Showing papers by "University of Alabama published in 2004"

The Global Decline of Nonmarine Mollusks

Abstract: Invertebrate species represent more than 99% of animal diversity; however, they receive much less publicity and attract disproportionately minor research effort relative to vertebrates. Nonmarine mollusks (i.e., terrestrial and freshwater) are one of the most diverse and imperiled groups of animals, although not many people other than a few specialists who study the group seem to be aware of their plight. Nonmarine mollusks include a number of phylogenetically disparate lineages and species-rich assemblages that represent two molluscan classes, Bivalvia (clams and mussels) and Gastropoda (snails, slugs, and limpets). In this article we provide an overview of global nonmarine molluscan biodiversity and conservation status, including several case studies documenting the diversity and global decline of nonmarine mollusks. We conclude with a discussion of the roles that mollusks and malacologists should play in conservation, including research, conservation management strategies, and education and ou...

Viral Marketing or Electronic Word-of-Mouth Advertising: Examining Consumer Responses and Motivations to Pass Along Email

Abstract: Although viral marketing has garnered a great deal of attention in the trade press, almost nothing is known about the motivations, attitudes, and behaviors of the people (those sending the email to others) that constitute the essential component of any such strategy. This article reports the results of three studies that examine consumer responses and motivations to pass along email. Implications for target selection and message creation are discussed for advertising practitioners interested in implementing viral efforts, and suggestions for future research relating to computer-mediated consumer-to-consumer interactions are presented for academic researchers.These studies were sponsored by Planetfeedback.com (www.planetfeedback.com), an internet-based infomediary company based in Cincinnati.An earlier version of this work will appear as a chapter in the forthcoming book, Online Consumer Psychology, C. Haugvedt, K. Macleit, and R. Yalch (eds.).

Metabolic effects of carvedilol vs metoprolol in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Contextβ-Blockers have been shown to decrease cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); however, some components of the metabolic syndrome are worsened by some β-blockers.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of β-blockers with different pharmacological profiles on glycemic and metabolic control in participants with DM and hypertension receiving renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, in the context of cardiovascular risk factors.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial (The Glycemic Effects in Diabetes Mellitus: Carvedilol-Metoprolol Comparison in Hypertensives [GEMINI]) conducted between June 1, 2001, and April 6, 2004, at 205 US sites that compared the effects of carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate on glycemic control. The 1235 participants were aged 36 to 85 years with hypertension (>130/80 mm Hg) and type 2 DM (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], 6.5%-8.5%) and were receiving RAS blockers. Participants were followed up for 35 weeks.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to receive a 6.25- to 25-mg dose of carvedilol (n = 498) or 50- to 200-mg dose of metoprolol tartrate (n = 737), each twice daily. Open-label hydrochlorothiazide and a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist were added, if needed, to achieve blood pressure target.Main Outcome MeasuresDifference between groups in mean change from baseline HbA1c following 5 months of maintenance therapy. Additional prespecified comparisons included change from baseline HbA1c in individual treatment groups, treatment effect on insulin sensitivity, and microalbuminuria.ResultsThe 2 groups differed in mean change in HbA1c from baseline (0.13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.22% to –0.04%; P = .004; modified intention-to-treat analysis). The mean (SD) HbA1c increased with metoprolol (0.15% [0.04%]; P<.001) but not carvedilol (0.02% [0.04%]; P = .65). Insulin sensitivity improved with carvedilol (–9.1%; P = .004) but not metoprolol (–2.0%; P = .48); the between-group difference was –7.2% (95% CI, –13.8% to –0.2%; P = .004). Blood pressure was similar between groups. Progression to microalbuminuria was less frequent with carvedilol than with metoprolol (6.4% vs 10.3%; odds ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.36-0.97; P = .04).ConclusionsBoth β-blockers were well tolerated; use of carvedilol in the presence of RAS blockade did not affect glycemic control and improved some components of the metabolic syndrome relative to metoprolol in participants with DM and hypertension. The effects of the 2 β-blockers on clinical outcomes need to be compared in long-term clinical trials.

