bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paleomagnetism of the Clam Bank Formation and paleolatitude estimates for western Newfoundland
Authors: Murthy G. , Pätzold R.
Published: October 2008

The Pridolian Clam Bank Formation around Lourdes Cove on the Port au Port Peninsula, western Newfoundland, underwent deformation during the Acadian orogeny. As a result, some of the beds were overturned, but the stratification planes can be accurately determined everywhere. Paleomagnetic studies of the Clam Bank Formation have yielded three well-defined components of magnetization, all acquired subsequent to the deformation event: component A with D = 337.3°, I = −28.3°, (N = 16 sites, k = 25.3, α95 = 7.5°), with a corresponding paleopole at 23.2°N, 145.0°E (dp, dm = 4.5°, 8.2°); component B with D = 172.9°, I = 5.7° (N = 35 specimens, k = 10.2, α95 = 6.4°), with a corresponding paleopole at 38.2°N, 130.1°E (dp, dm = 3.2°, 6.4°); component C with D = 350.4°, I = 69.8° (N = 33 specimens, k = 8.9, α95 = 8.9°). A pre-Mesozoic origin of the A and B components is indicated by the presence of normal and reversed components in specific sites; by the lack of correspondence between the A and B paleopoles and the Mesozoic and later pole positions from the Appalachians and the North American craton; and by agreement with Paleozoic poles from the region. The A component was probably acquired immediately after deformation during the Acadian orogeny. The B component is probably a chemical remanence that was acquired during Permo-Carboniferous (Kiaman) time. The C component is of recent origin, probably acquired in the present Earth's field. Paleomagnetic data from western Newfoundland are used in a localized setting to construct a paleopole sequence and to estimate paleolatitudes for western Newfoundland during the Paleozoic. Keeping in mind the paucity of data for Siluro-Devonian age from this region, western Newfoundland seems to have been at its southernmost position at the end of the Ordovician and to have occupied equatorial latitudes during the Permo-Carboniferous. The paleolatitude trend suggests that this block, which is part of the North American craton, moved in a southerly direction during the early Paleozoic and in a northerly direction during the middle and late Paleozoic.
Late Pleistocene stratigraphy and chronology of lower Seymour Valley, southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Lian Olav B. , Hickin Edward J.
Published: October 2008

A detailed study of the surficial sediments and landforms in the lower Seymour Valley has provided a complete record of the last glacial cycle. This study shows that the valley was slowly aggrading before 29 ka and rapidly aggrading after 29 ka. Ice of the Fraser Glaciation reached the mouth of the valley about 22 ka and retreated before 18.5 ka. The valley was subsequently vegetated. Ice once again advanced and occupied Seymour Valley after about 17 ka. Before 11.5 ka ice in Seymour Valley retreated a final time, and the valley once again became vegetated.
Digue d'essai pour l'étude des tassements d'une fondation d'argile molle et sensible
Authors: Dascal O. , Larocque G. S. , Tournier J.-P.
Published: October 2008

A test embankment was built in the James Bay region to establish the behavior of the lacustrine clay in the area with respect to the prediction settlement under earth and/or rockfill structures.The clay deposits are characterized by high sensibility (7–25), low shear strength (Cu = 400 p.s.f. (0.2 kg/cm2)), high compressibility (Cc/(1 + e0) = 0.6–0.9) and geological belong, to the normally consolidated type of the material. Nevertheless these clays exhibit an important 'quasipreconsolidation' behavior due to the phenomenon of delayed consolidation.The results of post construction surveys and observations taken during a period of 8 months have confirmed the characteristics already established by laboratory tests and particularly the high compressibility and the 'quasipreconsolidation pressure' of these clays.The measured settlements to date (18 in. (45 cm)) can be attributed in the following proportions, 70% to secondary consolidation, 22% to elastoplastic creep, and 6% to lateral creep.In the above mentioned period, practically no pore pressure dissipation was observed and consequently no settlement due to primary consolidation was considered.The results gathered seem to confirm the applicability of the settlement calculation method of the Bjerrum soil model, however, the rate of settlement computation using the classical method is very difficult if not impossible to calculate. The simultaneous developments of primary and secondary consolidation and the greater contribution of the latter to the total value of settlement does not permit the use of the classical method based on the pore pressure dissipation.The method proposed lately by Garlanger needs more development to permit the analysis of a multi-layered foundation with different compressive and preconsolidation characteristics.The stress and strain computation using the finite element method considering the foundation as an isotropic elasto-plastic medium seems to give satisfactory results at least for the range of stresses and the direction of deformation considered.
Canadian Soil Penetration Tests of 1872
Authors: Peckover F. L. , Legget R. F.
Published: October 2008

It has been found that Sir Sandford Fleming, a noted Canadian civil engineer, performed static penetration tests at the bottom of boreholes, using cased sounding rods, as early as 1872 during construction of a railway bridge near Newcastle, N.B.These tests were made well before any other similar ones which are known. Details of the tests are given.
A DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK MODEL OF CUTTING TOOL SELECTION FOR GREEN MANUFACTURING AND ITS APPLICATION
Authors: TAN XIANCHUN , LIU DACHENG , LI CONGBO
Published: November 2008

