bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump on Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts Blood Flow: Differences by Graft Type and Coronary Target
Authors: Onorati Francesco , Santini Francesco , Rubino Antonino Salvatore , Amoncelli Enrico , Gianbruno Vincenzo , Renzulli Attilio , Faggian Giuseppe , Mazzucco Alessandro
Published: July 2011

The intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used worldwide as an anti‐ischemic strategy. However, little is known about the modifications of the graft blood flow during IABP. A retrospective study aimed at analyzing transit‐time flow measurements during 1:1 IABP and during its cessation in 401 consecutive patients receiving IABP before coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 880 graft segments) was reported. All normally functioning grafts were considered. Mean diastolic and mean blood flow improved significantly during 1:1 IABP compared with during IABP cessation (P < 0.001), although mean and end‐diastolic arterial pressures were significantly lower (P = 0.001). Arterial and sequential saphenous vein (SV) grafts showed greater improvements in mean diastolic and mean flow compared with single venous grafts. Higher flows were also observed in the grafts directed to the circumflex territory. Surplus graft flow (SGF, defined as mean flow during 1:1 IABP/mean flow with IABP off) was recruited (SGF >1) during 1:1 IABP, with higher values in single arterial or sequential SV grafts versus single venous grafts (both P < 0.001). Y‐conduit radial artery (RA) grafts showed higher maximum diastolic flow, mean flow, and SGF compared to aortocoronary RA or SV grafts. In this retrospective analysis, IABP was associated with improved diastolic and mean blood flow in bypass grafts. Arterial, sequential, and Y‐conduit grafts were associated with greater improvements in blood flow and SGF than aortocoronary SV grafts.
How Lasting Is Voter Gratitude? An Analysis of the Short‐ and Long‐Term Electoral Returns to Beneficial Policy
Authors: Bechtel Michael M. , Hainmueller Jens
Published: July 2011

Dominant theories of electoral behavior emphasize that voters myopically evaluate policy performance and that this shortsightedness may obstruct the welfare‐improving effect of democratic accountability. However, we know little about how long governments receive electoral credit for beneficial policies. We exploit the massive policy response to a major natural disaster, the 2002 Elbe flooding in Germany, to provide an upper bound for the short‐ and long‐term electoral returns to targeted policy benefits. We estimate that the flood response increased vote shares for the incumbent party by 7 percentage points in affected areas in the 2002 election. Twenty‐five percent of this short‐term reward carried over to the 2005 election before the gains vanished in the 2009 election. We conclude that, given favorable circumstances, policy makers can generate voter gratitude that persists longer than scholarship has acknowledged so far, and elaborate on the implications for theories of electoral behavior, democratic accountability, and public policy.
Translating into Votes: The Electoral Impacts of Spanish‐Language Ballots
Authors: Hopkins Daniel J.
Published: July 2011

This article investigates the impact of one election procedure designed to enfranchise immigrants: foreign‐language election materials. Specifically, it uses regression discontinuity design to estimate the turnout and election impacts of Spanish‐language assistance provided under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act. Analyses of two different data sets—the Latino National Survey and California 1998 primary election returns—show that Spanish‐language assistance increased turnout for citizens who speak little English. The California results also demonstrate that election procedures can influence outcomes, as support for ending bilingual education dropped markedly in heavily Spanish‐speaking neighborhoods with Spanish‐language assistance. Small changes in election procedures can influence who votes as well as what wins.
Ideology, Power, and the Structure of Policy Networks
Authors: Henry Adam Douglas
Published: July 2011

This article investigates the role of power and ideology in the endogenous formation of policy networks. According to the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), shared ideology (conceptualized as a system of policy‐relevant beliefs and values) is the primary driver of collaboration within policy subsystems. On the other hand, Resource Dependency Theory suggests that power‐seeking is an important rationale behind network structure, and that collaborative ties are formed primarily on the basis of perceived influence. Hypotheses are tested using a new method of egocentric network correlation, based on survey data of policy networks in five regional planning subsystems in California (N = 506). Results suggest that ideology is an important force behind network cohesion: Not only do policy elites systematically avoid networking with ideologically dissimilar actors but collaborative ties are also systematically formed among actors with shared beliefs. Power‐seeking does not operate on a network‐wide scale but may drive network formation among coalitions of ideologically similar agents.
Coalition Stability and Belief Change: Advocacy Coalitions in U.S. Foreign Policy and the Creation of Israel, 1922–44
Authors: Pierce Jonathan J.
Published: July 2011

This study examines whether advocacy coalitions are stable over time by examining legislative hearings data concerning U.S. foreign policy and the creation of Israel. It uses content analysis of 19 different policy core and deep core belief components applied to testimonies given in 1922 and in 1944. These belief components are used to identify members of advocacy coalitions and to test the coalitions' relative stability of membership over time. In addition, this research examines the stability of the belief systems of these advocacy coalitions. It finds that the structures of the advocacy coalitions remained relatively stable, yet new components of policy core beliefs emerged among all three advocacy coalitions, and such components are converging toward the belief system of the coalition advocating for the creation of Israel.
Policy Change and Learning in Response to Extreme Flood Events in Hungary: An Advocacy Coalition Approach
Authors: Albright Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2011

