bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Characteristics and Cell Source Determine the Number of Isolated Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Itzhaki-Alfia Ayelet , Leor Jonathan , Raanani Ehud , Sternik Leonid , Spiegelstein Dan , Netser Shiri , Holbova Radka , Pevsner-Fischer Meirav , Lavee Jacob , Barbash Israel M.
Published: December 2009

Background—

The identification and isolation of human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs) offer new approaches for myocardial regeneration and repair. Still, the optimal source of human cardiac progenitor cells and the influence of patient characteristics on their number remain unclear. Using a novel method to isolate human cardiac progenitor cells, we aimed to define the optimal source and association between their number and patient characteristics.

Methods and Results—

We developed a novel isolation method that produced viable cells (7×10
6
±6.53×10
5
/g) from various tissue samples obtained during heart surgery or endomyocardial biopsies (113 samples from 94 patients 23 to 80 years of age). The isolated cardiac cells were grown in culture with a stem cell expansion medium. According to fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, cultured cells derived from the right atrium generated higher amounts of c-kit
+
(24±2.5%) and Islet-1
+
cells (7%) in culture (mean of passages 1, 2, and 3) than did cultured cells from the left atrium (7.3±3.5%), right ventricle (4.1±1.6%), and left ventricle (9.7±3%;
P
=0.001). According to multivariable analysis, the right atrium as the cell source and female sex were associated with a higher number of c-kit
+
cells. There was no overlap between c-kit
+
and Islet-1 expression. In vitro assays of differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and myogenic lineage showed that the isolated human cardiac progenitor cells were multipotent. Finally, the cells were transplanted into infarcted myocardium of rats and generated myocardial grafts.

Conclusion—

Our results show that the right atrium is the best source for c-kit
+
and Islet-1 progenitors, with higher percentages of c-kit
+
cells being produced by women.
Effect of Intensive Versus Standard Blood Pressure Lowering on Diastolic Function in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension and Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Solomon Scott D. , Verma Anil , Desai Akshay , Hassanein Amira , Izzo Joseph , Oparil Suzanne , Lacourciere Yves , Lee Joleen , Seifu Yodit , Hilkert Robert J. , Rocha Ricardo , Pitt Bertram
Published: December 2009

Diastolic dysfunction may precede development of heart failure in hypertensive patients. We randomized 228 patients with uncontrolled hypertension, preserved ejection fraction, and diastolic dysfunction to 2 targeted treatment strategies: intensive, with a systolic blood pressure target of <130 mm Hg, or standard, with a systolic blood pressure target of <140 mm Hg, using a combination of valsartan, either 160 or 320 mg, plus amlodipine, either 5 or 10 mg, with other antihypertensive medications as needed. Echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function was performed at baseline and after 24 weeks in a prospective, open-label, blinded end point design. Blood pressure was reduced significantly in both groups, from 161.2±13.9/90.1±12.0 to 130.8±12.3/74.9±9.1 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001) in the intensive arm and from 162.1±13.2/93.7±12.2 to 137.0±12.9/79.6±11.0 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001) in the standard arm (
P
<0.003 for between-group comparisons). Myocardial relaxation velocity improved from 7.6±1.1 to 9.2±1.7 cm/s (Δ 1.54±1.4 cm/s;
P
<0.0001) in the intensive arm and from 7.5±1.3 to 9.0±1.9 cm/s (Δ 1.48±1.6 cm/s;
P
<0.0001) in the standard arm, with no difference between the 2 strategies in the achieved improvement (
P
=0.58). The degree of improvement in annular relaxation velocity was associated with the extent of systolic blood pressure reduction, and patients with the lowest achieved systolic blood pressure had the highest final diastolic relaxation velocities.
Outcomes Among Hypertensive Patients With Concomitant Peripheral and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bavry Anthony A. , Anderson R. David , Gong Yan , Denardo Scott J. , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. , Handberg Eileen M. , Pepine Carl J.
Published: December 2009

Hypertension is a common risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Guidelines suggest treating PAD patients to a blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg; therefore, our objective was to explore whether attainment of this target blood pressure is associated with improved outcomes. We performed a post hoc analysis of the INternational VErapamil-SR/Trandolapril STudy, a randomized clinical trial, which included hypertensive patients with concomitant PAD and coronary artery disease. There were 2699 PAD patients followed for a mean of 2.7 years (60 970 patient-years). The primary outcome, all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, occurred in 16.3% of PAD patients versus 9.2% without PAD (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.13 to 1.40];
P
<0.0001). The primary outcome occurred least frequently among PAD patients treated to an average systolic blood pressure of 135 to 145 mm Hg and an average diastolic blood pressure of 60 to 90 mm Hg. PAD patients displayed a J-shape relationship with systolic blood pressure and the primary outcome, although individuals without PAD did not. PAD patients may require a different target blood pressure than those without PAD.
Gendering the Nation: The Proliferation of Images of Zhen Fei (1876-1900) and Sai Jinhua (1872-1936) in Late Qing and Republican China
Authors: Wu Shengqing
Published: December 2009

