bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of the stratigraphy and facies development of the Jurassic System on the Tabas Block, east-central Iran
Authors: Wilmsen Markus , Fürsich Franz Theodor , Seyed-Emami Kazem , Majidifard Mahmoud Reza
Published: April 2009

The Tabas Block of east-central Iran shows very thick and well-exposed Upper Triassic–Jurassic sequences, which are crucial for the understanding of the Mesozoic evolution of the Iran Plate. The succession is subdivided into major tectonostratigraphic units based on widespread unconformities related to the Cimmerian tectonic events. As elsewhere in Iran, there is a dramatic change from Middle Triassic platform carbonates (Shotori Formation) to the siliciclastic rocks of the Shemshak Group (Norian–Bajocian), reflecting the onset of Eo-Cimmerian deformation in northern Iran. Following the marine sedimentation of the Norian–Rhaetian Nayband Formation, the change to non-marine, coal-bearing siliciclastic rocks (Ab-e-Haji Formation) around the Triassic–Jurassic boundary is related to the main uplift phase of the Cimmerian orogeny. Condensed limestones of the Toarcian–Aalenian Badamu Formation indicate widespread transgression, followed by rapid lateral facies and thickness variations in the succeeding Lower Bajocian Hojedk Formation. This tectonic instability culminated in the middle Bajocian compressional–extensional Mid-Cimmerian event. The resulting Mid-Cimmerian unconformity separates the Shemshak Group from the Upper Bajocian–Upper Jurassic Magu (or Bidou) Group. The succeeding Late Bajocian–Bathonian onlap of the Parvadeh and Baghamshah formations (Baghamshah Subgroup) was caused by increased subsidence of the Tabas Block rather than a eustatic sea-level rise, followed by the development of a large-scale platform–basin carbonate system (Callovian–Kimmeridgian Esfandiar Subgroup). Block faulting starting in the Kimmeridgian (Late Cimmerian event) resulted in the destruction of the carbonate system, which was covered by Kimmeridgian–Tithonian limestone conglomerates, red beds and evaporites (Garedu Subgroup or Ravar Formation). Virtually the same pattern of relative sea-level change, facies development and succession of geodynamic events is recorded from the Late Triassic–Jurassic of northern Iran (Alborz Mountains), suggesting that the Iran Plate behaved as a single structural unit at that time.
The Shemshak Group (Lower–Middle Jurassic) of the Binalud Mountains, NE Iran: stratigraphy, depositional environments and geodynamic implications
Authors: Wilmsen Markus , Fürsich Franz Theodor , Taheri Jafar
Published: April 2009

The Lower–lower Middle Jurassic non-marine sedimentary succession of the Binalud Mountains of NE Iran is correlated with the Jurassic part of the Shemshak Group of the Alborz Mountains and subdivided into three formations: the Arefi, the Bazehowz and the Aghounj formations. The succession rests, with angular unconformity, on a metamorphic basement deformed during the Late Triassic Eo-Cimmerian orogeny. The lowermost unit, the Arefi Formation, is subdivided into a lower Derekhtoot Member and an upper Kurtian Member. The Derekhtoot Member (up to 750 m thick) consists of very coarse-grained, chaotic boulder beds, breccias and conglomerates representing rock-fall deposits and proximal–middle alluvial fans, deposited along steep fault scarps. The succeeding Kurtian Member (>300 m) comprises finer-grained conglomerates with well-rounded clasts, reflecting deposition in a proximal braided river system. The overlying Bazehowz Formation is more than 1000 m thick and consists of vertically stacked, decametre-scale channel-fill cycles of the middle reaches of a braided fluvial system. The uppermost unit, the Aghounj Formation, consists of at least 400 m of granule- to pebble-size, thick-bedded and large-scale trough cross-bedded quartz conglomerates and sandy interbeds of a proximal braided fluvial system. The overall succession fines upwards due to erosion, down to metamorphic basement, of a high-relief source area in the NE, and rests on Cimmerian basement, suggesting that the strata are intramontane deposits of the Cimmerian mountain chain in NE Iran. This interpretation has important implications concerning the position of the NW–SE-trending Eo-Cimmerian suture in NE Iran, which should be placed further SW than formerly assumed.
Inflammatory NF-κB activation promotes hepatic apolipoprotein B100 secretion: evidence for a link between hepatic inflammation and lipoprotein production
Authors: Tsai Julie , Zhang Rianna , Qiu Wei , Su Qiaozhu , Naples Mark , Adeli Khosrow
Published: April 2009

