bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolving Role of C-Reactive Protein in Atherothrombosis
Authors: Devaraj Sridevi , Singh Uma , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: December 2008

Background: Inflammation is pivotal in all phases of atherosclerosis. Among the numerous inflammatory biomarkers, the largest amount of published data supports a role for C-reactive protein (CRP) as a robust and independent risk marker in the prediction of primary and secondary adverse cardiovascular events. In addition to being a risk marker, there is much evidence indicating that CRP may indeed participate in atherogenesis.

Content: In this review, we focus on the role of CRP in promoting atherothrombosis by discussing its effects on endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, monocyte-macrophages, and smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions: CRP is clearly a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and is recommended for use in primary prevention. In addition, CRP appears also to contribute to atherogenesis. However, much further research is needed, especially in appropriate animal models, to confirm the possible role of CRP in promoting atherothrombosis.
Relation of Genetic Variation in the Gene Coding for C-Reactive Protein with Its Plasma Protein Concentrations: Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Cohort
Authors: Lee Cathy C , You Nai-chieh Yuko , Song Yiqing , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Manson JoAnn , Nathan Lauren , Tinker Lesley , Liu Simin
Published: December 2008

Background: Although common genetic variants of the CRP gene (C-reactive protein, pentraxin related) have been associated with plasma concentrations of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) in several cohorts of European Americans, relatively few studies have comprehensively assessed this association in well-characterized multiethnic populations.

Methods: In a case–control study of diabetes nested in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Cohort, we comprehensively evaluated the association of genetic variation in CRP with plasma hsCRP concentrations. Thirteen haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) were identified and subsequently genotyped in 3782 postmenopausal women.

Results: The allele frequencies for these tSNPs and the haplotype blocks defined by these tSNPs varied significantly by ethnic group (P < 0.0001). Consistent with prior studies of whites, rs3093068, rs1130864, and rs1417938 were significantly associated with higher hsCRP concentrations (geometric-mean increase per minor-allele change, 1.20–1.25 mg/L), and rs1205 and rs1800947 were significantly associated with lower hsCRP values (decrease of 1.28–1.48 mg/L). The associations with rs3093068 and rs1205 appeared to be stronger in Asians/Pacific Islanders than in whites (geometric-mean increase, 1.65 mg/L vs 1.25 mg/L, respectively). Minor alleles at rs3093075 and rs3093059 were associated with substantially increased hsCRP concentrations, whereas rs1800947 was associated with lower hsCRP values. All haplotype-based association results tended to be consistent with the associations seen with single CRP SNPs.

Conclusions: Our large multiethnic case–control study of postmenopausal women provides evidence that common genetic variants in the CRP gene are substantially associated with plasma hsCRP concentrations in this case–control subcohort. The data also suggest ethnic variations in these associations.
A Multi-Systemic School-Based Approach for Addressing Childhood Aggression
Authors: Runions Kevin
Published: December 2008

School-based approaches to addressing aggression in the early grades have focused on explicit curriculum addressing social and emotional processes. The current study reviews research on the distinct modes of aggression, the status of current research on social and emotional processing relevant to problems of aggression amongst young children, as well as the social-relationship processes that occur in schools that hold transformative potential for children's aggression and behavioural development. A framework incorporating peer-to-peer, teacher–child, and teacher-parent relationship components within a social–emotional curriculum is outlined to inform a multisystemic approach to addressing young children's aggression.
At-Risk Students in a Rural Context: Benefits and Gains From a Coping Skills Program
Authors: Eacott Chelsea , Frydenberg Erica
Published: December 2008

There are increasing demands in schools to provide social–emotional learning opportunities for students. This article reports on the utility of a universal coping skills program for young people at risk for depression in a rural context. The study deals specifically with the utility of the Best of Coping (BOC) program implemented to all students in Year 9 with a view to examining the benefits for students at-risk for depression. Two cohorts of Year 9 students ( N = 159) participated in the program across 2006–07. Program effects were evaluated using the Adolescent Coping Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and qualitative interviews. Successful intervention with the BOC was found to help students at-risk decrease dependence on Non-Productive coping strategies and reduce risk for negative mental health outcomes. Findings demonstrated that those in greatest need were able to benefit from a universal intervention program.
Socially Prescribed and Self-Oriented Perfectionism as Predictors of Depressive Diagnosis in Preadolescents
Authors: Huggins Lauren , Davis Melissa C. , Rooney Rosanna , Kane Robert
Published: December 2008

Perfectionism has been shown to be related to depressive symptomatology in both adult and child populations. However, there are no known studies of levels of socially prescribed (SPP) and self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) in nonclinical children versus those with a clinically diagnosed depressive disorder. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine SPP and SOP as predictors of depressive diagnoses in a sample of 10- to 11-year-old children. Seven hundred and eighty-six children (390 boys, 396 girls) from primary schools in low socio-economic metropolitan areas completed the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS) as part of a larger study. Children who scored above the clinical cut-off for the CDI also completed part of the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents–IV. Fifty children met criteria for a diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict diagnostic status from SPP, SOP, gender, and intervention group. SPP was the only significant predictor of diagnostic status. Implications for the treatment and prevention of childhood depression are discussed.
Designing and Implementing an Information System for the Dental Office of Branckowitz & Young
Authors: Nikitkov Alex , Sainty Barbara
Published: December 2008

