bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension: the hope for etiological discovery and pharmacological cure
Authors: Stenmark Kurt R. , Meyrick Barbara , Galie Nazzareno , Mooi Wolter J. , McMurtry Ivan F.
Published: September 2009

At present, six groups of chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) are described. Among these, group 1 (and 1′) comprises a group of diverse diseases termed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that have several pathophysiological, histological, and prognostic features in common. PAH is a particularly severe and progressive form of PH that frequently leads to right heart failure and premature death. The diagnosis of PAH must include a series of defined clinical parameters, which extend beyond mere elevations in pulmonary arterial pressures and include precapillary PH, pulmonary hypertensive arteriopathy (usually with plexiform lesions), slow clinical onset (months or years), and a chronic time course (years) characterized by progressive deterioration. What appears to distinguish PAH from other forms of PH is the severity of the arteriopathy observed, the defining characteristic of which is “plexogenic arteriopathy.” The pathogenesis of this arteriopathy remains unclear despite intense investigation in a variety of animal model systems. The most commonly used animal models (“classic” models) are rodents exposed to either hypoxia or monocrotaline. Newer models, which involve modification of classic approaches, have been developed that exhibit more severe PH and vascular lesions, which include neointimal proliferation and occlusion of small vessels. In addition, genetically manipulated mice have been generated that have provided insight into the role of specific molecules in the pulmonary hypertensive process. Unfortunately, at present, there is no perfect preclinical model that completely recapitulates human PAH. All models, however, have provided and will continue to provide invaluable insight into the numerous pathways that contribute to the development and maintenance of PH. Use of both classic and newly developed animal models will allow continued rigorous testing of new hypotheses regarding pathogenesis and treatment. This review highlights progress that has been made in animal modeling of this important human condition.
Effects of the molecular mass of tense-state polymerized bovine hemoglobin on blood pressure and vasoconstriction
Authors: Cabrales Pedro , Sun Guoyong , Zhou Yipin , Harris David R. , Tsai Amy G. , Intaglietta Marcos , Palmer Andre F.
Published: September 2009

Despite recent advances in the design of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), vasoconstriction, presumably caused by nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, vessel wall hyperoxygenation, and/or extravasation, has been identified as the principal road block hampering commercial development of HBOCs. This study was designed to analyze systemic and microvascular responses to the molecular mass and plasma concentration of tense (T)-state polymerized bovine Hb (PolybHb) solutions. Experiments were performed using the hamster window chamber model subjected to successive hypervolemic infusions of T-state PolybHb solutions. PolybHb plasma concentrations were evaluated, namely, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/dl, respectively. Infusion of PolybHb solutions with molecular mass >500 kDa elicited hypertension and vasoconstriction proportional to the plasma concentration and inversely proportional to the PolybHb cross-link density. However, two high-molecular mass PolybHb solutions, PolybHb(40:1)highPolybHb(50:1)high, did not elicit vasoconstriction at all concentrations studied, whereas PolybHb(50:1)highonly elicited moderate hypertension at the highest concentration studied. In contrast, infusion of PolybHb solutions with molecular mass <500 kDa elicited significant hypertension and vasoconstriction compared with PolybHb solutions with molecular mass >500 kDa that was proportional to the plasma concentration and inversely proportional to the PolybHb cross-link density. We present promising results for highly cross-linked T-state PolybHb solutions with molecular mass >500 kDa [PolybHb(40:1)highPolybHb(50:1)high], which supports the concept that HBOC size/molecular mass influences its proximity to the vascular endothelium and molecular diffusivity. The hemodynamics of HBOC within the plasma layer surrounding the abluminal side endothelium regulates NO production and consumption, vessel oxygen flux, and extravasation. Although mechanistically attractive, neither of these hypotheses can be directly tested in vivo and will require further investigation.
Birth Weight-Breast Cancer Revisited: Is the Association Confounded by Familial Factors?
Authors: Öberg Sara , Cnattingius Sven , Sandin Sven , Lichtenstein Paul , Iliadou Anastasia
Published: September 2009

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate whether the association between birth weight and the risk of breast cancer can be confounded by familial factors, such as shared environment and common genes.

Materials and Methods: Eligible were all female like-sexed twins of the Swedish Twin Registry, born during the period 1926-1958 and alive in 1973. Data were obtained from birth records, and the final study population with reliable birth weight data was made up of 11,923 twins. Hazard ratios (HR) for breast cancer according to birth weight were estimated through Cox regression, using robust SE to account for the dependence within twin pairs. Paired analysis was done to account for potential confounding by familial factors.

Results: In the cohort analysis, a birth weight ≥3,000 g was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer diagnosed at or before 50 years [adjusted HR, 1.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.03-2.42] but not with breast cancer with a later onset (adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.57-1.12). From ≥2,500 g, a 500-g increase in birth weight conferred a HR of 1.62 (95% CI, 1.16-2.27) for breast cancer diagnosed at or before 50 years. This risk remained in analysis within twin pairs (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.00-2.48).

