bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Analysis of HER2 Signaling in Human Breast Cancer by Functional Protein Pathway Activation Mapping
Authors: Wulfkuhle Julia D. , Berg Daniela , Wolff Claudia , Langer Rupert , Tran Kai , Illi Julie , Espina Virginia , Pierobon Mariaelena , Deng Jianghong , DeMichele Angela , Walch Axel , Bronger Holger , Becker Ingrid , Waldhör Christine , Höfler Heinz , Esserman Laura ,   on behalf of the I-SPY 1 TRIAL Investigators, Liotta Lance A. , Becker Karl-Friedrich , Petricoin Emanuel F.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: Targeting of the HER2 protein in human breast cancer represents a major advance in oncology but relies on measurements of total HER2 protein and not HER2 signaling network activation. We used reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPMA) to measure total and phosphorylated HER2 in the context of HER family signaling to understand correlations between phosphorylated and total levels of HER2 and downstream signaling activity.

Experimental Design: Three independent study sets, comprising a total of 415 individual patient samples from flash-frozen core biopsy samples and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) surgical and core samples, were analyzed via RPMA. The phosphorylation and total levels of the HER receptor family proteins and downstream signaling molecules were measured in laser capture microdissected (LCM) enriched tumor epithelium from 127 frozen pretreatment core biopsy samples and whole-tissue lysates from 288 FFPE samples and these results were compared with FISH and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: RPMA measurements of total HER2 were highly concordant (>90% all sets) with FISH and/or IHC data, as was phosphorylation of HER2 in the FISH/IHC+ population. Phosphorylation analysis of HER family signaling identified HER2 activation in some FISH/IHC− tumors and, identical to that seen with FISH/IHC+ tumors, the HER2 activation was concordant with EGF receptor (EGFR) and HER3 phosphorylation and downstream signaling endpoint activation.

Conclusions: Molecular profiling of HER2 signaling of a large cohort of human breast cancer specimens using a quantitative and sensitive functional pathway activation mapping technique reveals IHC−/FISH−/pHER2+ tumors with HER2 pathway activation independent of total HER2 levels and functional signaling through HER3 and EGFR. Clin Cancer Res; 18(23); 6426–35. ©2012 AACR.
Mutation Profiling and Microsatellite Instability in Stage II and III Colon Cancer: An Assessment of Their Prognostic and Oxaliplatin Predictive Value
Authors: Gavin Patrick G. , Colangelo Linda H. , Fumagalli Debora , Tanaka Noriko , Remillard Matthew Y. , Yothers Greg , Kim Chungyeul , Taniyama Yusuke , Kim Seung Il , Choi Hyun Joo , Blackmon Nicole L. , Lipchik Corey , Petrelli Nicholas J. , O'Connell Michael J. , Wolmark Norman , Paik Soonmyung , Pogue-Geile Kay L.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prognostic and oxaliplatin predictive value of mismatch repair (MMR) status and common hot spot mutations, which we previously identified in stage II and III colon cancer.

Experimental Design: Mutations in BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, MET, and PIK3CA were profiled in 2,299 stage II and III colon tumors from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) clinical trials C-07 (n = 1,836) and C-08 (n = 463) with Type Plex chemistry and mass spectrometry. C-07 tested the worth of adding oxaliplatin to 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin, and C-08 tested the worth of adding bevacizumab to FOLFOX. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess prognostic or oxaliplatin predictive value of mutations for tumor recurrence, overall survival (OS), and survival after recurrence (SAR).

Results: BRAF mutations were associated with MMR-deficient tumors (P < 0.0001), poor OS [HR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20–1.79; P ≤ 0.0002], and poor SAR (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.83–2.95; P < 0.0001). Mutations in KRAS, NRAS, MET, and PIK3CA were not associated with recurrence, OS, or SAR. MMR-deficient tumors were associated with an improved prognosis based on recurrence (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33–0.70; P < 0.0001). Mutations and MMR status were not predictive for oxaliplatin benefit.

Conclusions: This study shows that BRAF mutations profiled from stage II and III colon cancer tumors were associated with poor SAR and validates and explains, at least in part, previous observations associating it with poor OS. Profiling of all of these mutations is warranted for future clinical trials testing new targeted therapies that block relevant signaling pathways. Such clinical trials are under development at NSABP. Clin Cancer Res; 18(23); 6531–41. ©2012 AACR.
First-Degree Relatives of Colorectal Cancer Patients Are Likely to Show Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia despite a Negative Fecal Immunochemical Test
Authors: Cha Jae Myung , Lee Joung Il , Joo Kwang Ro , Shin Hyun Phil , Park Jae Jun , Jeun Jung Won , Lim Jun Uk
Published: October 2012

Background/Aims: Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an integral component of most colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. However, little is known about clinical risk factors associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRN) despite negative FIT results. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical predictors of advanced CRN despite negative FIT results. Methods: We performed FITs for asymptomatic subjects ≥50 years from January 2009 to December 2010. Patients who underwent colonoscopy for a medical check-up, despite a negative FIT result, were included to evaluate the clinical predictors of advanced CRN based on colonoscopy. Results: During the study period, 373 subjects underwent screening colonoscopy despite their negative FIT results. Among those 373 subjects, 356 (95.4%) did not show any advanced CRNs; however, 17 (4.6%) subjects showed advanced CRNs on their colonoscopies despite negative FIT results. Being a first-degree relative of a CRC patient was significantly associated with advanced CRNs in univariate analysis (p = 0.031). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a first-degree relative of a CRC patient was a significant predictor of advanced CRNs despite negative FIT results (OR 7.33; 95% CI, 0.53–35.08; p = 0.013). Conclusion: First-degree relatives of CRC patients are likely to show advanced CRNs despite a negative FIT.
Renal Biopsy Findings of Patients Presenting with Isolated Hematuria: Disease Associations
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Peng Youming , Liu Hong , Liu Yinghong , Yuan Shuguang , Liu Fuyou , Yang Danyi , Chen Xian , He Liyu , Fu Min , Shao Jing , Yang Lijun
Published: October 2012

Background: Most nephrologists have believed that patients with isolated hematuria (IH) generally do not require treatment and have a good prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the pathological characteristics and emphasize the importance of renal biopsy for patients with IH. Methods: The pathological characteristics of 90 patients with IgA nephropathy confirmed by renal biopsy and presenting with IH were reviewed. We analyzed their pathological features according to the Oxford classification by using light and immunofluorescence. Results: Total samples included 68 females and 22 males. The age of onset with IH focuses on 20–30 years. At presentation, the focal and/or segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the most frequent diagnosis (52.22%). The distribution of hematuria focused on 20–40 thousand. 46.67% of cases had global glomerulosclerosis which excluded the physical glomerular sclerosis, and the incidence of crescent formation was 24.44%. However, the proportion of glomerular sclerosis was mainly concentrated in less than 10%. Direct immunofluorescence showed simple IgA deposition was the most common (43.33%). 46.67% of patients had accompanying complement deposition, and 92.89% had complement 3 deposition. According to the Oxford classification, M1S₀E₀T₀ accounted for 53.33%. The incidence of M, S, E, and T was 100, 30, 14.44, and 22.22% respectively. 46.67% of patients included two or more pathological lesions. Conclusions: FSGS played an important role in patients with IgA nephropathy who presented with IH. For those patients, renal biopsy was a valuable diagnostic tool and should be offered in clinical settings to provide them with maximal potential benefits.
CD4+ T Lymphocytes, Especially Th2 Cells, Contribute to the Progress of Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Lili , Kou Pei , Zeng Qiao , Pei Guangchang , Li Yueqiang , Liang Huifang , Xu Gang , Chen Sheng
Published: October 2012

Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the final common stage of renal failure. CD4+ T lymphocyte recruitment and activation after injury could be the very important early event that mediates the onset of renal fibrogenesis. But the role of CD4+ T lymphocytes in renal fibrosis is controversial and its cellular mechanism needs to be further investigated. Methods: Biopsy specimens were from patients with minimal-change or IgA nephropathy. Mouse renal fibrosis was induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). CD4+ T lymphocytes of wild BALB/c mice were depleted with anti-CD4 antibody. BALB/c Nu/Nu mice were reconstituted with polarized Th1 or Th2 cells by tail vein injection. Results: Our study demonstrated that massive CD4+ T lymphocytes infiltrated fibrotic kidneys of patients. The depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes inhibited UUO-induced mouse renal fibrosis. In the process of UUO-induced renal fibrosis, the ratios of Th2/Th1 increased with time. Results have also shown that Th2-reconstituted mice developed renal fibrosis more easily than Th1-reconstituted mice, which manifested by interstitial expansion and collagen deposition, higher expression of α-SMA and vimentin and increased expression of fibronectin, TGF-β and collagen I. We also found that CD4+ T cells from Th1-reconstitued mice tended to secrete IL-4 and IL-13 Th2-like cytokines. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study demonstrated the importance of CD4+ T lymphocytes in renal fibrosis and gave the first direct evidence that Th2 cells play a pivotal role in UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Inhibition of CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation to Th2 would be a potential therapeutic intervention to prevent renal fibrosis.
Retinal Microvasculature as a Model to Study the Manifestations of Hypertension
Authors: Cheung Carol Yim-lui , Ikram M. Kamran , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Wong Tien Yin
Published: October 2012

The retinal vasculature allows direct noninvasive visualization of the body’s mircrovasculature. Because the retina and other end organs (brain and kidney) share similar anatomical features and physiological properties, the retinal vessels offer a unique and easily accessible window to study the health and disease of the human microcirculation. Advanced retinal vascular imaging technologies have been developed to allow a more objective and precise assessment of retinal vascular changes. The changes in the retinal vasculature associated with hypertension can be broadly divided into 3 groups: (1) classic retinal vascular changes in response to blood pressure (referred to as hypertensive retinopathy signs), (2) changes in retinal vascular caliber, and (3) changes in more global geometrical patterns of the retina. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the relationship between retinal vascular changes and blood pressure, the evidence for the retinal vasculature as a biological model to study the manifestation and early pathogenic correlates of hypertension, the latest advances in retinal vascular imaging technologies, and the future opportunities and challenges of retinal vascular imaging. We suggest that further development of retinal vascular analyses and standardized measurement protocols, evaluation of the clinical use of retinal vascular imaging in assessing cardiovascular risk prediction, and using retinal vascular imaging to test antihypertensive treatments will allow the translation of retinal vascular imaging as a tool to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of hypertension in clinical practice.
Association Between Ambulatory 24-Hour Blood Pressure Levels and Brain Volume Reduction
Authors: Celle Sébastien , Annweiler Cédric , Pichot Vincent , Bartha Robert , Barthélémy Jean-Claude , Roche Frédéric , Beauchet Olivier
Published: October 2012

Previous literature has shown mixed results regarding the association between blood pressure levels and brain volume reduction. The objectives of this study were to determine whether high blood pressure levels were associated with focal brain volume reduction and whether high blood pressure-related focal brain volume reduction was associated with a decline in executive function performance. On the basis of a cross-sectional design, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements, as well as brain morphology from 3-dimensional magnetic resonance images, were assessed among 183 participants (mean, 65±0.6 years; 62.4% women). Average levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as dip, pulse pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure, were used as outcomes. Cortical gray and white matter volumes were determined by automatic calculation using Statistical Parametric Mapping segmentation. Folstein’s Mini-Mental State Examination, digit span, part B of Trail Making, and Stroop tests were used to assess executive function performance. Sex, use of antihypertensive drugs, duration of hypertension, leukoaraiosis, body mass index, education level, and total brain matter volume were used as potential confounders. A significant blood pressure-related decrease in gray matter volume of the left supplementary motor areas (Brodmann area 6) and of the left superior and middle frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 8) was shown. No significant decrease was found with white matter volume. Blood pressure-related decreases in gray matter volume were significantly associated with a decline in executive function performance. The association of high blood pressure with brain volume reduction may in part explain blood pressure-related cognitive decline leading to dementia.
Central Angiotensin-(1–7) Improves Vagal Function Independent of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive (mRen2)27 Rats
Authors: Nautiyal Manisha , Shaltout Hossam A. , de Lima Daniel C. , do Nascimento Kenia , Chappell Mark C. , Diz Debra I.
Published: October 2012

Hypertensive transgenic (mRen2)27 rats with overexpression of the mRen2 gene have impaired baroreflex sensitivity for heart rate control and high nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and kinase-to-phosphatase signaling activity in medullary tissue compared with normotensive Hannover Sprague-Dawley control rats. They also exhibit insulin resistance at a young age. To determine whether blocking angiotensin II actions, supplementing angiotensin-(1–7), or scavenging reactive oxygen species in brain differentially alters mean arterial pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, or metabolic function, while altering medullary signaling pathways in these animals, we compared intracerebroventricular infusions of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist candesartan (4 μg/5 μL/h), angiotensin-(1–7) (0.1 μg/5 μL/h), a reactive oxygen species scavenger tempol (25 μg/5 μL/h), or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (5 μL/h) for 2 weeks. Mean arterial pressure was reduced in candesartan-treated rats without significantly improving the vagal components of baroreflex function or heart rate variability. In contrast, angiotensin-(1–7) treatment significantly improved the vagal components of baroreflex function and heart rate variability at a dose that did not significantly lower mean arterial pressure. Tempol significantly reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity in brain dorsal medullary tissue but had no effect on mean arterial pressure or autonomic function. Candesartan tended to reduce fat mass, but none of the treatments significantly altered indices of metabolic function or mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in dorsal medulla. Although additional dose response studies are necessary to determine the potential maximal effectiveness of each treatment, the current findings demonstrate that blood pressure and baroreflex function can be essentially normalized independently of medullary nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase or mitogen-activated protein kinase in hypertensive (mRen2)27 rats.
Unique Blood Pressure Characteristics in Mother and Offspring After Early Onset Preeclampsia
Authors: Lazdam Merzaka , de la Horra Arancha , Diesch Jonathan , Kenworthy Yvonne , Davis Esther , Lewandowski Adam J. , Szmigielski Cezary , Shore Angela , Mackillop Lucy , Kharbanda Rajesh , Alp Nicholas , Redman Christopher , Kelly Brenda , Leeson Paul
Published: October 2012

Risk of hypertension in mother and offspring after preeclampsia is greater if preeclampsia develops early in pregnancy. We investigated whether those who develop early onset disease have unique adverse blood pressure characteristics. One hundred forty women were studied 6 to 13 years either after a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia (45 women with early onset preeclampsia before 34 weeks gestation and 45 women with late-onset preeclampsia) or after a normotensive pregnancy (50 women). Forty-seven offspring from these pregnancies also participated. Data on maternal antenatal and postnatal blood pressures were extracted from maternity records and related to peripheral, central, and ambulatory blood pressure measurements in later life. Compared with late-onset preeclampsia, early onset preeclampsia was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure 6 weeks postnatally (86.25±13.46 versus 75.00±5.00 mm Hg,
P
<0.05), a greater increase in blood pressure relative to booking blood pressure over the subsequent 6 to 13 years, and higher nocturnal systolic and diastolic blood pressures in later life (111.07±13.18 versus 101.13±11.50 mm Hg,
P
=0.04, and 67.00±7.25 versus 58.60±5.79 mm Hg,
P
=0.002). Furthermore, at age 6 to 13 years their offspring had higher systolic blood pressure compared with those born to late-onset preeclampsia (96.27±7.30 versus 88.39±7.57 mm Hg,
P
=0.005). Mothers who developed early onset preeclampsia, and the offspring of that pregnancy display specific adverse blood pressure characteristics later in life. These are not evident in mothers and offspring after late-onset preeclampsia or normotensive pregnancy.
Influence of Growth During Infancy on Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilatation at the Age of 6 Months
Authors: Touwslager Robbert N.H. , Gerver Willem-Jan M. , Tan Frans E.S. , Gielen Marij , Zeegers Maurice P. , Zimmermann Luc J. , Houben Alfons J.H.M. , Blanco Carlos E. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Mulder Antonius L.M.
Published: October 2012

Low birth weight and accelerated infant growth are associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Endothelial dysfunction is regarded as a precursor of atherosclerosis and is also related to infant growth. We aimed to examine whether an association between infant growth and endothelial function is already present during discrete periods of growth during the first 6 months of life in healthy term infants. A cohort of 104 newborns was studied in the first week after birth and reexamined at the age of 6 months. Maximum vasodilatation in response to acetylcholine (endothelium dependent) and nitroprusside (endothelium independent) was measured in the vasculature of the forearm skin, using laser Doppler flowmetry and iontophoresis. Growth was calculated as difference in
Z
scores for weight, length, weight-for-length, and head circumference. Multivariable multilevel linear regression was used for the analysis. Growth from 0 to 1 month (calculated as difference in weight) was the only window in the first 6 months of life that was significantly and inversely associated with endothelium-dependent vasodilatation at 6 months (
b
=−11.72 perfusion units per
Z
score,
P
=0.01 in multivariable analysis). Birth size was not important when considered simultaneously with infant growth. Maximum endothelium-independent vasodilatation was not associated with birth size or growth parameters. We conclude that growth in the first month of life is inversely associated with endothelium-dependent vasodilatation at the age of 6 months in healthy term infants, regardless of birth size.
Brain-Mediated Dysregulation of the Bone Marrow Activity in Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Jun Joo Yun , Zubcevic Jasenka , Qi Yanfei , Afzal Aqeela , Carvajal Jessica Marulanda , Thinschmidt Jeffrey S. , Grant Maria B. , Mocco J. , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: October 2012

Oxidative stress in the brain is implicated in increased sympathetic drive, inflammatory status, and vascular dysfunctions, associated with development and establishment of hypertension. However, little is known about the mechanism of this impaired brain-vascular communication. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increased oxidative stress in the brain cardioregulatory areas, such as the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, is driven by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and leads to increased inflammatory cells (ICs) and decreased/dysfunctional endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), thereby compromising vasculature repair and accelerating hypertension. Chronic angiotensin II infusion resulted in elevated blood pressure and sympathetic vasomotor drive, decreased spontaneous baroreflex gain, and increased microglia activation in the paraventricular nucleus. This was associated with 46% decrease in bone marrow (BM)-derived EPCs and 250% increase in BM ICs, resulting in 5-fold decrease of EPC/IC ratio in the BM. Treatment with mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, a scavenger of mitochondrial O
2
−·
, intracerebroventricularly but not subcutaneously attenuated angiotensin II–induced hypertension, decreased activation of microglia in the paraventricular nucleus, and normalized EPCs/ICs. This functional communication between the brain and BM was confirmed by retrograde neuronal labeling from the BM with green fluorescent protein–tagged pseudorabies virus. Administration of green fluorescent protein–tagged pseudorabies virus into the BM resulted in predominant labeling of paraventricular nucleus neurons within 3 days, with some fluorescence in the nucleus tractus solitarius, the rostral ventrolateral medulla, and subfornical organ. Taken together, these data demonstrate that inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species attenuates angiotensin II–induced hypertension and corrects the imbalance in EPCs/ICs in the BM. They suggest that an imbalance in vascular reparative and ICs may perpetuate vascular pathophysiology in this model of hypertension.
Lectin-like Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 (LOX-1) and Cardiac Fibroblast Growth
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Khaidakov Magomed , Ding Zufeng , Mitra Sona , Lu Jingjun , Dai Yao , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: October 2012

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) regulates growth of a variety of cells and is important in inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling. Recent studies show that LOX-1 deletion limits cardiac remodeling after sustained hypertension. We posited that LOX-1 may affect cardiac fibroblast growth and collagen secretion. To examine this postulate, we studied growth pattern of cardiac fibroblasts from hearts of wild-type and LOX-1 knockout (KO) mice. LOX-1 KO fibroblasts exhibited dramatically reduced growth when compared with wild-type mice fibroblasts and became much larger than wild-type mice fibroblasts in serial cultures, suggesting arrest of cell division. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that cell division control protein 42, a key regulator for cell division, was markedly downregulated in LOX-1 KO fibroblasts. The cytoskeletal organization in these fibroblasts was significantly altered in strand orientation, and some fibroblasts were completely devoid of F-actin. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase expression and generation of reactive oxygen species, as well as cell proliferation signals serine/threonine-specific protein kinase and murine double minute 2, were significantly reduced in LOX-1 KO fibroblasts. To confirm the essential role of LOX-1 in fibroblast growth, LOX-1 KO fibroblasts were transfected with h-LOX-1 cDNA. After transfection, the altered pattern of cytoskeletal organization, as well as expression of cell division control protein 42, serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, and murine double minute 2, was normalized. In congruent with these in vitro data, we found that the cardiac fibroblast number and expression of fibronectin and procoallagen-1/collagen were significantly lower in hypertensive LOX-1 KO mice hearts than in hypertensive wild-type mice hearts subjected to sustained hypertension (angiotensin II infusion). These findings implicate LOX-1 in cytoskeletal organization and growth of cardiac fibroblasts.
China's Inflation: Demand-Pull or Cost-Push?
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing
Published: October 2012

This paper studies the determinants of China's inflation and finds that demand-pull factors have been more important than cost-push factors in driving the inflation in the past decade. Because China's economic growth will gradually moderate and because the adjustment of the prices of the factors of production is also underway, the cost-push factors may soon play a more significant role in driving future inflation. Thus the Keynesian-style demand-side policy will not be enough to control inflation. More attention must now be given to supply-side management—such as dismantling monopolies, boosting private investment, encouraging innovation, and improving productivity—to mitigate the medium- to long-term inflation pressure.
Two Concepts of Liberty: U.S. Cold War Grand Strategies and the Liberal Tradition
Authors: Green Brendan Rittenhouse
Published: October 2012

Contrary to conventional accounts, the United States did not immediately adopt a set of sweeping commitments to Europe after World War II. Instead, it pursued a buck-passing strategy until the early 1960s that sought to craft Western Europe into an independent pole of power capable of balancing the Soviet Union largely without the assistance of the United States, thereby facilitating the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the continent. Only under President John F. Kennedy did the United States adopt a balancing strategy, making permanent forward commitments to the defense of Europe. A new theory of liberal ideas and foreign policy explains this shift. “Negative liberals,” who see freedom in terms of opportunity and minimal state intervention, adopted a buck-passing strategy to pass the costs of foreign policy to other actors and minimize state intrusion at home. “Positive liberals,” who see freedom as the exercise of capabilities and often welcome state intervention, had no such compunctions. Starting with Kennedy, positive liberals welcomed firmer balancing commitments in part as a measure to protect the liberal regimes that had emerged in Western Europe after World War II.
Just War Moral Philosophy and the 2008–09 Israeli Campaign in Gaza
Authors: Slater Jerome
Published: October 2012

The 2008–09 Israeli military campaign in Gaza, commonly known as Operation Cast Lead, is best understood in the context of Israel's “iron wall” strategy. During the 1930s, the strategy emphasized the need for overwhelming military power to break Arab resistance to the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine; since the creation of Israel in 1948, it has continued to be at the core of Israeli policies in the overall Arab-Israeli conflict. From the outset, the strategy has included attacks on civilians and their crucial infrastructures. Such attacks violate the just war moral principles of discrimination and noncombatant immunity. In addition, Cast Lead violated the just war principles of just cause and last resort, which state that wars must have a just cause and even then must be undertaken only after nonviolent and political alternatives have failed. Israel did not have a just cause in 2008–09, because its primary purpose was to crush resistance to its continuing de facto occupation and repression of Gaza. Further, Israel refused to explore the genuine possibility that Hamas was amenable to a two-state political settlement. Thus, the iron wall strategy and Operation Cast Lead, in particular, have been political as well as moral failures, undermining rather than serving Israel's genuine long-term security needs.
China's Fear of Contagion: Tiananmen Square and the Power of the European Example
Authors: Sarotte M.E.
Published: October 2012

The Tiananmen Square massacre of June 1989 remains a taboo topic in the People's Republic of China (PRC); the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) still detains participants and suppresses online, popular, and scholarly discussions of it. The twentieth anniversary of the end of the transatlantic Cold War, however, saw the release of new sources from high-level contacts between the CCP and foreign leaders. These new sources, combined with older ones, show the extent to which Chinese political leaders were obsessed with the democratic changes in Eastern Europe and were willing to take violent action to prevent similar events on their territory. This obsession has received mention from a few scholars, but until now it has played too small a role in the current understanding of Tiananmen. New evidence documents that one of the main motivations for the CCP in deploying the army in June 1989—on the same day as semi-free elections in Poland—was its desire to combat possible contagion from the events in Europe. These sources also show that the CCP knew it had little to fear from reprisals by the United States, which it predicted would take “no real countermeasures.”
Effectiveness of the KLD Social Ratings as a Measure of Workforce Diversity and Corporate Governance
Authors: Kang Jingoo
Published: October 2012

This article examines how well the Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini Research & Analytics (KLD) ratings measure past corporate social performance and predict future corporate social performance in Diversity and Governance categories. The results show that the KLD ratings effectively measure (past) and predict (future) social performance in both categories. The results also suggest that the KLD ratings may identify differences in the quality of management and firm which can affect future social performance and is not entirely explained by past social performance. The findings of this study lend some support for empirical studies relying on the KLD ratings to operationalize corporate social performance. The findings suggest that users of the ratings need to have a clear understanding of what information they are seeking from the KLD ratings in order to maximize the utility of these ratings.
Polity scale shifts in world-systems since the Bronze Age: A comparative inventory of upsweeps and collapses
Authors: Inoue Hiroko , Álvarez Alexis , Lawrence Kirk , Roberts Anthony , Anderson Eugene N , Chase-Dunn Christopher
Published: October 2012

In this article we report an inventory of cycles, upward sweeps and collapses of polity sizes in five separate interpolity systems: Mesopotamia, Egypt, South Asia, East Asia and the expanding Central System that eventually became the contemporary global system. Upward sweeps are defined as instances in which the largest sovereign polity in a network of fighting and allying polities significantly increases in size. Collapses are instances in which the size of the largest polity greatly decreases and stays down for a significant period of time (centuries). We use regional interpolity systems rather than single polities as the unit of analysis, following the comparative world-systems framework. We are limited to those regions and time periods for which quantitative estimates of largest polity sizes are available. We compare the frequencies of cycles and sweeps across five interpolity networks, and find more similarities than differences across the five systems. This is somewhat surprising because most studies that compare East Asia with the West stress important differences. We find a total of 22 upsweeps and 19 downsweeps across the five systems, but only three instances of prolonged system-wide collapse. We also find that the frequency of cycles increased over the long run, while the frequencies of upsweeps and downsweeps did not display long-term trends. The lack of a downward trend in downsweeps challenges the supposition that resilience grows with sociocultural complexity and size.
Adverse childhood experiences among women prisoners: Relationships to suicide attempts and drug abuse
Authors: Friestad Christine , Åse-Bente Rustad , Kjelsberg Ellen
Published: October 2012

Background:

Women prisoners are known to suffer from an accumulation of factors known to increase the risk for several major health problems. This study examines the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and the relationship between such experiences and suicide attempts and drug use among incarcerated women in Norway.

Methods:

A total of 141 women inmates (75% of all eligible) were interviewed using a structured interview guide covering information on demographics and a range of ACE related to abuse and neglect, and household dysfunction. The main outcome variables were attempted suicide and adult drug abuse.

Results:

Emotional, physical and sexual abuse during childhood was experienced by 39%, 36% and 19%, respectively, and emotional and physical neglect by 31% and 33%, respectively. Looking at the full range of ACE, 17% reported having experienced none, while 34% reported having experienced more than five ACEs. After controlling for age, immigrant background and marital status, the number of ACEs significantly increased the risk of attempted suicide and current drug abuse.

Conclusion:

The associations observed between early life trauma and later health risk behaviour indicate the need for early prevention. The findings also emphasize the important role of prison health services in secondary prevention among women inmates.
Shaping a new society: Immigration, integration, and schooling in Germany
Authors: Wegmann Kate M.
Published: October 2012

Germany’s immigrant population has dramatically increased since World War II, bringing a new need for immigrant-centered policies and programs. How has Germany responded to the needs of its growing immigrant population? This article provides brief historical highlights of German immigration policy, with a focus on how policies have affected education and academic achievement. Implications of such policies for social work practice are discussed, and recommendations for ways in which social workers can take an active role in fostering integration of immigrant families into German society are offered.
Nano Hydroxyapatite-coated Implants Improve Bone Nanomechanical Properties
Authors: Jimbo R. , Coelho P.G. , Bryington M. , Baldassarri M. , Tovar N. , Currie F. , Hayashi M. , Janal M.N. , Andersson M. , Ono D. , Vandeweghe S. , Wennerberg A.
Published: October 2012

Nanostructure modification of dental implants has long been sought as a means to improve osseointegration through enhanced biomimicry of host structures. Several methods have been proposed and demonstrated for creating nanotopographic features; here we describe a nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implant surface and hypothesize that it will hasten osseointegration and improve its quality relative to that of non-coated implants. Twenty threaded titanium alloy implants, half prepared with a stable HA nanoparticle surface and half grit-blasted, acid-etched, and heat-treated (HT), were inserted into rabbit femurs. Pre-operatively, the implants were morphologically and topographically characterized. After 3 weeks of healing, the samples were retrieved for histomorphometry. The nanomechanical properties of the surrounding bone were evaluated by nanoindentation. While both implants revealed similar bone-to-implant contact, the nanoindentation demonstrated that the tissue quality was significantly enhanced around the HA-coated implants, validating the postulated hypothesis.
Non-linear 3D Evaluation of Different Oral Implant-Abutment Connections
Authors: Streckbein P. , Streckbein R.G. , Wilbrand J.F. , Malik C.Y. , Schaaf H. , Howaldt H.P. , Flach M.
Published: October 2012

Micro-gaps and osseous overload in the implant-abutment connection are the most common causes of peri-implant bone resorption and implant failure. These undesirable events can be visualized on standardized three-dimensional finite element models and by radiographic methods. The present study investigated the influence of 7 available implant systems (Ankylos, Astra, Bego, Brånemark, Camlog, Straumann, and Xive) with different implant-abutment connections on bone overload and the appearance of micro-gaps in vitro. The individual geometries of the implants were transferred to three-dimensional finite element models. In a non-linear analysis considering the pre-loading of the occlusion screw, friction between the implant and abutment, the influence of the cone angle on bone strain, and the appearance of micro-gaps were determined. Increased bone strains were correlated with small (< 15°) cone angles. Conical implant-abutment connections efficiently avoided micro-gaps but had a negative effect on peri-implant bone strain. Bone strain was reduced in implants with greater wall thickness (Ankylos) or a smaller cone angle (Bego). The results of our in silico study provide a solid basis for the reduction of peri-implant bone strain and micro-gaps in the implant-abutment connection to improve long-term stability.
Investigation into the relationships between independent and dependent parameters in roller electrospinning of polyurethane
Authors: Cengiz-Çallıoǧlu Funda , Jirsak Oldrich , Dayik Mehmet
Published: October 2012

In this study, definitions and explanations of the relationships between selected independent and dependent parameters of roller electrospinning are introduced. We aimed to define and completely analyze new parameters, such as the number of Taylor cones per square meter, the spinning performance for one Taylor cone, total spinning performance, fiber diameter uniformity coefficient and non-fibrous area percentage. Also, new measurement methods were developed and explained to analyze these parameters. According to the experimental results, strong and significant relationships between independent and dependent parameters of roller electrospinning were found. These independent and dependent parameters were affected by varying the concentrations of polyurethane and tetraethylammoniumbromide (TEAB) salt. In particular, the spinnability of the polymer solution, which is the most important factor for the roller electrospinning method, significantly increased with the TEAB concentration. If the spinning performance is positive, a specific solution is spinnable. However, the solution is not spinnable if the spinning performance is zero.
Electrical properties and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of polyester yarns with polypyrrole deposition
Authors: Yildiz Z , Usta I , Gungor A
Published: October 2012

Polypyrrole was deposited on polyester yarns by vapour phase polymerization technique. Ferric chloride was used as an initiator. In order to determine the effect of the initiator concentration on polymerization process, four different initiator concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mol/l) were used. The effect of the initiator in terms of tensile properties, electrical resistivities and morphological properties of the yarns was investigated. The polypyrrole deposited polyester yarns were then weaved in a handloom to form fabric for the investigation of surface resistivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared analyses illustrated that polypyrrole has penetrated into the yarn structure and the highest polypyrrole deposition was obtained at the initiator concentration of 0.6 mol/l. Also, the highest electromagnetic shielding effectiveness value and the lowest surface resistivity were obtained at this concentration.
Comparison of woolen eco-friendly anti-felting treatment with classic anti-felting procedures
Authors: Mori Masukuni , Matsudaira Mitsuo
Published: October 2012

The development of an eco-friendly anti-felting treatment based on a calcium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide (Ca(ClO)2 + H2O2) system, the so-called MEFT (Mori Eco-friendly Treatment) process, is reported in this paper. This treatment is not new in the processing of wool; however, controlling the temperature and time gives rise to further effectiveness of the system, resulting in excellent anti-felting property, fabric handle, color intensity and whiteness. The relationship of the anti-felting and scale structure of Merino and Corriedale wool fabrics treated with the present system is discussed. Although the anti-felting effect was slightly lower than that of the chlorination treatment based on dichloroisocyanuric acid and NARS (improved new method of the Agricultural Research Service) treatment, the excellent handle characteristics of wool fabrics were retained. The anti-felting property, based on various other oxidative and non-oxidative treatments, was compared and the rank was obtained approximately in the following order: chlorination > NARS = MEFT > plasma > Caroat.
College-Going Benefits of High School Sports Participation
Authors: Shifrer Dara , Pearson Jennifer , Muller Chandra , Wilkinson Lindsey
Published: October 2012

The long touted athlete advantage in college enrollment has been tempered by assertions that this advantage is actually due to characteristics that precede participation. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the benefits of sports extend into contemporary times and apply equally to female and racial minority athletes. This study uses three nationally representative longitudinal data sets of students who were 10th graders in 1980, 1990, and 2002. We find that high school sports participation was positively associated with college enrollment, even with the utilization of propensity score modeling, for White boys and girls, Black boys, and Latino boys and girls during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. The most important gender and race differences include Black female athletes’ college-going disadvantage in the 1980s and 1990s, and girls’ persistently lower rates of high school sports participation than boys’.
Economic Impacts of a Carbon Tax on the Australian Tourism Industry
Authors: Dwyer Larry , Forsyth Peter , Spurr Ray , Hoque Serajul
Published: October 2012

The article assesses the potential economic effects on the Australian tourism industry from the introduction of a carbon tax introduced July 1, 2012. The tax is projected to lead to changes in key macroeconomic variables, reducing growth in real GDP, real consumption, and employment. Most tourism industries in Australia will experience a small but significant contraction in output relative to projected baseline values over the period to 2020 in line with a reduction in growth for the economy as a whole. A slightly larger reduction in tourism employment, relative to that of other Australian industries, is projected for the period. The largest falls occur in the Accommodation; Air and water transport; and the Cafes, restaurants and food outlets industries. Since direction of impacts on the tourism industry can be expected to be similar for any pricing scheme to reduce carbon emissions, the analysis has implications for tourism policy globally.
Synthesis and characterization of the cross-linked polyurethane–gum arabic blends obtained by multiacrylates cross-linking polymerization
Authors: Oprea Stefan , Oprea Veronica
Published: October 2012

This study evaluates the properties of the inter-cross-linked network of polyurethanes end-capped with multiacrylates groups and gum arabic blends obtained by a solution-mixing technique. The polyurethane acrylates have been synthesized from polytetramethylene ether glycol and 1,6-hexane diisocyanate with pentaerythritol triacrylate as the capping agent. Gum arabic 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% (by weight) was incorporated into the polyurethane acrylates matrix. The physical, thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated. Data obtained from mechanical studies indicated that the introduction of gum arabic (until 5%) into the cross-linked polyurethane acrylates matrix improved the breaking strain values. The addition of gum arabic in the polyurethane acrylates network matrix induced a decrease in the water contact angle and in the water–polymer blend surface tension. The atomic force microscopy micrographs of the surfaces of cross-linked polyurethane acrylates–gum arabic blend matrix show the presence of a heterogeneous morphology, and its average roughness increases at high content of gum arabic. Thus, polyurethane acrylates–gum arabic blends can be used to produce composite materials with increased content of natural raw materials and improved hydrophilic–hydrophobic properties for various applications.
Electrical and mechanical properties of aluminum-loaded NBR composites
Authors: Hassan H.H. , Nasr G.M. , El-Waily M.A.
Published: October 2012

The present work aims at studying the effect of adding aluminum (Al) powder at different concentrations as white fillers on the electrical and mechanical properties of the acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) vulcanizates. Tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by the addition of Al up to 150 phr; the experimental stress–strain results showed a good fitting with the general form proposed by Menges and Schmachtenberg ( Kunststoffe 1983; 73: 543–546; Kunststoffe 1987; 77: 289–292), Michaeli et al. ( Kunststoffe 1989; 79: 692–700). For most of the NBR composites, the Poole–Frenkel conduction mechanism was dominant at room temperature. The dielectric characteristics revealed a percolation threshold at 50 phr. Using Tsangaris et al. ( Mater Sci Tech 1996; 12(7): 533) model for all Al volume fractions of Al/NBR composites resulted in a good agreement between the calculated and the experimental values of the dielectric constant. Finally, a simple equivalent circuit model was successfully used to describe frequency dependence of both the dielectric constant and the AC electrical conductivity of Al/NBR composites.
Managing Infrastructure Projects in Australia
Authors: Alam Quamrul , Kabir Md Humayun , Chaudhri Vivek
Published: October 2012

Public private partnerships (PPPs) have evolved as a strategic response to public sector resource deficits and for pooling technical, managerial, and financial resources from the private sector. In this article, we identify the key factors necessary for a collaborative management strategy and analyze the structural and operational issues of two infrastructure projects in Australia. This article explains how a PPP offers a different set of strategic options to deal with complex micromanagement issues and argues that the success of PPPs depends on the processes and actions used to cocreate managerial social capital, building mutual trust by sharing risks, responsibilities, and experience.
Diversity and Citizen Participation
Authors: Bradbury Mark D. , Williams Marian R.
Published: October 2012

Juries rarely receive attention in public administration despite the explicitly “public” nature of their function and the determinative nature of their decision making. Applying the theoretical construct of public participation to jury decision making, we find that Black defendants are less likely to be convicted by juries composed of a higher percentage of Black jurors and are more likely to be convicted by juries composed of a higher percentage of White and Hispanic jurors. Thus, analysis of public participation must account for the relative inclusivity and diversity of participants as this will likely affect the output of the process. In short, diversity matters in public participation.