Effects of Resistance Training on Older Adults

Abstract: Using an integrative approach, this review highlights the benefits of resistance training toward improvements in functional status, health and quality of life among older adults. Sarcopenia (i.e. muscle atrophy) and loss of strength are known to occur with age. While its aetiology is poorly understood, the multifactorial sequelae of sarcopenia are well documented and present a major public health concern to our aging population, as both the quality of life and the likelihood of age-associated declines in health status are influenced. These age-related declines in health include decreased energy expenditure at rest and during exercise, and increased body fat and its accompanying increased dyslipidaemia and reduced insulin sensitivity. Quality of life is affected by reduced strength and endurance and increased difficulty in being physically active. Strength and muscle mass are increased following resistance training in older adults through a poorly understood series of events that appears to involve the recruitment of satellite cells to support hypertrophy of mature myofibres. Muscle quality (strength relative to muscle mass) also increases with resistance training in older adults possibly for a number of reasons, including increased ability to neurally activate motor units and increased high-energy phosphate availability. Resistance training in older adults also increases power, reduces the difficulty of performing daily tasks, enhances energy expenditure and body composition, and promotes participation in spontaneous physical activity. Impairment in strength development may result when aerobic training is added to resistance training but can be avoided with training limited to 3 days/week.

Left cardiac sympathetic denervation in the management of high-risk patients affected by the long-QT syndrome.

Abstract: Background— The management of long-QT syndrome (LQTS) patients who continue to have cardiac events (CEs) despite β-blockers is complex. We assessed the long-term efficacy of left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) in a group of high-risk patients. Methods and Results— We identified 147 LQTS patients who underwent LCSD. Their QT interval was very prolonged (QTc, 543±65 ms); 99% were symptomatic; 48% had a cardiac arrest; and 75% of those treated with β-blockers remained symptomatic. The average follow-up periods between first CE and LCSD and post-LCSD were 4.6 and 7.8 years, respectively. After LCSD, 46% remained asymptomatic. Syncope occurred in 31%, aborted cardiac arrest in 16%, and sudden death in 7%. The mean yearly number of CEs per patient dropped by 91% (P 5 CEs declined from 55% to 8% (P<0...

Effects of Tolvaptan, a Vasopressin Antagonist, in Patients Hospitalized with Worsening Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Context Nearly 1 million hospitalizations for chronic heart failure occur yearly in the United States, with most related to worsening systemic congestion. Diuretic use, the mainstay therapy for congestion, is associated with electrolyte abnormalities and worsening renal function. In contrast to diuretics, the vasopressin antagonist tolvaptan may increase net volume loss in heart failure without adversely affecting electrolytes and renal function. Objective To evaluate the short- and intermediate-term effects of tolvaptan in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, parallel-group, dose-ranging, phase 2 trial conducted at 45 centers in the United States and Argentina and enrolling 319 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% and hospitalized for heart failure with persistent signs and symptoms of systemic congestion despite standard therapy.

Impact of a physiologic definition on bronchopulmonary dysplasia rates.

