bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Knowledge and Self‐Reference
Authors: Howell Robert J.
Published: May 2007

Self‐Knowledge and Self‐Referenceis a defense and reconciliation of the two apparently conflicting theses that the self is peculiarly elusive and that our basic, cogito‐judgments are certain. On the one hand, Descartes seems to be correct that nothing is more certain than basic statements of self‐knowledge, such as “I am thinking.” On the other hand, there is the compelling Humean observation that when we introspect, nothing is found except for various “impressions.” The problem, then, is that the Humean and Cartesian insights are both initially appealing, yet they appear to be in tension with one another. In this paper I attempt to satisfy both intuitions by developing a roughly descriptivist account of self‐reference according to which our certainty in basic beliefs stems precisely from our needing to know so little in order to have them.
Rational Ignorance and Political Morality*
Authors: Pincione Guido , TESÓN FERNANDO R.
Published: May 2007

People frequently advance political proposals in the name of a goal while remaining apparently indifferent to the fact that those proposals, if implemented, would frustrate that goal. Theorists of “deliberative democracy” purport to avoid this difficulty by arguing that deliberation is primarily about moral not empirical issues. We reject this view (the moral turn) and propose a method (The Display Test) to check whether a political utterance is best explained by the rational ignorance hypothesis or by the moral turn: the speaker must be prepared to openly acknowledge the bad consequences of his political position. If he is, the position is genuinely moral; if he is not, the position evinces either rational ignorance or posturing. We introduce deontological notions to explain when the moral turn works and when it does not. We discuss and reject possible replies, in particular the view that a moral‐political stance insensitive to consequences relies on a distribution of moral responsibility in evildoing. Finally, we show that even the most plausible candidates for the category of purely moral political proposals are best explained by the rational ignorance/posturing hypothesis, if only because enforcing morality gives rise to complex causal issues.
Nonlinear Stability of Thermoelastic Sliding Contact
Authors: Miller Jason D. , Dane Quinn D.
Published: May 2007

A model for sliding contact of a thermoelastic rod is considered and is subjected to a multiple scales analysis to uncover its nonlinear behavior near a neutrally stable state. The analysis reveals a combination of the contact resistance and frictional intensity that describes the generic unfolding of this critical state and its associated bifurcations. In particular, the system can describe how two equilibria coalesce in a saddle-node bifurcation and generalizes stability criteria that have been presented previously in the literature for this model. Moreover, this analysis describes the role of the initial deformation of the rod on its long-term dynamical behavior.
Analytical Solution for Size-Dependent Elastic Field of a Nanoscale Circular Inhomogeneity
Authors: Tian L. , Rajapakse R. K. N. D.
Published: May 2007

Two-dimensional elastic field of a nanoscale circular hole/inhomogeneity in an infinite matrix under arbitrary remote loading and a uniform eigenstrain in the inhomogeneity is investigated. The Gurtin–Murdoch surface/interface elasticity model is applied to take into account the surface/interface stress effects. A closed-form analytical solution is obtained by using the complex potential function method of Muskhelishvili. Selected numerical results are presented to investigate the size dependency of the elastic field and the effects of surface elastic moduli and residual surface stress. Stress state is found to depend on the radius of the inhomogeneity/hole, surface elastic constants, surface residual stress, and magnitude of far-field loading.
Ovotransferrin expression and release by chicken cell lines infected with Marek’s disease virus
Authors: Giansanti Francesco , Giardi M. Federica , Massucci M. Teresa , Botti Dario , Antonini Giovanni
Published: May 2007

Mammals posses both serum transferrin and lactoferrin, whose functions are taken over in birds by ovotransferrin, displaying both iron transport and antibacterial activities. Ovotransferrin also exerts antiviral activity towards Marek’s disease virus, an avian member of the herpes family of viruses. This virus infects lymphoid organs and induces the transcription of ovotransferrin in infected chicken embryo fibroblasts. However, it has not yet been established whether ovotransferrin gene transcription is linked to the release of the protein outside the cells or whether ovotransferrin expression and release also occurs in chicken lymphoblastoid cells in which the Marek’s disease viral genome is integrated. Our results indicate that both serum and egg-white isoforms of ovotransferrin are expressed and released in the supernatants of chicken embryo fibroblast and lymphoblastoid cells in the absence of infection. Viral infection of chicken embryo fibroblasts caused a slight increase of ovotransferrin release, whereas viral reinfection of lymphoblastoid cells caused a remarkable ovotransferrin release in a virus concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that ovotransferrin release in vivo may play a crucial role in protecting the whole organism from viral infection spreading, and support the hypothesis that the antiviral activity of ovotransferrin is an important part of the innate immune response in birds, resembling the antiviral activity of lactoferrin in mammals.
Codon usage bias in Chlamydia trachomatis and the effect of codon modification in the MOMP gene on immune responses to vaccinationThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Zheng Yan , Zhao Wei-Ming , Wang Hong , Zhou Ya-Bin , Luan Yi , Qi Mei , Cheng Yi-Zhe , Tang Wei , Liu Juan , Yu Han , Yu Xiu-Ping , Fan Yi-Jun , Yang Xi
Published: May 2007

