bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhaled Nitrite Reverses Hemolysis-Induced Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in Newborn Lambs Without Blood Participation
Authors: Blood Arlin B. , Schroeder Hobe J. , Terry Michael H. , Merrill-Henry Jeanette , Bragg Shannon L. , Vrancken Kurt , Liu Taiming , Herring Jason L. , Sowers Lawrence C. , Wilson Sean M. , Power Gordon G.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Nitrite can be converted to nitric oxide (NO) by a number of different biochemical pathways. In newborn lambs, an aerosol of inhaled nitrite has been found to reduce pulmonary blood pressure, possibly acting via conversion to NO by reaction with intraerythrocytic deoxyhemoglobin. If so, the vasodilating effects of nitrite would be attenuated by free hemoglobin in plasma that would rapidly scavenge NO.

Methods and Results—

Pulmonary vascular pressures and resistances to flow were measured in anesthetized newborn lambs. Plasma hemoglobin concentrations were then elevated, resulting in marked pulmonary hypertension. This effect was attenuated if infused hemoglobin was first oxidized to methemoglobin, which does not scavenge NO. These results further implicate NO as a tonic pulmonary vasodilator. Next, while free hemoglobin continued to be infused, the lambs were given inhaled NO gas (20 ppm), inhaled sodium nitrite aerosol (0.87 mol/L), or an intravascular nitrite infusion (3 mg/h bolus, 5 mg · kg
−1
· h
−1
infusion). Inhaled NO and inhaled nitrite aerosol both resulted in pulmonary vasodilation. Intravascular infusion of nitrite, however, did not. Increases in exhaled NO gas were observed in lambs while breathing the nitrite aerosol (≈20 ppb NO) but not during intravascular infusion of nitrite.

Conclusions—

We conclude that the pulmonary vasodilating effect of inhaled nitrite results from its conversion to NO in airway and parenchymal lung tissue and is not dependent on reactions with deoxyhemoglobin in the pulmonary circulation. Inhaled nitrite aerosol remains a promising candidate to reduce pulmonary hypertension in clinical application.
Growth Factor Therapy and Autologous Lymph Node Transfer in Lymphedema
Authors: Lähteenvuo Markku , Honkonen Krista , Tervala Tomi , Tammela Tuomas , Suominen Erkki , Lähteenvuo Johanna , Kholová Ivana , Alitalo Kari , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Saaristo Anne
Published: February 2011

Background—

Lymphedema after surgery, infection, or radiation therapy is a common and often incurable problem. Application of lymphangiogenic growth factors has been shown to induce lymphangiogenesis and to reduce tissue edema. The therapeutic effect of autologous lymph node transfer combined with adenoviral growth factor expression was evaluated in a newly established porcine model of limb lymphedema.

Methods and Results—

The lymphatic vasculature was destroyed within a 3-cm radius around an inguinal lymph node. Lymph node grafts and adenovirally (Ad) delivered vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C (n=5) or VEGF-D (n=9) were used to reconstruct the lymphatic network in the inguinal area; AdLacZ (β-galactosidase; n=5) served as a control. Both growth factors induced robust growth of new lymphatic vessels in the defect area, and postoperative lymphatic drainage was significantly improved in the VEGF-C/D–treated pigs compared with controls. The structure of the transferred lymph nodes was best preserved in the VEGF-C–treated pigs. Interestingly, VEGF-D transiently increased accumulation of seroma fluid in the operated inguinal region postoperatively, whereas VEGF-C did not have this side effect.

Conclusions—

These results show that growth factor gene therapy coupled with lymph node transfer can be used to repair damaged lymphatic networks in a large animal model and provide a basis for future clinical trials of the treatment of lymphedema.
Microsomal Prostaglandin E
2
Synthase-1 Modulates the Response to Vascular Injury
Authors: Wang Miao , Ihida-Stansbury Kaori , Kothapalli Devashish , Tamby Mathieu C. , Yu Zhou , Chen Lihong , Grant Gregory , Cheng Yan , Lawson John A. , Assoian Richard K. , Jones Peter L. , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Microsomal (m) prostaglandin (PG) E
2
synthase (S)-1 catalyzes the formation of PGE
2
from PGH
2
, a cyclooxygenase product that is derived from arachidonic acid. Previous studies in mice suggest that targeting mPGES-1 may be less likely to cause hypertension or thrombosis than cyclooxygenase-2–selective inhibition or deletion in vivo. Indeed, deletion of mPGES-1 retards atherogenesis and angiotensin II–induced aortic aneurysm formation. The role of mPGES-1 in the response to vascular injury is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Mice were subjected to wire injury of the femoral artery. Both neointimal area and vascular stenosis were significantly reduced 4 weeks after injury in mPGES-1 knockout mice compared with wild-type controls (65.6±5.7 versus 37.7±5.1×10
3
pixel area and 70.5±13.4% versus 47.7±17.4%, respectively;
P
<0.01). Induction of tenascin-C, a proproliferative and promigratory extracellular matrix protein, after injury was attenuated in the knockouts. Consistent with in vivo rediversion of PG biosynthesis, mPGES-1–deleted vascular smooth muscle cells generated less PGE
2
but more PGI
2
and expressed reduced tenascin-C compared with wild-type cells. Both suppression of PGE
2
and augmentation of PGI
2
attenuate tenascin-C expression and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in vitro.

