bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Help seeking among victims of crime: A review of the empirical literature
Authors: McCart Michael R. , Smith Daniel W. , Sawyer Genelle K.
Published: March 2010

The authors review the literature on help‐seeking behavior among adult victims of crime. Specifically, they summarize prevalence rates for formal and informal help seeking and review predictors of and barriers to service use following victimization. Research suggests that only a small fraction of crime victims seek help from formal support networks; however, many seek support from informal sources. Several variables are associated with increased likelihood of formal help seeking, although the manner in which these variables affect reporting behavior is not clear. From this review, it is concluded that much remains to be learned regarding patterns of help seeking among victims of crime. Gaps in the literature and directions for future research are discussed.
High‐Density Glycosylation of Polymer Membrane Surfaces by Click Chemistry for Carbohydrate–Protein Recognition
Authors: Wang Cang , Wu Jian , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: March 2010

To biologically mimic the carbohydrate–protein interactions in artificial systems, one of the challenges is to construct a glycosylated surface with a high glycosyl density to yield a notable ‘glycoside cluster effect’. A novel strategy is presented for high density glycosylation of the surface of a microporous poly(propylene) membrane (MPPM) by click chemistry. It is promising that the surface glycosyl density can be well controlled over a wide range and the maximum value is over 10 µmol · cm−2. The recognition capability of these glycosylated MPPMs to lectins indicates the occurrence of the ‘glycoside cluster effect’ when the glycosyl density on the membrane surface exceeds 0.20 µmol · cm−2.

magnified image
Corrosion characteristics of Q235 steel in simulated Yingtan soil solutions
Authors: Wu Y. H. , Liu T. M. , Luo S. X. , Sun C.
Published: March 2010

In some areas, the soil is getting more and more acidic due to acids deposition. It is imperative to investigate the soil corrosion performance of underground structures. As soil is very complex, the corrosion investigation and understanding of soil buried structures are quite difficult. In this study, the corrosion performance of Q235 steel in simulated Yingtan soil solutions with pH 3.0, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.0 was investigated by weight loss test and electrochemical test including potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, as well as corrosion process was discussed. All the tests indicated that the corrosion rate of Q235 steel in simulated soil solution was closely related to its pH value. The corrosion rate decreased with increasing pH from 3.0 to 7.0.
Induction of morphological changes in BEAS‐2B human bronchial epithelial cells following chronic sub‐cytotoxic and mildly cytotoxic hexavalent chromium exposures
Authors: Costa André N. , Moreno Virtudes , Prieto María J. , Urbano Ana M. , Alpoim M. Carmen
Published: March 2010

Certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds are well established occupational respiratory tract carcinogens. However, despite extensive studies, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Cr(VI)‐induced lung cancer remain poorly understood. In fact, the models used were often suboptimal and yielded conflicting results that were heavily dependent upon the system and experimental conditions employed. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic subcytotoxic and mildly cytotoxic (0.1–2 µM) Cr(VI) exposures on cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells, the main targets of Cr(VI) carcinogenicity. Our studies with the nontumorigenic BEAS‐2B cell line suggest that relatively short exposures (h) to sublethal Cr(VI) doses (0.1–1 µM) may render these cells less sensitive to contact inhibition. We have also observed a reduced sensitivity to Cr(VI)‐induced apoptosis shortly after the beginning of exposure to a mildly cytotoxic Cr(VI) dose (2 µM). Further studies are needed to determine whether these two phenotypes are involved in the Cr(VI)‐induced carcinogenic process. Additionally, evidence gathered in this study strongly points to a Cr(VI) interference with cell adhesion to the substratum and with cell–cell interactions. Finally, by chronically exposing BEAS‐2B cells to mildly cytotoxic Cr(VI) doses (1 and 2 µM), we were able to induce changes in cell morphology and pattern of growth characteristic of an early phase of pre‐malignant progression. Mol. Carcinog. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating component characteristics from system failure‐time data
Authors: Bhattacharya Debasis , Samaniego Francisco J.
Published: March 2010

