bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-Molecule IAP Antagonists Sensitize Cancer Cells to TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis: Roles of XIAP and cIAPs
Authors: Finlay Darren , Vamos Mitchell , González-López Marcos , Ardecky Robert J. , Ganji Santhi Reddy , Yuan Hongbin , Su Ying , Cooley Trina R. , Hauser Curt T. , Welsh Kate , Reed John C. , Cosford Nicholas D.P. , Vuori Kristiina
Published: November 2013

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anticancer agent because it shows apoptosis-inducing activity in transformed, but not in normal, cells. As with most anticancer agents, however, its clinical use is restricted by either inherent or acquired resistance by cancer cells. We demonstrate here that small-molecule SMAC mimetics that antagonize the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) potently sensitize previously resistant human cancer cell lines, but not normal cells, to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, and that they do so in a caspase-8–dependent manner. We further show that the compounds have no cytotoxicity as single agents. Also, we demonstrate that several IAP family members likely participate in the modulation of cellular sensitivity to TRAIL. Finally, we note that the compounds that sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL are the most efficacious in binding to X-linked IAP, and in inducing cellular-IAP (cIAP)-1 and cIAP-2 degradation. Our studies thus describe valuable compounds that allow elucidation of the signaling events occurring in TRAIL resistance, and demonstrate that these agents act as potent TRAIL-sensitizing agents in a variety of cancer cell lines. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 5–15. ©2013 AACR.
Can Child Temperament Be Related to Early Childhood Caries?
Authors: Aminabadi N.A. , Ghoreishizadeh A. , Ghoreishizadeh M. , Oskouei S. Ghertasi , Ghojazadeh M.
Published: November 2013

Beyond the biological risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) is child temperament. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of ECC to different traits of child temperament, directly and indirectly through the nutritional and oral hygiene habits. Through a multi-stage sampling, 373 kindergarten children aged 18-36 months participated in this study. The primary caregivers filled in the Early Childhood Behaviour Questionnaire (ECBQ) and a checklist containing demographic data and the dietary and oral hygiene habits of the children. Children were examined for dental caries. The frequency of ECC was 41.14%. With 18 aspects of a child's temperament under consideration, attentional shifting, fear, frustration, low-intensity pleasure, sadness and shyness were significantly higher in the ECC group. Cuddliness, perceptual sensitivity, positive anticipation and soothability were significantly higher in caries-free children. Attentional shifting (p = 0.02), frustration (p = 0.02) and shyness (p = 0.03) were risk factors and cuddliness (p < 0.001) was a protecting factor for ECC. In the multiple regression model regarding nutritional and oral hygiene habits, easily soothable children were 0.69 times less likely to use sweetened liquids frequently [odds ratio (OR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.97, p = 0.03], while sad children were 0.58 times less likely to brush (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.94, p = 0.02). Considering temperament traits along with socioeconomic status, positive anticipation was the most significant determinant of ECC (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.13-2.19, p = 0.007). However, considering temperament, socioeconomic measures and child habits among ECC risk factors, the most significant was the initiation of brushing habits (OR 5.41, 95% CI 2.81-12.98, p = 0.002).
An in vitro and in vivo Comparison of the Effect of Stevia rebaudiana Extracts on Different Caries-Related Variables: A Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study
Authors: Brambilla E. , Cagetti M.G. , Ionescu A. , Campus G. , Lingström P.
Published: November 2013

The effect of Stevia extracts on in vitro Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and in vivo plaque pH was evaluated in this paper. Three 10% solutions containing stevioside, rebaudioside A or sucrose were prepared. MTT assay was used to evaluate microbiological counts in vitro. Twenty volunteers rinsed for 1 min with each solutions, and plaque pH was measured at 7 time points after each rinse. Higher in vitro S. mutans biofilm formation was observed in sucrose solution (p < 0.01). After 5, 10, 15 and 30 min, the sucrose in vivo rinse produced a statistically significantly lower pH value compared to the Stevia extracts (F = 99.45, p < 0.01).Stevia extracts can be considered nonacidogenic.
Cerium Chloride Reduces Enamel Lesion Initiation and Progression in vitro
Authors: Wegehaupt F.J. , Buchalla W. , Sener B. , Attin T. , Schmidlin P.R.
Published: November 2013