Green manufacturing (GM in short) is beneficial to the alleviation of environment burdens. The optimization selection of tool is an important approach to improving environmental performance of cutting machining. The objective factors of decision-making problems for traditional tool selection are time, quality and cost. Based on the main idea of environmental consciousness, a decision-making framework model of GM is proposed; a multi-objective decision-making model for cutting tool selection is put forward. The objectives include Time (T), Quality (Q), Cost (C), Resources (R) and Environmental impact (E), where T aims to minimize the produce time, Q means to maximize the quality, C means to minimize the cost, R means to minimize the resource consumption and E means to minimize the environment impact respectively. Each objective is analyzed in detail and application of the Fuzzy Analysis Algorithm in the decision-making is discussed. A case study in which a practical decision-making problem of cutting tool selection for GM is analyzed and successful application of the above model shows that the model is practical.
Downregulation of Dicer expression by serum withdrawal sensitizes human endothelial cells to apoptosis
Authors: Asada Satoshi , Takahashi Tomosaburo , Isodono Koji , Adachi Atsuo , Imoto Hiroko , Ogata Takehiro , Ueyama Tomomi , Matsubara Hiroaki , Oh Hidemasa
Published: November 2008

Although the modulated expression of Dicer is documented upon neoplastic transformation, little is known of the regulation of Dicer expression by environmental stimuli and its roles in the regulation of cellular functions in primary cells. In this study, we found that Dicer expression was downregulated upon serum withdrawal in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Serum withdrawal induced a time-dependent repression of Dicer expression, which was specifically rescued by vascular endothelial cell growth factor or sphingosine-1-phosphate. When Dicer expression was silenced by short-hairpin RNA against Dicer, the cells were more prone to apoptosis under serum withdrawal, whereas the rate of apoptosis was comparable with control cells in the serum-containing condition. Real-time PCR-based gene expression profiling identified several genes, the expression of which was modulated by Dicer silencing, including adhesion and matrix-related molecules, caspase-3, and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3). Dicer silencing markedly impaired migratory functions without affecting cell adhesion and repressed phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 in adherent HUVECs. Dicer knockdown upregulated caspase-3 and downregulated NOS3 expression, and serum withdrawal indeed increased caspase-3 and decreased NOS3 expression. Furthermore, the overexpression of Dicer in HUVECs resulted in a marked reduction in apoptosis upon serum withdrawal and a decreased caspase-3 and increased NOS3 expression. The inhibition of NOS activity by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester abrogated the effect of Dicer overexpression to rescue the cells from serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis. These results indicated that serum withdrawal decreases Dicer expression, leading to an increased susceptibility to apoptosis through the regulation of caspase-3 and NOS3 expression.
Shared requirement for dynein function and intact microtubule cytoskeleton for normal surface expression of cardiac potassium channels
Authors: Loewen Matthew E. , Wang Zhuren , Eldstrom Jodene , Dehghani Zadeh Alireza , Khurana Anu , Steele David F. , Fedida David
Published: November 2008

Potassium channels at the cardiomyocyte surface must eventually be internalized and degraded, and changes in cardiac potassium channel expression are known to occur during myocardial disease. It is not known which trafficking pathways are involved in the control of cardiac potassium channel surface expression, and it is not clear whether all cardiac potassium channels follow a common pathway or many pathways. In the present study we have surveyed the role of retrograde microtubule-dependent transport in modulating the surface expression of several cardiac potassium channels in ventricular myocytes and heterologous cells. The disruption of microtubule transport in rat ventricular myocytes with nocodazole resulted in significant changes in potassium currents. A-type currents were enhanced 1.6-fold at +90 mV, rising from control densities of 20.9 ± 2.8 to 34.0 ± 5.4 pA/pF in the nocodazole-treated cells, whereas inward rectifier currents were reduced by one-third, perhaps due to a higher nocodazole sensitivity of Kir channel forward trafficking. These changes in potassium currents were associated with a significant decrease in action potential duration. When expressed in heterologous human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells, surface expression of Kv4.2, known to substantially underlie A-type currents in rat myocytes, was increased by nocodazole, by the dynein inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine hydrochloride, and by p50 overexpression, which specifically interferes with dynein motor function. Peak current density was 360 ± 61.0 pA/pF in control cells and 658 ± 94.5 pA/pF in cells overexpressing p50. The expression levels of Kv2.1, Kv3.1, human ether-a-go-go-related gene, and Kir2.1 were similarly increased by p50 overexpression in this system. Thus the regulation of potassium channel expression involves a common dynein-dependent process operating similarly on the various channels.
Injection of isolated mitochondria during early reperfusion for cardioprotection
Authors: McCully James D. , Cowan Douglas B. , Pacak Christina A. , Toumpoulis Ioannis K. , Dayalan Haripriya , Levitsky Sidney
Published: November 2008