This paper analyzes the historical trajectories of the images of Zhen Fei and Sai Jinhua, who rose from an obscure royal concubine and an infamous prostitute, respectively, to become androgynous national heroines in wartime China. The study exposes the construction and the fictional elements of these images, thus providing concrete examples for establishing the interconnection between male fantasy and the invention of the modern national subject. It argues that the female body became the contested site for predominantly male-led discourses on eroticism and politics, and emphasizes that erotic desire may inform or enhance expressions and experiences of the formation of modern nationhood.
Urban Schools as Urban Places: School Reputation, Children’s Identities and Engagement with Education in London
Authors: Hollingworth Sumi , Archer Louise
Published: December 2009

Drawing on empirical data from a project exploring the experiences and identities of London school children who were identified by their schools as being ‘at risk of dropping out’ of education, this paper highlights schools as important local spaces in urban children’s identity constructions. It is argued that the way in which schools and local areas are materially and discursively constructed can impact on children’s identities as learners and their engagement with education. The paper shows that urban children’s relationships to their school and local area are complex and contradictory, generating feelings of attachment and positive identification, but also fear and disgust. It is also argued that these feelings about place impact on children’s relationships to education.
The Spatial Interaction of Housing and Labour Markets: Commuting Flow Analysis of North West England
Authors: Hincks Stephen , Wong Cecilia
Published: December 2009

The consideration of housing and labour market interaction is a relatively recent development in an academic and policy debate which has traditionally considered home and work in isolation. This paper aims to examine empirically the spatial process of housing and labour market interaction in the form of commuting at the sub-regional level via a case study of North West England. A statistical analysis and visual GIS mapping of commuting flows are adopted to explore the relationship between the two functional areas. In light of the inadequacies of traditional modelling approaches at capturing the complex nature of housing and labour market interaction, this approach is intended to generate more relevant intelligence to inform policy development. Based on the analysis of housing and labour market interaction, some pointers for future research and policy implications are drawn out.
Built Environment Effects on Children’s School Travel in Taipai: Independence and Travel Mode
Authors: Lin Jen-Jia , Chang Hsiao-Te
Published: December 2009

This study analyses empirically how built environment affects school travel with a focus on independence from adults and travel mode. Students in three elementary schools—Chinan, Jingmei and Xinhwa—in Taipei’s Wenshan District are analysed after questionnaire surveys. The survey data are analysed using nested logit models at two decision levels. Analytical results indicate that high shade-tree density and high sidewalk coverage encourage children to walk to school independently, while large block sizes and increased intersection numbers discourage children from walking to school independently. Furthermore, although high building density, high vehicle density and diversified mode option encourage children to travel home after school by walking, bus or vanpool, block size and road width discourage children from so doing. These results are mostly similar to the findings of previous studies, although they also have some differences. Based on the empirical evidence presented in this study, three strategies are recommended for reshaping the built environment in Taipei: compact structure, pedestrian-friendly design and frequent bus services.
On the Existence of Nash Equilibrium for a Two-player Pursuit—Evasion Game with Visibility Constraints
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourabh , Hutchinson Seth
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we present a game-theoretic analysis of a visibility-based pursuit—evasion game in a planar environment containing obstacles. The pursuer and the evader are holonomic having bounded speeds. Both players have a complete map of the environment. Both players have omnidirectional vision and have knowledge about each other’s current position as long as they are visible to each other. The pursuer wants to maintain visibility of the evader for the maximum possible time and the evader wants to escape the pursuer’s sight as soon as possible. Under this information structure, we present necessary and sufficient conditions for surveillance and escape. We present strategies for the players that are in Nash equilibrium. The strategies are a function of the value of the game. Using these strategies, we construct a value function by integrating the adjoint equations backward in time from the termination situations provided by the corners in the environment. From these value functions we recompute the control strategies for the players to obtain optimal trajectories for the players near the termination situation. This is the first work that presents the necessary and sufficient conditions for tracking for a visibility based pursuit—evasion game and presents the equilibrium strategies for the players.
Wide-angle Visual Feature Matching for Outdoor Localization
Authors: Hansen Peter , Corke Peter , Boles Wageeh
Published: December 2009

Wide-angle images exhibit significant distortion for which existing scale-space detectors such as the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) are inappropriate. The required scale-space images for feature detection are correctly obtained through the convolution of the image, mapped to the sphere, with the spherical Gaussian. A new visual key-point detector, based on this principle, is developed and several computational approaches to the convolution are investigated in both the spatial and frequency domain. In particular, a close approximation is developed that has comparable computation time to conventional SIFT but with improved matching performance. Results are presented for monocular wide-angle outdoor image sequences obtained using fisheye and equiangular catadioptric cameras. We evaluate the overall matching performance (recall versus 1-precision) of these methods compared to conventional SIFT. We also demonstrate the use of the technique for variable frame-rate visual odometry and its application to place recognition.
Effect of Disbonding Between a Composite Patch and a Cracked Aluminum Plate on the Stress Intensity Factor
Authors: Ouinas Djamel
Published: December 2009