Aim: Determination of the potential of cerium chloride to reduce artificial carious mineral loss and lesion depth progression. Methods: A total of 160 enamel samples were prepared from 40 bovine lower central incisors. Crowns were sectioned into four pieces, embedded in acrylic resin, ground flat and allocated to eight groups (S1-S4 and D1-D4; n = 20). Specimens of groups D1-D4 were stored (for 7 days) in a demineralizing buffer solution to induce caries-like lesions. Afterwards, samples were treated for 30 s with one of the following solutions: placebo (S1 and D1), amine fluoride (S2 and D2), cerium chloride (S3 and D3) and a combination of fluoride and cerium chloride (S4 and D4). After another 7 (D1-D4) or 14 (S1-S4) days in demineralizing buffer solution, integrated mineral loss and lesion depth were determined by transversal microradiography and compared by Scheffé's post hoc tests. Results: In groups S1-S4, the highest values for integrated mineral loss and lesion depth were observed for group S1 (placebo), the lowest values for group S4. The results in groups S2-S4 were not significantly different. In groups D1-D4, the highest values for integrated mineral loss and lesion depth were observed for group D1 (placebo), the lowest values in groups D3 and D4. In group D2, integrated mineral loss and lesion depth were significantly lower as compared to D1, but significantly higher compared to groups D3 and D4. Conclusion: Cerium chloride and its combination with fluoride are able to significantly reduce carious mineral loss and the progression of lesion depth.
Effect of Yogurt Containing Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 Probiotic on Dental Plaque and Saliva in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Pinto G.S. , Cenci M.S. , Azevedo M.S. , Epifanio M. , Jones M.H.
Published: November 2013

Aim: To assess how consumption of yogurt containing Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 probiotic for a period of 2 weeks affects salivary and dental plaque levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods: A crossover, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed with 26 volunteers. The study was divided into four periods. During periods 2 and 4, the volunteers ingested yogurt containing probiotic or control yogurt daily for 2 weeks. Periods 1 and 3 were a 1-week run-in period and 4-week washout period, respectively. Saliva and dental plaque samples were collected from each participant at the end of each period. Mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and total cultivable microorganisms were counted. Values were compared between groups and across periods with the Wilcoxon's test. Results: There was no difference between the yogurt containing probiotic and the control yogurt for any of the studied variables (all p > 0.05). A reduction in counts of total cultivable microorganisms was observed in dental plaque samples after ingestion of either yogurts (both p < 0.05 vs. baseline), but not in saliva (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Daily ingestion of yogurt with or without B. animalis subsp. lactis for a period of 2 weeks was beneficial in reducing total microbial counts in dental plaque. Therefore, no additional benefits were achieved by the use of the tested probiotic strain.
Subclinical Breast Cancer: Minimally Invasive Approaches. Our Experience with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Cryotherapy
Authors: Manenti Guglielmo , Scarano Angela L. , Pistolese Chiara A. , Perretta Tommaso , Bonanno Elena , Orlandi Augusto , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: November 2013

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation vs. cryoablation in the treatment of early breast cancer. Patients and Methods: 80 women (mean age 73 ± 5 years) with early breast cancer were retrospectively evaluated. 40 patients underwent cryoablation and 40 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation, both with sentinel lymph node excision. Tumor volume and histopatological data were compared by means of postprocedural 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 30-45 days after the percutaneous ablation, all patients underwent surgical resection of the tumor. The mean follow-up was 18 months without any local recurrences. Results: Both techniques allow good correlation with histopathological data. In 75 patients (93.8%) we observed complete necrosis; in 5 cases there was residual disease in the postprocedural MRI and postoperative histological examination. There was a good correlation between MRI volume and histologic samples. Cosmetic results were good in all patients but 2. Conclusion: Both percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy are minimally invasive techniques with a good clinical and cosmetic outcome in selected cases. MRI examination is an ideal method to assess breast neoplasms in terms of quality and quantity as well as residual tumor extent after percutaneous ablation. Cryotherapy is the preferred method because of the analgesic effect of freezing with better patients compliance.
Axillary Irradiation with High Tangent Fields for Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer: Can 3-D Conformal Radiotherapy with a Field-in-Field Technique Better Control the Axilla?
Authors: Sanuki Naoko , Takeda Atsuya , Amemiya Atsushi , Ofuchi Toru , Ono Masato , Ogata Haruki , Yamagami Ryo , Hatayama Jun , Eriguchi Takahisa , Kunieda Etsuo
Published: November 2013

Background: The target volume for postoperative breast irradiation is the remaining breast tissue, and the axillary region is not an intentional target volume. Patients and Methods: Between 2001 and 2009, eligible women with pT1-2cN0/pN0(sn) breast cancer underwent breast-conserving therapy without axillary dissection. Treatment outcomes between 2 radiotherapy planning groups, high tangent fields with 2-dimensional (2-D) simulation-based planning and 3-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography-based planning with a field-in-field technique, were compared. The correlating factors for axillary failure were also calculated. Results: In total, 678 patients were eligible. As of May 2009, the median follow-up times for the 2-D (n = 346) and 3-D (n = 332) groups were 94 and 52 months, respectively. Patient characteristics were balanced, except for a younger population in the 2-D group and more lymphovascular invasion in the 3-D group. On multivariate analysis, 2-D planning was the only risk factor for axillary failure. In the 2-D and 3-D groups, the 5-year cumulative incidences of axillary failure were 8 (3.1%) and 1 (0.3%) (log-rank p = 0.009), respectively. The respective 5-year overall survival rates were 97.4 and 98.4% (p = 0.4). Conclusion: High tangent irradiation with 3-D planning improved axillary control compared to that with 2-D planning, suggesting that optimizing axillary dose distribution may impact outcomes.
Comparison of Ductoscopy, Galactography, and Imaging Modalities for the Evaluation of Intraductal Lesions: A Critical Review
Authors: Sarica Ozgur , Ozturk Enis , Demirkurek Huseyin C. , Uluc Fatih
Published: November 2013

