bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of constitutive plant natural products on herbivores and pathogensThe present review is one in the special series of reviews on animal–plant interactions.
Authors: Arnason John T. , Bernards Mark A.
Published: July 2010

Plants defend themselves from pests with deterrent or toxic phytochemicals. In addition to the development of preformed mechanical barriers such as cutin and suberin, the first line of defense for plants against pathogens and herbivores is constitutive (preformed) biologically active inhibitors. Because of the adaptation of insects and pathogens to these inhibitors, plants have evolved a stunning diversity of new and different bioactive molecules to combat pests. Some representative mechanisms of plant defense include the use of antimicrobial, anitfeedant, and phototoxic molecules. Examples of natural product defenses of specific plant families are also described. Diversity and redundancy in plant defenses is key to slowing pest resistance to host-plant defenses.
Method efficiency model based on value relevancy
Authors: Tee Sim-Hui
Published: July 2010

Class methods are modules in a class that perform a specific behavior. The best software practice in defining a method is to assign a single task for each method. It is always expected that each method should carry out a unique task in its defining class. A series of similar tasks are usually defined by overloaded methods. Such a single-task practice of method definition is seldom imposed on individual software developers who extensively develop user-defined methods. In this research, a method efficiency model is developed with the objective of guiding the software developers in developing an individual cohesive method. Increased cohesion of methods is desirable because it contributes to the enhancement of software maintenance.
Ileal apical Na+-dependent bile acid transporter ASBT is upregulated in rats with diabetes mellitus induced by low doses of streptozotocin
Authors: Annaba Fadi , Ma Ke , Kumar Pradeep , Dudeja Amish K. , Kineman Rhonda D. , Shneider Benjamin L. , Saksena Seema , Gill Ravinder K. , Alrefai Waddah A.
Published: July 2010

Increased intestinal bile acid absorption and expansion of the bile acid pool has been implicated in the hypercholesterolemia associated with diabetes mellitus. However, the molecular basis of the increase in bile acid absorption in diabetes mellitus is not fully understood. The ileal apical Na+-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) is primarily responsible for active reabsorption of the majority of bile acids. Current studies were designed to investigate the modulation of ASBT function and expression in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus in rats and to examine the effect of insulin on rat ASBT promoter by insulin. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of low doses of STZ (20 mg/kg body wt) on five consecutive days. Human insulin (10 U/day) was given to a group of diabetic rats for 3 days before euthanasia. RNA and protein were extracted from mucosa isolated from the small intestine and ASBT expression was assessed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. Our data showed that ASBT mRNA and protein expression were significantly elevated in diabetic rats. Insulin treatment of diabetic rats reversed the increase in ASBT protein expression to control levels. Consistently, ileal Na+-dependent [3H]taurocholic uptake in isolated intestinal epithelial cells was significantly increased in diabetic rats. In vitro studies utilizing intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells demonstrated that ASBT expression and promoter activity were significantly decreased by insulin. These studies demonstrated that insulin directly influences ASBT expression and promoter activity and that ASBT function and expression are increased in rats with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus. The increase in ASBT expression may contribute to disturbances in cholesterol homeostasis associated with diabetes mellitus.
Lipoprotein profiles in SCID/uPA mice transplanted with human hepatocytes become human-like and correlate with HCV infection success
Authors: Steenbergen Rineke H. G. , Joyce Michael A. , Lund Garry , Lewis Jamie , Chen Ran , Barsby Nicola , Zhu Lin Fu , Tyrrell D. Lorne J. , Kneteman Norman M.
Published: July 2010

Although multiple determinants for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are known, it remains partly unclear what determines the human specificity of HCV infection. Presumably, the presence of appropriate entry receptors is essential, and this may explain why HCV is unable to infect nonhuman hepatocytes. However, using mice with chimeric human livers, we show in this study that the presence of human hepatocytes, and therefore human entry receptors, is not sufficient for HCV infection. In successfully transplanted SCID/Alb-uPA mice, infection with HCV is reliable only when ∼70–80% of the liver consists of human hepatocytes. We show that chimeric mice, which are hard to infect with HCV, have significant groups of human hepatocytes that are readily infected with hepatitis B virus. Thus it is unlikely that the lack of infection with HCV can simply be attributed to low hepatocyte numbers. We investigated whether the humanization of lipoprotein profiles is positively associated with infection success. We show that the lipoprotein profiles of chimeric mice become more human-like at high levels of engraftment of human hepatocytes. This and expression of markers of human lipoprotein biosynthesis, human apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), show a strong positive correlation with successful infection. Association of HCV in the blood of chimeric mice to ApoB-containing lipoproteins is comparable to association of HCV in patient serum and provides further support for a critical role for ApoB-containing lipoproteins in the infectious cycle of HCV. Our data suggest that the weakest link in the HCV infection chain does not appear to be the presence of human hepatocytes per se. We believe that HCV infection also depends on the presence of sufficient levels of human lipoproteins.
Effect of ezetimibe on incretin secretion in response to the intestinal absorption of a mixed meal
Authors: Yang Li , Li Xiaoming , Ji Yong , Kohan Alison B. , Wang David Q.-H. , Howles Philip N. , Hui David Y. , Lai Jianghua , Tso Patrick
Published: July 2010