Suppose that failure times are available from a random sample of N systems of a given, fixed design with components which have i.i.d. lifetimes distributed according to a common distribution F. The inverse problem of estimating F from data on observed system lifetimes is considered. Using the known relationship between the system and component lifetime distributions via signature and domination theory, the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator
$ \hat{ \bar{F}} $N(t) of the component survival function $ \bar{F} $(t) is identified and shown to be accessible numerically in any application of interest. The asymptotic distribution of $ \hat{ \bar{F}} $N(t) is also identified, facilitating the construction of approximate confidence intervals for $ \bar{F} $(t) for N sufficiently large. Simulation results for samples of size N = 50 and N = 100 for a collection of five parametric lifetime models demonstrate the utility of the recommended estimator. Possible extensions beyond the i.i.d. framework are discussed in the concluding section. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
A close look at valences in hexahedral element meshes
Authors: Staten Matthew L. , Shimada Kenji
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses using valences in objective functions for topological modification of 3D hexahedral meshes. For topological optimization of 2D quadrilateral meshes, node valence (i.e. number of element edges attached to each node) is used to maximize the number of regular nodes (i.e. nodes with four attached edges). Difficulties in developing 3D hexahedral local topology modifications have limited the success of hexahedral topology optimization, although published literature suggests using an object function based on node valence. However, in this paper, we show that node valence is not a consistent measure of good hexahedral element topology, and objective functions based on node valence can lead to element topology, which will only admit concave element shapes. Instead, we propose that objective functions based on edge valence (i.e. number of quadrilateral faces attached to each element edge) will provide a consistent measure of element topology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hormone therapy and fatal breast cancer
Authors: Norman Sandra A. , Weber Anita L. , Localio A. Russell , Marchbanks Polly A. , Ursin Giske , Strom Brian L. , Weiss Linda K. , Burkman Ronald T. , Bernstein Leslie , Deapen Dennis M. , Folger Suzanne G. , Simon Michael S. , Nadel Marion R.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Among unanswered questions is whether menopausal use of estrogen therapy (ET) or estrogen‐plus‐progestin therapy (CHT) increases risk of developing fatal breast cancer i.e., developing and dying of breast cancer. Using a population‐based case‐control design, we estimated incidence rate ratios of fatal breast cancer in postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) users compared to non‐users by type, duration, and recency of HT use.

Methods

HT use prior to breast cancer diagnosis in 278 women who died of breast cancer within 6 years of diagnosis (cases) was compared with use in 2224 controls never diagnosed with breast cancer using conditional logistic regression. Measures taken to address potential bias and confounding inherent in case‐control studies included collecting and adjusting for detailed data on demographic and other factors potentially associated both with HT use and breast cancer.

Results

Fifty‐six per cent of cases and 68% of controls reported HT use. Among current 3+ year HT users, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for death were 0.83 (0.50, 1.38) and 0.69 (0.44, 1.09), respectively, for exclusive use of CHT or of ET, and were 0.94 (0.59, 1.48) and 0.70 (0.45, 1.07) for any use of CHT or of ET regardless of other hormone use.

Conclusion

Point estimates suggest no increased risk of fatal breast cancer with HT use, although 50% increases in risk in longer‐term current CHT users cannot be ruled out. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding distress and distressing experiences in patients living with multiple myeloma: an exploratory study
Authors: Potrata Barbara , Cavet Jim , Blair Susan , Howe Tracy , Molassiotis Alex
Published: March 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to gain greater insight into the symptoms and distressing experiences of patients living with myeloma.

Methods: A qualitative interview evaluation of distressing experiences in patients with myeloma, following a grounded theory approach, was used. Sampling was purposive, with particular attention to diversity in age and ethnic minority patients.

Results: Fifteen patients were interviewed. Key findings suggest that (a) many individual symptoms were not considered as particularly distressing beyond the acute phase of the disease and its treatment, except when they occurred in a context that was threatening to the patients; (b) visible symptoms that showed to other people one's disease condition may be particularly distressing, and (c) the conditioning phase of the transplant was particularly stressful and a violation to one's body, described by some patients as ‘being somehow dead’.

Conclusion: The personal meaning ascribed to symptoms and treatments as well as the context in which they occur are important determinants of distress. Such patient meanings and contexts should be explored by health professionals in‐depth, in order to prepare patients for the experience and support them more fully. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discussion of emotional and social impact of cancer during outpatient oncology consultations
Authors: Taylor Sally , Harley Clare , Campbell Lyndsay J. , Bingham Laura , Podmore Emma Joanne , Newsham Alex C. , Selby Peter J. , Brown Julia M. , Velikova Galina
Published: March 2010

Objective: Following publication of national guidelines on detection and management of psychosocial problems in oncology, this study explores frequency of discussion of emotional and social issues in outpatient oncology consultations.

Methods: Analysis of baseline data from 212 outpatients participating in a randomized controlled trial. Baseline data included content analysis of audio recordings of consultations, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (FACT‐G) questionnaire subscale scores, and patient and clinician self‐rated preferences and perceptions of communication.

Results: Fifty‐nine percent patients and 75% clinicians expressed preferences to discuss emotional issues during consultations. Analysis of audio recordings showed that they were discussed in 27% of the consultations, regardless of severity of emotional problems reported by patients (FACT‐G Emotional well‐being subscale). Fifty percent of clinicians reported discussing emotional issues ‘often’ or ‘almost always’, compared with 18% of patients. Forty‐four percent patients and 39% clinicians reported that they would discuss social activities, but they were actually discussed in 46% of consultations. Patients predominantly initiated discussion of emotional and social issues (85 and 60% consultations, respectively).