Background: Today, in cases of nipple discharge of unclear origin, the abundance of diagnostic procedures - a ‚diagnostic dilemma' - becomes apparent, because unequivocal indications and a current, standardized examination sequence are presently not available. The diagnostic workup of patients with nipple discharge usually includes the clinical history, physical examination, mammography, ultrasonography, galactography, and nipple discharge cytology, but not ductoscopy. Methods: In this review we analyze and discuss the possible role of ductoscopy in evaluating intraductal pathologies and its combined use with diagnostic imaging modalities. For this purpose, we reviewed and compared the results of the radiological, pathological, and surgical studies independently. Conclusions: Currently, there is no solitary accurate modality to reach our definitive purpose. Being aware of the capability of each diagnostic modality may take us closer to our target. Therefore, adjunct and appropriate use of multiple imaging modalities and ductoscopy is necessary to evaluate patients with nipple discharge.
Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Patients during Medical Treatment and in the Aftercare - a Review
Authors: Baumann Freerk T. , Bloch Wilhelm , Weissen Anke , Brockhaus Marie , Beulertz Julia , Zimmer Philipp , Streckmann Fiona , Zopf Eva M.
Published: November 2013

Most scientific studies regarding physical activity in cancer patients involve breast cancer patients. It is apparent that physical activity during medical treatment and aftercare is not only feasible and safe but also effective. Current studies clearly show that regular and specific endurance and/or resistance training can reduce a number of side effects caused by medical treatment. Among others, improvements in physical performance, body composition, and quality of life as well as a reduction in fatigue, have been observed. Since inactivity appears to exacerbate lymphedema, patients with lymphedema are also encouraged to exercise. Few studies have been carried out regarding physical exercise in metastatic patients. However, experts in the field also recommend regular physical activity for patients with advanced-stage breast cancer.
BMI and BAI as Markers of Obesity in a Caucasian Population
Authors: Zwierzchowska Anna , Grabara Małgorzata , Palica Danuta , Zając Adam
Published: November 2013

Background: BMI is known to have limited accuracy, which is different for males and females with similar body fat content. That is why Bergman et al. (Obesity 2011;19:1083-1089) introduced an alternative variable of obesity, called the body adiposity index (BAI). Their primary research was conducted in samples of Mexican-American and African-American populations. The objective of our research was to investigate the sex-specific relationship between both BMI and BAI and body fat content in a healthy Caucasian population. The accuracy of both indexes was compared. Methods: 684 women and 528 men aged 20-22 years with Caucasian origin only participated in the study. Participants were students of universities in southern Poland. They had no indication of cardiometabolic problems, as evaluated by interview. Results: The study revealed that BAI is a more sensitive method in assessing obesity in Caucasian males rather than BMI. In the population of Caucasian women BAI results indicate a significant underestimation of obesity. Conclusion: The fact that there is a high statistical correlation between BAI and % fat mass among obese and overweight men and women suggests that BAI could be highly specific provided that the BAI cutoffs will be adapted to the European population.
The Association between Physical Activity and Eating Self-Regulation in Overweight and Obese Women
Authors: Carraça Eliana V. , Silva Marlene N. , Coutinho Sílvia R. , Vieira Paulo N. , Minderico Cláudia S. , Sardinha Luís B. , Teixeira Pedro J.
Published: November 2013

Objective: Successful weight management relies heavily on eating and exercise behaviors. However, little is known about the association between both on a psychosocial level. This study examined the relationship between exercise and eating regulation by exploring the mediating effects of negative body image investment and depressive mood, and their stability through time. Methods: Analyses were conducted at two different moments (12 and 36 months), involving a sample of 221 overweight/obese women (age: 37.6 ± 7 years; BMI: 31.6 ± 4.1 kg/m2) that participated in a behavioral weight control intervention. Bivariate correlations and mediation analyses using Preacher & Hayes resampling procedures were conducted. Results: At 12 months, negative body image investment was the only significant mediator of the exercise-eating relationship. This variable explained larger portions of the indirect effects of structured rather than lifestyle exercise on eating. At 36 months, negative investment and to a lesser extent depressive mood partially explained the exercise-eating association. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, besides physiological effects of exercise, psychological mechanisms related to body image and mood also explain the role of physical activity as a ‘gateway behavior' for improved eating regulation in overweight women. These effects appear to be stable and may help understand the key role of exercise in long-term weight management.
Cadmium Exposure and Incident Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Tellez-Plaza Maria , Guallar Eliseo , Fabsitz Richard R. , Howard Barbara V. , Umans Jason G. , Francesconi Kevin A. , Goessler Walter , Devereux Richard B. , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: November 2013