Ezetimibe is a potent inhibitor of cholesterol absorption by enterocytes. Although ezetimibe minimally affects the absorption of triglyceride, it is unknown whether ezetimibe affects the secretion of the incretin hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It has been shown that ezetimibe-treated mice are protected from diet-induced insulin resistance. Since GIP and GLP-1 promote the actions of insulin, we hypothesized that ezetimibe may affect the secretion of GIP and GLP-1 by enteroendocrine cells into lymph in response to the intestinal absorption of a mixed meal (Ensure). To test this hypothesis, we used the lymph fistula rat model to determine GIP and GLP-1 concentrations in lymph during the 2 h after the infusion of Ensure. Ezetimibe significantly reduced lymphatic cholesterol output during fasting, without coincident decreases in glucose, protein, and triglyceride outputs. However, ezetimibe did not influence cholesterol output after infusion of Ensure. Interestingly, ezetimibe significantly reduced the secretion of both GIP and GLP-1 into lymph after the infusion of Ensure. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of ezetimibe on GIP and GLP-1 secretion by enteroendocrine cells occurs outside of the effects of glucose, protein, or triglyceride secretion by the intestine.
Structural antioxidant defense mechanisms in the mammalian and nonmammalian kidney: different solutions to the same problem?
Authors: O'Connor Paul M. , Evans Roger G.
Published: July 2010

Tissue oxygen levels are tightly regulated in all organs. This poses a challenge for the kidney, as its function requires blood flow, and thus, oxygen delivery to greatly exceed its metabolic requirements. Because superoxide production in the kidney is dependent on oxygen availability, tissue hyperoxia could drive oxidative stress. In the mammalian renal cortex, this problem may have been solved, in part, through a structural antioxidant defense mechanism. That is, arteries and veins are closely associated in a countercurrent arrangement, facilitating diffusional arterial-to-venous (AV) oxygen shunting. Because of this mechanism, a proportion of the oxygen delivered in the renal artery never reaches kidney tissue but instead diffuses to the closely associated renal veins, thus limiting oxygen transport to tissue. In the nonmammalian kidney, arteries and veins are not arranged in an intimate countercurrent fashion as in mammals; thus AV oxygen shunting is likely less important in regulation of kidney oxygenation in these species. Instead, the kidney's blood supply is predominately of venous origin. This likely has a similar impact on tissue oxygenation as AV oxygen shunting, of limiting delivery of oxygen to renal tissue. Thus, we hypothesize the evolution of structural antioxidant mechanisms that are anatomically divergent but functionally homologous in the mammalian and nonmammalian kidney.
Animal aging and regulation of sympathetic nerve discharge
Authors: Kenney Michael J.
Published: July 2010

Studies completed in human subjects have made seminal contributions to understanding the effects of age on sympathetic nervous system (SNS) regulation. Numerous experimental constraints limit the design of studies involving human subjects; therefore, completion of studies in animal models of aging would be expected to provide additional insight regarding mechanisms mediating age-related changes in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) regulation. The present review assesses the current state of the literature regarding contributions from animal studies on the effects of advancing age on SND regulation, focusing primarily on studies that have used direct recordings of sympathetic nerve outflow. Few studies using direct SND recordings have been completed in animal models of aging, regardless of the fundamental component of SND regulation reviewed (basal levels, acute responsiveness, relationships between the discharges in sympathetic nerves, central neural regulation). SNS responsiveness to various acute stressors is altered in aged compared with young animals; however, mechanisms remain virtually unexplored. There is a marked dearth of studies that have used central neural microinjection techniques in conjunction with SND recordings in aged animals, making it difficult to develop an evidence-based framework regarding potential age-associated effects on central regulation of SND. Determination of age-related changes in mechanisms regulating SND is important for understanding relationships between chronic disease development and changes in SNS function; however, this can only be achieved by substantially extending the current knowledge base regarding the effects of age on SND regulation in animal studies.
Delayed vasoconstrictor response to venous pooling in the calf is associated with high orthostatic tolerance to LBNP
Authors: Hachiya T. , Walsh M. L. , Saito M. , Blaber A. P.
Published: July 2010

Central blood volume loss to venous pooling in the lower extremities and vasoconstrictor response are commonly viewed as key factors to distinguish between individuals with high and low tolerance to orthostatic stress. In this study, we analyzed calf vasoconstriction as a function of venous pooling during simulated orthostatic stress. We hypothesized that high orthostatic tolerance (OT) would be associated with greater vasoconstrictor responses to venous pooling compared with low OT. Nineteen participants underwent continuous stepped lower body negative pressure at −10, −20, −30, −40, −50, and −60 mmHg each for 5 min or until exhibiting signs of presyncope. Ten participants completed the lower body negative pressure procedure without presyncope and were categorized with high OT; the remaining nine were categorized as having low OT. Near-infrared spectroscopy measurements of vasoconstriction (Hachiya T, Blaber A, Saito M. Acta Physiologica 193: 117–127, 2008) in calf muscles, along with heart rate (HR) responses for each participant, were evaluated in relation to calf blood volume, estimated by plethysmography. The slopes of this relationship between vasoconstriction and blood volume were not different between the high- and low-tolerance groups. However, the onset of vasoconstriction in the high-tolerance group was delayed. Greater HR increments in the low-tolerance group were also observed as a function of lower limb blood pooling. The delayed vasoconstriction and slower HR increments in the high-tolerance group to similar venous pooling in the low group may suggest a greater vascular reserve and possible delayed reduction in venous return.
Upregulation of SOX9 in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Its Involvement in the Regulation of Cell Growth and Tumorigenicity
Authors: Jiang Shih Sheng , Fang Wen-Tsen , Hou Ya-Hsiue , Huang Shiu-Feng , Yen B. Linju , Chang Junn-Liang , Li Shih-Miao , Liu Hui-Ping , Liu Ying-Lan , Huang Chih-Ting , Li Yu-Wei , Jang Te-Hsuan , Chan Shih-Hsuan , Yang Su Jing , Hsiung Chao A. , Wu Cheng-Wen , Wang Lu-Hai , Chang I-Shou
Published: July 2010

Purpose: SOX9 is an important transcription factor required for development and has been implicated in several types of cancer. However, SOX9 has never been linked to lung cancer to date. Here, we show that SOX9 expression is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and show how it is associated with cancer cell growth.

Experimental Design: Data mining with five microarray data sets containing 490 clinical samples, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR validation assay in 57 independent samples, and immunohistochemistry assay with tissue microarrays containing 170 lung tissue cores were used to profile SOX9 mRNA and protein expression. Short interference RNA suppression of SOX9 in cell lines was used to scrutinize functional role(s) of SOX9 and associated molecular mechanisms.

Results: SOX9 mRNA and protein were consistently overexpressed in the majority of lung adenocarcinoma. Knockdown of SOX9 in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines resulted in marked decrease of adhesive and anchorage-independent growth in concordance with the upregulation of p21 (CDKN1A) and downregulation of CDK4. In agreement with higher SOX9 expression level in lung adenocarcinoma, the p21 mRNA level was significantly lower in tumors than that in normal tissues, whereas the opposite was true for CDK4, supporting the notion that SOX9 negatively and positively regulated p21 and CDK4, respectively. Finally, whereas SOX9-knockdown cells showed significantly attenuated tumorigenicity in mice, SOX9 transfectants consistently showed markedly stronger tumorigenicity.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that SOX9 is a new hallmark of lung adenocarcinoma, in which SOX9 might contribute to gain of tumor growth potential, possibly acting through affecting the expression of cell cycle regulators p21 and CDK4. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4363–73. ©2010 AACR.
Impact of Reduced Kidney Function on Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: McCullough Peter A. , Franklin Barry A. , Leifer Eric , Fonarow Gregg C. ,   for the HF-ACTION Investigators
Published: July 2010

Background: Decreased renal function has been consistently associated with increased mortality among patients with systolic heart failure. The relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other high-risk features including reduced cardiorespiratory fitness has not been previously reported in this patient population. Methods: The HF-ACTION trial was a prospective, randomized trial of exercise therapy versus usual care in patients with systolic heart failure. Patients with class 2–4 heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤35% were recruited. Serum creatinine was measured up to 1 year prior to entry. The 4-variable modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was used to calculate eGFR. Peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) was directly measured using gas exchange analysis during progressive exercise testing to volitional fatigue or adverse signs/symptoms. Results: Of 2,091 subjects (mean age 59 ± 13 years, with serum creatinine available at baseline), 72% were men, and 61, 33, and 5% were Caucasians, African Americans, and others, respectively. Older age, diabetes, and hypertension were all more frequent with declining eGFR. The Pearson correlation between eGFR and peak VO2 was 0.22 (p < 0.0001). Age was negatively correlated with both eGFR (r = –0.44, p < 0.0001) and peak VO2 (r = –0.27, p < 0.0001). The peak VO2 tended to decline across decreasing levels of eGFR. Individuals with an eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 had, on average, 2.1 high-risk features including peak VO2 <14 ml/kg/min, age >75 years, diabetes, and functional class 3–4 symptoms. Conversely, those with an eGFR >90 ml/min/1.73 m2 had relatively few (1.0) high-risk characteristics. Conclusions: Reduced renal filtration is associated with impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and a clustering of high-risk features in systolic heart failure patients which portend a more complicated course and higher all-cause mortality.
Antidepressants and ABCB1 Gene C3435T Functional Polymorphism: A Naturalistic Study
Authors: Menu Patrick , Gressier Florence , Verstuyft Céline , Hardy Patrick , Becquemont Laurent , Corruble Emmanuelle
Published: July 2010

Introduction: Pharmacogenetic factors may explain some of the interindividual variability of response to antidepressants in depressed patients. We focused on P-glycoprotein (P-GP), whose expression depends on a functional polymorphism of the ABCB1 gene (C3435T variants: dbSNP: rs1045642), the 3435CC genotype being linked to a high level of P-GP expression. Acting as an efflux pump at the blood-brain barrier, P-GP reduces the intracellular penetration of many drugs. Little is known about the interaction between P-GP and response to antidepressants. The objective of this study is to assess whether the response to antidepressants in depression differs in patients with the 3435CC genotype as compared to patients with the 3435CT and 3435TT genotypes. Methods: 117 in-patients with a major depressive episode requiring a new antidepressant treatment were enrolled in this prospective naturalistic 4-week study. Response to antidepressants was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Clinician Global Impression Improvement and Therapeutic Index, and weight change. ABCB1 genotyping was performed using the Taqman method. Clinical assessment was performed blind from genotypes. Results: We failed to show any significant effect of the ABCB1 polymorphism in position 3435 on antidepressant efficacy or tolerance. Discussion: While some in vitro studies showed an influence of P-GP on cerebral concentrations of antidepressants, our results do not support the hypothesis that the C3435T polymorphism is involved in therapeutic response and safety of antidepressants in naturalistic clinical conditions, confirming results of previous studies on efficacy. Nonetheless, some methodological limitations may explain our negative results.
Paracrine Osteogenic Signals via Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Accelerate the Atherosclerotic Intimal Calcification In Vivo
Authors: Nakagawa Yusuke , Ikeda Koji , Akakabe Yoshiki , Koide Masahiro , Uraoka Maki , Yutaka Ko-taro , Kurimoto-Nakano Ritsuko , Takahashi Tomosaburo , Matoba Satoaki , Yamada Hiroyuki , Okigaki Mitsuhiko , Matsubara Hiroaki
Published: July 2010

Objective—

Vascular calcification is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Here, we investigated a role of dedifferentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the atherosclerotic intimal calcification.

Methods and Results—

We prepared human cultured VSMCs in either redifferentiatiated or dedifferentiated state and analyzed the gene expressions of bone-calcification regulatory factors. Expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a potent initiator for osteoblast differentiation, was significantly enhanced in dedifferentiated VSMCs. Furthermore, endogenous BMP-2 antagonists, such as noggin, chordin, and matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein, were all downregulated in the dedifferentiated VSMCs. Conditioned medium from dedifferentiated VSMCs, but not from redifferentiated VSMCs, stimulated the osteoblastic differentiation of the mesenchymal progenitor C2C12 cells, which was abolished by BMP-2 knockdown. In atherosclerotic intima from apolipoprotein (apo)E-deficient mice, αSM-actin-positive cells, presumably dedifferentiated VSMCs, expressed BMP-2. We generated BMP-2-transgenic mice using αSM-actin promoter and crossed them with apoE-deficient mice (BMP-2-transgenic/apoE-knockout). Significantly accelerated atherosclerotic intimal calcification was detected in BMP-2-transgenic/apoE-knockout mice, although serum lipid concentration and atherosclerotic plaque size were not different from those in apoE-knockout mice. Enhanced calcification appeared to be associated with the frequent emergence of osteoblast-like cells in atherosclerotic intima in BMP-2-transgenic/apoE-knockout mice.

Conclusion—

Our findings collectively demonstrate an important role of dedifferentiated VSMCs in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic calcification through activating paracrine BMP-2 osteogenic signals.
O
-GlcNAc Signaling in the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Ngoh Gladys A. , Facundo Heberty T. , Zafir Ayesha , Jones Steven P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract
:

Cardiovascular function is regulated at multiple levels. Some of the most important aspects of such regulation involve alterations in an ever-growing list of posttranslational modifications. One such modification orchestrates input from numerous metabolic cues to modify proteins and alter their localization and/or function. Known as the β-
O
-linkage of
N
-acetylglucosamine (ie,
O
-GlcNAc) to cellular proteins, this unique monosaccharide is involved in a diverse array of physiological and pathological functions. This review introduces readers to the general concepts related to
O
-GlcNAc, the regulation of this modification, and its role in primary pathophysiology. Much of the existing literature regarding the role of
O
-GlcNAcylation in disease addresses the protracted elevations in
O
-GlcNAcylation observed during diabetes. In this review, we focus on the emerging evidence of its involvement in the cardiovascular system. In particular, we highlight evidence of protein
O
-GlcNAcylation as an autoprotective alarm or stress response. We discuss recent literature supporting the idea that promoting
O
-GlcNAcylation improves cell survival during acute stress (eg, hypoxia, ischemia, oxidative stress), whereas limiting
O
-GlcNAcylation exacerbates cell damage in similar models. In addition to addressing the potential mechanisms of
O
-GlcNAc–mediated cardioprotection, we discuss technical issues related to studying protein
O
-GlcNAcylation in biological systems. The reader should gain an understanding of what protein
O
-GlcNAcylation is and that its roles in the acute and chronic disease settings appear distinct.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Cerebrovascular Disease in Community-Dwelling Older People Without Stroke
Authors: Shenkin Susan D. , Bastin Mark E. , MacGillivray Tom J. , Eadie Elizabeth , Deary Ian J. , Starr John M. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: July 2010

Background and Purpose—

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive measure of atherosclerosis, but it is unclear whether it is a stronger risk factor for large vessel disease or small vessel disease.

Methods—

One hundred seven volunteers, aged 75 to 81 years, underwent measurements of CIMT and vascular risk factors and brain MRI (structural and diffusion tensor); those with history of stroke were excluded.

Results—

In 96 subjects without stroke, there were significant associations between CIMT and markers of large vessel disease (carotid stenosis: ρ=0.28;
P
=0.01) and intermediary risk factors (systolic blood pressure: ρ=0.34;
P
=0.001). However, there were no significant associations between CIMT and markers of small vessel disease (white matter lesion load and water diffusion parameters).

Conclusions—

CIMT was not associated with neuroimaging biomarkers of small vessel disease in older volunteers without stroke. Any association between CIMT and white matter lesion in previous studies is likely to be mediated via common intermediary risk factors like hypertension.
Armed Conflicts, 1946—2009
Authors: Harbom Lotta , Wallensteen Peter
Published: July 2010

In 2009, UCDP recorded 36 active armed conflicts, down by one from 2008. Having remained fairly stable over the past few years, the number of armed conflicts is now substantially lower than during the peak years of the early 1990s. But compared to the early years of this decade, the figure has increased by 24%. Six of the conflicts reached the level of war (more than 1,000 battle-related deaths) in 2009, up by one from 2008. No interstate conflict was recorded, but seven intrastate conflicts were internationalized, in the sense that one or both of the conflict parties received troops support from an external state. The most intense war in terms of fatalities was that in Sri Lanka. Eight of the armed conflicts listed for 2008 were not active in 2009, but during the year, one entirely new conflict erupted in Myanmar (Kokang), two were restarted by previously recorded actors in Angola (Cabinda) and in Rwanda and four previously recorded conflicts were restarted by new actors in Central African Republic, India (Bodoland), Nigeria and Yemen. Only one peace agreement was concluded during the year, which is decidedly lower than the annual average recorded for the past 20 years.
Adjusting the Rear View Mirror: An Examination of Youth Driving Culture
Authors: Tilleczek Kate C.
Published: July 2010

The majority of deaths for contemporary young people are related to injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Most prevention efforts targeted at addressing the issue are less than effective and do not address youth driving as a culture. This article presents findings from an ethnographic study that attempts to understand the ways in which youth driving culture is organized in regulatory texts and practices. A brief historical review of youth studies provides a context for how we have come to frame the problem through public health and psychology. The study is based on close observation of youth driving lessons, examination of curricular and policy documents, and public health literatures. Results show that prevention efforts are most often attempted by assigning individual blame to risky young people and provide paradoxical messages that simultaneously pathologize and normalize youth and driving. Theoretical and practical implications for young drivers and the sociological study of youth are discussed.
A new model for semantic photograph description combining basic levels and user-assigned descriptors
Authors: Lee Hyuk-Jin , Neal Diane
Published: July 2010

Few studies have been conducted to identify users’ desired semantic levels of image access when describing, searching, and retrieving photographs online. The basic level, or the level of abstraction most commonly used to describe an item, is a cognitive theory currently under consideration in image retrieval research. This study investigates potential basic levels of description for online photographs by testing the Hierarchy for Online Photograph Representation (HOPR) model, which is based on a need for a model that addresses users’ basic levels of photograph description and retrieval. We developed the HOPR model using the following three elements as guides: the most popular tags of all time on Flickr, the Pyramid model for visual content description by Jörgensen, Jaimes, Benitez, and Chang, and the nine classes of image content put forth by Burford, Briggs, and Eakins. In an exploratory test of the HOPR model, participants were asked to describe their first reaction to, and possible free-text indexing terms for, a small set of personal photographs. Content analysis of the data indicated a clear set of user preferences that are consistent with prior image description studies. Generally speaking, objects in the photograph and events taking place in the photograph were the most commonly used levels of description. The preliminary HOPR model shows promise for its intended utility, but further refinement is needed through additional research.
Caritas in Veritate: Updating Catholic Social Teachings for Macromarketing and Business Strategy
Authors: Laczniak Gene R. , Klein Thomas A.
Published: July 2010

In an effort to assess the latest thinking in the Roman Catholic Church on economic matters, this communications note briefly highlights the recent publication of a new encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth). Core ethical values, consistent with previous examples of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), are retained. However, some important nuances are added to previous treatments and certain points of emphasis are shifted to account for recent global developments. Key areas that relate to abiding marketing issues are spelled out and some brief commentary on matters of importance to macromarketing is offered.
Perimenstrual migraines and their response to preventive therapy with topiramate
Authors: Allais Gianni , del Rio Margarita Sanchez , Diener Hans-Christoph , Benedetto Chiara , Pfeil Joop , Schäuble Barbara , van Oene Joop
Published: July 2010

Introduction: Preventive treatment with topiramate is effective for overall reduction of migraine frequency, but there are few data regarding its efficacy on perimenstrual migraines. To determine whether topiramate can prevent perimenstrual migraines, we analyzed data from premenopausal women as a subgroup of the Prolonged Migraine Prevention with Topiramate (PROMPT) study.

Methods: In total, 198 women from the PROMPT study with menstrually related migraine (MRM) were evaluated. After a one-to-two–month prospective baseline period, patients received open-label topiramate (50–200 mg/day) for six months.

Results: During topiramate treatment, mean monthly migraine frequency was reduced from 7.03 at baseline to 4.36 (mean change: −2.66; p < .001, endpoint analysis). Mean percentage reductions were similar for migraines during and outside the perimenstrual period (−45.9% and −46.1%, respectively). In patients with aura, reductions in migraine days with (−48.3%) or without (−43.4%) aura were similar to those in patients without aura (−45.4%). Reductions were also similar whether women were taking combined oral contraceptives (−47.0%) or were not (−46.6%).

Conclusions: Topiramate reduces the frequency, but not severity or duration, of perimenstrual migraines in women with MRM, including migraines with and without aura, and regardless of combined oral contraceptive use.
Environmental impacts of unmanaged solid waste at a former base metal mining and ore processing site (Kirki, Greece)
Authors: Liakopoulos Alexandros , Lemière Bruno , Michael Konstantinos , Crouzet Catherine , Laperche Valérie , Romaidis Ioannis , Drougas Iakovos , Lassin Arnault
Published: July 2010

The Kirki project aimed to identify, among the mining waste abandoned at a mine and processing plant, the most critical potential pollution sources, the exposed milieus and the main pathways for contamination of a littoral area. This was accompanied by the definition of a monitoring network and remedial options. For this purpose, field analytical methods were extensively used to allow a more precise identification of the source, to draw relevant conceptual models and outline a monitoring network. Data interpretation was based on temporal series and on a geographical model. A classification method for mining waste was established, based on data on pollutant contents and emissions, and their long-term pollution potential. Mining waste present at the Kirki mine and plant sites comprises (A) extraction waste, mainly metal sulfide-rich rocks; (B) processing waste, mainly tailings, with iron and sulfides, sulfates or other species, plus residues of processing reagents; and (C) other waste, comprising leftover processing reagents and Pb—Zn concentrates. Critical toxic species include cadmium and cyanide. The stormy rainfall regime and hilly topography favour the flush release of large amounts of pollutants. The potential impacts and remedial options vary greatly. Type C waste may generate immediate and severe chemical hazards, and should be dealt with urgently by careful removal, as it is localised in a few spots. Type B waste has significant acid mine drainage potential and contains significant amounts of bioavailable heavy metals and metalloids, but they may also be released in solid form into the surface water through dam failure. The most urgent action is thus dams consolidation. Type A waste is by far the most bulky, and it cannot be economically removed. Unfortunately, it is also the most prone to acid mine drainage (seepage pH 1 to 2). This requires neutralisation to prevent acid water accelerating heavy metals and metalloids transfer. All waste management options require the implementation of a monitoring network for the design of a remediation plan, efficiency control, and later, community alert in case of accidental failure of mitigation/remediation measures. A network design strategy based on field measurements, laboratory validation and conceptual models is proposed.
Streptokinase Loading in Liposomes for Vascular Targeted Nanomedicine Applications: Encapsulation Efficiency and Effects of Processing
Authors: Holt Brian , Gupta Anirban Sen
Published: July 2010

Vascular diseases leading to thrombo-occlusion are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Revascularization and restoration of antegrade blood flow is critical for tissue survival and patient health. In this aspect, systemic administration of thrombolytics (e.g., streptokinase) to dissolve occlusive thrombi is a clinically established strategy. However, this strategy typically necessitates the administration of large doses, leading to a high incidence of hemorrhagic complications due to systemic side effects. To minimize this risk, liposomes specifically targeted to the site of thrombo-occlusion have been bioengineered by exploiting ligand–receptor relationships pertinent to thrombus-associated cell phenotypes. This study focuses on encapsulating streptokinase within these liposomes, specifically regarding the effect of liposome processing conditions on streptokinase encapsulation and activity. Theoretical calculations of encapsulation capacity agreed well with that reported in the literature. The experimental encapsulation efficiency values are 45.9 ± 34.0% ( n = 9 ± SD) and 21.6 ± 30.0% ( n = 6 ± SD), using two different methods. The liposome processing conditions are found to decrease streptokinase activity; however, over 30% remain active after processing, maintaining enough activity to be therapeutic especially when protected inside a vehicle targeted to the site of thrombo-occlusion. The insight gained from the research reported here would enable refining the design and the processing conditions of liposomal formulations of fibrinolytics to yield reduced variability in encapsulation efficiency and streptokinase activity. The design of a thrombus-targeted ‘stealth’ liposome reported earlier and the current findings of fibrinolytics' encapsulation and activity in such liposomes can be efficiently integrated to develop an efficient strategy for vascular nanomedicine.
Forging Partnerships Between Rural Women With Chronic Conditions and Their Health Care Providers
Authors: Cudney Shirley , Weinert Clarann , Kinion Elizabeth
Published: July 2010

Successful adaptation to chronic illness is enhanced by active client—health care provider partnerships. The purposes of this article are to (a) examine the health care partnership needs of western rural women with chronic illness who participated in a computer-based support and education project, (b) describe how the role of the women in the partnership can be maximized by the use of a personal health record and improving health literacy, and (c) discuss ways health care providers can enhance their role in the partnership by careful listening and creating environments conducive to forging productive client—provider partnerships.
‘An absolute prerequisite’: The importance of user privacy and trust in maintaining academic freedom at the library
Authors: Sutlieff Lisa , Chelin Jackie
Published: July 2010

This research investigated the importance of user—library trust in ensuring vital freedom of inquiry in academic libraries, exploring its strength through comparison with attitudes towards the National Identity Card Scheme (NICS) within the various libraries of a large UK university. An online survey of students and interviews with librarians revealed student opposition to the NICS and distrust of the government. Measurement of pre-existing privacy opinions linked opposition to NICS with concerns about privacy. Students were confident in library data protection practices, although surprising discrepancies existed between user perceptions and library practices. Libraries successfully protected personal data from intrusion, but showed a certain complacency and reluctance to prioritize data protection that may be ill-advised given a climate of increasing surveillance. Librarians are advised to promote institutional privacy awareness as proactive data protection ‘champions’ in order to maintain the current ‘privilege’ they have of user trust. The adaptation of the Westin method for measuring pre-existing privacy concerns proved a more accurate tool than the original and may be of benefit for others undertaking similar research.
Counterfactual Thinking in the Jury Room
Authors: Wolf Sun
Published: July 2010

There may be no more intense group task experience than serving as a decision-making juror on a death penalty case, where a group of strangers is asked to decide whether another person should live or die. Using the deliberation transcripts from the ABC News documentary In the Jury Room, the double homicide trial of State of Ohio v. Mark Ducic was examined to learn more about communication during a jury’s decision-making process. Counterfactual thinking involves the creation of fictional narratives (concerning past events or anticipated future events) about how an outcome might have been (or might still be) different. Decisional regret theory was used to assess if high salience of the evidence and verdict would produce counterfactual thinking for individual jurors and subsequent shared counterfactual talk during deliberations, as well as anticipatory regret for the decisional choices. Results found exemplars of shared counterfactual talk in both the guilt—innocence phase of deliberations and the sentencing phase, in which jurors considered the death penalty. In addition to counterfactual talk, jurors (both individually and in short dialogues) shared anxieties about anticipated verdict regret.
Understanding Criminals’ Thinking
Authors: Mandracchia Jon T. , Morgan Robert D.
Published: July 2010

The Measure of Offender Thinking Styles (MOTS) was originally developed to examine the structure of dysfunctional thinking exhibited by criminal offenders. In the initial investigation, a three-factor model of criminal thinking was obtained using the MOTS. These factors included dysfunctional thinking characterized as Control, Cognitive Immaturity, and Egocentrism. In the present investigation, the stability of the three-factor model was examined with a confirmatory factor analysis of the revised version of the MOTS (i.e., MOTS-R). In addition, the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent validity of the MOTS-R were examined. Results indicated that the three-factor model of criminal thinking was supported. In addition, the MOTS-R demonstrated reliability and convergent validity with other measures of criminal thinking and attitudes. Overall, it appears that the MOTS-R may prove to be a valuable tool for use with an offender population, particularly because of the simple, intuitive structure of dysfunctional thinking that it represents.
English only? The linguistic choices of teachers of young EFL learners
Authors: Inbar-Lourie Ofra
Published: July 2010

This research attempted to explore the language patterns of teachers of varying linguistic backgrounds teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young learners. In particular it examined the teachers’ use of the students’ first language (L1). The sample included six teachers teaching EFL to young learners in Hebrew and Arabic medium schools. Results reveal diverse use patterns, some of which differ from those previously found in older learner populations, and can be attributed to the teachers’ personal pedagogical beliefs and assumptions regarding the goals of young learner programs and the role of L1 use.
Reading and writing youth justice in Italy and (England and) Wales
Authors: Field Stewart , Nelken David
Published: July 2010

This article draws on an ongoing comparative study of youth justice in Italy and (England and) Wales to pose two questions. First, to what extent does the construction and use of social reports in the youth justice systems in the two jurisdictions conform to projected ‘new’ transnational trends in neo-liberal penal discourses? Second, in so far as differences in the influence of these discourses can be identified, how are they to be explained and interpreted? Particular attention is focused on differences in the institutional and cultural relations between those who write and those who use and interpret such reports. But these relations are examined in the light of broader differences in political cultures which, by defining the ‘problem’ of youth and crime in different ways, frame differently the decision-making surrounding social reports in the two jurisdictions. The study is based on empirical data (semi-structured interviews, case-file analysis) primarily drawn from Emilia Romagna in Italy and from South Wales.
Social Security Spending in Times of Crisis
Authors: Prasad Naren , Gerecke Megan
Published: July 2010

This article investigates the link between social security spending and financial crises. In doing so, the article answers two questions: what are the trends in social security spending in the aftermath of a financial crisis, and what factors can possibly explain these changes? The article shows that social security regimes have often been born out of crisis. In addition, on average, social security spending increases over the course of a crisis; however, there is wide regional variation, with advanced countries exhibiting the most countercyclical spending. This article lends support to the idea that crises can be used as an occasion to improve and strengthen social security; in doing so, countries not only mitigate the worst effects of the crisis, but also create better social policy and improve long-term crisis preparedness.
Effects of sulphurous water on human neutrophil elastase release
Authors: Braga Pier Carlo , Dal Sasso Monica , Culici Maria , Spallino Alessandra , Marabini Laura , Bianchi Tiziana , Nappi Giuseppe
Published: July 2010

Background: Molecules bearing a sulphide (HS) group, such as glutathione, play a fundamental role in the defensive system of human airways, as shown by the fact that the lining fluid covering the epithelia of the respiratory tract contains very high concentrations of glutathione: the lungs and nose, respectively, contain about 140 and 40 times the concentrations found in plasma. Consequently, various low-weight soluble molecules bearing an HS group (including N-acetylcysteine, mesna and thiopronine, and prodrugs such as stepronine and erdosteine) have been used for therapeutic purposes. HS groups can also be therapeutically administered by means of sulphurous thermal water containing HS groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct activity of such water on the release of elastase by activated human neutrophils.

Method: After the neutrophils were incubated with increasing amounts of sulphurous water or the HS/hydrogen sulphide donor sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), elastase release was initiated by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and measured by means of spectrofluorimetry using methylsuccinylalanylprolylvalyl-methylcoumarin amide as the fluorogenic substrate. To verify the presence of direct action on elastase we determined the diameter of the area of elastinolysis on elastine-agarose gel plates.

Results: The sulphurous water significantly inhibited elastase release at HS concentrations ranging from 4.5 to 18 μg/ml, as assayed using the iodometric method; in the case of NaHS, the inhibition was significant at HS concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 18 μg/ml. The concentration-effect regression lines of both were parallel and neither showed any direct elastolytic activity.

Conclusions: Previous claims concerning the activity of sulphurous water have been based on the patients’ subjective sense of wellbeing and on symptomatic (or general) clinical improvements that are not easy to define or quantify exactly. Our findings indicate that, in addition to its known mucolytic and antioxidant activity, sulphurous water also has an anti-elastase activity that may help to control the inflammatory processes of upper and lower airway diseases.
The use of gabapentin enacarbil in the treatment of restless legs syndrome
Authors: Yaltho Toby C. , Ondo William G.
Published: July 2010

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related neurological disorder that is characterized by the urge to move, worsening at rest, improvement with activity, and worsening in the evening and night. Dopamine agonists are usually the first-line therapy. Other agents including benzodiazepines, narcotics, and anticonvulsants have been used to treat RLS. Gabapentin has been shown to improve RLS in a small number of clinical studies, but is limited by its short half-life and variable bioavailability. Gabapentin enacarbil is a novel prodrug of gabapentin designed to overcome these pharmacokinetic limitations. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that gabapentin enacarbil has improved absorption, bioavailability and pharmacokinetics compared with gabapentin. Phase II and III studies have demonstrated that gabapentin enacarbil is generally well tolerated and is useful in the treatment of RLS.