Chlamydia trachomatis is a kind of obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes ocular and sexually transmitted diseases. In this study, we analyzed the codon usage patterns of the C. trachomatis mouse pneumonitis biovar (MoPn) and Homo sapiens. We found large differences between MoPn and human codon usages. To enhance the expression of Chlamydia protein in mammalian cells, the DNA sequence encoding the major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) of MoPn was modified to substitute the human-preferred codons for rarely used codons. The huma-optimized MOMP gene was synthesized and cloned into the pcDNA3 vector, as was the wild-type MOMP gene. The protein expression levels of the human-optimized MOMP and wild-type MOMP genes were compared. The experiments showed that the human-optimized MOMP gene produced significantly higher levels of MOMP protein than the wild-type MOMP, both in vitro and in vivo, but no obvious difference was observed in the levels of modified and native MOMP mRNA expression. The immunogenicity of the 2 constructs was examined using BALB/c mice following intramuscular immunization. The results showed that the mice immunized with the human-optimized MOMP produced higher levels of antigen-specific IgG antibody and showed stronger delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and proliferative T cell responses than those immunized with the wild-type MOMP. Antigen-specific stimulation of spleen cells obtained from human MOMP DNA immunized mice produced higher levels of interferon-gamma than those obtained from wild-type MOMP DNA immunized mice. Taken together, the data show that human-optimized codon optimization can significantly enhance the gene expression and immunogenicity of the C. trachomatis MOMP DNA vaccine.
Mechanism of saikosaponin-d in the regulation of rat mesangial cell proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix proteinsThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Zu Ning , Li Ping , Li Ning , Choy Patrick , Gong Yuewen
Published: May 2007

Glomerulosclerosis is a common disorder in many types of chronic kidney diseases. Previous studies have shown that glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. The ability of saikosaponin-d (SSd) to reduce the damage of kidney in progressive glomerulosclerosis has been demonstrated. In this study, the effects of saikosaponin-d on MC proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins were investigated. Rat MCs were isolated from Wistar rats and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. MCs were challenged with lipopolysacchorides and incubated with different concentrations of SSd. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Type IV collagen, fibronectin, and TGF-β1 in the conditioned medium were measured. The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4, c-Jun, and c-Fos was determined by immunohistochemistry. At a concentration of 4 µg/mL or lower, SSd inhibited MC proliferation but did not cause cell death. SSd also inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of type IV collagen, fibronectin, and TGF-β1 in MCs. Additionally, SSd reduced the expression of CDK4, c-Jun, and c-Fos in MCs. We conclude that SSd inhibited MC proliferation and synthesis of extracullular matrix proteins through the downregulation of the CDK4, c-Jun, and c-Fos genes.
The effect of delayed preconditioning on connexin 43 in ischemic myocardiumThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Lin Jijin , Li Yuguang , Lin Shuguang , Liang Qing , Tan Xuerui
Published: May 2007

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of preconditioning on the restoration and distribution of connexin 43 (Cx43) in ischemic myocardium in dogs. In this study, 40 dogs were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8 as follows: control, 0hI-R (ischemia followed by 0 h reperfusion), 6hI-R (ischemia followed by 6 h reperfusion), 24hI-R (ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion), and 48hI-R (ischemia followed by 48 h reperfusion). Four dogs in each group were preconditioned with brief episodes of ischemia prior to the respective treatments and were referred as the PC groups, while the other 4 were not preconditioned and were referred as the nonPC groups. The myocardial ischemia was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The expression and distribution of Cx43 within the ischemic myocardium were measured by Western blot analysis and studied using laser confocal microscopy using a double-label immunohistochemistry technique. Compared with the control group, there was a significant reduction in Cx43 content within ischemic myocardium of all test groups both with and without PC (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Within the 0hI-R, 6hI-R, and 24hI-R groups, an insignificant difference was found in the expression and distribution of Cx43 within the ischemic region between the PC and the nonPC groups. However, in the 48hI-R group, the area and intensity of Cx43 staining within the ischemic region of the PC dogs were significantly larger and more intense than those of the nonPC dogs (P < 0.01), and the ratio of Cx43 pixel density in intercalated disk areas to that in side-to-side junction areas in the PC dogs was significantly greater than that in nonPC dogs (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that preconditioning has a significant effect on the restoration and distribution of Cx43 in the ischemic myocardium in dogs after 48 h. Hence, preconditioning may be a plausible cause for the observed reductions in cardiac arrhythmias.
Isolation of a novelrasgene fromTrichomonas vaginalis: a possible evolutionary ancestor of the Ras and Rap genes of higher eukaryotesThis paper is one of a selection of papers in this Special Issue, entitled International Symposium on Recent Advances in Molecular, Clinical, and Social Medicine, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer-review process.
Authors: Xu Ming-yan , Liu Ju-li , Zhang Ren-li , Fu Yu-cai
Published: May 2007