Abstract: Objective. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the endpoint of many intervention trials in neonatology, yet the outcome measure when based solely on oxygen administration may be confounded by differing criteria for oxygen administration between physicians. We previously reported a technique to standardize the definition of BPD between sites by using a timed room-air challenge in selected infants. We hypothesized that a physiologic definition of BPD would reduce the variation in observed rates of BPD among different neonatal centers. Methodology. A total of 1598 consecutive inborn premature infants (501–1249 g birth weight) who remained hospitalized at 36 weeks9 postmenstrual age were prospectively assessed and assigned an outcome with both a clinical definition and physiologic definition of BPD. The clinical definition of BPD was oxygen supplementation at exactly 36 weeks9 postmenstrual age. The physiologic definition of BPD was assigned at 36 ± 1 weeks9 postmenstrual age and included 2 distinct subpopulations. First, neonates on positive pressure support or receiving >30% supplemental oxygen with saturations between 90% and 96% were assigned the outcome BPD and not tested further. Second, those receiving ≤30% oxygen or effective oxygen >30% with saturations >96% underwent a room-air challenge with continuous observation and oxygen-saturation monitoring. Outcomes of the room-air challenge were “no BPD” (saturations ≥90% during weaning and in room air for 30 minutes) or “BPD” (saturation Results. A total of 560 (35.0%) neonates were diagnosed with BPD by the clinical definition of oxygen use at 36 weeks9 postmenstrual age. The physiologic definition diagnosed BPD in 398 (25.0%) neonates in the cohort. All infants were safely studied. There were marked differences in the impact of the definition on BPD rates between centers (mean reduction: 10%; range: 0–44%). Sixteen centers had a decrease in their BPD rate, and 1 center had no change in their rate. Conclusions. The physiologic definition of BPD reduced the overall rate of BPD and reduced the variation among centers. Significant center differences in the impact of the physiologic definition were seen, and differences remained even with the use of this standardized definition. The magnitude of the change in BPD rate is comparable to the magnitude of treatment effects seen in some clinical trials in BPD. The physiologic definition of BPD facilitates the measurement of BPD as an outcome in clinical trials and the comparison between and within centers over time.

Nrf2 Is a Key Transcription Factor That Regulates Antioxidant Defense in Macrophages and Epithelial Cells: Protecting against the Proinflammatory and Oxidizing Effects of Diesel Exhaust Chemicals

Abstract: The proinflammatory effects of particulate pollutants, including diesel exhaust particles (DEP), are related to their content of redox cycling chemicals and their ability to generate oxidative stress in the respiratory tract. An antioxidant defense pathway, which involves phase II enzyme expression, protects against the pro-oxidative and proinflammatory effects of DEP. The expression of enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and GST, is dependent on the activity of a genetic antioxidant response element in their promoters. In this study we investigated the mechanism by which redox cycling organic chemicals, prepared from DEP, induce phase II enzyme expression as a protective response. We demonstrate that aromatic and polar DEP fractions, which are enriched in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and quinones, respectively, induce the expression of HO-1, GST, and other phase II enzymes in macrophages and epithelial cells. We show that HO-1 expression is mediated through accumulation of the bZIP transcription factor, Nrf2, in the nucleus, and that Nrf2 gene targeting significantly weakens this response. Nrf2 accumulation and subsequent activation of the antioxidant response element is regulated by the proteasomal degradation of Nrf2. This pathway is sensitive to pro-oxidative and electrophilic DEP chemicals and is also activated by ambient ultrafine particles. We propose that Nrf2-mediated phase II enzyme expression protects against the proinflammatory effects of particulate pollutants in the setting of allergic inflammation and asthma.

Interferon antagonist proteins of influenza and vaccinia viruses are suppressors of RNA silencing.

Abstract: Homology-dependent RNA silencing occurs in many eukaryotic cells. We reported recently that nodaviral infection triggers an RNA silencing-based antiviral response (RSAR) in Drosophila, which is capable of a rapid virus clearance in the absence of expression of a virus-encoded suppressor. Here, we present further evidence to show that the Drosophila RSAR is mediated by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, as the viral suppressor of RSAR inhibits experimental RNAi initiated by exogenous double-stranded RNA and RSAR requires the RNAi machinery. We demonstrate that RNAi also functions as a natural antiviral immunity in mosquito cells. We further show that vaccinia virus and human influenza A, B, and C viruses each encode an essential protein that suppresses RSAR in Drosophila. The vaccinia and influenza viral suppressors, E3L and NS1, are distinct double-stranded RNA-binding proteins and essential for pathogenesis by inhibiting the mammalian IFN-regulated innate antiviral response. We found that the double-stranded RNA-binding domain of NS1, implicated in innate immunity suppression, is both essential and sufficient for RSAR suppression. These findings provide evidence that mammalian virus proteins can inhibit RNA silencing, implicating this mechanism as a nucleic acid-based antiviral immunity in mammalian cells.

