bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONVERGENCE OF A CONVOLUTION-FILTERING-BASED ALGORITHM FOR EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: HUANG CHAO , YANG LIHUA , WANG YANG
Published: October 2009

Lin et al. propose the iterative Toeplitz filters algorithm as an alternative iterative algorithm for Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). In this alternative algorithm, the average of the upper and lower envelopes is replaced by certain "moving average" obtained through a low-pass filter. Performing the traditional sifting algorithm with such moving averages is equivalent to iterating certain convolution filters (finite length Toeplitz filters). This paper studies the convergence of this algorithm for signals of continuous variables, and proves that the limit function of this iterative algorithm is an ideal high-pass filtering process.
EMD OF GAUSSIAN WHITE NOISE: EFFECTS OF SIGNAL LENGTH AND SIFTING NUMBER ON THE STATISTICAL PROPERTIES OF INTRINSIC MODE FUNCTIONS
Authors: SCHLOTTHAUER GASTÓN , TORRES MARÍA EUGENIA , RUFINER HUGO L. , FLANDRIN PATRICK
Published: October 2009

This work presents a discussion on the probability density function of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) provided by the Empirical Mode Decomposition of Gaussian white noise, based on experimental simulations. The influence on the probability density functions of the data length and of the maximum allowed number of iterations is analyzed by means of kernel smoothing density estimations. The obtained results are confirmed by statistical normality tests indicating that the IMFs have non-Gaussian distributions. Our study also indicates that large data length and high number of iterations produce multimodal distributions in all modes.
SEARCH FOR CLIMATE TRENDS IN SATELLITE DATA
Authors: RUZMAIKIN ALEXANDER , FEYNMAN JOAN
Published: October 2009

Unambiguous determination of trends is the central theme of climate change studies. A promising way to validate and quantify a warming trend of few degrees on a time scale of a century, predicted by climate models, is the use of measurements provided by satellites. However, climate variables, such as temperature and concentration of water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere, are noisy and subject to seasonal and interannual variabilities. The lifetime of any single satellite is relatively short (< 5–10 years) and producing long-term data records by using successive satellite introduces inter-calibration problems. Standard methods of trend determination, such as the least square fit of a linear trend, require sufficiently long time series and thus are not effective for the analysis of satellite data. Here, we applied the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and find it to be more efficient in the search for climate trends in the relatively short time series provided by satellites. We give examples of climate time series analyses using the EMD and discuss the problems we encounter in calculation and interpretation of trends extracted from the data limited in time extent.
ADAPTIVE DECOMPOSITION INTO MONO-COMPONENTS
Authors: QIAN TAO , WANG YAN-BO , DANG PEI
Published: October 2009

This paper reviews some recent progress on adaptive signal decomposition into mono-components that are defined to be the signals of non-negative analytic phase derivatives.
ITERATIVE FILTERING AS AN ALTERNATIVE ALGORITHM FOR EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: LIN LUAN , WANG YANG , ZHOU HAOMIN
Published: October 2009

The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) was a method pioneered by (N. Huang et al., The empirical mode decomposition and the Hilbert spectrum for nonlinear nonstationary time series analysis, Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. A454 (1998) 903–995) as an alternative technique to the traditional Fourier and wavelet techniques for studying signals. It decomposes a signal into several components called intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), which have shown to admit better behaved instantaneous frequencies via Hilbert transforms. In this paper, we propose an alternative algorithm for EMD based on iterating certain filters, such as Toeplitz filters. This approach yields similar results as the more traditional sifting algorithm for EMD. In many cases the convergence can be rigorously proved.
IRIS RECOGNITION BASED ON HILBERT–HUANG TRANSFORM
Authors: YANG ZHIJING , YANG ZHIHUA , YANG LIHUA
Published: October 2009

As a reliable approach for human identification, iris recognition has received increasing attention in recent years. This paper proposes a new analysis method for iris recognition based on Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT). We first divide a normalized iris image into several subregions. Then the main frequency center information based on HHT of each subregion is employed to form the feature vector. The proposed iris recognition method has nice properties, such as translation invariance, scale invariance, rotation invariance, illumination invariance and robustness to high frequency noise. Moreover, the experimental results on the CASIA iris database which is the largest publicly available iris image data sets show that the performance of the proposed method is encouraging and comparable to the best iris recognition algorithm found in the current literature.
ESTIMATION OF INSTANTANEOUS FREQUENCY PARAMETERS OF THE OPERATOR-BASED SIGNAL SEPARATION METHOD
Authors: HU XIYUAN , PENG SILONG , HWANG WEN-LIANG
Published: October 2009

