bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Enhances Arteriogenesis and Ameliorates Cerebral Damage in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sugiyama Yukio , Yagita Yoshiki , Oyama Naoki , Terasaki Yasukazu , Omura-Matsuoka Emi , Sasaki Tsutomu , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

Enhancing collateral artery growth is a potent therapeutic approach to treat cardiovascular ischemic disease from occlusive artery. Granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has gained attention for its ability to promote arteriogenesis, ameliorating brain damage, by the mechanisms involving monocyte upregulation. However, the recent clinical study testing its efficacy in myocardial ischemia has raised the question about its safety. We tested alternative colony-stimulating factors for their effects on collateral artery growth and brain protection.

Methods—

Brain hypoperfusion was produced by occluding the left common carotid artery in C57/BL6 mice. After the surgery, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or GM-CSF (100 μg/kg/day) was administered daily for 5 days. The angioarchitecture for leptomeningeal anastomoses and the circle of Willis were visualized after the colony-stimulating factor treatment. Circulating blood monocytes and Mac-2-positive cells in the dorsal surface of the brain were determined. A set of animals underwent subsequent ipsilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion and infarct volume was assessed.

Results—

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as well as GM-CSF promoted leptomeningeal collateral growth after common carotid artery occlusion. Both granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and GM-CSF increased circulating blood monocytes and Mac-2-positive cells in the dorsal brain surface, suggesting the mechanisms coupled to monocyte upregulation might be shared. Infarct volume after middle cerebral artery occlusion was reduced by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, similarly to GM-CSF. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor showed none of theses effects.

Conclusions—

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances collateral artery growth and reduces infarct volume in a mouse model of brain ischemia, similarly to GM-CSF.
High Frequency of Silent Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Tanislav Christian , Puille Maximilian , Pabst Wolfgang , Reichenberger Frank , Grebe Mathias , Nedelmann Max , Kaps Manfred , Allendörfer Jens
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) prove venous embolic activity and enforce the suspicion of paradoxical embolism in patients with stroke with patent foramen ovale. Because it has implications in secondary prevention, we investigated the frequency of silent PE in such a cohort of patients.

Methods—

Patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack and patent foramen ovale who underwent a ventilation perfusion scintigraphy were identified from a stroke registry. Blinded from clinical data, ventilation perfusion scintigraphy scans were re-evaluated independently by 2 experts. Patients showing at least a subsegmental defect were considered as having silent PE. Factors potentially associated with PE were analyzed.

Results—

The evaluation included 151 patients. Median age was 55.2 years and 59.9% were male. In 56 (37%) patients, silent PE was found; a deep vein thrombosis was evident in 11 (7%) patients. Atrial septal aneurysm was identified in 39 patients and hypermobile atrial septum in 37 patients. Atrial septal aneurysm and hypermobile atrial septum were independently associated with PE. In females, intake of oral contraceptives showed certain association with PE (6 of 25 versus 3 of 40;
P
=0.07).

Conclusions—

Silent PE frequently occurs in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale, particularly when atrial septal aneurysm or hypermobile atrial septum are present.
Clopidogrel Versus Dipyridamole in Addition to Aspirin in Reducing Embolization Detected With Ambulatory Transcranial Doppler
Authors: King Alice , Bath Philip M.W. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—

After stroke and transient ischemic attack there is a high early risk of recurrent stroke, particularly in large artery disease. It has been suggested more intensive antiplatelet regimens are required, but trial data are lacking. Treatment efficacy can be evaluated using transcranial Doppler detection of embolic signals. Ambulatory transcranial Doppler has recently been developed; prolonged recording may reduce subject numbers required to determine therapeutic efficacy. In a randomized trial (ISRCTN68019845) with blinded end point evaluation, we determined whether treatment with dipyridamole or clopidogrel, in addition to aspirin, was more effective at reducing embolization.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with recent symptomatic carotid stenosis were recruited. Ambulatory transcranial Doppler and platelet aggregometry were performed at baseline and 48 hours. Patients, all on aspirin, were randomized to dipyridamole or clopidogrel. Recordings were analyzed offline masked to subject identity.