Insulin-resistant states are commonly associated with chronic inflammation and hepatic overproduction of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), leading to hypertriglyceridemia and a metabolic dyslipidemic profile. Molecular mechanisms linking hepatic inflammatory cascades and the pathways of apoB100-lipoprotein production are, however, unknown. In the present study, we employed a diet-induced, insulin-resistant hamster model, as well as cell culture studies, to investigate the potential link between activation of hepatic inflammatory nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling cascade and the synthesis and secretion of apoB100-containing lipoproteins. Using an established insulin-resistant animal model, the fructose-fed hamster, we found that feeding fructose (previously shown to induce hepatic inflammation) for as little as 4 days reduced hepatic IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB) level, indicating activation of the inflammatory NF-κB cascade. Importantly, IKK (IκB kinase) inhibition was found to suppress apoB100 overproduction in fructose-fed hamster hepatocytes. As IKK, the upstream activator of NF-κB has been shown to inhibit insulin signaling, and insulin is a major regulator of apoB100, we modulated IKK activity in primary hamster hepatocytes and HepG2 cells and assessed the effects on hepatic apoB100 biosynthesis. Inhibition of the IKK-NF-κB pathway by BMS345541 and activation of the pathway by adenoviral-mediated IKK overexpression decreased and increased newly synthesized apoB100 levels, respectively. Pulse-chase and metabolic labeling experiments revealed that IKK activation regulates apoB100 levels at the levels of apoB100 biosynthesis and protein stability. Inhibition of the IKK-NF-κB pathway significantly enhanced proteasomal degradation of hepatic apoB100, while direct IKK activation led to reduced degradation and increased apoB100 mRNA translation. Together, our results reveal important links between modulation of the inflammatory IKK-NF-κB signaling cascade and hepatic synthesis and secretion of apoB100-containing lipoproteins. Hepatic inflammation may be an important underlying factor in hepatic apoB100 overproduction observed in insulin resistance.
Interleukin-1 participates in the progression from liver injury to fibrosis
Authors: Gieling Roben G. , Wallace Karen , Han Yuan-Ping
Published: April 2009

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is rapidly expressed in response to tissue damage; however, its role in coordinating the progression from injury to fibrogenesis is not fully understood. Liver fibrosis is a consequence of the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which reside within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of subsinusoids. We have hypothesized that, among the hepatic inflammatory cytokines, IL-1 may directly activate HSCs through autocrine signaling and stimulate the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by HSCs within the space of Disse, resulting in liver fibrogenesis. In this study, we first established a temporal relationship between IL-1, MMPs, HSC activation, and early fibrosis. The roles of IL-1 and MMP-9 in HSC activation and fibrogenesis were determined by mice deficient of these genes. After liver injury, IL-1, MMP-9, and MMP-13 levels were found to be elevated before the onset of HSC activation and fibrogenesis. IL-1 receptor-deficient mice exhibited ameliorated liver damage and reduced fibrogenesis. Similarly, advanced fibrosis, as determined by type-I and -III collagen mRNA expression and fibrotic septa, was partially attenuated by the deficiency of IL-1. In the early phase of liver injury, the MMP-9, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 expression correlated well with IL-1 levels. In injured livers, MMP-9 was predominantly colocalized to desmin-positive cells, suggesting that HSCs are MMP-producing cells in vivo. MMP-9-deficient mice were partially protected from liver injury and HSC activation. Thus IL-1 is an important participant, along with other cytokines, and controls the progression from liver injury to fibrogenesis through activation of HSCs in vivo.
A guide to Ussing chamber studies of mouse intestine
Authors: Clarke Lane L.
Published: April 2009

The Ussing chamber provides a physiological system to measure the transport of ions, nutrients, and drugs across various epithelial tissues. One of the most studied epithelia is the intestine, which has provided several landmark discoveries regarding the mechanisms of ion transport processes. Adaptation of this method to mouse intestine adds the dimension of investigating genetic loss or gain of function as a means to identify proteins or processes affecting transepithelial transport. In this review, the principles underlying the use of Ussing chambers are outlined including limitations and advantages of the technique. With an emphasis on mouse intestinal preparations, the review covers chamber design, commercial equipment sources, tissue preparation, step-by-step instruction for operation, troubleshooting, and examples of interpretation difficulties. Specialized uses of the Ussing chamber such as the pH stat technique to measure transepithelial bicarbonate secretion and isotopic flux methods to measure net secretion or absorption of substrates are discussed in detail, and examples are given for the adaptation of Ussing chamber principles to other measurement systems. The purpose of the review is to provide a practical guide for investigators who are new to the Ussing chamber method.
Functional coupling of apical Cl−/HCO3− exchange with CFTR in stimulated HCO3− secretion by guinea pig interlobular pancreatic duct
Authors: Stewart A. K. , Yamamoto A. , Nakakuki M. , Kondo T. , Alper S. L. , Ishiguro H.
Published: April 2009