Conclusions: Low prevalence of discussion of psychosocial issues cannot be accounted for by patient or clinician communication preferences. If clinicians rely on patients to initiate discussion of psychosocial issues, patients' problems may go unaddressed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interruptions in the collagen repeating tripeptide pattern can promote supramolecular association
Authors: Hwang Eileen S. , Thiagarajan Geetha , Parmar Avanish S. , Brodsky Barbara
Published: March 2010

The standard collagen triple‐helix requires a perfect (Gly‐Xaa‐Yaa)n sequence, yet all nonfibrillar collagens contain interruptions in this tripeptide repeating pattern. Defining the structural consequences of disruptions in the sequence pattern may shed light on the biological role of sequence interruptions, which have been suggested to play a role in molecular flexibility, collagen degradation, and ligand binding. Previous studies on model peptides with 1‐ and 4‐residue interruptions showed a localized perturbation within the triple‐helix, and this work is extended to introduce natural collagen interruptions up to nine residue in length within a fixed (Gly‐Pro‐Hyp)n peptide context. All peptides in this set show decreases in triple‐helix content and stability, with greater conformational perturbations for the interruptions longer than five residue. The most stable and least perturbed structure is seen for the 5‐residue interruption peptide, whose sequence corresponds to a Gly to Ala missense mutation, such as those leading to collagen genetic diseases. The triple‐helix peptides containing 8‐ and 9‐residue interruptions exhibit a strong propensity for self‐association to fibrous structures. In addition, a small peptide modeling only the 9‐residue sequence within the interruption aggregates to form amyloid‐like fibrils with antiparallel β‐sheet structure. The 8‐ and 9‐residue interruption sequences studied here are predicted to have significant cross‐β aggregation potential, and a similar propensity is reported for ∼10% of other naturally occurring interruptions. The presence of amyloidogenic sequences within or between triple‐helix domains may play a role in molecular association to normal tissue structures and could participate in observed interactions between collagen and amyloid.
Land‐caused uncertainties in climate change simulations: a study with the COLA AGCM
Authors: Wei Jiangfeng , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Zhang Jingyong
Published: March 2010

An atmospheric general circulation model is coupled with three different land surface schemes (LSSs) to study the impact of LSS uncertainties on the simulation of surface warming caused by doubled CO2 and associated oceanic changes. It is found that the implemented LSSs can greatly impact the spatial distribution and amplitude of the simulated warming over land. In warm regions, the different descriptions of local land processes and their associated feedbacks are responsible for about half of the inter‐model spread. In cold regions, almost all of the spread is caused by the circulation differences triggered by LSS differences, and the local land processes have little direct impact. On the other hand, as the annual global‐average land surface warmings are very close no matter which LSS is coupled, this study suggests that the LSS has little impact on projections of annual global‐average temperature change, despite strong regional impact in warm regions. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Vascular deformation for vascular interventional surgery simulation
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Wang Tianmiao , Liu Da , Lin Guo
Published: March 2010

Background

Obtaining the expertise to perform minimally vascular interventional surgery (VIS) requires thorough training. Previous VIS simulators have generally assumed that blood vessels are rigid. However, vascular deformation occurs unavoidably in VIS. In this study, the arterial walls were analysed as soft tissue.

Methods

A mass‐spring model (MSM) was applied for vascular deformation simulation. To improve simulation precision, the spring coefficient was derived from a reference model, simulated with a linear finite element method (FEM), which established a link between the spring coefficient and the properties of the vascular materials. In order to evaluate the simulation results, we applied identical external forces to FEM and MSM and calculated their deformations. Additionally, based on the proposed MSM, we designed a VIS simulator to achieve renal artery intervention. Quantitative validation was performed by comparing the simulated catheter position with a reference position, as assessed by 3D rotational angiography imaging.

Results

From the simulation results, we could clearly see that MSM deformation was real‐time and very close to the linear FEM reference, and MSM was successfully adopted in our renal artery intervention simulator.

Conclusion

MSM with a spring coefficient derived from linear FEM was able to produce a realistic deformation simulation of arterial walls. This method could also be extended to model other organ deformations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐sectional benchmarking of social and environmental reporting practice in the australian oil and gas industry
Authors: Dong Shidi , Burritt Roger
Published: March 2010

The objective of this paper is to examine social and environmental disclosures against general and industry benchmarks for the quantity and quality of social and environmental reporting practice. To achieve this, a content analysis approach has been applied to disclosures of the 25 Australian oil and gas companies included in the Australian Stock Exchange 300 index in 2006. The conclusions are that there is relatively poor disclosure, and the majority of environmental disclosures are declarative and positive. Oil and gas companies sampled fail to provide detailed information about, for example, the quantification of targets and outputs, actual achievements and the level of participation by employees. However, consistent with previous studies, the companies perform relatively well in reporting human resources information. Implications of these findings and potential for future research are highlighted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Strategic thinking for sustainable development
Authors: Baumgartner Rupert J. , Korhonen Jouni
Published: March 2010