The main function of the operator-based signal separation approach is to construct an operator from a signal and use it to decompose the signal into two subcomponents. The procedure involves two steps: estimating the operator, and decomposing the signal into two subcomponents. Existing approaches estimate the operator's parameters from the local extrema of a signal. In contrast, we show that the parameters can be estimated by adopting a variational approach. Because the proposed approach imposes a global constraint on the operator's parameter, the estimated parameters are more robust than those derived from the local extrema of the signal. We also compare the signal separation results with those obtained by using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method.
A VARIANT OF THE EMD METHOD FOR MULTI-SCALE DATA
Authors: HOU THOMAS Y. , YAN MIKE P. , WU ZHAOHUA
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we propose a variant of the Empirical Mode Decomposition method to decompose multiscale data into their intrinsic mode functions. Under the assumption that the multiscale data satisfy certain scale separation property, we show that the proposed method can extract the intrinsic mode functions accurately and uniquely.
Transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 has a major role in mediating visceral pain in mice
Authors: Cattaruzza Fiore , Spreadbury Ian , Miranda-Morales Marcela , Grady Eileen F. , Vanner Stephen , Bunnett Nigel W.
Published: October 2009

The excitatory ion channel transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) is prominently expressed by primary afferent neurons and is a mediator of inflammatory pain. Inflammatory agents can directly activate [e.g., hydroxynonenal (HNE), prostaglandin metabolites] or indirectly sensitize [e.g., agonists of protease-activated receptor (PAR2)] TRPA1 to induce somatic pain and hyperalgesia. However, the contribution of TRPA1 to visceral pain is unknown. We investigated the role of TRPA1 in visceral hyperalgesia by measuring abdominal visceromotor responses (VMR) to colorectal distention (CRD) after intracolonic administration of TRPA1 agonists [mustard oil (MO), HNE], sensitizing agents [PAR2activating peptide (PAR2-AP)], and the inflammatory agent trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in trpa1+/+and trpa1−/−mice. Sensory neurons innervating the colon, identified by retrograde tracing, coexpressed immunoreactive TRPA1, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and substance P, expressed TRPA1 mRNA and responded to MO with depolarizing currents. Intracolonic MO and HNE increased VMR to CRD and induced immunoreactive c-fos in spinal neurons in trpa1+/+but not in trpa1−/−mice. Intracolonic PAR2-AP induced mechanical hyperalgesia in trpa1+/+but not in trpa1−/−mice. TNBS-induced colitis increased in VMR to CRD and induced c-fos in spinal neurons in trpa1+/+but not in trpa1−/−mice. Thus TRPA1 is expressed by colonic primary afferent neurons. Direct activation of TRPA1 causes visceral hyperalgesia, and TRPA1 mediates PAR2-induced hyperalgesia. TRPA1 deletion markedly reduces colitis-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the colon. Our results suggest that TRPA1 has a major role in visceral nociception and may be a therapeutic target for colonic inflammatory pain.
Roles of stem cell factor on the depletion of interstitial cells of Cajal in the colon of diabetic mice
Authors: Lin Lin , Xu Li-ming , Zhang Wei , Ge Ying-bin , Tang Yu-rong , Zhang Hong-jie , Li Xue-liang , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stem cell factor (SCF) on interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC) depletion in the colon of diabetic mice. Male C57/BL6 mice were treated by a single intraperitoneally injected dose of streptozotocin, and those displaying sustained high blood glucose were selected as diabetes mellitus models. Six groups of mice were used: three groups of normal nondiabetic mice (untreated and treated with IgG or SCF antibody), and three groups of diabetic mice (untreated and treated with vehicle or SCF). Changes of the ICC quantities were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. ICC morphologies were observed with transmission electron microscopy. The SCF levels in sera and colon tissues were detected by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. The nondiabetic mice treated with SCF antibody and the untreated diabetic mice showed decreased SCF levels in the sera and colonic tissues, reduced numbers of ICC, and pathological changes of the ICC ultrastructures, whereas the nondiabetic mice treated with mouse IgG showed no significant changes compared with the nondiabetic mice. The diabetic mice treated with exogenous SCF showed restored SCF levels in both sera and colon tissues and improvement in the numbers of ICC and the damages of ICC ultrastructures, whereas the vehicle control of diabetic mice showed no significant changes compared with the diabetic mice. The blood glucose remained high and unchanged with the treatment of SCF or vehicle in the diabetic mice. These results indicate that diabetic mice show a decline in the number of ICC and impairment in the ultrastructures of ICC, and these abnormalities are attributed to a deficiency in the endogenous SCF but are not related to hyperglycemia. Exogenous SCF partially reverses the pathological changes of ICC in diabetic mice.
Big breathing: the complex interaction of obesity, hypoventilation, weight loss, and respiratory function
Authors: Piper Amanda J. , Grunstein Ronald R.
Published: October 2009

