bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outflow tract cushions perform a critical valve-like function in the early embryonic heart requiring BMPRIA-mediated signaling in cardiac neural crest
Authors: Nomura-Kitabayashi Aya , Phoon Colin K. L. , Kishigami Satoshi , Rosenthal Julie , Yamauchi Yasutaka , Abe Kuniya , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Samtani Rajeev , Lo Cecilia W. , Mishina Yuji
Published: August 2009

Neural crest-specific ablation of BMP type IA receptor (BMPRIA) causes embryonic lethality by embryonic day (E) 12.5, and this was previously postulated to arise from a myocardial defect related to signaling by a small population of cardiac neural crest cells (cNCC) in the epicardium. However, as BMP signaling via cNCC is also required for proper development of the outflow tract cushions, precursors to the semilunar valves, a plausible alternate or additional hypothesis is that heart failure may result from an outflow tract cushion defect. To investigate whether the outflow tract cushions may serve as dynamic valves in regulating hemodynamic function in the early embryo, in this study we used noninvasive ultrasound biomicroscopy-Doppler imaging to quantitatively assess hemodynamic function in mouse embryos with P0-Cre transgene mediated neural crest ablation of Bmpr1a (P0 mutants). Similar to previous studies, the neural crest-deleted Bmpr1a P0 mutants died at ∼E12.5, exhibiting persistent truncus arteriosus, thinned myocardium, and congestive heart failure. Surprisingly, our ultrasound analyses showed normal contractile indices, heart rate, and atrioventricular conduction in the P0 mutants. However, reversed diastolic arterial blood flow was detected as early as E11.5, with cardiovascular insufficiency and death rapidly ensuing by E12.5. Quantitative computed tomography showed thinning of the outflow cushions, and this was associated with a marked reduction in cell proliferation. These results suggest BMP signaling to cNCC is required for growth of the outflow tract cushions. This study provides definitive evidence that the outflow cushions perform a valve-like function critical for survival of the early mouse embryo.
Cav1.2 splice variant with exon 9* is critical for regulation of cerebral artery diameter
Authors: Nystoriak Matthew A. , Murakami Kentaro , Penar Paul L. , Wellman George C.
Published: August 2009

L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+channels (VDCCs) are essential for numerous processes in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Alternative splicing modulates proteomic composition of Cav1.2 to generate functional variation between channel isoforms. Here, we describe expression and function of Cav1.2 channels containing alternatively spliced exon 9* in cerebral artery myocytes. RT-PCR showed expression of Cav1.2 splice variants both containing (α1C9/9*/10) and lacking (α1C9/10) exon 9* in intact rabbit and human cerebral arteries. With the use of laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR, expression of mRNA for both α1C9/9*/10and α1C9/10was demonstrated in isolated cerebral artery myocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed significantly greater α1C9/9*/10expression relative to α1C9/10in intact rabbit cerebral arteries compared with cardiac tissue and cerebral cortex. To demonstrate a functional role for α1C9/9*/10, smooth muscle of intact cerebral arteries was treated with antisense oligonucleotides targeting α1C9/9*/10(α1C9/9*/10-AS) or exon 9 (α1C-AS), expressed in all Cav1.2 splice variants, by reversible permeabilization and organ cultured for 1–4 days. Treatment with α1C9/9*/10-AS reduced maximal constriction induced by elevated extracellular K+([K+]o) by ∼75% compared with α1C9/9*/10-sense-treated arteries. Maximal constriction in response to the Ca2+ionophore ionomycin and [K+]oEC50values were not altered by antisense treatment. Decreases in maximal [K+]o-induced constriction were similar between α1C9/9*/10-AS and α1C-AS groups (22.7 ± 9% and 25.6 ± 4% constriction, respectively). We conclude that although cerebral artery myocytes express both α1C9/9*/10and α1C9/10VDCC splice variants, α1C9/9*/10is functionally dominant in the control of cerebral artery diameter.
Effects of acute and chronic endurance exercise on intracellular nitric oxide in putative endothelial progenitor cells: role of NAPDH oxidase
Authors: Jenkins Nathan T. , Witkowski Sarah , Spangenburg Espen E. , Hagberg James M.
Published: August 2009