Background—

Cadmium has been associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in cross-sectional studies, but prospective evidence is lacking. Our goal was to evaluate the association of urine cadmium concentrations with incident PAD in a large population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—

A prospective cohort study was performed with 2864 adult American Indians 45 to 74 years of age from Arizona, Oklahoma, and North and South Dakota who participated in the Strong Heart Study from 1989 to 1991 and were followed through 2 follow-up examination visits in 1993 to 1995 and 1997 to 1999. Participants were free of PAD, defined as an ankle brachial index <0.9 or >1.4 at baseline, and had complete baseline information on urine cadmium, potential confounders, and ankle brachial index determinations in the follow-up examinations. Urine cadmium was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and corrected for urinary dilution by normalization to urine creatinine. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios were computed using Cox-proportional hazards models for interval-censored data. A total of 470 cases of incident PAD, defined as an ankle brachial index <0.9 or >1.4, were identified. After adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors including smoking status and pack-years, the hazard ratio comparing the 80th to the 20th percentile of urine cadmium concentrations was 1.41 (1.05–1.81). The hazard ratio comparing the highest to the lowest tertile was 1.96 (1.32–2.81). The association persisted after excluding participants with ankle brachial index >1.4 only as well as in subgroups defined by sex and smoking status.

Conclusions—

Urine cadmium, a biomarker of long-term cadmium exposure, was independently associated with incident PAD, providing further support for cadmium as a cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Impact of
CYP2C19
Genetic Testing on Provider Prescribing Patterns for Antiplatelet Therapy After Acute Coronary Syndromes and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Desai Nihar R. , Canestaro William J. , Kyrychenko Pavlo , Chaplin Donald , Martell Lori A. , Brennan Troyen , Matlin Olga S. , Choudhry Niteesh K.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Patients treated with clopidogrel who have ≥1 loss of function alleles for
CYP2C19
have an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events. In 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a boxed warning cautioning against the use of clopidogrel in such patients. We sought to assess the impact of
CYP2C19
genetic testing on prescribing patterns for antiplatelet therapy among patients with acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results—

Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention prescribed clopidogrel were offered
CYP2C19
testing. Genotype and phenotype results were provided to patients and their physicians, but no specific treatment recommendations were suggested. Patients were categorized based on their genotype (carriers versus noncarriers) and phenotype (extensive, intermediate, and poor metabolizers). The primary outcome was intensification in antiplatelet therapy defined as either dose escalation of clopidogrel or replacement of clopidogrel with prasugrel. Between July 2010 and April 2012, 6032 patients were identified, and 499 (8.3%) underwent
CYP2C19
genotyping, of whom 146 (30%) were found to have ≥1 reduced function allele, including 15 (3%) with 2 reduced function alleles. Although reduced function allele carriers were significantly more likely than noncarriers to have an intensification of their antiplatelet therapy, only 20% of poor metabolizers of clopidogrel had their antiplatelet therapy intensified.

Conclusions—

Providers were significantly more likely to intensify antiplatelet therapy in
CYP2C19
allele carriers, but only 20% of poor metabolizers of clopidogrel had an escalation in the dose of clopidogrel or were switched to prasugrel. These prescribing patterns likely reflect the unclear impact and evolving evidence for clopidogrel pharmacogenomics.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Kusters Dorothé M. , Wiegman A. , Kastelein John J.P. , Hutten Barbara A.
Published: November 2013

Rationale:

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) predisposes patients to premature cardiovascular disease, with the process of atherosclerosis initiated in early childhood.

Objective:

As part of an ongoing trial to assess the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin in children with FH aged 6 to 17 years, we report the differences in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at baseline between children with FH and their unaffected siblings.

Methods and Results:

B-mode ultrasound measurements of the carotid artery were made in 196 children with FH and 64 of their siblings. Mean (±SE) cIMT in children with FH was significantly greater than that of unaffected siblings (0.398±0.052 versus 0.377±0.045 mm;
P
<0.001). A significantly greater cIMT value was observed before the age of 8 years. Multivariable analyses showed that age, male sex, and presence of FH were independent predictors of cIMT.

Conclusions:

The difference in mean cIMT between children with FH and their unaffected siblings may be significant as early as age 8 years. This study confirms the need for early cholesterol lowering in this high-risk population. These patients participating in a carefully monitored study will help assess the long-term efficacy on cIMT and safety of statin therapy in young children.
Uteroplacental Blood Flow, Cardiac Function, and Pregnancy Outcome in Women With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Pieper Petronella G. , Balci Ali , Aarnoudse Jan G. , Kampman Marlies A.M. , Sollie Krystyna M. , Groen Henk , Mulder Barbara J.M. , Oudijk Martijn A. , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Cornette Jerome , van Dijk Arie P.J. , Spaanderman Marc E. , Drenthen Willem , van Veldhuisen Dirk J.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are susceptible to cardiovascular, obstetric, and offspring complications. In women with CHD, cardiac dysfunction may compromise uteroplacental flow and contribute to the increased incidence of obstetric and offspring events.