Obesity places a significant load on the respiratory system, affecting lung volumes, respiratory muscle function, work of breathing, and ventilatory control. Despite this, most morbidly obese individuals maintain eucapnia. However, a subgroup of morbidly obese individuals will develop chronic daytime hypercapnia, described as the obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). While obesity is obviously a crucial component of this syndrome, the relationship between excess fat accumulation and the development of awake hypercapnia is complex and extends beyond simply impairments of pulmonary mechanics and lung volumes as a consequence of obesity. Various compensatory mechanisms operate to maintain eucapnia even in the presence of extreme obesity. However, if compensation is impaired, hypoventilation will ensue. While obesity alone does not account for the development of hypoventilation, weight loss will produce significant improvements in lung function and awake gas exchange. Such improvements have the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality in these individuals. Nevertheless, many individuals remain overweight despite substantial weight loss, with persistence of upper airway obstruction. Attention to this residual abnormality is important given the high incidence of cardiovascular abnormalities, including pulmonary hypertension, in individuals with OHS.
Resistive exercise versus resistive vibration exercise to counteract vascular adaptations to bed rest
Authors: van Duijnhoven Noortje T. L. , Thijssen Dick H. J. , Green Daniel J. , Felsenberg Dieter , Belavý Daniel L. , Hopman Maria T. E.
Published: October 2009

Bed rest results in marked vascular adaptations, and resistive vibration exercise (RVE) has been shown to be an effective countermeasure. As vibration exercise has practical and logistical limitations, the use of resistive exercise (RES) alone has the preference under specific circumstances. However, it is unknown if RES is sufficient to prevent vascular adaptations to bed rest. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of RES and RVE on the vascular function and structure of the superficial femoral artery in young men exposed to 60 days of bed rest. Eighteen healthy men (age: 31 ± 8 yr) were assigned to bed rest and randomly allocated to control, RES, or RVE groups. Exercise was applied 3 times/wk for 5–7 min/session. Resting diameter, blood flow, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and dilator capacity of the superficial femoral artery were measured using echo-Doppler ultrasound. Bed rest decreased superficial femoral artery diameter and dilator capacity ( P < 0.001), which were significantly attenuated in the RVE group ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) but not in the RES group ( P = 0.202 and P = 0.696, respectively). Bed rest significantly increased FMD ( P < 0.001), an effect that was abolished by RVE ( P < 0.005) but not RES ( P = 0.078). Resting and hyperemic blood flow did not change in any of the groups. Thus, RVE abolished the marked increase in FMD and decrease in baseline diameter and dilator capacity normally associated with prolonged bed rest. However, the stimulus provided by RES alone was insufficient to counteract the vascular adaptations to bed rest.
Is Screening for Renal Anomalies Warranted in Neonates with Isolated Single Umbilical Artery?
Authors: de Boom M.L. , Kist-van Holthe J.E. , Sramek A. , Lardenoye S.W.J. , Walther F.J. , Lopriore E.
Published: October 2009

Aim: To determine the prevalence of renal anomalies in patients with an isolated single umbilical artery (SUA). Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all renal ultrasound examinations assessed at our centre between January 1998 and December 2008 in neonates with SUA with or without associated anomalies. Results: Renal ultrasound examination was performed in 65 neonates with SUA (57 neonates with isolated SUA and 8 neonates with nonisolated SUA). The prevalence of renal anomalies in the group with and without isolated SUA was 2% (1/57) and 38% (3/8), respectively. Only one patient with isolated SUA had a mild renal abnormality without clinical consequences. Conclusions: The prevalence of renal anomalies in neonates with isolated SUA is low. We suggest that routine ultrasound screening for renal anomalies is not warranted in neonates with isolated SUA.
Olive Oil and Cognition: Results from the Three-City Study
Authors: Berr Claudine , Portet Florence , Carriere Isabelle , Akbaraly Tasnime N. , Feart Catherine , Gourlet Véronique , Combe Nicole , Barberger-Gateau Pascale , Ritchie Karen
Published: October 2009

Background: Olive oil is a major component of the Mediterranean diet suggested to be beneficial to counteract Alzheimer’s disease. Aim of the Study: Our objective was to examine the association between olive oil use, cognitive deficit and cognitive decline in a large elderly population. Methods: We followed 6,947 subjects with a brief baseline food frequency questionnaire and repeated cognitive tests. Olive oil intake was categorized as none (22.7%), moderate (use for cooking or dressing, 39.9%) and intensive (use for both cooking and dressing, 37.4%). Associations between olive oil and cognitive outcomes were examined taking into account socio-economic factors, health behaviors, health measures and other dietary intakes. Results: Participants with moderate or intensive use of olive oil compared to those who never used olive oil showed lower odds of cognitive deficit for verbal fluency and visual memory. For cognitive decline during the 4-year follow-up, the association with intensive use was significant for visual memory (adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69–0.99) but not for verbal fluency (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.70–1.03) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: This olive oil-cognition association needs to be confirmed by further studies. However, our findings already shed light on the potential importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet and on its beneficial effects on health.
Sustained Expression of GRAIL during Hematopoiesis Results in Dysregulated Differentiation
Authors: MacKenzie Debra A. , Seroogy Christine M.
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: Despite a sophisticated understanding of the hematopoietic developmental program at the transcriptional level, our understanding of the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases remains underdeveloped. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, GRAIL (RNF128), is expressed in the bone marrow, but its role is as yet undefined. In this study, we evaluate the effect of GRAIL expression during hematopoietic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Retroviral transduction of hematopoietic multipotent progenitor cells was used for methylcellulose colony assays and bone marrow reconstitution. Results: Enforced expression of GRAIL in colony assays demonstrated skewing of hematopoietic lineage development toward granulocytic/monocytic cells. Bone marrow reconstitution experiments with progenitor cells expressing biologically varied levels of GRAIL demonstrated diminished erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis if GRAIL (endogenous or forced) is maintained throughout hematopoiesis. Conclusion: These data highlight a role for GRAIL during hematopoiesis and emphasize the importance of studying posttranslational effects to complement our current understanding of the transcriptional regulation of hematopoiesis.
Variability in the Prescription of Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
Authors: Villar-Fernández I. , Bjerrum L. , Feja C. , Rabanaque M.J.
Published: October 2009

