnetic anomaly-based ages ambiguous and preserves basin subsidence that may have been anomalous as a result of local factors. The fact that these small basins formed in a back-arc setting adds additional uncertainty to depth-based age estimates. The results confirm that basin extension commenced in the Eocene, and indirectly support a relatively young, back-arc origin for the northern CSS, but do not affect previously published suggestions of the age of onset of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Mesozoic to recent evolution of intraplate stress fields under multiple remote stresses: The case of Signy Island (South Orkney Microcontinent, Antarctica)
Authors: Maestro A. , López-Martínez J. , Bohoyo F.
Published: April 2013

Palaeostresses inferred from approximately 3200 brittle mesostructures measured at 43 sites in Signy Island show a stress field characterized by compressional, strike-slip and extensional stress states. There is a dominant NW–SE horizontal compression direction as well as three (NNW–SSE, WNW–ESE and ENE–WSW) secondary σ
1
horizontal stress directions. Orientation of σ
3
shows a main mode trending NW–SE together with secondary north–south and NE–SW extensional stress directions. The NNW–SSE horizontal compression is consistent with the stretching–shearing direction defined from the fold-axis trend. This is owing to a subduction-related tectonic regime during early to middle Jurassic times. In middle Jurassic/early Cretaceous times, the tectonic regime changes to extensional with north–south extensional stress directions. The early processes of subduction of the northern sector of the Weddell Sea oceanic crust below the South Orkney Microcontinent, from the Paleocene until the middle Miocene, is related to the σ
1
direction WNW–ESE to NW–SE. The spreading of Powell Basin took place from the late Eocene to the early Miocene and is the cause of east–west and NE–SW extensional processes in the southern South Orkney Microcontinent. Finally, the NW–SE σ
3
direction is related to the current left-lateral strike-slip movement between the Scotia and Antarctic plates.
History of the grounded ice sheet in the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica during the Last Glacial Maximum and the last termination
Authors: Hall Brenda L. , Denton George H. , Stone John O. , Conway Howard
Published: April 2013

Knowledge of variations in the extent and thickness of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is key for understanding the behaviour of Southern Hemisphere glaciers during the last ice age and for addressing issues involving global sea level, ocean circulation and climate change. Insight into past ice-sheet behaviour also will aid predictions of future ice-sheet stability. Here, we review terrestrial evidence for changes in ice geometry that occurred in the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and during subsequent deglaciation. During the LGM, a thick grounded ice sheet extended close to the continental shelf edge in the Ross Embayment. This ice reached surface elevations of more than 1000 m along the coast of the central and southern Transantarctic Mountains and Marie Byrd Land. The local LGM occurred by 18 ka on the coast, but as late as 7–10 ka inland. The first significant thinning took place at roughly 13 ka, with most ice loss happening in the Holocene. This history makes it unlikely that the Ross Sea sector was a major contributor to meltwater pulse 1A (MWP 1A). Resolution of a possible Antarctic origin for MWP 1A awaits detailed reconstructions from all sectors of the ice sheet.
Palaeobiogeography of Austral echinoid faunas: a first quantitative approach
Authors: Saucede Thomas , Pierrat Benjamin , Brayard Arnaud , David Bruno
Published: April 2013

Few studies have been devoted to the palaeobiogeography of Antarctic echinoids, all of them analysing and discussing distribution patterns in a qualitative way. The present work aims at exploring the evolution of palaeobiogeographic relationships of Austral echinoid faunas through four time intervals, from the Maastrichtian to the present day, using a quantitative approach: the Bootstrapped Spanning Network procedure. Analyses were successfully performed and improve our knowledge of biogeographic relationships between the different Austral regions. Biogeographic maps were produced that can be easily and intuitively discussed. Our results mostly agree with palaeobiogeographic studies performed on other benthic invertebrates and are congruent with the palaeogeographic evolution of Antarctica. However, two main points markedly contrast with other works: there is no evidence of an Austral provincialism at the end of the Cretaceous and early Cenozoic, and echinoid data suggest isolation of southern Argentina from other Austral regions, including Antarctica, in the Early Miocene.
Smooth muscle-selective CPI-17 expression increases vascular smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure
Authors: Su Wen , Xie Zhongwen , Liu Shu , Calderon Lindsay E. , Guo Zhenheng , Gong Ming C.
Published: April 2013

Recent data revealed that protein kinase C-potentiated myosin phosphatase inhibitor of 17 kDa (CPI-17), a myosin phosphatase inhibitory protein preferentially expressed in smooth muscle, is upregulated/activated in several diseases but whether this CPI-17 increase plays a causal role in pathologically enhanced vascular smooth muscle contractility and blood pressure remains unclear. To address this possibility, we generated a smooth muscle-specific CPI-17 transgenic mouse model (CPI-17-Tg) and demonstrated that the CPI-17 transgene was selectively expressed in smooth muscle-enriched tissues, including mesenteric arteries. The isometric contractions in the isolated second-order branch of mesenteric artery helical strips from CPI-17-Tg mice were significantly enhanced compared with controls in response to phenylephrine, U-46619, serotonin, ANG II, high potassium, and calcium. The perfusion pressure increases in isolated perfused mesenteric vascular beds in response to norepinephrine were also enhanced in CPI-17-Tg mice. The hypercontractility was associated with increased phosphorylation of CPI-17 and 20-kDa myosin light chain under basal and stimulated conditions. Surprisingly, the protein levels of rho kinase 2 and protein kinase Cα/δ were significantly increased in CPI-17-Tg mouse mesenteric arteries. Radiotelemetry measurements demonstrated that blood pressure was significantly increased in CPI-17-Tg mice. However, no vascular remodeling was detected by morphometric analysis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that increased CPI-17 expression in smooth muscle promotes vascular smooth muscle contractility and increases blood pressure, implicating a pathological significant role of CPI-17 upregulation.
Pulmonary cytokine composition differs in the setting of alcohol use disorders and cigarette smoking
Authors: Burnham Ellen L. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , Davis Christopher S.
Published: April 2013