The Ras subfamily proteins are small, monomeric GTP-binding proteins with vital roles in regulating eukaryotic signal transduction pathways. Gene duplication and divergence have been postulated as the mechanism by which such family members have evolved their specific functions. A cDNA clone of TvRsp was isolated and sequenced from a cDNA expression library of the primitive eukaryote Trichomonas vaginalis . The genomic DNA corresponding to the cDNA sequence was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Sequence analysis suggested that TvRsp was an intronless gene. This gene encoded a protein of 181 amino acids and contained the 5 conserved G domains that designated it as a Ras or Rap subfamily member. However, the deduced amino acid sequence shared only 34%–37% overall identity with other Ras subfamily members of different species, and the presence of motifs characteristic of both the Ras and Rap families of GTPase confused the familial classification of this gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed its origins at the divergence point of the Ras/Rap families and suggested that TvRsp was a possible evolutionary ancestral gene of the ras/rap genes of higher eukaryotes. This information was of importance not only from the perspective of understanding the evolution and diversity of eukaryotic signal transduction pathways but also in providing a framework by which to understand protein processing in the growth and differentiation of single-celled microorganisms.
TRACE ELEMENTS IN SERA FROM PATIENTS WITH VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS
Authors: Mukhopadhyay R. , Chakraborty A. , Sudarshan M. , Dutta R. K. , Jal P. K. , Bhattacharya A. , Chintalapudi S. N.
Published: May 2007

Trace elements are known to have pivotal role in human health and disease. Present investigation employed PIXE analysis to probe into the elemental profile of patients suffering from visceral Leishmaniasis. Remarkable alterations were observed in concentration of elements like Cl , K , Ca , Mn , Fe , Cu , Zn . The pattern of enhancement of elemental concentration corresponds to the progression of the disease. Additionally, our present data reflect probable correlation between alteration in trace elemental status and other pathological syndromes associated with Leishmaniasis. The possibility of considering trace elements as a diagnostic marker for a better understanding of the disease is discussed.
POLARIZATION REVERSAL AND ELECTROMECHANICAL STUDIES ON Ba(NdxTi1-2xNbx)O3 DIELECTRIC RELAXOR CERAMICS PREPARED THROUGH CONVENTIONAL AND MICROWAVE SINTERING ROUTE
Authors: MAHBOOB SYED , PRASAD G. , KUMAR G. S.
Published: May 2007

Polarization and capacitance studies as a function of applied electric field were done on the Nd and Nb -doped polycrystalline ceramic samples. The result indicates that the ceramic samples show low values of remnant polarization. The capacitance value indicates that microwave sintered samples shows higher capacitance tunability when compared to conventional sintered samples. The results obtained from electromechanical studies are also discussed.
BOGOLIUBOV TRANSFORMATIONS IN BLACK-HOLE EVAPORATION
Authors: FARLEY A. N. St. J. , D'EATH P. D.
Published: May 2007

In previous papers and letters on quantum amplitudes in black-hole evaporation, a boundary-value approach was developed for calculating (for example) the quantum amplitude to have a prescribed slightly non-spherical configuration of a massless scalar field ϕ on a final hypersurface ΣF at a very late time T, given initial almost-stationary spherically symmetric gravitational and scalar data on a space-like hypersurface ΣI at time t = 0. For definiteness, we assumed that the gravitational data are also spherically symmetric on ΣF. Such boundary data can correspond to a classical solution for the Einstein/scalar system, describing gravitational collapse from an early low-density configuration to a nearly Schwarzschild black hole. This approach provides the quantum amplitude (not just the probability) for a transition from an initial to a final state. For a real Lorentzian time-interval T, the classical boundary-value problem refers to a set of hyperbolic equations (modulo gauge), and is badly posed. Instead, the boundary-value approach of the previous letters and papers requires (following Feynman) a rotation into the complex: T → |T| exp (-iθ), for 0 < θ ≤ π/2, of the time-separation-at-infinity T. The classical boundary-value problem, for a complex solution of the coupled nonlinear classical field equations, is expected to be well-posed for 0 < θ ≤ π/2. For a locally supersymmetric Lagrangian, containing supergravity coupled to supermatter, the classical Lorentzian action S class , a functional of the boundary data (which include the complexified T), yields a quantum amplitude proportional to exp (iS class ), apart from possible loop corrections which are negligible for boundary data with frequencies below the Planck scale. Finally (still following Feynman), one computes the Lorentzian quantum amplitude by taking the limit of exp (iS class ) as θ → 0+. In the present paper, a connection is made between the above boundary-value approach and the original approach to quantum evaporation in gravitational collapse to a black hole, via Bogoliubov coefficients. This connection is developed through consideration of the radial equation obeyed by the (adiabatic) non-spherical classical perturbations. When one studies the probability distribution for configurations of the final scalar field, based on our quantum amplitudes above, one finds that this distribution can also be interpreted in terms of the Wigner quasi-probability distribution for a harmonic oscillator.
Identification of positional candidate genes for body weight and adiposity in subcongenic mice
Authors: Chiu Sally , Kim Kyoungmi , Haus Kari A. , Espinal Glenda M. , Millon Lee V. , Warden Craig H.
Published: May 2007

