bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet B Radiation of Human Skin Generates Platelet‐activating Factor Receptor Agonists
Authors: Travers Jared B. , Berry Damien , Yao Yongxue , Yi Qiaofang , Konger Raymond L. , Travers Jeffrey B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractUltraviolet B radiation (UVB) is a potent stimulator of epidermal cytokine production. In addition to cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), UVB generates bioactive lipids including platelet‐activating factor (PAF). Our previousin vitrostudies in keratinocytes or epithelial cell lines have demonstrated that UVB‐mediated production of PAF agonists is due primarily to the pro‐oxidative effects of this stimulant, resulting in the nonenzymatic production of modified phosphocholines (oxidized glycerophosphocholines). The current studies use human skin to assess whether UVB irradiation generates PAF‐receptor agonists, and the role of oxidative stress in their production. These studies demonstrate that UVB irradiation of human skin results in PAF agonists, which are blocked by the antioxidant vitamin C and the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor PD168393. Inasmuch as UVB‐generated PAF agonists have been implicated in animal model systems as being involved in photobiologic processes including systemic immunosuppression and cytokine (TNF‐α) production, these studies indicate that this novel activity could be involved in human disease.
γH2AX, an Accurate Marker That Analyzes UV Genotoxic Effects on Human Keratinocytes and on Human Skin
Authors: Barnes Laurent , Dumas Marc , Juan Mylène , Noblesse Emmanuelle , Tesniere Anne , Schnebert Sylvianne , Guillot Bernard , Molès Jean‐Pierre 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe phosphorylated form of histone H2AX, γH2AX, is a component of the DNA repair system. Most studies have focused on the role of γH2AX during cell transformation and human cancer, but little is known about its role in keratinocytes and the skin during UV irradiation. We analyzed the response to UV irradiation focusing on the phosphorylation of histone H2AX both in vitro, in keratinocyte cultures and in artificial epidermis, and then in vivo, in human skin. Acute UVB irradiation of human keratinocytes increased the phosphorylation of H2AX in a dose‐dependent manner; two types of γH2AX response were observed either in vitro or in vivo. After a low nonapoptotic UVB irradiation, cells contained phosphorylated H2AX and arrested their cell cycle to repair the DNA damages. For a stronger and proapoptotic UVB irradiation, keratinocytes dramatically increased the phosphorylation of H2AX and committed apoptosis. Our results indicate that γH2AX constitutes a highly sensitive marker relevant for studying subapoptotic doses as well as proapoptotic doses of UVB in human skin.
Nicotinamide Prevents Ultraviolet Radiation‐induced Cellular Energy Loss
Authors: Park Joohong , Halliday Gary M. , Surjana Devita , Damian Diona L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractUV radiation is carcinogenic by causing mutations in the skin and also by suppressing cutaneous antitumor immunity. We previously found nicotinamide (vitamin B3) to be highly effective at reducing UV‐induced immunosuppression in human volunteers, with microarray studies on in vivo irradiated human skin suggesting that nicotinamide normalizes subsets of apoptosis, immune function and energy metabolism‐related genes that are downregulated by UV exposure. Using human adult low calcium temperature keratinocytes, we further investigated nicotinamide’s effects on cellular energy metabolism. We found that nicotinamide prevented UV‐induced cellular ATP loss and protected against UV‐induced glycolytic blockade. To determine whether nicotinamide alters the effects of UV‐induced oxidative stress posttranslationally, we also measured UV‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nicotinamide had no effect on ROS formation, and at the low UV doses used in these studies, equivalent to ambient daily sun exposure, there was no evidence of apoptosis. Hence, nicotinamide appears to exert its UV protective effects on the skin via its role in cellular energy pathways.
Quantifying population structure using the F‐model
Authors: GAGGIOTTI OSCAR E. , FOLL MATTHIEU 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe review a model‐based approach to estimate local population FST’s that is based on the multinomial‐Dirichlet distribution, the so‐called F‐model. As opposed to the standard method of estimating a single FST value, this approach takes into account the fact that in most if not all realistic situations, local populations differ in their effective sizes and migration rates. Therefore, the use of this approach can help better describe the genetic structure of populations. Despite this obvious advantage, this method has remained largely underutilized by molecular ecologists. Thus, the objective of this review is to foster its use for studying the genetic structure of metapopulations. We present the derivation of the Bayesian formulation for the estimation of population‐specific FST’s based on the multinomial‐Dirichlet distribution. We describe several recent applications of the F‐model and present the results of a small simulation study that explains how the F‐model can help better describe the genetic structure of populations.