This case provides students with the opportunity to create a functional information system (IS) for a service company. The case facilitates a guided hands‐on experience where students learn to analyze a business entity in the context of its environment; recognize what business processes comprise an entity's value chain; and develop, document, and implement a tailor‐made IS to support the entity's operation. In order to keep the amount of development realistic and the system transparent for students, the case focuses on a small service company: a dental office. The case uses a resource—events—agents (REA) analytical framework for modeling and Microsoft Access for IS implementation.

The case is structured modularly, enabling instructors to either explain material or demonstrate analysis/development of a segment of an IS in class and then challenge the students to complete the module's development following the instructor's example. Instructors have the flexibility to give students fewer (or additional) directions in developing the information system, depending on the students' backgrounds and abilities. Instructors also have a choice to limit the scope of the development and implementation to any number of four business processes.
Visfatin in human pregnancy: maternal gestational diabetesvis-à-visneonatal birthweight
Authors: Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Vaisbuch Edi , Erez Offer , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Nhan-Chang Chia-Ling , Pacora Percy , Gotsch Francesca , Yeo Lami , Kim Sun Kwon , Edwin Samuel S. , Hassan Sonia S. , Mittal Pooja
Published: December 2008

Objective:Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by dysregulation of adipokines production and/or secretion, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of type-2 diabetes mellitus, a metabolic complication closely related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Recently, an association between circulating maternal visfatin, a novel adipokine with metabolic and immunoregulatory properties, and impaired glucose metabolism as well as with altered fetal growth, has been proposed. The aims of this study were to determine whether there is an association between maternal plasma visfatin concentration, GDM, and a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborn.

Study design:This cross-sectional study, included pregnant women at term in the following groups: 1) normal pregnancy and an appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonate (n=54); 2) normal pregnancy and an LGA newborn (n=47); 3) GDM and an AGA newborn (n=56); 4) GDM and an LGA newborn (n=45). The study population was further stratified by first trimester BMI (<25 vs. ≥25 kg/m2). Maternal plasma visfatin concentration was determined by ELISA. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used for analysis.

Results:1) Among women who delivered an AGA neonate, the median maternal plasma concentration of visfatin was higher in patients with GDM than in those with a normal pregnancy; 2) Among women with a normal pregnancy, those who delivered an LGA neonate had a higher median maternal plasma visfatin concentration than those who delivered an AGA neonate; 3) among patients with normal BMI, there were no significant differences in the median maternal plasma visfatin concentration between the four study groups; and 4) maternal GDM, as well as delivery of an LGA neonate were independently associated with a higher maternal plasma visfatin concentrations.

Conclusion:The linkage between increased maternal circulating visfatin and the presence of GDM or delivery of an LGA neonate supports the hypothesis that perturbation of adipokines homeostasis may play a role in the pathophysiology of GDM or excess fetal growth.
Thermal Conductance of Ball Bearings in Vacuum: A Review
Authors: Takeuchi Yoshimi R. , Dickey James T. , Eby Matthew A. , Davis Sean E.
Published: December 2008

In vacuum, heat transfer across a rotational device is usually governed by conductance across its bearings. The Aerospace Corporation experimentally measured this property and performed parametric studies to gain an understanding of the influence of operational variables such as temperature and preload. This paper explores the findings and compares conclusions presented by both the authors and previous researchers. A thorough literature review was carried out for this purpose. Thermal conductance and its response to operational variables was found to be different between static and moving bearings, as well as lubricated and dry conditions.
Evaluation of Silicone Sealants at High Movement Rates Relevant to Bomb Mitigating Window and Curtainwall Design
Authors: Yarosh Kenneth , Wolf Andreas T. , Sitte Sigurd
Published: December 2008

Silicone sealants have a long history of successful use in high performance windows and curtainwalls, such as structural glazing systems. With the recent threat of terrorist attacks, there has been an increased use of windows designed to mitigate the impact of bomb blasts. Due to the high strength and durability characteristics of silicone sealants, structural silicone sealants have been utilized in new bomb blast mitigating window designs. Effective bomb blast mitigating window designs allow the window system to withstand a moderate bomb blast without causing significant injury to building occupants from the blast itself or flying glass shards. The occupants are protected because laminated or filmed glass, which can withstand the blast, is attached in the framing with a silicone sealant. Silicone sealants provide unique benefits to these window designs due to their strength properties and their ability to anchor the laminated glass in the framing during a blast situation. In this paper, three commercially available high strength structural silicone sealants are evaluated at applied load velocities (movement rates) up to 5.0 m/s. These elevated load velocities are intended to simulate loads encountered during a bomb blast. Sealant joints are fabricated to evaluate the sealant in tension, shear, and combined tension and shear loads. Sealants joints are also exposed to accelerated weathering (heat, water, and artificial light through glass). Results show that the sealant strength values increase substantially at elevated rates of applied load. The paper discusses the effect of joint configuration, load velocities, and accelerating weathering on the performance and durability of the silicone sealants tested.
Effect of Strain on the Modulus of Sealants Exposed to the Outdoors
Authors: White Christopher C. , Hunston Donald , Tan Kar Tean
Published: December 2008

