bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of levosimendan, OR-1896, OR-1855, dobutamine, and milrinone on vascular resistance, indexes of cardiac function, and O2consumption in dogs
Authors: Banfor Patricia N. , Preusser Lee C. , Campbell Thomas J. , Marsh Kennan C. , Polakowski James S. , Reinhart Glenn A. , Cox Bryan F. , Fryer Ryan M.
Published: November 2007

Levosimendan enhances cardiac contractility via Ca2+sensitization and induces vasodilation through the activation of ATP-dependent K+and large-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+channels. However, the hemodynamic effects of levosimendan, as well as its metabolites, OR-1896 and OR-1855, relative to plasma concentrations achieved, are not well defined. Thus levosimendan, OR-1896, OR-1855, or vehicle was infused at 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 μmol·kg−1·30 min−1, targeting therapeutic to supratherapeutic concentrations of total levosimendan (62.6 ng/ml). Results were compared with those of the β1-agonist dobutamine and the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor milrinone. Peak concentrations of levosimendan, OR-1896, and OR-1855 were 455 ± 21, 126 ± 6, and 136 ± 6 ng/ml, respectively. Levosimendan and OR-1896 produced dose-dependent reductions in mean arterial pressure (−31 ± 2 and −42 ± 3 mmHg, respectively) and systemic resistance without affecting pulse pressure, effects paralleled by increases in heart rate; OR-1855 produced no effect at any dose tested. Dobutamine, but not milrinone, increased mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure (17 ± 2 and 23 ± 2 mmHg, respectively). Regarding potency to elicit reductions in time to peak pressure and time to systolic pressure recovery: OR-1896 > levosimendan > milrinone > dobutamine. Levosimendan and OR-1896 elicited dose-dependent increases in change in pressure over time (118 ± 10 and 133 ± 13%, respectively), concomitant with reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and ejection time. However, neither levosimendan nor OR-1896 produced increases in myocardial oxygen consumption at inotropic and vasodilatory concentrations, whereas dobutamine increased myocardial oxygen consumption (79% above baseline). Effects of the levosimendan and OR-1896 were limited to the systemic circulation; neither compound produced changes in pulmonary pressure, whereas dobutamine produced profound increases (74 ± 13%). Thus levosimendan and OR-1896 are hemodynamically active in the anesthetized dog at concentrations observed clinically and elicit cardiovascular effects consistent with activation of both K+channels and Ca2+sensitization, whereas OR-1855 is inactive on endpoints measured in this study.
Effect of ovariectomy on cardiac gene expression: inflammation and changes in SOCS gene expression
Authors: Hamilton Karyn L. , Lin Li , Wang Yin , Knowlton Anne A.
Published: November 2007

Basic research on estrogen-related changes in cardiomyocyte gene expression is needed to provide a greater understanding of the effects of estrogen, so that hormone replacement trials and treatment can be based on a true comprehension of estrogen's pleiotropic effects. Therefore, we compared gene expression in models of estrogen depletion and estrogen replacement. Using gene expression array analysis, we examined differences in expression in cardiac tissue from ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized with 17β-estradiol replacement (OVX/E2), and intact rats undergoing sham procedures (Sham). We found that OVX results in at least twofold changes in expression of genes involved in inflammation, vascular tone, apoptosis, and proteolysis compared with OVX/E2. With confirmation via real-time PCR, we found an OVX-induced increase in genes mediating inflammation (inhibin βa, IL-6, TNF-α, SOCS2, SOCS3), an OVX-related decrease in the myocardial mRNA expression of genes involved in regulating vasodilation (endothelial NOS, soluble guanyl cyclase), an OVX-associated increase in extracellular matrix genes (collagen12alpha1, connexin 43), and an OVX-related increase in proapoptotic genes (caspase 3, calpain). Because details of cardiac signaling by SOCS genes are virtually unknown, we examined the protein expression for these genes via Western analyses. Although we observed OVX-related increases in SOCS2 and SOCS3 mRNA, SOCS2 and SOCS3 protein did not differ among groups. In light of these findings, investigation into the net effect of OVX on inflammation is warranted. These experiments add to existing evidence that estrogen can protect against negative changes associated with estrogen removal.
Progression of Prostate Cancer from a Subset of p63-Positive Basal Epithelial Cells in FG/Tag Transgenic Mice
Authors: Reiner Teresita , de las Pozas Alicia , Parrondo Ricardo , Perez-Stable Carlos
Published: November 2007