Background/Aim: To estimate the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment in Aragon (Spain), analyzing differences according to age, gender and health area. Methods: Retrospective study on AD treatment prevalence of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine during 2005, using pharmaco-epidemiological data from prescription refunds transferred monthly from pharmacies to the Health Care Service. Results: Differences between health areas were considerable, with adjusted prescription rates between 121.6 and 248.6/100,000 individuals. Treatment rates for women doubled those of men in each health area. Variability was greater among men than women. Drug prescription distribution was also different between health areas. Conclusion: Considerable variability in AD treatment has been detected. More consensus is needed to reduce variability in order to improve the quality of the pharmacotherapy for AD and assure equal treatment opportunities for every patient.
Why Do the Clients of Georgian Needle Exchange Programmes Inject Buprenorphine?
Authors: Otiashvili David , Zabransky Tomas , Kirtadze Irma , Piralishvili Gvantsa , Chavchanidze Marina , Miovsky Michal
Published: October 2009

Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the prevalence and patterns of the non-medical injecting use of buprenorphine among drug injectors in Georgia. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among injecting drug users enrolled in Georgian needle exchange programmes. The questions covered topics related to drug use career, patterns (frequency, history, dosage) and reasons for the use of buprenorphine. Results: Pharmaceutical buprenorphine in the form of Subutex® was the most commonly injected drug in terms of lifetime (95.5%) and last-month (75%) prevalence of use. 48% of those study participants who had injected Subutex at some point reported having used it to cope with withdrawal or to give up other opioids. 90.5% of Subutex injectors used 1–2 mg as a single dose, and the mean frequency of its injection was 6 times per month. 75% of Subutex injectors had used 3 or more types of illegal drugs during the last 30 days. Conclusion: While widely misused by Georgian drug injectors, Subutex is neither the principal nor the favourite drug, and it is rather used as self-treatment. The authors consider the introduction of buprenorphine maintenance treatment to be a promising effective measure to decrease its non-medical and illegal use.
Increased Amount of Visceral Fat in Patients with Psoriasis Contributes to Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Balci Ali , Balci Didem Didar , Yonden Zafer , Korkmaz Inan , Yenin Julide Zehra , Celik Ebru , Okumus Nese , Egilmez Ertugrul
Published: October 2009

Background: Psoriasis is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is associated with visceral fat accumulation. There is no study on the accumulation of visceral fat in patients with psoriasis. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the visceral fat accumulation in patients with psoriasis and controls. Subjects and Methods: 46 patients with psoriasis and 46 sex- and age-matched control patients were included in this study. The abdominal fat area [visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and total fat area (TFA)] at the level of the umbilicus was evaluated by computed tomography. Results: The mean VFA value and VFA/SFA ratio of the psoriasis patients were significantly higher compared with the control patients (123.4 ± 80.3 vs. 81.2 ± 59.8 cm2 and 0.734 ± 0.593 vs. 0.491 ± 0.336; p = 0.005 and p = 0.017, respectively). Fasting blood sugar levels were also found to be significantly higher in psoriasis patients, compared with the control patients (101.8 ± 43.5 vs. 83.4 ± 9.1 mg/dl; p = 0.005). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that waist-to-hip ratio, age, body weight, the presence of psoriasis and metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with VFA. Conclusion:Psoriasis patients had a higher amount of VFA, compared with the control patients.
Evaluation of Participant Comprehension of Information Received in an Exercise and Diet Intervention Trial: The DR’s EXTRA Study
Authors: Länsimies-Antikainen Helena , Pietilä Anna-Maija , Kiviniemi Vesa , Rauramaa Rainer , Laitinen Tomi
Published: October 2009