The idea of this editorial research article is to start making sense out of the seemingly limitless debate on the environmental dimension of sustainable development. We have evaluated a collection of international peer‐reviewed papers. These contributions have been debated at the conferences of the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS). Our main research objective here is to consider the often posed question of why the progress made in sustainable development has been so slow and the work implemented so unsuccessful. We argue that one of the main explanations is that the approaches used in sustainable development are reductionist and often lead into problem shifting and problem displacement. To address the problem of reductionism, we propose what we call ‘strategic thinking’ and its incorporation into sustainable development work in general. To open up this argument, we arrive at the discussion of three central dimensions of strategic thinking and the relevance of these dimensions when addressing reductionism. These dimensions are the strategy content, strategy process and strategy context. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Creating sustainable identities: the significance of the financially affluent self
Authors: Hurth Victoria
Published: March 2010

This paper uses identity theory and postmodern identity perspectives to analyse why high‐income groups often have values, attitudes and intentions to consume sustainably, yet tend to have the highest energy consumption of any group. Two key arguments are presented. The first is that the affluent identity is opposed to the environmentalist identity and is more salient, desirable and likely to result in more social support and self‐esteem rewards. Therefore, where both identities are held the affluent identity is likely to be more dominant and invoked in more circumstances. Second, the invocation of the affluent identity is liable to result in high‐energy consumption. Despite some evidence of affluent identities being successfully connected by marketing with low‐energy ‘green’ consumption, there is stronger evidence of the affluent identity being consistently embedded symbolically within high‐energy consumption choices. Recommendations for marketing and social marketing are made and a matrix to guide sustainable identity strategies is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Modulation of basal and morphine‐induced neuronal activity by a NPFF2selective agonist measured by c‐Fos mapping of the mouse brain
Authors: Moulédous Lionel , Frances Bernard , Zajac Jean‐Marie
Published: March 2010

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a neurotransmitter known to modulate opioid‐induced analgesia, sensitization, and reward. The expression of the immediate early gene c‐Fos was analyzed to map the distribution of neurons whose activity is regulated by central administration of the NPFF2‐selective agonist dNPA in naive mice and in animals who had received a systemic injection of morphine. The number of c‐Fos positive nuclei was quantified in 28 brain regions. Intracerebro‐ventricular injection of 1 nmol dNPA alone produced an overall inhibition of basal c‐Fos expression in the brain with a statistically significant decrease in the lateral ventral part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial preoptic area, and the medial parvicellular part of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. In contrast, intraperitoneal injection of morphine 5 mg·kg−1induced a statistically significant increase in c‐Fos expression in the prelimbic cortex, the nucleus accumbens core and shell, the ventral pallidum, the lateral hypothalamus, and the nucleus of the tractus solitarius. dNPA counteracted morphine effect only in the nucleus accumbens shell and the ventral pallidum. The inhibitory effects of a low dose of dNPA in the hypothalamus and its afferents suggest that NPFF2receptors negatively regulate the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in mouse. Moreover, our study identified the nucleus accumbens shell and ventral pallidum as putative sites of interaction between NPFF and opioid systems in relation with the modulation of acute morphine rewarding and locomotor effects. Synapse 64:672–681, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cocaine self‐administration markedly increases dopamine D2 receptor negative cooperativity for dopamine binding: A receptor dimer‐based analysis
Authors: Franco Rafael , Seeman Philip , Barrera Carlos , Aymerich Maria S.
Published: March 2010

The proportion of dopamine D2High receptors has been reported to increase after cocaine self‐administration without a significant change in the total number of D2 receptors. In the present article, the data of competition by dopamine of [3H]domperidone binding to striatal samples from naïve and cocaine‐addicted animals (Briand et al., [2008] Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 18:551–556) are analyzed assuming that D2 receptors are constitutive dimers. The results show another way of interpreting those previous results and lead to the finding that cocaine affects agonist affinity and may strongly affect the receptor‐receptor cooperation between dimers, a result that can contribute to dopamine supersensitivity. Synapse 64:566–569, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lesion size‐dependent synaptic and astrocytic responses in cortex contralateral to infarcts in middle‐aged rats
Authors: Kim Soo Young , Jones Theresa A.
Published: March 2010