Previously, we demonstrated that ischemia induces mitochondrial damage and dysfunction that persist throughout reperfusion and impact negatively on postischemic functional recovery and cellular viability. We hypothesized that viable respiration-competent mitochondria, isolated from tissue unaffected by ischemia and then injected into the ischemic zone just before reperfusion, would enhance postischemic functional recovery and limit infarct size. New Zealand White rabbits ( n = 52) were subjected to 30 min of equilibrium and 30 min of regional ischemia (RI) induced by snaring the left anterior descending coronary artery. At 29 min of RI, the RI zone was injected with vehicle (sham control and RI vehicle) or vehicle containing mitochondria (7.7 × 106± 1.5 × 106/ml) isolated from donor rabbit left ventricular tissue (RI-Mito). The snare was released at 30 min of RI, and the hearts were reperfused for 120 min. Our results show that left ventricular peak developed pressure and systolic shortening in RI-Mito hearts were significantly enhanced ( P < 0.05 vs. RI-vehicle) to 75% and 83% of equilibrium value, respectively, at 120 min of reperfusion compared with 57% and 62%, respectively, in RI-vehicle hearts. Creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin I, and infarct size relative to area at risk were significantly decreased in RI-Mito compared with RI-vehicle hearts ( P < 0.05). Confocal microscopy showed that injected mitochondria were present and viable after 120 min of reperfusion and were distributed from the epicardium to the subendocardium. These results demonstrate that viable respiration-competent mitochondria, isolated from tissue unaffected by ischemia and then injected into the ischemic zone just before reperfusion, significantly enhance postischemic functional recovery and cellular viability.
Cardioprotection by HO-4038, a novel verapamil derivative, targeted against ischemia and reperfusion-mediated acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Mohan Iyyapu K. , Khan Mahmood , Wisel Sheik , Selvendiran Karuppaiyah , Sridhar Arun , Carnes Cynthia A. , Bognar Balazs , Kálai Tamás , Hideg Kálmán , Kuppusamy Periannan
Published: November 2008

Many cardiac interventional procedures, such as coronary angioplasty, stenting, and thrombolysis, attempt to reintroduce blood flow (reperfusion) to an ischemic region of myocardium. However, the reperfusion is accompanied by a complex cascade of cellular and molecular events resulting in oxidative damage, termed myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we evaluated the ability of HO-4038, an N-hydroxypiperidine derivative of verapamil, on the modulation of myocardial tissue oxygenation (Po2), I/R injury, and key signaling molecules involved in cardioprotection in an in vivo rat model of acute myocardial infarction (MI). MI was created in rats by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Verapamil or HO-4038 was infused through the jugular vein 10 min before the induction of ischemia. Myocardial Po2and the free-radical scavenging ability of HO-4038 were measured using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. HO-4038 showed a significantly better scavenging ability of reactive oxygen radicals compared with verapamil. The cardiac contractile functions in the I/R hearts were significantly higher recovery in HO-4038 compared with the verapamil group. A significant decrease in the plasma levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase was observed in the HO-4038 group compared with the verapamil or untreated I/R groups. The left ventricular infarct size was significantly less in the HO-4038 (23 ± 2%) compared with the untreated I/R (36 ± 4%) group. HO-4038 significantly attenuated the hyperoxygenation (36 ± 1 mmHg) during reperfusion compared with the untreated I/R group (44 ± 2 mmHg). The HO-4038-treated group also markedly attenuated superoxide production, increased nitric oxide generation, and enhanced Akt and Bcl-2 levels in the reperfused myocardium. Overall, the results demonstrated that HO-4038 significantly protected hearts against I/R-induced cardiac dysfunction and damage through the combined beneficial actions of calcium-channel blocking, antioxidant, and prosurvival signaling activities.
Impact of diet and stress on the development of preeclampsia-like symptoms in p57kip2 mice
Authors: Falcao Stéphanie , Solomon Crina , Monat Caroline , Bérubé Julie , Gutkowska Jolanta , Lavoie Julie L.
Published: November 2008

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57kip2 regulates the cell cycle of trophoblastic cells. It has been established by a Japanese group that the heterozygous p57kip2 knockout (p57−/+) mice are a good model of preeclampsia as they develop hypertension, proteinuria, and placental pathology. However, apart from the placental pathology, we could not observe these symptoms in our laboratory. Hence, we investigated the impact of diet and stress on this model. To do so, we compared the effects of the Japanese diet to that of the North American diet used by our animal facility. Furthermore, the impact of stress was determined by placing the mice in a restraining device before and at the end of gestation. Although the Japanese diet did not have any impact on blood pressure or proteinuria, the mice did develop endothelial dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as increased placental pathology. Also, all mice had smaller litters when fed the Japanese diet. However, stress response of these mice was not increased during gestation; in fact, a decrease was observed in the p57−/+ mice, suggesting that this was probably not a player in the development of the pathology. Taken together, these results suggest that other environmental factors may have been implicated in the development of preeclampsia-like symptoms in this animal model. Moreover, we demonstrated that placental pathology and genetic factors are not sufficient to trigger preeclampsia-like symptoms in this model and that the diet might play an important part in the development of this multifactorial disease.
Adaptation to chronic hypoxia involves immune cell invasion and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in rat carotid body
Authors: Liu X. , He L. , Stensaas L. , Dinger B. , Fidone S.
Published: November 2008