We sought to delineate the effects of acute and chronic exercise on the regulation of intracellular nitric oxide (NOi) production in putative endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Putative EPC colony-forming units (CFU-EC) were cultured from blood drawn before and after 30 min of treadmill exercise at 75% of maximal oxygen uptake in active ( n = 8) and inactive ( n = 8) men. CFU-EC were similar between groups at baseline, but increased after exercise in active men only ( P = 0.04). CFU-EC expressed lower NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phoxmRNA and elevated endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA in active relative to inactive men at baseline ( P < 0.05). Acute exercise reduced gp91phoxmRNA in CFU-EC of both groups ( P < 0.05), whereas p47phoxmRNA levels were reduced in the inactive group only ( P = 0.02). There were no differences between groups or with acute exercise in xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase isoforms, or gluthathione peroxidase-1 mRNA levels. NOiwas significantly greater in CFU-EC of active men at baseline ( P = 0.004). NOiincreased in CFU-EC of inactive men with acute exercise, and in vitro experiments with apocynin indicated the increased NOiproduction was caused by suppression of NADPH oxidase. However, the increases in NOiwith the different treatments in the inactive group did not reach the baseline levels in the active group ( P < 0.05). We conclude that acute exercise increases NOiin cells generated by the CFU-EC assay through an NADPH oxidase-inhibition mechanism in sedentary men. However, differences due to chronic exercise must involve additional factors. Our findings support exercise as a means to improve putative EPC function and suggest a novel mechanism that may explain this effect.
Genetic inhibition of calcineurin induces diastolic dysfunction in mice with chronic pressure overload
Authors: Gelpi Ricardo J. , Gao Shumin , Zhai Peiyong , Yan Lin , Hong Chull , Danridge Lauren M. A. , Ge Hui , Maejima Yasahiro , Donato Martin , Yokota Mitsuhiro , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Vatner Dorothy E. , Vatner Stephen F. , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: August 2009

Calcineurin is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase that induces myocardial growth in response to several physiological and pathological stimuli. Calcineurin inhibition, induced either via cyclosporine or genetically, can decrease myocardial hypertrophy secondary to pressure overload without affecting left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Since hypertrophy can also affect LV diastolic function, the goal of this study was to examine the effects of chronic pressure overload (2 wk aortic banding) in transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing Zaki-4β (TgZ), a specific endogenous inhibitor of calcineurin, on LV diastolic function. As expected, in the TgZ mice with calcineurin inhibitor overexpression, aortic banding reduced the degree of LV hypertrophy, as assessed by LV weight-to-body weight ratio (3.5 ± 0.1) compared with that in non-Tg mice (4.6 ± 0.2). LV systolic function remained compensated in both groups with pressure overload. However, the LV end-diastolic stress-to-LV end-diastolic dimension ratio, an index of diastolic stiffness and LV pressure half-time and isovolumic relaxation time, two indexes of isovolumic relaxation, increased significantly more in TgZ mice with aortic banding. Protein levels of phosphorylated phospholamban (PS16), sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a, phosphorylated ryanodine receptor, and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger were also reduced significantly ( P < 0.05) in the banded TgZ mice. As expected, genetic calcineurin inhibition inhibited the development of LV hypertrophy with chronic pressure overload but also induced LV diastolic dysfunction, as reflected by both impaired isovolumic relaxation and increased myocardial stiffness. Thus genetic calcineurin inhibition reveals a new mechanism regulating LV diastolic function.
Expression of constitutively active cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits glucose-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation
Authors: Wang Shuxia , Li Yanzhang
Published: August 2009

Previously, we have demonstrated that cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity is downregulated in vessels from diabetic animals or in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exposed to high-glucose conditions, contributing to diabetes-associated vessel dysfunction. However, whether decreased PKG activity plays a role in hyperglycemia-induced proliferation of VSMCs is unknown. In this report, high-glucose-mediated decreased PKG activity in VSMCs was restored by transfection of cells with expression vector for the catalytic domain of PKG-I (PKG-CD, constitutive active PKG). The effect of glucose on cell proliferation was determined. Our data demonstrated that high glucose exposure stimulated VSMC proliferation and G1 to S phase progression of the cell cycle, which was inhibited by restoration of PKG activity. Expression of constitutively active PKG inhibited G1 phase exit in VSMCs under high glucose conditions, which was accompanied by an inhibition of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation (a key switch for G1 to S phase cell cycle progression). Glucose-induced cyclin E expression and cyclin E-cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity was also reduced by expression of PKG-CD in VSMCs. Moreover, expression of PKG-CD suppressed glucose-induced p27 degradation. These data demonstrate that restoring the high-glucose-mediated decrease in PKG activity in VSMCs inhibits glucose-induced abnormal VSMC proliferation occurring upstream of Rb phosphorylation. Our work provides the first direct evidence linking decreased PKG activity to high glucose-induced proliferation and cell cycle progression in VSMCs, suggesting that strategies to increase PKG activity might be useful in preventing abnormal VSMC proliferation in diabetic patients and might provide treatments for diabetes-associated proliferative vascular diseases.
Activation of the PDK-1/Akt/eNOS pathway involved in aortic endothelial function differs between hyperinsulinemic and insulin-deficient diabetic rats
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuneo , Taguchi Kumiko , Nemoto Shingo , Nogami Takagoro , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kamata Katsuo
Published: August 2009