In an analysis of the 200‐year history of flood management in Hungary, I use the advocacy coalition framework and the focusing event literature to examine what policy change occurs and what is learned as a result of experiencing extreme and damaging flood events. By analyzing the policy response to a series of extreme floods (1998–2001) in this newly democratizing nation, I attempt to identify the factors that influenced the occurrence of policy change and policy‐oriented learning. In 2003, Hungary enacted a comprehensive flood management program that included economic development and environmental protection goals, a distinct departure from Hungary's historical structural approach to flood management. However, it is less clear that long‐lasting changes in belief systems about how floods should be managed have occurred. In this analysis, I argue that processes external to the flood policy subsystem (e.g., process of democratization and Hungary's accession to the European Union), along with the occurrence of the extreme flood events, enabled a coalition of individuals and organizations to press for policy change.
Scientific Credibility, Disagreement, and Error Costs in 17 Biotechnology Policy Subsystems
Authors: Montpetit Éric
Published: July 2011

One of the original objectives of the advocacy coalition framework (ACF) was to shed light on the role of science in policymaking. The ACF depicts subsystem scientists as political actors just like any other. Unfortunately, science has never become a major theme of research within the framework and, as a consequence, its role in policymaking remains under‐theorized, leaving ample room for interpretation. This article seeks to explore the validity of three propositions about the role of science in policy. The first two are derived from the ACF: (i) the capacity of scientists to provide credible advice is affected by the harshness of the political debates dividing the policy subsystem; and (ii) agreement among scientists is just as common as among other groupings of policy actors. The third is derived from an “error costs” argument: (iii) Disagreements among scientists are even more pronounced than disagreements among other policy actors. Using the results of a survey of policy actors in 17 biotechnology subsystems, this article finds support for the first and third propositions. Indeed, scientists' participation in political divisions might even be underestimated by the ACF. The article concludes with attempts to clarify the role of scientists within the ACF, including discussions of ambiguity regarding the role of professional forums and of scientists in between‐coalition learning within policy subsystems.
Calcium carbonate, but not sevelamer, is associated with better outcomes in hemodialysis patients: Results from the French ARNOS study
Authors: JEAN Guillaume , LATAILLADE Dominique , GENET Leslie , LEGRAND Eric , KUENTZ François , MOREAU‐GAUDRY Xavier , FOUQUE Denis ,   the ARNOS study investigators
Published: July 2011

A favorable survival effect of phosphate binders (PBs) on incident hemodialysis (HD) patients was recently reported, but no definitive advantages of calcium‐based or noncalcium‐based PBs have been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the prescription of PBs using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or sevelamer HCl (SV) on survival. Baseline PB prescription was recorded using a cross‐sectional analysis of prevalent HD patients from the regional Association Régionale des Néphrologues OStéodystrophie French cohort. A prospective 42‐month survival analysis study was performed. In July 2005, 1347 HD patients were included. CaCO3, SV, and mixed PBs were prescribed in 55%, 42%, and 24% of cases, respectively, and 26% were not prescribed PBs. Using a Cox proportional model adjusted for several parameters, CaCO3 use was found to be associated with less mortality (HR, 0.64 [0.4–0.78]), but not in the case of SV use (HR, 1.13 [0.92–1.3]). SV prescription was associated with higher mortality than CaCO3 (HR, 1.46 [1.1–1.9]). CaCO3, but not sevelamer prescription, is associated with a favorable effect on survival in a French HD population. This novel result can be partly accounted for by the differences in mineral metabolism disorder management that exist between randomized controlled trials and “real life” conditions.
Photoluminescence and Cathodoluminescence Properties of NanocrystallineCa2Gd8Si6O26:Sm3+Phosphors
Authors: Seeta Rama Raju G. , Yu Jae Su , Park Jin Young , Jung Hong Chae , Moon Byung Kee
Published: July 2011

NanocrystallineCa2Gd8Si6O26(CGS):Sm3+phosphors were synthesized by solvothermal reaction method. The structural and morphological properties of the samples were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra along with decay properties were investigated as a function ofSm3+concentration. Under 405 nm excitation wavelength, the photoluminescence spectra showed three emission peaks at 565 nm (4G5/2 → 6H5/2) and at 650 nm (4G5/2 → 6H9/2), and with an intense orange emission at 600 nm (4G5/2 → 6H7/2).Based on the orange emission performance, the Sm3+concentration was optimized to be at 2 mol%. The low voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) properties were also performed for 2 mol%Sm3+‐dopedCGSphosphors as a function of accelerating voltage (1–5 kV). From theCLspectra, the reddish‐orange emission was observed. The calculated Commission International De I‐Eclairage chromaticity coordinates are in close proximity to the chromaticity coordinates of Nichia corporation developed amber light emitting diodes.
Rigidity evaluation of quartz‐fiber splints compared with wire‐composite splints
Authors: Berthold Christine , Auer Friedrich Johannes , Potapov Sergej , Petschelt Anselm
Published: July 2011