Conclusion: In the present study, findings indicate that the association between birth weight and breast cancer risk, seen only in women diagnosed early (≤50 years), is not confounded by familial factors. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2447–52)
Genetic Variants inXRCC2: New Insights Into Colorectal Cancer Tumorigenesis
Authors: Curtin Karen , Lin Wei-Yu , George Rina , Katory Mark , Shorto Jennifer , Cannon-Albright Lisa A. , Smith Gillian , Bishop D. Timothy , Cox Angela , Camp Nicola J. ,   Colorectal Cancer Study Group
Published: September 2009

Polymorphisms in DNA double-strand break repair gene XRCC2 may play an important role in colorectal cancer etiology, specifically in disease subtypes. Associations of XRCC2 variants and colorectal cancer were investigated by tumor site and tumor instability status in a four-center collaboration including three U.K. case-control studies (Sheffield, Leeds, and Dundee) and a U.S. case-control study of cases from high-risk Utah pedigrees (total: 1,252 cases and 1,422 controls). The 14 variants studied were tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) selected from National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/HapMap data supplemented with SNPs identified from sequencing of 125 cases chosen to represent multiple colorectal cancer groups (familial, metastatic disease, and tumor subsite). Monte Carlo significance testing using Genie software provided valid meta-analyses of the total resource that includes family-based data. Similar to reports of colorectal cancer and other cancer sites, the rs3218536 R188H allele was not associated with increased risk. However, we observed a novel, highly significant association of a common SNP, rs3218499G>C, with increased risk of rectal tumors (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.3; Pχ2 = 0.0006) versus controls, with the largest risk found for female rectal cases (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-6.1; Pχ2 = 0.0006). This difference was significantly different to that for proximal and distal colon cancers (Pχ2 = 0.02). Our investigation supports a role for XRCC2 in colorectal cancer tumorigenesis, conferring susceptibility to rectal tumors. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2476–84)
Prospective Study of Solar Exposure, Dietary Vitamin D Intake, and Risk of Breast Cancer among Middle-aged Women
Authors: Kuper Hannah , Yang Ling , Sandin Sven , Lof Marie , Adami Hans-Olov , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: September 2009

The relationship between solar exposure or dietary vitamin D intake and breast cancer risk has not been fully elucidated. These associations were studied within the Women's Lifestyle and Health Cohort Study, a cohort of 49,259 Swedish women ages 30 to 50 years at baseline (1991-1992). Women were asked about solar exposure and completed a food frequency questionnaire and were followed-up through linkages to national registries until December 2004. In the current analyses, 41,889 women were included, 840 of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer during follow-up. Breast cancer risk was not related to solar exposure variables, including sun sensitivity, annual number of sunburns, time spent on sunbathing vacations, or solarium use at any age period of exposure. There was also no association with dietary vitamin D intake or supplementary multivitamin use. These relationships were not modified after stratifying by estrogen or progesterone receptor status.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2558–61)
No Increase in Breast Cancer Recurrence with Concurrent Use of Tamoxifen and Some CYP2D6-Inhibiting Medications
Authors: Ahern Thomas P. , Pedersen Lars , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre P. , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Lash Timothy L.
Published: September 2009

Tamoxifen reduces recurrence risk among women treated for estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. Its effectiveness partly depends on metabolic activation via cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). Some medications compromise CYP2D6 activity and may lower plasma concentrations of active tamoxifen metabolites. We studied the association between concurrent use of tamoxifen and CYP2D6-inhibiting medications and breast cancer recurrence among Danish women diagnosed with early-stage, estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. Using the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group Registry, we identified 366 cases with local or distant breast cancer recurrence and 366 matched breast cancer controls. We ascertained concurrent prescription of CYP2D6-inhibiting medications during tamoxifen treatment by linking to the national prescription database covering all Danish pharmacies. We computed the breast cancer recurrence odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for each medication. The pooled recurrence OR was null (OR, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-1.3); recurrence ORs for individual drugs ranged from 0.3 to 3.4. The individual ORs followed the pattern expected under a null-centered Gaussian distribution. Null associations were apparent for all drugs after empirical Bayes adjustment for multiple comparisons. Together, these results provide evidence for a null association between drug-compromised CYP2D6 activity and breast cancer recurrence among tamoxifen-treated women. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2562–4)
Copy Number Variation of Testis-Specific Protein, Y-Encoded (TSPY) in 14 Different Breeds of Cattle (Bos taurus)
Authors: Hamilton C.K. , Favetta L.A. , Di Meo G.P. , Floriot S. , Perucatti A. , Peippo J. , Kantanen J. , Eggen A. , Iannuzzi L. , King W.A.
Published: September 2009