In diabetic states, altered plasma insulin is likely to play key roles in 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase (PDK)/Akt pathway activation, in insulin resistance and in endothelial dysfunction. Since the molecular mechanism(s) remains unclear, we examined the relationship between the PDK/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway and endothelial function in aortas from diabetic rats that were either insulin deficient or hyperinsulinemic. Untreated diabetic (diabetic) rats exhibited hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, whereas high-insulin-treated diabetic (HI-diabetic) rats exhibited hyperinsulinemia. Aortas from the diabetic group displayed impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to ACh, whereas the insulin-induced relaxation was increased. In HI-diabetic aortas, the ACh-induced relaxation was normal, but that induced by insulin was impaired. The insulin-induced relaxation was inhibited by treatment with an Akt inhibitor in control and diabetic aortas, but not in the HI-diabetic aorta. This inhibitory effect on insulin-induced relaxation was greater in diabetic aortas than in control aortas. In all groups, ACh-induced relaxation was unaffected by the above inhibitor. In the diabetic group, various insulin-stimulated levels (nitric oxide production, phosphorylation of endothelial NOS at Ser1177, of Akt at Thr308, and of PDK-1 at Ser241) were significantly increased, whereas, in the HI-diabetic group, these levels were all decreased (vs. control aortas). These results suggest that the plasma insulin level has a close relation to the level of aortic PDK-1/Akt (at Thr308)/NOS activities, and that reduced actions of the PDK-1/Akt (at Thr308) signal pathway may contribute to the impairments of insulin-induced endothelial functions seen in hyperinsulinemic diabetes.
Transforming growth factor-β signaling in hypertensive remodeling of porcine aorta
Authors: Popovic Natasa , Bridenbaugh Eric A. , Neiger Jessemy D. , Hu Jin-Jia , Vannucci Marina , Mo Qianxing , Trzeciakowski Jerome , Miller Matthew W. , Fossum Theresa W. , Humphrey Jay D. , Wilson Emily
Published: August 2009

A porcine aortic coarctation model was used to examine regulation of gene expression in early hypertensive vascular remodeling. Aortic segments were collected proximal (high pressure) and distal (low pressure) to the coarctation after 2 wk of sustained hypertension (mean arterial pressure > 150 mmHg). Porcine 10K oligoarrays used for gene expression profiling of the two regions of aorta revealed downregulation of cytoskeletal and upregulation of extracellular region genes relative to the whole genome. A genomic database search for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) control elements showed that 19% of the genes that changed expression due to hypertension contained putative TGF-β control elements. Real-time RT-PCR and microarray analysis showed no change in expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, or bone morphogenetic proteins-2 and -4, yet immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated SMAD2, an indicator of TGF-β signaling, and for phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8, an indicator of signaling through the bone morphogenetic proteins, showed the highest percentage of positively stained cells in the proximal aortic segments of occluded animals. For TGF-β signaling, this increase was significantly different than for sham-operated controls. Western blot analysis showed no difference in total TGF-β1protein levels with respect to treatment or aortic segment. Immunohistochemistry showed that the protein levels of latency-associated peptide was decreased in proximal segments of occluded animals. Collectively, these results suggest that activation of TGF-β, but not altered expression, may be a major mechanism regulating early hypertensive vascular remodeling.
Persistent bronchiolar remodeling following brief ventilation of the very immature ovine lung
Authors: O'Reilly Megan , Hooper Stuart B. , Allison Beth J. , Flecknoe Sharon J. , Snibson Ken , Harding Richard , Sozo Foula
Published: August 2009

Children and adults who were mechanically ventilated following preterm birth are at increased risk of reduced lung function, suggesting small airway dysfunction. We hypothesized that short periods of mechanical ventilation of very immature lungs can induce persistent bronchiolar remodeling that may adversely affect later lung function. Our objectives were to characterize the effects of brief, positive-pressure ventilation per se on the small airways in very immature, surfactant-deficient lungs and to determine whether the effects persist after the cessation of ventilation. Fetal sheep (0.75 of term) were mechanically ventilated in utero with room air (peak inspiratory pressure 40 cmH2O, positive end-expiratory pressure 4 cmH2O, 65 breaths/min) for 6 or 12 h, after which tissues were collected; another group was studied 7 days after 12-h ventilation. Age-matched unventilated fetuses were controls. The mean basement membrane perimeter of airways analyzed was 548.6 ± 8.5 μm and was not different between groups. Immediately after ventilation, 21% of airways had epithelial injury; in airways with intact epithelium, there was more airway smooth muscle (ASM) and less collagen, and the epithelium contained more mucin-containing and apoptotic cells and fewer proliferating cells. Seven days after ventilation, epithelial injury was absent but the epithelium was thicker, with greater cell turnover; there were increased amounts of bronchiolar collagen and ASM and fewer alveolar attachments. The increase in ASM was likely due to cellular hypertrophy rather than hyperplasia. We conclude that brief mechanical ventilation of the very immature lung induces remodeling of the bronchiolar epithelium and walls that lasts for at least 7 days; such changes could contribute to later airway dysfunction.
Cigarette smoke extract induces COX-2 expression via a PKCα/c-Src/EGFR, PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway and p300 in tracheal smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yang Chuen-Mao , Lee I-Ta , Lin Chih-Chung , Yang Ya-Lin , Luo Shue-Fen , Kou Yu Ru , Hsiao Li-Der
Published: August 2009

Exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) leads to airway or lung inflammation, which may be mediated through cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and its product prostaglandin E2(PGE2) synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying CSE-induced COX-2 expression in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs). Here, we describe that COX-2 induction is dependent on PKCα/c-Src/EGFR, PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling in HTSMCs. CSE stimulated the phosphorylation of c-Src, EGFR, PDGFR, and Akt, which were inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitor of PKCα (Gö6976 or Gö6983), c-Src (PP1), EGFR (AG1478), PDGFR (AG1296), or PI3K (LY294002). Moreover, CSE induced a significant increase in COX-2 expression, which was reduced by pretreatment with these inhibitors or transfection with siRNA of PKCα, Src, or Akt. Furthermore, CSE-stimulated NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and translocation were also attenuated by pretreatment with Gö6976, PP1, AG1478, AG1296, or LY294002. CSE-induced COX-2 expression was also mediated through the recruitment of p300 associated with NF-κB in HTSMCs, revealed by coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. In addition, pretreatment with the inhibitors of NF-κB (helenalin) and p300 (garcinol) or transfection with p65 siRNA and p300 siRNA markedly inhibited CSE-regulated COX-2 expression. However, CSE-induced PGE2generation was reduced by pretreatment with the inhibitor of COX-2 (NS-398). These results demonstrated that in HTSMCs, CSE-induced COX-2-dependent PGE2generation was mediated through PKCα/c-Src/EGFR, PDGFR/PI3K/Akt leading to the recruitment of p300 with NF-κB complex.
Eye-Hand Coordination During Target Selection in a Pop-Out Visual Search
Authors: Song Joo-Hyun , McPeek Robert M.
Published: September 2009

We examined the coordination of saccades and reaches in a visual search task in which monkeys were rewarded for reaching to an odd-colored target among distractors. Eye movements were unconstrained, and monkeys typically made one or more saccades before initiating a reach. Target selection for reaching and saccades was highly correlated with the hand and eyes landing near the same final stimulus both for correct reaches to the target and for incorrect reaches to a distractor. Incorrect reaches showed a bias in target selection: they were directed to the distractor in the same hemifield as the target more often than to other distractors. A similar bias was seen in target selection for the initial saccade in correct reaching trials with multiple saccades. We also examined the temporal coupling of saccades and reaches. In trials with a single saccade, a reaching movement was made after a fairly stereotyped delay. In multiple-saccade trials, a reach to the target could be initiated near or even before the onset of the final target-directed saccade. In these trials, the initial trajectory of the reach was often directed toward the fixated distractor before veering toward the target around the time of the final saccade. In virtually all cases, the eyes arrived at the target before the hand, and remained fixated until reach completion. Overall, these results are consistent with flexible temporal coupling of saccade and reach initiation, but fairly tight coupling of target selection for the two types of action.
New human resource management practices in knowledge-intensive business services firms: The case of outsourcing with staff transfer
Authors: Grimshaw Damian , Miozzo Marcela
Published: August 2009

This article investigates the human resource management practices that underpin a specific model of organizing knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). Drawing on data from four countries, it examines HR practices in two global IT services firms — EDS and IBM. The market for IT services depends very much on outsourcing and the transfer of IT workers from the client to the IT firm. This has theoretical and empirical implications for how IT firms manage recruitment, skill development and job security. The evidence supports an alternative framework for understanding four key influences on HRM in large specialist KIBS firms: i) inter-organizational relations (tight inter-linkages with client organizations); ii) contract performance conditions (outsourcing contracts); iii) knowledge flows (inter-organizational transfers of highly skilled IT workers); and iv) the economic and institutional context (industrial relations institutions). The article demonstrates that these internal and external conditions generate new tensions and conflicts in the design and implementation of HR practices.
Enterprise contested: Betwixt and between the discourses of career and enterprise in a UK bank
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: August 2009

This article analyses the ‘enterprise’ discourse (Miller & Rose, 1990; Rose, 1989) that endeavours to reinvent employees as responsible, autonomous, self-regulating, customer-focused, team players. In this study of a major UK bank, the staff both endorsed and turned the enterprise discourse back on management and so the boundaries between dissent and consent are blurred. The case study highlights that enterprise does not arrive fully formed and can be a weapon of employees rather than simply a tool of those who seek to exercise power. It is argued that whilst enterprise is a contemporary discourse, it reproduces aspects of a much older ‘career’ (McKinlay, 2002; Tempest et al., 2004) discourse in UK financial services. The continuity and discontinuity between the two discourses fuelled resistance, whilst oiling and obscuring, the reproduction of enduring inequalities, that straddle both discourses.
Is work—family balance more than conflict and enrichment?
Authors: Carlson Dawn S. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Zivnuska Suzanne
Published: August 2009