Pancreatic ductal epithelium produces a HCO3−-rich fluid. HCO3− transport across ductal apical membranes has been proposed to be mediated by both SLC26-mediated Cl−/HCO3− exchange and CFTR-mediated HCO3− conductance, with proportional contributions determined in part by axial changes in gene expression and luminal anion composition. In this study we investigated the characteristics of apical Cl−/HCO3− exchange and its functional interaction with Cftr activity in isolated interlobular ducts of guinea pig pancreas. BCECF-loaded epithelial cells of luminally microperfused ducts were alkalinized by acetate prepulse or by luminal Cl− removal in the presence of HCO3−-CO2. Intracellular pH recovery upon luminal Cl− restoration (nominal Cl−/HCO3− exchange) in cAMP-stimulated ducts was largely inhibited by luminal dihydro-DIDS (H2DIDS), accelerated by luminal CFTR inhibitor inh-172 (CFTRinh-172), and was insensitive to elevated bath K+ concentration. Luminal introduction of CFTRinh-172 into sealed duct lumens containing BCECF-dextran in HCO3−-free, Cl−-rich solution enhanced cAMP-stimulated HCO3− secretion, as calculated from changes in luminal pH and volume. Luminal Cl− removal produced, after a transient small depolarization, sustained cell hyperpolarization of ∼15 mV consistent with electrogenic Cl−/HCO3− exchange. The hyperpolarization was inhibited by H2DIDS and potentiated by CFTRinh-172. Interlobular ducts expressed mRNAs encoding CFTR, Slc26a6, and Slc26a3, as detected by RT-PCR. Thus Cl−-dependent apical HCO3− secretion in pancreatic duct is mediated predominantly by an Slc26a6-like Cl−/HCO3− exchanger and is accelerated by inhibition of CFTR. This study demonstrates functional coupling between Cftr and Slc26a6-like Cl−/HCO3− exchange activity in apical membrane of guinea pig pancreatic interlobular duct.
Thiazolidinediones induce proliferation of human bronchial epithelial cells through the GPR40 receptor
Authors: Gras Delphine , Chanez Pascal , Urbach Valérie , Vachier Isabelle , Godard Philippe , Bonnans Caroline
Published: April 2009

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) ligands that are widely used in type II diabetes treatment. In addition to their ability to improve glucose homeostasis, TZDs possess anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit growth of many cells, particularly cancerous airway epithelial cells. However, the functional effects of PPARγ ligands on nonmalignant human bronchial epithelial cells have never been investigated. In the present study, we questioned whether PPARγ ligands may regulate proliferation of human bronchial epithelial cells, and we studied their potential molecular mechanisms. We found that synthetic PPARγ agonists, rosiglitazone (RGZ) and troglitazone (TGZ), induced proliferation of human bronchial epithelial cells, whereas the endogenous PPARγ ligand, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), inhibited cell growth. RGZ and TGZ (10 μM) induced a rapid and transient intracellular Ca2+ mobilization from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores, whereas 15d-PGJ2 (5 μM) did not induce any Ca2+ signal. The PPARγ antagonist GW-9662 did not inhibit any biological responses, but it reversed the effect of 15d-PGJ2 on cell growth. Using RT-PCR, we detected mRNA expression of the GPR40 receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor recently identified as a receptor for free fatty acids and TZDs, in human bronchial epithelial cells. Downregulation of GPR40 by small-interfering RNA led to a significant inhibition of TZD-induced Ca2+ mobilization and proliferation. This study provides evidence for the proliferative effect of anti-diabetic drug TZDs in nonmalignant human bronchial epithelial cells through GPR40 receptor activation, involving an intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathway.
Enhanced platelet activation by prolactin in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Lohmann Tobias , Hild Eva , Kobsar Anna , Siegemund Annelie , Spilcke-Liss E. , Hentschel Betina , Stumpf Christian , Daniel Werner , Garlichs Christian , Eigenthaler Martin , Wallaschofski Henri
Published: April 2009

Prolactin and leptin are newly recognised platelet co-stimulators due to potentiation of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Elevated leptin levels have recently been found to be a risk factor for ischemic stroke in both men and women, and especially in combination with increased blood pressure for hemorrhagic stroke in men. Until now an association between hyperprolactinemia and ischemic stroke has not been investigated systematically.We determined plasma prolactin and leptin levels as well as platelet P-selectin expression in 36 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and detecteda significant correlation between increased prolactin values and enhanced ADP stimulated P-selectin expression on platelets. In contrast, no correlation of leptin values with platelet P-selectin expression was found. Next we determined plasma prolactin and leptin as well as acquired and congenital risk factors of thrombophilia in patients with first-ever non-hemorrhagic stroke with or without atrial fibrillation. Excluding patients with such preexisting risk factors,21 patients with and 59 patients without atrial fibrillation were identified. Patients without atrial fibrillation revealed significantly higher plasma prolactin levels than patients with atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, the influence of aspirin or clopidogrel on prolactin stimulated P-selectin expression in vitro was tested, showing that aspirin was without effect,whereas clopidogrel significantly inhibited platelet P-selectin expression. In conclusion, hyperprolactinemia might be a novel risk factor for stroke mediating its thrombogenic effect through enhanced platelet reactivity, and this might correspond to a higher efficacy of antiplatelet combination therapy with clopidogrel compared to aspirin therapy alone.
Human CD133
+
Progenitor Cells Promote the Healing of Diabetic Ischemic Ulcers by Paracrine Stimulation of Angiogenesis and Activation of Wnt Signaling
Authors: Barcelos Lucíola S. , Duplaa Cécile , Kränkel Nicolle , Graiani Gallia , Invernici Gloria , Katare Rajesh , Siragusa Mauro , Meloni Marco , Campesi Ilaria , Monica Manuela , Simm Andreas , Campagnolo Paola , Mangialardi Giuseppe , Stevanato Lara , Alessandri Giulio , Emanueli Costanza , Madeddu Paolo
Published: April 2009