Exposure to chronic hypoxia (CH; 3–28 days at 380 Torr) induces adaptation in mammalian carotid body such that following CH an acute hypoxic challenge elicits an abnormally large increase in carotid sinus nerve impulse activity. The current study examines the hypothesis that CH initiates an immune response in the carotid body and that chemoreceptor hyperexcitability is dependent on the expression and action of inflammatory cytokines. CH resulted in a robust invasion of ED1+macrophages, which peaked on day 3 of exposure. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, TNFα, and the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, was increased >2-fold after 1 day of hypoxia followed by a >2-fold increase in IL-6 on day 3. After 28 days of CH, IL-6 remained elevated >5-fold, whereas expression of other cytokines recovered to normal levels. Cytokine expression was not restricted to immune cells. Studies of cultured type I cells harvested following 1 day of in vivo hypoxia showed elevated transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines. In situ hybridization studies confirmed expression of IL-6 in type I cells and also showed that CH induces IL-6 expression in supporting type II cells. Concurrent treatment of CH rats with anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or dexamethasone) blocked immune cell invasion and severely reduced CH-induced cytokine expression in carotid body. Drug treatment also blocked the development of chemoreceptor hypersensitivity in CH animals. Our findings indicate that chemoreceptor adaptation involves novel neuroimmune mechanisms, which may alter the functional phenotypes of type I cells and chemoafferent neurons.
Relaxing effects of 17(18)-EpETE on arterial and airway smooth muscles in human lung
Authors: Morin Caroline , Sirois Marco , Echave Vincent , Rizcallah Edmond , Rousseau Eric
Published: November 2008

Human cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase enzymes metabolize eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an ω-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and leads to the production of 17(18)-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, or 17(18)-EpETE. The aim of the present study was to delineate the mode of action of 17(18)-EpETE on human pulmonary artery (HPA) and distal bronchi. Isometric tension measurements demonstrated that 17(18)-EpETE induced concentration-dependent relaxing effects in pulmonary artery and airway smooth muscles. Iberiotoxin (IbTx) and glyburide (Glyb), known BKCaand KATPchannel inhibitors, respectively, reversed the relaxation induced by 17(18)-EpETE on both tissues types. Microelectrode measurements showed that exogenous addition of 17(18)-EpETE hyperpolarized the membrane potential of HPA and bronchial smooth muscle cells. These induced electrophysiological effects were reversed by the addition of 10 nM IbTx and 10 μM Glyb. Complementary experiments performed on human bronchi, using the planar lipid bilayer reconstitution technique, demonstrated that 17(18)-EpETE activated reconstituted BKCachannels at low free Ca2+concentration. Moreover, in bronchi, the relaxing responses induced by 17(18)-EpETE were also related to reduced Ca2+sensitivity of the myofilaments, since free Ca2+concentration-response curves, performed on β-escin-permeabilized cultured explants, were shifted toward higher Ca2+. Together, these results provide new insight into the mode of action of 17(18)-EpETE in lung tissues and highlight this eicosanoid as a potent modulator of tone on both HPA and distal bronchi in vitro, which may be of clinical relevance in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension and airway diseases.
Induction of Both CD8+ and CD4+ T-Cell–Mediated Responses in Colorectal Cancer Patients by Colon Antigen-1
Authors: Maccalli Cristina , Di Cristanziano Veronica , Fodale Valentina , Corsi Domenico , D'Agostino Giuseppina , Petrangeli Valentina , Laurenti Luca , Guida Sofia , Mazzocchi Arabella , Arienti Flavio , Perrone Maria P. , Castelli Chiara , Rivoltini Licia , Zagonel Vittorina , Tartaglia Marco , Parmiani Giorgio , Belardelli Filippo
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Colon antigen-1 (COA-1) was recently identified as a novel antigen of colorectal cancer encoded by the UBXD5 gene. Here, we evaluated whether a specific T-cell-mediated response directed against this molecule can occur in colorectal cancer patients.

Experimental Design: Antigen- and tumor-specific immunologic responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated in vitro with the MHC class II-associated immunogenic epitope of COA-1 (FSTFPPTLYQDDTLTLQAAG) were analyzed by IFN-γ ELISPOT assay.

Results: COA-1-specific and tumor-reactive T lymphocytes were isolated from all (n = 7) HLA-DRβ1*0402+ or *1301+ colorectal cancer patients with progressive disease (Dukes' C and D) but not in patients (n = 4) with early-stage tumor (Dukes' A and B) and in healthy donors (n = 5), suggesting that the immune response against this antigen is associated with the progression of colorectal cancer. COA-1- and tumor-specific T lymphocytes displayed a CD3+CD4+CD69+CD45RA+ phenotype, compatible with the activated effector-type T-cell subset, and most of them exerted cytotoxic activity against HLA-matched and COA-1+ tumor cells. COA-1-specific T cells could also be isolated by in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with autologous dendritic cells loaded with tumor lysate, suggesting that this antigen can generate a dominant immunologic response against colorectal cancer cells. Notably, we could identify also COA-1-derived epitopes binding to HLA-A*0201 molecules that elicited antigen- and tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell-mediated responses in colorectal cancer patients.