Conclusions—

Deletion of mPGES-1 in mice attenuates neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury, in part by regulating tenascin-C expression. This raises for consideration the therapeutic potential of mPGES-1 inhibitors as adjuvant therapy for percutaneous coronary intervention.
Inflammasome Activation of Cardiac Fibroblasts Is Essential for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Kawaguchi Masanori , Takahashi Masafumi , Hata Takeki , Kashima Yuichiro , Usui Fumitake , Morimoto Hajime , Izawa Atsushi , Takahashi Yasuko , Masumoto Junya , Koyama Jun , Hongo Minoru , Noda Tetsuo , Nakayama Jun , Sagara Junji , Taniguchi Shun'ichiro , Ikeda Uichi
Published: February 2011

Background—

Inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the mechanism by which myocardial I/R induces inflammation remains unclear. Recent evidence indicates that a sterile inflammatory response triggered by tissue damage is mediated through a multiple-protein complex called the inflammasome. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inflammasome is an initial sensor for danger signal(s) in myocardial I/R injury.

Methods and Results—

We demonstrate that inflammasome activation in cardiac fibroblasts, but not in cardiomyocytes, is crucially involved in the initial inflammatory response after myocardial I/R injury. We found that inflammasomes are formed by I/R and that its subsequent activation of inflammasomes leads to interleukin-1β production, resulting in inflammatory responses such as inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine expression in the heart. In mice deficient for apoptosis-associated speck-like adaptor protein and caspase-1, these inflammatory responses and subsequent injuries, including infarct development and myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction, were markedly diminished. Bone marrow transplantation experiments with apoptosis-associated speck-like adaptor protein–deficient mice revealed that inflammasome activation in bone marrow cells and myocardial resident cells such as cardiomyocytes or cardiac fibroblasts plays an important role in myocardial I/R injury. In vitro experiments revealed that hypoxia/reoxygenation stimulated inflammasome activation in cardiac fibroblasts, but not in cardiomyocytes, and that hypoxia/reoxygenation–induced activation was mediated through reactive oxygen species production and potassium efflux.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate the molecular basis for the initial inflammatory response after I/R and suggest that the inflammasome is a potential novel therapeutic target for preventing myocardial I/R injury.
Effects of the Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Azilsartan Medoxomil Versus Olmesartan and Valsartan on Ambulatory and Clinic Blood Pressure in Patients With Stages 1 and 2 Hypertension
Authors: White William B. , Weber Michael A. , Sica Domenic , Bakris George L. , Perez Alfonso , Cao Charlie , Kupfer Stuart
Published: February 2011

Azilsartan medoxomil is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) being developed for hypertension treatment. To compare this ARB with others in the class, we studied the effects of 2 doses of azilsartan medoxomil, with valsartan 320 mg and olmesartan medoxomil (olmesartan) 40 mg, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring and clinic BP measurements. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in 24-hour mean systolic BP. Hierarchical analysis testing for superiority over placebo was followed by noninferiority analysis and then superiority testing of azilsartan medoxomil (80 mg and then 40 mg) versus the comparator ARBs. For 1291 randomized patients, mean age was 56 years, 54% were men, and baseline 24-hour mean systolic BP was 145 mm Hg. Azilsartan medoxomil at 80 mg had superior efficacy to both valsartan at 320 mg and olmesartan at 40 mg: placebo-adjusted 24-hour systolic BP was lowered (−14.3 mm Hg) more than 320 mg of valsartan (−10.0 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and 40 mg of olmesartan (−11.7 mm Hg;
P
=0.009). Azilsartan medoxomil at 40 mg was noninferior to 40 mg of olmesartan (difference: −1.4 mm Hg [95% CI: −3.3 to 0.5]). For clinic systolic BP, both doses of azilsartan medoxomil were superior to the comparator ARBs. Safety and tolerability were similar among the placebo and 4 active treatments. These data demonstrate that azilsartan medoxomil at its maximal dose has superior efficacy to both olmesartan and valsartan at their maximal, approved doses without increasing adverse events. Azilsartan medoxomil could provide higher rates of hypertension control within the ARB class.
Hsd11b2
Haploinsufficiency in Mice Causes Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure
Authors: Bailey Matthew A. , Craigie Eilidh , Livingstone Dawn E.W. , Kotelevtsev Yuri V. , Al-Dujaili Emad A.S. , Kenyon Christopher J. , Mullins John J.
Published: February 2011