Appearance of age‐related macular degeneration in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes: an intraindividual case study
Authors: Schulze Stephan , Neugebauer Arne , Kroll Peter 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  This study analyses the consequences of vitreoretinal traction on the macula and in particular the impact of a vitrectomy on the development of the age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD).Methods:  In this retrospective case study, 42 eyes of 21 subjects were examined. The vitreous of one eye must have been removed by vitrectomy at least 8 years ago. At that point in time, the patients had to be at least 50 years old, with a healthy vitreous body of the other eye and a healthy macula in both eyes. Both eyes were examined using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, B‐scan ultrasound, a binocular slit‐lamp funduscopy and a fluorescence angiography (FAG) to evaluate the potential development stage of an ARMD and the vitreous status.Results:  In the follow‐up examination, the patients had an average age of 73.6 years. In 0 of 21 vitrectomized eyes (0%), there were signs for an early ARMD. In 5 of 21 nonvitrectomized eyes (23.8%), we found ARMD‐like changes in the angiography and slit‐lamp examinations. Of these 21 eyes, five eyes presented persistent attachment of the posterior vitreous cortex to the macula, while 16 eyes showed complete posterior vitreous detachment. All five eyes (100%) with premonitory signs of an ARMD showed persistent attachment of the posterior vitreous to the macula.Conclusion:  We demonstrated a positive relationship between a persistent attachment of the posterior vitreous cortex to the macula and early signs of ARMD. Although the precise mechanism of this relationship remains unclear, the role of chronic low‐grade inflammation, chronic oxidative and mechanical stress and an increase in VEGF is discussed. Persistent vitreous attachment is likely to be another risk factor for ARMD.
An integrated biogeochemical and economic analysis of bioenergy crops in the Midwestern United States
Authors: JAIN ATUL K. , KHANNA MADHU , ERICKSON MATTHEW , HUANG HAIXIAO 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis study integrates a biophysical model with a county‐specific economic analysis of breakeven prices of bioenergy crop production to assess the biophysical and economic potential of biofuel production in the Midwestern United States. The bioenergy crops considered in this study include a genotype of Miscanthus, Miscanthus×giganteus, and the Cave‐in‐Rock breed of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The estimated average peak biomass yield for miscanthus in the Midwestern states ranges between 7 and 48 metric tons dry matter per hectare per year ( t DM ha−1 yr−1), while that for switchgrass is between 10 and 16 t DM ha−1 yr−1. With the exception of Minnesota and Wisconsin, where miscanthus yields are likely to be low due to cold soil temperatures, the yield of miscanthus is on average more than two times higher than yield of switchgrass. We find that the breakeven price, which includes the cost of producing the crop and the opportunity cost of land, of producing miscanthus ranges from $53 t−1 DM in Missouri to $153 t−1 DM in Minnesota in the low‐cost scenario. Corresponding costs for switchgrass are $88 t−1 DM in Missouri to $144 t−1 DM in Minnesota. In the high‐cost scenario, the lowest cost for miscanthus is $85 t−1 DM and for switchgrass is $118 t−1 DM, both in Missouri. These two scenarios differ in their assumptions about ease of establishing the perennial crops, nutrient requirements and harvesting costs and losses. The differences in the breakeven prices across states and across crops are mainly driven by bioenergy and row crop yields per hectare. Our results suggest that while high yields per unit of land of bioenergy crops are critical for the competitiveness of bioenergy feedstocks, the yields of the row crops they seek to displace are also an important consideration. Even high yielding crops, such as miscanthus, are likely to be economically attractive only in some locations in the Midwest given the high yields of corn and soybean in the region.
The Kirkuk Problem and Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution
Authors: Hanish Shak 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis article will discuss the issue of Kirkuk and its development, going back to its historical roots and development. The Kurdish and non‐Kurdish arguments will be presented. Also, the issue will be analyzed in the light of the current situation in Iraq. Some solutions to the problem will be proposed, to help keep Iraq intact as a federal state.