Multi-copied gene families are prevalent in mammalian genomes, especially within the Y chromosome. Testis specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) is present in variable copy number in many mammalian species. Previous studies have estimated that TSPY ranges from 50–200 copies in cattle. To examine TSPY localization on the Y chromosome we employed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and fiber-FISH. The results show a strong signal on the short arm of the Y chromosome (Yp). To investigate TSPY copy number we used relative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyze the DNA of 14 different cattle breeds. Variation both within and between breeds was observed. All breeds show significant variation in TSPY copy number among individual members. Brown Swiss (161 copies, CI = 133–195) had higher average levels of TSPY and Western Fjord Cattle (63 copies, CI = 45–86) had lower levels than some breeds. Overall, however, most breeds had a similar average TSPY copy number. The pooled average was 94 copies (CI = 88–100). The significance of the TSPY array remains uncertain, but as the function of TSPY is unraveled the purpose of the array may become clearer.
Decrease in Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Germany – Effects of Opportunistic PSA Screening or More?
Authors: Rohde V. , Weidner W. , Katalinic A.
Published: September 2009

Background: An increasing incidence and controversial interpretations about the valuation of improved survival rates are the main subjects of the discussion dealing with the epidemiology of the prostate carcinoma. In this study the most recent data of the Cancer Registry Schleswig-Holstein (the northernmost state of Germany) are introduced. Materials and Methods: Data from the population-based cancer registry covering a population of 2.8 million inhabitants were evaluated descriptively for the years 1999–2005. Results: The frequency of more prognostic favourable diagnosis rose in the analyzed period. In 2000–2001, 62.9% of the patients were diagnosed with stage I/II and in 2004–2005 the percentage rose to 67.9%. From 1999 to 2003 the age-adjusted incidence increased by 30% and declined to the level of 1999 within 2 years. Mortality decreased continuously and from 1999 to 2005 it dropped by 20%. Conclusion: We assume that a selected group of men in Schleswig-Holstein has been screened regularly by PSA testing. The rise of incidence could be interpreted as a typical effect of a screening prevalence round. Thereafter the incidence declined because of the initial screening effect. However, it is not yet evident whether the PSA tests will have further effects on mortality rates.
Recurrence of Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Renal Allograft after Partial Transplant Nephrectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Hoda M.R. , Hamza A. , Wagner S. , Greco F. , Fornara P.
Published: September 2009

Treatment options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a renal allograft include radical nephrectomy or nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). We report the case of local recurrence of an RCC in kidney allograft. Five years after previously undergoing NSS, a recurrent lesion was diagnosed in the upper pole of the kidney graft in a 74-year-old patient during routine duplex ultrasonography. The computerized tomography image showed a spherical lesion of 24 mm in diameter. The patient was free of clinical symptoms and additional staging examinations showed no signs of metastatic spread. Considering the poor function of the kidney allograft with the need for dialysis, a removal of the graft was performed without peri- and postoperative adverse events. The final pathology revealed recurrence of a clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the kidney allograft (pT1a, G1). The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital after 6 days. During the last follow-up, the patient remained stable on hemodialysis and reported good overall health condition. In conclusion, patients after NSS for small renal masses in kidney allograft should remain under careful observation in order to detect early local recurrence.
Misleading Abdominal Pain following Extracorporeal Renal Lithotripsy
Authors: Chhor Vibol , Sinaceur Mériem , Journois Didier
Published: September 2009

Introduction: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a useful technique for the treatment of kidney and urinary tract stones but appears also to cause some extrarenal complications. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian man with a history of Crohn’s disease who presented septic shock due to a jejunum perforation 6 h following an ESWL for a right ureteral stone. The perforation, which occurred at the exact site of a previous surgical anastomosis, was revealed on a CT scan which found an unusual aspect probably due to cavitation and bubbles formation induced by ESWL. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the particular aspect of CT scan and the extrarenal potential danger of the ESWL procedure. Some precautions and dedicated patient information must be taken when used in patients with chronic inflammation of the digestive tract or history of intestinal surgery.
Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Used for Radiofrequency Lesion of the Globus Pallidus Internus in Dystonia
Authors: Marras Carlo , Zorzi Giovanna , Lenardi Cristina , Rizzi Michele , Messina Giuseppe , Alimehmeti Ridvan , Nardocci Nardo , Franzini Angelo
Published: September 2009

Background: There have recently been increasing case reports in the literature of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes used for lesioning with satisfactory clinical success in the treatment of Parkinson disease and tremor. Methods: After preliminary experiments of radiofrequency (RF) lesioning with a quadripolar DBS lead, a paediatric case of generalized primary dystonia was treated by RF lesioning of the globus pallidus internus (Gpi) with an electrode previously used for chronic stimulation. In order to study electrode damage related to the RF procedure, an electron microscopy study (SEM) at different magnifications (×40 and ×300) was performed. Results: Nine months after the unilateral pallidotomy, the patient had a good and stable control of dystonia. The MR study showed a T1-weighted hyperintensity signal corresponding to the electrode contacts used for lesions. The SEM scans of the DBS electrode used for RF lesioning did not show alterations of the ultrastructure. Conclusions: The RF lesioning technique by a DBS electrode allows small and staged lesions and could also be performed in a bilateral target. The versatility, efficacy, safety and low cost of the device make this approach suitable in selected cases.
Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Clinical Disease Phenotypes in Arab Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Akanji A.O. , Ohaeri J.U. , Al-Shammri S.N. , Fatania H.R.
Published: September 2009