Results—

Sixty patients were recruited, 30 in each arm. The primary end point of change in embolic signal frequency did not differ between groups (
P
=0.36). In patients with embolic signals at baseline, there was no difference in reduction in embolic signal frequency: dipyridamole (75.5; SD 17.7%) versus clopidogrel (77.5; SD 20.5%;
P
=0.77). Baseline platelet aggregation was not different between regimens, but at 48 hours, adenosine 5′-diphosphate aggregation rate (but not collagen) was lower with clopidogrel (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Both dipyridamole and clopidogrel reduced embolization to a similar extent. Embolic signals are strong predictors of future stroke rate in this patient group. Our results suggest these 2 treatment regimens have similar efficacy in early secondary prevention of stroke, although this now needs testing in large Phase III trials.
Syntactic Processing Using the Generalized Perceptron and Beam Search
Authors: Zhang Yue , Clark Stephen
Published: January 2011

We study a range of syntactic processing tasks using a general statistical framework that consists of a global linear model, trained by the generalized perceptron together with a generic beam-search decoder. We apply the framework to word segmentation, joint segmentation and POS-tagging, dependency parsing, and phrase-structure parsing. Both components of the framework are conceptually and computationally very simple. The beam-search decoder only requires the syntactic processing task to be broken into a sequence of decisions, such that, at each stage in the process, the decoder is able to consider the top-n candidates and generate all possibilities for the next stage. Once the decoder has been defined, it is applied to the training data, using trivial updates according to the generalized perceptron to induce a model. This simple framework performs surprisingly well, giving accuracy results competitive with the state-of-the-art on all the tasks we consider.

The computational simplicity of the decoder and training algorithm leads to significantly higher test speeds and lower training times than their main alternatives, including log-linear and large-margin training algorithms and dynamic-programming for decoding. Moreover, the framework offers the freedom to define arbitrary features which can make alternative training and decoding algorithms prohibitively slow. We discuss how the general framework is applied to each of the problems studied in this article, making comparisons with alternative learning and decoding algorithms. We also show how the comparability of candidates considered by the beam is an important factor in the performance. We argue that the conceptual and computational simplicity of the framework, together with its language-independent nature, make it a competitive choice for a range of syntactic processing tasks and one that should be considered for comparison by developers of alternative approaches.
The Risk of Torture as a Basis for Refusing Extradition and the Use of Diplomatic Assurances to Protect against Torture after 9/11
Authors: Johnston Jeffrey
Published: January 2011

Diplomatic assurances have become increasingly common since 9/11 as conditions of removing suspected terrorists to other countries, including through the process of extradition, in response to claims that these individuals will be tortured following their return. Assurances have sometimes been relied upon by states to justify the removal of persons to countries where these individuals have been tortured despite the existence of assurances. Focusing on the extradition context, this article will explore the debate surrounding the use of diplomatic assurances to protect against torture. The article will demonstrate that the use of assurances to address a risk of torture is permissible under international law. With a view to strengthening human rights protection, the article will propose the establishment of minimum standards for the use of assurances and common criteria to be applied in assessing whether assurances can be viewed as sufficiently reliable in protecting against a risk of torture.
Genocide in Rwanda – Is It Really Finland's Concern?
Authors: Kimpimäki Minna
Published: January 2011

In June 2010, a Rwandan citizen, Francois Bazaramba, was sentenced in a Finnish court of first instance, to life imprisonment for acts of genocide committed in Rwanda in 1994. This was the first time that the provisions of Finnish law dealing with genocide had ever been applied in a court. This article examines the details of this case, as well as the Finnish legislation on genocide, jurisdiction and extradition. Many of the questions considered in this article are not only typical for Finland, but have a more general bearing as well. For instance, the issues relating to the transfer or extradition of fugitives to Rwanda have recently been considered in several national and international jurisdictions. A trial conducted in a national court on the basis of universal jurisdiction reveals in a concrete way the advantages and disadvantages of this form of prosecution.
Experimental study on fabrication of Al—Al2O3/Grp metal matrix composites
Authors: Manna A. , Bains H.S. , Mahapatra P.B.
Published: January 2011

In this study, aluminum (Al-6070)/alumina (Al2O3) and Al-6070/graphite (Gr)-reinforced metal—matrix composites (MMCs) are fabricated by melt-stirring technique. The MMC bars and plates are prepared with varying the reinforced particles volume fraction ranging from 5% to 15%. The average reinforced particle sizes of alumina (Al 2O3) and graphite (Grp) are 23 and 53 μm, respectively. The stirring process was carried out at 200 rpm rotating speed by graphite impeller for 15 min. The microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated on prepared MMCs. It was observed that the hardness of the composite is increased with the increase in reinforced particle volume fraction. Both tensile strength and impact strength are decreased with increase in reinforced volume fraction. The prepared composite plates are welded by gas welding with Al—Si-base filler metal. Rockwell hardness test was conducted and the test result was presented for un-welded and welded zones.
Assessing College-Level Learning Difficulties and “At Riskness” for Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Authors: Kane Steven T. , Walker John H. , Schmidt George R.
Published: January 2011