Background: The informed consent process is the legal and ethical cornerstone of health research and is essential to ensure that participants in health research really understand the information they receive. Clinical studies often fail to provide data that clarify how much participants have understood. Objective: To evaluate the comprehension of older volunteer participants in health research. Methods: The subjects are a random population sample of 1,410 men and women aged 57–78 years, who are participating in a 4-year randomized controlled intervention trial on the effects of physical exercise and diet on atherosclerosis, endothelial function and cognition. A questionnaire about informed consent was given to all willing participants (n = 1,324) 3 months after the randomization. In addition, participants’ long-term continuation in the intervention trial with relation to understanding was evaluated 2 years after the randomization. Results: The response rate was 91%. The majority of respondents (89%) were satisfied with the intelligibility of received information. In addition, the participants’ comprehension of the information received seemed to be adequate in 82% of the whole study population. Compared to background variables, higher education (p < 0.001) and satisfaction with one’s own health (p = 0.01) were associated with adequate comprehension of the provided information. Furthermore, participants who felt themselves to be healthy were more likely to continue participating in the intervention after 2 years. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated sufficient understanding of received information in older research participants. However, our results indicate that special efforts should be made with participants with lower educational levels or subjective feelings of impaired health. This study highlights the need for researchers to critically analyze the quality of information and how it is provided. This is especially important in long-term follow-up studies.
Deletion of the Mucin-Like Molecule Muc1 Enhances Dendritic Cell Activation in Response to Toll-Like Receptor Ligands
Authors: Williams Marc A. , Bauer Stephen , Lu Wenju , Guo Jia , Walter Scott , Bushnell Timothy P. , Lillehoj Erik P. , Georas Steve N.
Published: October 2009

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent professional antigen-presenting cells that drive primary immune responses to infections or other agonists perceived as ‘dangerous’. Muc1 is the only cell surface mucin or MUC gene product that is expressed in DC. Unlike other members of this glycoprotein family, Muc1 possesses a unique cytosolic region capable of signal transduction and attenuating toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. The expression and function of Muc1 has been intensively investigated on epithelial and tumor cells, but relatively little is known about its function on DC. We hypothesized that Muc1 would influence in vitro generation and primary DC activation in response to the TLR4 and TLR5 ligands lipopolysaccharide and flagellin. Compared with Muc1+/+ DC, we found that Muc1–/– DC were constitutively activated, as determined by higher expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86), greater secretion of immunoregulatory cytokines (TNF-α and VEGF), and better stimulation of allogeneic naïve CD4+ T cell proliferation. After activation by either LPS or flagellin and co-culture with allogeneic CD4+ T cells, Muc1–/– DC also induced greater secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ compared to similarly activated Muc1+/+ DC. Taken together, our results indicate that deletion of Muc1 promotes a heightened functional response of DC in response to TLR4 and TLR5 signaling pathways, and suggests a previously under-appreciated role for Muc1 in regulating innate immune responses of DC.
Intranasal Administration of CpG Induces a Rapid and Transient Cytokine Response Followed by Dendritic and Natural Killer Cell Activation and Recruitment in the Mouse Lung
Authors: Pesce Isabella , Monaci Elisabetta , Muzzi Alessandro , Tritto Elaine , Tavarini Simona , Nuti Sandra , De Gregorio Ennio , Wack Andreas
Published: October 2009

CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides are potent mucosal adjuvants and effective as stand-alone treatment of respiratory infections in mice. Although CpG is also used as a type 1 helper immunomodulator in the treatment of asthma and allergic disease, immune modulation following intranasal application has not been fully characterized yet. Using a B-type CpG, we monitored RNA expression profiles, cytokine production and cellular activation in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavages ex vivo and cytokine production of purified cell populations in vitro. CpG triggered the upregulation of many transcripts, including interferon response genes and proinflammatory cytokine genes, between 3 h and 4 days. Overlapping subsets of these cytokine proteins were induced in vitro in purified CD11c+ cells, B cells and alveolar macrophages from the lung, thus identifying these cells as direct targets of CpG. While lung B cells strongly respond to CpG in vitro, less activation is found ex vivo, suggesting efficient CpG sequestering or rapid B cell migration after activation. In contrast, a type II alveolar epithelial cell line did not respond to CpG in vitro. We noted selective recruitment of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs) into the lung tissue, and of conventional DCs and natural killer (NK) cells into the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar space. Furthermore, CpG induced activation of intrapulmonary DCs, NK and T cells. We hypothesize that CpG-linked adjuvanticity and clearance of respiratory pathogens are mediated by two major mechanisms: transient induction of the interferon pathway limiting microbial survival and selective recruitment of DCs and NK cells, which allows for better adaptive responses.
HO-1 and CO Decrease Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration Via Inhibition of Nox1
Authors: Rodriguez Andres I. , Gangopadhyay Archana , Kelley Eric E. , Pagano Patrick J. , Zuckerbraun Brian S. , Bauer Philip M.
Published: October 2009

Objective—

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), via its enzymatic degradation products, exhibits cell and tissue protective effects in models of vascular injury and disease. The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from the medial to the intimal layer of blood vessels plays an integral role in the development of a neointima in these models. Despite this, there are no studies addressing the effect of increased HO-1 expression on VSMC migration.

Results and Methods—

The effects of increased HO-1 expression, as well as biliverdin, bilirubin, and carbon monoxide (CO), were studied in in vitro models of VSMC migration. Induction of HO-1 or CO, but not biliverdin or bilirubin, inhibited VSMC migration. This effect was mediated by the inhibition of Nox1 as determined by a range of approaches, including detection of intracellular superoxide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity measurements, and siRNA experiments. Furthermore, CO decreased platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated, redox-sensitive signaling pathways.