Background: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is polymorphic, and may be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical expression of schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of specific APOE genotypes and alleles in a schizophrenic Arab population and evaluate the association of specific APOE types with clinical phenotypes of the disease. Subjects and Methods: Two age-matched groups of subjects were studied: (1) healthy controls, n = 165; (2) patients with schizophrenia (SZ), n = 207. Each subject was evaluated for age and mode of onset of disease, family history of psychosis, disease severity and outcome over the years of illness. APOE genotyping was performed by a validated PCR-RFLP technique. Results and Discussion: Genotype E3E2 and allele E2 were less frequent in the patients with schizophrenia (p = 0.04), and both APOE types tended to be more common in male than female schizophrenic patients (p = 0.08). Schizophrenic patients with a positive family history of psychosis had lower frequencies of genotype E3E2 and allele E2 (both p = 0.04). Genotype E3E4 and allele E4 were least common in patients with an age at onset of disease >31 years (OR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.1–27.4), particularly in males. Conclusion: APOE genetic polymorphism potentially influences susceptibility to schizophrenia and may be associated with aspects of its phenotypic expression, particularly gender, age of onset and family history of psychotic illness. This relationship of APOE with schizophrenia is likely to be race- and gender-specific.
Polymorphisms Associated with Both Noncardioembolic Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease: Vienna Stroke Registry
Authors: Luke May M. , Lalouschek Wolfgang , Rowland Charles M. , Catanese Joseph J. , Bolonick Joel I. , Bui Nam D. , Greisenegger Stefan , Endler Georg , Devlin James J. , Mannhalter Christine
Published: September 2009

Noncardioembolic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) may share genetic predispositions. We tested the hypothesis that genetic variants which are associated with risk of CHD would also be associated with risk of noncardioembolic stroke in 562 cases from the Vienna Stroke Registry and 815 controls. We selected 6 gene variants that had been consistently associated with risk of CHD in 3 studies, including the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, and found that 4 of these gene variants were also associated with risk of noncardioembolic stroke. The odds ratios for noncardioembolic stroke were 1.31 (90% CI 1.07–1.60) for rs3900940 in MYH15, 1.24 (90% CI 1.01–1.5) for rs20455 in KIF6, 1.21 (90% CI 0.99–1.49) for rs1010 in VAMP8, and 1.20 (90% CI 0.95–1.50) for rs10757274 on chromosome 9p21.
α1-Syntrophin Mutations Identified in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Cause an Increase in Late Cardiac Sodium Current
Authors: Cheng Jianding , Van Norstrand David W. , Medeiros-Domingo Argelia , Valdivia Carmen , Tan Bi-hua , Ye Bin , Kroboth Stacie , Vatta Matteo , Tester David J. , January Craig T. , Makielski Jonathan C. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death during the first 6 months after birth. About 5% to 10% of SIDS may stem from cardiac channelopathies such as long-QT syndrome. We recently implicated mutations in α1-syntrophin (SNTA1) as a novel cause of long-QT syndrome, whereby mutant SNTA1 released inhibition of associated neuronal nitric oxide synthase by the plasma membrane Ca-ATPase PMCA4b, causing increased peak and late sodium current (
I
Na
) via S-nitrosylation of the cardiac sodium channel. This study determined the prevalence and functional properties of SIDS-associated
SNTA1
mutations.

Methods and Results—

Using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and DNA sequencing of
SNTA1
’s open reading frame, 6 rare (absent in 800 reference alleles) missense mutations (G54R, P56S, T262P, S287R, T372M, and G460S) were identified in 8 (≈3%) of 292 SIDS cases. These mutations were engineered using polymerase chain reaction–based overlap extension and were coexpressed heterologously with SCN5A, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and PMCA4b in HEK293 cells.
I
Na
was recorded using the whole-cell method. A significant 1.4- to 1.5-fold increase in peak
I
Na
and 2.3- to 2.7-fold increase in late
I
Na
compared with controls was evident for S287R-, T372M-, and G460S-SNTA1 and was reversed by a neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. These 3 mutations also caused a significant depolarizing shift in channel inactivation, thereby increasing the overlap of the activation and inactivation curves to increase window current.