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity. Mechanistically, abnormal mineralocorticoid action and subclinical renal impairment may blunt the natriuretic response to high sodium intake, causing blood pressure to rise. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) controls ligand access to the mineralocorticoid receptor, and ablation of the enzyme causes severe hypertension. Polymorphisms in
HSD11B2
are associated with salt sensitivity of blood pressure in normotensives. In this study, we used mice heterozygote for a null mutation in
Hsd11b2
(
Hsd11b2
+/−
) to define the mechanisms linking reduced enzyme activity to salt sensitivity of blood pressure. A high-sodium diet caused a rapid and sustained increase in blood pressure in
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice but not in wild-type littermates. During the adaptation to high-sodium diet, heterozygotes displayed impaired sodium excretion, a transient positive sodium balance, and hypokalemia. After 21 days of high-sodium feeding,
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice had an increased heart weight. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism partially prevented the increase in heart weight but not the increase in blood pressure. Glucocorticoid receptor antagonism prevented the rise in blood pressure. In
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice, high-sodium feeding caused suppression of aldosterone and a moderate but sustained increase in corticosterone. This study demonstrates an inverse relationship among 11βHSD2 activity, heart weight, and blood pressure in a clinically important context. Reduced activity causes salt sensitivity of blood pressure, but this does not reflect illicit activation of mineralocorticoid receptors by glucocorticoids. Instead, we have identified a novel interaction among 11βHSD2, dietary salt, and circulating glucocorticoids.
Decreased cGMP Level Contributes to Increased Contraction in Arteries From Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Giachini Fernanda R. , Lima Victor V. , Carneiro Fernando S. , Tostes Rita C. , Webb R. Clinton
Published: February 2011

Recent evidence suggests that angiotensin II (Ang II) upregulates phosphodiesterase (PDE) 1A expression. We hypothesized that Ang II augmented PDE1 activation, decreasing the bioavailability of cyclic guanosine 3′ 5′-monophosphate (cGMP), and contributing to increased vascular contractility. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received mini-osmotic pumps with Ang II (60 ng·min
−1
) or saline for 14 days. Phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions were increased in aorta (E
max
168%±8% vs 136%±4%) and small mesenteric arteries (SMA; E
max
170%±6% vs 143%±3%) from Ang II-infused rats compared to control. PDE1 inhibition with vinpocetine (10 μmol/L) reduced PE-induced contraction in aortas from Ang II rats (E
max
94%±12%) but not in controls (154%±7%). Vinpocetine decreased the sensitivity to PE in SMA from Ang II rats compared to vehicle (−log of half maximal effective concentration 5.1±0.1 vs 5.9±0.06), but not in controls (6.0±0.03 vs 6.1±0.04). Sildenafil (10 μmol/L), a PDE5 inhibitor, reduced PE-induced maximal contraction similarly in Ang II and control rats. Arteries were contracted with PE (1 μmol/L), and concentration-dependent relaxation to vinpocetine and sildenafil was evaluated. Aortas from Ang II rats displayed increased relaxation to vinpocetine compared to control (E
max
82%±12% vs 445±5%). SMA from Ang II rats showed greater sensitivity during vinpocetine-induced relaxation compared to control (−log of half maximal effective concentration 6.1±0.3 vs 5.3±0.1). No differences in sildenafil-induced relaxation were observed. PDE1A and PDE1C expressions in aorta and PDE1A expression in SMA were increased in Ang II rats. cGMP production, which is decreased in arteries from Ang II rats, was restored after PDE1 blockade. We conclude that PDE1 activation reduces cGMP bioavailability in arteries from Ang II, contributing to increased contractile responsiveness.
Contribution of a Nuclear Factor-κB Binding Site to Human Angiotensinogen Promoter Activity in Renal Proximal Tubular Cells
Authors: Acres Omar W. , Satou Ryousuke , Navar L. Gabriel , Kobori Hiroyuki
Published: February 2011

Intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT) is expressed highly in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) and contributes to the regulation of intrarenal angiotensin II levels. Inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB suppressed human (h)AGT expression in human RPTCs. However, the presence and localization of an NF-κB binding site in the hAGT promoter region have not been determined. Therefore, this study was performed to demonstrate that an NF-κB binding site in the hAGT promoter region contributes to hAGT promoter activity in human RPTCs. The hAGT promoter region was cloned from −4358 to +122 and deletion analysis was performed. A possible NF-κB binding site was removed from the hAGT promoter region (M1) and mutated (M2). Human RPTCs were transfected, and hAGT promoter activity was determined by luciferase assay. The identity of DNA binding proteins from binding assays were determined by Western blot. Progressive 5′-end deletions demonstrated removal of a distal promoter element in hAGT_−2414/+122 reduced promoter activity (0.61±0.12, ratio to hAGT_−4358/+122). Inhibition of NF-κB suppressed promoter activity in hAGT_−4358/+122 (0.51±0.14, ratio to control) and hAGT_−3681/+122 (0.48±0.06, ratio to control) but not in the construct without the NF-κB binding site. Promoter activity was reduced in the domain mutants M1 (0.57±0.08, ratio to hAGT_−4358/+122) and M2 (0.61±0.16, ratio to hAGT_−4358/+122). DNA binding levels of NF-κB protein were reduced in M1. These data demonstrate the functional importance of an NF-κB binding site in the hAGT promoter region, which contributes to hAGT promoter activity in human RPTCs.
Addition of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blocker to CCR2 Antagonist Markedly Attenuates Crescentic Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Urushihara Maki , Ohashi Naro , Miyata Kayoko , Satou Ryousuke , Acres Omar W. , Kobori Hiroyuki
Published: February 2011

The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) pathway plays a critical role in the development of antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis. We recently showed angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in rats activated MCP-1 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which in turn induced macrophage infiltration of renal tissues. This study was performed to demonstrate that combination therapy with a CCR2 antagonist (CA) and an Ang II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) ameliorated renal injury in the anti-GBM nephritis model. An anti-GBM nephritis rat model developed progressive proteinuria and glomerular crescent formation, accompanied by increased macrophage infiltration and glomerular expression of MCP-1, angiotensinogen, Ang II, and TGF-β1. Treatment with CA alone or ARB alone moderately ameliorated kidney injury; however, the combination treatment with CA and ARB dramatically prevented proteinuria and markedly reduced glomerular crescent formation. The combination treatment also suppressed the induction of macrophage infiltration, MCP-1, angiotensinogen, Ang II, and TGF-β1 and reversed the fibrotic change in the glomeruli. Next, primary cultured glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) stimulated by Ang II showed significant increases in MCP-1 and TGF-β1 expression. Furthermore, cocultured model consisting of MCs, parietal epithelial cells, and macrophages showed an increase in Ang II-induced cell proliferation and collagen secretion. ARB treatment attenuated these augmentations. These data suggest that Ang II enhances glomerular crescent formation of anti-GBM nephritis. Moreover, our results demonstrate that inhibition of the MCP-1/CCR2 pathway with a combination of ARB effectively reduces renal injury in anti-GBM nephritis.
An Oral Formulation of Angiotensin-(1-7) Produces Cardioprotective Effects in Infarcted and Isoproterenol-Treated Rats
Authors: Marques Fúlvia D. , Ferreira Anderson J. , Sinisterra Rubén D.M. , Jacoby Bruno A. , Sousa Frederico B. , Caliari Marcelo V. , Silva Gerluza A.B. , Melo Marcos B. , Nadu Ana P. , Souza Leandro E. , Irigoyen Maria C.C. , Almeida Alvair P. , Santos Robson A.S.
Published: February 2011

In this study we evaluated the cardiac effects of a pharmaceutical formulation developed by including angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) in hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), in normal, infarcted, and isoproterenol-treated rats. Myocardial infarction was produced by left coronary artery occlusion. Isoproterenol (2 mg/kg, IP) was administered daily for 7 days. Oral administration of HPβCD/Ang-(1-7) started immediately before infarction or associated with the first dose of isoproterenol. After 7 days of treatment, the rats were euthanized, and the Langendorff technique was used to analyze cardiac function. In addition, heart function was chronically (15, 30, 50 days) analyzed by echocardiography. Cardiac sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and Masson trichrome to evaluate cardiac hypertrophy and damage, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that oral HPβCD/Ang-(1-7) administration significantly increased Ang-(1-7) on plasma whereas with the free peptide it was without effect. Oral administration of HPβCD/Ang-(1-7) (30 μg/kg) significantly reduced the deleterious effects induced by myocardial infarction on systolic and diastolic tension, ±dT/dt, perfusion pressure, and heart rate. Strikingly, a 50% reduction of the infarcted area was observed in HPβCD/Ang-(1-7)–treated rats. Furthermore, HPβCD/Ang-(1-7) attenuated the heart function impairment and cardiac remodeling induced by isoproterenol. In infarcted rats chronically treated with HPβCD/Ang-(1-7), the reduction of ejection fraction and fractional shorting and the increase in systolic and diastolic left ventricular volumes observed in infarcted rats were attenuated. Altogether, these findings further confirm the cardioprotective effects of Ang-(1-7). More importantly, our data indicate that the HPβCD/Ang-(1-7) is a feasible formulation for oral administration of Ang-(1-7), which can be used as a cardioprotective drug.
The Malicious Effects of Existential Threat on Motivation to Protect the Natural Environment and the Role of Environmental Identity as a Moderator
Authors: Fritsche Immo , Häfner Katrin
Published: February 2011

Existential threat, which terror-management theory suggests is associated with greater psychological distance from nature and increased concern for the self, may erode human motivation to protect the natural environment. Environmentally relevant motivations and concerns include desires to protect humans (anthropocentric motivation and egoistic concern) and nature (biocentric motivation and biospheric concern). Experimentally induced mortality salience decreased biocentric but not anthropocentric motivation to protect the environment (Studies 1 and 2) as well as biospheric but not egoistic environmental concern (Study 2). However, moderator effects also suggest how environmentally protective motivations can be sustained despite existential threat. If people conceive of proenvironmental action as serving humans or if it relates to people’s identities, the malicious effects of existential threat on proenvironmental motivation can be eliminated.
On the Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities in Gifted Students: Reply to Assouline et al. (2010)
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J.
Published: February 2011

Gifted students often fail to achieve at a superior level in one or more academic areas. In this reply to an article by Assouline, Nicpon, and Whiteman, the author reviews various explanations for this phenomenon, including motivation/interest, learning opportunities, and error in measuring students’ ability—achievement discrepancies. The author also describes different methodologies for investigating whether learning disabilities are overidentified among gifted students and, more broadly, considers the appropriateness of a learning disability diagnosis in students with average achievement. The author concludes with thoughts on the proper interpretation of Assouline et al.’s results.
Do Low-shrink Composites Reduce Polymerization Shrinkage Effects?
Authors: Tantbirojn D. , Pfeifer C.S. , Braga R.R. , Versluis A.
Published: February 2011

Progress in polymer science has led to continuous reduction of polymerization shrinkage, exemplified by a new generation of “low-shrink composites”. The common inference that shrinkage stress effects will be reduced in teeth restored with such restoratives with lower shrinkage was tested in extracted human premolars. Mesio-occluso-distal slot-shaped cavities were cut and restored with a conventional (SupremePlus) or low-shrink (RefleXions, Premise, Kalore, and LS) composite (N = 5). We digitized the coronal surfaces before and 10 min after restoration to determine cuspal deflection from the buccal and lingual volume change/area. We also determined the main properties involved (total shrinkage, post-gel shrinkage, degree of conversion, and elastic modulus), as well as microleakage, to verify adequate bonding. It was shown that, due to shrinkage stresses, buccal and lingual surfaces pulled inward after restoration (9-14 microns). Only Kalore and LS resulted in significantly lower tooth deformation (ANOVA/Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc, p = 0.05). The other two low-shrink composites, despite having the lowest and highest total shrinkage values, did not cause significant differences in cuspal deflection. Deflection seemed most related to the combination of post-gel shrinkage and elastic modulus. Therefore, even for significantly lower total shrinkage values, shrinkage stress is not necessarily reduced.
Social Cohesion: Converging and Diverging Trends
Authors: Green Andy , Janmaat Germ , Cheng Helen
Published: February 2011

Social theorists frequently argue that social cohesion is under threat in developed societies from the multiple pressures of globalisation. This article seeks to test this hypothesis through examining the trends across countries and regions in key indicators of social cohesion, including social and political trust, tolerance and perceptions of conflict. It finds ample evidence of long-term declines in cohesion in many countries, not least as exemplified by the erosion of social and political trust, which is particularly dramatic in the UK. The trends are not entirely convergent, since on most indicators Nordic countries have become more cohesive, yet each country faces challenges. In the final section the authors argue that different ‘regimes of social cohesion’ can be identified in specific clusters of countries which are based on different cultural and institutional foundations. In the ‘liberal model’, which applies in the UK and the US, the greatest threat to cohesion comes not from increasing cultural diversity, but from increasing barriers to mobility and the subsequent atrophy of faith in individual opportunity and meritocratic rewards — precisely those beliefs which have traditionally held liberal societies together.
Underemployment in the UK in the Great Recession
Authors: Bell David N.F. , Blanchflower David G.
Published: February 2011

One of the main puzzles associated with the Great Recession has been the muted increase in recorded unemployment in the UK. In this paper we explore possible explanations for the behaviour of the UK labour market during the period of the recession. We establish that there has been significant underemployment, which partly explains the sluggish increase in unemployment, but also means that (i) significant numbers of workers are supplying fewer hours of work than they would like and (ii) when recovery comes, profit maximising employers are likely to increase the hours of existing workers, rather than making new hires. This particularly disadvantages the young. Our new analysis points to significant levels of underemployment among younger age groups — whether this is measured in relation to their actual hours of work, their desired hours of work, or their labour force participation.
Self-Serving Cognitive Distortions and Antisocial Behavior Among Adults and Adolescents
Authors: Wallinius Märta , Johansson Peter , Lardén Martin , Dernevik Mats
Published: February 2011

The reliability and validity of the self-report questionnaire How I Think (HIT), designed to assess self-serving cognitive distortions related to antisocial behavior, was tested among Swedish offender and nonoffender adults and adolescents ( N = 364). The results showed self-serving distortions to be more common among offenders and to predict self-reported antisocial behavior when tested among adults. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed, in contrast to earlier findings, that the underlying structure of the HIT was best explained by a three-factor solution with one major cognitive factor, referred to as “criminal mind.” It was concluded that the HIT, after further examination of its structural and divergent validity, could be used as a measure of criminal thinking in adults as well as in adolescents.
Political Ideology, the Party, and Politicking: Justice System Reform in China
Authors: Trevaskes Susan
Published: February 2011

In November 2008, the Politburo issued a new justice system reform plan that it hailed as emblematic of China’s new approach to harmonious society building. This reform plan is an exemplar of how politics works in the Hu Jintao era. It represents an attempt—using ideology, party leadership, and “politicking”—to change the way both social and organizational problems are handled. Looking at one facet of justice administration—criminal justice— reveals how these three political aspects intertwine to produce a path to reform that relies on a strong authoritarian hand. A new emphasis on balance, heralded as a key to the reform, provides a way of navigating the problem of how to achieve social stability in China within the broad state objective of building a harmonious society. The approach in the 2008 plan uses the discourse of harmonious society to attempt to maneuver out of some longstanding stalemates in both institutional management and the punitive culture of justice administration. This new reform path has less to do with creating the conditions for judicial independence and more to do with generating the conditions for greater uniformity in judicial practice across the nation.
Systematic Review
Authors: Nabavi Fatemeh Heshmati , Vanaki Zohreh , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: February 2011

The aim of our systematic review was to retrieve and integrate relevant evidence related to the process of formation and implementation of the academic–service partnership, with the aim of reforming the clinical education program. Despite a plethora of research evidence about implementing the academic– service partnership, no one to date has undertaken a robust systematic review about its process. An electronic search was performed to identify published studies between 1995 and 2008. Search strategies adapted from the University of York’s Centre for Reviews and Dissemination were used. Fifteen papers were accepted based on the inclusion criteria and assessed for quality. Data were summarized thematically. Four main stages emerged: Mutual Potential Benefits, Moving From Being Competitors to Collaborators, Joint Practice, and Beneficial Outcomes. This study’s findings can provide practical guidelines to steer partnership programs within the academic and clinical bodies, with the aim of providing a collaborative partnership approach to clinical education.
Confidence in Breastfeeding Among Pregnant Women
Authors: Laanterä Sari , Pietilä Anna-Maija , Ekström Anette , Pölkki Tarja
Published: February 2011

Little is known about prenatal breastfeeding confidence, although such knowledge is necessary for developing the content of counseling and tailoring it for individuals. The purpose of this study was to describe women’s prenatal breastfeeding confidence and how their sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge, and attitudes relate to it. The electronic confidence scale was used in data collection, and 123 Finnish women filled in the questionnaire. The mean confidence score was 83.88 when the maximum possible score was 120. Confidence scores varied when parity, breastfeeding knowledge, and attitudes were involved. Variables regarding breastfeeding as difficult, regarding breastfeeding as exhausting, and parity explained 38.1% of the variation of the breastfeeding confidence scores. Pregnant women need information about managing potential breastfeeding problems and the physiology of breastfeeding. Interventions designed to promote breastfeeding confidence need to be focused on primiparas and women with a lack of breastfeeding knowledge.
Screening Measure for Early Detection of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Bekhet Abir K.
Published: February 2011

Nearly 10% of American adults experience depressive symptoms each year. Negative thought patterns associated with risk for depression can be identified using a psychometrically sound measure, such as the Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS). However, no meaningful cutoff score has been established for the DCS. This study used a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to establish a DCS cutoff score for risk for depression, using the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) as the gold standard measure. In a national nondepressed sample of 629 adults, the ROC showed that the DCS accurately discriminated between participants with and without serious depressive thinking in 80% of cases and established an optimum balance of sensitivity (73.9-76.6%) and specificity (69.0-75.3%) at a score of 7. Although findings indicate that the DCS may overidentify risk for clinical depression, the instrument is useful for screening and assessment, with possible initiation of psychological treatment to prevent clinical depression.
Use of Tutoplast‐Processed Fascia Lata as an Onlay Graft Material for Tip Surgery in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Jang Yong Ju , Kim Ji Heui
Published: February 2011

Objectives

Tutoplast‐processed fascia lata (TPFL) is a commercially available homograft that has been successfully used as human graft tissue for dorsal augmentation in rhinoplasty. The present study evaluated the use of TPFL as an onlay tip graft material in rhinoplasty.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary care medical center.

Subjects and Methods

The study involved a retrospective analysis of rhinoplasty cases using TPFL as a tip onlay graft. The study included 82 patients (46 men and 36 women) who underwent tip surgery using TPFL from February 2006 to June 2008. By comparing facial photographs before and after the operation, 2 independent rhinoplastic surgeons assessed outcomes of 8 months postoperative time as being excellent, fair, or poor. Using the pre‐ and postoperative profile view, anthropometric measurements were also made.

Results

The 82 subjects included 71 primary and 11 revision patients. TPFL was used as a tip onlay graft in final tip modification. Postoperative assessment found that only 6 (7%) patients had excellent results, 51 (62%) had fair results, and 25 (31%) had poor results. Pre‐ and postoperative anthropometric measurements showed the technique resulted in an overall increased nasal tip projection postoperatively (0.56 ± 0.09 vs 0.60 ± 0.08; P <. 05). However, the overall nasolabial angle was not changed after surgery (91.35 ± 10.36° vs 93.05 ± 8.3°; P =. 08). No patient experienced infection, visible graft contour, or migration.

Conclusion

TPFL was not that satisfactory in terms of aesthetic outcome when used as a tip onlay graft material in rhinoplasty patients.
The Effects of Teacher-Implemented Naturalistic Intervention on the Communication of Preschoolers With Autism
Authors: Harjusola-Webb Sanna M. , Robbins Sandra Hess
Published: February 2011

This study examined the effects of a teacher training package on the teacher-delivered naturalistic communication-promoting intervention and the expressive communication of three preschool-aged boys with autism spectrum disorders. Growing numbers of children with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, attend community-based and inclusive preschool settings, and the present study provides information on how to support positive adult child social-communicative interactions by embedding noninvasive strategies in the context of natural environments. In this multiple-baseline study, the teachers received training and support in implementing specific, naturalistic communication-promoting strategies to increase child opportunities for expressive communication. As a result of the training, the teachers increased their use of the intervention strategies, and all of the target children showed increases in the frequency of expressive communication. This study emphasizes the importance of language input and how the level of intervention delivery—in this case, frequency of teacher-provided opportunities for communication—appears to influence child communicative behavior.
The Mouse Tumor Biology Database (MTB)
Authors: Begley D. A. , Krupke D. M. , Neuhauser S. B. , Richardson J. E. , Bult C. J. , Eppig J. T. , Sundberg J. P.
Published: February 2011

The Mouse Tumor Biology Database (MTB) is designed to provide an electronic data storage, search, and analysis system for information on mouse models of human cancer. The MTB includes data on tumor frequency and latency, strain, germ line, and somatic genetics, pathologic notations, and photomicrographs. The MTB collects data from the primary literature, other public databases, and direct submissions from the scientific community. The MTB is a community resource that provides integrated access to mouse tumor data from different scientific research areas and facilitates integration of molecular, genetic, and pathologic data. Current status of MTB, search capabilities, data types, and future enhancements are described in this article.
Histological and Immunohistochemical Identification of Atypical Ductal Mammary Hyperplasia as a Preneoplastic Marker in Dogs
Authors: Ferreira E. , Gobbi H. , Saraiva B. S. , Cassali G. D.
Published: February 2011

This study describes and evaluates the morphological and molecular relationship between canine mammary ductal hyperplasias with atypia and canine mammary neoplasias. Ductal hyperplasia was identified in association with malignant neoplasia in 56 of the 115 cases (48,8%), and although ductal hyperplasia without atypia was the type most frequently noted in the cases, most examples of hyperplasia with atypia were associated with mammary tumors. Estrogen receptor, E-cadherin, and cytokeratins 1, 5, 10 and 14 (CK34bE12) expression was quite lower than in normal mammary tissue, and HER2 overexpression was absent in all proliferative cells of ductal hyperplasia. The Ki-67 expression, epidermal growth factor receptor and progesterone receptor expression appeared higher in those hyperplastic lesions analyzed than in normal mammary glands. These findings suggest that canine mammary atypical hyperplasia may play an important role in the process of malignant neoplastic transformation, with molecular alterations that are similar to precursor lesions reported in humans.
Equine Penile Squamous Cell Carcinomas Are Associated With the Presence of Equine Papillomavirus Type 2 DNA Sequences
Authors: Knight C. G. , Munday J. S. , Peters J. , Dunowska M.
Published: February 2011

Forty cases of equine penile disease were screened with polymerase chain reaction for the presence of papillomaviral DNA. Cases consisted of 20 squamous cell carcinomas (average age of horse, 23.9 years) and 20 non–squamous cell carcinoma diseases (average age of horse, 13.3 years). All horses but one originated from the Northeastern United States. Breeds were not recorded. As based on MY09/MY11 consensus primers, DNA sequences from equine papillomavirus type 2 were amplified from 9 of 20 horses (45%) with penile squamous cell carcinoma and only 1 of 20 horses (5%) with non–squamous cell carcinoma penile disease. Equine papillomavirus type 2 DNA was the only papillomaviral DNA amplified from any of the 40 horses. Tissues from the 10 horses in which papillomaviral DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction were also screened with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The presence of papillomavirus was demonstrated in a subset of these by in situ hybridization (6 of 10) and immunohistochemistry (1 of 10). This report describes a possible association between equine penile squamous cell carcinomas and equine papillomavirus type 2. This study is also the first report of equine papillomavirus type 2 infection in North American horses.
Satellite remote sensing of mangrove forests: Recent advances and future opportunities
Authors: Heumann Benjamin W.
Published: February 2011

Mangroves are salt tolerant woody plants that form highly productive intertidal ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite the established importance of mangroves to the coastal environment, including fisheries, deforestation continues to be a major threat due to pressures for wood and forest products, land conversion to aquaculture, and coastal urban development. Over the past 15 years, remote sensing has played a crucial role in mapping and understanding changes in the areal extent and spatial pattern of mangrove forests related to natural disasters and anthropogenic forces. This paper reviews recent advancements in remote-sensed data and techniques and describes future opportunities for integration or fusion of these data and techniques for large-scale monitoring in mangroves as a consequence of anthropogenic and climatic forces. While traditional pixel-based classification of Landsat, SPOT, and ASTER imagery has been widely applied for mapping mangrove forest, more recent types of imagery such as very high resolution (VHR), Polarmetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR), hyperspectral, and LiDAR systems and the development of techniques such as Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA), spatial image analysis (e.g. image texture), Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR), and machine-learning algorithms have demonstrated the potential for reliable and detailed characterization of mangrove forests including species, leaf area, canopy height, and stand biomass. Future opportunities include the application of existing sensors such as the hyperspectral HYPERION, the application of existing methods from terrestrial forest remote sensing, investigation of new sensors such as ALOS PRISM and PALSAR, and overcoming challenges to the global monitoring of mangrove forests such as wide-scale data availability, robust and consistent methods, and capacity-building with scientists and organizations in developing countries.
The self-organizing map in synoptic climatological research
Authors: Sheridan Scott C. , Lee Cameron C.
Published: February 2011