Transgenic mice that allow targeting of SV40 T antigen (Tag) to the prostate provide a unique model to identify cancer-initiating cells and follow their progression from a normal cell phenotype into prostate cancer cells. We have developed the FG/Tag transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer using the human fetal globin (FG) promoter linked to Tag. Immunohistochemistry results show that before the development of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a subset of p63+ basal epithelial cells expresses Tag. As in the case of human prostate cancer, there is a loss of p63+ basal cells with neoplastic progression, and a long period of time is required for PIN lesions to develop into palpable prostate tumors. Other immunohistochemistry results show cellular heterogeneity in FG/Tag PIN lesions and primary tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation. Cell lines derived from primary prostate tumors showed characteristics of a neuroendocrine-epithelial intermediate cell type. The FG promoter has high transcriptional activity in intermediate (DU 145, PC-3) and p63+ basal epithelial (LHSR-AR) prostate cancer cells. Therefore, the unexpected development of prostate cancer in the FG/Tag mice may be due to the presence of DNA elements in the FG promoter that can target Tag to specific basal or intermediate cells. We conclude that FG/Tag mouse is a unique model of prostate cancer because the initiating cells are a subset of p63+ basal (possibly stem cells), which may be the true cells of origin for carcinogenesis in aggressive human prostate cancer. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(11):1171–9)
Improvement of Postnatal Neovascularization by Human Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Endothelial-Like Cell Transplantation in a Mouse Model of Hindlimb Ischemia
Authors: Cho Seung-Woo , Moon Sung-Hwan , Lee Soo-Hong , Kang Sun-Woong , Kim Jumi , Lim Jae Min , Kim Hyo-Soo , Kim Byung-Soo , Chung Hyung- Min
Published: November 2007

Background—

We established an efficient preparation method to obtain endothelial-like cells (ECs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and tested whether these hESC-ECs would show therapeutic potential for treatment of hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

ECs differentiated from hESCs were obtained by mechanical isolation and cell sorting for von Willebrand factor. The isolated hESC-ECs maintained endothelial cell–specific characteristics such as endothelial marker expression and capillary formation. One day after surgical induction of hindlimb ischemia in athymic mice, hESC-ECs were injected intramuscularly into ischemic limbs. Four weeks after treatment, hESC-EC treatment significantly increased limb salvage (36%) compared with treatment with medium (0%). In addition, laser Doppler imaging showed that the ratio of blood perfusion (ischemic to normal limb) was increased significantly (
P
<0.01) by hESC-EC treatment (0.511±0.167) compared with medium injection (0.073±0.061). Capillary and arteriole densities were 658±190/mm
2
and 30±11/mm
2
in the hESC-EC group, respectively, whereas those in the medium group were 392±118/mm
2
and 16±8/mm
2
, respectively (
P
<0.01). Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with human-specific primers revealed mRNA expression of human endothelial markers and human angiogenic factors in ischemic mouse tissues. The transplanted hESC-ECs were localized as capillaries near muscle tissues in ischemic regions or incorporated in the vessels between muscle tissues, as confirmed by human nuclear antigen staining with platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule or von Willebrand factor.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that hESC-EC transplantation improves blood perfusion and limb salvage by facilitating postnatal neovascularization in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia. Thus, hESC-ECs might be useful as an alternative cell source for angiogenic therapy.
Intracardiac Thrombosis and Embolism in Patients With Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Feng DaLi , Edwards William D. , Oh Jae K. , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy , Grogan Martha , Martinez Matthew W. , Syed Imran I. , Hughes Deborah A. , Lust John A. , Jaffe Allan S. , Gertz Morie A. , Klarich Kyle W.
Published: November 2007

Background—

Patients with primary amyloidosis (AL type) have a poor prognosis, in part due to frequent cardiac involvement. Although intracardiac thrombus has been reported in anecdotal cases, neither its frequency nor its role in causing mortality is known. Furthermore, the clinical and echocardiographic variables that may be associated with thromboembolism in cardiac amyloidosis have not been defined.

Methods and Results—

A total of 116 autopsy or explanted cases of cardiac amyloidosis (55 AL and 61 other type) were identified in the Mayo Clinic. Forty-six fatal nonamyloid trauma cases served as controls. Each heart was examined for intracardiac thrombus. The cause of death was determined from autopsy and clinical notes. Intracardiac thrombosis was identified in 38 hearts (33%). Twenty-three had 1 thrombus, whereas 15 had 2 to 5 thrombi. Although subjects in the AL group were younger and had less atrial fibrillation than those with other types of amyloidosis, the AL group had significantly more intracardiac thrombus (51% versus 16%,
P
<0.001) and more fatal embolic events (26% versus 8%,
P
<0.03). Control hearts had no intracardiac thrombus. The presence of both atrial fibrillation and AL was associated with an extremely high risk for thromboembolism (odds ratio 55.0 [95% confidence interval 8.1 to 1131.4]). By multivariate analysis, AL type (odds ratio 8.4 [95% confidence interval 1.8 to 51.2]) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio 12.2 [95% confidence interval 2.7 to 72.7]) were independently associated with thromboembolism.

Conclusions—

A high frequency of intracardiac thrombosis was present in cardiac amyloidosis. Furthermore, thromboembolism caused significant fatality. Several risk factors for thromboembolism were identified. Early screening, especially in high-risk patients, and early anticoagulation might reduce morbidity and mortality.
Spontaneous Atherothrombosis and Medial Degradation in
Apoe
−/−
,
Npc1
−/−
Mice
Authors: Welch Carrie L. , Sun Yu , Arey Brian J. , Lemaitre Vincent , Sharma Naresh , Ishibashi Minako , Sayers Scott , Li Rong , Gorelik Anna , Pleskac Nick , Collins-Fletcher Kadesha , Yasuda Yoshiyuki , Bromme Dieter , D’Armiento Jeanine M. , Ogletree Martin L. , Tall Alan R.
Published: November 2007