Conclusions—

Abnormal biophysical phenotypes implicate mutations in
SNTA1
as a novel pathogenic mechanism for the subset of channelopathic SIDS. Functional studies are essential to distinguish pathogenic perturbations in channel interacting proteins such as α1-syntrophin from similarly rare but innocuous ones.
A Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Laxton Ross C. , Hu Yanhua , Duchene Johan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Zhongyi , Leung Kit-Yi , Xiao Qingzhong , Scotland Ramona S. , Hodgkinson Conrad P. , Smith Katherine , Willeit Johann , López-Otín Carlos , Simpson Iain A. , Kiechl Stefan , Ahluwalia Amrita , Xu Qingbo , Ye Shu
Published: September 2009

Rationale
:

Atherosclerotic lesions express matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)8, which possesses proteolytic activity on matrix proteins particularly fibrillar collagens and on nonmatrix proteins such as angiotensin (Ang) I.

Objective
:

We studied whether MMP8 plays a role in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results
:

In atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E–deficient mice, inactivating MMP8 resulted in a substantial reduction in atherosclerotic lesion formation. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that atherosclerotic lesions in MMP8-deficient mice had significantly fewer macrophages but increased collagen content. In line with results of in vitro assays showing that Ang I cleavage by MMP8 generated Ang II, MMP8 knockout mice had lower Ang II levels and lower blood pressure. In addition, we found that products of Ang I cleavage by MMP8 increased vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression and that MMP8-deficient mice had reduced VCAM-1 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Intravital microscopy analysis showed that leukocyte rolling and adhesion on vascular endothelium was reduced in MMP8 knockout mice. Furthermore, we detected an association between MMP8 gene variation and extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease. A relationship among MMP8 gene variation, plasma VCAM-1 level, and atherosclerosis progression was also observed in a population-based, prospective study.

Conclusions
:

These results indicate that MMP8 is an important player in atherosclerosis.
NCX1 Expression and Functional Activity Increase in Microglia Invading the Infarct Core
Authors: Boscia Francesca , Gala Rosaria , Pannaccione Anna , Secondo Agnese , Scorziello Antonella , Di Renzo Gianfranco , Annunziato Lucio
Published: September 2009

Background and Purpose—

The sodium–calcium exchanger NCX1 represents a key mediator for maintaining [Na
+
]
i
and [Ca
2+
]
i
in anoxic conditions. To date, no information is available on NCX1 protein expression and activity in microglial cells under ischemic conditions.

Methods—

By means of Western blotting, patch-clamp electrophysiology, single-cell Fura-2 acetoxymethyl-ester microfluorometry, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy, we investigated the regional and temporal changes of NCX1 protein in microglial cells of the peri-infarct and core regions after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. The exchanger expression and activity were measured in primary microglia isolated ex vivo from the core region of adult rat brains 7 days after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and in cultured microglia under in vitro hypoxia.

Results—

One day after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, NCX1 protein expression was detected in some microglial cells adjacent to the soma of neurons in the infarct core. More interestingly, 3 and 7 days after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, NCX1 signal strongly increased in the round-shaped microglia invading the infarct core. Cultured microglial cells obtained from the core also displayed increased NCX1 expression as compared with contralateral cells and showed enhanced NCX activity in the reverse mode of operation. Similarly, NCX activity and NCX1 protein expression were significantly enhanced in BV2 microglia exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation, whereas NCX2 and NCX3 were downregulated. Interestingly, in NCX1-silenced cells, [Ca
2+
]
i
increase induced by hypoxia was completely prevented.

Conclusion–

The upregulation of NCX1 expression and activity observed in microglia after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion suggests a relevant role of NCX1 in modulating microglia functions in the postischemic brain.
Two Types of Taqdīr? A Study in Ibn Hišām's Concept of 'Speaker's Intention'
Authors: Kasher Almog
Published: September 2009

The term taqdīr is mostly used in Arabic grammatical tradition to refer to underlying structures, i.e. to sentences, forms etc. intended by the speakers but which differ from the sentences, forms etc. which they actually utter. This is also the sense modern scholars have in mind when discussing taqdīr. Yet the term proves to have a significantly wider extension, embracing also cases where it pertains not to underlying structures, but to properties possessed by constituents at surface structure, such as the syntactic functions they assume and the parts of speech to which they belong. Both usages of the term taqdīr, however, are derived from the single basic sense it conveys, viz. speakers' intention. This argument is illustrated in the present article through Ibn Hišām's writings.
How to Frame History
Authors: Keshk Khaled
Published: September 2009

This work looks at two examples of a literary device, which I have labeled the “set-up” story, used within the narratives of historical works. This literary device, as this paper will illustrate, were used to help the listener/reader frame the historical narrative that he/she was about to hear/read. It does this in three ways: the first is to have the set-up story follow a certain pattern that the listener/reader is familiar with. The second way is to use the set-up story as a moral micro-narrative of what is about to occur, The third is for the set-up story to be a lead-in; that is, the narrator would like the listener/reader to understand the protocols of certain actions. This paper will look at two examples of the second and third form of the set-up story.
'Āšūrā' as a Female Ritual Challenge to Masculinity
Authors: Maarouf Mohammed
Published: September 2009