This study deepens our theoretical and practical understanding of work—family balance, defined as the ‘accomplishment of role-related expectations that are negotiated and shared between an individual and his/her role-related partners in the work and family domains’ (Grzywacz & Carlson, 2007: 458). We develop a new measure of work—family balance and establish discriminant validity between it, work—family conflict, and work—family enrichment. Further, we examine the relationship of work—family balance with six key work and family outcomes. Results suggest that balance explains variance beyond that explained by traditional measures of conflict and enrichment for five of six outcomes tested: job satisfaction, organizational commitment, family satisfaction, family performance, and family functioning. We conclude with a discussion of the applications of our work.
Top management credibility and employee cynicism: A comprehensive model
Authors: Kim Tae-Yeol , Bateman Thomas S. , Gilbreath Brad , Andersson Lynne M.
Published: August 2009

By combining quantitative and qualitative methods of study, we develop a comprehensive model of top management behaviors, perceived management credibility, and employee cynicism and outcomes. Specifically, we identify managerial behaviors that affect employees’ perceptions of two components of top management’s credibility — trustworthiness and competence — and examine how each of those components relates to employee cynicism. Top management competence and trustworthiness relate to different components of employee cynicism (cognitive, affective, and behavioral cynicism), and these dimensions of cynicism differentially relate to organizational commitment and self-assessed job performance. Content analysis of critical incidents revealed that different sets of managerial behaviors generate attributions of competence, incompetence, trustworthiness, and non-trustworthiness. This study and the resulting model open the door to more finely distilled research on management credibility and employee cynicism.
Electroporation as an Efficient Physical Enhancer for Skin Drug Delivery
Authors: Escobar‐Chávez José Juan , Bonilla‐Martínez Dalia , Villegas‐González Martha Angélica , Revilla‐Vázquez Alma Luisa
Published: August 2009

Transdermal drug delivery offers an attractive alternative to the conventional drug delivery methods of oral administration and injection. However, the stratum corneum acts as a barrier that limits the penetration of substances through the skin. Application of high‐voltage pulses to the skin increases its permeability (electroporation) and enables the delivery of various substances into and through the skin. The application of electroporation to the skin has been shown to increase transdermal drug delivery. Moreover, electroporation, used alone or in combination with other enhancement methods, expands the range of drugs (small to macromolecules, lipophilic or hydrophilic, charged or neutral molecules) that can be delivered transdermally. The efficacy of transport depends on the electrical parameters and the physicochemical properties of drugs. The in vivo application of high‐voltage pulses is well tolerated, but muscle contractions are usually induced. The electrode and patch design is an important issue to reduce the discomfort of the electrical treatment in humans. This review presents the main findings in the field of electroporation—namely, transdermal drug delivery. Particular attention is paid to proposed enhancement mechanisms and trends in the field of topical and transdermal delivery.
The Effect of Raltegravir on the Glucuronidation of Lamotrigine
Authors: van Luin Matthijs , Colbers Angela , Verwey‐van Wissen Corrien P. W. G. M. , van Ewijk‐Beneken‐Kolmer Eleonora W. J. , van der Kolk Mike , Hoitsma Arjen , da Silva Hugo Gomes , Burger David M.
Published: August 2009

The authors studied the effect of raltegravir on the pharmacokinetics of the antiepileptic agent lamotrigine. Twelve healthy volunteers (group A) received 400 mg raltegravir twice daily from days 1 to 5. On day 4, a single dose of 100 mg lamotrigine was administered. After a washout period, participants received a second single dose of 100 mg of lamotrigine but now without raltegravir (day 32). In group B, 12 participants received the same treatment as in group A but in reverse order. On days 4 and 32, 48‐hour pharmacokinetic curves were drawn. Geometric mean ratios (+90% confidence intervals [CIs]) of lamotrigine area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0→48) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) for raltegravir + lamotrigine versus lamotrigine alone were 0.99 (0.96–1.01) and 0.94 (0.89–0.99), respectively. The mean ratio of the AUC0→48 of lamotrigine‐2N‐glucuronide to lamotrigine was similar when lamotrigine was taken alone (0.35) or when taken with raltegravir (0.36). Raltegravir does not influence the glucuronidation of lamotrigine.
Effects of a low-frequency sound wave therapy programme on functional capacity, blood circulation and bone metabolism in frail old men and women
Authors: Zheng A. , Sakari R. , Cheng SM , Hietikko A. , Moilanen P. , Timonen J. , Fagerlund KM , Kärkkäinen M. , Alèn M. , Cheng S.
Published: August 2009

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a low-frequency sound wave therapy programme on functional capacity, blood circulation and bone metabolism of the frail elderly.

Design: Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: Two senior service centres.

Subjects: Forty-nine volunteers (14 males and 35 females) aged 62—93 years with up to 12 diagnosed diseases were allocated in either the intervention group (n = 30) or control group (n = 19).