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs), including alcohol abuse and dependence, and cigarette smoking are widely acknowledged and common risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia. Reasons for these associations are likely complex but may involve an imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines within the lung. Delineating the specific effects of alcohol, smoking, and their combination on pulmonary cytokines may help unravel mechanisms that predispose these individuals to pneumococcal pneumonia. We hypothesized that the combination of AUD and cigarette smoking would be associated with increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) proinflammatory cytokines and diminished anti-inflammatory cytokines, compared with either AUDs or cigarette smoking alone. Acellular BAL fluid was obtained from 20 subjects with AUDs, who were identified using a validated questionnaire, and 19 control subjects, matched on the basis of age, sex, and smoking history. Half were current cigarette smokers; baseline pulmonary function tests and chest radiographs were normal. A positive relationship between regulated and normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) with increasing severity of alcohol dependence was observed, independent of cigarette smoking ( P = 0.0001). Cigarette smoking duration was associated with higher IL-1β ( P = 0.0009) but lower VEGF ( P = 0.0007); cigarette smoking intensity was characterized by higher IL-1β and lower VEGF and diminished IL-12 ( P = 0.0004). No synergistic effects of AUDs and cigarette smoking were observed. Collectively, our work suggests that AUDs and cigarette smoking each contribute to a proinflammatory pulmonary milieu in human subjects through independent effects on BAL RANTES and IL-1β. Furthermore, cigarette smoking additionally influences BAL IL-12 and VEGF that may be relevant to the pulmonary immune response.
Risk of Precancer Determined by HPV Genotype Combinations in Women with Minor Cytologic Abnormalities
Authors: Gage Julia C. , Schiffman Mark , Solomon Diane , Wheeler Cosette M. , Gravitt Patti E. , Castle Philip E. , Wentzensen Nicolas
Published: April 2013

Background: Studies suggest that testing for individual human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes can improve risk stratification in women with minor cytologic abnormalities. We evaluated genotyping for HPV16, HPV16/18, and HPV16/18/45 in carcinogenic HPV-positive women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology.

Methods: For women enrolled in the ASCUS–LSIL Triage Study (ALTS), we calculated the age-stratified (<30 and 30+ years) positivity and cumulative risk over two years of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) when testing positive or negative for three genotype combinations: HPV16, HPV16/18, and HPV16/18/45.

Results: Among women with ASCUS cytology, HPV16 positivity was 17.1% and increased to 22.0% (P < 0.001) for HPV16/18 and 25.6% (P < 0.001) for HPV16/18/45. Among women with LSIL cytology, HPV16 positivity was 21.1% and increased to 30.0% (P < 0.001) for HPV16/18 and 34.0% (P = 0.017) for HPV16/18/45. Regardless of cytology and age group, the greatest risk difference between test positives and test negatives was observed for HPV16 with decreasing risk stratification for HPV16/18 and HPV16/18/45. However, testing negative for any of the three combinations while being positive for another carcinogenic type still implied a two-year risk of CIN3+ of 7.8% or more.

Conclusions: Although genotyping for HPV16, 18, and 45 provided additional risk stratification in carcinogenic HPV-positive women with minor cytologic abnormalities, the risk among genotype-negative women was still high enough to warrant immediate colposcopy referral.

Impact: HPV genotyping in HPV-positive women with minor cytologic abnormalities will likely not alter clinical management. Adding HPV45 to genotyping assays is not warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(6); 1095–101. ©2013 AACR.
Mammographic Breast Density and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women According to the Time Since the Mammogram
Authors: Yaghjyan Lusine , Colditz Graham A. , Rosner Bernard , Tamimi Rulla M.
Published: April 2013

Background: Few studies have shown that the association between mammographic breast density and breast cancer persists for up to 10 years after the mammogram. We investigated associations of percent density, absolute dense, and nondense areas with breast cancer risk according to the time since the mammogram.

Methods: This study included 1,028 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed within the Nurses' Health Study and 1,780 matched controls. Breast density was measured from digitized film images with computerized techniques. Information on breast cancer risk factors was obtained prospectively from the biennial questionnaires before the date of cancer diagnosis for cases and their matched controls. The data were analyzed with logistic regression.