This paper presents an ethnographic image of 'Āšūrā' delineating how a cultural and religious ritual may play the role of establishing and sustaining cultural hegemony in Morocco. It forwards into a position of prominence the carnivalesque aspect of the ritual. The cultural authority of the male is transgressed, mocked and crushed down by the joyful moment of female becoming in a ritual outlet that permits power to rejuvenate its yoke of domination over women in the normal existing social conditions. Carnival is a form of social control of the low by the high and thus serves the interests of the official culture that it apparently opposes. It is a licensed relief. Hegemony permits the ritual inversions of hierarchy and status degradations to re-affirm the status quo. In this sense, 'Āšūrā' seems to offer an occasion for the ritual emancipation of women fulfilled by their practice of magic and ceremonial alfresco gatherings, chanting songs of challenge to the male authority.
An Addendum to the Dīwān of Abū Mansūr al-Ta'ālibī
Authors: Orfali Bilal
Published: September 2009

There have been several attempts in modern scholarship to reconstruct the lost dīwān of Abū Mansūr al-Tālibī (350-429/961-1038 or 9). This article is an addendum to this dīwān that collects verses that were overlooked by previous scholarship or selected from recently published anthologies contemporary to al-Tālibī. It also sheds light on al-Tālibī's minor literary character, i.e. being a poet, and offers some observations on his poetry in general.
Portraits of Righteousness: Noah in Early Christian and Jewish Hymnography
Authors: Lieber Laura
Published: September 2009

The transformation of Noah into a Christian ideal in the writings of Aphrahat and Ephrem (4th century), with the resulting denigration of Noah in much rabbinic exegesis, is well documented. The purpose of this essay is to examine the characterization of Noah in the liturgical (as opposed to the scholarly) setting. Four groups of works are examined: the Hebrew Avodah poems and the hymns of Ephrem the Syrian (4th century); and the kontakia of Romanos the Melodist and the liturgical poems of the Jewish poet Yannai (6th century). These sources reveal that the individual poets felt great freedom to shape the character of Noah in distinctive ways, engaging with the various traditions of interpretation evident in the prose sources but using them in individualized ways. The resulting picture of Noah, when these poetic sources are brought to bear on the discussion, is much less predictable and more dynamic than might be assumed from study of the more“academic” prose sources alone.
Joachim Wachs Bild vom George-Kreis und seine Revision von Max Webers Soziologie religiöser Gemeinschaften
Authors: Kippenberg Hans G.
Published: September 2009

Since the publication of the In Memoriam of Stefan George in “Understanding and Believing. Essays by Jochim Wach edited by Joseph Kitagawa” (1968), the George-circle is seen as a major source for Wach's understanding of religion. According to the author nature is not a realm of abstract laws but the place where the divine reveals itself in the physical. Yet the In Memoriam was not composed by Wach, but by Gerardus van der Leeuw in 1934 and happend, by chance, to find its way among the posthumous papers of Wach. From other statements we know that Wach rejected pagan conceptions of the epiphany of the divine. Nevertheless there exists an impact of the George-circle on Wach's sociology of religion. He was an early reader of Max Webers “Sociology of Religion (Types of Religious Communities)” (1921/22), in which Weber chose as perspective a growing disenchantment of the world. Wach adopted the typology, but rejected Weber's systematics. The reason can be found in his essay on the relationship between Master and Disciple from 1925. Here he analyzed the George-circle as a case in point that the charisma of a master possesses a metaphysical quality that is resistant against the power of disenchantment. In contrast to Weber who correlated the varieties of religious communities with social conditions, Wach studied them as variations of genuine religious expressions.
Paul Hofmann, die Berliner Universität und seine neue Humanitätsphilosophie
Authors: Wirth Günter
Published: September 2009

In light of the upcoming anniversary of the Berlin University, this study of the philosopher Paul Hofmann analyzes his precarious position as lecturer at the Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, which was abruptly terminated in 1938 because of his Jewish ancestry and his anti-Nazi position. After years of inner migration, Hofmann resumed teaching as Ordinarius and with new impulses in 1945. At the core of his philosophy was the philosophy of humanity that developed from different positions in his major work “Sinn und Geschichte.” He provided his philosophy with new accents after 1945, while already suffering from severe illness. The study is based on extensive archival material.
Kontroversen um die Deutungshoheit Museumsdebatte, Historikerstreit und ,,neue Geschichtsbewegung“ in der Bundesrepublik der 1980er Jahre
Authors: Grotrian Etta
Published: September 2009