This article describes the development and validation of the Learning Difficulties Assessment (LDA), a normed and web-based survey that assesses perceived difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, listening, concentration, memory, organizational skills, sense of control, and anxiety in college students. The LDA is designed to (a) map individual learning strengths and weaknesses, (b) provide users with a comparative sense of their academic skills, (c) integrate research in user-interface design to assist those with reading and learning challenges, and (d) identify individuals who may be at risk for learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and who should thus be further assessed. Data from a large-scale 5-year study describing the instrument’s validity as a screening tool for learning disabilities and ADHD are presented. This article also describes unique characteristics of the LDA including its user-interface design, normative characteristics, and use as a no-cost screening tool for identifying college students at risk for learning disorders and ADHD.
Modeling and analyzing army air assault operations via simulation
Authors: Sabuncuoglu Ihsan , Virlan Gökhan
Published: January 2011

It is very important to use combat simulation in personnel training and preparing them for different war scenarios. Simulation modeling and analysis methodologies gives an opportunity to staff officers and commanders to measure the effectiveness of their plans and take necessary precautions. In a simulated environment, different combat scenarios can be tried without actually deploying the units to the combat area and getting ‘losts, costs, and risks’. As one of the most complicated and decisive operations on the road to victory, ‘air assault operations’ are high-risk, high-payoff operations that, when properly planned and vigorously executed, allow commanders to take the initiative in combat areas. In this study, we develop a simulation system called the Air Assault Operations Simulation Model (AAOSM) that allows planners to: (1) analyze air assault operations early in the decision process and refine those models as their decision process evolves, (2) perform ‘ bottleneck analysis’ of the preplanned operations, and (3) perform ‘ risk management’ of the operation before conducting the real operation. AAOSM is developed by using the ARENA simulation programming language. The outputs of the model are analyzed using statistical methods. The factors that have significant effect on air assault operations are identified. The possible scenarios are also evaluated for different weather and terrain conditions and for various refueling and maintenance configurations.
Evaluation of Segment Attractiveness by Risk-Adjusted Market Potential
Authors: Shani Amir , Reichel Arie , Croes Robertico
Published: January 2011

Numerous studies on destination marketing assume that repeat visitors are a more attractive market segment than first-time visitors. The current study questions this assertion, by focusing separately on the balance between economic potential, as determined by tourists’ spending, and risk. Specifically, the methodology adopted here integrates assessment of risks involved with targeting the two separate market segments. Consequently, it is possible to calculate a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of the relative attractiveness of different market segments. The study relies on a survey conducted in Kissimmee, Florida, a mature destination attempting to avoid decline by attracting more tourists. Analysis of the tourist data reveals that the commonly suggested attractiveness of the repeat visitors segment should be reconsidered. The economic potential of both segments varies across spending categories as well as according to whether per-trip or per-day expenditures are considered. Conclusions and implications for both research and practice are provided.
Stress and African American Women’s Smoking/Drinking to Cope
Authors: Budescu Mia , Taylor Ronald D. , McGill Rebecca Kang
Published: January 2011

Associations of urban poverty-related stress with smoking and drinking to cope and the moderating role of kin social support were assessed in African American women. Findings revealed that among a sample of 101 poor African American women residing in economically and socially disadvantaged neighborhoods, depressive symptoms and relationship stress were significantly associated with smoking. Similarly, perceptions of neighborhood crime were marginally associated with alcohol use. Kinship support was hypothesized to buffer women from the deleterious impacts of stress. The results revealed that kin social support moderated the association of poverty-related stress with smoking and drinking. For women with higher levels of kin support, the positive association of neighborhood crime and drinking was less apparent compared with women with low support. Also, the links between relationship stress, depressive symptoms, and smoking were less apparent for women with higher kin support compared with those with lower support. Findings are discussed in terms of the need for additional research on the social networks available to economically disadvantaged African American families and the manner in which networks operate.
Courtship, Competition, and the Pursuit of Attractiveness: Mating Goals Facilitate Health-Related Risk Taking and Strategic Risk Suppression in Women
Authors: Hill Sarah E. , Durante Kristina M.
Published: January 2011

Two experiments explored the possibility that specific health risks observed among young women may be influenced by attractiveness-enhancement goals associated with mating. Study 1 ( n = 257) demonstrated that priming women with intersexual courtship and intrasexual competition increased their willingness to go tanning and take dangerous diet pills. Study 2 ( n = 148) conceptually replicated these results and revealed that increased willingness to take these risks is mediated by diminished feelings of vulnerability to the negative health effects associated with these behaviors when mating goals are salient. Findings provide evidence that mating goals play a role in the continued popularity of these dangerous behaviors in women. Furthermore, the current results bridge the existing gap between health belief and self-presentational models of risk behaviors to yield novel insights into the psychology of risk taking.
“I’m a Loser, I’m Not Married, Let’s Just All Look at Me”: Ever-Single Women’s Perceptions of Their Social Environment
Authors: Sharp Elizabeth A. , Ganong Lawrence
Published: January 2011