We evaluated the healing potential of human fetal aorta-derived CD133
+
progenitor cells and their conditioned medium (CD133
+
CCM) in a new model of ischemic diabetic ulcer. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice underwent bilateral limb ischemia and wounding. One wound was covered with collagen containing 2×10
4
CD133
+
or CD133
−
cells or vehicle. The contralateral wound, covered with only collagen, served as control. Fetal CD133
+
cells expressed high levels of
wingless
(
Wnt
) genes, which were downregulated following differentiation into CD133
−
cells along with upregulation of Wnt antagonists secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)-1, -3, and -4. CD133
+
cells accelerated wound closure as compared with CD133
−
or vehicle and promoted angiogenesis through stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival by paracrine effects. CD133
+
cells secreted high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and interleukin (IL)-8. Consistently, CD133
+
CCM accelerated wound closure and reparative angiogenesis, with this action abrogated by coadministering the Wnt antagonist sFRP-1 or neutralizing antibodies against VEGF-A or IL-8. In vitro, these effects were recapitulated following exposure of high-glucose-primed human umbilical vein endothelial cells to CD133
+
CCM, resulting in stimulation of migration, angiogenesis-like network formation and induction of
Wnt
expression. The promigratory and proangiogenic effect of CD133
+
CCM was blunted by sFRP-1, as well as antibodies against VEGF-A or IL-8. CD133
+
cells stimulate wound healing by paracrine mechanisms that activate Wnt signaling pathway in recipients. These preclinical findings open new perspectives for the cure of diabetic ulcers.
The Evolution of Paternal Identity in Late Adulthood
Authors: Colarusso Calvin A.
Published: April 2009

The experience of fatherhood in late adulthood has received little attention in the psychoanalytic literature. After a presentation of the literature on fatherhood and a consideration of the developmental tasks of late adulthood in which the experience of fatherhood is embedded, the dynamically charged, developmentally conflicted nature of the relationships between late-life fathers and their children is explored. A basic premise is that the changing nature of these relationships inevitably confronts the elderly patriarch with considerable intra-psychic turmoil, reflection, and conflict that must be engaged and mastered if these most significant relationships are to be maintained and sustained for both generations. Clinical examples illustrate the theoretical points presented.
The Impossibility of Forgiveness: Shame Fantasies as Instigators of Vengefulness in Euripides' Medea
Authors: Lansky Melvin R.
Published: April 2009

Unforgivability in Euripides' Medea is explored in the context of intra-psychic forces favoring disruption and narcissistic withdrawal and precluding the influence of forces favoring repair of bonds, not necessarily to the betrayer, but to the social and moral order. The forces underlying disruption and withdrawal operate to such an extent that forgiveness and cooperation with the social order become impossible. Euripides' literary insights are explored with the purpose of deepening and extending the psychoanalytic understanding of shame, shame fantasies, projective identification, and vengefulness as they bear on the problem of forgiveness. Three types of shame fantasy are pertinent to the transformation of Medea's mental state from one of anguished and disjointed shame to diabolical vengefulness: anticipatory paranoid shame, the projective identification of shame, and withdrawal as a defense against shame.
Business as Mission Through the Lens of Development
Authors: Bronkema David , Brown Christopher M.
Published: April 2009

Coming out of mission efforts focused on evangelism, the rising Business as Mission movement stakes a claim to effective holistic mission by focusing on profit, evangelism, and development. Research indicates, however, that the development aspect of this `triple bottom line' is significantly weak. If, in fact, Business as Mission efforts were to incorporate the social and political dimensions of development, there would be great potential for a partnership with grassroots organizations to bring about deep-reaching social transformation.
Using decision-analysis and meta-analysis to predict coronary artery bypass surgical outcomes – a model for comparing off-pump surgery to miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass circuits
Authors: Sistino JJ
Published: April 2009

Coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been the “gold standard” for many years. However, methods to conduct off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery with a beating heart have decreased the use of CPB. Improvements in cardiopulmonary bypass technology, using low-prime circuits with retrograde autologous prime, have demonstrated a reduction in blood use while maintaining the surgical advantage of increased revascularization associated with on-pump surgery. A meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials was used to compare the outcomes. These outcomes included the number of grafts, hospital length of stay, and transfusion rate. They were then incorporated into a decision-analysis model to compare OPCAB with the on-pump surgery, using both conventional high-prime (HP) and low-prime circuits with retrograde autologous prime (LP/RAP). The meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials revealed that OPCAB surgery had 0.33 less grafts (p < .05), a reduction of 0.97 days in hospital length of stay (LOS) (p < .05), and a 63.2% reduction in percentage of patients transfused (p < .05). Based on the decision-analysis model, a relatively low major event rate (defined as myocardial infarction, need for angioplasty or surgery) at 4 years of 2% can eliminate the savings associated with OPCAB when compared to a low-prime circuit with RAP. Using a 5% major event rate at 4 years, the predicted cost savings of LP/RAP over OPCAB is $510 per patient or $51,036,746 per 100,000 patients. The development and implementation of low-prime circuits with retrograde autologous prime is an import step in matching the outcomes associated with OPCAB surgery.
Group Projects Using Clients Versus Not Using Clients
Authors: Parsons Amy L. , Lepkowska-White Elzbieta
Published: April 2009