In the 1980s, identity was a key concept in historical political debates in the Federal Republic of Germany. But this identity discourse comprised not only the publicly fought Historikerstreit (Historians' Debate) and the discussion of plans by the federal government to establish two major history museums, but also the conflict with the ,,new history movement“, which developed as a counterpoint to the field of history at the universities.
Working Memory, Strategy Knowledge, and Strategy Instruction in Children With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Swanson H. Lee , Kehler Pam , Jerman Olga
Published: September 2009

Two experiments investigated the effects of strategy knowledge and strategy training on the working memory (WM) performance in children (ages 10—11) with and without reading disabilities (RD). Experiment 1 examined the relationship between strategy knowledge (stability of strategy choices) and WM performance as a function of initial, gain (cued), and maintenance conditions. WM performance was significantly improved for both groups under cued conditions; however, the performances of children with RD were inferior to those of children without RD across all memory conditions. Measures of WM capacity rather than strategy stability or processing efficiency best predicted reading comprehension performance. Experiment 2 assessed the effects of strategy training on WM performance by randomly assigning children to strategy instruction or control conditions. Significant improvements in WM performance occurred as a function of training conditions, but the residual WM differences between the reading groups remained. Although the results showed that stable strategy choices, cued performance, and strategy instruction significantly bolstered WM performance in children with RD, their overall WM performance, however, was constrained by capacity limitations.
Treatment Outcomes for Severe Feeding Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Laud Rinita B. , Girolami Peter A. , Boscoe James H. , Gulotta Charles S.
Published: September 2009

There is abundant research to support that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit challenging feeding behaviors. Despite increase in empirical evidence supporting the role of behavior analysis in treating severe feeding problems, evaluation of the short- and long-term effects of these treatments for a large group of children with ASD is warranted. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of an interdisciplinary feeding program for 46 children with ASD. A retrospective chart analysis indicated these children were treated successfully overall and follow-up data suggest gains were maintained following discharge from the program.
“Take This Child and Suckle It for Me”: Wet Nurses and Resistance in Ancient Israel
Authors: Yee Gale A.
Published: September 2009

Using Exodus 2 and other references to wet nurses in the Hebrew Bible as a springboard, this article examines the socio-historical conditions of free and enslaved wet nurses in antiquity through a cross-cultural investigation of Graeco-Roman and rabbinic legal and cultural texts. It then analyzes Exodus 2as an example of resistance literature during the Persian period to support anti-colonial resistance within the Jewish community in Yehud against Persian control. The wet nurse represents the resistance of the enslaved class to oppression and genocide.
Japanese children’s and adults’ awareness of psychogenic bodily reactions
Authors: Toyama Noriko
Published: September 2009

In Experiment 1, Japanese children (4-, 5-, 7-, and 10-year-olds ( n = 78)) and adults ( n = 36), answered questions about the possibility of psychogenic bodily reactions, i.e., bodily outcomes with origins in the mind. The 4- and 5-year-old preschoolers typically denied that bodily conditions could originate in mental states. Developmentally, recognition of psychogenic bodily reactions appeared between ages 8 and 11. Experiment 2 showed that these findings did not depend on whether reactions were positive or negative. The preschoolers had some difficulty in assuming not only negative but also positive psychogenic bodily reactions. In Experiment 3, 5-, 6-, 8-, and 11-year-old children ( n = 70) and adults ( n = 18) were asked to explain why physical/psychological states would lead to bodily outcomes. Adults relied on mechanical causation for physically induced bodily reactions, while for psychogenic reactions they often referred to vitalistic concepts. In contrast, young children sometimes referred to vitalistic concepts for physically induced reactions, but seldom did so for psychogenic reactions. Vitalistic causality appears to change from causality based on only the body, to a framework that applies not only bodily but also to mental phenomena.
Adolescents With Two Nonresident Biological Parents: Living Arrangements, Parental Involvement, and Well-Being
Authors: King Valarie , Stamps Mitchell Katherine , Hawkins Daniel N.
Published: September 2009

We know little about children who have two living nonresident biological parents. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines the diverse living arrangements of U.S. adolescents in this situation, the kinds of relationships they have with each of their nonresident parents, and how these living arrangements are associated with adolescent well-being. Differences between these adolescents ( n = 502) and those who have one nonresident biological parent ( n = 4,746) are also examined. Results point to certain groups of adolescents with two nonresident parents who are at particular risk of exhibiting higher levels of behavior problems (those living alone or with an aunt and uncle) or who, alternatively, are faring comparatively better (those living with biological relative caregivers or two nonbiological parent figures).
An Integrative Experiential Learning Project in the Undergraduate Branding Course: Creating a Marketing Department Brochure
Authors: Craciun Georgiana , Bober Corrigan Hope
Published: September 2009