Background—

The formation of an occluding thrombus on a ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaque is the hallmark event leading to acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, and sudden death in humans. However, other species are highly resistant to plaque complications, and the specific processes predisposing to plaque destabilization and thrombosis are poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

Mice carrying a null mutation of a gene regulating intracellular cholesterol transport (the
Niemann-Pick C1
[
Npc1
] gene) were crossed with apolipoprotein E (
Apoe
) knockout mice to examine the effect of
Npc1
on atherosclerotic lesion formation. Double-mutant mice showed greater lesion area compared with
Apoe
−/−
littermates. Remarkably, the double mutants also developed large, protruding thrombi associated with the plaques and prominent medial degradation with inflammatory cell infiltration into the adventitia. Genetic studies suggested that the BALB background was permissive for plaque complications compared with C57BL/6J, and a BALB susceptibility locus was mapped by linkage analysis to chromosome 6. Examination of clotting parameters in double-knockout mice revealed that native clotting times were shortened and thrombin-antithrombin complex and soluble CD40 ligand levels were elevated compared with wild-type controls. In addition, cathepsin K was induced in
Npc1
−/−
macrophages, and cathepsin K immunostaining and elastase activity were increased in proximal aortas of double-mutant mice compared with controls.

Conclusions—

A defect in intracellular cholesterol trafficking caused by the
Npc1
null mutation predisposes to increased lesion formation, atherothrombosis, and medial degradation. Plaque complications may require a procoagulant state and an increased protease activity, leading to plaque destabilization.
Control of In Vivo Contraction/Relaxation Kinetics by Myosin Binding Protein C
Authors: Nagayama Takahiro , Takimoto Eiki , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Mudd James O. , Seidman J.G. , Robbins Jeffrey , Kass David A.
Published: November 2007

Background—

Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is a thick-filament protein whose presence and phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA) regulates cross-bridge formation and kinetics in isolated myocardium. We tested the influence of cMyBP-C and its PKA-phosphorylation on contraction/relaxation kinetics in intact hearts and revealed its essential role in several classic properties of cardiac function.

Methods and Results—

Comprehensive in situ cardiac pressure–volume analysis was performed in mice harboring a truncation mutation of cMyBP-C (cMyBP-C
(t/t)
) that resulted in nondetectable protein versus hearts re-expressing solely wild-type (cMyBP-C
WT:(t/t)
) or mutated protein in which known PKA-phosphorylation sites were constitutively suppressed (cMyBP-C
AllP-:(t/t)
). Hearts lacking cMyBP-C had faster early systolic activation, which then terminated prematurely, limiting ejection. Systole remained short at faster heart rates; thus, cMyBP-C
(t/t)
hearts displayed minimal rate-dependent decline in diastolic time and cardiac preload. Furthermore, prolongation of pressure relaxation by afterload was markedly blunted in cMyBP-C
(t/t)
hearts. All 3 properties were similarly restored to normal in cMyBP-C
WT:(t/t)
and cMyBP-C
AllP-:(t/t)
hearts, which supports independence of PKA-phosphorylation. However, the dependence of peak rate of pressure rise on preload was specifically depressed in cMyBP-C
AllP-:(t/t)
hearts, whereas cMyBP-C
(t/t)
and cMyBP-C
AllP-:(t/t)
hearts had similar blunted adrenergic and rate-dependent contractile reserve, which supports linkage of these behaviors to PKA-cMyBP-C modification.

Conclusions—

cMyBP-C is essential for major properties of cardiac function, including sustaining systole during ejection, the heart-rate dependence of the diastolic time period, and relaxation delay from increased arterial afterload. These are independent of its phosphorylation by PKA, which more specifically modulates early pressure rise rate and adrenergic/heart rate reserve.
Physiological Testosterone Replacement Therapy Attenuates Fatty Streak Formation and Improves High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in the Tfm Mouse
Authors: Nettleship Joanne E. , Jones T. Hugh , Channer Kevin S. , Jones Richard D.
Published: November 2007

Background—

Research supports a beneficial effect of physiological testosterone on cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms by which testosterone produces these effects have yet to be elucidated. The testicular feminized (Tfm) mouse exhibits a nonfunctional androgen receptor and low circulating testosterone concentrations. We used the Tfm mouse to determine whether testosterone modulates atheroma formation via its classic signaling pathway involving the nuclear androgen receptor, conversion to 17β-estradiol, or an alternative signaling pathway.

Methods and Results—

Tfm mice (n=31) and XY littermates (n=8) were separated into 5 experimental groups. Each group received saline (Tfm, n=8; XY littermates, n=8), physiological testosterone alone (Tfm, n=8), physiological testosterone in conjunction with the estrogen receptor α antagonist fulvestrant (Tfm, n=8), or physiological testosterone in conjunction with the aromatase inhibitor anastrazole (Tfm, n=7). All groups were fed a cholesterol-enriched diet for 28 weeks. Serial sections from the aortic root were examined for fatty streak formation. Blood was collected for measurement of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), non-HDLC, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol. Physiological testosterone replacement significantly reduced fatty streak formation in Tfm mice compared with placebo-treated controls (0.37±0.07% versus 2.86±0.39%, respectively;
P
≤0.0001). HDLC concentrations also were significantly raised in Tfm mice receiving physiological testosterone replacement compared with those receiving placebo (2.81±0.30 versus 2.08±0.09 mmol/L, respectively;
P
=0.05). Cotreatment with either fulvestrant or anastrazole completely abolished the improvement in HDLC.