We previously constructed a congenic mouse, B6.S- D2Mit194-D2Mit311 (B6.S-2) with 27 Mb of SPRET/Ei donor DNA on distal chromosome 2 in a C57BL/6J background that captured an obesity quantitative trait locus (QTL). Mice homozygous for SPRET/Ei alleles at the donor region had decreased body weight and obesity-related phenotypes (Diament AL, Farahani P, Chiu S, Fisler J, Warden CH. Mamm Genome 15: 452–459, 2004). In this study, we constructed five overlapping subcongenics with smaller SPRET/Ei donor regions to fine map the underlying gene(s). One of the five subcongenic lines derived from the B6.S-2 founding congenic, B6.S-2A, captured the body weight and adiposity phenotypes in a donor region with a maximum size of 7.4 Mb. Homozygous SPRET/Ei donor alleles in both the founding congenic and the derived B6.S-2A subcongenic exhibited significant decreases in body weight, multiple fat pad weights, and adiposity index (total fat pad weight divided by body weight). Interval-specific microarray analysis in four tissues for donor region genes from the founding B6.S-2 congenic identified several differentially expressed genes mapping to the B6.S-2A subcongenic donor region, including prohormone convertase 2 (PC2; gene name: Pcsk2). Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed a modest decrease of PC2 expression in brains of mice homozygous for SPRET/Ei donor alleles. Analysis of the relative levels of mRNA for B6 and SPRET/Ei in heterozygous congenic mice showed differentially higher expression of the C57BL/6J allele over the SPRET/Ei allele, indicating a cis regulation of differential expression. Using subcongenic mapping, we successfully narrowed a body weight and obesity QTL interval and identified PC2 as a positional candidate gene.
Referral to Nephrologists for Chronic Kidney Disease Care: Is Non-Diabetic Kidney Disease Ignored?
Authors: Navaneethan Sankar D. , Nigwekar Sagar , Sengodan Mohan , Anand Edwin , Kadam Sarika , Jeevanantham Vinodh , Grieff Marvin , Choudhry Wajid
Published: May 2007

Background: Late referral to nephrologists is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to analyze the prevalence rates, predictors and consequences of late referral to nephrologists by primary care physicians for chronic kidney disease (CKD) care. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 204 patients started on dialysis for CKD in two community hospitals between March 2003 and March 2005 was conducted. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the patient records of the nephrology clinics and dialysis units. Patients referred in CKD stage 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 ml/min) were defined as late referral and patients in CKD stage 1–4 (estimated glomerular filtration rate >15 ml/min) as early referral. Results: Forty-five (22%) of the 204 patients were referred late. In the multivariate analysis, non-diabetic kidney disease (odds ratio = 2.46, p = 0.02) and Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio = 1.17, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with late referral. The late referral group had lower hematocrit and serum calcium levels, and higher serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels than the early referral group (p ≤0.05) at the time of referral. Late referral resulted in less permanent vascular access for initiation of dialysis (p = 0.03). Even though there was twice the number of deaths in the late referral group in 1 year (18 vs. 9%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Conclusion: Referring physicians should pay special attention to patients with non-diabetic kidney disease and patients with multiple comorbidities since delayed referral to nephrologists may result in poorer patient-related outcomes. Larger and long-term prospective studies analyzing the long-term consequences of late referral to nephrologists are needed.
Nandrolone Decanoate as Anabolic Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Phase II Dose-Finding Study
Authors: Macdonald Jamie H. , Marcora Samuele M. , Jibani Mahdi M. , Kumwenda Mick J. , Ahmed Wasim , Lemmey Andrew B.
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving adequate erythropoietin therapy, the ideal dose of nandrolone decanoate (ND) to enhance muscle mass is not known. Methods: In this phase II dose-finding study, 54 patients with CKD stage 5 were randomized to either low, medium or high doses of ND (50, 100 or 200 mg/week for 24 weeks, respectively, in males; doses halved in females), while 7 patients acted as non-randomized controls. The primary outcome measure was appendicular lean mass (ALM) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fluid overload (hydration of the fat-free mass) and indicators of physical functioning were secondary measures. Harms were also recorded. Data were analysed using Quade’s (1967) non-parametric analysis of covariance. Results: ND increased ALM in a dose-responsive manner (change scores = 0.3 ± 0.3 vs. 0.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 2.1 ± 0.4 kg, control vs. low vs. medium vs. high dose groups, respectively, p < 0.001) with no increases in fluid overload but no consistent effect on physical functioning. The highest dose of ND (100 mg/week) was intolerable in females because of virilizing effects. Conclusion: If goals of future studies are to improve body composition, dosing of ND up to 200 mg/week in males and 50 mg/week in females should be investigated. However, to realize improvements in physical functioning, future phase III trials of ND may require additional interventions such as exercise training.
Relationship between the Degree of Malnutrition and Echocardiographic Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kürşat Seyhun , Tekçe Hikmet , Ekmekçi Cenk , Çolak Hülya Bahadır , Alıcı Tamer
Published: May 2007