Intervention: The intervention group underwent sound wave therapy, 3—5 times a week for 30 minutes per session over a period of 6 months. The control group received no intervention.

Main measurements: Blood pressure, functional capacity, mobility, bone density, biochemical markers, isometric muscle strength, balance, and skin surface temperature.

Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group’s mobility and the amount of self-reported kilometres walked per week increased by 3 km (P<0.05), while levels of cholesterol (4.97 (0.72) to 4.52 (0.65) mmol/L, P =0.019), low-density lipoprotein (2.82 (0.72) to 2.45 (0.61) mmol/L, P =0.022), bone markers of total osteocalcin (11.0 (6.5) to 10.3 (5.9) ng/mL, P =0.048)) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (2.50 (1.0) to 2.41 (1.1) IU/L, P =0.021)) decreased. The average skin surface temperature was significantly higher during active sessions at the end of the intervention than in the beginning (P = 0.004). No change was found during placebo sessions.

Conclusions: Low-frequency sound wave therapy may have the potential to promote well-being of frail elderly subjects via improved functional capacity, especially in subjects who are too frail to undertake exercise.
Effects of exercise programmes on quality of life in osteoporotic and osteopenic postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Wei-Chun , Chen Yi-Chan , Yang Rong-Sen , Tsauo Jau-Yih
Published: August 2009

Objective: To examine the effect of exercise therapy on quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, EMBASE and the Cochrane library from January 1966 to March 2007. Two reviewers independently selected all studies that met predetermined inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials that used the Short Form 36 of the Medical Outcome Study (SF-36) questionnaire or the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO) as outcome measures were selected. The PEDro Scale was applied to rate the quality of each article. All studies had a quality score above 5/10. Meta-analysis was facilitated by RevMan 4.1.

Results: Four randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 256 participants. Results revealed that the exercise groups showed significant improvements in the domains of physical function, pain, role physical and vitality (P<0.05). Furthermore, intervention with combined exercise programmes had better effects on physical function, pain and vitality domains than controls. Group exercise programmes also produced better results in these three domains. A short-duration exercise programme produced more improvement in physical function, role physical and vitality, whereas a long-duration exercise programme resulted in more improvement in physical function and pain domains.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed better improvement in physical function, pain, role physical and vitality in the exercise groups. Combined exercise and group exercise programmes showed better outcomes in the physical function, pain and vitality domains, but different durations of exercise programme showed improvement in different domains.
Development and validation of the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Clinical Rehabilitation (USER)
Authors: Post Marcel WM , van de Port Ingrid GL , Kap Bert , Berdenis van Berlekom Steven H
Published: August 2009

Objective: The Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation (USER) is a measure of functional independence that covers physical functioning (mobility, self-care), cognitive functioning and additional domains of pain, fatigue and mood. USER is implemented in the Netherlands as a generic rehabilitation outcome measure. This article reports the development and psychometric characteristics of USER.

Design: (1) Inter-rater reliability study and (2) responsiveness study with measurements at admission and at discharge from clinical rehabilitation.

Setting: Three rehabilitation facilities in the Netherlands.

Patients: Rehabilitation inpatients (N = 319).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) of USER scales were compared to those of the Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and to relevant scales of the SF-36.

Results: Inter-rater reliability of USER was satisfactory to good. Strong correlations were found between the physical and cognitive functioning scores of USER, the Barthel Index and FIM (0.84—0.94). Correlations between USER pain, fatigue and mood scores and SF-36 scores were also strong (0.58—0.84). Responsiveness of USER physical functioning (1.0—1.2) was very good and slightly better than responsiveness of the Barthel Index (0.9—1.1) and the FIM motor score (0.8—1.1). Responsiveness of the USER cognitive score was below standard (0.2—0.3), but better than responsiveness of the FIM cognitive scores (0.1—0.2).

Conclusions: USER is a reliable, valid and responsive measure of functional independence that can be used as an alternative for the FIM. The pain, fatigue and mood scores were adapted after this study and need additional validation.
An Active Vision System for Detecting, Fixating and Manipulating Objects in the Real World
Authors: Rasolzadeh B. , Björkman M. , Huebner K. , Kragic D.
Published: August 2009

The ability to autonomously acquire new knowledge through interaction with the environment is an important research topic in the field of robotics. The knowledge can only be acquired if suitable perception— action capabilities are present: a robotic system has to be able to detect, attend to and manipulate objects in its surrounding. In this paper, we present the results of our long-term work in the area of vision-based sensing and control. The work on finding, attending, recognizing and manipulating objects in domestic environments is studied. We present a stereo-based vision system framework where aspects of top-down and bottom-up attention as well as foveated attention are put into focus and demonstrate how the system can be utilized for robotic object grasping.
Approaches to modelling land erodibility by wind
Authors: Webb Nicholas P. , McGowan Hamish A.
Published: August 2009