Conclusion—

Physiological testosterone replacement inhibited fatty streak formation in the Tfm mouse, an effect that was independent of the androgen receptor. The observed increase in HDLC is consistent with conversion to 17β-estradiol.
Aldosterone-Induced Coronary Dysfunction in Transgenic Mice Involves the Calcium-Activated Potassium (BKCa) Channels of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ambroisine Marie-Lory , Favre Julie , Oliviero Patricia , Rodriguez Camille , Gao Ji , Thuillez Christian , Samuel Jane-Lise , Richard Vincent , Delcayre Claude
Published: November 2007

Background—

Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of aldosterone synthase in male (MAS) mice induces a nitric oxide–independent coronary dysfunction. Because calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels are essential for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) relaxation, we hypothesized that aldosterone alters their expression and/or function in VSMCs.

Methods and Results—

Left coronary artery segments were isolated from MAS or male wild-type mice and mounted in a wire myograph. Responses to acetylcholine were assessed (in the presence of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) without or with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac, the KCa inhibitors charybdotoxin plus apamin, or the BKCa inhibitor iberiotoxin. Expression of BKCa was quantified in hearts by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot and in isolated coronary arteries by polymerase chain reaction. The effect of aldosterone on BKCa expression also was studied in cultured rat aortic VSMCs. Acetylcholine-mediated coronary relaxation was markedly decreased in MAS mice and was prevented by spironolactone. Diclofenac did not affect the MAS-induced impairment in the responses to acetylcholine, whereas charybdotoxin plus apamin virtually abolished the relaxation in both male wild-type and MAS mice. After iberiotoxin, relaxation to acetylcholine was decreased to a larger extent in male wild-type than in MAS, leading to similar levels of relaxation. BKCa-α and -β1 subunit expressions were significantly decreased in MAS heart and coronary arteries. In cultured VSMCs, aldosterone induced a concentration-dependent decrease in BKCa expression, which was prevented by spironolactone.

Conclusions—

Aldosterone overexpression altered VSMC BKCa expression and coronary BKCa-dependent relaxation. The resulting alteration of relaxing responses may contribute to the deleterious effects of aldosterone in cardiovascular diseases. BKCa channels may therefore be useful therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases.
The Common Long-QT Syndrome Mutation KCNQ1/A341V Causes Unusually Severe Clinical Manifestations in Patients With Different Ethnic Backgrounds
Authors: Crotti Lia , Spazzolini Carla , Schwartz Peter J. , Shimizu Wataru , Denjoy Isabelle , Schulze-Bahr Eric , Zaklyazminskaya Elena V. , Swan Heikki , Ackerman Michael J. , Moss Arthur J. , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Horie Minoru , Brink Paul A. , Insolia Roberto , De Ferrari Gaetano M. , Crimi Gabriele
Published: November 2007

Background—

The impressive clinical heterogeneity of the long-QT syndrome (LQTS) remains partially unexplained. In a South African (SA) founder population, we identified a common LQTS type 1 (LQT1)–causing mutation (
KCNQ1
-A341V) associated with high clinical severity. We tested whether the arrhythmic risk was caused directly by A341V or by its presence in the specific ethnic setting of the SA families.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-eight patients, all with a single
KCNQ1
-A341V mutation, from 21 families and 8 countries were compared with 166 SA patients with A341V and with 205 non-A341V LQT1 patients. In the 2 A341V populations (SA and non-SA), the probability of a first event through 40 years of age was similar (76% and 82%), and the QTc was 484±42 versus 485±45 ms (
P
=NS). Compared with the 205 non-A341V patients with the same median follow-up (30 versus 32 years), the 244 A341V patients were more likely to have cardiac events (75% versus 24%), were younger at first event (6 versus 11 years), and had a longer QTc (485±43 versus 465±38 ms) (all
P
<0.001). Arrhythmic risk remained higher (
P
<0.0001) even when the A341V patients were compared with non-A341V patients with mutations either localized to transmembrane domains or exhibiting a dominant-negative effect. A341V patients had more events despite β-blocker therapy.