Self-organizing maps (SOMs) are a relative newcomer to synoptic climatology; the method itself has only been utilized in the field for around a decade. In this article, we review the major developments and climatological applications of SOMs in the literature. The SOM can be used in synoptic climatological analysis in a manner similar to most other clustering methods. However, as the results from a SOM are generally represented by a two-dimensional array of cluster types that ‘self-organize’, the synoptic categories in the array effectively represent a continuum of synoptic categorizations, compared with discrete realizations produced through most traditional methods. Thus, a larger number of patterns can be more readily understood, and patterns, as well as transitional nodes between patterns, can be discerned. Perhaps the most intriguing development with SOMs has been the new avenues of visualization; the resultant spatial patterns of any variable can be more readily understood when displayed in a SOM. This improved visualization has led to SOMs becoming an increasingly popular tool in various research with climatological applications from other disciplines as well.
Power Relations and Economic Paradigms, or Why Post-Keynesian Theory Is Not Dominant
Authors: Reati Angelo
Published: February 2011

In spite of its substantial results in understanding modern capitalism and the fact that, until the 1970s, Keynesian theory inspired the economic policy of most countries, the classical/post-Keynesian paradigm failed to become dominant on the theoretical scene. Why? Pasinetti’s book provides an answer by first pointing out the “unwise behavior” of the Cambridge group of Keynesian scholars, then by suggesting how to overcome the present theoretical impasse by the methodological device of the “separation theorem.” Economic enquiry, he argues, should distinguish the phase of “pure theory,” to be elaborated at a logical stage that precedes institutions, from the (applied) institutional analysis. The review concludes by maintaining that, while Pasinetti’s suggestion is fully valid, the theoretical strength of a paradigm is a necessary but not sufficient condition for becoming dominant. As the last decades show, the success or failure of a paradigm is also crucially dependent on social and power relations in society.

JEL classification: B50; B31; E12
Knowledge and attitude regarding mercury handling and disposal in students
Authors: Patel Shruti , Tiwari Rajnarayan R , Murarka Shiva , Kumar Sunil
Published: February 2011

The present cross-sectional study was carried out in higher secondary schools of the science speciality in Ahmedabad. A total of 653 students (196 taught in English, 395 taught in Gujarati and 62 taught in Hindi) from seven schools were included. The interview technique was used for data collection using a predesigned questionnaire. A total of 457 (70%) were boys and 196 (30%) were girls. About two-thirds of the study participants had handled mercury at sometime in their life and home was the common place where it was handled. More than half of the Hindi-taught students did not know about its physical appearance. The majority of the Gujarati-taught students knew that mercury is harmful to health whereas one-third of the English- and Hindi-taught students considered mercury to be harmless. A total of 46% of the Gujarati-taught and 44% of the English-taught students had encountered spilled mercury at sometime in their life and 21.6% of English-taught and 25% of Hindi-taught students had either smelled or played with spilled mercury. More than two-thirds of the English- and Hindi-taught students recommended the usual cleaning method whereas 81.8% of Gujarati-taught students suggested a special method should be used for the disposal of spilled mercury. The majority of the students did not know whether mercury could be substituted by a harmless substance.
A Cross-Cultural Assessment of School Connectedness: Testing Measurement Invariance With United States and Chilean Adolescents
Authors: Sass Daniel A. , Castro-Villarreal Felicia , McWhirter Benedict T. , Hawley McWhirter Ellen , Karcher Michael J.
Published: February 2011

Positive associations between measures of school or academic connectedness and behavioral and academic outcomes suggest that connectedess is an important protective factor for adolescents in the United States. However, little is known about the meaning or measurement of academic connectedness, outside the United States, and especially in South America where rapid economic and educational changes are underway. Using the Hemingway: Measure of Adolescent Connectedness measurement invariance analyses were conducted that compared Chilean and United States samples. Results revealed that although all scales reflected factorial validity in both cultures, the connectedness to school, teachers, and self-in-the-future factors were noninvariant across groups, whereas the factors of connectedness to peers and self-in-the-present were invariant across groups. Consequently, all of these subscales can be used in both contexts, but comparing United States and Chilean youth on three subscales may be ill advised.
Utility of Inferential Norming With Smaller Sample Sizes
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Chen Hsin-Yi
Published: February 2011

We examined the utility of inferential norming using small samples drawn from the larger Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) standardization data set. The quality of the norms was estimated with multiple indexes such as polynomial curve fit, percentage of cases receiving the same score, average absolute score differences, score distributions, score correlations, and sensitivity in identifying children who are gifted or intellectually disabled. Norms developed using inferential norming method and sample sizes of 50 and 75 per age group had qualities comparable to the norms derived using larger sample size. So, when large sample sizes are infeasible due to practical constraints, N = 50 per group can be considered a lower bound to derive decent norms using inferential norming method. Cautions for implementing inferential norming with smaller sample sizes and suggestions for future research are discussed.