Methods and Results—

We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of pregnant women with CHD and healthy pregnant women. We compared clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and uteroplacental Doppler flow (UDF) parameters at 20 and 32 weeks gestation, and pregnancy outcome. We related cardiovascular parameters to UDF parameters and pregnancy outcome in women with CHD. We included 209 women with CHD and 70 healthy women. Cardiovascular parameters (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, left and right ventricular function) differed between both groups. UDF parameters were impaired in CHD women (umbilical artery pulsatility and resistance index at 32 weeks in CHD versus healthy women,
P
=0.0085 and
P
=0.017). The following cardiovascular parameters prepregnancy and at 20 weeks gestation were associated with UDF (umbilical artery resistance index) at 32 weeks at multivariable analysis: (1) right ventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) (
P
=0.002), (2) high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (
P
=0.085), (3) systemic (
P
=0.001), and (4) pulmonary (
P
=0.045) atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Women with CHD had more obstetric (58.9% versus 32.9%,
P
<0.0001) and offspring events (35.4% versus 18.6%,
P
=0.008) than healthy women. Impaired UDF was associated with adverse obstetric and offspring outcome.

Conclusions—

UDF parameters are abnormal in pregnant women with CHD. Cardiovascular function is associated with an abnormal pattern of UDF. Compromised UDF may be a key factor in the high incidence of offspring and obstetric complications in this population.
Robotic Identification of Kinesthetic Deficits After Stroke
Authors: Semrau Jennifer A. , Herter Troy M. , Scott Stephen H. , Dukelow Sean P.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Kinesthesia, the sense of body motion, is essential to proper control and execution of movement. Despite its importance for activities of daily living, no current clinical measures can objectively measure kinesthetic deficits. The goal of this study was to use robotic technology to quantify prevalence and severity of kinesthetic deficits of the upper limb poststroke.

Methods—

Seventy-four neurologically intact subjects and 113 subjects with stroke (62 left-affected, 51 right-affected) performed a robot-based kinesthetic matching task with vision occluded. The robot moved the most affected arm at a preset speed, direction, and magnitude. Subjects were instructed to mirror-match the movement with their opposite arm (active arm).

Results—

A large number of subjects with stroke were significantly impaired on measures of kinesthesia. We observed impairments in ability to match movement direction (69% and 49% impaired for left- and right-affected subjects, respectively) and movement magnitude (42% and 31%). We observed impairments to match movement speed (32% and 27%) and increased response latencies (48% and 20%). Movement direction errors and response latencies were related to clinical measures of function, motor recovery, and dexterity.

Conclusions—

Using a robotic approach, we found that 61% of acute stroke survivors (n=69) had kinesthetic deficits. Additionally, these deficits were highly related to existing clinical measures, suggesting the importance of kinesthesia in day-to-day function. Our methods allow for more sensitive, accurate, and objective identification of kinesthetic deficits after stroke. With this information, we can better inform clinical treatment strategies to improve poststroke rehabilitative care and outcomes.
Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable
Authors: Saver Jeffrey L. , Jovin Tudor G. , Smith Wade S. , Albers Gregory W. ,   STAIR VIII writing committee members, Baron Jean-Claude , Boltze Johannes , Broderick Joseph P. , Davis Lisa A. , Demchuk Andrew M. , DeSena Salvatore , Fiehler Jens , Gorelick Philip B. , Hacke Werner , Holt Bill , Jahan Reza , Jing Hui , Khatri Pooja , Kidwell Chelsea S. , Lees Kennedy R. , Lev Michael H. , Liebeskind David S. , Luby Marie , Lyden Patrick , Megerian J. Thomas , Mocco J. , Muir Keith W. , Rowley Howard A. , Ruedy Richard M. , Savitz Sean I. , Sipelis Vitas J. , Shimp Samuel K. , Wechsler Lawrence R. , Wintermark Max , Wu Ona , Yavagal Dileep R. , Yoo Albert J.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

The goal of the Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) meetings is to advance the development of stroke therapies. At STAIR VIII, consensus recommendations were developed for clinical trial strategies to demonstrate the benefit of endovascular reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke.