Abstract –  Aim: To evaluate the influence of reinforcement material on in vitro dental splint rigidity. Materials and Methods: A custom‐made artificial model was used. The central incisors simulated ‘injured’ teeth with increased mobility, and the lateral incisors served as ‘uninjured’ teeth with physiologic mobility. The Periotest and Zwick methods were used to assess horizontal and vertical tooth mobility before and after splinting, and relative splint effect (SpErel) was calculated. Teeth 12–22 were splinted using two wire‐composite splints (WCS), WCS1 (Dentaflex 0.45 mm), and WCS2 (Strengtheners 0.8 × 1.8 mm) as well as four quartz‐fiber splints, QS1 (Quartz Splint UD 1.5 mm), QS2 (Quartz Splint Rope 1.5 mm), QS3 (Quartz Splint Woven 2.5 mm), and QS4 (dry fibers 667 tex). The influence of the splint type was evaluated using anova, Tukey range, and the Dunnett‐T3 test (α = 0.05). To test the influence of initial tooth mobility, the t‐test was applied (α = 0.05). Results: Reinforcement materials significantly influenced splint rigidity (P < 0.05). The horizontal and vertical SpErel of WCS1 compared with WCS2 and QFSs1–4 was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found when comparing the horizontal SpErel of WCS2 with WCS1 and QSs1–4 (P < 0.05). SpErels of the ‘injured’ and ‘uninjured’ teeth showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion: WCS1 is flexible compared with the more rigid WCS2 and QSs1–4. Initial tooth mobility influences SpErel. The flexible WCS1 can be recommended for splinting dislocation injuries whereas the semi‐rigid/rigid WCS2 and QS1–4 can be used for horizontal root fractures and alveolar process fractures. The QS1–4 provide good esthetic outcome.
Assessment of nose protector for sport activities: finite element analysis
Authors: Coto Neide Pena , Meira Josete Barbosa Cruz , e Dias Reinaldo Brito , Driemeier Larissa , de Oliveira Roveri Guilherme , Noritomi Pedro Yoshito
Published: July 2011

Abstract –  There has been a significant increase in the number of facial fractures stemming from sport activities in recent years, with the nasal bone one of the most affected structures. Researchers recommend the use of a nose protector, but there is no standardization regarding the material employed. Clinical experience has demonstrated that a combination of a flexible and rigid layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) offers both comfort and safety to practitioners of sports. The aim of the present study was the investigation into the stresses generated by the impact of a rigid body on the nasal bone on models with and without an EVA protector. For such, finite element analysis was employed. A craniofacial model was constructed from images obtained through computed tomography. The nose protector was modeled with two layers of EVA (1 mm of rigid EVA over 2 mm of flexible EVA), following the geometry of the soft tissue. Finite element analysis was performed using the LS Dyna program. The bone and rigid EVA were represented as elastic linear material, whereas the soft tissues and flexible EVA were represented as hyperelastic material. The impact from a rigid sphere on the frontal region of the face was simulated with a constant velocity of 20 m s−1 for 9.1 μs. The model without the protector served as the control. The distribution of maximal stress of the facial bones was recorded. The maximal stress on the nasal bone surpassed the breaking limit of 0.13–0.34 MPa on the model without a protector, while remaining below this limit on the model with the protector. Thus, the nose protector made from both flexible and rigid EVA proved effective at protecting the nasal bones under high‐impact conditions.
Late‐onset Leclercia adecarboxylata bacteraemia in a premature infant in the NICU
Authors: Myers KA , Jeffery RM , Lodha A
Published: July 2011

Late‐onset sepsis is a unique entity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), as organisms involved are, by definition, nosocomial. As such, a limited number of microbes are characteristically involved. Leclercia adecarboxylata is a gram‐negative bacillus rarely cultured in a clinical context, with the few published cases primarily involving immunocompromised adults. We present an ex‐26‐week newborn girl who developed late‐onset sepsis with Leclercia adecarboxylata bacteraemia in the NICU. The infection was successfully treated with gentamicin and cefotaxime. This is the fifth paediatric report of Leclercia adecarboxylata infection, and the first in a neonate. The case raises the possibility that prior courses of antibiotics may have predisposed this individual to a rare infection essentially limited to immunocompromised individuals.