Bonded composite patch repairs to metallic structures is receiving increased attention in the recent years. It offers various advantages over rivetted doubler, particularly for airframe repairs. This article presents the crack growth behavior of an edge cracked aluminum plate repaired using boron/epoxy composite patch. The effect of the size and location of this disbond on the tensile behavior of the repaired plate is investigated. An analysis procedure, involving finite element modeling of the cracked plate, adhesive, and composite patch, is conducted to compute the stress intensity factor. The results indicate that the crack growth rate is dominated by the stress intensity factor and the size of the pre-existing disbonds. Cracking of the plate and propagation of the disbond results in an increase in the patch deformation.
Parenting and Adult Criminality: An Examination of Direct and Indirect Effects by Race
Authors: Schroeder Ryan D. , Bulanda Ronald E. , Giordano Peggy C. , Cernkovich Stephen A.
Published: December 2009

Parenting practices are among the strongest predictors of juvenile delinquency identified in the criminological literature and have been intimately connected to adult offending.The prior research connecting early parenting experiences with crime, however, has not systematically assessed the long-term effect of parenting style on adult criminal offending, or the processes linking the parenting and crime, by race. In this study, we explore the extent to which experiences associated with minority status influence the nature of the relationship between parenting style and adult criminal offending as well as the mediating processes of adult social bonds and emotional self-concepts involved. Using two waves of a contemporary longitudinal sample of youth, the results show that parenting styles lacking in demandingness show significant and positive effects on adult criminal offending among the Black sample, but parenting styles exert little long-term effects on criminal offending among the White sample. Furthermore, negative emotionality, namely anger, significantly mediates the relationship between uninvolved parenting and adult criminality among the Black and White samples, but depression is also a mediator for the Whites. In this sample, adult social bonds do not mediate the relationship between parenting during childhood and adult criminality.
The Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC): validation of a new instrument to assess multiple sclerosis-related fatigue
Authors: Penner IK , Raselli C. , Stöcklin M. , Opwis K. , Kappos L. , Calabrese P.
Published: December 2009

Fatigue symptoms are reported by a majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Reliable assessment, however, is a demanding issue as the symptoms are experienced subjectively and as objective assessment strategies are missing. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a new tool, the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), for the assessment of MS-related cognitive and motor fatigue. A total of 309 MS patients and 147 healthy controls were included into the validation study. The FSMC was tested against several external criteria (e.g. cognition, motivation, personality and other fatigue scales). The item-analysis and validation procedure showed that the FSMC is highly sensitive and specific in detecting fatigued MS patients, that both subscales significantly differentiated between patients and controls (p < 0.01), and that internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha α > 0.91) as well as test—retest reliability (r > 0.80) were high. Cut-off values were determined to classify patients as mildly, moderately or severely fatigued. In conclusion, the FSMC is a new scale that has undergone validation based on a large sample of patients and that provides differential quantification and graduation of cognitive and motor fatigue.
Hypothalamic involvement assessed by T1 relaxation time in patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zellini Francesco , Niepel Graham , Tench Christopher R , Constantinescu Cris S
Published: December 2009

Recent work in multiple sclerosis, focusing on neuropathological abnormalities, found a frequent and severe hypothalamic involvement. The possible clinical implications are disturbances in sleep and sexual activity, depression, memory impairment and fatigue. Despite this there are no magnetic resonance imaging studies focusing on in vivo hypothalamic pathology in multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to investigate magnetic resonance imaging-detectable abnormalities related to pathological changes in the hypothalamus of patients with multiple sclerosis, and to subsequently explore the relationship with fatigue. We used T1 relaxation time as a sensitive measure of pathology. Using region of interest analysis, median T1 values in the hypothalamus were measured in 44 relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis patients and in 13 healthy controls. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, and patients were divided in two subgroups, fatigued and non-fatigued, according to Fatigue Severity Scale scores. We found a significantly higher T1 relaxation time in the hypothalamus of multiple sclerosis patients compared with controls ( p = 0.027). There was a significant correlation between T1 values and fatigue severity (rho 0.437, p = 0.008), and median T1 values were different among the study groups. Our results show that pathological involvement of the hypothalamus in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis is detectable using magnetic resonance imaging, and that the pathology measured by quantitative T1 might reflect fatigue.
Modifying effects of HLA-DRB1 allele interactions on age at onset of multiple sclerosis in Western Australia
Authors: Wu Jing-Shan , Qiu Wei , Castley Alison , James Ian , Mastaglia Frank L , Christiansen Frank T , Carroll William M , Joseph Joyce , Kermode Allan G
Published: December 2009