Summary of Review—

Prospects for success with forthcoming endovascular trials are robust, because new neurothrombectomy devices have superior reperfusion efficacy compared with earlier-generation interventions. Specific recommendations are provided for trial designs in 3 populations: (1) patients undergoing intravenous fibrinolysis, (2) early patients ineligible for or having failed intravenous fibrinolysis, and (3) wake-up and other late-presenting patients. Among intravenous fibrinolysis–eligible patients, key principles are that CT or MRI confirmation of target arterial occlusions should precede randomization; endovascular intervention should be pursued with the greatest rapidity possible; and combined intravenous and neurothrombectomy therapy is more promising than neurothrombectomy alone. Among patients ineligible for or having failed intravenous fibrinolysis, scientific equipoise was affirmed and the need to randomize all eligible patients emphasized. Vessel imaging to confirm occlusion is mandatory, and infarct core and penumbral imaging is desirable in later time windows. Additional STAIR VIII recommendations include approaches to test multiple devices in a single trial, utility weighting of disability end points, and adaptive designs to delineate time and tissue injury thresholds at which benefits from intervention no longer accrue.

Conclusions—

Endovascular research priorities in acute ischemic stroke are to perform trials testing new, highly effective neuro thrombectomy devices rapidly deployed in patients confirmed to have target vessel occlusions.
General Upper Bounds on the Runtime of Parallel Evolutionary Algorithms*
Authors: Lässig Jörg , Sudholt Dirk
Published: November 2013

We present a general method for analyzing the runtime of parallel evolutionary algorithms with spatially structured populations. Based on the fitness-level method, it yields upper bounds on the expected parallel runtime. This allows for a rigorous estimate of the speedup gained by parallelization. Tailored results are given for common migration topologies: ring graphs, torus graphs, hypercubes, and the complete graph. Example applications for pseudo-Boolean optimization show that our method is easy to apply and that it gives powerful results. In our examples the performance guarantees improve with the density of the topology. Surprisingly, even sparse topologies such as ring graphs lead to a significant speedup for many functions while not increasing the total number of function evaluations by more than a constant factor. We also identify which number of processors lead to the best guaranteed speedups, thus giving hints on how to parameterize parallel evolutionary algorithms.
Low-Level Wind Maxima and Structure of the Stably Stratified Boundary Layer in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Mahrt L. , Vickers Dean , Andreas Edgar L
Published: November 2013

A Rutan Aircraft Factory Long-EZ aircraft flew numerous low-level slant soundings on two summer days in 2001 off the northeastern coast of the United States. The soundings are analyzed here to study the nonstationary vertical structure of the wind, temperature, and turbulence. An error analysis indicates that fluxes computed from the aircraft slant soundings are unreliable. The first day is characterized by a weakly stable boundary layer in onshore flow capped by an inversion. A low-level wind maximum formed at about 100 m above the sea surface. The second day is characterized by stronger stability due to advection of warm air from the upwind land surface. On this more stable day, the wind maxima are very sharp and the speed and height of the wind maxima increase with distance from the coast. Although trends in the vertical structure are weak, variations between subsequent soundings are large on time scales of tens of minutes or less. The vertical structure of the wind and turbulence is considerably more nonstationary than the temperature structure, although the existence of the wind maximum is persistent. Causes of the wind maxima and their variability are examined but are not completely resolved.
Stability and Charging Characteristics of the Comma Head Region of Continental Winter Cyclones
Authors: Rauber Robert M. , Wegman Joseph , Plummer David M. , Rosenow Andrew A. , Peterson Melissa , McFarquhar Greg M. , Jewett Brian F. , Leon David , Market Patrick S. , Knupp Kevin R. , Keeler Jason M. , Battaglia Steven M.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents analyses of the finescale structure of convection in the comma head of two continental winter cyclones and a 16-storm climatology analyzing the distribution of lightning within the comma head. A case study of a deep cyclone is presented illustrating how upper-tropospheric dry air associated with the dry slot can intrude over moist Gulf air, creating two zones of precipitation within the comma head: a northern zone characterized by deep stratiform clouds topped by generating cells and a southern zone marked by elevated convection. Lightning, when it occurred, originated from the elevated convection. A second case study of a cutoff low is presented to examine the relationship between lightning flashes and wintertime convection. Updrafts within convective cells in both storms approached 6–8 m s−1, and convective available potential energy in the cell environment reached approximately 50–250 J kg−1. Radar measurements obtained in convective updraft regions showed enhanced spectral width within the temperature range from −10° to −20°C, while microphysical measurements showed the simultaneous presence of graupel, ice particles, and supercooled water at the same temperatures, together supporting noninductive charging as an important charging mechanism in these storms.