Conclusion:  Leclercia adecarboxylata is a rare infection, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. In neonates, the clinical course can be good with timely initiation of appropriate antibiotics.
Shuttling SR proteins: more than splicing factors
Authors: Twyffels Laure , Gueydan Cyril , Kruys Véronique
Published: July 2011

Serine–arginine (SR) proteins commonly designate a family of eukaryotic RNA binding proteins containing a protein domain composed of several repeats of the arginine–serine dipeptide, termed the arginine–serine (RS) domain. This protein family is involved in essential nuclear processes such as constitutive and alternative splicing of mRNA precursors. Besides participating in crucial activities in the nuclear compartment, several SR proteins are able to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and to exert regulatory functions in the latter compartment. This review aims at discussing the properties of shuttling SR proteins with particular emphasis on their nucleo‐cytoplasmic traffic and their cytoplasmic functions. Indeed, recent findings have unravelled the complex regulation of SR protein nucleo‐cytoplasmic distribution and the diversity of cytoplasmic mechanisms in which these proteins are involved.
Dipeptidyl peptidase III: a multifaceted oligopeptide N‐end cutter
Authors: Prajapati Subhash C. , Chauhan Shyam S.
Published: July 2011

Dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III), the sole member and representative of the M49 family of metallopeptidases, is a zinc‐dependent aminopeptidase. It sequentially hydrolyses dipeptides from the N‐terminal of oligopeptides ranging from three to 10 amino acid residues. Although implicated in an array of pathophysiological phenomena, the precise function of this peptidase is still unclear. However, a number of studies advocate its contribution in terminal stages of protein turnover. Altered expression of DPP III which suggests its involvement in primary ovarian carcinoma, oxidative stress (Nrf2 nuclear localization), pain, inflammation and cataractogenesis has recently led to resurgence of interest in delineating the role of the peptidase in these pathophysiological processes. This review article intends to bring forth the latest updates in this arena which may serve as a base for future studies on the peptidase.
Negative X-ray reverberation time delays from MCG–6-30-15 and Mrk 766
Authors: Emmanoulopoulos D. , McHardy I. M. , Papadakis I. E.
Published: July 2011

We present an X-ray time lag analysis, as a function of Fourier frequency, for MCG–6-30-15 and Mrk 766 using long-term XMM–Newton light curves in the 0.5–1.5 and the 2–4 keV energy bands, together with some physical modelling of the corresponding time lag spectra. Both the time lag spectra of MCG–6-30-15 and Mrk 766 show negative values (i.e. soft band variations lag behind the corresponding hard band variations) at high frequencies, around 10−3 Hz, similar to those previously observed from 1H 0707−495. The remarkable morphological resemblance between the time lag spectra of MCG–6-30-15 and Mrk 766 indicate that the physical processes responsible for the observed soft time delays are very similar in the two sources, favouring a reflection scenario from material situated very nearby to the central black hole.
Whither Australia: Will Availability of Water Constrain the Growth of Australia's Population?
Authors: RUTHERFURD IAN , FINLAYSON BRIAN
Published: July 2011

Supply of water for cities and for food production will not be a major factor limiting the growth of Australia's population in coming decades. The water needed to sustain the population of Australia can be divided into two kinds. Direct water requirements are those that meet the immediate needs of the people – potable water supply and waste removal. Indirect water requirements refer to the water needed to sustain the economy and the standard of living – food production, manufacturing, mining, etc. Agriculture is the largest indirect user, using between 50% and 70%, while household use, including sewerage and drainage, uses less than 30%. Industry uses the remaining 20%. In this paper, we do not deal with the issue of water quality but note its significance, especially as regards the salinisation of water resources in rural Australia. Australia has abundant water when expressed on a per capita basis, although this is unevenly distributed around the continent. Per capita, the densely populated south‐eastern and south‐western parts of the continent have low to average run‐off available when compared with other populated regions of the world. What is more important is the extreme inter‐annual variability of that run‐off. Previous attempts to measure the size of the population that could be supported in Australia, based on the availability of water, have produced estimates up to 280 million. Outside of the well‐watered edges of the continent, water has always been seen as a factor that limits Australia's population. However, water supply is a necessary but not sufficient basis for population growth, as can be seen from examples (such as the Ord Irrigation Scheme) where providing abundant water has failed to trigger major population growth. The largest increases in population in coming decades are predicted to occur in the capital cities where there has been a substantial reduction in water use through demand management in recent years. Urban water demand has proven to be extremely elastic. New sources of urban water, including desalination, groundwater, recycled sewage, and increased run‐off in urban stormwater, will easily provide sufficient water for a growing urban population over coming decades. Water used in irrigated agriculture at present supplies the needs of Australia's 20 million people and an estimated 40 million in other countries. With increased efficiency in the delivery and use of water for irrigation combined with export substitution, water for food production is not likely to limit population. In this paper, we have not dealt with the issue of environmental flows in rivers or with the provision of water to wetlands, although we acknowledge that they are both significant issues for policy development. We conclude that the size of the population of Australia is less important than how that population behaves in regard to the management of water resources.
Bringing Scholarship and Judgement into the Australian Population Debate
Authors: O'Neill Phillip
Published: July 2011

Video Abstract: http://bit.ly/ocGEkd
In Situ Destruction of Perchlorate and Nitrate Using Gaseous Electron Donor Injection Technology
Authors: Evans Patrick J. , Fricke Rodney A. , Hopfensperger Karl , Titus Tom
Published: July 2011