Today's educators are faced with the challenge of preparing undergraduate students to be productive employees who can communicate effectively, work well in teams, and solve problems, as well as demonstrate content knowledge. Group projects are one tool that educators can use to help students develop these key skills. Educators may be tempted to try client-based projects in which students consult with real companies, an approach that may involve extensive preparation for the faculty member, or opt instead for a less labor-intensive option, such as having students work on hypothetical problems for established companies. Faculty must decide what type of project will most benefit their students and, at the same time, will not be too complex to administer. In this article the authors discuss literature regarding group projects using real world clients (client-based learning) and they empirically test whether the nature of the project has any influence on how the students perceive the project as a motivational tool, a learning device, and a contributor to their skill development, and the personal benefits they receive from completing the project. Understanding these issues will help instructors to better design and administer group projects.
Can Individualized Health Care Plans Help Increase Continence in Children With Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome?
Authors: Boisclair-Fahey Anne
Published: April 2009

School-age children with dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES) do not always have school support for their treatment plans, including an every 2-hr voiding schedule. The objective of this study was to increase school support of treatment plans by allowing access to bathrooms, thereby improving continence. An eight-question survey about bathroom access at schools was given to parents at baseline. The author contacted school nurses requesting that treatment plans be incorporated into individual health plans (IHPs) with teacher support of the IHP. Six weeks later, school nurses were contacted and parents completed a postintervention survey to determine whether IHPs were supported by teachers. Voiding diaries were used to document continence. Seventeen parents completed the survey at baseline, and 13 children were enrolled in the intervention. After the intervention, 100% of the children had IHPs and teacher support of treatment plans. Ninety-two percent had increased continence. IHPs improved teacher support of children’s treatment plans and improved their continence.
Knowledge Creation Through Mobile Social Networks and Its Impact on Intentions to Use Innovative Mobile Services
Authors: Kleijnen Mirella , Lievens Annouk , de Ruyter Ko , Wetzels Martin
Published: April 2009

Taking a social network perspective, the authors investigate consumers' intentions to use innovative mobile services. With a sociometric survey, they empirically assess how consumers integrate and connect through mobile social networks, as well as how their network position influences knowledge creation and intentions to use four innovative mobile services: multimedia messaging, gaming, information, and transactions. Both personal (i.e., opinion leadership and experience with the communication mode) and similarity attributes of social network members have a significant impact on network position, that is, their level of individual connectedness and integration. In addition, the impact of this network position on knowledge creation is contingent upon the type of innovative service. In three out of four mobile service categories, integration exhibits a negative effect on knowledge creation, whereas connectedness has a positive effect. Knowledge creation significantly influences intentions to use mobile services. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that carryover effects occur across the four service categories. Finally, the network's perceived ability to adopt innovative mobile services has a different impact on usage intentions across the four service categories.
Heuristic influences over offense seriousness calculations
Authors: Kautt Paula
Published: April 2009

Discretionary decisions are integral to the Criminal Justice System, regardless of branch or stage. Often, structured interventions are introduced in an effort to control or guide discretion use. In the USA, grid-based sentencing guidelines are commonly used to channel sentencing discretion. However, despite their presence, research consistently shows that, net of legally relevant factors, significant racial disparity persists in sentencing outcomes under guideline structures. Although judicial and prosecutorial-based explanations for this abound, how the structural components of these guidelines (such as the offense seriousness axis) and the discretionary decisions related to them might contribute to this disparity have seldom been explored. Using federal sentencing data, a data-partitioning strategy and multilevel multivariate analyses, this study examines whether there are significant differences in the federal offense seriousness calculations for black and white defendants. The results suggest that Federal Probation Officers (FPO), in an effort to meet their diverse responsibilities in the time allotted, use heuristics when making offense seriousness determinations. This furnishes a previously neglected explanation for the persisting differential effects and highlights the utility of heuristic mechanisms in explaining both discretionary decisions and apparent disparate treatment by race or ethnicity in the criminal justice system.
Towards Understanding Emotion's Effects on Memory
Authors: Hamann Stephan
Published: April 2009

Emotion can exert powerful influences on memory for events. The recent surge of behavioral and functional neuroimaging studies of emotional episodic memory has produced a wealth of new findings and theoretical approaches. Kensinger (2009) reviews recent studies, focusing on two key questions: what factors determine the particular aspects of an event that will be influenced by emotion, and, what is the role of valence in modulating emotional memory effects? This commentary touches on some points raised in this thought-provoking and timely review and attempts to place them in a broader context.
Reach For What You Like: The Body's Role in Shaping Preferences
Authors: Ping Raedy M. , Dhillon Sonica , Beilock Sian L.
Published: April 2009