Results: Breast cancer risk increased with increasing percent density and increasing absolute dense area and decreased with increasing nondense area. In multivariate analysis, the magnitude of the association between percent density and breast cancer was similar when the time since the mammogram was <2, 2 to <5, and 5 to <10 years [density ≥50% vs.<10%: ORs, 3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55–6.25, 5.35 (95% CI: 2.93–9.76), and 3.91 (95%CI: 2.22–6.88), respectively]. Similarly, the magnitude of association between quartiles of dense and nondense areas and breast cancer risk were similar across the time strata. We found no interactions between the time since the mammogram and breast density measures (Pinteraction > 0.05).

Conclusions: Patterns of the associations between percent density, absolute dense, and nondense area with breast cancer risk persist for up to 10 years after the mammogram.

Impact: A one-time density measure can be used for long-term breast cancer risk prediction. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(6); 1110–7. ©2013 AACR.
Epigenetic Control of NF-κB-Dependent FAS Gene Transcription during Progression of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Ettou Sandrine , Humbrecht Catherine , Benet Blandine , Billot Katy , d'Allard Diane , Mariot Virginie , Goodhardt Michele , Kosmider Olivier , Mayeux Patrick , Solary Eric , Fontenay Michaela
Published: April 2013

The death domain containing TNF receptor 6 (CD95/Fas) is a direct target for the NF-κB transcription factor and is repressed in solid tumors such as colon carcinomas. Previously, we reported that the Fas death receptor, while overexpressed in low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), becomes undetectable on CD34+ progenitors when the disease progresses to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study determined the interplay between NF-κB and Fas during MDS progression. We first observed that Fas was induced by TNF-α in the HL60 cell line. In these cells, p65 (RELA) was associated with the FAS promoter, and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway by an IKKα inhibitor (BAY11-7082) or lentiviral expression of a nondegradable mutant of IκBα (IκSR) blocked Fas expression. In contrast, TNF-α failed to induce Fas expression in the colon carcinoma cell line SW480, due to hypermethylation of the FAS promoter. Azacitidine rescued p65 binding on FAS promoter in vitro, and subsequently Fas expression in SW480 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of the NF-κB pathway decreased the expression of Fas in MDS CD45loCD34+ bone marrow cells. However, despite the nuclear expression of p65, Fas was often low on CD45loCD34+ AML cells. TNF-α failed to stimulate its expression, while azacitidine efficiently rescued p65 binding and Fas reexpression. Overall, these data suggest that DNA methylation at NF-κB sites is responsible for FAS gene silencing. Mol Cancer Res; 11(7); 724–35. ©2013 AACR.
CD44 Binds to Macrophage Mannose Receptor on Lymphatic Endothelium and Supports Lymphocyte Migration via Afferent Lymphatics
Authors: Salmi Marko , Karikoski Marika , Elima Kati , Rantakari Pia , Jalkanen Sirpa
Published: April 2013

Rationale:

Macrophage mannose receptor (MRC) is one of the few molecules known to be involved in lymphocyte trafficking via the lymphatic vessels. In endothelial cells of efferent lymphatics, it binds L-selectin on lymphocytes. In afferent lymphatics, MRC mediates trafficking of both normal and malignant L-selectin–negative cells to the draining lymph nodes.

Objective:

This work was designed to search for additional lymphocyte ligands of MRC to elucidate how lymphocytes migrate into the draining lymph nodes.

Methods and Results:

Using immunoprecipitation and binding studies with natural and recombinant proteins, we show that MRC and CD44 can interact with each other. Fine mapping revealed that the cysteine-rich domain of MRC binds to the chondroitin sulfate side chains of CD44. In vivo homing experiments with MRC- and CD44-deficient mice verified that MRC and CD44 function as a receptor-ligand pair in supporting lymphocyte migration via the afferent lymphatics into the draining lymph nodes.

Conclusions:

These data identify a new counter-receptor for MRC and reveal CD44 as a new molecule involved in the poorly understood process of lymphocyte transit via the lymphatic vasculature.
Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Turnover by Endothelial Cell–Secreted MicroRNA-126
Authors: Zhou Jing , Li Yi-Shuan , Nguyen Phu , Wang Kuei-Chun , Weiss Anna , Kuo Yi-Chun , Chiu Jeng-Jiann , Shyy John Y. , Chien Shu
Published: April 2013

Rationale:

Endothelial microRNA-126 (miR-126) modulates vascular development and angiogenesis. However, its role in the regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) function is unknown.

Objective:

To elucidate the role of miR-126 secreted by endothelial cells (ECs) in regulating SMC turnover in vitro and in vivo, as well as the effects of shear stress on the regulation.

Methods and Results:

Coculture of SMCs with ECs or treatment of SMCs with conditioned media from static EC monoculture (EC-CM) increased SMC miR-126 level and SMC turnover; these effects were abolished by inhibition of endothelial miR-126 and by the application of laminar shear stress to ECs. SMC miR-126 did not increase when treated with EC-CM from ECs subjected to inhibition of miR biogenesis, or with CM from sheared ECs. Depletion of extracellular/secreted vesicles in EC-CM did not affect the increase of SMC miR-126 by EC-CM. Biotinylated miR-126 or FLAG (DYKDDDDK epitope)-tagged Argonaute2 transfected into ECs was detected in the cocultured or EC-CM–treated SMCs, indicating a direct EC-to-SMC transmission of miR-126 and Argonaute2. Endothelial miR-126 represses forkhead box O3, B-cell lymphoma 2, and insulin receptor substrate 1 mRNAs in the cocultured SMCs, suggesting the functional roles of the transmitted miR-126. Systemic depletion of miR-126 in mice inhibited neointimal lesion formation of carotid arteries induced by cessation of blood flow. Administration of EC-CM or miR-126 mitigated the inhibitory effect.