Perchlorate and nitrate in vadose‐zone soil can be continuing sources of groundwater contamination and technologies for remediation of these sources are limited. Gaseous electron donor injection technology (GEDIT) is an in situ approach that was demonstrated at a site in California. A mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and nitrogen was injected into the vadose zone over a period of 5 months followed by 3 months of LPG alone. Perchlorate and nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen concentrations were reduced by over 90% and both were capable of being reduced to nondetectable concentrations. Hydrogen was required for perchlorate destruction, although concentrations as low as 0.5% were effective. Hydrogen was not required for nitrate destruction. Contaminant destruction was observed in both fine‐grained and coarse‐grained soils ranging from clay to gravel. Hydrogen was an effective electron donor because of its low molecular weight and high diffusivity which likely promoted its penetration into low‐permeability formations. Contaminant destruction was also observed in moisture contents ranging from 6.8% to 36% demonstrating that GEDIT was effective in low‐ and high‐moisture soils. The radius of influence (ROI) for perchlorate destruction was approximately 3.0 to 4.6 m while that for nitrate was greater than 17 m. The ROI was limited by use of a single injection location. Use of a grid injection system is anticipated to greatly increase efficiency. This research represents the first demonstration of GEDIT for treatment of contaminants in the vadose zone.
Neurogenic contributions made by dietary regulation to hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Park Hee Ra , Lee Jaewon
Published: July 2011

Adult neural stem cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus are negatively and positively regulated by a broad range of environmental stimuli that include aging, stress, social interaction, physical activity, and dietary modulation. Interestingly, dietary regulation has a distinct outcome, such that reduced dietary intake enhances neurogenesis, whereas excess calorie intake by a high‐fat diet has a negative effect. As a type of metabolic stress, dietary restriction (DR) is also known to extend life span and increase resistance to age‐related neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential application of DR as a “neurogenic enhancer” in humans remains problematic because of the severity of restriction and the protracted duration of the treatment required. Therefore, the authors consider that an understanding of the neurogenic mechanisms of DR would provide a basis for the identification of the pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions that mimic the beneficial effects of DR without limiting caloric intake. The current review describes the regulatory effect of DR on hippocampal neurogenesis and presents a possible neurogenic mechanism.
Genomic biomarkers and clinical outcomes of physical activity
Authors: Izzotti Alberto
Published: July 2011

Clinical and experimental studies in humans provide evidence that moderate physical activity significantly decreases artery oxidative damage to nuclear DNA, DNA‐adducts related to age and dyslipedemia, and mitochondrial DNA damage. Maintenance of adequate mitochondrial function is crucial for preventing lipid accumulation and peroxidation occurring in atherosclerosis. Studies performed on human muscle biopsies analyzing gene expression in living humans reveal that physically active subjects improve the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial function and of related microRNAs. The attenuation of oxidative damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA by physical activity resulted in beneficial effects due to polymorphisms of glutathione S‐transferases genes. Subjects bearing null GSTM1/T1 polymorphisms have poor life expectancy in the case of being sedentary, which was increased 2.6‐fold in case they performed physical activity. These findings indicate that the preventive effect of physical activity undergoes interindividual variation affected by genetic polymorphisms.
Regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 system by chemopreventive sulforaphane: implications of posttranslational modifications
Authors: Keum Young‐Sam
Published: July 2011

The chemopreventive agent sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables. Transcriptional activation of antioxidant response element (ARE)‐regulated phase II detoxification and antioxidant genes through the induction of transcription factor NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) is considered as the prime mechanism of its chemopreventive action. Cellular level of Nrf2 is tightly regulated by proteolysis through Cullin3 (Cul3)/Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1)‐dependent polyubiquitination. Sulforaphane is an electrophile that can react with protein thiols to form thionoacyl adducts and is believed to affect the Cys residues in Keap1 protein. In addition, sulforaphane might affect the activity of a variety of intracellular kinases to phosphorylate Nrf2 proteins, which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of Nrf2 or modulates the Nrf2 protein stability. This review is designed to briefly account for the regulatory mechanism of Nrf2 protein expression by Cul3/Keap1 E3 ligase and for the possible roles of posttranslational modifications of cellular Keap1 or Nrf2 proteins by sulforphane in the regulation of ARE‐dependent gene activation.
Xenohormesis mechanisms underlying chemopreventive effects of some dietary phytochemicals
Authors: Surh Young‐Joon
Published: July 2011

A wide variety of phytochemicals present in our diet, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, have been shown to possess a broad range of health‐beneficial properties. The cytoprotective and restorative effects of dietary phytochemicals are likely to result from the modulation of several distinct cellular signal transduction pathways. Many dietary phytochemicals that are synthesized as secondary metabolites function as toxins, that is, “phytoalexins,” and hence protect plants against insects and other damaging organisms and stresses. However, at the relatively low doses consumed by humans and other mammals, these same toxic plant–derived chemicals, as mild stressors, activate adaptive cellular response signaling, conferring stress resistance and other health benefits. This phenomenon has been referred to as xenohormesis. This review highlights the xenohormesis mechanisms underlying chemopreventive effects of some dietary chemopreventive phytochemicals, with special focus on the nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2p45 (NF‐E2)–related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a key player.
Dietary energy balance modulation of epithelial carcinogenesis: a role for IGF‐1 receptor signaling and crosstalk
Authors: Moore Tricia , Checkley L. Allyson , DiGiovanni John
Published: July 2011

