bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane Traffic Within the Golgi Apparatus
Authors: Glick Benjamin S. , Nakano Akihiko
Published: July 2009

Newly synthesized secretory cargo molecules pass through the Golgi apparatus while resident Golgi proteins remain in the organelle. However, the pathways of membrane traffic within the Golgi are still uncertain. Most of the available data can be accommodated by the cisternal maturation model, which postulates that Golgi cisternae form de novo, carry secretory cargoes forward and ultimately disappear. The entry face of the Golgi receives material that has been exported from transitional endoplasmic reticulum sites, and the exit face of the Golgi is intimately connected with endocytic compartments. These conserved features are enhanced by cell-type-specific elaborations such as tubular connections between mammalian Golgi cisternae. Key mechanistic questions remain about the formation and maturation of Golgi cisternae, the recycling of resident Golgi proteins, the origins of Golgi compartmental identity, the establishment of Golgi architecture, and the roles of Golgi structural elements in membrane traffic.
PPARδ-mediated p21/p27 induction via increased CREB-binding protein nuclear translocation in beraprost-induced antiproliferation of murine aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Sue Yuh-Mou , Chung Chih-Peng , Lin Heng , Chou Ying , Jen Chih-Yu , Li Hsiao-Fen , Chang Chih-Cheng , Juan Shu-Hui
Published: July 2009

We previously showed that an increase in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPARδ), together with subsequent induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by beraprost (BPS), inhibits aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation. Herein, we delineated the mechanisms of the antiproliferative effects of BPS through the induction of p21/p27. BPS concentration dependently induced the p21/p27 promoter- and consensus cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-driven luciferase activities, which were significantly suppressed by blocking PPARδ activation. Surprisingly, other than altering the CRE-binding protein (CREB), BPS-mediated PPARδ activation increased nuclear localization of the CREB-binding protein (CBP), a coactivator, which was further confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, novel functional PPAR-responsive elements (PPREs) next to CREs in the rat p21/p27 promoter regions were identified, where PPARδ interacted with CREB through CBP recruitment. BPS-mediated suppression of restenosis in mice with angioplasty was associated with p21/p27 induction. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that BPS-mediated PPARδ activation enhances transcriptional activation of p21/p27 by increasing CBP nuclear translocation, which contributes to the vasoprotective action of BPS.
Agonist-induced internalization and downregulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors
Authors: Finch Ann R. , Caunt Christopher J. , Armstrong Stephen P. , McArdle Craig A.
Published: July 2009

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts via seven transmembrane receptors to stimulate gonadotropin secretion. Sustained stimulation desensitizes GnRH receptor (GnRHR)-mediated gonadotropin secretion, and this underlies agonist use in hormone-dependent cancers. Since type I mammalian GnRHR do not desensitize, agonist-induced internalization and downregulation may underlie desensitization of GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion; however, research focus has recently shifted to anterograde trafficking, with the finding that human (h)GnRHR are mostly intracellular. Moreover, there is little direct evidence for agonist-induced trafficking of hGnRHR, and whether or not type I mammalian GnRHR show agonist-induced internalization is controversial. Here we use automated imaging to monitor expression and internalization of hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged hGnRHRs, mouse (m) GnRHR, Xenopus (X) GnRHRs, and chimeric receptors (hGnRHR with added XGnRHR COOH tails, h.XGnRHR) expressed by adenoviral transduction in HeLa cells. We find that agonists stimulate downregulation and/or internalization of mGnRHR and XGnRHR, that GnRH stimulates trafficking of hGnRHR and can stimulate internalization or downregulation of hGnRHR when steps are taken to increase cell surface expression (addition of the XGnRHR COOH tail or pretreatment with pharmacological chaperone). Agonist effects on internalization (of h.XGnRHR) and downregulation (of hGnRHR and h.XGnRHR) were not mimicked by a peptide antagonist and were prevented by a mutation that prevents GnRHR signaling, demonstrating dependence on receptor signaling as well as agonist occupancy. Thus agonist-induced internalization and downregulation of type I mammalian GnRHR occurs in HeLa cells, and we suggest that the high throughput imaging systems described here will facilitate study of the molecular mechanisms involved.
The effect of muscle phospholipid fatty acid composition on exercise performance: a direct test in the migratory white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Authors: Price Edwin R. , Guglielmo Christopher G.
Published: July 2009