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the degree of malnutrition and inadequate volume control evidenced by echocardiography. Methods: In this study 72 chronic hemodialysis patients were investigated in a cross-sectional manner. The malnutrition score was calculated using Subjective Global Assessment. M-mode echocardiography was performed in all patients. Results: The highest malnutrition score (23.2 ± 1.5 points) and lowest vena cava inferior collapse index (35 ± 2%) were observed in the eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy group. The malnutrition index was found to be in positive relationship with the left atrium diameter and index, left ventricular mass and index, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter. On the other hand, a negative correlation was detected with the vena cava inferior collapse index. When all parameters that were found to be related to malnutrition were assessed by multivariate analyses, a statistically significant relation was found between the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and the malnutrition index. Conclusion: The results of our study show that the progressive worsening of the nutritional status follows a parallel course along with the deterioration in the echocardiographic parameters concerning hypervolemia. This in turn suggests that increasing degrees of malnutrition are associated with more profound derangements in the volume status. Volume excess might be a mechanism explaning the increased mortality and morbidity caused by malnutrition in hemodialysis patients. Owing to its cross-sectional design, this study cannot provide unequivocal evidence regarding the cause and effect relationship between volume overload and malnutrition in hemodialysis patients.
Modification in the von Hippel-Lindau Protein Is Involved in the Progression of Experimentally Induced Rat Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Kudo Yoshihiro , Kakinuma Yoshihiko , Iguchi Mitsuko , Sato Takayuki , Sugiura Tetsuro , Furihata Mutsuo , Shuin Taro
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: We previously demonstrated that angiotensin II (AII) combined with Habu snake venom (HV) induces glomerulonephritis (GN) in rats, with lesions being restricted to the glomeruli 2 days after the administration of both reagents, but the mechanisms inducing GN are unclear. We also indicated a role for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in attenuating the progression of GN. However, a role of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein in GN and mechanisms by which HV regulates the pathogenesis of GN remains unclear. Methods and Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that VHL is weakly expressed in the renal tubules alone; however, HV caused elevated VHL expression in the injured glomeruli including endothelial cells and partially podocytes. Western blot analysis revealed that VHL expression was increased in HV-treated kidney compared with AII-treated or normal kidney. An in vitro study also showed HV-induced elevation in VHL expression. To investigate whether VHL pre-induction causes GN aggravation, we utilized thrombin, an inducer of VHL. Thrombin alone did not cause renal injuries; however, thrombin pre-treatment accelerated the development of GN even 1 day after treatment. Conclusion: We suggest that VHL pre-induction by thrombin aggravates GN, and that the increase in VHL expression due to HV might be involved in accelerating onset of GN.
Patterns of Infarction in Hemodynamic Failure
Authors: Derdeyn Colin P. , Carpenter David A. , Videen Tom O. , Grubb, Jr. Robert L. , Powers William J.
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose: The mechanism of stroke in patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease and hemodynamic failure may be primarily hemodynamic or a combination of hemodynamic and embolic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and imaging features of stroke in these patients. Methods: Eleven patients with complete atherosclerotic carotid artery occlusion and increased oxygen extraction fraction measured in the hemisphere distal to the occlusion developed an ischemic stroke during the observation phase of a prospective study of cerebral hemodynamics and stroke risk. The medical and study records related to the endpoint event for these 11 patients were reviewed. Records were reviewed for evidence of associated hypotension and for specific details of the neurological deficit. Infarct location was characterized, based on review of imaging and clinical features, as: (1) middle cerebral artery (MCA) core; (2) possible cortical border zone, or (3) internal border zone. Results: One patient had a retinal infarction; the remaining 10 had MCA territory strokes. Six of the 10 infarctions occurred in the MCA core territory. Two of these 6 were fatal hemispheric events. One of the 10 infarctions occurred in the cortical border zone region. Two of the remaining 3 infarctions were localized to the internal border zone. One was indeterminate. Conclusions: The clinical features and radiological patterns of stroke in many patients with hemodynamic impairment failure and carotid occlusion are most consistent with large artery thromboembolic stroke. These data suggest a synergistic effect between embolic and hemodynamic mechanisms for large artery thromboembolic stroke.
Carotid Artery Calcification on Multislice Detector-Row Computed Tomography
Authors: Uwatoko Takeshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Inoue Tooru , Yasumori Kotaro , Hirai Yuko , Makihara Noriko , Fujimoto Shigeru , Ibayashi Setsuro , Iida Mitsuo , Okada Yasushi
Published: May 2007