Obesity affects more than one third of the U.S. population and is associated with increased risk and/or disease severity for several chronic diseases, including cancer. In contrast, calorie restriction (CR) consistently inhibits cancer across species and cancer types. Differential effects on globally active circulatory proteins, particularly insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), provide a plausible mechanistic explanation for the energy balance–cancer link. Diet‐induced changes in circulating IGF‐1 modulate IGF‐1R/EGFR activation and downstream signaling to Akt and mTOR. These dietary energy balance effects on signaling ultimately modulate the levels and/or activity of cell cycle regulatory proteins, regulating proliferation, and modulating susceptibility to tumor development. Selective targeting of mTORC1 potently inhibits tumorigenesis in several model systems producing CR mimetic effects. Targeting this and other pathways modulated by dietary energy balance may lead to the development of strategies for cancer chemoprevention and for reversing the effects of obesity on cancer development and progression.
Growth hormone–STAT5 regulation of growth, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver metabolism
Authors: Baik Myunggi , Yu Ji Hoon , Hennighausen Lothar
Published: July 2011

The liver is a primary target of growth hormone (GH). GH signals are mediated by the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Here, we focus on recent discoveries about the role of GH–STAT5 signaling in hepatic physiology and pathophysiology. We discuss roles of the GH–STAT5 axis in body growth, lipid metabolism, and the cell cycle pertaining to hepatosteatosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, we discuss recent discoveries about the role of GH–STAT5 in sex‐specific gene expression and bile acid, steroid, and drug metabolism.
Centrifugation speed affects light transmission aggregometry
Authors: MEROLLA M. , NARDI M. A. , BERGER J. S.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is considered the gold standard for investigating platelet activity ex vivo. However, LTA protocols are not standardized, and differences in LTA procedure are a potential source of variance in results. Centrifugation speed is an essential component of platelet preparation in LTA, has yet to be standardized, and may affect platelet aggregation results. We sought to investigate the effect of relative centrifugal force (RCF) intensity on LTA results.

Methods:  Ten healthy controls had venous blood drawn and centrifuged at 150, 200, 300, and 500 g for 10 min. Cell counts in whole blood and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) were measured using a hematology analyzer. LTA was performed using 1.0 μm adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and 0.4 μm epinephrine as an agonist. Aggregation (%) was compared at 60, 120, 180, and 300 s and at maximum aggregation.

Results:  Centrifugation speed was associated with decreasing platelet count (P < 0.001) and decreasing mean platelet volume (P < 0.001) in PRP. Maximum aggregation decreased with increasing speeds for ADP 1.0 μm (150 g– 89%, 200 g– 93%, 300 g– 71%, 500 g– 17%; P < 0.001). Similar findings were noted at 120 s (150 g– 69%, 200 g– 50%, 300 g– 35%, 500 g– 12%; P < 0.001), 180 s (150 g– 82%, 200 g– 74%, 300 g– 44%, 500 g– 13%; P < 0.001), and 300 s (150 g– 85%, 200 g– 88%, 300 g– 55%, 500 g– 14%; P < 0.001). Consistently, platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine 0.4 μm decreased significantly with increasing centrifuge RCF at 60, 120, 180, 300 s and at maximum aggregation (P < 0.05 for each comparison).

Conclusion:  Our data demonstrate the importance of centrifugation speed in the interpretation of LTA results, supporting the need for standardization of centrifugation RCF in LTA protocols.
Accuracy and precision of hemoglobin point‐of‐care testing during major pediatric surgery
Authors: SPIELMANN N. , MAUCH J. , MADJDPOUR C. , SCHMUGGE M. , WEISS M. , HAAS T.
Published: July 2011

Introduction:  The aim of the study was to compare accuracy and reproducibility of four point‐of‐care testing (POCT) devices (GEM® Premier 3000, ABL 800 flex, GEM®OPL™, HemoCue® B‐Hemoglobin) for hemoglobin (Hb) analyzes as compared with the reference laboratory method (Sysmex XE 2100) in children undergoing major surgery.

Methods:  Pediatric patients undergoing craniofacial, spine, hip, or cancer surgery were included. Blood samples for Hb testing were taken at several intraoperative time points and generally withdrawn from the arterial catheter, if accessible.

Results:  A total of 256 blood samples were taken intraoperatively from 71 pediatric patients. All POCT devices showed very small bias (maximum −0.46 g/dL) to reference method as well as very good reproducibility (maximum coefficient of variation of 0.99%). However, in two cases (HemoCue), potential clinical relevant differences were observed beyond a range of 2 g/dL.