Land susceptibility to wind erosion is governed by complex multiscale interactions between soil erodibility and non-erodible roughness elements populating the land surface. Numerous wind erosion modelling systems have been developed to quantify soil loss and dust emissions at the field, regional and global scales. All of these models require some component that defines the susceptibility of the land surface to erosion, ie, land erodibility. The approaches taken to characterizing land erodibility have advanced through time, following developments in empirical and process-based research into erosion mechanics, and the growing availability of moderate to high-resolution spatial data that can be used as model inputs. Most importantly, the performance of individual models is highly dependent on the means by which soil erodibility and surface roughness effects are represented in their land erodibility characterizations. This paper presents a systematic review of a selection of wind erosion models developed over the last 50 years. The review evaluates how land erodibility has been modelled at different spatial and temporal scales, and in doing this the paper identifies concepts behind parameterizations of land erodibility, trends in model development, and recent progress in the representation of soil, vegetation and land management effects on the susceptibility of landscapes to wind erosion. The paper provides a synthesis of the capabilities of the models in assessing dynamic patterns of land erodibility change, and concludes by identifying key areas that require research attention to enhance our capacity to achieve this task.
Mechanical Behavior of Polypropylene-based Honeycomb-Core Composite Sandwich Structures
Authors: Sezgin F.E. , Tanoğlu M. , Eğilmez O.Ö. , Dönmez C.
Published: August 2009

This article presents results from an experimental study, investigating the effects of core thickness on the mechanical properties of composite sandwich structures with polypropylene(PP)-based honeycomb core and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) face-sheets fabricated by hand lay-up technique. Epoxy matrix and non-crimp glass fibers were used for the production of GFRP laminates. Flatwise compression (FC), edgewise compression (EC), three-point bending (3PB) and double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the composite sandwich structures (CSSs). Based on the FC tests, an increase in the compressive modulus and strength was observed with an increase in the core thickness. For EC tests, peak loads up to crush of the sandwich panel is discussed using core thickness. According to the 3PB tests, a decrease in core shear stress and facesheet bending stress was observed as the core thickness increases.
A Survey of Police Officers’ and Prosecutors’ Beliefs About Crime Victim Behaviors
Authors: Ask Karl
Published: August 2009

A survey of police officers ( n = 211) and prosecutors ( n = 190) in Sweden was conducted to assess law personnel’s beliefs about the behaviors and reactions of victims of violent crimes.There were considerable differences in the expected behavioral display of different types of crime victims, with rape and domestic assault victims seen as particularly prone to expressive self-presentation and self-blame. Despite empirical evidence showing otherwise, most respondents thought that crime victims’ nonverbal and emotional expression is to some extent related to the truthfulness of their accounts. However, educational efforts appeared to have a corrective influence on such beliefs. The perceived prevalence of false reports differed across crime types, with rape and mugging receiving particularly high estimates. Police officers believed false reports to be more common than did prosecutors. Time constraints were seen, especially by prosecutors, as an impediment to appropriate treatment of crime victims. Potential explanations for occupational differences and limitations associated with the survey methodology are discussed.
Aging and Risk: Physical and Sexual Abuse of Elders in Canada
Authors: Brozowski Kari , Hall David R.
Published: August 2009

In this article, we review the literature on physical and sexual elder abuse within the context of risk theory and feminist sociology. Employing data from the 1999 General Social Survey, we also examine several variables potentially associated with the risk for physical or sexual abuse of elders. Women, Aboriginal Canadians, and elders who are divorced, living in urban areas with low income have a higher risk of physical or sexual abuse. This supports risk and anxiety as factors. Further testing of elder abuse using this theoretical framework is required.
On the Reduced-order Modeling of Energy Harvesters
Authors: Seuaciuc-Osório Thiago , Daqaq Mohammed F.
Published: August 2009

This work addresses the accuracy and convergence of reduced-order models (ROMs) of energy harvesters. Two types of energy harvesters are considered, a magnetostrictive rod in axial vibrations and a piezoelectric cantilever beam in traverse oscillations. Using generalized Hamilton’s principle, the partial differential equations (PDEs) and associated boundary conditions governing the motion of these harvesters are obtained. The eigenvalue problem is then solved for the exact eigenvalues and modeshapes. Furthermore, an exact expression for the steady-sate output power is attained by direct solution of the PDEs. Subsequently, the results are compared to a ROM attained following the common Rayleigh—Ritz procedure. It is observed that the eigenvalues and output power near the first resonance frequency are more accurate and has a much faster convergence to the exact solution for the piezoelectric cantilever-type harvester. In addition, it is shown that the convergence is governed by two dimensionless constants, one that is related to the electromechanical coupling and the other to the ratio between the time constant of the mechanical oscillator and the harvesting circuit. Using these results, some interesting conclusions are drawn in regards to the design values for which the common single-mode ROM is accurate. It is also shown that the number of modes necessary for convergence should be obtained at maximum electric loading for the piezoelectric harvester and at minimum electric loading in the magnetostrictive case.
The Flutter Response of a Piezoelectrically Damped Cantilever Pipe
Authors: Elvin Niell G. , Elvin Alex A.
Published: August 2009