Background: To determine the underlying conditions that affect the degree of calcification of carotid arterial plaques, measured quantitatively using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT), and to study the association of carotid calcification with clinical symptomatology. Methods: We measured the calcification volume of stenotic lesions at the carotid bifurcation using MDCT in 84 consecutive patients who were scheduled to undergo carotid revascularization. These results were compared with the clinical and radiological characteristics of the patients. Results: On MDCT, calcification in the carotid plaques was present in 78 patients (93%). Compared to the other patients, patients in the highest quartile of calcification volume (quartile 4) had higher serum creatinine levels (p < 0.001) and tended to have fewer symptomatic ischemic events in the territory of the affected carotid artery in the preceding 6 months (29 vs. 49%, p = 0.099); in particular, there were fewer transient symptoms (5 vs. 27%, p = 0.032) and symptoms possibly occurring due to local embolism (14 vs. 37%, p = 0.045). On ultrasound, plaque ulceration was less prevalent in patients in quartile 4 than in the remaining patients (5 vs. 29%, p = 0.026), although the severity of carotid stenosis was similar among all the quartiles. Conclusions: Renal dysfunction was associated with enhanced carotid plaque calcification. Patients with severe carotid calcification were found to have a low risk of recent ischemic stroke, presumably due, in part, to a lower prevalence of emboligenic carotid ulceration. MDCT was valuable for the quantitative evaluation of carotid calcification.
Recognition of Depression in Aphasic Stroke Patients
Authors: Laska A.C. , Mårtensson B. , Kahan T. , von Arbin M. , Murray V.
Published: May 2007

Background: Data on post-stroke depression in aphasia are scarce. Methods: Eighty-nine acute stroke patients with aphasia of all types were followed for 6 months to investigate if depression can be reliably diagnosed (DSM-IV criteria) and validly assessed by the verbal Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and a global technique (Clinical Global Impressions Rating Scale for Severity). A standard aphasia test was performed. Results: In 60 patients (67%) at baseline and in 100% at 6 months, comprehension allowed a reliable DSM-IV diagnosis. Among these patients MADRS was feasible in 95% at baseline and in 100% at 6 months. The assistance of relatives and staff increases the feasibility and decreases the validity. Depression was identified in 24% during the 6 months. Conclusion: Depression diagnosis and severity rating can reliably be made in the acute phase in at least two thirds of aphasic patients, and feasibility increases over time.
Effects of Computer-Assisted Speech Training on Mandarin-Speaking Hearing-Impaired Children
Authors: Wu Jiunn-Liang , Yang Hui-Mei , Lin Yi-Hui , Fu Qian-Jie
Published: May 2007

The present study investigated whether moderate amounts of computer-assisted speech training can improve the speech recognition performance of hearing-impaired children. Ten Mandarin-speaking children (3 hearing aid users and 7 cochlear implant users) participated in the study. Training was conducted at home using a personal computer for half an hour per day, 5 days per week, for a period of 10 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in subjects’ vowel, consonant, and tone recognition performance after training. The improved performance was largely retained for 2 months after training was completed. These results suggest that moderate amounts of auditory training, using a computer-based auditory rehabilitation tool with minimal supervision, can be effective in improving the speech performance of hearing-impaired children.
Circadian Blood Pressure Variation and Antihypertensive Medication Adjustment in Normoalbuminuric Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Czupryniak Leszek , Pawłowski Maciej , Saryusz-Wolska Małgorzata , Loba Jerzy
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of an antihypertensive treatment adjustment on 24-hour blood pressure variation in type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: The study group included 59 hypertensive type 2 diabetes patients subjected to a single one-step antihypertensive agent dose adjustment (increase or decrease). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed at baseline and 4–6 weeks after the treatment modification. Controls were 41 matched patients, in whom antihypertensive treatment remained unchanged. Results: At baseline, 45 (76%) study group patients and 29 (71%) controls were ‘non-dippers’; a similar number of patients in both groups converted to ‘dipping’ or vice versa: 11 (19%) from the study group and 7 (17%) controls. ‘Converters’ from the study group were significantly younger (47.5 ± 3.9 vs. 56.4 ± 12.2 years; p < 0.05) and had lower 24-hour systolic blood pressure than ‘non-converters’: 113.7 ± 7.2 vs. 127.7 ± 20.3 mm Hg (p < 0.01). Conclusion: A single one-step antihypertensive medication adjustment does not affect ‘dipping’ status in type 2 diabetes patients. However, the assessment of blood pressure variation should be made with greater caution in younger type 2 diabetes subjects with low systolic blood pressure.
Paradoxical Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis Despite Preserved Ejection Fraction Is Associated With Higher Afterload and Reduced Survival
Authors: Hachicha Zeineb , Dumesnil Jean G. , Bogaty Peter , Pibarot Philippe
Published: May 2007