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can have various effects on animal physiology through their roles as energy, structural, regulatory, and signaling molecules. Of recent interest has been the incorporation of dietary PUFA into muscle membranes as phospholipids, thereby potentially affecting exercise performance by mechanisms such as altered mitochondrial proton leak and membrane-bound protein activity. We first studied the effects of a high-ω6 PUFA diet vs. a high-ω3 PUFA diet on peak metabolic rate (PMR) in white-throated sparrows, and additionally measured mRNA expression of fatty acid transporters and the activity of major oxidative enzymes. Our experiment, thus, allowed a test of the “natural doping” hypothesis. With a simple diet manipulation, the two groups of sparrows diverged significantly in both muscle phospholipid composition and adipose triacylglycerol composition. The high-ω6 sparrows achieved higher PMR without a change in enzyme activity or transporter expression. We then fed sparrows the 2 diets, followed by a food restriction (Hω3RI and Hω6RI treatments). When their adipose stores were exhausted, we fed both groups a common diet of intermediate fatty acid composition. This protocol resulted in the Hω6RI and Hω3RI groups diverging significantly in muscle phospholipid composition, but they had substantially similar adipose stores. PMR did not differ between the Hω6RI and Hω3RI groups. We conclude that muscle phospholipids do not play a major role in affecting exercise performance. The fatty acid composition of stored triacylglycerol may instead affect exercise via the preferential use of particular fatty acids by muscles.
Solute partitioning and filtration by extracellular matrices
Authors: Fissell William H. , Hofmann Christina L. , Ferrell Nicholas , Schnell Lisa , Dubnisheva Anna , Zydney Andrew L. , Yurchenco Peter D. , Roy Shuvo
Published: July 2009

The physiology of glomerular filtration remains mechanistically obscure despite its importance in disease. The correspondence between proteinuria and foot process effacement suggests podocytes as the locus of the filtration barrier. If so, retained macromolecules ought to accumulate at the filtration barrier, an effect called concentration polarization. Literature data indicate macromolecule concentrations decrease from subendothelial to subepithelial glomerular basement membrane (GBM), as would be expected if the GBM were itself the filter. The objective of this study was to obtain insights into the possible role of the GBM in protein retention by performing fundamental experimental and theoretical studies on the properties of three model gels. Solute partitioning and filtration through thin gels of a commercially available laminin-rich extracellular matrix, Matrigel, were measured using a polydisperse polysaccharide tracer molecule, Ficoll 70. Solute partitioning into laminin gels and lens basement membrane (LBM) were measured using Ficoll 70. A novel model of a laminin gel was numerically simulated, as well as a mixed structure-random-fiber model for LBM. Experimental partitioning was predicted by numerical simulations. Sieving coefficients through thin gels of Matrigel were size dependent and strongly flux dependent. The observed flux dependence arose from compression of the gel in response to the applied pressure. Gel compression may alter solute partitioning into extracellular matrix at physiologic pressures present in the glomerular capillary. This suggests a physical mechanism coupling podocyte structure to permeability characteristics of the GBM.
Alterations of growth plate and abnormal insulin-like growth factor I metabolism in growth-retarded hypokalemic rats: effect of growth hormone treatment
Authors: Gil-Peña Helena , Garcia-Lopez Enrique , Alvarez-Garcia Oscar , Loredo Vanessa , Carbajo-Perez Eduardo , Ordoñez Flor A. , Rodriguez-Suarez Julian , Santos Fernando
Published: July 2009