The position of individuals' bodies (e.g., holding a pencil in the mouth in a way that either facilitates or inhibits smiling musculature) can influence their emotional reactions to the stimuli they encounter, and can even impact their explicit preferences for one item over another. In this article we begin by reviewing the literature demonstrating these effects, explore mechanisms to explain this body-preference link, and introduce new work from our lab that asks whether one's bodily or motor experiences might also shape preferences in situations where the body is not contorted in a particular position, or when there is no intention to act. Such work suggests that one consequence of perceiving an object is the automatic and covert motor simulation of acting on this object. This, in turn, provides individuals with information about how easy or hard this action would be. It transpires that we like to do what is easy, and we also prefer objects that are easier to act on. The notion that judgments of object likeability are driven by motoric information furthers embodied cognition theories by demonstrating that even our preferences are grounded in action.
Loss of TGF-β or Wnt5a results in an increase in Wnt/β-catenin activity and redirects mammary tumour phenotype
Authors: Roarty Kevin , Baxley Sarah E , Crowley Michael R , Frost Andra R , Serra Rosa
Published: April 2009

Introduction

The tumour-suppressive effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are well documented; however, the mechanistic basis of these effects is not fully understood. Previously, we showed that a non-canonical member of the Wingless-related protein family, Wnt5a, is required for TGF-β-mediated effects on mammary development. Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that Wnt5a acts as a tumour suppressor. In addition, it has been shown that Wnt5a can antagonise canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling in various cell types. Here we test the hypothesis that TGF-β and Wnt5a can antagonise Wnt/β-catenin signalling and redirect mammary tumour phenotype. The results provide a new mechanism for the tumour-suppressive effects of TGF-β.

Methods

Wnt/β-catenin signalling was measured in tumours with altered TGF-β (dominant-negative TGF-β type II receptor, DNIIR) or Wnt5a (Wnt5a-/-) signalling as the accumulation of nuclear β-catenin using both confocal microscopy and cell fractionation. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Sca1 expression was determined by western blot and keratin (K) 6- and K14-positive populations were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Loss of TGF-β or Wnt5a signalling resulted in stabilisation of nuclear β-catenin and expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes suggesting that TGF-β and Wnt5a act to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signalling in mammary epithelium. Increased expression of Sca-1 was observed in developing DNIIR and Wnt5a-/- mammary glands. DNIIR and Wnt5a-/- tumours demonstrated an expanded population of K6- and K14-expressing cells typically seen in Wnt/β-catenin-induced tumours.

Conclusions

The key findings here are that: TGF-β and Wnt5a regulate Wnt/β-catenin activity; and loss of TGF-β and Wnt5a redirect the phenotype of tumours so that they resemble tumours induced by activation of Wnt/β-catenin. The findings suggest a new mechanism for the tumour-suppressive effects of TGF-β.
Pegylated Leptin Antagonist Is a Potent Orexigenic Agent: Preparation and Mechanism of Activity
Authors: Elinav Eran , Niv-Spector Leonora , Katz Meirav , Price Tulin O. , Ali Mohammed , Yacobovitz Michal , Solomon Gili , Reicher Shay , Lynch Jessica L. , Halpern Zamir , Banks William A. , Gertler Arieh
Published: April 2009

Leptin, a pleiotropic adipokine, is a central regulator of appetite and weight and a key immunomodulatory protein. Although inborn leptin deficiency causes weight gain, it is unclear whether induced leptin deficiency in adult wild-type animals would be orexigenic. Previous work with a potent competitive leptin antagonist did not induce a true metabolic state of leptin deficiency in mice because of a short circulating half-life. In this study, we increased the half-life of the leptin antagonist by pegylation, which resulted in significantly increased bioavailability and retaining of antagonistic activity. Mice administered the pegylated antagonist showed a rapid and dramatic increase in food intake with weight gain. Resulting fat was confined to the mesenteric region with no accumulation in the liver. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and hepatic aminotransferases remained unaffected. Weight changes were reversible on cessation of leptin antagonist treatment. The mechanism of severe central leptin deficiency was found to be primarily caused by blockade of transport of circulating leptin across the blood-brain barrier with antagonisms at the arcuate nucleus playing a more minor role. Altogether we introduce a novel compound that induces central and peripheral leptin deficiency. This compound should be useful in exploring the involvement of leptin in metabolic and immune processes and could serve as a therapeutic for the treatment of cachexia.
Characterization of Intracellular Signaling Mediated by Human Somatostatin Receptor 5: Role of the DRY Motif and the Third Intracellular Loop
Authors: Peverelli Erika , Lania Andrea G. , Mantovani Giovanna , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Spada Anna
Published: April 2009

Somatostatin (SST) exerts inhibitory effects on hormone secretion and cell proliferation by interacting with five different receptors (SST1-SST5) linked to multiple cellular effectors. The receptor structural domains involved in these effects have been only partially elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate the molecular determinants mediating the interaction of the human SST5 with intracellular signaling in the pituitary cell line GH3, focusing on the BBXXB domain in the third intracellular loop and the DRY motif in the second intracellular loop. We analyzed the effects of the SST5 agonist BIM23206 on cAMP accumulation, intracellular calcium, GH secretion, cell proliferation, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cells expressing either wild-type SST5 or mutant receptors, in particular the naturally occurring mutant R240W in the BBXXB domain and the D136A and R137A mutants in the DRY motif. We found that residues D136 and R137 were critical for SST5 signaling because their substitutions abolished all the intracellular responses. Conversely, third intracellular loop mutations resulted in receptor that inhibited intracellular cAMP levels similar to the wild-type (50 ± 9 vs. 53 ± 12% inhibition) but failed to mediate the other responses elicited by wild-type SST5, i.e. reduction of intracellular calcium levels as well as inhibition of ERK1/2. These events resulted in an absent inhibition of GH release and an impaired reduction of cell proliferation (38 ± 7 vs. 76 ± 6% inhibition in wild type, P < 0.05). These data indicate that different regions of SST5 are required for the activation of different signaling pathways.
Phospholipase C-β1 Signaling Affects Reproductive Behavior, Ovulation, and Implantation
Authors: Filis Panayiotis , Lannagan Tamsin , Thomson Ashley , Murray Alison A. , Kind Peter C. , Spears Norah
Published: April 2009