Quinones and Aromatic Chemical Compounds in Particulate Matter Induce Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Implications for Ultrafine Particle Toxicity

Abstract: Particulate pollutants cause adverse health effects through the generation of oxidative stress. A key question is whether these effects are mediated by the particles or their chemical compounds. In this article we show that aliphatic, aromatic, and polar organic compounds, fractionated from diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), exert differential toxic effects in RAW 264.7 cells. Cellular analyses showed that the quinone-enriched polar fraction was more potent than the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-enriched aromatic fraction in O2 .- generation, decrease of membrane potential (Delta-Psi m), loss of mitochondrial membrane mass, and induction of apoptosis. A major effect of the polar fraction was to promote cyclosporin A (CsA)-sensitive permeability transition pore (PTP) opening in isolated liver mitochondria. This opening effect is dependent on a direct effect on the PTP at low doses as well as on an effect on Delta-Psi m at high doses in calcium (Ca2+)-loaded mitochondria. The direct PTP effect was mimicked by redox-cycling DEP quinones. Although the aliphatic fraction failed to perturb mitochondrial function, the aromatic fraction increased the Ca2+ retention capacity at low doses and induced mitochondrial swelling and a decrease in Delta-Psi m at high doses. This swelling effect was mostly CsA insensitive and could be reproduced by a mixture of PAHs present in DEPs. These chemical effects on isolated mitochondria could be reproduced by intact DEPs as well as ambient ultrafine particles (UFPs). In contrast, commercial polystyrene nanoparticles failed to exert mitochondrial effects. These results suggest that DEP and UFP effects on the PTP and Delta-Psi m are mediated by adsorbed chemicals rather than the particles themselves.

An Evidence‐based Staging System for Cutaneous Melanoma

Abstract: A completely revised staging system for cutaneous melanoma was implemented in 2003 The changes were validated with a prognostic factors analysis involving 17,600 melanoma patients from prospective databases This major collaborative study of predicting melanoma outcome was conducted specifically for this project, and the results were used to finalize the criteria for this evidence-based staging system In fact, this was the largest prognostic factors analysis of prospectively followed melanoma patients ever conducted Important results that shaped the staging criteria involved both the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) criteria and stage grouping for all four stages of melanoma Major changes in the staging include: (1) melanoma thickness and ulceration are the dominant predictors of survival in patients with localized melanoma (Stages I and II); deeper level of invasion (ie, IV and V) was independently associated with reduced survival only in patients with thin or T1 melanomas (2) The number of metastatic lymph nodes and the tumor burden were the most dominant predictors of survival in patients with Stage III melanoma; patients with metastatic nodes detected by palpation had a shorter survival compared with patients whose nodal metastases were first detected by sentinel node excision of clinically occult or "microscopic" metastases (3) The site of distant metastases (nonvisceral versus lung versus all other visceral metastatic sites) and the presence of elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were the dominant predictors of outcome in patients with Stage IV or distant metastases (4) An upstaging was implemented for all patients with Stage I, II, and III disease when a primary melanoma is ulcerated by histopathological criteria (5) Satellite metastases around a primary melanoma and in-transit metastases were merged into a single staging entity that is grouped into Stage III disease (6) A new convention was implemented for defining clinical and pathological staging so as to take into account the new staging information gained from lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy

Identification of a Gene Expression Signature Associated with Recurrent Disease in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Abstract: Molecular studies of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) have demonstrated multiple genetic abnormalities such as activation of various oncogenes (Ras, Myc, epidermal growth factor receptor, and cyclin D1), tumor suppressor gene inactivation (TP53 and p16), and loss of heterozygosity at numerous chromosomal locations. Despite these observations, accurate and reliable biomarkers that predict patients at highest risk for local recurrence have yet to be defined. In an effort to identify gene expression signatures that may serve as biomarkers, we studied 41 squamous cell carcinoma tumors (25 primary and 16 locally recurrent) from various anatomical sites and 13 normal oral mucosal biopsy samples from healthy volunteers with microarray analysis using Affymetrix U133A GeneChip arrays. Differentially expressed genes were identified by calculating generalized t tests (P < 0.001) and applying a series of filtering criteria to yield a highly discriminant list of 2890 genes. Hierarchical clustering and image generation using standard software were used to visualize gene expression signatures. Several gene expression signatures were readily identifiable in the HNSCC tumors, including signatures associated with proliferation, extracellular matrix production, cytokine/chemokine expression, and immune response. Of particular interest was the association of a gene expression signature enriched for genes involved in tumor invasion and metastasis with patients experiencing locally recurrent disease. Notably, these tumors also demonstrated a marked absence of an immune response signature suggesting that modulation of tumor-specific immune responses may play a role in local treatment failure. These data provide evidence for a new gene expression-based biomarker of local treatment failure in HNSCC.