Historical and Psychological Origins of Child Soldiering in Ba‘athist Iraq
Authors: McNair David M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractUnder the auspices of loyalty and patriotism, Saddam Hussein manipulated and invoked the spiritual term futuwwa as the prime impetus to construct his people's army in Iraq. This article will examine the historical and psychological context of making child soldiers in Iraq, while drawing from similar examples worldwide. It identifies information operations campaigns utilized by Saddam Hussein and the Ba‘ath Party to indoctrinate youth throughout Iraq into a system modeled after those of the Nazis, and other fascist regimes.
Juvenile Delinquency in Kuwait: Applying Social Disorganization Theory
Authors: Alanezi Fawaz 
Published: May 2010

AbstractJuvenile delinquency is considered one of the most serious and challenging problems worldwide. Criminology provides a wide array of explanations for delinquency; however, the vast majority of the theories were applied and tested in Western societies. Therefore, the possibility of applying these theories to non‐Western societies is yet to be determined. This article will examine juvenile delinquency in Kuwait and will attempt to determine the relative effects of social disorganization on delinquency.The study will also test the effects of competing theories such as social control, strain, and differential association. Some researchers believe that urbanization, modernization, and social change lead to such problems. They believe that crime and delinquency can be viewed as an outcome of rapid social changes in societies, which in turn, lead to social disorganization. Faris (1948) believed that the decline of unity and harmony in a society is a major condition of social disorganization. Furthermore, Mowrer (1942) indicated that disorganization of society can produce many social problems such as divorce, delinquency, crimes, poverty, and unemployment. More recently, researchers viewed the concept of social disorganization as the inability of a local community to identify the common values of its residents and solve their problems (Bursik, 1988; Bursik & Webb, 1982). This article explores the assumptions of this theory and other theories as they relate to the Kuwaiti society.
The Misinterpretation of Women's Status in the Muslim World
Authors: Al‐Mannai Salah S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSpiritual equality, responsibility, and accountability for both men and women are well‐developed themes in the Qur'an. Spiritual equality between men and women in the sight of God is not limited purely to religious issues, but is the basis for equality in all aspects of human endeavor. This article's main interest is in the woman's status, and her role within the Arab countries. Islam is the main religion—its principles, values, and practices are dominant in the region. Therefore, this article introduces and discusses the misinterpretation of women in Islam, with special consideration of Muslim women's rights and their roles within the Muslim society. This will help to enhance future discussions of social behavior, values, and attitudes toward women in Islam.In the last few decades there has been a great misunderstanding in many aspects of public consciousness about the role of women in Arabic society. There is a significant gap between the status of males and females. However, this gap is more evident in rural areas. The level of women's rights and roles in many Arabic countries prevents women from improving their economic growth and development. This gender gap is the result of social, religious, cultural, and gender inequality. More specifically, it results from structural constraints faced by women.Gender inequality is not a new issue, nor is it only Muslim women who are suffering from this inequality. There is gender discrimination almost everywhere.The Qur'an is the basis of Islam, and encompasses rules, legislation, examples, advice, history, and system of the universe. It draws a picture of the earth and describes the roles of human beings. The Qur'an is the answer to the spiritual and material needs of the Islamic society, and is an exposition and an explanation of all aspects of life.
On reducibility and ergodicity of population projection matrix models
Authors: Stott Iain , Townley Stuart , Carslake David , Hodgson David J. 