A climatology of lightning flashes across the comma head of 16 winter cyclones shows that lightning flashes commonly occur on the southern side of the comma head where dry-slot air is more likely to overrun lower-level moist air. Over 90% of the cloud-to-ground flashes had negative polarity, suggesting the cells were not strongly sheared aloft. About 55% of the flashes were associated with cloud-to-ground flashes while 45% were in-cloud flashes.
Spatiotemporal Changes in Tornado Hazard Exposure: The Case of the Expanding Bull’s-Eye Effect in Chicago, Illinois
Authors: Ashley Walker S. , Strader Stephen , Rosencrants Troy , Krmenec Andrew J.
Published: November 2013

Exposure has amplified rapidly over the past half century and is one of the primary drivers of increases in disaster frequency and consequences. Previous research on exposure change detection has proven limited since the geographic units of aggregation for decennial censuses, the sole measure of accurate historical population and housing counts, vary from one census to the next. To address this shortcoming, this research produces a set of gridded population and housing data for the Chicago, Illinois, region to evaluate the concept of the “expanding bull’s-eye effect.” This effect argues that “targets”—people and their built environments—of geophysical hazards are enlarging as populations grow and spread. A collection of observationally derived synthetic violent tornadoes are transposed across fine-geographic-scale population and housing unit grids at different time stamps to appraise the concept. Results reveal that intensifying and expanding development is placing more people and their possessions in the potential path of tornadoes, increasing the likelihood of tornado disasters. The research demonstrates how different development morphologies lead to varying exposure rates that contribute to the unevenness of potential weather-related disasters across the landscape. In addition, the investigation appraises the viability of using a gridded framework for assessing changes in census-derived exposure data. The creation of uniformly sized grid data on a scale smaller than counties, municipalities, and conventional census geographic units addresses two of the most critical problems assessing historical changes in disaster frequencies and magnitudes—highly variable spatial units of exposure data and the mismatch between spatial scales of population/housing data and hazards.
The neurobiology of anorexia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Phillipou Andrea , Rossell Susan Lee , Castle David Jonathan
Published: November 2013

Objective:

Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques have enabled a better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of this paper was to summarise our current understanding of the neurobiology of AN.

Methods:

The literature was searched using the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar, and by additional hand searches through reference lists and specialist eating disorders journals. Relevant studies were included if they were written in English, only used human participants, had a specific AN group, used clinical populations of AN, group comparisons were reported for AN compared to healthy controls and not merely AN compared to other eating disorders or other psychiatric groups, and were not case studies.

Results:

The systematic review summarises a number of structural and functional brain differences which are reported in individuals with AN, including differences in neurotransmitter function, regional cerebral blood flow, glucose metabolism, volumetrics and the blood oxygen level dependent response.

Conclusion:

Several structural and functional differences have been reported in AN, some of which reverse and others which persist following weight restoration. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of AN, and further research in this field may provide new direction for the development of more effective treatments.
Buying Green Without Being Seen
Authors: van Dam Ynte K. , Fischer Arnout R. H.
Published: November 2013

Sustainable consumption is viewed as a social dilemma, in which individual rational choices lead to long-term collective harm. Construal level theory explains social dilemmas by the underlying conflict between psychologically distant and psychologically proximate goals, in which distant (sustainable) goals are relevant, but proximate goals determine actual choices. Identity theory suggests that a sustainable self-concept could increase the psychological proximity of, and thus explain, sustainable behavior. This is tested in two empirical studies in The Netherlands. The first study ( n = 229) shows that sustainable identity predicts sustainable preference, partly mediated by proximate self-confirmation motives. This mediation is moderated by sustainable identity. The second study ( n = 1,453 households) confirms that sustainable identity directly and indirectly influences the proximate determinance of sustainable attributes, and through this determinance sustainable product choice. Jointly these studies suggest that sustainable identity explains sustainable consumption as it provides a psychologically proximate motive to act sustainably.
Morphological Awareness Intervention With Kindergarteners and First and Second Grade Students From Low SES Homes
Authors: Apel Kenn , Diehm Emily
Published: November 2013

We investigated the efficacy of a morphological awareness intervention on the morphological awareness and reading skills of students from low-socioeconomic-status homes; we also examined whether the intervention was similarly effective for intervention students who differed in their initial morphological awareness abilities. The 8-week intervention was designed to increase awareness of affixes and the relations between base words and their inflected and derived forms for kindergarteners ( n = 27) and first- ( n = 22) and second-grade ( n = 26) students. Students randomly assigned to the small group intervention were provided instruction four times a week, 25 min a day, whereas students assigned to the control group received “business as usual.” Kindergarten and first- and second-grade students receiving the intervention showed statistically significant gains in morphological awareness with large effect sizes on most measures. Students in all three grades who received the intervention demonstrated nonsignificant gains in literacy abilities with null to small effect sizes. Further, students with low morphological awareness abilities at the onset of the study demonstrated similar gains from the intervention as their peers with typical morphological awareness abilities. Our results suggest that explicit morphological awareness instruction may produce gains of practical importance to young elementary students at risk for future literacy difficulties.
Parallel Paths to Enforcement
Authors: Coslovsky Salo V. , Locke Richard
Published: November 2013