Conclusions—

The hot spot
KCNQ1
-A341V predicts high clinical severity independently of the ethnic origin of the families. This higher risk of cardiac events also persists when compared with LQT1 patients with either transmembrane or dominant-negative mutations. The identification of this high-risk mutation and possibly others may improve the risk stratification and management of LQTS
.
Bone Mass and Body Composition in Children and Adolescents With Primary Hypertension
Authors: Pludowski Pawel , Litwin Mieczyslaw , Sladowska Joanna , Antoniewicz Jolanta , Niemirska Anna , Wierzbicka Aldona , Lorenc Roman S.
Published: November 2007

Because primary hypertension (PH) is associated with calcium metabolism, it is hypothesized that PH may be related to osteoporosis risk. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between body composition and bone strength in hypertensive adolescents. Total body scans using x-ray absorptiometry (DPX-L, GE Healthcare) were performed in 94 PH children aged 6 to 18 years (21 girls and 73 boys). References of healthy control subjects were used for the calculation of
Z
scores (age and gender matched), SD scores (height and gender matched), and SDs scores (weight and gender matched). Total body bone mineral density, total body bone mineral content (TBBMC), lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM) were investigated. Relative bone strength index was calculated as the TBBMC:LBM ratio. As evidenced by
Z
scores, PH case subjects had slightly higher total body bone mineral density, TBBMC, and LBM compared with healthy subjects. Reduced LBM/body weight (BW)
Z
scores of −1.9±1.5 and −1.2±1.4, increased FM
Z
scores of +2.5±2.5 and +1.7±2.0, and increased FM/BW
Z
scores of +1.6±1.3 and +1.1±1.4 were noted in girls and boys compared with healthy subjects, respectively (
P
<0.001). When increased BW was controlled for, PH girls differed in SDs scores for LBM (−1.4±1.7;
P
<0.01), FM (+1.6±2.2;
P
<0.05), FM/BW (+0.9±1.0;
P
<0.05), and FM/LBM (+1.3±1.4;
P
<0.01) but not for total body bone mineral density (+0.2±1.0;
P
value not significant), TBBMC (−1.2±1.6;
P
=0.07), LBM/BW (−0.7±1.0;
P
=0.07), and TBBMC/LBM (−1.0±2.1;
P
value not significant), when compared with respective SDs scores of −0.3±1.1, +0.3±1.1, +0.3±1.0, +0.3±1.0, −0.2±1.0, −0.6±1.9, −0.3±1.0, and −0.2±1.0 in PH boys. In conclusion, PH adolescents had increased FM and an imbalanced relationship among BW, FM, and LBM. In PH girls, bone strength, although proper for chronological age and body height, was lower than expected for BW.
Personal Responsibility for Health — Developments Under the German Healthcare Reform 2007
Authors: Schmidt Harald
Published: November 2007

Appeals to personal responsibility for health are controversial in many countries, especially in those that have publicly funded healthcare systems.In Germany, personal responsibility has traditionally been a focal point in the statutory health-insurance scheme. The most recent healthcare reform under the motto 'prevention before treatment, rehabilitation, and long term care' came into force on 1 April 2007 through the Gesetz zur Stärkung des Wettbewerbs in der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV-WSG — "Law to strengthen competition among providers of statutory health-insurance scheme"). In significant parts, the law has given further emphasis to the role of personal responsibility. Implications of three important changes are discussed: (1) insured persons may no longer claim free treatment for complications arising from certain 'lifestyle choices'; (2) chronically ill and cancer patients face more stringent compliance requirements or face higher co-payments; and (3) insured persons may cash 'no-claim bonuses' if over at least one year they do not require hospitalisation or prescription medicines.Previous emphasis on personal responsibility has had relatively broad support in Germany. The long-term acceptability of the new measures will depend on several factors, including the structural and financial impact on different providers of statutory health insurance, and the capacities and opportunities of different groups in society to make use of the new provisions.
Dog Duty
Authors: Hanrahan Rebecca
Published: November 2007

Burgess-Jackson (1998) argues that the duties we have to our companion animals are similar to the duties we have to our children. Specifically, he argues that a person who takes custody of either a nonhuman animal or a child elevates the moral status of the child or animal, endowing each with rights neither had before. These rights obligate that person to provide for the well being of the creature—animal or child—in question. This paper offers two arguments against this position. First, a creature's rights rest solely on the creature's intrinsic properties. Thus, the person taking custody of a creature does not endow the creature with new rights. Rather, the custodian assumes the responsibilities associated with ensuring that the creature's rights are protected and preserved. Second, our children possess intrinsic properties and, hence, rights—most important, the right to life—that our pets lack. This difference undermines the analogy on which Burgess-Jackson's argument depends. Our pets are not like our children, as Burgess-Jackson claims. Instead, they are more akin to our slaves.
Resources, not male mating strategies, are a determinant of social structure in Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni)
Authors: Verdolin
Published: November 2007

Previous studies of Gunnison's prairie dogs, Cynomys gunnisoni, have reached different conclusions about the factors influencing sociality in this species. In this study I tested whether Gunnison's prairie dog social structure was resource-based or whether male mating strategies drive the organizational patterns observed. Group size, where the term group refers to individuals occupying the same territory, was predicted by territory size and density of food available. The spatial overlap of adults within territories was positively correlated with spatial patchiness of food resources. All group members participated in territory defense, although adult males engaged in significantly more intergroup aggressive interactions. There was no significant difference in adult male and female home range size. The number of female home ranges that any given male home range overlapped was not correlated with male body mass, male home range size, or territory size. Contrary to predictions of typical mammalian male mating strategies, adult females ranged significantly further than males during the mating period. Body mass of males and nonreproductive females was similar, whereas that of reproductive females was smaller. In addition, males and females did not differ in size, based on skull length and skull width. Results from this study strongly suggest that patterns of space use and social structure in Gunnison's prairie dogs are the result of individual responses to resource abundance and distribution and are not due to male mating strategies, such as resource defense or female defense polygyny.
Long-term pair-bonds without mating fidelity in a mammal
Authors: Handasyde Kathrine , Coulson Graeme , Martin Jennifer , Taylor Andrea
Published: November 2007

Most mammals are polygynous and are characterised by male-biased sexual size dimorphism. One hallmark of mammalian monogamy is the lack of such dimorphism. Bobucks, or mountain brushtail possums, Trichosurus cunninghami, lack sexual size dimorphism; however, few behavioural data exist for this species. We studied the mating system of a bobuck population in south-eastern Australia. Adult bobucks were strongly paired: pair-members had exclusive access to a suite of den-trees and overlapped in home range on average by 70%. Pair-members rested together in the same tree-hollow on approximately 70% of days during the breeding season and 47% of days during the non-breeding season. While active, pair-members remained within approximately 8 m of one another during the breeding season and within 31 m of one another during the non-breeding season. Females established pair-bonds at 2-5 years of age; pair-bonds ended only as a result of the death of one pair member. However, molecular paternity analysis established that 35% of young were the result of extra-pair copulations (EPCs). This is the first study to provide strong evidence of long-term pair-bonds in a marsupial and raises questions about the relative benefits of pairing to males and females in this population.
Acts That Work: A Cognitive Approach to Ritual Agency
Authors: Sørensen Jesper
Published: November 2007

Questions of agency are central for understanding ritual behavior in general and representations of ritual efficacy in particular. Religious traditions often stipulate who are entitled to perform particular rituals. Further, representations of unobservable superhuman agents are often explicitly described as the 'real' ritual agents. Recent investigations into the processes underlying action representations and social cognition can help explain how these representations arise. It is argued that paying close attention to details in the cognitive processing of ordinary actions can shed light on how ritual actions activate part of these systems while simultaneously leaving other aspects unaccounted for. This has particular effects that make culturally transmitted representations of superhuman agents highly relevant.
Donald Davidson, Anomalous Monism and the Study of Religion
Authors: Davis G. Scott
Published: November 2007

Donald Davidson's concept of "anomalous monism" is not nearly as well known as his related attack on the idea of "conceptual schemes," though they are closely related. This concept, I shall argue, has several important implications for the study of religion. In particular, it implies that, as an account of mind and language, "cognitive science" is going to be of limited interest. Moreover, and that approaches to the study of religion based on models drawn from cognitive science are likely to be "degenerate research programmes." If this is so, then we can reasonably marginalize such programmes to the extent that they compete with more promising projects.
Gods and Corporations: Fifth-Century B. C. E. Athena and the Economic Utility of Extraordinary Agents
Authors: Rundin John
Published: November 2007

Gregory D. Alles has suggested that economic theory can be a valuable supplement to cognitive theories of religion. The cult of Athena at Athens supplies evidence to support this suggestion. Athena may have origins in the cognitive structures of the human mind as an extraordinary agent. However, she developed economic functions in fifth-century B. C. E. Athens. The sanctuary of Athena served as a bank that funded Athenian civic endeavours. Athena's sanctuary was able to do this because she was a disembodied agent with functions similar to those of a modern United States corporation, which is also a disembodied agent.
Three Types of South Pacific Subtropical Mode Waters: Their Relation to the Large-Scale Circulation of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre and Their Temporal Variability
Authors: Tsubouchi Takamasa , Suga Toshio , Hanawa Kimio
Published: November 2007

A detailed spatial distribution of South Pacific Subtropical Mode Water (SPSTMW) and its temporal variation were investigated using the World Ocean Atlas (WOA) 2001 climatology and high-resolution expendable bathythermograph (HRX) line data. In the WOA 2001 climatology, SPSTMW can be classified into western and eastern parts. A detailed examination of spatial distributions using HRX-PX06 line data revealed that the eastern part can be further divided into two types by the Tasman Front (TF) extension. Consequently, SPSTMW can be classified into three types, referred to in the present study as the West, North, and South types. The West type, situated in the recirculation region of the East Australia Current (EAC), has a core layer temperature (CLT) of about 19.1°C; the North type, in the region north of the TF extension, has a CLT of about 17.6°C; and the South type, in the region south of the TF extension, has a CLT of about 16.0°C. The long-term (>6 yr) variations in the inventories of the three types were dissimilar to each other. The short-term (<6 yr) and long-term variations in the mean CLT of the North and South types were greater than that of the West type. Winter cooling in the previous year may have influenced the short-term variation in the South-type CLT. Moreover, the strength of the EAC may have influenced long-term variation in the West-type inventory and thickness and in the North-type thickness and CLT.
Localization of Multidecadal Variability. Part I: Cross-Equatorial Transport and Interbasin Exchange
Authors: von der Heydt Anna , Dijkstra Henk A.
Published: November 2007

Multidecadal SST variability is studied in idealized one- and two-ocean-basin configurations, using simulations with the Modular Ocean Model. The authors demonstrate that the multidecadal variability on the global “conveyor type” circulation is localized in the North Atlantic Ocean. Interbasin exchange processes determine the locations where regions of deep-water formation occur and induce a localization of SST multidecadal anomalies in the Atlantic. The physics of this localization is subsequently investigated by considering more equatorially symmetric background flows in two-basin and one-basin configurations. A cross-equatorial flow in the Atlantic induces the localization of the multidecadal variability in the North Atlantic. By using the mechanism of multidecadal variability as proposed in 2002 by Te Raa and Dijkstra in a single-hemispheric configuration, the physics of these localization processes can be explained.
An Oceanic Current against the Wind: How Does Taiwan Island Steer Warm Water into the East China Sea?
Authors: Yang Jiayan
Published: November 2007

Along the Taiwan Strait (<100 m in depth) a northeastward flow persists in all seasons despite the annually averaged wind stress that is strongly southwestward. The forcing mechanism of this countercurrent is examined by using a simple ocean model. The results from a suite of experiments demonstrate that it is the Kuroshio that plays the deciding role for setting the flow direction along the Taiwan Strait. The momentum balance along the strait is mainly between the wind stress, friction, and pressure gradient. Since both wind stress and friction act against the northward flow, it is most likely the pressure gradient that forces the northward flow, as noted in some previous studies. What remains unknown is why there is a considerable pressure difference between the southern and northern strait. The Kuroshio flows along the east coast of Taiwan, and thus the western boundary current layer dynamics applies there. Integrating the momentum equation along Taiwan’s east coast shows that there must be a pressure difference between the southern and the northern tip of Taiwan to counter a considerable friction exerted by the mighty Kuroshio. This same pressure difference is also felt on the other side of the island where it forces the northward flow through Taiwan Strait. The model shows that the local wind stress acts to dampen this northward flow. This mechanism can be illustrated by an integral constraint for flow around an island.
Shear and Convective Turbulence in a Model of Thermohaline Intrusions
Authors: Mueller Rachael D. , Smyth William D. , Ruddick Barry
Published: November 2007

Thermohaline interleaving is an important mechanism for laterally fluxing salt, heat, and nutrients between water masses. Interleaving is driven by a release of potential energy resulting from the differing diffusivities of heat and salt in seawater. The flows are composed of stacked intrusions that flux more and less buoyant water in opposite directions. In this paper, the role of shear instability caused by this juxtaposed motion is investigated. The model described in Walsh and Ruddick is modified to include both the effects of shear-induced turbulence and an improved convective mixing parameterization. Shear and convective mixing play a similar and significant role in interleaving dynamics. In the absence of either instability, cross-front fluxes are increased by approximately 30%. While in situ observations of horizontal diffusivity resulting from interleaving are not yet precise enough to calibrate the parameterizations independently, parameter values based on independent laboratory and numerical studies lead to diffusivity predictions that are within the error of the observations.
Least Absolute Deviation Estimation in Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Siemsen Enno , Bollen Kenneth A.
Published: November 2007

Least absolute deviation (LAD) is a well-known criterion to fit statistical models, but little is known about LAD estimation in structural equation modeling (SEM). To address this gap, the authors use the LAD criterion in SEM by minimizing the sum of the absolute deviations between the observed and the model-implied covariance matrices. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the authors compare the performance of this LAD estimator along several dimensions (bias, efficiency, convergence, frequencies of improper solutions, and absolute percentage deviation) to the full information maximum likelihood (ML) and unweighted least squares (ULS) estimators in structural equation modeling. The results for LAD are mixed: There are special conditions under which the LAD estimator outperforms ML and ULS, but the simulation evidence does not support a general claim that LAD is superior to ML and ULS in small samples.
Replication Standards for Quantitative Social Science
Authors: Freese Jeremy
Published: November 2007

The credibility of quantitative social science benefits from policies that increase confidence that results reported by one researcher can be verified by others. Concerns about replicability have increased as the scale and sophistication of analyses increase the possible dependence of results on subtle analytic decisions and decrease the extent to which published articles contain full descriptions of methods. The author argues that sociology should adopt standards regarding replication that minimize its conceptualization as an ethical and individualistic matter and advocates for a policy in which authors use independent online archives to deposit the maximum possible information for replicating published results at the time of publication and are explicit about the conditions of availability for any necessary materials that are not provided. The author responds to several objections that might be raised to increasing the transparency of quantitative sociology in this way and offers a candidate replication policy for sociology.
At the Intersection
Authors: La Caze Marguerite
Published: November 2007

To elucidate the tensions in the relation between ethics and politics, I construct a dialogue between Kant, who argues that they can be made compatible, and Derrida, who claims to go beyond Kant and his idea of duty. For Derrida, ethics makes unconditional demands and politics guides our responses to possible effects of our decisions. Derrida argues that in politics there must be a negotiation of the non-negotiable call of ethical responsibility. I argue that Derrida's unconditional ethics cannot be read in precisely Kantian terms because his `impossible reals' can be destructive. Moreover, Derrida expands the reach of ethics beyond Kant by making all ethical demands unconditional or perfect, yet he does not articulate a politics that would enable us to respond to these demands. We need to take account of these difficulties in theorizing how ethics should constrain politics and how politics can provide the conditions for ethics.
Trajectories of Heroin Addiction
Authors: Hser Yih-Ing , Huang David , Chou Chih-Ping , Anglin M. Douglas
Published: November 2007

This study investigates trajectories of heroin use and subsequent consequences in a sample of 471 male heroin addicts who were admitted to the California Civil Addict Program in 1964-1965 and followed over 33 years. Applying a two-part growth mixture modeling strategy to heroin use level during the first 16 years of the addiction careers since first heroin use, the authors identified three groups with distinctive profiles: stably high-level heroin users ( n = 278), late decelerated users ( n = 149), and early quitters ( n = 44). Study findings empirically demonstrate the chronic nature of heroin addiction and subsequent adverse consequences including mortality, mental health, and employment.
Prophylactic Bracing Decreases Ankle Injuries in Collegiate Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Pedowitz David I. , Reddy Sudheer , Parekh Selene G. , Huffman G. Russell , Sennett Brian J.
Published: November 2007

Background

Ankle injuries account for the highest percentage of injuries among female collegiate volleyball players. Since 1998, all female volleyball players at the authors’ institution have worn bilateral double-upright padded ankle braces at all times.

Purpose

To review the authors’ experience with this brace in preventing ankle injuries that result in a loss of play.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Injury data, preparticipation medical histories, and total exposure data were collected prospectively on all female volleyball players at the authors’ institution from 1998 to 2005. Injuries and exposures were defined based on established National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System criteria. Injury rate was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 exposures. The National Collegiate Athletic Association female volleyball injury data from 1998 to 2005 were used for comparison.

Results

During the study period, there were a total of 13 500 exposures and 1 injury in our group yielding an injury rate of 0.07 per 1000 exposures. Nearly half of our athletes had a preparticipation history of ankle sprains, yet only 1 ankle injury occurred during all of our braced exposures.

Conclusion

There were 811 710 exposures and 797 injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association comparison group with an increased injury rate of 0.98 per 1000 exposures ( P = .001). Prophylactic use of a double-upright ankle brace significantly reduced the ankle injury rate compared with that reported by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. From these data, it appears that the use of such a brace is an effective way to decrease the incidence of ankle injuries in this active but vulnerable group of athletes.
Phase Behavior and Properties of Poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) Modified by Poly(ether ether ketone) Oligomer
Authors: Wang Gui-Mei , Jian Xi-Gao , Zhao Ming-Shan
Published: November 2007

To improve the melt processability of poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK), we prepared a series of blends for PPESK with poly(ether ether ketone) oligomer (O-PEEK). The phase behavior, thermal stability, rheological and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and capillary rheometry. The results show that a homogeneous microstructure was formed and all the blends were full miscible over the composition range investigated. Using O-PEEK as a processing aid can markedly improve the processability of the PPESK. In spite of the slight decrease in Tg and mechanical strength, the blends still had good heat-resistant and mechanical properties.
Infrared Dichroic Studies of Phase Separation and Orientation of Dibenzyl Hard Segments in Polyurethane
Authors: Prisacariu Cristina , Scortanu Elena
Published: November 2007

Polyurethanes (PUs) based on diethylene glycol (DEG) and a new isocyanate of variable geometry, 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), were synthesized by the standard two-step procedure. A macro-diol, hydroxyl-terminated poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA) MW = 2000 50 (PEA2000 ) was also used in the PU synthesis. The ability of the two benzene rings in the DBDI unit to rotate in two discrete “sin” and “anti” positions around the —CH2CH2— ethylene bridge enables a specific coplanar packing structure of the hard domains dibenzyl-based polymers. Molecular orientation of the DBDI-based hard segments and soft segments was monitored by means of infrared dichroic experiments. The effect of the strain history on the orientation of macromolecular chains was studied under uniaxial extension and in cyclical deformation experiments. The high modulus domains derived from the DBDI unit containing the aromatic urethane blocks served to reinforce the rubbery prepolymer phase. Since the two (soft and hard) phases are interpenetrating, both were deformed by the applied stress. When the load was removed, the soft domains relaxed to a nearly isotropic state, while the rigid phase remained plastically deformed.
Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of a Series of Copoly(amide-imide-ether-urethane)s with a New Hard Segment Constituent: Study of the Effect of Hard Segment Content
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Rafiemanzelat Fatemeh
Published: November 2007

Two series of thermally modified thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU)s based on poly(oxytetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) (PT samples), and poly(oxyethylene glycol) (POE) (PO samples) were synthesized from 4,4'-methylene-bis-(4-phenylisocyanate) (MDI) and an aromatic diacid, bis( p-amido benzoic acid)- N-trimellitylimido- L-leucine (BPABTL) (1). The aromatic diacid contains a L-leucine group and a preformed imide ring. The novel diacid was reacted with excess MDI to give an isocyanate terminated oligomer that was subsequently reacted with a polyol to give the poly(amide-imide-ether-urethane)s (PAIEU)s. The properties of the resulting PAIEUs were compared with poly(ether urethane)s without incorporation of BPABTL. The PAIEUs had a constant soft segment (SS) length derived from the polyol (average Mn 1000) but a variable hard block length. Studies were conducted on the effect of hard segment (HS) molar ratio on dynamic mechanical thermal properties, thermal properties, phase separation, crystallinity and solvent resistance of these new PAIEUs.