Hypokalemic tubular disorders may lead to growth retardation which is resistant to growth hormone (GH) treatment. The mechanism of these alterations is unknown. Weaning female rats were grouped ( n = 10) in control, potassium-depleted (KD), KD treated with intraperitoneal GH at 3.3 mg·kg−1·day−1during the last week (KDGH), and control pair-fed with KD (CPF). After 2 wk, KD rats were growth retarded compared with CPF rats, the osseous front advance (±SD) being 67.07 ± 10.44 and 81.56 ± 12.70 μm/day, respectively. GH treatment did not accelerate growth rate. The tibial growth plate of KD rats had marked morphological alterations: lower heights of growth cartilage (228.26 ± 23.58 μm), hypertrophic zone (123.68 ± 13.49 μm), and terminal chondrocytes (20.8 ± 2.39 μm) than normokalemic CPF (264.21 ± 21.77, 153.18 ± 15.80, and 24.21 ± 5.86 μm). GH administration normalized these changes except for the distal chondrocyte height. Quantitative PCR of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-I receptor, and GH receptor genes in KD growth plates showed downregulation of IGF-I and upregulation of IGF-I receptor mRNAs, without changes in their distribution as analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. GH did not further modify IGF-I mRNA expression. KD rats had normal hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels and low serum IGF-I values. GH increased liver IGF-I mRNA, but circulating IGF-I levels remained reduced. This study discloses the structural and molecular alterations induced by potassium depletion on the growth plate and shows that the lack of response to GH administration is associated with persistence of the disturbed process of chondrocyte hypertrophy and depressed mRNA expression of local IGF-I in the growth plate.
Social stress in mice induces voiding dysfunction and bladder wall remodeling
Authors: Chang Andy , Butler Stephan , Sliwoski Joanna , Valentino Rita , Canning Douglas , Zderic Stephen
Published: July 2009

Several studies have anecdotally reported the occurrence of altered urinary voiding patterns in rodents exposed to social stress. A recent study characterized the urodynamic and central changes in a rat model of social defeat. Here, we describe a similar voiding phenotype induced in mice by social stress and in addition we describe potential molecular mechanisms underlying the resulting bladder wall remodeling. The mechanism leading to the altered voiding habits and underlying bladder phenotype may be relevant to the human syndrome of dysfunctional voiding which is thought to have a psychological component. To better characterize and investigate social stress-induced bladder wall hypertrophy, FVB mice (6 wk old) were randomized to either social stress or control manipulation. The stress involved repeated cycles of a 1-h direct exposure to a larger aggressive C57Bl6 breeder mouse followed by a 23-h period of barrier separation over 4 wk. Social stress resulted in altered urinary voiding patterns suggestive of urinary retention and increased bladder mass. In vivo cystometry revealed an increased volume at micturition with no change in the voiding pressure. Examination of these bladders revealed increased nuclear expression of the transcription factors MEF-2 and NFAT, as well as increased expression of the myosin heavy chain B isoform mRNA. BrdU uptake was increased within the urothelium and lamina propria layers in the social stress group. We conclude that social stress induces urinary retention that ultimately leads to shifts in transcription factors, alterations in myosin heavy chain isoform expression, and increases in DNA synthesis that mediate bladder wall remodeling. Social stress-induced bladder dysfunction in rodents may provide insight into the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment of dysfunctional voiding in humans.
Visual Field Maps, Population Receptive Field Sizes, and Visual Field Coverage in the Human MT+ Complex
Authors: Amano Kaoru , Wandell Brian A. , Dumoulin Serge O.
Published: July 2009