Conclusion:  All POCT devices tested and operated by trained staff for hemoglobinometry showed reliable test results. They all allow for simple, fast, and precise bedside determination of hemoglobin concentration in the intraoperative setting.
“In Search of a Tale They can Live With”: About Loss, Family Secrets, and Selective Disclosure
Authors: Rober Peter , Walravens Geertje , Versteynen Leen
Published: July 2011

Several authors have written about family secrets in the family therapy literature in interesting ways. According to these authors, the questions “who knows the secret?” and “who does not know the secret?” are central. In the present study, we have qualitatively analyzed the documentary film Familiegeheim (Family Secret) by the Dutch director Jaap van Hoewijk. The film shows van Hoewijk’s investigation into the death of his father in 1974 and tells the story of a family in which the suicide of the father is kept secret from the three children. Our analysis of the film highlights the complex ways in which families deal with sensitive issues like loss, grief, and suicide. The concept of family secrets seems to poorly capture this complexity, focusing one‐sidedly on the destructive effects of withholding delicate information. The concept of selective disclosure is proposed as an alternative. Selective disclosure refers to the complex processes involved in dealing with the dialectic tension between sharing information and keeping it secret. The concept is not only focused on the destructiveness of secrecy but, in addition, also makes room for an appreciation of the caution with which family members deal with sensitive family issues.
Making Sense of Multi‐Actor Dialogues in Family Therapy and Network Meetings
Authors: Seikkula Jaakko , Laitila Aarno , Rober Peter
Published: July 2011

In recent years, a number of family therapists have conceptualized psychotherapy as a dialogical activity. This view presents family therapy researchers with specific challenges, the most important of which is to find ways of dealing with the dialogical qualities of the multi‐actor dialogues that occur, for example, in family therapeutic conversations. In this article, we propose some preliminary ideas concerning qualitative investigations of multi‐actor dialogues. Our aim is to work toward an integration of Bakhtin’s theoretical concepts with good practices in qualitative research (e.g., dialogical tools and concepts of a narrative processes coding system) in order to make sense of family therapy dialogues. A specific method that we have called Dialogical Methods for Investigations of Happening of Change is described. This method allows for a general categorization of the qualities of responsive dialogues in a single session, and also for a detailed focus on particular sequences through a microanalysis of specific topical episodes. The particular focus is on the voices present in the utterances, the positioning of each speaker, and the addressees of the utterances. The method is illustrated via an analysis of a couple therapy session with a depressed woman and her husband.
Women’s Experiences with Emotional Eating and Related Attachment and Sociocultural Processes
Authors: Hernandez‐Hons Alexis , Woolley Scott R.
Published: July 2011

This study explored the experiences, influences, and concerns of women who eat for emotional reasons with an emphasis on relational and cultural factors. Colaizzi’s (1978) guidelines to analyzing phenomenological research were utilized to explore participants’ lived experiences and gain a deeper understanding of emotional eating. A number of unique themes connecting attachment‐related influences with emotional eating were identified. The following 10 theme clusters were developed: Personal and Cultural Foundation, Preoccupation With Food and Eating, Relationship History, Addiction as Coping Mechanism for Insecure Attachment, Moments of Empowerment and Acceptance, Self‐Judgment About Eating and Weight, Social Influences on Eating and Weight Gain, Secretive Eating, Emotional Eating as Reminiscent of Ambivalent Attachment, and Emotional Hunger. Clinical interventions and future research are discussed.
Hit or miss in phylogeographic analyses: the case of the cryptic NUMTs
Authors: BERTHEAU CORALIE , SCHULER HANNES , KRUMBÖCK SUSANNE , ARTHOFER WOLFGANG , STAUFFER CHRISTIAN
Published: July 2011

Phylogeographic studies call for attention as nuclear copies of mitochondrial DNA (NUMT) may generate erroneous results. Here, we report the presence of NUMTs differing only by 1–3 bp from authentic mitochondrial haplotypes, consequently named cryptic NUMTs. In contrast to traditional NUMTs, for which reliable tools for detection are established, cryptic NUMTs question the validity of phylogeographic analyses based solely on mitochondrial DNA, like the one presented here on the European bark beetle Ips typographus. Caution is called as cryptic NUMTs might be responsible for haplotype richness found in several species, and the necessity of refined methods for NUMT detection is highlighted.
Distinguishing Between Influences on Brazilian Legislative Behavior
Authors: ZUCCO JR. CESAR , LAUDERDALE BENJAMIN E
Published: July 2011

Ideal point estimators hold the promise of identifying multiple dimensions of political disagreement as they are manifested in legislative voting. However, standard ideal point estimates do not distinguish between ideological motivations and voting inducements from parties, coalitions, or the executive. In this article we describe a general approach for hierarchically identifying an ideological dimension using an auxiliary source of data. In the case we consider, we use an anonymous survey of Brazilian legislators to identify party positions on a left‐right ideology dimension. We then use this data to distinguish ideological motivations from other determinants of roll‐call behavior for eight presidential‐legislative periods covering more than 20 years of Brazilian politics. We find that there exists an important nonideological government‐opposition dimension, with the entrance and exit of political parties from the governing coalition appearing as distinct shifts in ideal point on this second dimension. We conjecture that the Brazilian president's control over politically important resources is the source of this dimension of conflict, which has recently become far more important in explaining roll‐call voting than the ideological dimension.
Party Pressure in the U.S. State Legislatures
Authors: COLEMAN BATTISTA JAMES , RICHMAN JESSE T.
Published: July 2011