Conclusion—

Herein, we demonstrate that increased HO-1 expression and CO decreases platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated VSMC migration via inhibition of Nox1 enzymatic activity. These studies reveal a novel mechanism by which HO-1 and CO may mediate their beneficial effects in arterial inflammation and injury.
Changes in Connexin Expression and the Atrial Fibrillation Substrate in Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Burstein Brett , Comtois Philippe , Michael Georghia , Nishida Kunihiro , Villeneuve Louis , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Nattel Stanley
Published: October 2009

Rationale:

Although connexin changes are important for the ventricular arrhythmic substrate in congestive heart failure (CHF), connexin alterations during CHF-related atrial arrhythmogenic remodeling have received limited attention.

Objective:

To analyze connexin changes and their potential contribution to the atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate during the development and reversal of CHF.

Methods and Results:

Three groups of dogs were studied: CHF induced by 2-week ventricular tachypacing (240 bpm, n=15); CHF dogs allowed a 4-week nonpaced recovery interval after 2-week tachypacing (n=16); and nonpaced sham controls (n=19). Left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure and atrial refractory periods increased with CHF and normalized on CHF recovery. CHF caused abnormalities in atrial conduction indexes and increased the duration of burst pacing-induced AF (DAF, from 22±7 seconds in control to 1100±171 seconds,
P
<0.001). CHF did not significantly alter overall atrial connexin (Cx)40 and Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels, but produced Cx43 dephosphorylation, increased Cx40/Cx43 protein expression ratio and caused Cx43 redistribution toward transverse cell-boundaries. All of the connexin-alterations reversed on CHF recovery, but CHF-induced conduction abnormalities and increased DAF (884±220 seconds,
P
<0.001 versus control) remained. The atrial fibrous tissue content increased from 3.6±0.7% in control to 14.7±1.5% and 13.3±2.3% in CHF and CHF recovery, respectively (both
P
<0.01 versus control), with transversely running zones of fibrosis physically separating longitudinally directed muscle bundles. In an ionically based action potential/tissue model, fibrosis was able to account for conduction abnormalities associated with CHF and recovery.

Conclusions:

CHF causes atrial connexin changes, but these are not essential for CHF-related conduction disturbances and AF promotion, which are rather related primarily to fibrotic interruption of muscle bundle continuity.
Identification of a Novel 14-3-3ζ Binding Site Within the Cytoplasmic Domain of Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα That Plays a Key Role in Regulating the von Willebrand Factor Binding Function of Glycoprotein Ib-IX
Authors: Yuan Yanhong , Zhang Weilin , Yan Rong , Liao Yi , Zhao Lili , Ruan Changgeng , Du Xiaoping , Dai Kesheng
Published: October 2009

Rationale:

The interaction between platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX and von Willebrand factor (VWF) is initiated by conformational changes in immobilized VWF and is also regulated by the intraplatelet proteins 14-3-3ζ and filamin A. Both 14-3-3ζ and filamin A associate with the cytoplasmic domain of GPIbα, whereas little is known about their relationship in regulating the VWF binding function of GPIb-IX.

Objective:

To explore the mechanism underlying the roles of 14-3-3ζ and filamin A in regulating the VWF binding function of GPIb-IX.

Methods and Results:

A truncation mutant of GPIbα (Δ565) deleting the C-terminal 14-3-3ζ binding sites retained 14-3-3ζ binding function, in contrast, deletion of the C-terminal residues 551 to 610 of GPIbα totally abolished 14-3-3ζ binding, indicating that the residues 551 to 564 of GPIbα are important in the interaction between 14-3-3ζ and GPIb-IX. An antibody recognizing phosphorylated R557GpSLP561 sequence reacted with GPIbα suggesting phosphorylation of a population of GPIbα molecules at Ser559, and a membrane permeable phosphopeptide (MP-P), R557GpSLP561 corresponding to residues 557 to 561 of GPIbα eliminated the association of 14-3-3ζ with Δ565. MP-P also promoted GPIb-IX association with the membrane skeleton, and inhibited ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination, VWF binding to platelets and platelet adhesion to immobilized VWF. Furthermore, a GPIb-IX mutant replacing Ser559 of GPIbα with alanine showed an enhanced association with the membrane skeleton, reduced ristocetin-induced VWF binding, and diminished ability to mediate cell adhesion to VWF under flow conditions.

Conclusions:

These data suggest a phosphorylation-dependent binding of 14-3-3ζ to central filamin A binding site of GPIbα, and the dimeric 14-3-3ζ binding to both the C-terminal site and central RGpSLP site inhibits GPIb-IX association with the membrane skeleton and promotes the VWF binding function of GPIb-IX.
The 2009 Feinberg Lecture
Authors: Goldstein Larry B.
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

This annual Feinberg Award lecture is intended to present examples of the broad scope of stroke-related research and to show how different investigative approaches can advance the field to improve stroke patient’s outcomes. In keeping with one of the objectives of the American Heart/American Stroke Association, this lecture also provides a perspective and highlights opportunities for beginning clinical investigators.