Human neuroimaging experiments typically localize motion-selective cortex (MT+) by contrasting responses to stationary and moving stimuli. It has long been suspected that MT+, located on the lateral surface at the temporal–occipital (TO) boundary, contains several distinct visual field maps, although only one coarse map has been measured. Using a novel functional MRI model–based method we identified two maps—TO-1 and TO-2—and measured population receptive field (pRF) sizes within these maps. The angular representation of the first map, TO-1, has a lower vertical meridian on its posterior side at the boundary with the lateral–occipital cortex (i.e., the LO-2 portion). The angular representation continues through horizontal to the upper vertical meridian at the boundary with the second map, TO-2. The TO-2 angle map reverses from upper to lower visual field at increasingly anterior positions. The TO maps share a parallel eccentricity map in which center-to-periphery is represented in the ventral-to-dorsal direction; both maps have an expanded foveal representation. There is a progressive increase in the pRF size from V1/2/3 to LO-1/2 and TO-1/2, with the largest pRF sizes in TO-2. Further, within each map the pRF size increases as a function of eccentricity. The visual field coverage of both maps extends into the ipsilateral visual field, with larger sensitivity to peripheral ipsilateral stimuli in TO-2 than that in TO-1. The TO maps provide a functional segmentation of human motion-sensitive cortex that enables a more complete characterization of processing in human motion-selective cortex.
Practice-Related Improvement in Working Memory is Modulated by Changes in Processing External Interference
Authors: Berry Anne S. , Zanto Theodore P. , Rutman Aaron M. , Clapp Wesley C. , Gazzaley Adam
Published: July 2009

Working memory (WM) performance is impaired by the presence of external interference. Accordingly, more efficient processing of intervening stimuli with practice may lead to enhanced WM performance. To explore the role of practice on the impact that interference has on WM performance, we studied young adults with electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings as they performed three motion-direction, delayed-recognition tasks. One task was presented without interference, whereas two tasks introduced different types of interference during the interval of memory maintenance: distractors and interruptors. Distractors were to be ignored, whereas interruptors demanded attention based on task instructions for a perceptual discrimination. We show that WM performance was disrupted by both types of interference, but interference-induced disruption abated across a single experimental session through rapid learning. WM accuracy and response time improved in a manner that was correlated with changes in early neural measures of interference processing in visual cortex (i.e., P1 suppression and N1 enhancement). These results suggest practice-related changes in processing interference exert a positive influence on WM performance, highlighting the importance of filtering irrelevant information and the dynamic interactions that exist between neural processes of perception, attention, and WM during learning.
Heat Synch: Inter- and Independence of Body-Temperature Fluctuations and Brain-State Alternations in Urethane-Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Whitten Tara A. , Martz Laura J. , Guico Anthony , Gervais Nicole , Dickson Clayton T.
Published: July 2009

During sleep, warm-blooded animals exhibit cyclic alternations between rapid-eye-movement (REM) and nonrapid-eye-movement (non-REM) states, characterized by distinct patterns of brain activity apparent in electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings coupled with corresponding changes in physiological measures, including body temperature. Recently we have shown that urethane-anesthetized rats display cyclic alternations between an activated state and a deactivated state that are highly similar in both EEG and physiological characteristics to REM and non-REM sleep states, respectively. Here, using intracranial local field potential recordings from urethane-anesthetized rats, we show that brain-state alternations were correlated to core temperature fluctuations induced using a feedback-controlled heating system. Activated (REM-like) states predominated during the rising phase of the temperature cycle, whereas deactivated (non-REM-like) states predominated during the falling phase. Brain-state alternations persisted following the elimination of core temperature fluctuations by the use of a constant heating protocol, but the timing and rhythmicity of state alternations were altered. In contrast, thermal fluctuations applied to the ventral surface (and especially the scrotum) of rats in the absence or independently of core temperature fluctuations appeared to induce brain-state alternations. Heating brought about activated patterns, whereas cooling produced deactivated patterns. This shows that although alternations of sleeplike brain states under urethane anesthesia can be independent of imposed temperature variations, they can also be entrained through the activation of peripheral thermoreceptors. Overall, these results imply that brain state and bodily metabolism are highly related during unconsciousness and that the brain mechanisms underlying sleep cycling and thermoregulation likely represent independent, yet coupled oscillators.
Some New Wilker‐Type Inequalities for Circular and Hyperbolic Functions
Authors: Zhu Ling
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we give some new Wilker‐type inequalities for circular and hyperbolic functions in exponential form by using generalizations of Cusa‐Huygens inequality and Cusa‐Huygens‐type inequality.
The FAST-AIMS Clinical Mass Spectrometry Analysis System
Authors: Fananapazir Nafeh , Statnikov Alexander , Aliferis Constantin F.
Published: July 2009