Infertility can result from a wide range of defects, from behavioral, through germ cell development and maturation, to fertilization or embryo development. Many of the hormones regulating these processes signal via G protein-coupled receptors, which in turn activate a range of plasma membrane enzymes including phospholipase C (PLC)-β isoforms. Transgenic mice lacking functional Plc-β1 (Plc-β1 KO mice) have been noted to have severely impaired fertility, but there has been little study of the reproductive processes affected by lack of this enzyme. This study examined reproductive behavior, gonadal development, fertilization, and implantation in Plc-β1 KO mice. Male and female Plc-β1 KO mice exhibited impaired reproductive behavior. No other defect in reproduction was noted in males, raising the possibility that the reduced fertility of Plc-β1 KO males could be due solely to impaired behavior. In contrast, female Plc-β1 KO mice exhibited both behavioral and nonbehavioral defects. Plc-β1 KO females ovulated only in response to exogenous hormones, with a large proportion of in vivo embryos recovered on embryonic d 4.5 exhibiting abnormal morphology. In addition, uteri of pregnant Plc-β1 KO females exhibited an implantation defect, with poor embryo attachment and a failure to up-regulate cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA.
The Cartography of National Humiliation and the Emergence of China's Geobody
Authors: Callahan William A.
Published: April 2009

Maps are an important site of the production and consumption of the national image. This essay examines modern Chinese maps to show how the very material borders between foreign and domestic space are the outgrowth of the symbolic workings of historical geography and the conventions of Chinese cartography. These maps do much more than celebrate the extent of Chinese sovereignty; they also mourn the loss of national territories through a cartography of national humiliation. The goal of this essay is to shift our attention from the diplomatic issues of international borders to examine what Chinese maps of China can tell us about the Chinese people's hopes and fears, not only in the past or present, but for the future. This essay has two general aims: to demonstrate how China's current national maps have emerged through the creative tension of unbounded imperial domain and bounded sovereign territory, and to show how the cartography of national humiliation informs the biopolitics of the geobody. China's often unique experience, the essay concludes, can show us how cartography is an important site of struggle for other peoples as well.
Industrial robot path planning in a constraint-based computer-aided design and kinematic analysis environment
Authors: Vosniakos G-C , Chronopoulos A
Published: April 2009

Paths of industrial robots are easier to plan by using constraints on accurate computer-aided design (CAD) models of both objects representing the real industrial robotic cell and virtual objects representing the auxiliary geometry that is necessary to define path points. The motion path normally needs to be split into segments possessing uniform characteristics, e.g. common active joints, at points usually corresponding to position or velocity extremes. Each segment corresponds either to point-to-point motion or to constrained motion. Point-to-point motion is implemented by interpolating between original and final position of each joint separately, positions being determined through inverse kinematics in the CAD environment and motion being imparted to each joint directly. Constrained motion may be defined using several alternatives materialized with stationary and moving virtual objects, real robot joints, virtual joints, contact constraints, and motion constraints. Motion duration is specified after the corresponding path geometry has been specified, by exploiting maximum active joints velocity as well as end-tool velocity as dictated by the process. Collisions are detected using available functionality and are alleviated interactively. A user-defined number of interpolated robot poses are generated per segment. These are all ‘sewn’ together at the motion synthesis stage and frame-based simulation is generated. A realistic robotic lathe loading/unloading example is used to verify the use of the above notions and tools.
Fractal analysis of vibration signals for monitoring the condition of milling tool wear
Authors: Chuangwen Xu , Hualing C
Published: April 2009

Tool wear depends on the common effect of many factors in the milling process and it is a very complicated random motion process in its evolution process. In order to reveal the inherent law of such a seemingly random evolution process, pattern recognition is described for the milling tool wear conditions by means of chaotic theory. Factors that influence the consistency of the calculated fractal dimension based on fractal dimension of vibration signals are analysed in this study. The angle domain tracing method is adopted during acquisition of vibration signals to minimize the effect from spindle speed. A new method for calculating the fractal unscale range is proposed for determining the fractal dimension. This method is based on multi-segments' average and threshold, which can extend the scope of the fractal unscale range. The experimental results show that the fractal theory can be applied in the monitoring field for milling tool wear to be practicable.
Study on design optimization of a crankshaft bearing considering crankshaft strength for an internal combustion engine
Authors: Sun J , Fu Y , Deng M , Cai X , Gui C
Published: April 2009