Conclusions: Both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses against COA-1 can occur in colorectal cancer patients with metastatic disease, suggesting that this antigen is suitable for immunotherapeutic protocols of these patients.
Expression of an IFN-Inducible Cellular Senescence Gene, IFI16, Is Up-Regulated by p53
Authors: Song Lynda Li , Alimirah Fatouma , Panchanathan Ravichandran , Xin Hong , Choubey Divaker
Published: October 2008

IFN-inducible IFI16 protein (encoded by IFI16 gene at 1q23.1) is the human member of the IFN-inducible structurally related p200 family proteins. Increased expression of the IFI16 protein, a positive modulator of p53-mediated transcription, in normal old human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) is associated with cellular senescence-mediated cell growth arrest. However, the underlying mechanisms that contribute to transcriptional activation of the IFI16 gene in old HDFs remain to be elucidated. Here, we reported that functional activation of p53 in normal young HDFs and p53-null Saos2 cell line resulted in transcriptional activation of the IFI16 gene. We identified a potential p53 DNA-binding site (indicated as IFI16-p53-BS) in the 5′-regulatory region of the IFI16 gene. Importantly, p53 bound to IFI16-p53-BS in a sequence-specific manner in gel-mobility shift assays. Furthermore, p53 associated with the 5′-regulatory region of the IFI16 gene in chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Interestingly, p53 associated with the regulatory region of the IFI16 gene only on treatment of cells with DNA-damaging agents or in the old, but not in the young, HDFs. Importantly, our promoter-reporter assays, which were coupled with site-directed mutagenesis of IFI16-p53-BS, showed that p53 activates transcription of the IFI16 gene in HDFs through the p53 DNA-binding site. Together, our observations provide support for the idea that up-regulation of IFI16 expression by p53 and functional interactions between IFI16 protein and p53 contribute to cellular senescence. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(11):1732–41)
Pioglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Ligand, Suppresses Bleomycin-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Fibrosis
Authors: Aoki Yasuhiro , Maeno Toshitaka , Aoyagi Kana , Ueno Manabu , Aoki Fumiaki , Aoki Nozomi , Nakagawa Junichi , Sando Yoshichika , Shimizu Yuji , Suga Tatsuo , Arai Masashi , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: October 2008

Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) ligands have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory actions. Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia is defined as a specific form of chronic fibrosing lung disease characterized by progressive fibrosis which leads to deterioration and destruction of the lungs. Objective: To investigate whether the PPARγ ligand pioglitazone (PGZ) inhibited bleomycin (BLM)-induced acute lung injury and subsequent fibrosis. Methods: BLM was administered intratracheally to Wistar rats which were then treated with PGZ. Rat alveolar macrophages were stimulated with BLM for 6 h with or without PGZ pretreatment for 18 h. MRC-5 cells (human lung fibroblasts) were treated with PGZ for 18 h. After the treatment, the cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) for 6 h. Results: PGZ inhibited BLM-induced acute lung injury and subsequent lung fibrosis when it was administered from day –7. PGZ treatment suppressed the accumulation of inflammatory cells in lungs and the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on day 3. PGZ also inhibited BLM-induced TNF-α production in alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, PGZ inhibited fibrotic changes and an increase in hydroxyproline content in lungs after instillation of BLM, even when PGZ was administered in the period from day 7 to day 28. Northern blot analyses revealed that PGZ inhibited TGF-β-induced procollagen I and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in MRC-5 cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that activation of PPARγ ameliorates BLM-induced acute inflammatory responses and fibrotic changes at least partly through suppression of TNF-α, procollagen I and CTGF expression. Beneficial effects of this PPARγ ligand on inflammatory and fibrotic processes open new perspectives for a potential role of PPARγ as a molecular target in fibroproliferative lung diseases.
Implantation of Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells Enhances Ischemia-Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Kondo Kazuhisa , Shintani Satoshi , Shibata Rei , Murakami Hisashi , Murakami Ryuichiro , Imaizumi Masayasu , Kitagawa Yasuo , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: October 2008

Objective—

Therapeutic angiogenesis using autologous stem/progenitor cells represents a novel strategy for severe ischemic diseases. Recent reports indicated that adipose tissues could supply adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs). Accordingly, we examined whether implantation of ADRCs would augment ischemia-induced angiogenesis.

Method and Results—

Adipose tissue was obtained from C57BL/6J mice, and ADRCs were isolated using standard methods. ADRCs expressed stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) mRNA and proteins. Hind limb ischemia was induced and culture-expanded ADRCs, PBS, or mature adipocytes (MAs) as control cells were injected into the ischemic muscles. At 3 weeks, the ADRC group had a greater laser Doppler blood perfusion index and a higher capillary density compared to the controls. Implantation of ADRCs increased circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). SDF-1 mRNA abundance at ischemic tissues and serum SDF-1 levels were greater in the ADRC group than in the control group. Finally, intraperitoneal injection of an anti–SDF-1 neutralizing antibody reduced the number of circulating EPCs and therapeutic efficacies of ADRCs.