The coping power program for preadolescent aggressive boys and their parents: outcome effects at the 1-year follow-up.

Abstract: This study evaluates the effects of the Coping Power Program with at-risk preadolescent boys at the time of transition from elementary school to middle school. Aggressive boys were randomly assigned to receive only the Coping Power child component, the full Coping Power Program with parent and child components, or a control condition. Results indicated that the Coping Power intervention produced lower rates of covert delinquent behavior and of parent-rated substance use at the 1-year follow-up than did the control cell, and these intervention effects were most apparent for the full Coping Power Program with parent and child components. Boys also displayed teacher-rated behavioral improvements in school during the follow-up year, and these effects appeared to be primarily influenced by the Coping Power child component.

Preventing Vicarious Trauma: What Counselors Should Know when Working with Trauma Survivors.

Abstract: Counselors in all settings work with clients who are survivors of trauma. Vicarious trauma, or counselors developing trauma reactions secondary to exposure to clients' traumatic experiences, is not uncommon. The purpose of this article is to describe vicarious trauma and summarize the recent research literature related to this construct. The Constructivist Self-Development Theory (CSDT) is applied to vicarious trauma, and the implications CSDT has for counselors in preventing and managing vicarious trauma are explored.

The PEN1 syntaxin defines a novel cellular compartment upon fungal attack and is required for the timely assembly of papillae.

Abstract: Attack by the host powdery mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum usually results in successful penetration and rapid proliferation of the fungus on Arabidopsis. By contrast, the nonhost barley powdery mild...

Expanding Entrepreneurial Cognition's Toolbox: Potential Contributions from the Field of Cognitive Science

Abstract: Several measures and methods developed by the field of cognitive science may prove useful to researchers investigating various aspects of entrepreneurial cognition. These techniques include ones th...

Large magnetoresistance in bcc Co/MgO/Co and FeCo/MgO/FeCo tunnel junctions

Abstract: By use of first-principles electronic structure calculations, we predict that the magnetoresistance of the bcc $\mathrm{Co}(100)∕\mathrm{Mg}\mathrm{O}(100)∕\mathrm{bcc}\mathrm{Co}(100)$ and $\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{Co}(100)∕\mathrm{Mg}\mathrm{O}(100)∕\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{Co}(100)$ tunneling junctions can be several times larger than the very large magnetoresistance predicted for the $\mathrm{Fe}(100)∕\mathrm{Mg}\mathrm{O}(100)∕\mathrm{Fe}(100)$ system. The origin of this large magnetoresistance can be understood by considering the electrons at the Fermi energy traveling perpendicular to the interfaces. For the minority spins there is no state with ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{1}$ symmetry whereas for the majority spins there is only a ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{1}$ state. The ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{1}$ state decays much more slowly than the other states within the MgO barrier. In the absence of scattering which breaks the conservation of momentum parallel to the interfaces, the electrons traveling perpendicular to the interfaces undergo total reflection if the moments of the electrodes are antiparallel. These arguments apply equally well to systems with other well ordered tunnel barriers and for which the most slowly decaying complex energy band in the barrier has ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{1}$ symmetry. Examples include systems with (100) layers constructed from Fe, bcc Co, or bcc FeCo electrodes and Ge, GaAs, or ZnSe barriers.