We extend Ansolabehere, Snyder, and Stewart's (2001) method of measuring party influence over roll‐call voting to the comparative state legislative context. Examining 27 state lower chambers, we find that overall parties exert detectable influence on 44% of all roll calls and 69% of close votes, but that the incidence of party influence varies strongly across chambers. Taking advantage of the comparative leverage the state context brings, we find that party influence responds significantly to measures of legislative careerism and state socioeconomic diversity, with majority size playing some role. The effect of preference polarization is complicated and conditioned by challenges facing the legislature, and we find results both challenging and conditionally supporting the conditional party government account.
Networks in the Legislative Arena: How Group Dynamics Affect Cosponsorship
Authors: BRATTON KATHLEEN A. , ROUSE STELLA M.
Published: July 2011

In this study, we explore the determinants of cosponsorship activity within state legislatures. Utilizing a social dynamic framework, we develop and test a model of the interplay of the activities of sponsorship and cosponsorship that includes both individual‐level and social network characteristics as determinants of agenda‐setting behavior; the latter demonstrating how collaboration and mutual interests shape the agenda‐setting process. We find several consistent factors that influence the frequency of cosponsorship activity: (1) ideological distance, (2) proximity of legislators' districts, (3) homophily (similar characteristics such as race, gender, and ethnicity), and (4) transitivity (the idea that friends of my friends are also my friends).
The Missing Piece: A Sociological Autopsy of Firearm Suicide in the United States
Authors: Slater Greta Yoder
Published: July 2011

Social, economic, violence, political, and gun access predictors of suicide and gun suicide were examined via sociological autopsy. The model predicting suicide rates overall had the best results, χ2(9, N = 50) = 5.279 (CMIN, the goodness of fit statistic that represents the minimum discrepancy between the unrestricted sample covariance matrix and the restricted covariance matrix) p = .809, [the goodness of fit statistic that represents the minimum discrepancy between the unrestricted sample covariance matrix and the restricted covariance matrix] indicating an excellent fit of the data and theoretical model. The model explained 76% of the variance in state suicide rates and was a significantly better predictor than one could expect by chance, F(6,43) = 22.889, p < .001). All path coefficients were significant predictors of suicide with the exception of violence climate, which was not included. This study contributes to the theoretical knowledge by adding a comprehensive framework of analysis and model useful for prevention.
“Let me Count the Ways:” Fostering Reasons for Living Among Low‐Income, Suicidal, African American Women
Authors: West Lindsey M. , Davis Telsie A. , Thompson Martie P. , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: July 2011

Protective factors for fostering reasons for living were examined among low‐income, suicidal, African American women. Bivariate logistic regressions revealed that higher levels of optimism, spiritual well‐being, and family social support predicted reasons for living. Multivariate logistic regressions indicated that spiritual well‐being showed unique predictive value for reasons for living. Further, the multivariate model accurately predicted reasons for living 72% of the time. Partial support was found for a cumulative protective model hypothesizing a linear relationship between the number of protective factors endorsed and increased reasons for living. Implications for community‐based preventive and recovery‐oriented intervention efforts and future research are discussed.
High School Bullying as a Risk for Later Depression and Suicidality
Authors: Klomek Anat Brunstein , Kleinman Marjorie , Altschuler Elizabeth , Marrocco Frank , Amakawa Lia , Gould Madelyn S.
Published: July 2011

This is the first study to examine whether high school students experiencing frequent bullying behaviors are at risk for later depression and suicidality. A total of 236 students who reported frequent bullying behavior without depression or suicidality during a suicide screening were interviewed 4 years later to reassess depression, suicidal ideation, attempts, substance problems, and functional impairment and were compared to at‐risk youth identified during the screen, including 96 youth who also experienced bullying behavior. Youth who only reported frequent bullying behaviors (as bullies, victims, or both) did not develop later depression or suicidality and continued to have fewer psychiatric problems than students identified as at‐risk for suicide. Students who experienced bullying behaviors and depression or suicidality were more impaired 4 years later than those who had only reported depression or suicidality. Thus, assessment of bullying behaviors in screening protocols is recommended.
The sign of Galois representations attached to automorphic forms for unitary groups
Authors: Bellaïche Joël , Chenevier Gaëtan
Published: July 2011

Let K be a CM number field and GK its absolute Galois group. A representation of GK is said to be polarized if it is isomorphic to the contragredient of its outer complex conjugate, up to a twist by a power of the cyclotomic character. Absolutely irreducible polarized representations of GK have a sign ±1, generalizing the fact that a self-dual absolutely irreducible representation is either symplectic or orthogonal. If Π is a regular algebraic, polarized, cuspidal automorphic representation of GLn(𝔸K), and if ρ is a p-adic Galois representation attached to Π, then ρ is polarized and we show that all of its polarized irreducible constituents have sign +1 . In particular, we determine the orthogonal/symplectic alternative for the Galois representations associated to the regular algebraic, essentially self-dual, cuspidal automorphic representations of GLn (𝔸F) when F is a totally real number field.