The contribution of genetic factors to the age at onset in multiple sclerosis is poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the disease modifying effects of HLA-DRB1 alleles and allele interactions on age at onset of multiple sclerosis. High-resolution four-digit HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed in a cohort of 461 multiple sclerosis patients from the Perth Demyelinating Diseases Database. Carriage of the HLA-DRB1*1501 risk allele was not significantly associated with age at onset but HLA-DRB1*0801 was associated with a later onset of the disease. The HLA-DRB1*0401 allele was associated with a reduced age at onset when combined with DRB1*1501 but may delay age at onset when combined with DRB1*0801. These findings indicate that epistatic interactions at the HLA-DRB1 locus have significant modifying effects on age at onset of multiple sclerosis and demonstrate the value of high-resolution genotyping in detecting such associations.
The discourse of digital deceptions and ‘419’ emails
Authors: Chiluwa Innocent
Published: December 2009

This study applies a computer-mediated discourse analysis (CMDA) to the study of discourse structures and functions of ‘419’ emails — the Nigerian term for online/financial fraud. The hoax mails are in the form of online lottery winning announcements, and email ‘business proposals’ involving money transfers/claims of dormant bank accounts overseas. Data comprise 68 email samples collected from the researcher’s inboxes and colleagues’ and students’ mail boxes between January 2008 and March 2009 in Ota, Nigeria. The study reveals that the writers of the mails apply discourse/pragmatic strategies such as socio-cultural greeting formulas, self-identification, reassurance/confidence building, narrativity and action prompting strategies to sustain the interest of the receivers. The study also shows that this genre of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has become a regular part of our internet experience, and is not likely to be extinct in the near future as previous studies of email hoaxes have predicted. It is believed that as the global economy witnesses a recession, chances are that more creative and complex ways of combating the situation will arise. Economic hardship has been blamed for fraud/online scams, inadvertently prompting youths to engage in various anti-social activities.
A rehearsed self in repeated narratives? The case of two interviews with a former hooligan
Authors: Van de Mieroop Dorien
Published: December 2009

This article investigates the identity constructions of a former hooligan in two repeated narratives, obtained through interviews with a time lapse of six years. In both narratives, the interviewee constructs a similar heroic identity and opposes it to other categories such as cowards and followers. However, when relating how he became a hooligan, the interviewee presents himself as a follower. This contradiction with the heroic identity shows his struggle with group membership and that ‘identity work’ is an ongoing process. On the other hand, the striking similarity between the identity constructions in both interviews supports the thesis of a rehearsed self in big stories, but I argue that this is also due to other reasons, namely the role of the same interviewer who co-constructs the interview but who is also an outsider, and the influence of previous ‘rehearsals’ of the story, both within the group of hooligans and in real life.
Low mannose-binding lectin levels and MBL2 gene polymorphisms associate with Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies
Authors: Rantala Aino , Lajunen Taina , Juvonen Raija , Bloigu Aini , Paldanius Mika , Silvennoinen-Kassinen Sylvi , Peitso Ari , Vainio Olli , Leinonen Maija , Saikku Pekka
Published: December 2009

Objective: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) has been shown to inhibit infection of host cells by Chlamydia pneumoniae in vitro. We studied if MBL levels and MBL2 polymorphisms associate with the presence of C. pneumoniae antibodies in vivo.

Materials and Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MBL2 gene (promoter alleles H/L, X/Y and P/Q; and exon 1 variant alleles B, C and D and wild-type allele A) were genotyped and serum MBL concentrations and C. pneumoniae IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies were analysed in 889 Finnish military recruits.

Results: An MBL level below the median concentration and the MBL2 P/P genotype were significant risk factors of IgG or IgA seroconversions or the presence of IgM antibodies during military service (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1—2.1 and OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0—2.2, respectively). In addition, the promoter Y/Y (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1—2.3) and exon 1 variant allele genotypes (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0—2.0) were possibly associated with elevated antibodies.

Conclusions: These results suggest, for the first time, that low serum MBL levels and MBL2 polymorphisms may associate with elevated C. pneumoniae antibodies and seroconversions and thus support the previous findings in vitro.
The Drivers of Loyalty Program Success
Authors: McCall Michael , Voorhees Clay
Published: December 2009

Despite the proliferation of loyalty programs over the past three decades, evidence regarding their effectiveness in cementing customer loyalty remains mixed and often inconsistent. The current lack of understanding of what factors drive a successful loyalty program represents an important knowledge gap. Accordingly, this review (1) organizes current thinking on loyalty program management and (2) outlines an agenda for future research. This review is organized around three categories of drivers that affect loyalty program effectiveness: program structure, reward structure, and customer factors. In synthesizing this body of research, this review identifies important research questions that offer opportunities for hospitality managers and academic researchers to collaborate on a mutually beneficial topic that has both theoretical and practical importance.
Regulation of Treg functionality by acetylation-mediated Foxp3 protein stabilization
Authors: van Loosdregt Jorg , Vercoulen Yvonne , Guichelaar Teun , Gent Yoony Y. J. , Beekman Jeffrey M. , van Beekum Olivier , Brenkman Arjan B. , Hijnen Dirk-Jan , Mutis Tuna , Kalkhoven Eric , Prakken Berent J. , Coffer Paul J.
Published: December 2009