Conclusions—

Adipose tissue would be a valuable source for cell-based therapeutic angiogenesis. Moreover, chemokine SDF-1 may play a pivotal role in the ADRCs-mediated angiogenesis at least in part by facilitating mobilization of EPCs.
Feeling a Shared History through Song: “A Flower in the Rainy Night” as a Key Cultural Symbol in Taiwan
Authors: Guy Nancy
Published: November 2008

Released in 1934, “A Flower in the Rainy Night” (U iā hoe) is often considered one of the most heart-rending of old Taiwanese songs. On the eve of the 2002 Taipei mayoral election, Taiwan's former president, Lee Teng-hui, closed the rally for the underdog candidate by leading a crowd of 50,000 in singing the song. An analysis of ethnographic, literary, and media sources indicates that the song serves as an elaborating symbol and aids in conceptualizing the order of the world, making ties between the past and present, and offering visions of alternative futures.
'Damned if You Do, and Damned if You Don't': Nordic Involvement and Images of Third-Party Neutrality in Sri Lanka
Authors: Svensson Isak , Höglund Kristine
Published: November 2008

Third-party actors who mediate or monitor peace often strive to uphold an image of neutrality. Yet, they commonly face accusations of partiality. The Nordic engagement in the Sri Lankan peace process is an illustration of this puzzle: despite the efforts to uphold an image of being neutral mediators and monitors, they have been seen as favoring one side or the other. This article suggests that part of the explanation for their failure to be seen as neutral lies in the fact that armed conflicts are characterized by certain asymmetries between the main antagonists – in capabilities, status and behavior. These imbalances pose particular challenges to the third party aspiring to act in a neutral manner. We suggest that third parties have two strategies available to deal with imbalances in the relationship between the contenders: 1) they can choose to disregard the asymmetrical relationship and act in an even-handed manner or 2) they can seek to counterbalance the lopsidedness. This article explores the dynamics of these strategies by analyzing the Nordic involvement in Sri Lanka's peace process that began in 2002.
Cultural Similarities in Self-Esteem Functioning
Authors: Brown Jonathon D. , Huajian Cai  , Oakes Mark A. , Ciping Deng
Published: November 2008

East Asians report lower levels of self-esteem than North Americans and Western Europeans. These differences could mean that self-esteem is a culturally bounded construct, experienced differently in different cultures, or they could mean that self-esteem is a universally relevant construct whose average level is raised or lowered in different cultures. To examine these possibilities, the authors assessed self-esteem functioning in China and America. Study 1 found that, across cultures, self-serving attributions are stronger when self-esteem is high than when it is low. Study 2 replicated this finding and also found that, across cultures, failure produces less emotional distress when self-esteem is high than when it is low. Because self-esteem functioned similarly in China as in America, the authors conclude it is of general psychological importance.
Nonlinear Politics Perceptions—Work Outcomes Relationships: A Three-Study, Five-Sample Investigation
Authors: Hochwarter Wayne A. , Ferris Gerald R. , Laird Mary Dana , Treadway Darren C. , Coleman Gallagher Vickie
Published: November 2008

This research reports the findings of three studies (involving a total of five samples) developed to explore the nonlinear relationships of organizational politics perceptions with practically and theoretically relevant work outcomes. Study 1 hypothesized a nonlinear relationship between organizational politics perceptions and job satisfaction. In Sample 1 of this study, a nonlinear relationship was identified, best depicted as an inverted-U form, and Sample 2 replicated this finding. Study 2 hypothesized a U-shaped relationship between politics perceptions and job tension, which was identified in Sample 3 and corroborated in Sample 4. In a single-sample investigation (i.e., Sample 5), Study 3 extended nonlinear conceptualizations by considering moderation (i.e., in the form of perceived resources) and, thus, the possibility of restricted nonlinearity. Results indicated that politics perceptions demonstrated a nonlinear association with job tension (i.e., U-shaped form) only for those with fewer perceived resources. For those with higher levels of perceived resources, no relationship between politics perceptions and job tension existed. Implications of these findings for scholarship and practice are offered.
Team Goal Orientation and Team Performance: The Mediating Role of Team Planning
Authors: Mehta Anju , Feild Hubert , Armenakis Achilles , Mehta Nikhil
Published: November 2008

This study examines the relationships between team goal orientation, the team self-regulation tactic of team planning, and team performance of 91 student teams engaged in complex decision-making tasks requiring analytical skills. In contrast to previous findings involving individuals, the authors' results indicate that team performance-prove goal orientation, but not team learning goal orientation, influenced team performance through its impact on team planning. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of enhancing team performance by emphasizing team planning and team performance-prove goal orientation.
Hepatocarcinogenic Susceptibility of Fenofibrate and Its Possible Mechanism of Carcinogenicity in a Two-Stage Hepatocarcinogenesis Model of rasH2 Mice
Authors: Kawai Masaomi , Jin Meilan , Nishimura Jihei , Dewa Yasuaki , Saegusa Yukie , Matsumoto Sayaka , Taniai Eriko , Shibutani Makoto , Mitsumori Kunitoshi
Published: November 2008

Fenofibrate (FF) has previously been shown to induce hepatocellular neoplasia in a conventional mouse bioassay (NDA 1993), but there has been no report to examine the carcinogenic susceptibility of rasH2 mice to this chemical. In the present study, male rasH2 mice were subjected to a two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH), followed by an N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) initiation twenty-four hours after PH, and given a diet containing 0, 1200, or 2400 ppm FF for seven weeks. The incidences of preneoplastic foci were significantly increased in mice from the FF-treated groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed that significant increases in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells and cytokeratin 8/18 positive foci were observed in FF-treated groups. In addition, the transgene and several downstream molecules such as c- myc, c- jun, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and cyclin D1 were overexpressed in these groups. These results suggest that the hepatocarcinogenic activity of rasH2 mice to FF can be detected in this hepatocarcinogenesis model and that up-regulation of genes for the ras/MAPK pathway and cell cycle was probably involved in the hepatocarcinogenic mechanism of rasH2 mice.
Altered β-Catenin Accumulation in Hepatocellular Carcinomas of Diethylnitrosamine-Exposed Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Wei Bih-Rong , Edwards Jennifer B. , Hoover Shelley B. , Tillman Heather S. , Reed L. Tiffany , Sills Robert C. , Simpson R. Mark
Published: November 2008

Chemical exposures are important risks for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One such chemical, diethylnitrosamine (DENA), is present in food products as well as in industrial and research settings. Further examination of tumors induced by DENA may yield clues to human risk. HCC from seven rhesus macaques exposed to DENA was selected from a tissue archive to examine for evidence of Wnt/β-catenin signaling events, which are frequently associated with HCC. DENA exposure durations ranged from 8 to 207 months, and total accumulated dose ranged from 0.7 to 4.08 mg. Unexposed colony breeder macaques served as controls. Previously unrecognized HCC metastases were discovered in lungs of three macaques. Overexpression of β-catenin and glutamine synthetase was detected by immunohistochemistry in six confirmed primary HCC and all metastatic HCC, which implicated Wnt/β-catenin activation. Concomitant β-catenin gene mutation was detected in one primary HCC; similar findings have been reported in human and rodent HCC. Neither β-catenin mutation nor β-catenin overexpression appeared to influence metastatic potential. Accumulation of intracellular proteins involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling during HCC oncogenesis in rhesus macaques exposed to DENA appears to include other mechanisms, in addition to mutation of β-catenin gene.
Geocoding Accuracy Considerations in Determining Residency Restrictions for Sex Offenders
Authors: Zandbergen Paul A. , Hart Timothy C.
Published: November 2008

Geocoding is commonly employed to determine the location of addresses for use in spatial analysis, including the establishment of residency restriction zones for sex offenders. Street geocoding has known limitations in terms of positional accuracy, which may adversely affect spatial analytic methods. A case study on sex offenders in Orange County, Florida, is used to characterize the positional accuracy of street geocoding and its impact on spatial analysis. Positional accuracy of street geocoded locations of sex offenders' residences, schools, and day care facilities was determined using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by measuring the distance to the correct property boundaries. Results show that positional errors in street geocoding are substantial and may bias conclusions drawn from proximity analysis. Findings strongly suggest that street geocoding is not appropriate for assessing residency restriction violations for sex offenders. These findings have important implications for criminal justice policies related to residency restrictions for sex offenders.
Race and Health Disparities Among Seniors in Urban Areas in Brazil
Authors: Trujillo Antonio J. , Vernon John A. , Rodriguez Wong Laura , Angeles Gustavo
Published: November 2008

Objectives: This article examines racial health disparities among the elderly in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It also explores whether these disparities differ among income groups. Methods: The study follows the conceptual framework developed by LaVeist (1994). A multistage analysis and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition are used to explore the sources of racial disparities in health. Results: White seniors report better health than Black seniors. This is the case even after controlling for baseline health conditions and several demographic, socioeconomic, and family support characteristics. Discussion: This article suggests that the two most important factors driving racial disparities in health among seniors are historical differences in rural living conditions and current income. Present economic conditions are more relevant to racial disparities among poor than among rich seniors. Racial differences in health not attributable to observable characteristics are more important when comparing individuals in the upper half of the income distribution.
Reduced Immunogenic Potential of Membrane Filtered Bovine Thrombin Preparations for Hemostatic Application
Authors: He Zhu  , Hoppensteadt Debra , Wahi Rakesh , Cunanan Josephine , Adiguzel Cafer , Bick Rodger L. , Fareed Jawed
Published: November 2008

There is concern that exposure to bovine thrombin can result in the development of antibodies, usually against factor V/Va, which can lead to hemostatic abnormalities. It is thought that purer preparations of bovine thrombin might be less immunogenic. Utilizing newer methods including a membrane filtration step, bovine crude thrombin is further purified into thrombin 4A and 4B preparations which exhibit a higher specific activity and are devoid of some of the protein contaminants. Bovine crude thrombin and its purified versions were administered intravenously to individual groups of rabbits using standard immunologic protocols. Antiserum was drawn from each rabbit and the pooled antisera were purified to obtain the IgGs using protein G affinity columns. The results suggest that the reported purification process, including filtration, resulted in the removal of most of the antigens found in crude thrombin, and that none of these preparations generated any detectable antibodies against bovine factor V related antigens.
Pulmonary Embolism Associated With Protein C Deficiency and Abuse of Anabolic-androgen Steroids
Authors: Alhadad Alaa , Acosta Stefan , Sarabi Latif , Kölbel Tilo
Published: November 2008

We present the case of a 19-year-old male athlete with protein C deficiency who developed proximal deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism while abusing anabolic-androgenic steroids. Anabolic-androgenic steroids have been reported to have anticoagulatory and profibrinolytic effects in patients with protein C deficiency. Despite these antithrombotic effects, the patient developed repeated venous thromboembolism during treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin. The net effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids on the haemostatic system may change from antithrombotic to prothrombotic in male abusers of anabolic steroids with protein C deficiency.
How Courts Know
Authors: Scheffer Thomas , Hannken-Illjes Kati , Kozin Alexander
Published: November 2008

To grasp criminal courts as truth spots, one needs to go beyond their symbolic applications to consider their interactional and epistemic implications. In this study, the authors compare the English Crown Court, German District Court, and U.S. State Court as “places on display” and as “places denied.” These perspectives comment on the courts in light of their different interaction orders and their different positions in knowledge processes. For the latter, the authors utilize Knorr's taxonomy of laboratory—experiment relations. The article arrives at one basic distinction: the procedural replacement of trial hearings by deal-oriented plea bargaining in the U.S. context. In contrast, the English and the German courts involve a preference for trial hearings and for fully developed cases, which, however, does not forbid but encourage forms of trial-oriented plea bargain.
Inconsequential Materialities
Authors: Bissell David
Published: November 2008

This article is about the unintentional placement of objects. Focusing on items of clothing that have been often accidentally displaced, this article explores the ephemeral, delicate, and often superficial materiality of these objects of rupture relative to a flow-optimized urban landscape. This article fits into wider debates on ownerless objects, unintentional memorialism, and events of corporeal severance. Focus is on both the physical movements of these objects as they fold through the surrounding environment and the affectual movements that emerge from their capacity to rupture bodily experience by circulating particular forms of feeling. This article considers how certain acts of intervention can transform these objects through movements of expectancy to create moments of delight through reunion. This article makes a useful contribution in considering how particular objects at the nexus of the human and nonhuman rise to prominence and through this how, contrary to the sublime or magnificent, small and intensely personal dislocated objects have the capacity to move.
The Dance Floor
Authors: Matsinhe David Mario
Published: November 2008

This article is based on a study of dance floors of Whyte Avenue in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. As extended cases, the life processes on the floors are interpreted as manifestations of Canada's emotional history in the form of multiculturalism. Building on observations combined with informal and casual conversations, the study focuses on arousal and expression of emotions through bodily movements on the dance floors. The readings of these spaces along with their life processes are informed by the theoretical concepts of the “carnival” and the “grotesque” (Bakhtin), “liminality” (Turner), and the “civilizing process” and “informalization” (Elias and Wouters). In this theoretical framework, the particular emotional life processes that occur on the dance floors are rendered orderable as historically contingent phenomena that incarnate the wave of multiculturalization that shaped and has continued to shape the cultural, geographic, political, social, and psychological (emotional) landscapes of Canada since the 1960s.
“They Are?!”
Authors: Serrato Phillip
Published: November 2008

This article examines the ways that the animated children's program Dragon Tales wavers between deracinating its lead characters, Emmy and Max, and exoticizing the racialized difference that Enrique, a recent addition to the program, embodies. The analysis begins with the contention that the effacement of Latinos' physical, cultural, and linguistic differences vis-à-vis the representation of Emmy and Max constitutes an understandable strategy for neutralizing the otherness of Latinos but actually undermines multiculturalism because it fails to nurture children's ability to live fearlessly with and within difference. The program is further problematized through the argument that the crafting of Enrique only reinscribes the otherness of Latinos. With the effacement of Latino difference on one hand and the exoticization of Latino difference on the other, Dragon Tales ends up an example of a program unable to model and nurture a healthy accommodation of difference.
Training Effects Outweigh Effects of Single-Session Conventional rTMS and Theta Burst Stimulation in PD Patients
Authors: Rothkegel Holger , Sommer Martin , Rammsayer Thomas , Trenkwalder Claudia , Paulus Walter
Published: November 2008

Background. Focal single-session repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the primary motor cortex has been claimed to be capable of improving motor function in Parkinson's disease. Objective. The authors sought to determine which type of rTMS protocol holds the highest potential for future therapeutic application. Methods. Twenty-two patients with Parkinson's disease received 5 different rTMS protocols on 5 consecutive days in a pseudorandomized and counterbalanced order either in the defined OFF condition or with their usual medication. The protocols tested in the present study included 2 conventional rTMS protocols (0.5 and 10 Hz) as well as the recently introduced theta burst stimulation (cTBS, iTBS) and a sham condition. Cortical excitability, motor performance (pointing movement, pronation-supination, Purdue Pegboard Test, walking), and mood were assessed before and after each session. Results . The authors observed motor training from days 1 to 4, particularly in the group on dopaminergic medication. None of the rTMS paradigms excelled placebo stimulation. The only exception was the Purdue Pegboard Test, in which all active stimulation paradigms yielded slightly stronger effects than sham stimulation. Conclusions. Within a single session, no clinically relevant difference in the rTMS protocols could be detected. Training effects outweigh and may have masked rTMS effects, particularly in the group on dopaminergic mediation.