Background—

Recent studies and current clinical observations suggest that some patients with severe aortic stenosis on the basis of aortic valve area may paradoxically have a relatively low gradient despite the presence of a preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. The objective of the present study was to document the prevalence, potential mechanisms, and clinical relevance of this phenomenon.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively studied the clinical and Doppler echocardiographic data of 512 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (indexed aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm
2
· m
−2
) and preserved LV ejection fraction (≥50%). Of these patients, 331 (65%) had normal LV flow output defined as a stroke volume index >35 mL · m
2
, and 181 (35%) had paradoxically low-flow output defined as stroke volume index ≤35 mL · m
−2
. When compared with normal flow patients, low-flow patients had a higher prevalence of female gender (
P
<0.05), a lower transvalvular gradient (32±17 versus 40±15 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), a lower LV diastolic volume index (52±12 versus 59±13 mL · m
−2
;
P
<0.001), lower LV ejection fraction (62±8% versus 68±7%;
P
<0.001), a higher level of LV global afterload reflected by a higher valvulo-arterial impedance (5.3±1.3 versus 4.1±0.7 mm Hg · mL
−1
· m
−2
;
P
<0.001) and a lower overall 3-year survival (76% versus 86%;
P
=0.006). Only age (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.08;
P
=0.025), valvulo-arterial impedance >5.5 mm Hg · mL
−1
· m
−2
(hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.7;
P
=0.017), and medical treatment (hazard ratio, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.8 to 6.7;
P
=0.0003) were independently associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion—

Patients with severe aortic stenosis may have low transvalvular flow and low gradients despite normal LV ejection fraction. A comprehensive evaluation shows that this pattern is in fact consistent with a more advanced stage of the disease and has a poorer prognosis. Such findings are clinically relevant because this condition may often be misdiagnosed, which leads to a neglect and/or an underestimation of symptoms and an inappropriate delay of aortic valve replacement surgery.
An Information-Theoretic Analysis on the Interactions of Variables in Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Seo Dong-Il , Moon Byung-Ro
Published: May 2007

In optimization problems, the contribution of a variable to fitness often depends on the states of other variables. This phenomenon is referred to as epistasis or linkage. In this paper, we show that a new theory of epistasis can be established on the basis of Shannon's information theory. From this, we derive a new epistasis measure called entropic epistasis and some theoretical results. We also provide experimental results verifying the measure and showing how it can be used for designing efficient evolutionary algorithms.
Morphology of PET Cords at Different Stages of Simulated Tire Building
Authors: Naskar Amit K. , Stevens Kate , Kennedy John M. , Ogale Amod A. , Chekanov Yuri
Published: May 2007

The effect of simulated tire-building steps on morphological characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cords and their final dimensional stability is reported. Twisted single-ply cords were sequentially processed for mimicking dip coating (without real latex treatment), thermal curing (without embedding them in rubber matrix), and creep deformation. The degree of crystallinity and crystalline orientation factor ( fc) of the samples remained essentially unchanged in the course of the simulated manufacturing steps. As measured by birefringence, overall orientation of the cords increased in the coating step but decreased during simulated curing. Overall orientation again increased after creep testing. As measured by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, the cords having higher oriented amorphous (mesophase) content displayed the least variation in overall orientation during processing steps and the best dimensional stability.
Cellular Textile Composites with Non-woven Fabric Reinforcement
Authors: Lam S.W. , Tao X.M. , Yu T.X.
Published: May 2007

Grid-domed cellular textile composites with non-woven fabric reinforcement are designed for obtaining high-energy absorption capacities under impact conditions. This cellular composite is fabricated by compression molding commercially available bulk form non-woven polyester fabric and polypropylene matrix. The mechanical properties of the non-woven composites were studied. It was found that the composites exhibit high specific energy absorption capacity and retain the same level during three repeated impacts. By varying the fiber volume fraction, different modes of deformation were observed, which affect the energy absorption capacity. This can be attributed to the material properties of non-woven composite samples such as tensile and shear properties. The major deformation mode of this flat-topped cellular sample was identified as the internal convolution of the conical cell wall during plastic collapse. The theoretical predictions on the energy-absorption capacity for pure material or non-woven reinforced composite during the large deformation process are all in good agreement with the experimental results.
Prediction of Stress Relaxation of Fabrics with Increased Elasticity
Authors: Šajn Dunja , Geršak Jelka , Flajs Rado
Published: May 2007