In recent years, global corporations and national governments have been enacting a growing number of codes of conduct and public regulations to combat dangerous and degrading work conditions in global supply chains. At the receiving end of this activity, local producers must contend with multiple regulatory regimes, but it is unclear how these regimes interact and what results, if any, they produce. This article examines this dynamic in the sugar sector in Brazil. It finds that although private and public agents rarely communicate, let alone coordinate with one another, they nevertheless reinforce each other’s actions. Public regulators use their legal powers to outlaw extreme forms of outsourcing. Private auditors use the trust they command as company insiders to instigate a process of workplace transformation that facilitates compliance. Together, their parallel actions block the low road and guide targeted firms to a higher road in which improved labor standards are not only possible but even desirable.
Health Policy as Industrial Policy
Authors: Shadlen Kenneth C. , Fonseca Elize Massard da
Published: November 2013

In contrast to analyses that regard health policy and industrial policy as anathema to each other, either because an emphasis on health implies neglect of industry or because gains in industrialization come at the expense of health, we show positive synergies between the two realms. Government intervention into the health sector can catalyze interventions to promote industrial development in the pharmaceutical sector, which in turn can make health policies more effective. We focus on two pathways by which health policies can trigger industrial policies. A demand-driven pathway entails government commitments in health revealing weaknesses and deficiencies in pharmaceutical production, and thus inspiring efforts to build capabilities to stabilize the flow of drugs to the public sector. A regulation-induced pathway consists of sanitary policies revealing mismatches between what is required for firms to continue to participate in the market and pharmaceutical producers’ prevailing levels of capabilities, and government measures then being developed and deployed to address the mismatch. We demonstrate both pathways with the case of Brazil.
What Was Politics to the Denisovan?
Authors: Ferguson Kennan
Published: November 2013

What does it mean that humans were not the only hominin? Or, more importantly, what does it mean that other hominins held cultural, biological, and perhaps even linguistic equivalence to human beings? Drawing on mitochondrial DNA analyses, theories of deep history, and attention to the inhuman, this essay argues that such equivalence entails not only the reality of human/nonhuman genetic compatibility but the existence of politics in places and times without humans. Such a politics of non-humans would entail political and social forms playing a central role in the development of humanity. If politico-social experiences in the prehuman and non-human hominin communities actually affected behavior and practices, then the development of humanity is an effect of politics rather than a precondition for it.
What if the Pious Don’t Want to Deliberate?
Authors: Tampio Nicholas
Published: November 2013

What should political theorists do when they travel beyond the West and find that ordinary people do not want to reflect upon their political commitments? One option is to do rehabilitative political theory and argue that China and Egypt, say, already possess deliberative cultures. A second option is to maintain that China and Egypt favor different, and better, ideals than democratic deliberation. A third option, and the one that I endorse, is to promote Socratic ideals in universities around the world. As Plato recognized in the Republic, it is easier to teach students to love political debate than to change the habits of pious people such as Cephalus.
Assessing the Impact of Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) on Post-release Recidivism among Male Federal Correctional Inmates in Canada
Authors: Macswain Mary-Ann , Farrell-MacDonald Shanna , Cheverie Madelon , Fischer Benedikt
Published: November 2013

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) can benefit post-release outcomes for correctional populations with opioid dependence, yet few outcome data exist for Canada. This retrospective study examined return to custody (RTC) outcomes following correctional release among three samples of male federal offenders with problematic opioid use ( n = 856): offenders who continued MMT post-release (MMT-C) and offenders who discontinued MMT post-release (MMT-T) after being initiated on correctional MMT, and a non-MMT treated control group (MMT-N). MMT status was determined by community-based urinalysis; administrative data were used for outcomes. While the rate of continued MMT was lower, the MMT-C group had a 36% lower risk of RTC than the MMT-N group; RTC risk was not significantly different between the MMT-T and the MMT-N groups. Continuous MMT for correctional offenders with opioid dependence appears to be related to decreased post-release recidivism, and thus to social reintegration outcomes. Better understanding and improvement of corrections-to-community transition dynamics concerning MMT are required.
Using the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 on a Community Sample of African American and Latino/a Juvenile Offenders to Identify Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Needs
Authors: Coker Kendell L. , Wernsman Jamie , Ikpe Uduakobong N. , Brooks Jeannie S. , Bushell Lynn L. , Kahn Barbara A.
Published: November 2013

The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 (MAYSI-2) is a brief screening tool used to identify youth in the juvenile justice system who are at-risk of mental-health-related difficulties. The MAYSI-2 was administered to 5,205 African American and Latino/a youth throughout Chicago, Illinois, who were on probation and residing in the community. This study investigated differences (i.e., legal status, gender, age, race/ethnicity) in reporting of mental health symptoms and substance use on the MAYSI-2. Females scored above the clinical cutoffs more frequently than males, and there were few differences found between diverted and adjudicated youth. Age comparisons revealed mixed results. Overall, youth in the current sample scored above the clinical cutoffs less often than youth in the MAYSI-2 norm reference groups. Nonetheless, during the first phase of this study, the MAYSI-2 demonstrated effectiveness by accurately identifying a substantial portion of youth in need of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment.