bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRENDS IN NEIGHBORHOOD INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE U.S.: 1980–2000*
Authors: Wheeler Christopher H. , La Jeunesse Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT This paper reports evidence on the geographic pattern of income inequality, both within and between neighborhoods, across a sample of 359 U.S. metropolitan areas between 1980 and 2000. The results indicate that overall income inequality within a metro area tends to be driven by variation within neighborhoods, not between them, although we find that between‐neighborhood differences rose dramatically during the 1980s and subsided somewhat during the 1990s. While this trend is similar to what existing research has found, our findings reveal potentially important differences in the magnitudes of the changes depending on whether neighborhoods are defined by block groups or tracts.
Cellular distribution of the neutral amino acid transporter subtype ASCT2 in mouse brain
Authors: Gliddon Catherine M. , Shao Zongjun , LeMaistre Jillian L. , Anderson Christopher M.
Published: November 2008

ASCT2 is an ASC (alanine‐, serine‐, cysteine‐preferring) neutral amino acid exchanger that may regulate CNS function by transporting amino acid substrates includingl‐serine,l‐cysteine,l‐glutamine,l‐glutamate andd‐serine. Despite the potentially important role of ASCT2 in influencing metabolic and signaling functions of these amino acids in brain, there has been little description of its distribution in brain tissue. We employed a commercially available human ASCT2 antibody in immunohistochemistry studies in adult mouse brain and found a wide regional distribution for ASCT2 that was limited to dendrites labeled by anti‐microtubule‐associated protein‐2 in cortex, hippocampus and striatum. No ASCT2 immunoreactivity was observed in areas labeled by antibodies against a neuronal cell body marker (NeuN), or either of the astrocyte markers, glial fibrillary acidic protein or S100β. In cerebellum both Purkinje cell bodies and dendrites were positive for ASCT2 immunoreactivity. In support of a dendritic localization for ASCT2 in cortex, low affinity (KT > 1 mM), Na+‐dependentd‐serine andl‐glutamine uptake characteristic of ASCT2‐mediated transport was observed in P2 synaptosomal preparations. These results suggest that ASCT2 may be an important neuronal neutral amino acid transporter and highlight a discrepancy between findings of astrocyte ASCT2 function in tissue culture and brainin situ.
Studying the satisfaction of patients on the outcome of an aesthetic dermatological filler treatment
Authors: De Arruda Lúcia Helena Fávaro , Rocha Fábio Theoto , Rocha Armando
Published: November 2008

Background  Many factors contribute to extend productive life in the modern world. Competition makes people worry about physical appearance, mostly in respect to facial and skin aging. This has motivated new developments in cosmetic dermatology and the need of evaluating patient satisfaction with the new proposed treatments. Poll questionnaire has been used for such evaluation, and the analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) mapping obtained while the patient answers the satisfaction questionnaire may render the results less subjective.

Objectives  The purpose of this paper is to study the satisfaction of a group of 33 women (mean age, 44 years) treated with hyaluronic acid filling of nasolabial folding or lips, combining the EEG brain mapping and questionnaire techniques.

Methods  At the third month of evaluation, two networked personal computers were used for the EEG recording and for presenting the patient with a questionnaire about her well‐being feeling; self‐evaluation of her face; her satisfaction with the results of the aesthetic treatment; how the family, friends, and people at work evaluated the result of the treatment; and her decision to repeat the treatment and to recommend it to friends and family.

Results  Poll results showed that patients were feeling well and were satisfied with the results of the aesthetic treatment. Furthermore, the regression EEG mappings showed patients to be satisfied with their appearance and with the treatment involving similar brain areas.

Conclusion  Patients decided to undergo the treatment because they were already considering it (54%) or because they were dissatisfied with their lips or nasolabial folding (52%). The fact that the treatment was free of charge solidified the decision. Patients consider themselves as good‐looking and they wanted to preserve such a condition.
Hydradermabrasion: an innovative modality for nonablative facial rejuvenation
Authors: Freedman Bruce M
Published: November 2008

Background  Hydradermabrasion is a relatively new procedure that combines crystal‐free microdermabrasion with the pneumatic application of an antioxidant‐based serum.

Objective  This study aims to validate the safety and efficacy of hydradermabrasion for nonablative facial rejuvenation and to determine whether antioxidant levels could be increased in the skin with this technique.

Methods  Twenty female volunteers, aged 34–56 years, were randomized into two groups. Group A underwent a series of six facial hydradermabrasion treatments using a polyphenolic antioxidant serum spaced 7–10 days apart. In Group B, the same polyphenolic antioxidant serum was applied manually to the skin for a total of six treatments at 7‐ to 10‐day intervals. Digital photographs, skin biopsies, and skin polyphenolic antioxidant levels were obtained prior to and after the treatment regimen. Patient surveys were taken following the study.

Results  In Group A, treated skin demonstrated increased epidermal thickness, papillary dermal thickness, and polyphenolic antioxidant levels (P < 0.01). There was replacement of elastotic dermal tissue, collagen hyalinization, and increased fibroblast density. Fine lines, pore size, and hyperpigmentation were decreased following treatment. There were no reported complications. In Group B, there was no change in skin structure, antioxidant levels, or clinical skin attributes.

Conclusion  Hydradermabrasion effectively improved skin quality both clinically and histologically. There were no changes to suggest that pneumatic serum application adversely affected dermal components. After hydradermabrasion, skin polyphenolic antioxidant levels were increased. In contrast, the intermittent manual application of the polyphenolic antioxidant serum without the microdermabrasion element did not result in detectable skin changes.
Protective effects of a topical antioxidant mixture containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin against ultraviolet‐induced photodamage in human skin
Authors: Oresajo Christian , Stephens Thomas , Hino Peter D , Law Robert M , Yatskayer Margarita , Foltis Peter , Pillai Sreekumar , Pinnell Sheldon R
Published: November 2008

Background  Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the skin leads to acute inflammatory reactions, such as erythema, sunburn, and chronic reactions, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.

Aim  In this study, the effects of a topical antioxidant mixture consisting of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin on attenuating the harmful effects of UV irradiation on normal healthy volunteers were studied using biomarkers of skin damage.

Subjects/methods  Ten subjects (age, 18–60 years; Fitzpatrick skin types II and III) were randomized and treated with antioxidant product or vehicle control on the lower back for four consecutive days. On day 3, the minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined for each subject at a different site on the back. On day 4, the two test sites received solar‐simulated UV irradiation 1–5× MED at 1× MED intervals. On day 5, digital images were taken, and 4‐mm punch biopsies were collected from the two 5× MED test sites and a control site from each subject for morphology and immunohistochemical studies.

Results  UV irradiation significantly increased the erythema of human skin in a linear manner from 1× to 5× MED. As early as 24 h after exposure to 5× MEDs of UV irradiation, there were significant increases in sunburn cell formation, thymine dimer formation, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression, and p53 protein expression. All these changes were attenuated by the antioxidant composition. UV irradiation also suppressed the amount of CD1a‐expressing Langerhans cells, indicating immunosuppressive effects of a single 5× MED dose of UV irradiation. Pretreatment of skin with the antioxidant composition blocked this effect.

Conclusion  This study confirms the protective role of a unique mixture of antioxidants containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin on human skin from the harmful effects of UV irradiation. Phloretin, in addition to being a potent antioxidant, may stabilize and increase the skin availability of topically applied vitamin C and ferulic acid. We propose that antioxidant mixture will complement and synergize with sunscreens in providing photoprotection for human skin.
European evaluation of a new hyaluronic acid filler incorporating lidocaine
Authors: Wahl Gregor
Published: November 2008

Background  A new dermal filler has been developed with preincorporated lidocaine for the treatment of moderate/severe wrinkles.

Aims  Injector and patient evaluation of comfort and aesthetic results obtained with a new hyaluronic acid filler incorporating lidocaine (HAL) following treatment of nasolabial folds.

Patients/Methods  Three thousand five hundred and sixty‐six patients were recruited by 485 injectors across 16 countries. All patients had previously received facial fillers but now required further treatment. All patients received the new hyaluronic acid filler incorporating lidocaine.

Results  Injector assessment of HAL was that it was very easy to inject in > 75% of patients, and postinjection sculpting/massaging was very easy in most patients (> 70%). Both injectors and patients reported low patient pain levels, with patients experiencing less pain during all stages of the HAL injection procedure compared to previous dermal fillers. Over 95% of injectors rated the aesthetic effect of HAL as “excellent” or “good,” with 99.1% stating they would recommend treatment to a colleague and 99.4% recommending treatment to other patients. More than 90% of patients were happy with the treatment, and 99% would recommend HAL to friends.

Conclusions  The new hyaluronic acid filler incorporating lidocaine provides a more comfortable injection experience and improved aesthetic result for most patients compared with other dermal fillers used previously.
Evaluation of plasma skin regeneration technology for cutaneous remodeling
Authors: Elsaie Mohamed L , Kammer Jenna N
Published: November 2008

Plasma skin regeneration is a novel type of skin rejuvenation technology developed over the last 3 years. Plasma is the fourth state of matter in which electrons are stripped from atoms to form an ionized gas. Although high‐temperature plasmas have been used in surgery for over a decade, plasma had previously been used as a conduction medium for electric current. Unlike lasers, which rely on the principle of selective photothermolysis to deliver heat to specific targets in the skin, plasma technology delivers heat energy directly to tissue upon contact without reliance on skin chromophores. The plasma itself produces controlled thermal damage to the skin surface to elicit changes such as new collagen formation and improvement in photodamaged skin. The technology can be used at varying energies for different depths of effect, from superficial epidermal effects to deeper dermal heating.
Low radiation dose imaging of myocardial perfusion and coronary angiography with a hybrid PET/CT scanner
Authors: Kajander S. , Ukkonen H. , Sipilä H. , Teräs M. , Knuuti J.
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To test the image quality and feasibility of a sequential low radiation dose protocol for hybrid cardiac PET/CT angiography (CTA).

Background:  Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a non‐invasive method for coronary angiography. The negative predictive value of MDCT is high but perfusion imaging has a role in detecting functional significance of coronary lesions. This has encouraged combining these techniques. However, radiation dose is of concern. We report our first experiences with a low dose sequential CTA mode applicable to hybrid imaging.

Methods:  In the first phase, 10 consecutive cardiac MDCT angiographies were performed with spiral acquisition and compared in terms of image quality and dose with the following 10 patients performed with a new sequential mode. In the second phase, feasibility and radiation dose of a combined 15O‐water rest‐stress PET perfusion/sequential CTA protocol were assessed in another group of 61 consecutive patients.

Results:  Mean effective radiation dose was 60% lower in the sequential group than in the spiral group (19·3 versus 7·6 mSv, P<0·001). In the second phase, the new sequential hybrid protocol proved possible in 87% of the patients given the preconditions determined by the manufacturer. Mean effective dose of the CT acquisition was 7·6 mSv and total dose from the PET/CTA hybrid study 9·5 mSv.

Conclusion:  Low dose PET/CT allows cardiac hybrid studies with <10 mSv. The protocol can be applied to almost nine out of 10 patients with CT image quality comparable to spiral acquisition.
Benefits of Studies of Overwintering Birds for Understanding Resident Bird Ecology and Promoting Development of Conservation Capacity
Authors: LATTA STEVEN C. , FAABORG JOHN
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Funding of ecological research and monitoring of Neotropical migratory birds on their overwintering grounds has benefited both migratory and permanent‐resident species. Using examples from our work in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, we demonstrate that ecological research of overwintering migrants often provides information about the ecology and demography of little‐known tropical resident birds. Critically important long‐term monitoring in Puerto Rico with a focus on winter residents has provided information on the relationships between annual rainfall and fluctuations in resident bird populations and survival rates. It also has alerted local biologists to declines in resident bird populations, including a decline apparently driven by the entry of a brood parasite. But migrant‐focused research may also have had an underappreciated effect on the development of conservation capacity and conservation efforts in host countries. Investments in research on Neotropical migrants overwintering on Hispaniola have resulted in a huge increase in field training of students and wildlife professionals, promoted conservation awareness at local and national levels, played an important role in the growth and professionalization of key environmental organizations, spawned a growing ecotourism industry for bird‐watching, and driven national park management planning and conservation efforts for all bird species. We encourage funding organizations and agencies to consider the broader impacts of funding migratory‐bird research and monitoring efforts, and we encourage researchers in the tropics to use protocols that provide the most information about all the birds that use the study areas involved and to be aware of important opportunities that they may have to build capacity in host countries.
Biodiversity Conservation in Local Planning
Authors: MILLER JAMES R. , GROOM MARTHA , HESS GEORGE R. , STEELMAN TODDI , STOKES DAVID L. , THOMPSON JAN , BOWMAN TROY , FRICKE LAURA , KING BRANDON , MARQUARDT RYAN
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Local land‐use policy is increasingly being recognized as fundamental to biodiversity conservation in the United States. Many planners and conservation scientists have called for broader use of planning and regulatory tools to support the conservation of biodiversity at local scales. Yet little is known about the pervasiveness of these practices. We conducted an on‐line survey of county, municipal, and tribal planning directors(n =116)in 3 geographic regions of the United States: metropolitan Seattle, Washington; metropolitan Des Moines, Iowa; and the Research Triangle, North Carolina. Our objectives were to gauge the extent to which local planning departments address biodiversity conservation and to identify factors that facilitate or hinder conservation actions in local planning. We found that biodiversity conservation was seldom a major consideration in these departments. Staff time was mainly devoted to development mandates and little time was spent on biodiversity conservation. Regulations requiring conservation actions that might benefit biodiversity were uncommon, with the exception of rules governing water quality in all 3 regions and the protection of threatened and endangered species in the Seattle region. Planning tools that could enhance habitat conservation were used infrequently. Collaboration across jurisdictions was widespread, but rarely focused on conservation. Departments with a conservation specialist on staff tended to be associated with higher levels of conservation actions. Jurisdictions in the Seattle region also reported higher levels of conservation action, largely driven by state and federal mandates. Increased funding was most frequently cited as a factor that would facilitate greater consideration of biodiversity in local planning. There are numerous opportunities for conservation biologists to play a role in improving conservation planning at local scales.
Key Patient Assessment Tools and Treatment Strategies for Pain Management
Authors: McCarberg Bill , Stanos Steven
Published: November 2008

National survey data indicate that more than 25% of American adults suffer from pain that lasts for more than 24 hours in duration. Chronic pain can have a devastating impact on an individual's relationships, daily functioning, and employment. Although the treatment of pain is something that clinicians face every day, providing optimal care for these patients can be difficult. Many clinicians feel that managing side effects, identifying and managing potential drug abusers, and navigating regulatory and legal issues can make pain management a complicated undertaking. This review discusses key patient assessment and treatment strategy tools, together with common medico‐legal concerns to assist clinicians in more effectively managing their patients' pain.
Benefits of Extended‐Release Opioid Analgesic Formulations in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
Authors: Nicholson Bruce
Published: November 2008

Chronic noncancer pain represents a major health problem that affects many patients, resulting in suffering, reduced productivity, and substantial health care costs. The patient with chronic noncancer pain is burdened by decreased quality of life, decreased sleep, interference with social relationships, diminished cognitive functions, interference with activities of daily living, decreased productivity, and increased anxiety and depression. A survey examining the burden of pain on health and productivity found decreases of 45% in physical health and 23% in mental health at a cost of $61.2 billion per year in productive work time. An American Pain Society survey of 800 patients with moderate to severe chronic pain reported that 47% felt their pain was not under control. The goal of pharmacological therapy for chronic noncancer pain is to provide sustained analgesia. Chronic pain management guidelines recommend the use of long‐acting, extended‐release (ER) analgesics because they provide prolonged, more consistent plasma concentrations of drug compared with short‐acting agents, thus minimizing fluctuations that could contribute to end‐of‐dose breakthrough pain. ER analgesics offer more consistent and improved nighttime pain control, less need to awaken at night to take another dose of pain medication, and less clock‐watching by patients in chronic noncancer pain. Among the available ER opioids, tramadol ER possesses a unique mechanism of action, making it a viable opioid of first choice for patients suffering from a variety of chronic noncancer pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, low back pain, and neuropathic pain.
Melt Differentiation Induced by Crystallization of Cement Clinker Minerals in a CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–Fe2O3 Pseudoquaternary System
Authors: Fukuda Koichiro , Iwata Tomoyuki , Yoshida Hideto
Published: November 2008

The phase stability in part of the P2O5‐bearing pseudoquaternary system CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–Fe2O3 has been studied by electron probe microanalysis, optical microscopy, and X‐ray powder diffractometry. At 1663−1623 K, the four phases of melt, calcium aluminoferrite solid solution (ferrite), Ca3SiO5 solid solution [C3S(ss)], and α‐Ca2SiO4 solid solution [α‐C2S(ss)] coexisted in equilibrium. On the basis of the chemical variations of these phases as a function of temperature, a melt‐differentiation mechanism has been suggested to account for the crystallization behavior of Ca3Al2O6 solid solution [C3A(ss)]. When the melt with Al2O3/Fe2O3=0.25 was cooled from 1663 K, it underwent differentiation by the crystallization of ferrite, C3S(ss) and α‐C2S(ss). The Al2O3/Fe2O3 value of the melt steadily increased to 1.74 when cooled to 1613 K. Because the local equilibrium would be continually attained between the rims of the precipitating ferrite and the coexisting melt during cooling, the resulting ferrite crystals would show a zonal structure with the Al/(Al+Fe) value steadily increasing from 0.203 to 0.57 from the cores toward the rims. During cooling from 1623 to 1613 K, the C3A(ss) would crystallize out of the differentiated melt. The resulting phase compositions at ambient temperature were C3S(ss), β‐C2S(ss), ferrite, and C3A(ss). On the other hand, when the melt of Al2O3/Fe2O3=4.0 coexisting with α′H‐C2S(ss) and C3A(ss) was cooled from 1615 K, the Ca12Al14O33 solid solution [C12A7(ss)] eventually crystallized out of the melt, with the phase composition of β‐C2S(ss), ferrite with Al/(Al+Fe)=0.7, and C3A(ss) and C12A7(ss) at ambient temperature.
WT1 represses HOX gene expression in the regulation of gynaecologic tumour histologic type
Authors: Andikyan Vaagn , Taylor Hugh S.
Published: November 2008

Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that dictate developmental identity, including that of the Mullerian tract. These genes also direct differential Mullerian transformation of the ovarian cancer cells. The homeobox gene HOXA10 controls uterine organogenesis during embryonic development and similarly is expressed in endometroid epithelial ovarian cancer. Here we confirmed aberrant regulation of HOXA10 expression in epithelial uterine and ovarian carcinomas. We identified a HOXA10 epithelial regulatory element containing an enhancer that drove HOXA10 expression specifically in gynaecologic epithelium. We further identified an adjoining dominant repressor element that restricted regulation by the epithelial enhancer to a subset of epithelial cell types. The repressor contained two functional WT1 binding sites. We identified a strong inverse correlation between HOXA10 expression and that of the Wilms’ Tumour 1 (WT1) gene in multiple benign and malignant gynaecologic tissues, suggesting functionality of the WT1 sites in the repressor. Mutation of the two WT1 binding sites abolished WT1 binding to the element as well as the ability to affect epithelial enhancer activity in reporter assays. Similarly, decreased expression of WT1 using siRNA prevented repressor activity. The Mullerian phenotype seen in ovarian cancer is dependent on gain of HOX gene expression secondary to the loss of WT1‐mediated HOX repression. This suggests that Gynaecologic epithelial histologic type is regulated by WT1 expression through its selective repression of HOX genes.
Synergistic promotion of breast cancer cells death by targeting molecular chaperone GRP78 and heat shock protein 70
Authors: Li Minjing , Wang Jiao , Jing Jian , Hua Hui , Luo Ting , Xu Li , Wang Ranran , Liu Dongbo , Jiang Yangfu
Published: November 2008

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is frequently overexpressed in a variety of human malignancies and protects cancer cells against apoptosis in response to various stresses. The bioflavonoid quercetin inhibits HSP70 expression and induces cancer cells apoptosis. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of HSP70 down‐regulation on the unfolded protein response (UPR) and addressed a novel strategy to enhance the proapoptotic effect of quercetin by suppressing GRP78 induction simultaneously. Treatment of human breast cancer cells with quercetin down‐regulates HSP70 expression, but up‐regulates GRP78 expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Down‐regulation of HSP70 by small interfering RNA also leads to induction of GRP78. Moreover, our studies reveal that HSP70 knockdown or quercetin induces other typical components of the UPR, including CHOP expression, eIF2α and JNK phosphorylation, caspases activation and XBP‐1 splicing. Abrogating the induction of pro‐survival chaperone GRP78 by small interfering RNA sensitizes breast cancer cells to quercetin. Colony survival assays demonstrate that treatment of breast cancer cells with green tea (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which binds to the ATP‐binding domain of GRP78 and blocks its protective function, synergistically promoted quercetin‐induced cell death. These studies reveal that HSP70 down‐regulation leads to the induction of UPR. The pro‐survival GRP78 induction contributes to quercetin resistance. Abrogation of GRP78 induction or inhibition of GRP78 activity increases the effectiveness of quercetin. These findings indicate that combinational administration of flavonoids capable of suppressing HSP70 and GRP78 such as quercetin and EGCG might represent a novel approach for cancer therapy or chemoprevention.
Possible application of flow cytometry for evaluation of the structure and functional status of WASP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Nakajima Masaru , Yamada Masafumi , Yamaguchi Koji , Sakiyama Yukio , Oda Atsushi , Nelson David L. , Yawaka Yasutaka , Ariga Tadashi
Published: November 2008

The Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), which is defective in Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome (WAS) patients, is an intracellular protein expressed in non‐erythroid hematopoietic cells. Previously, we have established methods to detect intracellular WASP expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) using flow cytometric analysis (FCM‐WASP) and have revealed that WAS patients showed absent or very low level intracellular WASP expression in lymphocytes and monocytes, while a significant amount of WASP was detected in those of normal individuals. We applied these methods for diagnostic screening of WAS patients and WAS carriers, as well as to the evaluation of mixed chimera in WAS patients who had previously undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. During these procedures, we have noticed that lymphocytes from normal control individuals showed dual positive peaks, while their monocytes invariably showed a single sharp WASP‐positive peak. To investigate the basis of the dual positive peaks (WASPlow‐bright and WASPhigh‐bright), we characterized the constituent linage lymphocytes of these two WASP‐positive populations. As a result, we found each WASPlow/high population comprised different linage PBMNCs. Furthermore, we propose that the difference between the two WASP‐positive peaks did not result from any difference in WASP expression in the cells, but rather from a difference in the structural and functional status of the WASP protein in the cells. It has been shown that WASP may exist in two forms; an activated or inactivated form. Thus, the structural and functional WASP status or configuration could be evaluated by flow cytometric analysis.
Frequency of the major histocompatibility complex Mamu‐A*01 allele in a closed breeding colony of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) from Brazil
Authors: Andrade Márcia Cristina Ribeiro , Leite José Paulo Gagliardi , Cabello Pedro Hernan
Published: November 2008

Background  Rhesus monkeys are relevant models for human diseases. The simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection is an useful macaque model for assessing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine strategies. Susceptibility and resistance to viruses have been associated with particular major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Several epitopes in the HIV structural and non‐structural protein restricted by distinct MHC class I haplotypes are important targets for human cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which mediate protection against SIVmac infection. Mamu‐A*01, for example, is a MHC class I molecule of rhesus monkeys that presents a peptide from SIV gag protein.

Methods  Our study determined the frequency of Mamu‐A*01 in a closed colony of rhesus monkeys from Brazil by polymerase chain reaction.

Results  A high frequency of the allele was found in the study colony.

Conclusion  This colony provides a significant source of A*01‐positive animals to investigators.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Pathomorphologic and Immunohistochemical Study on the Devastation of Rat Embryos by Antiphospholipid Antibody Positive Serum
Authors: Halperin Reuvit , Elhayany Asher , Ben‐Hur Herzel , Gurevich Pavel , Kaganovsky Ella , Zusman Itzhak , Shinnar Nili , Hadas Eran
Published: November 2008

Problem  While relying on previous publications, our aim was to examine the morphologic changes, induced in early rat embryos by intra‐uterine exposure to the low‐molecular weight fraction of boiled human serum containing antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) that had been obtained from women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Method of study   Human APLA‐positive sera were pooled, boiled, centrifuged and separated by ultrafiltration. The molecular weight fraction lower than 30 kDa was used for the experiments. One hundred and fifty microlitres was injected into one uterine horn of 12 pregnant rats, 5 or 6 days after fertilization, while similarly prepared normal human serum or saline were injected into the contralateral horn. The rats were subsequently sacrificed. Serial sections, obtained from all uterine horns, were stained histologically and immunohistochemically. Normal embryos developed in the control uterine horns, while embryos in the experimental horns were destroyed rapidly.

Results  Signs of apoptosis appeared 2 hr following the injection, and 4 hr later all the embryonic cells were apoptotically destroyed. There was only partial damage to cytotrophoblasts and intermediate trophoblasts.

Conclusion  These findings support the existence of a novel factor in the APLA‐positive serum, causing a detrimental effect to the conceptus, without any relation to the antiphospholipid antibodies.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Localization of Toll‐Like Receptors on Epididymal Epithelial Cells and Spermatozoa
Authors: Palladino Michael A. , Savarese Michael A , Chapman Jessica L. , Dughi Mary‐Katherine , Plaska Daniel
Published: November 2008

Problem  Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are a family of innate immunity receptors that are essential for detecting invading pathogens. Objectives of this study were to identify epididymal cell types expressing TLRs and to determine if TLRs are present on spermatozoa.

Method of study  Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin‐embedded sections from regions of the rat epididymis was used to identify epididymal cell types expressing TLRs. Immunoblot analysis and immunofluorescence were used to detect TLRs on spermatozoa.

Results  TLRs 1–9 and 11 are abundantly expressed by the epididymal epithelium in most regions of the duct with the exception of clear cells of the cauda which do not express TLRs 5–7 or 11. TLRs were detected on epididymal spermatozoa and several TLRs showed regional distributions patterns suggesting modification during epididymal transit.

Conclusion  The abundance of TLR family members in the epididymal epithelium and on spermatozoa provides strong evidence that TLRs play important roles in innate immunity of the male reproductive tract.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Fetomaternal Immunotolerance
Authors: Makrigiannakis Antonis , Karamouti Maria , Drakakis Petros , Loutradis Dimitris , Antsaklis Aris
Published: November 2008

Implantation of mammalian conceptus in uterine cavity is the result of evolutionary adaptation, through high level of physiological procedures to ensure its success. However the majority of pregnancy losses occur before or during implantation. It is expected that exploring and defining the molecular and physiological road map during the crucial time of implantation will enable us to decode and effectively treat fertility defects. Immunological, hormonal and molecular factors participate in the feto‐maternal cross talk during implantation and designate the effectiveness of the process. The atypical expression of major histocompatibility complex and other protein‐antigens, such as Fas/FasL and petformin in human trophoblast, the modified function of cellular constituents of the feto‐maternal interface, as well as the specific role of some hormones and cytokines, represent substantive parameters of feto‐maternal immunotolerance during implantation.
Des cousins pas si éloignés: les prestations familiales au Royaume‐Uni et en Australie
Authors: Hodgson Helen , Boden Rebecca
Published: November 2008

Résumé  Les tendances récentes en matière de transferts fiscaux vont dans le sens d'une interdépendance croissante des systèmes fiscaux et de protection sociale pour ce qui est de l'accès aux prestations et du montant de ces dernières. C'est notamment le cas en ce qui concerne les prestations liées à l'exercice d'un emploi, comme l'allocation de soutien familial. Le Royaume‐Uni et l'Australie ont adopté des mécanismes d'aide à la famille qui semblent fonctionner de la même manière. Un examen plus approfondi met toutefois en évidence des différences de conception. Le présent article examine tout d'abord la base institutionnelle et politique de la conception du système de transfert d'impôt des ménages dans chaque pays puis les questions soulevées par l'interdépendance des notions de fiscalité et de sécurité sociale dans la conception des prestations liées à l'exercice d'un emploi.
Le papy‐boom: une chance historique pour l'hôpital public français
Authors: Holcman Robert
Published: November 2008

Résumé  L'hôpital public français, qui tient une place éminente dans les dépenses de sécurité sociale, est soumis à un ensemble de réformes qui modifient en profondeur son équilibre financier et l'organisation interne de son activité. Pourtant, il n'est pas en mesure de faire face à l'exigence de productivité qui lui est imposée: ses dépenses sont constituées aux trois quarts par sa masse salariale; les agents qu'il emploie sont en grande majorité des fonctionnaires hospitaliers dont il ne peut se détacher. Seule la révolution démographique en cours, qui verra partir la moitié des effectifs de la fonction publique hospitalière française durant la prochaine décennie, peut donner l'occasion de modifier durablement le volume de la main‐d'œuvre.
U.S. Hegemony, China, and the U.S. Current Account Deficit
Authors: Davis Carmel
Published: November 2008

The U.S. runs a large current account deficit, much of which is with China. I argue that this is the action of a liberal hegemon supporting and integrating a potential challenger and so preserving its hegemony. The U.S. current account deficit supports China in two ways. First, it increases demand for Chinese exports. The Chinese economy has grown faster than it would have if the U.S. had not had a current account deficit with China. Second, and more speculatively, this accelerated U.S. demand for Chinese exports has helped China integrate its large population of un‐ and underemployed labor and so reduced political instability in the context of rapid economic growth. It has benefited U.S. hegemony in two political ways. First, it has accelerated the rate at which China has integrated into the U.S.‐led liberal trading order created in the mid‐1940s and so enhances U.S. hegemony: China is the plausible peer competitor whose economic size might allow it to challenge the existing liberal trading order or even challenge the U.S. militarily; increasing integration makes it much more costly for China to challenge the U.S. and the liberal trading order. The cost for China to challenge the order reduces U.S. costs to preserve its position as hegemon and the congenial environment it created for itself in the second‐half of the twentieth century. Second, and more speculatively, a China that is domestically tranquil poses less of a threat to its neighbors and so further reduces U.S. costs to preserve its position.

I first discuss the U.S. as a liberal hegemon. I then consider China and its economic and political challenges. I conclude by discussing how China benefits from the U.S. acting as a hegemon and how U.S. hegemony preserves itself by addressing these Chinese issues.
Geometry and Kinematic Analysis of a Redundantly Actuated Parallel Mechanism That Eliminates Singularities and Improves Dexterity
Authors: Saglia Jody A. , Dai Jian S. , Caldwell Darwin G.
Published: November 2008

This paper investigates the behavior of a type of parallel mechanisms with a central strut. The mechanism is of lower mobility, redundantly actuated, and used for sprained ankle rehabilitation. Singularity and dexterity are investigated for this type of parallel mechanisms based on the Jacobian matrix in terms of rank deficiency and condition number, throughout the workspace. The nonredundant cases with three and two limbs are compared with the redundantly actuated case with three limbs. The analysis demonstrates the advantage of introducing the actuation redundancy to eliminate singularities and to improve dexterity and justifies the choice of the presented mechanism for ankle rehabilitation.
Dynamic Workspace and Control of Planar Active Tensegritylike Structures
Authors: Schmalz Andrew P. , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: November 2008

This paper addresses the issues of control and workspace determination of planar active tensegrity or tensegritylike structures. The motion of such structures is generally produced by actuated cables, which cannot tolerate compressive forces. Hence, a controller, which not only satisfies the system dynamic equations but also maintains positive tension in cables, is necessary. A null-space controller based on feedback linearization theory is developed for this purpose. This controller utilizes redundant active cables to overactuate the system. The concept of a “dynamic workspace” for these structures is then introduced. This workspace consists of all configurations that are achievable from a given initial configuration while maintaining positive tensions throughout the entire system motion, and it is a powerful tool in analyzing the performance of a variety of tensegrity structures. This idea extends the concept of the static workspace, which consists of statically maintainable configurations, by incorporating system motion and dynamics to guarantee positive tensions during transition between the states. A critical benefit of this procedure is that it may be used to find the dynamic workspace of a system regardless of whether actuator redundancy is utilized, and thus it can be used to objectively illustrate the degree to which overactuation improves mobility of a tensegrity structure. The effectiveness of the developed concepts is demonstrated through computer simulation and actual physical experimentation.
Collaborative, Decentralized Engineering Design at the Edge of Rationality
Authors: Gurnani Ashwin , Lewis Kemper
Published: November 2008

One perspective of a design process in the engineering design community is that it is largely a process marked and defined by a series of decisions. The fundamental assumption in most developed design decision support methodologies is that decision makers make rational choices; that is, choices that maximize the payoff for the predicted outcome. Decisions that do not maximize the predicted payoff are termed as mistakes or irrational choices and discarded. However, research in behavioral economics, psychology, and cognitive science has studied the human mind and suggested the notion of “bounded rationality” to explain decision errors. Bounded rationality refers to the intrinsic inability of human beings to accurately choose “rational” options prescribed by decision models such as expected utility. This paper extends the notion of bounded rationality within engineering design. Specifically, this paper studies the design of complex systems that require interaction among several different subsystems contributing to the overall product design. For convergent decentralized design problems, rational designers converge to equilibrium solutions that lie at the intersection of their individual rational reaction sets. These equilibrium solutions are usually not Pareto optimal and due to the dynamics of the designers’ interaction in collaborative design, it is rarely possible for them to converge to Pareto optimal solutions. However, when models for bounded rationality are introduced into individual designer behavior, it is seen that the converged solutions can improve the resulting solution. Bounded rational decisions within decentralized design are modeled, and the effects of propagating such decisions within a design process are studied.
Analytical and Numerical Dynamic Analysis of Gears in the Presence of Engine Acyclism
Authors: Sika G. , Velex Ph.
Published: November 2008

A one-degree-of-freedom model of geared transmissions is set up. It incorporates the influence of unsteady rotations due to engine speed fluctuations along with simplified time-varying mesh stiffness functions, including contact losses between the teeth and back strikes. The dynamic tooth loads are determined by several analytical and numerical techniques whose results agree well. Finally, some of the response characteristics due to speed fluctuations are presented and commented upon.
A Theoretical Approach to the Shift Mechanics of Rubber Belt Variators
Authors: Sorge Francesco
Published: November 2008

This paper proposes a theoretical description of the mechanical behavior of rubber belt variators during the speed ratio shift. Comparing with the steady operation, the mass conservation of the belt is completely reformulated considering an elementary dihedral control volume between two planes through the pulley axis and balancing the inside mass variation with the total mass flux through the control surface. On the other hand, the belt equilibrium conditions are similar to the steady case, as the inertia forces due to the shifting motion are negligible with respect to the other forces. Assuming a one-dimensional belt model, it is shown that adhesive regions may appear inside the arc of contact, where the belt sticks to the pulley flanges along spiral-shaped paths. It is demonstrated that this type of contact may occur only for the closing pulleys, differently from the steady drives and from the opening pulleys, where only quasiadhesive internal subregions may be observed at most, where the sliding velocity turns out to be quite small along a more or less extended portion of the arc of contact. Numerical solutions are calculated for all types of conditions, and their characteristics are widely described.
Biology, Politics, and the Emerging Science of Human Nature
Authors: Fowler James H. , Schreiber Darren
Published: November 2008

In the past 50 years, biologists have learned a tremendous amount about human brain function and its genetic basis. At the same time, political scientists have been intensively studying the effect of the social and institutional environment on mass political attitudes and behaviors. However, these separate fields of inquiry are subject to inherent limitations that may only be resolved through collaboration across disciplines. We describe recent advances and argue that biologists and political scientists must work together to advance a new science of human nature.
Comment on "Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequencing of Mitochondria from Ancient Hair Shafts"
Authors: Debruyne Regis , Schwarz Carsten , Poinar Hendrik
Published: November 2008

Gilbert
et al
. (Reports, 28 September 2007, p. 1927) reported that “hair shafts surpass comparably stored bone as an aDNA source [...] in regard to preservation and concentration of mtDNA.” When experimental parameters are carefully controlled for, including adequate sampling, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, and modeling the decay of DNA, the general importance of this claim is not supported.
Searching for Genes Underlying Behavior: Lessons from Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Takahashi Joseph S. , Shimomura Kazuhiro , Kumar Vivek
Published: November 2008

The success of forward genetic (from phenotype to gene) approaches to uncover genes that drive the molecular mechanism of circadian clocks and control circadian behavior has been unprecedented. Links among genes, cells, neural circuits, and circadian behavior have been uncovered in the
Drosophila
and mammalian systems, demonstrating the feasibility of finding single genes that have major effects on behavior. Why was this approach so successful in the elucidation of circadian rhythms? This article explores the answers to this question and describes how the methods used successfully for identifying the molecular basis of circadian rhythms can be applied to other behaviors such as anxiety, addiction, and learning and memory.
Identification of SCF Ubiquitin Ligase Substrates by Global Protein Stability Profiling
Authors: Yen Hsueh-Chi Sherry , Elledge Stephen J.
Published: November 2008

Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis regulates all aspects of cellular function, and defects in this process are associated with human diseases. The limited number of identified ubiquitin ligase–substrate pairs is a major bottleneck in the ubiquitin field. We established and applied genetic technologies that combine global protein stability (GPS) profiling and genetic perturbation of E3 activity to screen for substrates of the Skp1–cullin–F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase in mammalian cells. Among the >350 potential substrates identified, we found most known SCF targets and many previously unknown substrates involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, and signaling pathways. Exploring cell cycle–stage stability, we found that several substrates used the SCF and other E3s in different cell cycle stages. Our results demonstrate the potential of these technologies as general platforms for the global discovery of E3-substrate regulatory networks.
Spontaneous Changes of Neocortical Code for Associative Memory During Consolidation
Authors: Takehara-Nishiuchi Kaori , McNaughton Bruce L.
Published: November 2008

After learning, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) gradually comes to modulate the expression of memories that initially depended on the hippocampus. We show that during this consolidation period, neural firing in the mPFC becomes selective for the acquired memories. After acquisition of memory associations, neuron populations in the mPFC of rats developed sustained activity during the interval between two paired stimuli, but reduced activity during the corresponding interval between two unpaired stimuli. These new patterns developed over a period of several weeks after learning, with and without continued conditioning trials. Thus, in agreement with a central tenet of consolidation theory, acquired associations initiate subsequent, gradual processes that result in lasting changes of the mPFC's code, without continued training.
Bioactive Contaminants Leach from Disposable Laboratory Plasticware
Authors: McDonald G. Reid , Hudson Alan L. , Dunn Susan M. J. , You Haitao , Baker Glen B. , Whittal Randy M. , Martin Jonathan W. , Jha Amitabh , Edmondson Dale E. , Holt Andrew
Published: November 2008

Disposable plasticware such as test tubes, pipette tips, and multiwell assay or culture plates are used routinely in most biological research laboratories. Manufacturing of plastics requires the inclusion of numerous chemicals to enhance stability, durability, and performance. Some lubricating (slip) agents, exemplified by oleamide, also occur endogenously in humans and are biologically active, and cationic biocides are included to prevent bacterial colonization of the plastic surface. We demonstrate that these manufacturing agents leach from laboratory plasticware into a standard aqueous buffer, dimethyl sulfoxide, and methanol and can have profound effects on proteins and thus on results from bioassays of protein function. These findings have far-reaching implications for the use of disposable plasticware in biological research.