Despite growing numbers of singles, the idealization of marriage and child rearing remains strong, pervasive, and largely unquestioned. Guided by life course perspective, the purpose of this article was to examine familial and societal messages women receive when not married by their late 20s to mid-30s. Using descriptive phenomenological method, the authors conducted 32 interviews with 10 middle-class, ever-single women. Respondents’ social environments were characterized by pressure to confirm to the conventional life pathway. Pressure was manifested in women feeling both highly visible and invisible. Specifically, women’s social worlds included (a) awareness of the changing reality as they became older (e.g., changing pool of eligible men, pregnancy risks), (b) reminders that they were on a different life path (i.e., visibility ) through others’ inquires and “triggers” (e.g., weddings), and (c) displacement in their families of origin (i.e., invisibility). The authors discuss the visible/invisible paradox, which appeared to be pronounced at their life stage.
The Impact of Poloxamer 407 on the Ultrastructure of the Liver and Evidence for Clearance by Extensive Endothelial and Kupffer Cell Endocytosis
Authors: Warren Alessandra , Benseler Volker , Cogger Victoria C. , Bertolino Patrick , Le Couteur David G.
Published: January 2011

Poloxamer 407 (P407) is a non-ionic detergent that is used widely in pharmaceutical formulations and personal care products. In animals, P407 causes hyperlipidaemia. P407 is taken up by the liver and causes loss of fenestrations in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), which contributes to the pathogenesis of hyperlipidaemia. Here the short-term (1–15 days) effects of P407 on all liver cells were investigated in mice using electron and light microscopy. As expected, P407 was associated with hyperlipidaemia. Kupffer cells became massively engorged with vacuoles and took on a marked honeycomb morphology. LSECs also became engorged with vacuoles and endocytosis was activated. The diameter of lipoproteins in the space of Disse was less than those in the lumen, consistent with a filtering effect of fenestrations. Defenestration of the LSEC was noted. Hepatocyte endocytosis of lipoproteins and P407 particles was also noted; however, hepatocyte steatosis was not evident. Hepatic stellate cells did not appear to be abnormal. In conclusion, P407 is taken up by the liver mostly through endocytosis by LSECs and Kupffer cells.
Landing, perching and taking off from vertical surfaces
Authors: Lussier Desbiens Alexis , Asbeck Alan T , Cutkosky Mark R
Published: January 2011

An approach is presented whereby small, unmanned aircraft can land on walls. The approach is demonstrated with a plane that uses an ultrasonic sensor to initiate a pitch-up maneuver as it flies toward a wall. The plane contacts the wall with spines that engage asperities on the surface. A non-linear suspension absorbs the kinetic energy while keeping the spines attached. A planar dynamic model is used to evaluate pitch-up maneuvers and determine suspension parameters that satisfy constraints on the contact forces for a range of flight velocities. Simulations conducted using the model are compared with data obtained using high-speed video and a force plate embedded in a wall.
Reading Archaeological Evidence
Authors: Menon Jaya , Varma Supriya
Published: January 2011

While substantial work has been done on Harappan crafts from the point of view of technological processes, spatial contexts and organisation, there is hardly anything that is known about aspects of technology and production in the early historic period. For the latter, the focus has largely been on stray artefacts rather than documenting other kinds of evidence such as debitage or waste, although more contextual information on craft production in the early historic period is beginning to emerge from sites excavated more recently. This, however, is still fragmentary in nature, in contrast to the archaeological evidence on ceramic and terracotta production that we have been able to retrieve from the site of Indor Khera in the upper Ganga plains between the period 200 BCE and 500 CE. This is in the form of tools, such as anvils, socket stones, pottery stamps, bone engravers, stone polishers; firing facilities; lumps, rolls and pellets of clay and terracotta that represent raw material used for various processes and objects; deposits of sand used perhaps for tempering; unbaked artefacts; wasters or over-vitrified material; rejects or misshapen objects; as well as the variety of ceramic and terracotta artefacts that were being produced. More important, this range of evidence has been recovered concentrated within four adjacent houses at the north-western edge of the ancient town of Indor Khera.
Analgesia and Sedation in the Intensive Care of Burn Patients
Authors: Trupkovic Tomislav , Kinn Michael , Kleinschmidt Stefan
Published: January 2011