Within clinical proteomics, mass spectrometry analysis of biological samples is emerging as an important high-throughput technology, capable of producing powerful diagnostic and prognostic models and identifying important disease biomarkers. As interest in this area grows, and the number of such proteomics datasets continues to increase, the need has developed for efficient, comprehensive, reproducible methods of mass spectrometry data analysis by both experts and nonexperts. We have designed and implemented a stand-alone software system, FAST-AIMS, which seeks to meet this need through automation of data preprocessing, feature selection, classification model generation, and performance estimation. FAST-AIMS is an efficient and user-friendly stand-alone software for predictive analysis of mass spectrometry data. The present resource review paper will describe the features and use of the FAST-AIMS system. The system is freely available for download for noncommercial use.
A New Decision-Making Method for Stock Portfolio Selection Based on Computing with Linguistic Assessment
Authors: Chen Chen-Tung , Hung Wei-Zhan
Published: July 2009

The purpose of stock portfolio selection is how to allocate the capital to a large number of stocks in order to bring a most profitable return for investors. In most of past literatures, experts considered the portfolio of selection problem only based on past crisp or quantitative data. However, many qualitative and quantitative factors will influence the stock portfolio selection in real investment situation. It is very important for experts or decision-makers to use their experience or knowledge to predict the performance of each stock and make a stock portfolio. Because of the knowledge, experience, and background of each expert are different and vague, different types of 2-tuple linguistic variable are suitable used to express experts' opinions for the performance evaluation of each stock with respect to criteria. According to the linguistic evaluations of experts, the linguistic TOPSIS and linguistic ELECTRE methods are combined to present a new decision-making method for dealing with stock selection problems in this paper. Once the investment set has been determined, the risk preferences of investor are considered to calculate the investment ratio of each stock in the investment set. Finally, an example is implemented to demonstrate the practicability of the proposed method.
A New Technique for Simple Renal Cyst: Cystoretroperitoneal Shunt
Authors: Canguven Onder , Goktas Cemal , Yencilek Faruk , Cetinel Cihangir , Albayrak Selami
Published: July 2009

Purpose. To evaluate the results of patient symptoms and radiologic outcomes of cystoretroperitoneal shunt (CRS) technique in the treatment of symptomatic simple renal cysts.Patients and Methods. In a prospective study, 37 patients with a simple renal cyst were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous CRS-catheter. Radiological success was indicated as no recurrence of the cyst or a reduction in cyst volume by at least half.Results. CRS technique was performed successfully in 36 patients with a simple renal cyst. The mean size of all cysts decreased from 8.8 cm (range 7 to 14) to 1.7 cm (range 0 to 9; ). Symptomatic success (pain relief) was achieved in 29/36 (80.5%) of patients, and radiographic success was achieved in 23/36 (63.8%) of patients, with a median follow-up of 16 months (range 6 to 24).Conclusion. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous CRS technique for simple renal cysts is fast, safe, effective, and inexpensive.
Time Trends in the Incidence of Testicular Cancer in Childhood and Young Adulthood
Authors: Lacerda Hadriano M. , Akre Olof , Merletti Franco , Richiardi Lorenzo
Published: July 2009

Background: There has been a steep increase in the incidence of adult testicular cancer in many populations, but in spite of numerous studies, the etiology of testicular cancer remains elusive. The time trends of childhood testicular tumors are less clear and have been studied in a few populations. To further evaluate whether or not adult and childhood cancers share trend determinants and whether future adult testicular cancer incidences can be predicted through childhood testicular cancer incidences, their rates were compared.

Method: Data on testicular cancer incidence in childhood and in young adulthood were extracted from the IARC Cancer Incidence in the Five Continents Database limited to two 10-year time periods (1967-1976 and from 1987-1996) to allow for truncation-free analyses within the same birth cohort.

Results: Childhood testicular cancer incidence varied 3- to 4-fold, whereas adult testicular cancer incidence varied 10- to 11-fold between the studied populations. No positive correlation between childhood and adulthood incidence of testicular cancer was found.