The present study investigated stress relaxation in fabrics with increased elasticity. For prediction of the degree of stress relaxation the frequently used mechanical models reported in the literature were analyzed. The mechanical models which were used in this paper were: Maxwell's model, the two-component Maxwell's model, the modified model of standard linear solid, Alfrey's model and the three-component Maxwell's model with nonlinear spring for explaining the 1 hour relaxation curve and the 24 hour relaxation curve. The results of the study show that it is hard to precisely predict the value of stress after 24 hours using the model that was built up based on the 1 hour experimental curve. When comparing the experimental relaxation curve with the fitted curve from the mechanical model it is clear that the models with higher component values explain the experimental relaxation curve better. The weak point of those models was the high number of local minima which makes it difficult to find the global minimum.
Development drivers for waste management
Authors: Wilson David C.
Published: May 2007

This paper identifies six broad groups of drivers for development in waste management. Public health led to the emergence of formalized waste collection systems in the nineteenth century, and remains a key driver in developing countries. Environmental protection came to the forefront in the 1970s, with an initial focus on eliminating uncontrolled disposal, followed by the systematic increasing of technical standards. Today, developing countries seem still to be struggling with these first steps; while climate change is also emerging as a key driver. The resource value of waste, which allows people to make a living from discarded materials, was an important driver historically, and remains so in developing countries today. A current trend in developed countries is closing the loop, moving from the concept of `end-of-pipe' waste management towards a more holistic resource management. Two underpinning groups of drivers are institutional and responsibility issues, and public awareness. There is no, one single driver for development in waste management: the balance between these six groups of drivers has varied over time, and will vary between countries depending on local circumstances, and between stakeholders depending on their perspective. The next appropriate steps towards developing a sustainable, integrated waste management system will also vary in each local situation.
Policy options to reduce consumer waste to zero: comparing product stewardship and extended producer responsibility for refrigerator waste
Authors: Nicol Scott , Thompson Shirley
Published: May 2007

Today, over-consumption, pollution and resource depletion threaten sustainability. Waste management policies frequently fail to reduce consumption, prevent pollution, conserve resources and foster sustainable products. However, waste policies are changing to focus on lifecycle impacts of products from the cradle to the grave by extending the responsibilities of stakeholders to post-consumer management. Product stewardship and extended producer responsibility are two policies in use, with radically different results when compared for one consumer product, refrigerators. North America has enacted product stewardship policies that fail to require producers to take physical or financial responsibility for recycling or for environmentally sound disposal, so that releases of ozone depleting substances routinely occur, which contribute to the expanding the ozone hole. Conversely, Europe's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires extended producer responsibility, whereby producers collect and manage their own post-consumer waste products. WEEE has resulted in high recycling rates of greater than 85%, reduced emissions of ozone-depleting substances and other toxins, greener production methods, such as replacing greenhouse gas refrigerants with environmentally friendly hydrocarbons and more reuse of refrigerators in the EU in comparison with North America.
Universities in capacity building in sustainable development: focus on solid waste management and technology
Authors: Agamuthu P. , Hansen Jens Aage
Published: May 2007

This paper analyses some of the higher education and research capacity building experiences gained from 1998—2006 by Danish and Malaysian universities. The focus is on waste management, directly relating to both the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of sustainable development. Primary benefits, available as an educational legacy to universities, were obtained in terms of new and enhanced study curricula established on Problem-oriented Project-based Learning (POPBL) pedagogy, which strengthened academic environmental programmes at Malaysian and Danish universities. It involved more direct and mutually beneficial cooperation between academia and businesses in both countries. This kind of university reach-out is considered vital to development in all countries actively striving for global and sustainable development. Supplementary benefits were accrued for those involved directly in activities such as the 4 months of field studies, workshops, field courses and joint research projects. For students and academics, the gains have been new international dimensions in university curricula, enhanced career development and research collaboration based on real-world cases. It is suggested that the area of solid waste management offers opportunities for much needed capacity building in higher education and research, contributing to sustainable waste management on a global scale. Universities should be more actively involved in such educational, research and innovation programmes to make the necessary progress. ISWA can support capacity building activities by utilizing its resources — providing a lively platform for debate, securing dissemination of new knowledge, and furthering international networking beyond that which universities already do by themselves. A special challenge to ISWA may be to improve national and international professional networks between academia and business, thereby making education, research and innovation the key driving mechanisms in sustainable development in solid waste management.
Systems of innovation, the urban order and sustainable development
Authors: Johnson Björn
Published: May 2007

Innovative cities are essential for the economic growth and development of countries. At the same time, however, social and environmental problems related to city growth can be serious threats to the full realisation of the socio-economic contribution that cities can make. City environments thus often provide both new problems and the creative and diverse environments, which make it possible to solve them. The question of whether or not sustainable development is possible largely will be answered in cities. This is also the case for problems related to waste management. Landfills may be located in the countryside, but if a country is to reduce environmental costs, the results will rest on the innovation power of cities. In this paper it is argued that the notion of a `system of innovation' is helpful in understanding the factors that shape the processes of innovation and that determine the extent to which environmental problems may be solved. In this context, institutional innovation and political innovation as compared to technical innovation are of special importance.