Objective: A variety of agents and techniques are employed in different countries, settings, and medical specialities in order to provide analgesia and sedation in intensive care. Several national guidelines have been published in recent years regarding sedation and analgesia in a general intensive care patient population; however, to date no data exist for patients with burn injuries. The aim of the study was to evaluate analgesia and sedation practice in the intensive care of burn patients in Europe. Design: A postal survey was sent to 188 burn centers in Europe. The addresses were provided by the European Burn Association. The heads of the intensive care units were asked to fill in a structured questionnaire concerning the use of analgesia and sedation in their units. Results: The overall response rate was 27.04%; 63% of European burn centers reported standard operating procedures for sedation and analgesia. A regular score-based assessment of sedation, analgesia, and delirium is carried out by 58%, 60%, and 5%, respectively, of the units. Propofol is the sedative most frequently used for short-term sedation and the weaning phase, whereas benzodiazepines are the preferred substances for medium- and long-term sedation. α2-agonists are widely used during weaning. Opioids are the analgesics of choice for approximately two thirds of the patients. Ketamine is preferred for analgesia in 12% and for sedation in 13% of all substances used. For painful procedures (eg, dressing changes), a large variety of different combinations of analgesics and sedatives are used. Half of the responding intensive care units use neuromuscular blocking agents and supportive nonpharmacological techniques. Two thirds of the European burn centers perceive the need for change in their concepts of analgesia and sedation. Conclusion: A wide variety of drugs are used for analgesia and sedation in European burn centers. This would appear to be due to lack of guidelines or scientific evidence. The implementation of regular assessment of sedation, analgesia, and delirium must be improved. The widespread use of neuromuscular blocking agents should be restricted or even abandoned. Two thirds of the units identify a need for change in their concepts. Valid scientific data are needed to develop guidelines for sedation and analgesia of burn patients.
Risk Factors and Outcome of Changes in Adrenal Response to ACTH in the Course of Critical Illness
Authors: de Jong Margriet Fleur Charlotte , Beishuizen Albertus , van Schijndel Rob Joris Maria Strack , Girbes Armand Roelof Johan , Groeneveld Arie Bastiaan Johan
Published: January 2011

Background. To evaluate the concept of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) by studying the clinical significance, in terms of risk factors and outcome, of changes in the cortisol response to repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) testing in the course of critical illness. Patients and Methods. In a retrospective study in a medical–surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital, we retrospectively included 54 consecutive patients during a 3-year period, who underwent 2 conventional 250 μg ACTH tests at an interval >24 hours, because of ≥6 hours hypotension requiring repeated fluid challenges or vasopressor/inotropic treatment, while corticosteroid treatment was not (yet) initiated. Serum cortisol was measured immediately before and 30 and 60 minutes after intravenous injection of 250 μg of ACTH. Patients were divided into those with an increase (≥0, n = 27) or a decrease (n = 27) in time in delta (Δ) cortisol in response to ACTH and with a Δcortisol <100 (n = 11) and ≥100 nmol/L (n = 43) at the second ACTH test. Results. Changes in Δcortisol in time were paralleled by changes in Δcortisol/albumin, with a higher frequency of septic shock, persistently high disease severity, increased renal replacement therapy, and decreased platelet counts in the course of disease with a decrease in Δcortisol in time. Similar trends in increased disease severity were observed when Δcortisol remained or fell to <100 nmol/L. A decrease in Δcortisol between the 2 tests, particularly to <100 nmol/L, was associated with increased mortality (18 nonsurvivors in the ICU). Conclusions. The findings favor the concept of dynamic adrenal function rather than poor reproducibility of the ACTH test, so that development of CIRCI, particularly in complicated septic shock and indicated by a fall in Δcortisol (to <100 nmol/L) upon ACTH, correlates to a poor prognosis, independently of baseline cortisol, cortisol binding in blood, and disease severity.
Short-Term Outcomes in Premature Neonates Adhering to the Philosophy of Supportive Care Allowing for Weight Gain and Organ Maturation Prior to Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jennings Eric , Cuadrado Angel , Maher Kevin O. , Kogon Brian , Kirshbom Paul M. , Simsic Janet M.
Published: January 2011

Background: Prematurity is a recognized risk factor for morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine short-term outcomes following cardiac surgery in premature neonates adhering to our institutional philosophy of supportive care allowing for weight gain and organ maturation. Methods: Retrospective review of all neonates undergoing cardiac surgery from January 2002 to May 2008. A total of 810 neonates (<30 days of age) were identified. Prematurity defined as less than 36 weeks of gestation. Neonates undergoing ductus arteriosus ligation alone were excluded. In all, 63 neonates comprised the premature group. Term group comprised 244 randomly selected term neonates in a 1:4 ratio. Outcome variables were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Median gestation 34 weeks, range 24 to 35 weeks. Defects: 2 ventricle, normal arch (41% premature vs 44% term; P = .7), 2 ventricle, abnormal arch (24% vs 22%; P = .8), single ventricle, normal arch (21% vs 15%; P = .2), single ventricle, abnormal arch (14% vs 19%; P = .4). Premature neonates were older and smaller at surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass procedures were performed less frequently in premature neonates (49% vs 69%; P = .004). Length of mechanical ventilation at our institution (6 days [0.5-54) vs 4 days [0.5-49); P = .06); postoperative hospital stay at our institution (17 days [1-161) vs 15 days [0-153); P = .06); and mortality (16% vs 11%; P = .2) was not different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Early outcome seems independent of weight, prematurity, cardiopulmonary bypass, and type of first intervention. Importantly, there was no statistical difference in mortality between the 2 groups, regardless of how they were treated. Further long-term follow-up is needed in this patient population.
‘Things familiar to the mind’: heuristic style and elliptical citation in The Wealth of Nations
Authors: Kellow Geoffrey
Published: January 2011

Despite an initially warm reception, over the past two centuries assessments of the literary character of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations have gradually but unmistakably turned negative. This transformation in the public reception of Smith’s text began during his lifetime and culminated in Heilbroner’s assertion that Smith wrote with ‘an encyclopedic mind, but not with the precision of an orderly one’. However, where Heilbroner and many of his predecessors saw obscurity and tedious attention to minor detail, recent scholarship has begun to perceive remarkable literary subtlety and nuance. This article continues and builds upon that project. It commences with an assessment of three competing explanations of Smith’s literary style and settles on a philosophic and pedagogic explanation of The Wealth of Nations’ distinctive composition. In discerning a unique heuristic strategy and philosophic object in the text, the article places particular emphasis on Smith’s employment of syntactic complexity, stylistic juxtaposition and elliptical citation. The article concludes, somewhat ironically, with the observation that The Wealth of Nations itself succumbed to the maladies of the emerging commercial world-view, in classroom and market place, that its careful construction aimed to ameliorate.
Metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde by rat uterine horn subcellular fractions
Authors: Buthet Lara R , Bietto Florencia M , Castro José A , Castro Gerardo D
Published: January 2011

Controversial studies from others suggested that alcohol intake could be associated with some deleterious effects in the uterus. Not all the effects of alcohol drinking on female reproductive organs can be explained in terms of endocrine disturbances. Deleterious effect of alcohol or its metabolites in situ could also play a role. Accordingly, we found a metabolism of alcohol to acetaldehyde in the rat uterine horn tissue cytosolic fraction mediated by xanthine oxidoreductase, requiring a purine cosubstrate and inhibited by allopurinol. This activity was detected by histochemistry in the epithelium and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity was detected in the muscular layer and in the serosa. There was a microsomal process, not requiring NADPH and of enzymatic nature, oxygen-dependent and inhibited by diethyldithiocarbamate, diphenyleneiodonium and partially sensitive to esculetin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The presence of metabolic pathways in the uterine horn able to generate acetaldehyde, accompanied by a low capacity to destroy it through aldehyde dehydrogenase, led to acetaldehyde accumulation in the uterus during ethanol exposure. Results suggest that any acetaldehyde produced in situ or arriving to the uterine horn via blood would remain in this organ sufficiently to have the opportunity to react with critical molecules to cause deleterious effects.
Chinese Media in Perspective and Analyzing Vectors of Media Reform
Authors: Naduvath Jaibal
Published: January 2011

This article argues that media in China today enjoys greater leeway for independent expression than popularly perceived outside that country, and analyzes vectors responsible for this transformation. It discusses Western and Chinese media models and deconstructs the view that while the West provides for free press, media in China provides no room for independent, anti-hegemonic thought streams. It establishes that while both media are subject to similar pressures and identify with a near similar set of social and ethical responsibilities which shape their discourse, the manner in which the two construct discourses are different, and, this manifest difference, rooted in dissimilar cultural, historical and audience realities has resulted in misconceptions regarding Chinese media. To reinforce this argument, the article analyzes articles from the Shanghai Daily, and demonstrates how, much like its Western counterparts, it too represents different sides of the debate even on issues sensitive to the state such as democracy and Tibet, albeit in a uniquely Chinese way. The article examines vectors responsible for transformation of Chinese media in the post liberalization phase, especially the Internet, and the concomitant changes they have brought in media practice. The article emphasizes the need to culturally contextualize media analyses.
Fabrication and Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of a Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composite
Authors: Faiella Gabriella , Antonucci Vincenza , Daghia Federica , Fascia Samuele , Giordano Michele
Published: January 2011

Shape memory alloy (SMA) elements embedded in a structure allow to control the structural properties, thanks to their coupled thermo-mechanical behavior. In this study, the manufacturing and the shape control abilities of glass fiber/polyester resin SMA hybrid composites (SMAHCs) were experimentally investigated. Mechanical and calorimetric characterizations of SMA were carried out and correlated to the thermo-mechanical behavior of the SMAHC. The SMAHC was manufactured by the Vacuum Infusion Process that uses dry fibers and liquid matrix for the composite production. A polyester resin having a curing temperature lower than the SMA Austenite transition temperature was chosen as matrix, so a blocking system for the SMA wires was not needed during the cure. The thermo-mechanical behavior of the SMAHC was investigated by monitoring the shape change of the plate during heating of the embedded wires. The results give some indications on the appropriate characterization and choice of materials for SMAHC manufacturing.
Damage-coupled FLD of Sheet Metals for Warm Forming and Nonproportional Loading
Authors: Jie M. , Chow C. L. , Wu X.
Published: January 2011

A method of forming limit prediction for sheet metals at high temperatures and under nonproportional loading is presented. The method takes into account the strain-softening behaviors of the material at elevated temperatures. A localized necking criterion based on an isotropic damage-coupled acoustic tensor is developed and employed to determine the forming limits of strain-softening materials. The damage evolution equation is developed within the thermo-mechanical framework. A closed-form expression of the forming limit strains is derived by coupling the damage evolution equation into the localized necking criterion. A computer program, incorporating the incremental theory of plasticity, the damage evolution equation and the localized necking criterion, is developed to compute the forming limit strains under several nonproportional loading paths. A series of the uniaxial tensile tests is performed to measure the relevant mechanical properties of AA6061 at the elevated temperature of 450°C. The material damage variables are determined from the measured elastic modulii from a series of loading and unloading paths. The damage evolution equation of AA6061 at 450°C is formulated based on the test data. The computed limit strains are compared with the test results under various loading paths and a good agreement is observed. It is found that the critical damage value is independent on the stress states and loading paths. It may be concluded that the application of the material damage as a reliable criterion of localized necking including the nonproportional loading cases.
Genome-wide Association: From Confounded to Confident
Authors: Glessner Joseph T. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: January 2011

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) allow for a large number of samples to be assayed simultaneously, using a genome-wide tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) approach. The initial boon of success from disease studies such as macular degeneration and inflammatory bowel disease has been mitigated by lack of genome-wide significance for psychiatric disorders and related traits, despite evaluations of large populations. In addition to SNP genotypes, which are common variants typically attributing small or modest relative risk, copy number variations can be detected based on the same data set. Several rare recurrent copy number variations have been associated with psychiatric diseases in genome-wide analyses. Proper and responsible study design, followed by rigorous data quality assessment of genomic matching of cases and controls, is most likely to uncover regions of significant association that replicate in independent cohorts, thereby maximizing the chance of significant and confident association.
How music may promote healthy behaviour
Authors: Batt-Rawden Kari , Tellnes Gunnar
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Using music to promote healthy behaviour may enhance coping mechanisms in spite of illness. Aims: 1) To explore the role and significance of music and musicking in the life of men and women with long-term illnesses in or through different life phases, situations, events, issues and contexts. 2) To increase knowledge on how participants, through exposure to and exchange of new musical materials and practices, may learn to use music as a ‘‘technology of self ’’ in relation to health promotion and rehabilitation. Methods: This exploratory study sought to instigate narratives about music’s role in supporting health through a pragmatic synthesis of elements of action-research, ethnography and grounded theory. Music CDs were conceived as an interactive and dialectical tool. This longitudinal study involved eight in-depth ethnographic interviews per participant, involving nine men and 13 women, aged between 35 and 65 with long-term illnesses. Results: Music is a motivational device for moving our bodies, releasing anger or aggression and even transcending pain. Personal preferences in music seemed to be important for these participants while exercising, substantiated in the importance of well-being and pleasure in everyday activities and situations. Conclusions: This study has contributed to an increase in self-awareness and consciousness, well-being and health for the majority of the participants in the study. It has brought to the level of consciousness forms of ‘‘expert’’ practice that may otherwise have occurred tacitly. Implementation of future health promotion and rehabilitation programmes ought to strengthen their focus on musical, cultural and physical activity both at an individual level and within local communities.
Acute Exercise as an Adjuvant to Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Edwards Kate M. , Campbell John P.
Published: January 2011

Acute exercise prior to vaccine administration can improve the immune response. Animal data are now supported by human trials, which have shown that immune responses are enhanced by a bout of acute exercise before innoculation; this effect is particularly prominent in vaccines that normally produce weak immune responses. Although there remain many aspects of this phenomenon to be investigated, including task characteristics such as duration and form of exercise, it appears that even a moderate bout of exercise of the muscles into which vaccine will be administered can enhance the antibody response. In this review, the authors will summarize the animal and human literature and discuss the investigation of potential mechanisms of acute exercise–induced immunoenhancement.
Urodynamic studies in the evaluation of the older man with lower urinary tract symptoms: when, which ones, and what to do with the results
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Ahmad , Al-Hayek Samih , Belal Mohammed
Published: January 2011

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and decreased quality of life in older men. Most urinary dysfunctions in the elderly are multifactorial in origin and associated with a broad spectrum of mental and physical conditions. In this population, it is essential to have a comprehensive assessment of the lower urinary tract, functional impairments and concurrent medical diseases. A holistic and individualized approach to management is important. Urodynamic studies (UDS) are objective tests which provide a major contribution to our understanding of the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Urodynamic findings in older men may include common diagnoses such as bladder outlet obstruction and urinary incontinence. However, coexisting conditions such as detrusor overactivity and impaired detrusor contractility are common in older men. The identification of these conditions is necessary to appropriately counsel patients regarding treatment options. Simple urodynamic tests should be used whenever possible such as uroflowmetry and residual volume estimation. However, in complicated cases more invasive tests such as pressure flow studies are important to help choose the best treatment.
Low doses of natural killer T cells provide protection from acute graft-versus-host disease via an IL-4–dependent mechanism
Authors: Leveson-Gower Dennis B. , Olson Janelle A. , Sega Emanuela I. , Luong Richard H. , Baker Jeanette , Zeiser Robert , Negrin Robert S.
Published: January 2011

CD4+ natural killer T (NKT) cells, along with CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), are capable of controlling aberrant immune reactions. We explored the adoptive transfer of highly purified (> 95%) CD4+NKT cells in a murine model of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). NKT cells follow a migration and proliferation pattern similar to that of conventional T cells (Tcons), migrating initially to secondary lymphoid organs followed by infiltration of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) target tissues. NKT cells persist for more than 100 days and do not cause significant morbidity or mortality. Doses of NKT cells as low as 1.0 × 104 cells suppress GVHD caused by 5.0 × 105 Tcons in an interleukin-4 (IL-4)–dependent mechanism. Protective doses of NKT cells minimally affect Tcon proliferation, but cause significant reductions in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by donor Tcons and in skin, spleen, and gastrointestinal pathology. In addition, NKT cells do not impact the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect of Tcons against B-cell lymphoma-1 (BCL-1) tumors. These studies elucidate the biologic function of donor-type CD4+NKT cells in suppressing GVHD in an allogeneic transplantation setting, demonstrating clinical potential in reducing GVHD in HCT.
Hypoxia-inducible factors in human pulmonary arterial hypertension: a link to the intrinsic myeloid abnormalities
Authors: Farha Samar , Asosingh Kewal , Xu Weiling , Sharp Jacqueline , George Deepa , Comhair Suzy , Park Margaret , Tang W. H. Wilson , Loyd James E. , Theil Karl , Tubbs Raymond , Hsi Eric , Lichtin Alan , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: January 2011

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a proliferative vasculopathy characterized by high circulating CD34+CD133+ proangiogenic progenitors, and endothelial cells that have pathologic expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α). Here, CD34+CD133+ progenitor cell numbers are shown to be higher in PAH bone marrow, blood, and pulmonary arteries than in healthy controls. The HIF-inducible myeloid-activating factors erythropoietin, stem cell factor (SCF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are also present at higher than normal levels in PAH blood, and related to disease severity. Primary endothelial cells harvested from human PAH lungs produce greater HGF and progenitor recruitment factor stromal-derived factor 1 α (SDF-1α) than control lung endothelial cells, and thus may contribute to bone marrow activation. Even though PAH patients had normal numbers of circulating blood elements, hematopoietic alterations in myeloid and erythroid lineages and reticulin fibrosis identified a subclinical myeloproliferative process. Unexpectedly, evaluation of bone marrow progenitors and reticulin in nonaffected family members of patients with familial PAH revealed similar myeloid abnormalities. Altogether, the results show that PAH is linked to myeloid abnormalities, some of which may be related to increased production of HIF-inducible factors by diseased pulmonary vasculature, but findings in nonaffected family suggest myeloid abnormalities may be intrinsic to the disease process.
Protein kinases modulate store-operated channels in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chen I-Shan , Dai Zen-Kong , Welsh Donald G , Chen Ing-Jun , Wu Bin-Nan
Published: January 2011

Background

This study investigates whether protein kinase G (PKG), protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) are involved in the regulatory mechanisms of store-operated channel (SOC) in pulmonary arteries.

Methods

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were enzymatically dissociated from rat intralobar pulmonary arteries. Whole cell, cell-attached and inside-out patch-clamp electrophysiology were used to monitor SOCs in isolated PASMCs.

Results

Initially the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 μM) initiated a whole cell current that was reduced by the SOC blocker SKF-96365 (10 μM). Subsequent work using both cell-attached and whole cell configurations revealed that the PKG and PKA inhibitors, KT5823 (3 μM) and H-89 (10 μM), also stimulated SOC activity; this augmentation was attenuated by the SOC blockers SKF-96365 (10 μM) and Ni2+ (0.1 mM). Finally using the inside-out configuration, the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10 μM) was confirmed to modestly stimulate SOC activity although this augmentation appeared to be more substantial following the application of 10 μM inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3).

Conclusions

SOC activity in PASMCs was stimulated by the inhibition of PKG and PKA and the activation of PKC. Our findings suggest that the SOC could be a substrate of these protein kinases, which therefore would regulate the intracellular concentration of calcium and pulmonary arteriopathy via SOC.