Published: May 2010

Summary 1. Population projection matrices (PPMs) are probably the most commonly used empirical population models. To be useful for predictive or prospective analyses, PPM models should generally be irreducible (the associated life cycle graph contains the necessary transition rates to facilitate pathways from all stages to all other stages) and therefore ergodic (whatever initial stage structure is used in the population projection, it will always exhibit the same stable asymptotic growth rate). 2. Evaluation of 652 PPM models for 171 species from the literature suggests that 24·7% of PPM models are reducible (parameterized transition rates do not facilitate pathways from all stages to all other stages). Reducible models are sometimes ergodic but may be non‐ergodic (the model exhibits two or more stable asymptotic states with different asymptotic stable growth rates, which depend on the initial stage structure used in the population projection). In our sample of published PPMs, 15·6% are non‐ergodic. 3. This presents a problem: reducible–ergodic models often defy biological rationale in their description of the life cycle but may or may not prove problematic for analysis as they often behave similarly to irreducible models. Reducible–non‐ergodic models will usually defy biological rationale in their description of the both the life cycle and population dynamics, hence contravening most analytical methods. 4. We provide simple methods to evaluate reducibility and ergodicity of PPM models, present illustrative examples to elucidate the relationship between reducibility and ergodicity and provide empirical examples to evaluate the implications of these properties in PPM models. 5. As a prevailing tool for population ecologists, PPM models need to be as predictive as possible. However, there is a large incidence of reducibility in published PPMs, with significant implications for the predictive power of such models in many cases. We suggest that as a general rule, reducibility of PPM models should be avoided. However, we provide a guide to the pertinent analysis of reducible matrix models, largely based upon whether they are ergodic or not.
Results from a Phase I Clinical Study of the Novel Ii-Key/HER-2/neu(776–790) Hybrid Peptide Vaccine in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Perez Sonia A. , Kallinteris Nikoletta L. , Bisias Stratos , Tzonis Panagiotis K. , Georgakopoulou Katerina , Varla-Leftherioti Marighoula , Papamichail Michael , Thanos Anastasios , von Hofe Eric , Baxevanis Constantin N. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Purpose: Active immunotherapy is emerging as a potential therapeutic approach for prostate cancer. We conducted the first phase I trial of an Ii-Key/HER-2/neu(776–790) hybrid peptide vaccine (AE37) with recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor as adjuvant in patients with HER-2/neu+ prostate cancer. The primary end points of the study were to evaluate toxicity and monitor patients' immune responses to the vaccine.
Experimental Design: Thirty-two HER-2/neu+, castrate-sensitive, and castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients were enrolled. Of these, 29 patients completed all six vaccination cycles with AE37. Immunologic responses in the total patient population were monitored by delayed-type hypersensitivity and IFN-γ ELISPOT and intracellular staining. Regulatory T-cell (Treg) frequency and plasma HER-2/neu and transforming growth factor-β levels were also determined. Immunologic responses were also analyzed among groups of patients with different clinical characteristics. Local/systemic toxicities were monitored throughout the study.
Results: Toxicities beyond grade 2 were not observed. Seventy-five percent of patients developed augmented immunity to the AE37 vaccine and 65% to the unmodified AE36 peptide as detected in the IFN-γ–based ELISPOT assay. Intracellular IFN-γ analyses revealed that AE37 elicited both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. Eighty percent of the patients developed a positive delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to AE36. Additionally, significant decreases could be detected in circulating Treg frequencies, plasma HER-2/neu, and serum transforming growth factor-β levels. Patients with less extensive disease developed better immunologic responses on vaccination.
Conclusion: AE37 vaccine is safe and can induce HER-2/neu–specific cellular immune responses in patients with castrate-sensitive and castrate-resistant prostate cancer, thus emphasizing the potential of AE37 to target HER-2/neu for the immunotherapy of prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 16(13); 3495–506. ©2010 AACR.
Ventricular Dilation and Electrical Dyssynchrony Synergistically Increase Regional Mechanical Nonuniformity But Not Mechanical Dyssynchrony
Authors: Kerckhoffs Roy C.P. , Omens Jeffrey H. , McCulloch Andrew D. , Mulligan Lawrence J. 
Published: May 2010

Background—
Heart failure (HF) in combination with mechanical dyssynchrony is associated with a high mortality rate. To quantify contractile dysfunction in patients with HF, investigators have proposed several indices of mechanical dyssynchrony, including percentile range of time to peak shortening (WTpeak), circumferential uniformity ratio estimate (CURE), and internal stretch fraction (ISF). The goal of this study was to compare the sensitivity of these indices to 4 major abnormalities responsible for cardiac dysfunction in dyssynchronous HF: dilation, negative inotropy, negative lusitropy, and dyssynchronous activation.