The effects of applied strain on sealants exposed to outdoor weathering were examined for two sealant formulations, Sealants A and C. Both static and dynamic strain was applied to the sealants during the summer in a Gaithersburg, MD outdoor location. Both sealants exhibited a reversible change in equilibrium distance. Stress relaxation studies on all samples revealed that, for Sealant A, two mechanisms affected modulus change; exposure without applied strain increased the modulus while additionally applied strain decreased the modulus. Only one mechanism that decreased the modulus was found for Sealant C. A 7 % dynamic strain and a 25 % static strain were observed to produce equivalent modulus changes in both systems.
v-K Curves from Lifetime Tests with Reloaded Survivals
Authors: Fett T. , Riva M. , Hoffmann M. J. , Oberacker R.
Published: December 2008

Lifetime tests under static load are often carried out in order to determine the relation v(K) of subcritical crack growth. Depending on the scatter behavior of the most serious cracks in a specimen, a number of specimens will not fracture within a certain maximum lifetime limit. In order to get additional information on subcritical crack growth behavior, the authors recommend performing lifetime tests at an increased load level. An appropriate procedure for the evaluation of such tests is proposed and applied to static lifetime measurements on SiAlON in distilled water.
Effects of Binders on Resilient Modulus of Rubberized Mixtures Containing RAP Using Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Xiao Feipeng , Amirkhanian Serji N.
Published: December 2008

The prediction of the resilient modulus values of rubberized mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials involves a number of interacting factors or engineering parameters (variables) and is a very complex issue. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are useful tools in place of conventional physical models for analyzing complex relationships involving multiple variables and have been successfully used in many civil engineering applications. The objective of this study was to develop a series of ANN models to simulate the resilient modulus of rubberized mixtures (ambient and cryogenic rubbers) at 5, 25, and 40°C using seven input variables including material components such as rubber and RAP percentages as well as the rheological properties of modified binders (i.e., viscosity, G*sin δ, stiffness, and m-values). The sensitivity analysis and important index of each variable were performed in this study. The results indicated that ANN-based models are more effective than the regression models and can easily be implemented in a spreadsheet, thus making it easy to apply. In addition, the validation analysis of the models showed that ANN-based models might be used for other types of mixtures. Moreover, the results of the sensitivity analysis and important index of input variables in ANN models also indicated that the rheological properties of asphalt binders can be employed to predict the resilient modulus values effectively at various testing temperatures. The validation of the model also illustrates that the developed ANN can be used to predict the resilient modulus values from other research projects.
Cassiodorus anti-Boethius?
Authors: Vitiello Massimiliano
Published: December 2008

The affair of Severinus Boethius, as described by him in the apologia at the beginning of the Consolatio Philosophiae, evidently finds echoes in Cassiodorus′ self-representation as politician and counselor of Theoderic, especially as depicted at Var. 9.24. Particularly important in that document, vis-à-vis the representation of Theoderic as a philosopher-king, is Cassiodorus′ account of his experience at court as Master of the Offices. The images formed of both figures, going back to the difficult years immediately following Boethius′ condemnation, run counter to the complaint lodged in the Consolatio, especially in its «apologia». With the comparison of the evidence, moreover, is linked the complex and much discussed question concerning Cassiodorus′ position in relation to Boethius′ vicissitudes and events of the years immediately after his death, and to a certain extent the question of the relationship between these two celebrated personalities of Gothic Italy.
Intrauterine growth restriction and adult disease: the role of adipocytokines
Authors: Briana Despina D , Malamitsi-Puchner Ariadne
Published: December 2008

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the failure of the fetus to achieve his/her intrinsic growth potential, due to anatomical and/or functional disorders and diseases in the feto–placental–maternal unit. IUGR results in significant perinatal and long-term complications, including the development of insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome in adulthood.

The thrifty phenotype hypothesis holds that intrauterine malnutrition leads to an adaptive response that alters the fetal metabolic and hormonal milieu designed for intrauterine survival. This fetal programming predisposes to an increased susceptibility for chronic diseases. Although the mechanisms controlling intrauterine growth are poorly understood, adipose tissue may play an important role in linking poor fetal growth to the subsequent development of adult diseases. Adipose tissue secretes a number of hormones, called adipocytokines, important in modulating metabolism and recently involved in intrauterine growth.

This review aims to summarize reported findings concerning the role of adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL6), visfatin, resistin, apelin) in early life, while attempting to speculate mechanisms through which differential regulation of adipocytokines in IUGR may influence the risk for development of chronic diseases in later life.
Relationship of adiposity with arterial stiffness as mediated by adiponectin in older men and women: the Hoorn Study
Authors: Snijder M B , Flyvbjerg A , Stehouwer C D A , Frystyk J , Henry R M A , Seidell J C , Heine R J , Dekker J M
Published: December 2008

Objective

To investigate whether adiponectin is associated with arterial stiffness, and whether adiponectin explains the association between body composition and arterial stiffness.

Design

Cross-sectional cohort study.

Methods

Subjects were participants (n=456, mean age 68.9±6.1 years; age range 60–86 years) of the third follow-up examination of the Hoorn Study. Trunk fat, leg fat, trunk lean, and leg lean mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Ultrasound was used to measure distensibility and compliance of the carotid, femoral, and brachial arteries, and carotid Young's elastic modulus (as estimates of peripheral arterial stiffness).

Results

Trunk fat mass was negatively associated with (ln-transformed) adiponectin (standardizedβ=−0.49,P<0.001), while leg fat mass was positively associated with adiponectin (β=0.44,P<0.001), after adjustment for each other, age, and lean mass. After adjustment for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher adiponectin was associated with decreased peripheral arterial stiffness (βof meanZ-scores of all three arteries=0.14,P=0.001). However, the associations of trunk fat (β=−0.26,P<0.001) and leg fat (β=0.16,P=0.006) with peripheral arterial stiffness were only minimally explained by adiponectin levels.

Conclusion

Trunk fat and leg fat are oppositely associated with adiponectin. Although low adiponectin was a determinant of increased peripheral arterial stiffness, it only explained a small part of the association between body fat and peripheral arterial stiffness. This indicated that factors other than adiponectin may be more important in the pathophysiological mechanisms by which abdominal obesity leads to arterial stiffness.
Incidence and prevalence of nutritional and hereditary rickets in southern Denmark
Authors: Beck-Nielsen Signe Sparre , Brock-Jacobsen Bendt , Gram Jeppe , Brixen Kim , Jensen Tina Kold
Published: December 2008

Objective

To estimate the incidence of nutritional rickets and the incidence and prevalence of hereditary rickets.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study based on a review of medical records.

Methods

Patients aged 0–14.9 years referred to or discharged from hospitals in southern Denmark from 1985 to 2005 with a diagnosis of rickets were identified by register search, and their medical records were retrieved. Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of primary rickets were included.

Results

We identified 112 patients with nutritional rickets of whom 74% were immigrants. From 1995 to 2005, the average incidence of nutritional rickets in children aged 0–14.9 and 0–2.9 years was 2.9 and 5.8 per 100 000 per year respectively. Among immigrant children born in Denmark, the average incidence was 60 (0–14.9 years) per 100 000 per year. Ethnic Danish children were only diagnosed in early childhood and the average incidence in the age group 0–2.9 years declined from 5.0 to 2.0 per 100 000 per year during 1985–1994 to 1995–2005. Sixteen cases of hereditary rickets were diagnosed during the study period giving an average incidence of 4.3 per 100 000 (0–0.9 years) per year. The prevalence of hypophosphatemic rickets and vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1 was 4.8 and 0.4 per 100 000 (0–14.9 years) respectively.

Conclusions

Nutritional rickets is rare in southern Denmark and largely restricted to immigrants, but the incidence among ethnic Danish children was unexpectedly high. Hereditary rickets is the most common cause of rickets in ethnic Danish children, but nutritional rickets is most frequent among all young children.
Use of Benthic Prey by Salmonids under Turbid Conditions in a Laboratory Stream
Authors: Harvey Bret C. , White Jason L.
Published: December 2008

The negative effect of turbidity on the reactive distance of salmonids has been well established. However, determining the consequences of this relationship for overall feeding success remains problematic, as successful foraging by salmonids across a broad range in turbidity has been observed under a variety of conditions. Previous laboratory and field observations suggest that benthic feeding by salmonids in flowing water affects the turbidity dependence of foraging success. Two experiments were conducted in a laboratory stream to quantify benthic feeding success of salmonids across turbidity treatments ranging from 0 to 400 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). In one experiment, cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii and coho salmon O. kisutch were offered the same nonliving prey in the drift and on the stream bottom; in the second experiment, cutthroat trout were offered only live oligochaetes moving along the stream bottom. In the first experiment, benthic feeding success of both cutthroat trout and coho salmon at 100 NTU was at least 70% of their feeding performance in clear water (i.e., 0 NTU), whereas neither species fed at 400 NTU. In the second experiment, benthic feeding success of cutthroat trout at 150 NTU was about 35% of their performance in clear water but dropped to near 0% at 200 NTU; no feeding was observed at 400 NTU. Passive integrated transponder tag detections suggested that cutthroat trout activity increased over the range of 0‐150 NTU. Although drift and benthic foraging success decreased over the examined turbidity range, the results suggest that both cutthroat trout and coho salmon are capable of feeding from the benthos in relatively turbid, flowing water. The importance of this ability for salmonid populations will be influenced by the turbidity regime, food availability patterns, and hydraulic complexity of the systems they occupy.
Physiological potential of cauliflower seeds
Authors: Kikuti Ana Lúcia Pereira , Marcos-Filho Julio
Published: December 2008

The assessment of seed physiological performance is essential to provide consistent information to compose quality control programs conducted by seed companies and allow prompt decisions to reduce post-harvest and commercialization problems. This research was carried to evaluate the efficiency of different procedures to determine cauliflower seed vigor. Six lots of the cultivar Sharon were initially characterized by germination and seedling emergence, and subsequently subjected to traditional and saturated salt accelerated aging, controlled deterioration, electrical conductivity, and potassium leachate tests, in two evaluation times. The traditional accelerated aging (41ºC/48 h), the saturated salt procedure (45ºC/72 h), the controlled deterioration (moisture content adjusted to 20% or 22% and aging at 45ºC/24 h), the electrical conductivity (50 seeds/75 mL water and evaluation after 4 h) and the potassium leakage (25 seeds/50 mL of water and evaluation after 30 min) laboratory tests are sensitive to detect differences in the physiological potential of cauliflower seeds. However, those results did not relate to the percentage seedling emergence in greenhouse controlled conditions, as a consequence of the favorable conditions for emergence. However, the differences identified in the tests may be related to the ability of seed lots to perform in less favorable environments.
Bispyribac–Sodium Efficacy on Early Watergrass (Echinochloa oryzoides) and Late Watergrass (Echinochloa Phyllopogon) as Affected by Coapplication of Selected Rice Herbicides and Insecticides
Authors: Damalas Christos A. , Dhima Kico V. , Eleftherohorinos Ilias G.
Published: December 2008

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of application rate, growth stage, and tank mixing azimsulfuron, bentazon, MCPA, propanil, or cyhalofop on the efficacy of bispyribac–sodium against early watergrass and late watergrass from rice fields in northern Greece. Mixtures of bispyribac–sodium with the insecticides carbaryl, diazinon, and dichlorvos were also evaluated. Bispyribac–sodium (24 to 36 g ai/ha) applied alone at the three- to four-leaf growth stage provided 89 to 100% control of early watergrass and 84 to 100% control of late watergrass. When bispyribac–sodium was applied alone at the five- to six-leaf growth stage of early watergrass and late watergrass, control ranged from 78 to 100% and 71 to 100%, respectively. Mixtures of bispyribac–sodium with azimsulfuron provided better control of both species at any growth stage than bispyribac–sodium applied alone. On the contrary, mixtures of bispyribac–sodium with bentazon, MCPA, or propanil were less effective on both species at any growth stage than bispyribac–sodium applied alone. A slight efficacy reduction occurred on both species for the mixture of bispyribac–sodium with cyhalofop. Mixtures of bispyribac–sodium with the insecticides carbaryl or dichlorvos showed reduced efficacy on both species, whereas increased efficacy on both species was observed for mixtures of bispyribac–sodium with diazinon as compared with the single application of bispyribac–sodium.
Utility of Winter Rye Living Mulch for Weed Management in Zucchini Squash Production
Authors: Walters S. Alan , Young Bryan G.
Published: December 2008

The extended production of allelochemicals from a living mulch cover crop may potentially enhance weed management and crop productivity compared with traditional zucchini squash production systems. However, the efficacy of a living mulch cover crop in no-tillage (NT) systems with herbicides has not been determined for many vegetable crops. The objective of this research was to evaluate weed management and zucchini squash production using the combination of NT and a herbicide-suppressed winter rye cover crop with or without PRE herbicides. When used in combination with herbicides, the winter rye living mulch reduced the biomass of redroot pigweed compared to the herbicides applied alone, but did not influence the biomass of smooth crabgrass for any herbicide treatment. Visual estimates of weed control were similar for each herbicide treatment with and without the winter rye living mulch. The herbicide-suppressed winter rye resulted in excessive stunting of zucchini squash at 56 d after treatment which correlated with 20 and 50% squash yield reductions for the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons, respectively. Although some squash yield loss may have resulted from direct competition with the winter rye living mulch, yield reductions most likely resulted from allelopathy. The winter rye living mulch was the primary contributing factor for reduced squash yield and did not interact with herbicide treatment. All treatments containing herbicides resulted in yields similar to the weed-free treatment. Because of excessive zucchini injury, this research suggests that the use of herbicide-suppressed winter rye living mulch does not appear to be a feasible option for increased weed control in zucchini squash production regardless of the herbicide treatment.
Activation of Hedgehog Signaling Inhibits Osteoblast Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Plaisant Magali , Fontaine Coralie , Cousin Wendy , Rochet Nathalie , Dani Christian , Peraldi Pascal
Published: December 2008

Mesenchymal stem cells within the bone are responsible for the generation of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. In rodents, Indian hedgehog has been shown to play a role in osteoblast differentiation. However, evidence for a direct function of hedgehog (Hh) in human osteoblastic differentiation is missing. Using different models of human mesenchymal stem cells we show that Hh signaling decreases during osteoblast differentiation. This is associated with a decrease in Smoothened expression, a key partner that triggers Hh signaling, and in the number of cells displaying a primary cilium, an organelle necessary for Hh signaling. Remarkably, treatment of human mesenchymal stem cells with sonic hedgehog or two molecules able to activate Hh signaling inhibits osteoblast differentiation. This inhibition is visualized through a decrease in mineralization and in the expression of osteoblastic genes. In particular, activation of Hh signaling induces a decrease in Runx2 expression, a key transcriptional factor controlling the early stage of osteoblast differentiation. Consistently, the activation of Hh signaling during the first days of differentiation is sufficient to inhibit osteoblast differentiation, whereas differentiated osteoblasts are not affected by Hh signaling. In summary, we show here, using various inducers of Hh signaling and mesenchymal stem cells of two different origins, that Hh signaling inhibits human osteoblast differentiation, in sharp contrast to what has been described in rodent cells. This species difference should be taken into account for screening for pro-osteogenic molecules.
White‐LED backlight control for motion‐blur reduction and power minimization in large LCD TVs
Authors: Lee Wonbok , Patel Kimish , Pedram Massoud
Published: December 2008

Abstract— A 1‐D LED‐backlight‐scanning technique and a 2‐D local‐dimming technique for large LCD TVs are presented. These techniques not only reduce the motion‐blur artifacts by means of impulse representation of images in video, but also increase the static contrast ratio by means of local dimming in the image(s). Both techniques exploit a unique feature of an LED backlight in large LCD TVs in which the whole panel is divided into a pre‐defined number of regions such that the luminance in each region is independently controllable. The proposed techniques are implemented in a Xilinx FPGA and demonstrated on a Samsung 40‐in. LCD TV. Measurement results show that the proposed techniques significantly reduce the motion‐blur artifacts, enhance the static contrast ratio by about 3×, and reduce the power consumption by 10% on average.
Binding interaction between polycyclic aromatic compounds and DNA by fluorescence displacement method
Authors: Wei Yin , Guo Liang-Hong
Published: December 2008

Noncovalent interaction of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) with DNA is the first step in their DNA-damaging actions. The binding interaction of 15 PACs with DNA was investigated by the fluorescence displacement method. A DNA-binding dye with known binding mode was employed as the fluorescence probe. Addition of a DNA-binding PAC into the dye/DNA conjugate sets up a competition between the probe and the PAC for DNA and results in a reduction in fluorescence signal. When thiazole orange, a DNA intercalator, was employed as the probe, the dissociation constants of 1-hydroxypyrene, 1-aminopyrene, and 1-pyrenebutyric acid with calf thymus DNA were determined to be 0.62, 1.1, and 4.7 μM, respectively. Other PACs, with two to five fused aromatic rings, showed displacement similar to that of 1-pyrenebutyric acid. When the DNA groove-binding agents Hoechst 33258 and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole were used as the probe, none of the PACs exhibited any significant competition with the probe for DNA. The fluorescence data and the viscosity measurement revealed that these PACs interact with DNA predominantly by intercalation instead of the groove-binding mode. The results also suggested that the polar groups on the periphery of the PACs aromatic ring play a more important role than the number of aromatic rings in determining the binding affinities with DNA. The fluorescence displacement method provides a convenient tool for rapidly investigating the relationship between PAC structure and its DNA-binding properties.
Toxic effects of oral hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine in the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
Authors: McFarland Craig A. , Quinn Michael J. , Bazar Matthew A. , Talent Larry G. , Johnson Mark S.
Published: December 2008

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) has been widely used as an explosive in munition formulations, resulting in contamination of wildlife habitat on military installations. To estimate health effects for reptilian species, acute, subacute, and subchronic oral toxicity studies were conducted using the Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). Estimated oral median lethal doses were 72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 49–106) mg/kg body weight (slope, 3.754) for males and 88 (95% CI, 65–119) mg/kg (slope, 4.525) for females. Toxicity from RDX suggested the neurological system as the critical target tissue. A 14-d subacute study followed with males dosed orally with RDX (corn oil) at 0, 10, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg/d. Signs of toxicity frequently included a characteristic body posture. A significant dose-survival relationship was seen over the range of doses, with a significant decrease in survival at 20 mg/kg/d. Males in the 60-d subchronic study were dosed at 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 8, and 11 mg/ kg/d, and signs of toxicity included lethargy, cachexia, and anorexia. Survival was decreased at 8 and 11 mg/kg/d. Reduced growth rate and food consumption occurred at 5 mg/kg/d. Brain tissue was assayed for RDX when seizures were observed at a residue concentration of at least 18 μg/g. No abnormalities were observed in the hematologic indices, whereas plasma proteins were reduced. Hepatic enlargement and decreased testes mass occurred at 8 and 11 mg/kg/d. Plasma testosterone concentrations, sperm counts, and motility measures were variable for all treatment levels. Based on survival, growth rate, food intake, and testes to brain weight ratios, these data suggest a lowest-observed-adverse effect level of 5 mg/kg/d and a no-observed-adverse effect level of 2.5 mg/ kg/d.
“My Mother Told Me I Must Not Cook Anymore”—Food, Culture, and the Context of HIV− and AIDS-Related Stigma in Three Communities in South Africa
Authors: Okoror T. A. , Airhihenbuwa C. O. , Zungu M. , Makofani D. , Brown D. C. , Iwelunmor J.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of food as an instrument in expressing and experiencing HIV/AIDS stigma by HIV-positive women and their families, with the goal of reducing discrimination. It goes beyond willingness to share utensils, which has been identified in HIV/AIDS research. As part of an ongoing capacity-building HIV/AIDS stigma project in South Africa, 25 focus groups and 15 key informant interviews were conducted among 195 women and 54 men in three Black communities. Participants were asked to discuss how they were treated in the family as women living with HIV and AIDS, and data was organized using the PEN-3 model. Findings highlight both the positive and negative experiences HIV-positive women encounter. Women would not disclose their HIV status to avoid being isolated from participating in the socio-cultural aspects of food preparation, while others that have disclosed their status have experienced alienation. The symbolic meanings of food should be a major consideration when addressing the elimination of HIV/AIDS stigma in South Africa.
Reproductive Health Knowledge, Sexual Partners, Contraceptive Use and Motives for Premarital Sex among Female Sub-Urban Nigerian Secondary Students
Authors: Moronkola O. A. , Fakeye J. A.
Published: December 2008

Adolescents in sub-Saharan African countries constitute a large proportion of the population. They are sexually active, engage in unsafe reproductive health behavior with attendant consequences but lack appropriate reproductive health education. In the Nigeria Nation Reproductive Health Strategy Framework and Plan, the status of adolescents' reproductive health care is considered low. This study assessed reproductive health knowledge, sexual partners, contraceptive use, and motives for premarital sex among female sub-urban Nigerian secondary students. The study was cross-sectional, involving 500 senior secondary 1 and 2 female sub-urban students. The instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS. More than 70.0% of the respondents had knowledge of all reproductive health items; male and female condoms were popular contraceptives. At least 53.4% were sexually active and a majority (49.6%) had boyfriends as sex partners. Peer pressure (31.6%) and fun/pleasure (29.2%) were major motives for engaging in premarital sex. Majority (40.3%) terminated pregnancies through self-medication. Though respondents had knowledge of reproductive health, there is need to introduce health education (incorporating reproductive health education) as a core subject in schools as well as provision of youth-friendly health facilities.
Addressing the Health Needs of the Aged in the U.S.A.
Authors: Elwood Thomas W.
Published: December 2008

The segment of the population consisting of those sixty-five years of age and older will continue to grow in both absolute and relative terms. The fastest rate of growth will occur among those in the oldest age brackets where there is a greater amount of disability. Certain health problems are associated with behavioral factors that are sometimes amenable to educational interventions. This paper discusses structural aspects of the health care system that make such intervention efforts more difficult. An incomplete array of health programs, inadequate benefits, and lack of suitable training for health professionals are among the items considered.
β- and α-Cell Dysfunction in Subjects Developing Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Ahrén B.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE— This study assessed insulin and glucagon secretion in relation to insulin sensitivity in Caucasian women who develop impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) versus those who maintain normal glucose tolerance (NGT) over a 12-year period.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— At baseline and after 3, 8, and 12 years, glucose tolerance (75-g oral glucose tolerance test), insulin sensitivity (euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp), and insulin and glucagon secretion (2- to 5-min responses to 5 g arginine i.v. at fasting, 14 and >25 mmol/l glucose) were determined in 53 healthy Caucasian women (aged 58 years at baseline) who all had NGT at baseline.

RESULTS— During the 12-year period, 26 subjects developed IGT, whereas the remaining 27 subjects maintained NGT throughout the 12-year period. Subjects developing IGT had lower insulin sensitivity than those maintaining NGT in the tests preceding diagnosis of IGT (P ≤ 0.05). When judged in relation to insulin sensitivity, β-cell glucose sensitivity and maximal insulin secretion were lower in those who later developed IGT than in those maintaining NGT at all tests (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, subjects who developed IGT had defective suppression of glucagon secretion by glucose in the test preceding diagnosis of IGT when they still had NGT (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS— β- and α-cell dysfunction are evident several years before diagnosis of IGT, and islet dysfunction is manifested as impaired glucose sensitivity of the β- and α-cells and reduced maximal insulin secretion.
FunctionalENTPD1Polymorphisms in African Americans With Diabetes and End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Friedman David J. , Talbert Matthew E. , Bowden Donald W. , Freedman Barry I. , Mukanya Yves , Enjyoji Keiichi , Robson Simon C.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE

The vascular ectonucleotidase ENTPD1 protects against renal injury and modulates glucose homeostasis in mouse models. We sought to determine whether human variation in ENTPD1 influences predisposition to diabetes or diabetic nephropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed ENTPD1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 363 African American control subjects, 380 subjects with type 2 diabetes and end-stage renal disease (DM-ESRD), and 326 subjects with ESRD unrelated to diabetes (non–DM-ESRD). Using human cell lines, we correlated disease-associated ENTPD1 haplotypes with ENTPD1 gene expression. Finally, we studied consequences of ENTPD1 deletion in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes (db/db).

RESULTS

A common ENTPD1 two-SNP haplotype was associated with increased risk for DM-ESRD (P = 0.0027), and an uncommon four-SNP haplotype was associated with protection against DM-ESRD (P = 0.004). These haplotypes correlated with ENTPD1 gene expression levels in human cell lines in vitro. Subjects with high ENTPD1-expressing haplotypes were enriched in the DM-ESRD group. By crossing ENTPD1-null mice with db mice, we show that ENTPD1 deletion has prominent effects on metabolic syndrome traits. Specifically, deletion of ENTPD1 lowered glucose levels in control (db/−) mice with one functional leptin receptor and dramatically lowered weights in db/db mice with no functional leptin receptors. Similar effects were seen in aged ENTPD1-null mice with normal leptin receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

ENTPD1 polymorphisms appear to influence susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and/or diabetic nephropathy in African Americans. Studies in human cell lines and in vivo mouse data support a potential role for ENTPD1 genetic variation in susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
Mechanism of interaction of hypoglycemic agents glimepiride and glipizide with human serum albumin
Authors: Seedher Neelam , Kanojia Mamta
Published: December 2008

The mechanism of interaction of hypoglycemic drugs, glimepiride and glipizide with human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The results are discussed in terms of the binding parameters, thermodynamics of the binding process, nature of forces involved in the interaction, identification of drug binding site on serum albumin and the fluorescence quenching mechanism involved. The association constants were of the order of 105 and glipizide was found to have much higher affinity for HSA than glimepiride at all temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters for the binding suggested that hydrophobic interactions are primarily involved in the binding of these drugs to HSA. However, glimepiride and glipizide appear to cause temperature-dependent conformational changes in the albumin molecule and, therefore, the nature of interaction varied with temperature. Glimepiride and glipizide bind to both site I and site II on HSA, but the primary interaction occurs at site II. The binding region in site II is different for the two drugs. Stern-Volmer analysis of quenching data indicated that tryptophan residues of HSA are not fully accessible to the drugs and a predominantly dynamic quenching mechanism is involved in the binding. Results can provide useful insight into prediction of competitive displacement of these drugs by other co-administered drugs and excipients, resulting in serious fluctuations of the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Electrical Stimulation Using Kilohertz-Frequency Alternating Current
Authors: Ward Alex R
Published: December 2008

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation using kilohertz-frequency alternating current (AC) became popular in the 1950s with the introduction of “interferential currents,” promoted as a means of producing depth-efficient stimulation of nerve and muscle. Later, “Russian current” was adopted as a means of muscle strengthening. This article reviews some clinically relevant, laboratory-based studies that offer an insight into the mechanism of action of kilohertz-frequency AC. It provides some answers to the question: “What are the optimal stimulus parameters for eliciting forceful, yet comfortable, electrically induced muscle contractions?” It is concluded that the stimulation parameters commonly used clinically (Russian and interferential currents) are suboptimal for achieving their stated goals and that greater benefit would be obtained using short-duration (2–4 millisecond), rectangular bursts of kilohertz-frequency AC with a frequency chosen to maximize the desired outcome.
Savings Incentives and OAS/GIS Costs
Authors: Horner Keith
Published: December 2008

An aging population will raise the cost of Canada's Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement (OAS/GIS) programs. If the benefit levels under OAS and GIS were increased in line with wages to maintain their antipoverty effectiveness, the program cost would double by 2030 as a percentage of the gross domestic product. With this scenario as a base, we employ a life-cycle model to explore the effect of program design changes on the cost of benefits, taking into account the interaction between OAS/GIS benefits and private retirement saving. One finding is that, despite savings responses, raising—not lowering—the 50 percent benefit-reduction rate under the GIS would reduce program costs.
Some Perspectives on Changing the Pension System
Authors: Hicks Peter , Halliwell Cliff , Hébert Benoît-Paul , Lenjosek Gordon
Published: December 2008

This paper addresses the perceived difficulties in making changes to the retirement income system as a whole. We focus on public system reforms and observe some of the changes that have taken place in Canada and in a number of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. Reforming social institutions is never easy. We examine some of the preconceived notions or “myths” that create public resistance to reform. Further, the complexity of the retirement income system in Canada makes consensus difficult to achieve. Nonetheless, we argue that pension reforms can and should be made to ensure the delivery of promised benefits, and we demonstrate the efficacy of smaller-scale reforms.