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specific subset of lymphocytes that are critical for the maintenance of self-tolerance. Expression levels of the transcription factor Foxp3 have been causally associated with Treg differentiation and function. Recent studies show that Foxp3 can also be transiently expressed in effector T cells; however, stable Foxp3 expression is required for development of a functional Treg suppressor phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that Foxp3 is acetylated, and this can be reciprocally regulated by the histone acetyltransferase p300 and the histone deacetylase SIRT1. Hyperacetylation of Foxp3 prevented polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, therefore dramatically increasing stable Foxp3 protein levels. Moreover, using mouse splenocytes, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, T cell clones, and skin-derived T cells, we demonstrate that treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors resulted in significantly increased numbers of functional Treg cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that modulation of the acetylation state of Foxp3 provides a novel molecular mechanism for assuring rapid temporal control of Foxp3 levels in T cells, thereby regulating Treg numbers and functionality. Manipulating Foxp3 acetylation levels could therefore provide a new therapeutic strategy to control inappropriate (auto)immune responses.
Fibrinolytic cross-talk: a new mechanism for plasmin formation
Authors: Dejouvencel Tiphaine , Doeuvre Loïc , Lacroix Romaric , Plawinski Laurent , Dignat-George Françoise , Lijnen H. Roger , Anglés-Cano Eduardo
Published: December 2009

Fibrinolysis and pericellular proteolysis depend on molecular coassembly of plasminogen and its activator on cell, fibrin, or matrix surfaces. We report here the existence of a fibrinolytic cross-talk mechanism bypassing the requirement for their molecular coassembly on the same surface. First, we demonstrate that, despite impaired binding of Glu-plasminogen to the cell membrane by ϵ-aminocaproic acid (ϵ-ACA) or by a lysine-binding site–specific mAb, plasmin is unexpectedly formed by cell-associated urokinase (uPA). Second, we show that Glu-plasminogen bound to carboxy-terminal lysine residues in platelets, fibrin, or extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, laminin) is transformed into plasmin by uPA expressed on monocytes or endothelial cell–derived microparticles but not by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) expressed on neurons. A 2-fold increase in plasmin formation was observed over activation on the same surface. Altogether, these data indicate that cellular uPA but not tPA expressed by distinct cells is specifically involved in the recognition of conformational changes and activation of Glu-plasminogen bound to other biologic surfaces via a lysine-dependent mechanism. This uPA-driven cross-talk mechanism generates plasmin in situ with a high efficiency, thus highlighting its potential physiologic relevance in fibrinolysis and matrix proteolysis induced by inflammatory cells or cell-derived microparticles.
Decoding an olfactory mechanism of kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance in a primate
Authors: Boulet Marylène , Charpentier Marie JE , Drea Christine M
Published: December 2009

Background

Like other vertebrates, primates recognize their relatives, primarily to minimize inbreeding, but also to facilitate nepotism. Although associative, social learning is typically credited for discrimination of familiar kin, discrimination of unfamiliar kin remains unexplained. As sex-biased dispersal in long-lived species cannot consistently prevent encounters between unfamiliar kin, inbreeding remains a threat and mechanisms to avoid it beg explanation. Using a molecular approach that combined analyses of biochemical and microsatellite markers in 17 female and 19 male ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), we describe odor-gene covariance to establish the feasibility of olfactory-mediated kin recognition.

Results

Despite derivation from different genital glands, labial and scrotal secretions shared about 170 of their respective 338 and 203 semiochemicals. In addition, these semiochemicals encoded information about genetic relatedness within and between the sexes. Although the sexes showed opposite seasonal patterns in signal complexity, the odor profiles of related individuals (whether same-sex or mixed-sex dyads) converged most strongly in the competitive breeding season. Thus, a strong, mutual olfactory signal of genetic relatedness appeared specifically when such information would be crucial for preventing inbreeding. That weaker signals of genetic relatedness might exist year round could provide a mechanism to explain nepotism between unfamiliar kin.