Summary of Report—

Clinically, the continuum of stroke research and care can be divided into primary prevention, acute interventions, secondary prevention, and poststroke recovery. From a technical/methodological standpoint, fundamental laboratory studies yield insights into basic disease mechanisms and applied laboratory studies further explore the biological basis of disease and evaluate possible therapeutic interventions. The results of these laboratory-based observations can inform clinical study design whereas questions raised by clinical observations can be explored in laboratory experiments (ie, “translational” research). Additional information is gained through observational, interventional, and synthetic (eg, meta-analytic) clinical studies. Outcomes/effectiveness research determines how well interventions perform in different “real-world” settings. The discussion provides examples of how several of these approaches can be used to address various research questions. The importance for stroke investigators to contribute to related public policy issues is also reviewed.

Conclusions—

This is an exciting era for clinical investigators studying stroke and for those at the beginning stages of their careers. Whether taking a broad-based research approach or working on a specific, focused question, our combined efforts are leading to improved outcomes for patients with stroke, the very goal of Bill Feinberg’s career.
Biography and Historiography: Mutual Evidentiary and Interdisciplinary Considerations
Authors: Rotberg Robert I.
Published: October 2009

Biography is history, depends on history, and strengthens and enriches history. In turn, all history is biography. History could hardly exist without biographical insights—without the texture of human endeavor that emanates from a full appreciation of human motivation, the real or perceived constraints on human action, and exogenous influences on human behavior. Social forces are important, but they act on and through individuals. Structural and cultural variables are important, but individuals pull the levers of structure and act within or against cultural norms. The success of historical biography as a craft ultimately turns on the nature of its evidence and the interdisciplinary methodologies that it can bring to bear on its subject.
Writing Women's Lives: One Historian's Perspective
Authors: Ware Susan
Published: October 2009

From the start, biography played a vibrant and significant part in the growth of women's history, especially American women's history, as a well-respected and popular field within the historical profession. The insistence of feminist biographers that the personal is political, and that attention must be paid to the daily lives of their subjects as well as to their more public achievements, continues to ripple through the field of biography as a whole. To talk about biography is also to talk about the biographer, for the precise reason that behind every biography lies autobiography—that special spark that draws the biographer to the subject in the first place and the interaction that unfolds as the project moves forward (or stalls, as often happens). As feminist theory reminds us, the personal element is relevant to the broader intellectual agenda.
Multiple organizational identities and legitimacy: The rhetoric of police websites
Authors: Sillince John A.A. , Brown Andrew D.
Published: October 2009

This article analyses how multiple organizational identities are constructed through rhetoric to maintain and enhance the legitimacy claims made by organizations. Our theorizing is founded on an investigation of the 43 geographically based English and Welsh constabularies. The research contribution of our study is threefold. First, we show that officially sanctioned web-based organizational identity claims are multiple and discuss their implications for identity theory. Second, we consider how these multiple identity claims are constituted using particular rhetorical strategies. Third, we argue that the multiple identity claims constituted aspects of constabularies’ selfpresentation strategies by which they attempted to exert control over stakeholders’ perceptions and establish pragmatic, cognitive and moral claims to legitimacy. This is contrary to some previous research that has suggested that organizations seek to reconcile or redefine multiple claims, and that has ignored them as a resource for satisfying sceptical audiences. The principal argument we make is that organizational identities are often multiple, are phrased using specific rhetorical schemes, and that identity multiplicity supports claims for legitimacy.
Person-career fit and employee outcomes among research and development professionals
Authors: Cha Jongseok , Kim Youngbae , Kim Tae-Yeol
Published: October 2009

This study aims to examine the effects of person-career (PC) fit on employee outcomes. It is based on a sample of 1128 research and development (R&D) professionals and 222 project managers in 15 South Korean organizations. The results revealed that a managerial PC fit has a curvilinear relationship with job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and a technical PC fit has a curvilinear relationship with job satisfaction. For example, job satisfaction increased as career orientation increased toward career development opportunities, then decreased when career development opportunities exceeded career orientation. In addition, as expected, job satisfaction and organizational commitment are higher when career orientation and career development opportunities are both high rather than low. For work performance, contributions to organizations increased as managerial career orientations increased toward managerial career opportunities, then decreased when managerial career opportunities exceeded managerial career orientation.
Charles Taylor and Bernard Lonergan on Natural Theology
Authors: Ormerod Neil
Published: October 2009

Following on a previous article concerning the need to develop a contemporary natural theology, the author considers the work of two Catholic philosophers, Charles Taylor and Bernard Lonergan, on the possibility of undertaking a natural theology. The article shows that despite some differences, both writers converge on the central problem of conversion as the key to the development of a natural theology.
Prediction of the Shear Modulus of Polymer Structural Foams
Authors: Reza Barzegari M. , Rodrigue Denis
Published: October 2009