The effect on a crankshaft was not generally considered in the current optimum design of a crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine, but the corresponding relation between the dimensions of a crankshaft bearing and those of a crankshaft journal exists. In this article, the crankshaft-bearing system of a four-stroke, four-cylinder internal combustion engine was taken as the research object, and the optimum design of crankshaft bearings considering crankshaft strength was carried out. The necessity of considering crankshaft strength in the optimum design of the crankshaft bearings was studied. Crankshaft strength was taken as one of the constraints in establishing the model of optimum design of the crankshaft bearings. The particle swarm algorithm was used to optimize crankshaft bearings. The results show that, compared with the design of bearings for the original engine, the calculated 14.21 per cent of the total average frictional power loss of the bearings can be reduced by the optimum design of crankshaft bearings on the condition that crankshaft strength is not exceeded. If the effect on a crankshaft is not considered in the optimum design of crankshaft bearings, although obviously the total average frictional power loss of the bearings is reduced, crankshaft strength cannot meet design demand. Therefore, a reasonable optimum design of crankshaft bearings should consider the whole crankshaft-bearing system and the effect on crankshaft strength.
Dental Health Services Research Unit Celebrates 30 Years
Authors: Eaton Kenneth A , Pitts Nigel B
Published: April 2009

Over the years, several members of the staff of the Dental Health Services Research Unit (DHSRU) at Dundee have published papers in Primary Dental Care. Furthermore, its Director, Professor Nigel Pitts, together with Drs Jan Clarkson and Gail Topping have co-edited a number of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)'s standards manuals and contributed to others. It had been suggested to the Unit by several parties that, having been in funded existence for some 30 years, it would be appropriate to mark this anniversary with a conference to explore ‘Dental Health Services Research: After 30 years, what was the impact, what have we learned and where are we going?’ So, following a range of consultations, the conference was convened at the West Park Conference Centre in Dundee with a mixed audience representing both dental research and dental practice.
Mental stress‐induced haemoconcentration in women: Effects of menstrual cycle phase
Authors: van Zanten Jet J. C. S. Veldhuijzen , Carroll Douglas , Ring Christopher
Published: April 2009

Objectives In women, variation in the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported with phase of the menstrual cycle. Mental stress‐induced rheological and haemodynamic perturbations have been implicated in the triggering of MI. This study examined cardiovascular reactions to mental stress across the menstrual cycle, as a factor contributing to the known variation between the menstrual cycle phases in MI incidence.

Methods Rheological and haemodynamic activity during rest and a prolonged mental stress task were assessed in 12 women during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Results The stress task increased haematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, blood pressure and heart rate, and decreased heart rate variability and R‐wave to pulse interval. However, there were no effects of menstrual phase on rheological or haemodynamic function at rest or in response to mental stress. There were also no moderating menstrual cycle effects for the rheological or haemodynamic reactions over time to this prolonged stress task.

Conclusions Our findings do not support the hypothesis that variations in reactions to mental stress can explain the reported variations in risk for MI across the menstrual cycle.
»There are no cats in America…«. Zur Teilnahme von Juden und Jüdinnen an transatlantischen Wanderungen aus den österreichischen Ländern der Habsburgermonarchie
Authors: Steidl Annemarie
Published: April 2009

»There are no cats in America…« singen Feivel Mousekewitz und seine Mitpassagiere im Bauch eines Auswandererschiffes nach Amerika. Der 1986 von Steven Spielberg gedrehte Animationsfilm An American Tail (Deutsch: Feivel, der Mauswanderer) erzählt anhand jüdischer Mäuse, die vor einem Pogrom aus Russland fliehen, von einem Aspekt jüdischer Wanderung aus Osteuropa. Der Wunsch nach einem ›Land ohne Katzen‹ steht symptomatisch für die Wünsche vieler Migranten und Migrantinnen, die sich von einem Leben auf der anderen Seite des Atlantiks eine Besserung ihrer Lebensumstände erhofften. Dass diese Träume nicht für alle in Erfüllung gingen, zeigt der besagte Film: Die Katzen in Amerika sind größer als jene in Europa!
Effect of Embedded Seams on Tested Water Vapor Transport Properties of Low Permeance Materials
Authors: Indyke David , Danny Frank
Published: April 2009

A method based on ASTM E96/E96M-05 is described for testing the comparative effect of seams and closure types on the water vapor transmission properties of low permeance materials typically applied as moisture vapor retarders. The baseline performance of two materials with water vapor permeance values at 23°C around 5 and 50 ng⋅Pa−1⋅s−1⋅m−2 was measured at both 23°C with 50 % relative humidity and 38°C with 90 % relative humidity. Seams and closures of various types were imposed on both materials including simple overlap, C-fold, lap joint closed with double-sided tape, gap covered by single-sided tape, and lap joint closed with sealant. Testing at 23°C with 50 % relative humidity was repeated using seam widths of 20, 40, and 60 mm. Samples with seam widths of 40 mm were additionally tested at 38°C with 90 % relative humidity. The method gave comparative results indicating that tape and sealant closures are the more effective types in limiting leakage and that seam width can have a significant influence on water vapor transmission through the seam.