Conclusions:

Endothelial miR-126 acts as a key intercellular mediator to increase SMC turnover, and its release is reduced by atheroprotective laminar shear stress.
Apelin-APJ Signaling Is a Critical Regulator of Endothelial MEF2 Activation in Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Kang Yujung , Kim Jongmin , Anderson Joshua P. , Wu Jingxia , Gleim Scott R. , Kundu Ramendra K. , McLean Danielle L. , Kim Jun-dae , Park Hyekyung , Jin Suk-won , Hwa John , Quertermous Thomas , Chun Hyung J.
Published: April 2013

Rationale:

The peptide ligand apelin and its receptor APJ constitute a signaling pathway with numerous effects on the cardiovascular system, including cardiovascular development in model organisms such as xenopus and zebrafish.

Objective:

This study aimed to characterize the embryonic lethal phenotype of the
Apj
−/−
mice and to define the involved downstream signaling targets.

Methods and Results:

We report the first characterization of the embryonic lethality of the
Apj
−/−
mice. More than half of the expected
Apj
−/−
embryos died in utero because of cardiovascular developmental defects. Those succumbing to early embryonic death had markedly deformed vasculature of the yolk sac and the embryo, as well as poorly looped hearts with aberrantly formed right ventricles and defective atrioventricular cushion formation.
Apj
−/−
embryos surviving to later stages demonstrated incomplete vascular maturation because of a deficiency of vascular smooth muscle cells and impaired myocardial trabeculation and ventricular wall development. The molecular mechanism implicates a novel, noncanonical signaling pathway downstream of apelin-APJ involving Gα13, which induces histone deacetylase (HDAC) 4 and HDAC5 phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation, resulting in activation of myocyte enhancer factor 2.
Apj
−/−
mice have greater endocardial Hdac4 and Hdac5 nuclear localization and reduced expression of the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcriptional target
Krüppel-like factor 2
. We identify a number of commonly shared transcriptional targets among apelin-APJ, Gα13, and MEF2 in endothelial cells, which are significantly decreased in the
Apj
−/−
embryos and endothelial cells.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate a novel role for apelin-APJ signaling as a potent regulator of endothelial MEF2 function in the developing cardiovascular system.
Neo-Pentecostal Spirituality and Theology of Creativity in the Work of Barbara A. Holmes
Authors: Ware Frederick L.
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The works of black Pentecostal scholars who are members of classical Pentecostal denominations are well recognized. Less is known, however, about the work of black Pentecostal scholars from denominations rooted in different historical movements. One such Pentecostal scholar worthy of recognition is Barbara A. Holmes. While she self-identifies as Pentecostal/Charismatic, she is more accurately classified as neo-Pentecostal. The story of her spiritual journey reveals the complex routes and profound contributions of Pentecostalism toward the Charismatic movement in historic denominations like the United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ Church. The influence of Pentecostalism on Holmes’s scholarship is most evident in her focus on spirituality and quest for a theology of creativity.
Subject to Spirit: The Promise of Pentecostal Feminist Pneumatology and Its Witness to Systematics
Authors: Rees Janice
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The emergence of feminist Pentecostal studies poses a sharp challenge to both systematic theology and gender studies. The experiences of Pentecostal women, often in non-Western contexts, confront common assumptions regarding women’s ritual experience and the emergence of subjectivity. This paper will argue for an integration of insights from feminist Pentecostalism into the discipline of systematic theology. I explore the emergence of subjectivity in Pentecostal women in relation to the Holy Spirit and argue that a Pentecostal and feminist approach to pneumatology brings the critical elements together. This produces a clearer vision of the intimate relation between the doctrine of God and an embodied community of women (and men), thereby creating room within the systematic discipline to explore the boundaries of subjectivity itself.
Toward Useable Categories of “Women’s Experiences” and “Power”: A Canadian Feminist Pentecostal Considers the Work of Margaret Kamitsuka and Kwok Pui-lan
Authors: Holmes Pamela M.S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract

This article explores the potential of, and problems associated with, the use of the concept of “women’s experiences” within feminist Pentecostalism, including the ways in which “power” is being exercised by, for, and against Pentecostal women. The exploration unfolds in dialogue with Margaret D. Kamitsuka’s Feminist Theology and the Challenge of Difference, which utilizes poststructuralist theory and Foucault’s work to demonstrate the potential of difference, and Kwok Pui-lan’s Postcolonial Imagination and Feminist Theology, which highlights the realities that many majority-world feminists face as they seek to address their own realities using the category of “strategic essentialism.” As the argument unfolds, Caucasian, first-world feminist Pentecostals are encouraged to make it explicit within their work that no one particular, located subset of Pentecostal women and their experiences can be generalized to speak for all. Rather, more privileged feminist Pentecostal theologians are encouraged to intentionally include diverse Pentecostal women’s voices in their scholarship.
Gender and Twenty-First-Century Corporate Crime: Female Involvement and the Gender Gap in Enron-Era Corporate Frauds
Authors: Steffensmeier Darrell J. , Schwartz Jennifer , Roche Michael
Published: April 2013

We extend the scarce research on corporate crime to include gender by developing and testing a gendered focal concerns and crime opportunities framework that predicts minimal and marginal female involvement in corporate criminal networks. Lacking centralized information, we developed a rich database covering 83 corporate frauds involving 436 defendants. We extracted information from indictments and secondary sources on corporate conspiracy networks (e.g., co-conspirator roles, company positions, and distribution of profit). Findings support the gendered paradigm. Typically, women were not part of conspiracy groups. When women were involved, they had more minor roles and made less profit than their male co-conspirators. Two main pathways defined female involvement: relational (close personal relationship with a main male co-conspirator) and utility (occupied a financial-gateway corporate position). Paralleling gendered labor market segmentation processes that limit and shape women’s entry into economic roles, sex segregation in corporate criminality is pervasive, suggesting only subtle shifts in gender socialization and women’s opportunities for significant white-collar crimes. Our findings do not comport with images of highly placed or powerful white-collar female criminals.
The Shadow of Indebtedness: Bridewealth and Norms Constraining Female Reproductive Autonomy
Authors: Horne Christine , Dodoo F. Nii-Amoo , Dodoo Naa Dodua
Published: April 2013

Bridewealth is fundamental to marriage in Africa. Anthropological research provides substantial information regarding characteristics of the bridewealth transaction, but scholars and policymakers know little about its consequences for women in contemporary Africa. We argue that the payment of bridewealth strengthens normative constraints on women’s autonomy in the reproductive domain. We test and find support for our argument using a unique vignette experiment conducted with rural women in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Sentencing and public opinion: An empirical study of punitiveness and lenience and its implications for penal moderation
Authors: Lovegrove Austin
Published: April 2013

This study explores the character of the public’s attitudes to the punishment of individual offenders. Unnever and Cullen’s theory of empathy and, to a lesser extent, Garland’s concept of the offender as ‘other’ provided the guiding framework. Four serious cases, involving six offenders, were presented by the actual sentencing judges to over 470 participants in 32 groups around Victoria, Australia. The participants individually imposed sentences on these offenders; as well they gave reasons for their sentences and discussed the judges’ sentences. The findings are consistent with Unnever and Cullen’s theory, but only partially consistent with Garland’s concept. Thus, for each offender, the sentences ranged from lenient to harsh in the circumstances, but tended to lenience, although there were some swingeing sentences. Moreover, the reasons for and against mitigation were, respectively, empathetic and non-empathetic in character, but in some of the justifications of harshness the offender appeared to be treated as ‘other’. These two theories and the data are viewed as relevant to understanding the factors favouring and hindering penal moderation, and in this way to providing a means of addressing the public’s apparent punitive sentiments relating to sentencing. To this end, Loader’s ideas about penal moderation were found to be helpful.
Whither Australia’s Children’s Courts? Findings of the National Assessment of Australia’s Children’s Courts
Authors: Borowski Allan
Published: April 2013

The Children’s Court is a critical social institution that decides important legal and social issues relating to children and families. This article reports the findings of a large national study which canvassed the views of judicial officers and other key stakeholders in each of Australia’s eight States and Territories concerning the court’s contemporary status and challenges and future reform directions with a view to informing current policy debates and deliberations. It draws together the major themes that emerged from the analysis of data derived from eight parallel sub-studies conducted concurrently which together comprised the national study. The findings point to a range of changes and underscore the importance of adequately resourcing the courts and the youth justice and child protection systems.
Non-syndromic Tooth Agenesis Associated with a Nonsense Mutation in Ectodysplasin-A (EDA)
Authors: Nikopensius T. , Annilo T. , Jagomägi T. , Gilissen C. , Kals M. , Krjutškov K. , Mägi R. , Eelmets M. , Gerst-Talas U. , Remm M. , Saag M. , Hoischen A. , Metspalu A.
Published: April 2013

Mutations in the ectodysplasin-A ( EDA) gene have been generally associated with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED). Recently, missense mutations in EDA have been reported to cause familial non-syndromic tooth agenesis. In this study, we report a novel EDA mutation in an Estonian family segregating non-syndromic tooth agenesis with variable expressivity. Affected individuals had no associated defects in other ectodermal organs. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a heterozygous nonsense mutation c.874G>T (p.Glu292X) in the TNF homology domain of EDA in all affected female patients. This protein-altering variant arose de novo, and the potentially causative allele was transmitted to affected offspring from the affected mother. We suggest that the dental phenotype variability described in heterozygous female carriers of EDA mutation may occur because of the differential pattern of X-chromosome inactivation, which retains reduced levels of EDA-receptor signaling in tissues involved in tooth morphogenesis. This results in selective tooth agenesis rather than XLHED phenotype. The present study broadens the mutation spectrum for this locus and demonstrates that EDA mutations may result in non-syndromic tooth agenesis in heterozygous females.
Pulp Progenitor Cell Recruitment is Selectively Guided by a C5a Gradient
Authors: Chmilewsky F. , Jeanneau C. , Laurent P. , Kirschfink M. , About I.
Published: April 2013

It recently became evident that activation of the complement system also contributes to tissue regeneration after infection/injury. The complement-derived fragment C5a induces vascular modifications and attracts cells expressing its receptor (C5aR/CD88) to the site of infection and tissue injury. Besides inflammatory cells, various tissue cells express this receptor. We hypothesized that pulp progenitor cells, being exposed to local complement activation in caries lesions, may respond to C5a via the C5aR. Our work aimed at evaluating the ability of C5a to induce pulp progenitor cell migration that may link complement activation to dentin regeneration. Immunofluorescence analysis of third molar pulp sections showed perivascular localization of the mesenchymal stem cell markers STRO-1 and C5aR. RT-PCR on STRO-1-sorted pulp progenitor cells, co-expressing both STRO-1 and C5aR, revealed high C5aR mRNA levels. Experiments with the C5aR antagonist W54011 revealed that C5a specifically bound to progenitor cells via C5aR, inducing their selective migration toward the C5a gradient. Since we could also demonstrate C5b-9 formation by immunohistochemistry in carious teeth, our findings suggest that, upon local complement activation, C5a induces pulp progenitor cell migration, which may be critical in initiating the regenerative process after dentin/pulp injury.
Effects of Free Fatty Acids on Human Salivary Gland Epithelial Cells
Authors: Shikama Y. , Ishimaru N. , Kudo Y. , Bando Y. , Aki N. , Hayashi Y. , Funaki M.
Published: April 2013

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity and higher concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) in plasma. Among FFAs, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as palmitate, have been proposed to promote inflammatory responses. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltration and destruction of epithelial cells in the salivary and lacrimal glands. IL-6 production and α-fodrin degradation are increased in salivary gland epithelial cells of patients with primary SS. Although previous studies have shown a link between SS and either dyslipidemia or T2D, little is known about the clinical significance of FFAs in primary SS. Here we report that SFAs, but not unsaturated fatty acids, induced IL-6 production via NF-κB and p38 MAPK activation in human salivary gland epithelial cells. Moreover, palmitate induced apoptosis and α-fodrin degradation by caspase-3 activation. Unlike salivary gland epithelial cells, induction of IL-6 production and the degradation of α-fodrin in response to palmitate were undetectable in squamous carcinoma cells and keratinocytes. Taken together, SFAs induced IL-6 production and α-fodrin degradation in salivary gland epithelial cells, implicating a potential link between the pathogenesis of primary SS and SFAs level in plasma.
Fuzzy Monte Carlo Simulation using point-cloud-based probability–possibility transformation
Authors: Sharif Ullah A M M , Shamsuzzaman M
Published: April 2013

Fuzzy Monte Carlo Simulation (FMCS) uses both the probability density function ( pdf) and possibility distributions (e.g., fuzzy numbers) to model the uncertainty/imprecision associated with the input parameters and, then, to simulate the uncertainty/imprecision associated with the output parameters. A probability–possibility transformation is needed to transfer the information of a fuzzy number into its equivalent pdf, while performing the simulation. This study deals with an approach of FMCS that uses a point-cloud-based probability–possibility transformation. Let x( t), t = 0,1,…, n, be a set of points that represents some random states of an uncertain/imprecise quantity. The collection of points ( x( t), x( t+ i)), t = 0,…, n– i, i∈ {1,2,…} is called point-cloud, providing a visual/computational representation of variability, modality, and ranges associated with the quantity. This study identifies the pdf and possibility distribution (fuzzy number) underlying a given point-cloud. Using these distributions, the relationships between the triangular fuzzy number and unimodal pdf (normal/uniform distributions) are identified. Two numerical examples are described elucidating the effectiveness of the proposed transformation. The first example deals with the issue of monitoring a FMCS process. The other example deals with the issue of making a decision by using FMCS.
Leading Machiavellians
Authors: Belschak Frank D. , Den Hartog Deanne N. , Kalshoven Karianne
Published: April 2013

Machiavellians are said to be manipulative people who reduce the social capital of the organization. Yet some authors note that Machiavellians are also highly adaptive individuals who are able to contribute, cooperate, and use pro-social strategies when it is advantageous to them. Here we study whether transformational leader behavior can stimulate Machiavellian followers to engage in organizationally desirable behaviors such as challenging organizational citizenship behavior. We hypothesized and found in two multi-source field studies that transformational leadership moderates the relationship between Machiavellianism and challenging organizational citizenship behavior. In Study 2, we hypothesized a moderated mediation model and found that enhanced job autonomy and accompanying intrinsic motivation relating to transformational leadership explain (part of) the relationship between transformational leader behavior and challenging citizenship behavior of Machiavellian followers.
Articular Cartilage Repair With Magnetic Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Kamei Goki , Kobayashi Takaaki , Ohkawa Shingo , Kongcharoensombat Wirat , Adachi Nobuo , Takazawa Kobun , Shibuya Hayatoshi , Deie Masataka , Hattori Koji , Goldberg Jeffrey L. , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: April 2013

Background:

Cell therapies are hampered by the difficulty of delivering cells to and retaining them in target tissues long enough to repair or regenerate local tissues.

Hypothesis:

Magnetic-assisted delivery of magnetically labeled mesenchymal stem cells (m-MSCs) would be rapid, allowing for chondrogenic differentiation and functional joint repair without replacement.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Sixteen mini-pigs aged 6 to 7 months were used. A full-thickness cartilage defect was created in the center of the patella with a cylindrical punch (diameter, 6 mm). At 4 weeks after creation of the cartilage defects, the animals were divided into 3 treatment groups: In the M group, m-MSCs (5 × 106 cells) were injected and accumulated to the cartilage defect using an external magnetic force (1.5 T) for 10 minutes; in the G group, the patella was faced upward, filled with MSCs (5 × 106 cells), and held for 10 minutes; and in the C group, only phosphate-buffered saline was injected. The regenerated cartilage was evaluated in 5 knees in each of the 3 groups by arthroscopic surgery at 6 and 12 weeks and histological and ultrasound evaluation at 12 and 24 weeks.

Results:

The mean arthroscopic scores at 6 weeks were 10.4 ± 1.10 in the M group, 8.8 ± 0.84 in the G group, and 7.4 ± 0.89 in the C group. There was a statistically significant difference between the M group and the other 2 groups. The mean arthroscopic scores at 12 weeks were 12.8 ± 1.30 (M group), 10.5 ± 1.30 (G group), and 9.5 ± 0.58 (C group), with a statistically significant difference between the M and C groups. The mean histological scores using the Wakitani scoring system at 12 weeks were 2.8 ± 0.96 (M group), 5.4 ± 0.55 (G group), and 6.0 ± 2.20 (C group), and the mean histological scores at 24 weeks were 2.4 ± 1.50 (M group), 3.5 ± 0.56 (G group), and 5.3 ± 1.50 (C group). The mean histological scores at 12 weeks were significantly better in the M group than in the other groups, and the M group maintained a significantly better histological score than did the C group at 24 weeks.

Conclusion:

The m-MSCs had no adverse effect on chondrogenic differentiation, and m-MSCs delivered by magnetic field application repaired cartilage defects.

Clinical Relevance:

The clinical application of this novel stem cell delivery system is a potential therapeutic option for treating cartilage defects and may be more applicable throughout the body than traditional methods.
Role of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 antagonists in treatment of experimentally induced mammary tumor
Authors: El-Sisi Alaa El-Din E , Sokar Samia S , Salem Tarek A , Abu Risha Sally E
Published: April 2013

It has been reported that a leukotriene (LT)-D4 receptor (i.e. cysteinyl LT1 receptor; CysLT1R) has an important role in carcinogenesis. The current study was carried out to assess the possible antitumor effects of montelukast (MON), a CysLT1R antagonist, in a mouse mammary carcinoma model, that is, a solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC). Effects of MON on tumor-induced immune dysfunction and the possibility that MON may modulate the antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of doxorubicin (DOX) were also studied. The effects in tumor-bearing hosts of several dosings with MON (10 mg/kg, per os), with and without the added presence of DOX (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), were investigated in vivo; end points evaluated included assessment of tumor volume, splenic lymphocyte profiles/functionality, tumor necrosis factor-α content, as well as apoptosis and expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) among the tumor cells. The data indicate that MON induced significant antitumor activity against the SEC. MON treatments also significantly mitigated both tumor- and DOX-induced declines in immune parameters assessed here. Moreover, MON led to decreased NF-κB nuclear expression and, in doing so, appeared to chemosensitize these tumor cells to DOX-induced apoptosis.
Determination of genotoxic effects of boron and zinc on Zea mays using protein and random amplification of polymorphic DNA analyses
Authors: Erturk Filiz Aygun , Nardemir Gokce , Hilal AY , Arslan Esra , Agar Guleray
Published: April 2013

In this research, we aimed to determine genotoxic effects of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on Zea mays by using total soluble protein content and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. For the RAPD analysis, 16 RAPD primers were found to produce unique polymorphic band profiles on treated maize seedlings. With increased Zn and B concentrations, increased polymorphism rate was observed, while genomic template stability and total soluble protein content decreased. The treatment with Zn was more effective than that of B groups on the levels of total proteins. The obtained results from this study revealed that the total soluble protein levels and RAPD profiles were performed as endpoints of genotoxicity and these analyses can offer useful biomarker assays for the evaluation of genotoxic effects on Zn and B polluted plants.
Social Identification, Perception of Aging, and Successful Aging in the Workplace
Authors: Cheung Francis , Wu Anise M. S.
Published: April 2013

This study adopted self-identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) to examine the role of affective and cognitive identification and the perception of aging with regard to Chinese employees’ successful aging in the workplace. A total of 242 Chinese workers in Hong Kong aged 45 and above were recruited. Results showed that cognitive identification was significantly related to four successful aging in the workplace dimensions, whereas affective identification was significantly related to all of the five aspects of successful aging in the workplace. Moderated regression analyses suggested that the association between cognitive/affective identification and successful aging in the workplace was moderated by a positive perception of aging. Post hoc analyses indicated successful aging in the workplace was more likely to occur when an individual has identified themselves as aging workers and they had positive perception toward aging. Limitations and practical implications were discussed.
Numerical study of the effects of exhaust gas recirculation stratification on reducing the rate of pressure rise in dimethyl ether homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion
Authors: Jamsran Narankhuu , Lim Ock Taeck , Iida Norimasa
Published: April 2013

This work investigates the potential of in-cylinder exhaust gas recirculation stratification for reducing the rate of pressure rise in dimethyl ether homogeneous charge compression ignition engines and its coupling with both thermal stratification and fuel stratification. Numerical analyses were performed using a five-zone version of the CHEMKIN-II kinetics rate code and the kinetic mechanics of dimethyl ether. The effects of inert components were used to represent the presence of exhaust gas recirculation in calculations. Three cases of exhaust gas recirculation stratification were tested in terms of both thermal stratification and fuel stratification at a fixed initial temperature, fixed initial pressure and fixed fuelling rate at bottom dead centre. In order to explore the appropriate stratification of exhaust gas recirculation, the exhaust gas recirculation width (defined as the difference between the exhaust gas recirculation ratios in zone 1 and zone 5 in the five-zone model) which we employed was from 0% to 30%. The case of exhaust gas recirculation homogeneity (called case 1), in which the exhaust gas recirculation width is 0%, was examined. In case 2, exhaust gas recirculation is located densely in a hot zone for combination with thermal stratification or in a fuel-rich zone for combination with fuel stratification. The last case (case 3) was the inverse of case 2. Ringing was reduced to an acceptable level in the case of fuel stratification with an appropriate exhaust gas recirculation distribution, which slowed the rapid burning during the compression stroke.
Ovarian mixed germ cell tumor with yolk sac and teratomatous components in a dog
Authors: Robinson Nicholas A. , Manivel J. Carlos , Olson Erik J.
Published: April 2013

Mixed germ cell tumors of the ovary have rarely been reported in veterinary species. A 3-year-old intact female Labrador Retriever dog was presented for lethargy, abdominal distention, and a midabdominal mass. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large (23 cm in diameter) left ovarian tumor and multiple small (2–3 cm in diameter) pale tan masses on the peritoneum and abdominal surface of the diaphragm. Histological examination of the left ovary revealed a mixed germ cell tumor with a yolk sac component with rare Schiller–Duval bodies and a teratomatous component comprised primarily of neural differentiation. The abdominal metastases were solely comprised of the yolk sac component. The yolk sac component was diffusely immunopositive for cytokeratin with scattered cells reactive for α-fetoprotein and placental alkaline phosphatase. Within the teratomatous component, the neuropil was diffusely immunopositive for S100, neuron-specific enolase, and neurofilaments with a few glial fibrillary acidic protein immunopositive cells. Ovarian germ cell tumors may be pure and consist of only 1 germ cell element or may be mixed and include more than 1 germ cell element, such as teratoma and yolk sac tumor.
Improving Heart Failure Disease Management in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Dolansky Mary A. , Hitch Jeanne A. , Piña Ileana L. , Boxer Rebecca S.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of the study was to design and evaluate an improvement project that implemented HF management in four skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Kotter’s Change Management principles were used to guide the implementation. In addition, half of the facilities had an implementation coach who met with facility staff weekly for 4 months and monthly for 5 months. Weekly and monthly audits were performed that documented compliance with eight key aspects of the protocol. Contextual factors were captured using field notes. Adherence to the HF management protocols was variable ranging from 17% to 82%. Facilitators of implementation included staff who championed the project, an implementation coach, and physician involvement. Barriers were high staff turnover and a hierarchal culture. Opportunities exist to integrate HF management protocols to improve SNF care.
Thermoelastohydrodynamic analysis of auto water pump bearing seal
Authors: Zhou Qiong , Li Zhengmei , Tang Jianping , An Qi
Published: April 2013

A numerical thermoelastohydrodynamic simulation method is proposed in this article with the considerations of the topography of sealing lip and shaft, interference of sealing lip, the elastic deformation of sealing lip and the influence of temperature on the viscosity of lubricant. The proposed method is applied to WR auto water pump bearing seal to study the lubrication and sealing property of lip seal, and the relationships between the lubrication property of lip seal and interference, rotation speed in given working condition are obtained.
Does municipal co-financing reduce hospitalisation rates in Denmark?
Authors: Vrangbæk Karsten , Sørensen Lærke Mette
Published: April 2013

Aims: To provide a preliminary answer to the question of whether the economic incentives introduced by the municipal co-financing of hospital services work as intended in the reform. Methods: This study is based on 30 statistical cross-section linear regressions, OLS, using data from Statistics Denmark (Statistikbanken) and the Municipal Financial Accounts. Supplemented by data from a survey study from municipal health managers in all municipalities of the country. Results: Despite the favourable conditions presented by the design of our analysis, it is not possible to demonstrate a clear link between local efforts and number of admissions from the municipalities. Conclusions: The study does not support one of the fundamental theoretical assumptions behind the municipal co-financing introduced in the 2007 structural reform in Denmark. While the study failed to establish systematic links between municipal public health efforts and hospitalisation levels, it appears from other studies that municipalities are in fact increasing their activities in public health. This presents a theoretical puzzle and we present several possible explanations for further empirical work.