Conclusion

We suggest that signal convergence between the sexes may reflect strong selective pressures on kin recognition, whereas signal convergence within the sexes may arise as its by-product or function independently to prevent competition between unfamiliar relatives. The link between an individual's genome and its olfactory signals could be mediated by biosynthetic pathways producing polymorphic semiochemicals or by carrier proteins modifying the individual bouquet of olfactory cues. In conclusion, we unveil a possible olfactory mechanism of kin recognition that has specific relevance to understanding inbreeding avoidance and nepotistic behavior observed in free-ranging primates, and broader relevance to understanding the mechanisms of vertebrate olfactory communication.
A rare case of arterial avulsion presenting with occult blood loss following total hip arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: Hall Claire , Khan Wasim S , Ahmed Sohail I , Sochart David H
Published: December 2009

Introduction

Iatrogenic arterial damage during total hip replacement is a rare but potentially life- or limb-threatening complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an avulsion injury to a posterior branch of the profunda femoral artery during primary hip arthroplasty.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man who underwent a total hip replacement. The patient's hemoglobin levels dropped postoperatively, but there was no obvious bleeding, hemodynamic instability, pulsatile mass, or limb ischemia. The patient's hemoglobin levels continued to drop despite nine units of transfused blood. Three days after surgery, the patient underwent an angiography that showed an avulsion injury to a posterior branch of the profunda femoral artery. The avulsion was ligated and the hematoma was evacuated.

Conclusion

Vascular damage may present in many ways including obvious bleeding, haemodynamic instability, a pulsatile mass, limb ischemia, and occult blood loss. Any of these signs in isolation or in combination could represent a vascular injury and an urgent angiogram should be considered.
Integrin-mediated inhibition of interleukin-8 secretion from human neutrophils by collagen type I
Authors: Quan Wu-Yong , Ko Ji-Ae , Yanai Ryoji , Nakamura Yoshikuni , Nishida Teruo
Published: December 2009

Collagen type I inhibits the secretion of IL-8 by human neutrophils interacting with integrin α2β1.

The function of neutrophils in the inflammatory response is modulated by contact with ECM proteins. We have now investigated the effect of collagen type I on secretion of the cytokine IL-8 by human neutrophils in vitro. Collagen type I inhibited the secretion of IL-8 from neutrophils maintained under basal conditions or stimulated with fMLF. This effect was accompanied by down-regulation of IL-8 mRNA, and it appeared to be specific to collagen type I among ECM proteins, in that it was not observed with fibronectin or laminin. The inhibitory effect of collagen type I on IL-8 secretion was dependent on collagen concentration and cell density. It was also abolished in the presence of antibodies to integrin α2β1 but was not affected by antibodies to integrin α5β1 or β4. Our results thus suggest that collagen type I inhibits the secretion of IL-8 by human neutrophils in a selective manner and that this effect is mediated by the interaction of collagen with integrin α2β1.
Traveltime tomographic inversion with simultaneous static corrections — Well worth the effort
Authors: Tryggvason Ari , Schmelzbach Cedric , Juhlin Christopher
Published: December 2009

We have developed a first-arrival traveltime inversion scheme that jointly solves for seismic velocities and source and receiver static-time terms. The static-time terms are included to compensate for varying time delays introduced by the near-surface low-velocity layer that is too thin to be resolved by tomography. Results on a real data set consisting of picked first-arrival times from a seismic-reflection 2D/3D experiment in a crystalline environment show that the tomography static-time terms are very similar in values and distribution to refraction-static corrections computed using standard refraction-statics software. When applied to 3D seismic-reflection data, tomography static-time terms produce similar or more coherent seismic-reflection images compared to the images using corrections from standard refraction-static software. Furthermore, the method provides a much more detailed model of the near-surface bedrock velocity than standard software when the static-time terms are included in the inversion. Low-velocity zones in this model correlate with other geologic and geophysical data, suggesting that our method results in a reliable model. In addition to generally being required in seismic-reflection imaging, static corrections are also necessary in traveltime tomography to obtain high-fidelity velocity images of the subsurface.
Survival Analysis of Cancer Risk Reduction Strategies for BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Kurian Allison W. , Sigal Bronislava M. , Plevritis Sylvia K.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Women with BRCA1/2 mutations inherit high risks of breast and ovarian cancer; options to reduce cancer mortality include prophylactic surgery or breast screening, but their efficacy has never been empirically compared. We used decision analysis to simulate risk-reducing strategies in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and to compare resulting survival probability and causes of death.

Methods

We developed a Monte Carlo model of breast screening with annual mammography plus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from ages 25 to 69 years, prophylactic mastectomy (PM) at various ages, and/or prophylactic oophorectomy (PO) at ages 40 or 50 years in 25-year-old BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Results

With no intervention, survival probability by age 70 is 53% for BRCA1 and 71% for BRCA2 mutation carriers. The most effective single intervention for BRCA1 mutation carriers is PO at age 40, yielding a 15% absolute survival gain; for BRCA2 mutation carriers, the most effective single intervention is PM, yielding a 7% survival gain if performed at age 40 years. The combination of PM and PO at age 40 improves survival more than any single intervention, yielding 24% survival gain for BRCA1 and 11% for BRCA2 mutation carriers. PM at age 25 instead of age 40 offers minimal incremental benefit (1% to 2%); substituting screening for PM yields a similarly minimal decrement in survival (2% to 3%).

Conclusion

Although PM at age 25 plus PO at age 40 years maximizes survival probability, substituting mammography plus MRI screening for PM seems to offer comparable survival. These results may guide women with BRCA1/2 mutations in their choices between prophylactic surgery and breast screening.
Are Gold Standard Depression Measures Appropriate for Use in Geriatric Cancer Patients? A Systematic Evaluation of Self-Report Depression Instruments Used With Geriatric, Cancer, and Geriatric Cancer Samples
Authors: Nelson Christian J. , Cho Christina , Berk Alexandra R. , Holland Jimmie , Roth Andrew J.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Geriatric issues in cancer are becoming prominent. Depression is a significant concern for both the elderly and patients with cancer, yet identifying depression in these patients is difficult and often leads to under-recognition. We conducted a systematic review to determine which depression instruments are appropriate for use in geriatric patients with cancer.

Methods

We identified the most commonly used self-report depression instruments. We then used the criteria established in the US Food and Drug Administration Draft Guidance on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to determine the extent of validation evidence of these measures in geriatric cancer populations. Finally, we determined which instruments captured depressive symptoms that are common among elderly patients with cancer.

Results

Eight measures were selected as the most commonly used instruments. These were the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Brief Symptom Inventory-18, Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Profile of Mood States–Short Form, and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Many have been validated for use with geriatric adults and patients with cancer; however, data addressing content validity and responder definition were lacking. To date, there is no validation information for geriatric patients with cancer. Furthermore, symptom profile analysis revealed that these measures do not identify many symptoms signaling depression in geriatric patients with cancer.

Conclusion

The validation evidence for use of common depression instruments in geriatric patients with cancer is lacking. This, and the possibility that these measures may not assess common depressive symptoms in geriatric patients with cancer, questions the adequacy of these scales in this population.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for future atherosclerotic changes in the Japanese population
Authors: Abe Tsueko , Tsuda Akiko , Yata Syogo , Matsuto Takayuki , Okada Masahiko
Published: December 2009

Background

Great differences in age-standardized mortality rates by cardiovascular disease exist among countries. We prospectively assessed determinants of future cardiovascular changes in a Japanese cohort.

Methods

In 1996, 1011 men and 1153 women from a Japanese community participated in a study on cardiovascular risk factors at a local health centre. Of these, the 896 subjects who visited the centre both in 1996 and 2001 were selected for the analysis. The presence of cardiovascular changes was defined as the appearance of one or more of the following in five years: positive electrocardiographic findings, intima–media thickness of the carotid artery ≥0.8 mm and retinal vascular changes ≥Keith–Wegener–Barker classification stage I.

Results

Of the 607 subjects who had no history of cardiovascular disease in 1996, 421 showed changes in 2001. Both the age-adjusted and multivariate models showed that the risk of the cardiovascular changes increased as systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased to ≥135 mmHg (multivariate odds ratio = 1.739, 95% confidence interval = 1.076–2.810, P < 0.05) compared with those with an SBP of 110–134 mmHg. When we made the analyses only for laboratory test results by excluding SBP, body mass index, alcohol intake and current smoking from the regression model, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose were significant variables.

Conclusion

The risk of future cardiovascular changes is significantly greater with higher SBP in the Japanese population.
Salesperson Influence on Product Development: Insights from a Study of Small Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Joshi Ashwin W.
Published: December 2009

This research addresses three questions: (1) How do salespeople get their desired product modifications implemented within organizations? (2) What effect does salesperson trustworthiness have on the means they adopt to get product modifications implemented? and (3) What are the performance outcomes of the modified products? The results from a survey of 149 product managers in small manufacturing organizations suggest that two influence strategies—rationality and exchange—have a positive impact and that two influence strategies—coalition building and upward appeal—have an inverse impact on product modification implementation. The results also show that salesperson trustworthiness enhances the positive effects of rationality and exchange while mitigating the inverse effects of coalition building and upward appeal. Finally, the results show that product modification implementation has a positive effect on the product's performance in the marketplace. Collectively, the results suggest that salespeople should adopt the rationality and exchange strategies to get their desired product modifications implemented while also developing a reputation for trustworthiness and that it pays for organizations to listen to their salespeople.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography in Cylindrical Cells—Guidelines for Hardware Pre-Design
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Santamarina J. C.
Published: December 2009

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) allows for fast, non-destructive, and efficient sediment characterization and geotechnical process monitoring in the field as well as in laboratory applications. Besides the spatial distribution of resistivity, specimen geometry and electrode configuration determine the electrical potential distribution and the ensuing spatial resolution in the tomogram. We examine potential and current density distribution in various ERT system configurations using both experimental and numerical methods and explore optimal electrode configurations for cylindrical cells. Results show that optimal ERT configurations must take into consideration the required spatial resolution, sensitivity to anomalies, signal strength, and shunting effects along the cell perimeter. The system characteristics are defined in terms of electrode width Welec and length Lelec, cell diameter Dcell, and the distance from the electrode plane to conductive end-plates δ. The following dimensionless ratios emerge as guidelines for system pre-design: Welec/Dcell≈π/2n, Lelec /D cell ≈0.4, δ/D cell≥1, where n is the number of electrodes around the perimeter.
Comparison of Workability Test Methods for Self-Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Koehler Eric P. , Fowler David W.
Published: December 2009

Data from two research projects were analyzed to evaluate the suitability of seven empirical workability test methods for self-consolidating concrete (SCC)—namely, the column segregation test, J-ring test, L-box test, penetration apparatus test, sieve stability test, slump flow test, and V-funnel test. The results of these empirical tests were compared to rheometer measurements. Test methods were evaluated based on (1) the extent to which each method independently indicated filling ability, passing ability, or segregation resistance and (2) the ease and simplicity with which each test method can be used on a routine basis in the laboratory or the field. The data set consisted of 286 SCC mixtures incorporating a range of materials, mixture proportions, and workability characteristics. It was determined that the slump flow test should be used for filling ability, the J-ring test for passing ability, and the column segregation test or sieve stability test for segregation resistance.
Characterization of Mechanical Properties of a Shock Absorber Polyurethane Foam for Elevators. Numerical Fitting of Mechanical Behavior Models for Hyperelastic and Elastomeric Foam Materials
Authors: Ferreño Diego , Carrascal Isidro A. , Cicero Sergio , Meng E.
Published: December 2009

The elastic cellular polyurethane elastomer is widely used to manufacture shock absorbers for elevators, due to its excellent conditions for absorption of energy and vibration damping. In this paper, a complete mechanical characterization of this material was performed including the uniaxial compressive test, the planar test, and the volumetric and the simple shear test. From the experimental results, several models of behavior for hyperelastic and elastomeric foam materials have been analyzed by fitting their corresponding material parameters. The scope of this work includes the Ogden model, the Van der Waals model, and polynomial and elastomeric foam forms.
Gray Chaos Evaluation Model for Prediction of Rolling Bearing Friction Torque
Authors: Xintao Xia , Taomei Lv , Fannian Meng
Published: December 2009

The gray chaos evaluation model composed of the gray relation method, the adding-weight one-rank local-region method, and the gray bootstrap fusion method is proposed to predict the time series of the rolling bearing friction torque under the condition of an unknown probability distribution. First, the optimum embedding dimension and the optimum delay time for the phase space reconstruction are synchronously calculated with the gray relation method. Second, the forecasting values at different embedding dimensions and time delays, respectively, near the optimum embedding dimension and the optimum delay time are obtained via the adding-weight one-rank local-region method, the chaos forecasting method for short. Lastly, the true value and the variation domain are deduced by the gray bootstrap fusion method. It is found that the rolling bearing friction torque possesses chaotic characteristics. The experimental investigation on the friction torque of the rolling bearing for space applications shows that the gray chaos evaluation model can effectively assess the predicted true value, with more reliable predicted results than can be achieved by the chaos forecasting method, and can perfectly estimate the predicted variation domain at the 99.7 % confidence level without any prior information on the probability distribution.
Adult final height after GH therapy for irradiation-induced GH deficiency in childhood survivors of brain tumors: the Belgian experience
Authors: Beckers D , Thomas M , Jamart J , Francois I , Maes M , Lebrethon M C , De Waele K , Tenoutasse S , De Schepper J
Published: December 2009

Objectives

The treatment of brain tumors in childhood is frequently complicated by growth retardation with a high proportion of irradiation (Irr)-induced GH deficiency (GHD) resulting in reduced adult final height (AFH) even after GH therapy (GHT). In order to optimize future GHT protocols, more information on the factors influencing the growth response to GH in these children is needed.

This retrospective study evaluated AFH and influencing auxological and treatment factors of a standardized daily biosynthetic GHT in childhood survivors of brain tumors with documented GHD after brain Irr.

Design and methods

From the Belgian GH Registry, 57 children survivors of a brain tumor outside the hypothalamo-pituitary area with available AFH were stratified into two groups depending on cranial (C-Irr; n=25) or craniospinal (CS-Irr; n=32) Irr.

Results

In the C-Irr patients, results showed an AFH of −0.8 (−2.5, 1.4) SDS (median (range)) and in the CS-Irr patients, results showed a significantly (P<0.001) lower AFH of −1.8 (−4.2, 0.0) SDS. AFH SDS corrected for mid-parental height (MPH) in the C-Irr group was −0.5 (−2.2, 0.9) and −1.5 (−3.6, 0.0) SDS in the CS-Irr group. AFH was positively correlated with age at end of tumor therapy, height SDS at start GHT, height gain SDS first year GHT, and negatively correlated with CS-Irr.

Conclusions

GHT failed to restore adult height to MPH in nearly half of Irr-induced GHD patients for brain tumor, especially those receiving CS-Irr, irradiated at a younger age or shorter at start GHT.