This article introduces a selective approach to curriculum integration that consists of linking the subject matter of a new course with knowledge and skills acquired in two or more completed courses to create a deeper and richer learning experience. Benefits and challenges of the selective approach and an example of implementing an integrative project in a marketing elective are discussed. As part of the project, students in the undergraduate branding course design a marketing brochure to be used by the client, the marketing department, for student communication and recruiting purposes. This experiential team project benefits students who had the opportunity to apply new concepts and skills acquired in the branding class as well as reinforce consumer behavior and marketing research knowledge acquired in prior courses. The article discusses contributions and suggestions for project implementation.
Experiencing the Product Life Cycle Management Highs and Lows Through Dramatic Simulation
Authors: Pearce Glenn , Jackson John
Published: September 2009

Product life cycle (PLC) stages and diagrams are briefly and dispassionately covered in the standard marketing textbook format with little attention to the social-psychological experiences of those actually participating. This qualitative study used process drama as a teaching tool and a research instrument to probe the PLC phenomenon in a different way. A useable sample of 27 students used the educational drama convention called Space Mission to Mars, a form of process drama, to bring first-hand contact with, and relevance to, this marketing concept and practice. Student journals were analysed through content analysis, and this was combined with lecturer observations and some semistructured probe interviewing. The study found that students clearly expressed a new, more involved, and more insightful appreciation of the actual conceptual marketing processes and emotional experiences that marketers have when directly involved in PLC activities.
Bioassessments of anaerobically decomposing organic refuse in laboratory lysimeters with and without leachate recycling and pH adjustment
Authors: In Chul Kong
Published: September 2009

In this paper, various microbial characteristics of degrading refuse in three lysimeters were compared to bioassess the operating conditions with and without leachate recycling and pH adjustment. Laboratory lysimeters with leachate recycling produced more gas and took less time to reach the highest methane percentage than a lysimeter without leachate recycling. Generally, lysimeters with leachate recycling showed high ATP (adenosine triphosphate) contents in the leachate. But there were no significant differences in dehydrogenase activities among the lysimeters. Leachate of all lysimeters inhibited the bioluminescence activities of the strain tested. Bioluminescence activity was more inhibited by the lysimeter with no leachate recycling (high inhibition corresponds to high toxicity of leachate). Generally, less inhibition was observed in the middle of the operation phase, which was related with the biodegradation activity.
Utilization potential of silica fume in fired clay bricks
Authors: Baspinar M. Serhat , Demir Ismail , Orhan Mehmet
Published: September 2009

Silica fume (SF) is an inorganic waste material which is generated during the elemental silicon and ferro-silicon alloy production. Due to the unique properties, it is utilized in several industries. However, very little information is available on the utilization potential of SF in traditional clay brick industry. In this study, the effect of different quantities of SF addition on the properties of fired clay brick was investigated. Test samples were produced by uniaxial pressing and fired at 800, 900, 1000 and 1100°C. The microstructures of the samples were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The strength of the fired samples at 1000 and 1100°C were significantly improved with SF addition. It was concluded that the reactive amorphous nature of SF particles enhances the sintering action locally and this gives better strength behaviour. SF addition also improved the efflorescence behaviour of the bricks. It was concluded that the effect of SF addition on the fired clay brick mainly depends on the firing temperature. At low firing temperatures, SF addition has a tendency to decrease the bulk density. However at higher firing temperatures, SF addition allows better sintering action with a drastic increase in bulk density.
Vinegar production residue as substrates for phytase production by Aspergillus ficuum
Authors: Zhihong Wang  , Xiaofang Dong  , Jianming Tong  , Yingying Wu  , Qi Zhang
Published: September 2009

Two kinds of vinegar production residues, sorghum vinegar residue (SVR) and corn vinegar residue (CVR), were used as a substrate for phytase production in solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus ficuum. Various process parameters influencing phytase production were evaluated by single factor design experiments; further study involved CVR and its goodness-of-fit levels. An incubation time of 48 hours, initial moisture of 55% and an inoculum of 1.2 × 107 spores per millilitre were the optimum cultural conditions for the production of phytase in waste corn vinegar residue, without adding in vitro nutrient elements by orthogonal design experiment. Results showed that vinegar production residue as substrates for phytase production by Aspergillus ficuum through microbiology fermentation could be applied to treatment of an integrated system for waste from vinegar processing.
An environmentally viable waste disposal method for oil-producing countries
Authors: ud din S. , Reza Oskui G.P. , Al-Dousari A. , Al Ghadban A.N. , Al Murad M.
Published: September 2009

The increasing amount of oil field waste is a matter of concern. This study proposes the Slurry Fracture Injection (SFI) technique as an alternative waste disposal method. The proposed waste disposal method is complete and leaves few future liabilities. The entire waste can be injected into an isolated deep geologic zone with no contamination of water-bearing formations or formations outside the targeted zone. The method can lead to the reclamation of oil industry landfills and the oil pits and dumps. We propose a two-tiered screening method for evaluating the feasibility of this technology and identification of a suitable target zone. A stringent environmental monitoring program should complement the SFI process to ensure environmental compatibility.