In young adult rats, unilateral lesions of the sensorimotor cortex lead to neuronal structural plasticity and synaptogenesis in the contralateral motor cortex, which is connected to the lesion site by transcallosal fibers. The contralesional neural plasticity varies with lesion size and results from the convergence of denervation‐induced reactive plasticity and behavioral asymmetries. It was unknown whether similar effects occur in older animals. Furthermore, the coordination of synaptic responses with that of perisynaptic astrocytes had not been investigated. In this study, middle‐aged rats (14–16 months old) were given sham‐operations or unilateral ischemic lesions of the sensorimotor cortex. Fifty days later, numerical densities of neurons and synapses and morphological characteristics of astrocytic processes in layer V of the contralesional motor cortex were measured using stereological light and electron microscopy methods. Lesions resulted in behavioral asymmetries, but no significant synapse addition in the contralesional motor cortex. Synapse number per neuron was negatively correlated with lesion size and reduced opposite larger lesions compared with smaller ones. Astrocytic changes were also lesion size‐dependent. Astrocytic hypertrophy was observed only after smaller lesions and was associated with greater coverage and greater numbers of synapses. These findings are consistent with those in younger rats indicating an inverse relationship between lesion size and adaptive neuronal restructuring in denervated cortex. However, they indicate that the synaptogenic reaction to this lesion is relatively limited in older animals. Finally, the results indicate that structural plasticity of perisynaptic astrocytes parallels, and could play a role in shaping, synaptic responses to postischemic denervation. Synapse 64:659–671, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo binding of protoporphyrin IX to rat translocator protein imaged with positron emission tomography
Authors: Ozaki Harushige , Zoghbi Sami S. , Hong Jinsoo , Verma Ajay , Pike Victor W. , Innis Robert B. , Fujita Masahiro
Published: March 2010

In vitro experiments have shown that protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) binds to the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), which transports cholesterol across the outer mitochondrial membrane. The purpose of this study was to examine whether binding of PPIX to TSPO can also be detected in vivo using positron emission tomography and [11C]PBR28, a radioligand that binds with high affinity and selectivity to TSPO. Rats were injected with a high dose of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 200 mg/kg i.v.), which is a precursor for PPIX. ALA‐pretreatment significantly decreased the uptake of [11C]PBR28 in TSPO‐rich organs such as heart, kidneys, lungs, parotid glands, and spleen by 57–80%. As a control experiment, injection of a receptor saturating does of PK 11195, which is selective for TSPO, produced a pattern of displacement similar to that after ALA but with greater magnitude (88–97%). This study provides the first evidence that PPIX binds in vivo to TSPO. Although PPIX at physiological concentrations would likely occupy an insignificant percentage of TSPOs, it does reach high‐enough concentrations in porphyria to occupy and have pharmacological effects via this target. Synapse 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine β‐hydroxylase‐deficient mice have normal densities of D2 dopamine receptors in the high‐affinity state based on in vivo PET imaging and in vitro radioligand binding
Authors: Skinbjerg Mette , Seneca Nicholas , Liow Jeih‐San , Hong Jinsoo , Weinshenker David , Pike Victor W. , Halldin Christer , Sibley David R. , Innis Robert B.
Published: March 2010

In vitro, D2 dopamine receptors (DAR) can exist in low‐ and high‐affinity states for agonists and increases of D2 receptors in high‐affinity state have been proposed to underlie DA receptor supersensitivity in vivo. Deletion of the gene for dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH) causes mice to become hypersensitive to the effects of psychostimulants, and in vitro radioligand binding results suggest an increased percentage of D2 receptors in a high‐affinity state. To determine whether DBH knockout mice display an increase of high‐affinity state D2 receptors in vivo, we scanned DBH knockout and control mice with the agonist PET radioligand [11C]MNPA, which is thought to bind preferentially to the high‐affinity state of the D2 receptor. In addition, we performed in vitro binding experiments on striatal homogenates with [3H]methylspiperone to measure Bmax values and the percentages of high‐ and low‐affinity states of the D2 receptor. We found that the in vivo striatal binding of [11C]MNPA was similar in DBH knockout mice and heterozygous controls and the in vitro Bmax values and percentages of D2 receptors in the high‐affinity state, were not significantly different between these two groups. In summary, our results suggest that DBH knockout mice have normal levels of D2 receptors in the high‐affinity state and that additional mechanisms contribute to their behavioral sensitivity to psychostimulants. Synapse 64:699–703, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced IL‐1β production in response to the activation of hippocampal glial cells impairs neurogenesis in aged mice
Authors: Kuzumaki Naoko , Ikegami Daigo , Imai Satoshi , Narita Michiko , Tamura Rie , Yajima Marie , Suzuki Atsuo , Miyashita Kazuhiko , Niikura Keiichi , Takeshima Hideyuki , Ando Takayuki , Ushijima Toshikazu , Suzuki Tsutomu , Narita Minoru
Published: March 2010

A variety of mechanisms that contribute to the accumulation of age‐related damage and the resulting brain dysfunction have been identified. Recently, decreased neurogenesis in the hippocampus has been recognized as one of the mechanisms of age‐related brain dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism of decreased neurogenesis with aging is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether aging decreases neurogenesis accompanied by the activation of microglia and astrocytes, which increases the expression of IL‐1β in the hippocampus, and whether in vitro treatment with IL‐1β in neural stem cells directly impairs neurogenesis. Ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)‐positive microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive astrocytes were increased in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of 28‐month‐old mice. Furthermore, the mRNA level of IL‐1β was significantly increased without related histone modifications. Moreover, a significant increase in lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9) trimethylation at the promoter of NeuroD (a neural progenitor cell marker) was observed in the hippocampus of aged mice. In vitro treatment with IL‐1β in neural stem cells prepared from whole brain of E14.5 mice significantly increased H3K9 trimethylation at the NeuroD promoter. These findings suggest that aging may decrease hippocampal neurogenesis via epigenetic modifications accompanied by the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the increased expression of IL‐1β in the hippocampus. Synapse 64:721–728, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transperineal ultrasound to assess the effect of tension‐free vaginal tape position on flow rates
Authors: Duckett J. , Basu M. , Papanikolaou N.
Published: March 2010

Objective

To determine whether the position of the tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) has an effect on postoperative flow rates and voiding function in women successfully cured of urodynamic stress incontinence.