Patterns and Universals of Adult Romantic Attachment Across 62 Cultural Regions Are Models of Self and of Other Pancultural Constructs

Abstract: As part of the International Sexuality Description Project, a total of 17,804 participants from 62 cultural regions completedthe RelationshipQuestionnaire(RQ), a self-reportmeasure of adult romanticattachment. Correlational analyses within each culture suggested that the Model of Self and the Model of Other scales of the RQ were psychometrically valid within most cultures. Contrary to expectations, the Model of Self and Model of Other dimensions of the RQ did not underlie the four-category model of attachment in the same way across all cultures. Analyses of specific attachment styles revealed that secure romantic attachment was normative in 79% of cultures and that preoccupied romantic attachment was particularly prevalent in East Asian cultures. Finally, the romantic attachment profiles of individual nations were correlated with sociocultural indicators in ways that supported evolutionary theories of romantic attachment and basic human mating strategies.

Perceiving vowels in a second language

Abstract: This study examines the perception of English vowels by native speakers of Italian. In two preliminary experiments, Italian university students who had lived in Canada for 3 months were found to have difficulty discriminating because they often identified both members of each contrast as instances of a single Italian vowel. The participants in two other experiments, long-time residents of Canada, were assigned to groups based on their age of arrival in Canada from Italy (early vs. late) and percentage of first language (L1) use (high L1 use vs. low L1 use). Experiment 3 focused on the discrimination of , and experiment 4 examined the discrimination of correct from incorrect realizations of . In both experiments, the early learners obtained higher discrimination scores than the late learners, and low-L1-use participants obtained higher scores than high-L1-use participants. Most important, the early learners who used Italian often (early high), but not the early learners who used Italian seldom (early low), were found to differ from native speakers of English in perceiving English vowels. These results suggest two important conclusions regarding second language (L2) perceptual learning: Learning an L2 in childhood does not guarantee a nativelike perception of L2 vowels, nor does the establishment of a sound system for the L1 preclude a functionally nativelike perception of L2 vowels. Another important finding is that, although the late learners generally perceived English vowels less accurately than the early learners, some perceived them accurately.This study was supported by grant DC00257 from the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders. The authors thank J. Prosperine and M. Pearse for help locating participants, Fr. M. Brodeur of St. Anthony's Church in Ottawa, Ontario, and all the participants. The authors are grateful to D. Meador and T. Piske for help preparing the stimuli used in experiment 4. Finally, thanks are extended to K. Aoyama, S. Imai, K. Tsukada, T. Piske, and three anonymous SSLA reviewers for comments on an earlier version of this article.

Transcription and Replication of Nonsegmented Negative-Strand RNA Viruses

Abstract: The nonsegmented negative-strand (NNS) RNA viruses of the order Mononegavirales include a wide variety of human, animal, and plant pathogens. The NNS RNA genomes of these viruses are templates for two distinct RNA synthetic processes: transcription to generate mRNAs and replication of the genome via production of a positive-sense antigenome that acts as template to generate progeny negative-strand genomes. The four virus families within the Mononegavirales all express the information encoded in their genomes by transcription of discrete subgenomic mRNAs. The key feature of transcriptional control in the NNS RNA viruses is entry of the virus-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase at a single 3′ proximal site followed by obligatory sequential transcription of the linear array of genes. Levels of gene expression are primarily regulated by position of each gene relative to the single promoter and also by cis-acting sequences located at the beginning and end of each gene and at the intergenic junctions. Obligatory sequential transcription dictates that termination of each upstream gene is required for initiation of downstream genes. Therefore, termination is a means to regulate expression of individual genes within the framework of a single transcriptional promoter. By engineering either whole virus genomes or subgenomic replicon derivatives, elements important for signaling transcript initiation, 5′ end modification, 3′ end polyadenylation, and transcription termination have been identified. Although the diverse families of NNS RNA virus use different sequences to control these processes, transcriptional termination is a common theme in controlling gene expression and overall transcriptional regulation is key in controlling the outcome of viral infection. The latest models for control of replication and transcription are discussed.