Methods and Results—
All combinations of these 4 major abnormalities were included in 3D computational models of ventricular electromechanics. Compared with a nonfailing heart model, ventricles were dilated, inotropy was reduced, twitch duration was prolonged, and activation sequence was changed from normal to left bundle branch block. In the nonfailing heart, CURE, ISF, and WTpeak were 0.97±0.004, 0.010±0.002, and 78±1 milliseconds, respectively. With dilation alone, CURE decreased 2.0±0.07%, ISF increased 58±47%, and WTpeak increased 31±3%. With dyssynchronous activation alone, CURE decreased 15±0.6%, ISF increased 14-fold (±3), and WTpeak increased 121±4%. With the combination of dilation and dyssynchronous activation, CURE decreased 23±0.8%, ISF increased 20-fold (±5), and WTpeak increased 147±5%.

Conclusions—
Dilation and left bundle branch block combined synergistically decreased regional cardiac function. CURE and ISF were sensitive to this combination, but WTpeak was not. CURE and ISF also reflected the relative nonuniform distribution of regional work better than WTpeak. These findings might explain why CURE and ISF are better predictors of reverse remodeling in cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Increases Myocardial Glucose Uptake via p38α MAP Kinase–Mediated, Nitric Oxide–Dependent Mechanisms in Conscious Dogs With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bhashyam Siva , Fields Anjali V. , Patterson Brandy , Testani Jeffrey M. , Chen Li , Shen You-tang , Shannon Richard P. 
Published: May 2010

Background—
We have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1[7–36] amide) stimulates myocardial glucose uptake in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) independent of an insulinotropic effect. The cellular mechanisms of GLP-1–induced myocardial glucose uptake are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Myocardial substrates and glucoregulatory hormones were measured in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs at control (n=6), DCM (n=9) and DCM after treatment with a 48-hour infusion of GLP-1 (7–36) amide (n=9) or vehicle (n=6). GLP-1 receptors and cellular pathways implicated in myocardial glucose uptake were measured in sarcolemmal membranes harvested from the 4 groups. GLP-1 stimulated myocardial glucose uptake (DCM: 20±7 nmol/min/g; DCM+GLP-1: 61±12 nmol/min/g;
P
=0.001) independent of increased plasma insulin levels. The GLP-1 receptors were upregulated in the sarcolemmal membranes (control: 98±2 density units; DCM: 256±58 density units;
P
=0.046) and were expressed in their activated (65 kDa) form in DCM. The GLP-1–induced increases in myocardial glucose uptake did not involve adenylyl cyclase or Akt activation but was associated with marked increases in p38α MAP kinase activity (DCM+vehicle: 97±22 pmol ATP/mg/min; DCM+GLP-1: 170±36 pmol ATP/mg/min;
P
=0.051), induction of nitric oxide synthase 2 (DCM+vehicle: 151±13 density units; DCM+GLP-1: 306±12 density units;
P
=0.001), and GLUT-1 translocation (DCM+vehicle: 21±3% membrane bound; DCM+GLP-1: 39±3% membrane bound;
P
=0.005). The effects of GLP-1 on myocardial glucose uptake were blocked by pretreatment with the p38α MAP kinase inhibitor or the nonspecific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-
l
-arginine.

Conclusions—
GLP-1 stimulates myocardial glucose uptake through a non–Akt-1–dependent mechanism by activating cellular pathways that have been identified in mediating chronic hibernation and the late phase of ischemic preconditioning.
Transverse Solidarity: Water, Power, and Resistance
Authors: Ravi Raman K. 
Published: May 2010

Conceived as Transverse Solidarity, the Cola Quit Plachimada struggle in a rural hamlet in the Indian state of Kerala reveals how the socio-economic sustainability of communities is of as much importance as environmental, cultural, and political justification for a social movement and its success. The implicit theoretical notion is further enriched and elucidated by the ethnographic narration of a plurality of contested issues and struggles at multiple sites of power. The study addresses how a water-based subaltern movement gradually grew into transverse solidarity within the space between civil society and the state/governing institutions, politicizing them and consequently making allies of them, and how the discursive and material practices of structure-authorities and macro-power relations were contested. JEL codes: Q25, Q28, N55, O1, O25, O28, Q53, Z1