Methods

Postoperatively 72 women who had undergone TVT surgery had a transperineal ultrasound examination to assess the position of the TVT on the urethra. The tape was categorized as proximal, mid or distal urethral. The effect on voiding was assessed using the maximum flow rate (MFR) centiles corrected for voided volume and detrusor pressure at maximum flow.

Results

Forty‐six women had distal tapes and 26 mid‐urethral tapes. A tape lying on the mid urethra was associated with a fall in MFR centile (P = 0.04) while a tape lying on the distal urethra did not cause a fall in the MFR centile (P = 0.52). There was no significant change in the detrusor pressure at maximum flow between mid and distally placed tapes.

Conclusions

Distally placed tapes cause less alteration in flow rates than do mid‐urethrally placed tapes. This may be beneficial in certain patient groups. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wind Energy literature survey no. 15
Authors: Henriksen L. C.
Published: March 2010

As a service to readers, Wind Energy regularly conducts literature surveys and publishes lists of relevant articles drawn from recent issues of a large number of periodicals including: Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, International Journal of Energy Research, Renewable Energy, Energy Sources, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Journal, Electric Power Components and Systems along with a number of periodicals published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers etc. The list is limited exclusively to journals not specifically devoted to wind energy and its applications. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories. Although many papers fit several categories, each paper is listed only once under the category thought most appropriate. Please note that the inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. Compiled by Lars Christian Henriksen, Wind Energy Department, Risϕ National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, PO 49, DK‐4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Please e‐mail any suggestions to larh@risoe.dtu.dk.
Gene networks for nitrogen sensing, signaling, and response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Vidal Elena A. , Tamayo Karem P. , Gutierrez Rodrigo A.
Published: March 2010

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plants. In nature, N cycles between different inorganic and organic forms some of which can serve as nutrients for plants. The inorganic N forms nitrate and ammonium are the most important sources of N for plants. However, plants can also uptake and use organic N forms such as amino acids and urea. Besides their nutritional role, nitrate and other forms of N can also act as signals that regulate the expression of hundreds of genes causing modulation of plant metabolism, physiology, growth, and development. Although many genes and processes affected by changes in external or internal N have been identified, the molecular mechanisms involved in N sensing and signaling are still poorly understood. Classic reverse and forward genetics and more recently the advent of genomic and systems approaches have helped to characterize some of the components of the signaling pathways directing Arabidopsis responses to N. Here, we provide an update on recent advances to identify the components involved in N sensing and signaling in Arabidopsis and their importance for the plant response to N. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
Mutation screening in 86 known X-linked mental retardation genes by droplet-based multiplex PCR and massive parallel sequencing
Authors: Hu Hao , Wrogemann Klaus , Kalscheuer Vera , Tzschach Andreas , Richard Hugues , Haas Stefan A. , Menzel Corinna , Bienek Melanie , Froyen Guy , Raynaud Martine , Van Bokhoven Hans , Chelly Jamel , Ropers Hilger , Chen Wei
Published: March 2010

Massive parallel sequencing has revolutionized the search for pathogenic variants in the human genome, but for routine diagnosis, re-sequencing of the complete human genome in a large cohort of patients is still far too expensive. Recently, novel genome partitioning methods have been developed that allow to target re-sequencing to specific genomic compartments, but practical experience with these methods is still limited. In this study, we have combined a novel droplet-based multiplex PCR method and next generation sequencing to screen patients with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) for mutations in 86 previously identified XLMR genes. In total, affected males from 24 large XLMR families were analyzed, including three in whom the mutations were already known. Amplicons corresponding to functionally relevant regions of these genes were sequenced on an Illumina/Solexa Genome Analyzer II platform. Highly specific and uniform enrichment was achieved: on average, 67.9% unambiguously mapped reads were derived from amplicons, and for 88.5% of the targeted bases, the sequencing depth was sufficient to reliably detect variations. Potentially disease-causing sequence variants were identified in 10 out of 24 patients, including the three mutations that were already known, and all of these could be confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The robust performance of this approach demonstrates the general utility of droplet-based multiplex PCR for parallel mutation screening in hundreds of genes, which is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of mental retardation and other disorders that may be due to defects of a wide variety of genes.
Enhanced Wettability Alteration by Surfactants with Multiple Hydrophilic Moieties
Authors: Salehi Mehdi , Johnson Stephen J. , Liang Jenn‐Tai
Published: March 2010

The main production mechanism during water flooding of naturally fractured oil reservoirs is the spontaneous imbibition of water into matrix blocks and resultant displacement of oil into the fracture system. This is an efficient recovery process when the matrix is strongly water‐wet. However, in mixed‐ to oil‐wet reservoirs, secondary recovery from water flooding is often poor. Oil production can be improved by dissolving low concentrations of surfactants in the injected water. The surfactant alters the wettability of the reservoir rock, enhancing the spontaneous imbibition process. Our previous study revealed that the two main mechanisms responsible for the wettability alteration are ion‐pair formation and adsorption of surfactant molecules through interactions with the adsorbed crude oil components on the rock surface. Based on the superior performance of surfactin, an anionic biosurfactant with two charged groups on the hydrophilic head, it was hypothesized that the wettability alteration process might be further improved through the use of dimeric or gemini surfactants, which have two hydrophilic head groups and two hydrophobic tails. We believe that when ion‐pair formation is the dominant wettability alteration mechanism, wettability alteration in oil‐wet cores can be improved by increasing the charge density on the head group(s) of the surfactant molecule since the ion‐pair formation is driven by electrostatic interactions. At a concentration of 1.0 mmol L−1 a representative anionic gemini surfactant showed oil recoveries of up to 49% original oil‐in‐place (OOIP) from oil‐wet sandstone cores, compared to 6 and 27% for sodium laureth sulfate and surfactin, respectively. These observations are consistent with our hypothesis.
Tau deficiency leads to the upregulation of BAF‐57, a protein involved in neuron‐specific gene repression
Authors: Gómez de Barreda Elena , Dawson Hana N. , Vitek Michel P. , Avila Jesús
Published: March 2010

Although tau is mainly located in the cell cytoplasm, mostly bound to tubulin, it may also be found in the nucleus of neurons. Hence, we tested whether tau might play a role in regulating the expression of certain genes by comparing gene expression in mice containing or lacking the tau protein. Our results identified a significant difference in the expression of the smarce1 gene, which codes for the BAF‐57 protein, a protein involved in the repression of neuron specific genes. These data suggest a role for tau in neuron maturation.
Centre-Party Strength and Major-Party Divergence in Britain, 1945–2005
Authors: Nagel Jack H. , Wlezien Christopher
Published: March 2010

British elections exhibit two patterns contrary to expectations deriving from Duverger and Downs: centrist third parties (Liberals and their successors) win a large vote share; and the two major parties often espouse highly divergent policies. This article explores relations between the Liberal vote and left–right scores of the Labour and Conservative manifestos in the light of two hypotheses: thevacated centreposits that Liberals receive more votes when major parties diverge; theoccupied centreproposes a lagged effect in which major parties diverge farther after Liberals do well in the preceding election. Data from elections since 1945 confirm the vacated-centre hypothesis, with Liberals benefiting about equally when the major parties diverge to the left and right, respectively. The results also support the occupied-centre hypothesis for Conservative party positions, but not for Labour’s. After considering explanations for this asymmetry, we identify historical events associated with turning points that our data reveal in post-war British politics.
Federalism and Political Change: Canada and Germany in Historical-Institutionalist Perspective
Authors: Broschek Jörg
Published: March 2010

Abstract.This paper starts from the assumption that historical institutionalism has much to offer in order to address important questions raised in the literature on comparative federalism. Historical institutionalism is a useful approach to enhancing our understanding of both the origins that drive federal system dynamics and the dynamic patterns which federal systems unfold over time. The paper conceptualizes federalism as a multi-layered political order, comprising an institutional and an ideational layer. It then introduces two models of political change, the model of path dependence and the process sequencing model, and asks how each model can contribute to explain the emergence of the federal order in Canada and Germany. I conclude that while the model of path dependence lends itself well to capturing federal system dynamics in Germany, the process sequencing model, in contrast, is better suited to explaining sources and patterns of change in Canada.

Résumé.L'article part de la position que l'institutionnalisme historique constitue une source intéressante pour aborder des questions importantes issues de la littérature sur le fédéralisme comparatif. L'institutionnalisme historique est une approche utile pour élargir notre compréhension des dynamiques politiques dans les systèmes fédéraux. Cet article conceptualise le fédéralisme comme un ordre politique à plusieurs niveaux comportant une strate institutionnelle et une strate idéationnelle. Puis, deux modèles de transformation politique sont introduits : le modèle de la dépendance du sentier et un autre qui trace les diverses séquences d'un changement dont la temporalité est décisive pour les résultats. On analyse ensuite la capacité des deux modèles d'expliquer la formation d'un ordre politique fédéral en Allemagne et au Canada. L'article conclut que le modèle de la dépendance du sentier est utile pour cerner les dynamiques du système fédéral allemand tandis que le modèle des séquences temporelles est meilleur pour expliquer les sources et les transformations du fédéralisme canadien.
The 2007 French Presidential Election
Authors: Lemennicier Bertrand , Lescieux-Katir Hororine , Grofman Bernard
Published: March 2010

Abstract. We make use of a novel forecasting technique based on the Hotelling-Downs spatial framework to project vote outcomes in the second round of the two-round French presidential election system. In doing so we take advantage of the high degree of bimodality in the distribution of voter preferences to predict which candidates will make it into the second round. While our principal focus is on the 2007 election, we also look at the seven previous presidential elections in the French Fifth Republic, from 1965 through 2002.

Résumé. Pour prédire le résultat du deuxième tour de scrutin des élections présidentielles françaises de 2007, nous avons fait appel à une nouvelle technique fondée sur le modèle spatial de Hotelling-Downs. En procédant ainsi, nous avons pris en compte le haut degré de bimodalité de la distribution des préférences pour pronostiquer lequel des deux candidats remporterait la victoire. Bien que nous ayons surtout centré notre attention sur l'élection présidentielle de 2007, nous avons aussi examiné les sept élections présidentielles antérieures de la Cinquième République, tenues de 1965 à 2002, afin de tester notre méthode et prédire ex ante les résultats de 2007.
Revisiting Local Campaign Effects: An Experiment Involving Literature Mail Drops in the 2007 Ontario Election
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Perrella Andrea M.L. , Kay Barry J.
Published: March 2010

Abstract.An invariant feature of constituency election campaigns is the literature mail drop, usually a one-page leaflet or card left at the door profiling the candidate and appealing for electoral support. In this article, we report on a field experiment designed to assess the effects of such mail drops. The experiment was conducted during the 2007 Ontario provincial election campaign in the constituency of Cambridge and entailed distributing literature for the Green party candidate in that constituency. After randomly assigning constituency polls to treatment and control groups, and delivering the Green candidate's partisan literature only to the selected treatment group polls, we compared the candidate's support levels in the treated polls with those in the control group. Our research detected a modest effect associated with the literature drop. The effect was largely limited to constituency neighbourhoods fitting at least part of the Green party's traditional demographic, that is, those with higher than average socio-economic status.

Résumé.Un trait commun des campagnes électorales au niveau des circonscriptions est la distribution de publipostages. Il s'agit habituellement d'un dépliant d'une page déposé dans la boîte aux lettres et donnant le profil du candidat tout en invitant les gens à voter pour lui. Notre article porte sur une expérience que nous avons menée pour évaluer les effets de ces publipostages sur le vote. Au cours de la campagne des élections provinciales de l'Ontario, en 2007, dans la circonscription de Cambridge. nous avons distribué des documents sur le candidat du Parti vert de cette circonscription. Les bureaux de scrutin ont étés divisés, au hasard, en deux groupes, soit un groupe de traitement et un groupe de contrôle. Nous avons distribué les documents seulement aux électeurs du premier groupe. Après l'élection, nous avons comparé les niveaux d'appui au candidat vert dans les deux groupes. Les résultats montrent un effet modeste associé à la distribution des publipostages. L'effet observé était en grande partie limité aux quartiers répondant, en partie du moins, au profil démographique traditionnellement favorable aux partis écologiques, soit les quartiers ayant un statut socio-économique plus élevé que la moyenne.
(In)Significant Elections? Federal By-elections in Canada, 1963–2008
Authors: Loewen Peter John , Bastien Frédérick
Published: March 2010

Abstract.Despite the development of electoral studies in Canada, by-elections have received little attention from researchers. We believe that these are important political events. This research note examines the 121 federal by-elections held between general elections from 1963 to 2008. Our analysis indicates that turnout in by-elections is driven by the larger societal determinants of turnout and not the characteristics of each race. We also find that the support of the government party in a by-election is affected by changes in national opinion towards the government, but only in the third-party system. We find that minor parties and independent candidates perform better in by-elections than in general elections. And we find no difference in the re-election rates of by-election winners and those who enter parliament through general elections.

Résumé.Malgré le développement des études électorales au Canada, les élections partielles ont reçu très peu d'attention de la part des chercheurs. Nous croyons qu'il s'agit pourtant d'événements importants dans la vie politique canadienne. Cette note de recherche examine les 121 élections partielles fédérales survenues entre les élections générales de 1963 à 2008. Notre analyse indique que le taux de participation aux élections partielles est davantage influencé par des déterminants sociétaux que par des caractéristiques propres à chacune. Nous constatons aussi que les fluctuations de l'opinion publique canadienne à l'égard du gouvernement influençaient la performance du parti gouvernemental lors des élections partielles avant le réalignement partisan de 1993, mais que ce n'est plus le cas dans le système partisan actuel. Nous observons également que les petits partis et les candidats indépendants enregistrent de meilleures performances lors des élections partielles et qu'il n'y a pas, aux élections générales qui suivent, de différence notable entre le taux de réélection des gagnants aux élections partielles et celui des autres députés sortants.