The investigation of passively damped piezoelectric structures within fluid flows is important for two reasons: (a) to increase the critical flutter speed and (b) conversely to generate electrical energy to power small scale electronic systems. In this article, a cantilever pipe with resistive piezoelectric damping is chosen as the model structure to demonstrate behavior over a range of fluid/structure mass ratios. The effects of piezoelectric coupling on the critical flutter velocity, capacitance, load resistance, and piezoelectric location are investigated. The modeling shows that depending on the piezoelectric parameters chosen and the attached electrical load resistance, the addition of a passive piezoelectric element can either increase or decrease stability of the system (i.e., the critical flutter speed of the cantilever pipe can be altered and hence controlled).
A High-voltage and High-power Amplifier for Driving Piezoelectric Stack Actuators
Authors: Wang D.H. , Zhu W. , Yang Q. , Ding W.M.
Published: August 2009

Aiming at the strong capacitive impedance of piezoelectric stack actuators, the principle to improve the dynamic performance of piezoelectric stack actuators through increasing the peak values of the output current and output power of power amplifiers are explored. Based on the error-amplified principle, the method that enlarges the output voltage of the dynamic power amplifiers through using a high-voltage operational amplifier in series with the power booster section, as well as the method that improves the peak values of the output current and output power through paralleling multiple power booster units utilizing the class AB quasi-complementary symmetry power amplifier circuits, are proposed and analyzed. Utilizing the proposed principle and method, a high-voltage and high-power amplifier for driving piezoelectric stack actuators is developed, simulated, and tested. The research results indicate that the developed power amplifier not only can break through the limit that each single power booster unit can only achieve the power output <125 W, but also can disperse the current and power averagely among the power booster units in parallel, which are beneficial to realizing the high power output with good static and dynamic performance and enhancing the reliability of the power amplifier.
Fractured Femininities/Massacred Masculinities
Authors: Leavy Patricia
Published: August 2009

The following series of poems, titled “Fractured Femininities/Massacred Masculinities” consists of six “tri-voiced poems” presented as an installation. The author uses the term tri-voiced poems to denote poems crafted from original data, existing literature, and autoethnographic researcher observations. With respect to original data, the poems are based, in part, on data collected during two interview studies. One study involves in-depth interviews with seven heterosexual college-age women regarding their body images and conceptions of femininity and masculinity. The other study consists of in-depth interviews with twenty-eight homosexual, bisexual, and heterosexual college-age women regarding their body images and sexual-gender identities. A feminist social constructionist literature review and the author’s experiences and observations have also informed the poetic works. The poems are intended to be engaged with as an installation—connected pieces of a larger work in which themes and language are replicated across poems as windows through the elements in the series.
“Coming of Age in Methodology”
Authors: Caracciolo Diane , Staikidis Kryssi
Published: August 2009

In this article the authors tell the story of their separate but related journeys toward “coming of age in methodology,” journeys that brought them, as non-indigenous women, into relationships with indigenous peoples, who challenged them to unlearn their taken-for-granted notions about research. The first study highlights the pervasive silencing of indigenous perspectives within K-12 schools and teacher preparation programs on Long Island, New York. The second study focuses on the mentoring model in two Maya artists’ studios as a dialogic process that is guided by Maya artists, and which fosters discoveries that help to transform art education curricula. Through rich conversations leading to alliances with the indigenous peoples they have met in these studies, the authors hope to examine their own biases and create avenues for indigenous perspectives to inform and transform educational and research practices.
Aspects of health, physical/leisure activities, work and socio-demographics associated with pet ownership in Sweden
Authors: Müllersdorf Maria , Granström Fredrik , Sahlqvist Lotta , Tillgren Per
Published: August 2009

Aims: The aim of the work presented here was to explore differences between pet owners and non-pet-owners concerning aspects of health, physical/leisure activities, work and socio-demographics. Methods: The study was based on nationally representative data from the Swedish population (n = 43,589). Associations between pet ownership and background variables were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 39,995 respondents were included in the analysis (non-pet-owners = 25,006; pet owners = 14,989). Pet ownership was associated with both positive and negative aspects of health, physical/leisure activities and socio-demographics. Pet owners had better general health but suffered more from mental health problems than non-pet-owners. Their leisure activities involved a greater interest in nature life and/or gardening than those of non-pet-owners. The logistic regression analysis showed that people who were self-employed, in the age range 35 to 49, of female sex, and suffering from pain in the head, neck and shoulders were more likely to own a pet than others. People physically active at a level sufficient to have a positive effect on their health more often owned a pet than people who were less active. Conclusions: Pet owners differ from non-pet-owners in aspects of socio-demographics, health, physical/leisure activities and work situation. This study, based on a general regional population in Sweden, showed differences of both a positive and a negative kind between non-pet-owners and pet owners concerning aspects of health, physical and leisure activities, and work situation.