In this work, a model is proposed to predict the shear modulus of structural polymer foams. The calculations include morphological parameters such as skin thickness, core density, and a transition zone of variable density between the skin and core sections. A comparison between several models is made with experimental data taken on polyethylene structural foams.
Biomimetics of Plant Structure in Knitted Fabrics to Improve the Liquid Water Transport Properties
Authors: Qing Chen  , Jintu Fan  , Sarkar Manas , Gaoming Jiang
Published: October 2009

Biomimetics of the branching structure of a plant can improve the water absorption and one-way transport property of the fabric. The present work focused on the development of a branching network in knitted fabrics to improve liquid water transport properties. Fabrics developed with such a branching structure and made from different combinations of yarns exhibited faster water absorption and improved moisture management property, as measured on the Transplanar Water Transport Tester and Moisture Management Tester. Furthermore, the novel structure also improved the air permeability of the fabric. The improved water absorption rate, moisture management property and air permeability are beneficial to clothing comfort.
Enacted Support’s Links to Negative Affect and Perceived Support Are More Consistent With Theory When Social Influences Are Isolated From Trait Influences
Authors: Lakey Brian , Orehek Edward , Hain Kate L. , VanVleet Meredith
Published: October 2009

Social support theory typically explains perceived support’s link to mental health as reflecting the role of specific supportive actions (i.e., enacted support).Yet enacted support typically is not linked to mental health and perceived support as predicted by theory. The links are examined among enacted support, affect, and perceived support when links reflected (a) aspects of support and affect that generalized across relationship partners and time (i.e., trait influences) and (b) aspects that reflected specific relationship partners (i.e., social influences). Multivariate generalizability analyses indicated that enacted support was linked to low negative affect as predicted by theory only when correlations reflected social influences. When correlations reflected trait influences, enacted support was linked to high negative affect. Furthermore, perceived and enacted support were strongly linked when correlations reflected social influences but not trait influences. Thus, findings for enacted support fit social support theory better when social influences were isolated from trait influences.
CPB-assisted aortic valve replacement in a pregnant 27-year-old with endocarditis
Authors: Marcoux J. , Rosin M. , Mycyk T.
Published: October 2009

A 27-year-old, G3P 2A0 female with acute Staph aureus (SA) endocarditis successfully underwent CPB-assisted aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic aortic valve at 22 weeks’ gestation. This patient’s presentation of acute endocarditis complicated by septic shock, congestive heart failure, severe aortic insufficiency, multiple septic embolic events and borderline renal failure appeared on the daunting background of chronic heavy tobacco usage, hepatitis C positivity, long-term IV drug abuse and a pregnancy into its twenty-second week. Optimal treatment strategies implemented for both mother and fetus throughout the perioperative period contributed to a successful outcome for both.
Long-term myocardial adaptations after cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure: a randomized six-year evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Müller Lionel , Myers Jonathan , Kottman Wilhard , Lüchinger Roger , Dubach Paul
Published: October 2009

Objective: To assess exercise capacity and left ventricular function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among patients with chronic heart failure randomized to a residential rehabilitation programme at baseline and six years after participation.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: Residential cardiac rehabilitation centre and community hospital. Intervention: One month of intensive exercise and risk reduction therapy including educational sessions, a low-fat diet, and 2 hours of individually prescribed exercise daily. Control subjects received usual care. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, after completing the one-month residential programme and six years later.

Subjects: From an original study group of 50, 16 patients (8 exercise, 8 controls) with chronic heart failure were alive and available for evaluation after six years.

Main measures: Cardiopulmonary exercise test responses and ventricular size and function using MRI.

Results: Peak Vo2 was 20.0 and 12.4% higher after the rehabilitation programme and six years later, respectively, whereas minimal changes were observed among controls. Left ventricular mass and volumes tended to decrease among subjects in the exercise group, whereas left ventricular mass and volumes tended to increase among control subjects after six years. Ejection fraction increased approximately 20% in both groups.

Conclusion: Six years after participation in a concentrated residential rehabilitation programme, exercise capacity was preserved and no significant changes were observed in ventricular size or function. These findings provide further support for exercise rehabilitation in chronic heart failure.
Biodegradation and Debonding Detection of Composite-wrapped Wood Structures
Authors: Nassr AMR A. , El-Dakhakhni Wael W. , Ahmed Wael H.
Published: October 2009

In this article, a methodology is presented for detecting biodegradation and debonding damage in composite-wrapped wood structures using a coplanar capacitance sensor. The presence of damage in the composite/wood interface alters the dielectric characteristics, causing a variation in the measured capacitance by the sensor. The theoretical background employed in developing the proposed capacitance technique is highlighted. A glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP)-wrapped wood column, containing pre-induced defects to simulate biodegradation damage and debonding of the GFRP at the composite/wood interface, was constructed and inspected in a laboratory setting. A coplanar capacitance sensor was designed and used for the inspection of simulated defects of different severity. The capacitance signals were measured and the sensor sensitivity was evaluated for each defect type. The proposed technique can be used for rapid damage screening, scheduled or random inspection, or as permanent sensor network within the composite/wood system as a structural health monitoring technique.