Conclusion: These data indicate that the incidence of testicular cancer in adulthood is influenced by factors, either prenatal or postnatal exposures different than those determining the trends among children. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2042–5)
Isolation of Stool-Derived Mucus Provides a High Yield of Colonocytes Suitable for Early Detection of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: White Victoria , Scarpini Cinzia , Barbosa-Morais Nuno L. , Ikelle Emili , Carter Stephanie , Laskey Ronald A. , Miller Richard , Coleman Nicholas
Published: July 2009

Background: Promising stool-based screening tests for colorectal carcinoma (CRC) rely on detection of exfoliated colonocytes or their contents. However, methods of colonocyte retrieval have not been studied systematically and current approaches are restricted by low yields. We examined colonocyte numbers in stool wash fractions and assessed the suitability of retrieved cells for immunocytochemistry for minichromosome maintenance protein 2 (MCM2), a marker of the proliferative deregulation that characterizes malignancy.

Methods: Colonocyte numbers were accurately quantified in 129 wash fractions derived from 18 stools, comparing the mucus retained by a 125-μm filter (F fraction) with the fine and coarse content in the filtrate (S and P fractions, respectively). MCM2 immunocytochemistry was done on sections of fibrin clot containing filter-derived mucus, obtained from stools of eight independent subjects.

Results: Total colonocyte yield in the F fraction (mean, 433.8 per 100 μL) was higher than in the S (140.3) and P (204.6) fractions (P = 0.004 and 0.03, respectively) due to increased numbers of morphologically abnormal cells, which predominantly represented malignant cells in samples from CRC patients. Several thousand abnormal cells could be obtained from stool-derived mucus in all CRC patients, an order of magnitude greater than numbers in subjects without CRC. Median MCM2 labeling index in abnormal cells was 50% (range, 30-60%) in CRC patients and 0% in subjects without CRC. Cells in clot sections were well preserved and not obscured by fecal debris.

Conclusions: Isolation of stool-derived mucus is technically straightforward and can improve the performance of protein-based and/or nucleic acid–based approaches to CRC screening. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2006–13)
Fine-Mapping and Family-Based Association Analyses of Prostate Cancer Risk Variants at Xp11
Authors: Lu Lingyi , Sun Jielin , Isaacs Sarah D. , Wiley Kathleen E. , Smith Shelly , Pruett Kristen , Zhu Yi , Zhang Zheng , Wiklund Fredrik , Grönberg Henrik , Walsh Patrick C. , Chang Bao-Li , Zheng S. Lilly , Isaacs William B. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: July 2009

Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; rs5945572 and rs5945619) at Xp11 were recently implicated in two genome-wide association studies of prostate cancer. Using a family-based association test for these two SNPs in 168 families with prostate cancer, we showed in this study that the risk alleles of the two reported SNPs were overtransmitted to the affected offspring (P= 0.009 for rs5945372 and P = 0.03 for rs5945619), which suggested that the observed association in case-control studies were not driven by potential population stratification. We also did a fine-mapping study in the ∼800 kb region at Xp11 between two independent case-control studies, including 1,527 cases and 482 controls from Johns Hopkins Hospital and 1,172 cases and 1,157 controls from the Prostate, Lung, Colon and Ovarian Cancer screening trial. The strongest association was found with SNPs in the haplotype block in which the two initial reported SNPs were located, although many SNPs in the ∼140 kb region were highly significant in the combined allelic tests (P = 10−5 to 10−6). The second strongest association was observed with SNPs in the ∼286 kb region at another haplotype block (P = 10−4 to 10−5), ∼94 kb centromeric to the first region. The significance of SNPs in the second region decreased considerably after adjusting for SNPs at the first region, although P values remained at <0.05. Additional studies are warranted to test independent prostate cancer associations at these two regions. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2132–6)
Modeling the Cost-Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Screening: Policy Guidance Based on Patient Preferences and Compliance
Authors: Subramanian Sujha , Bobashev Georgiy , Morris Robert J.
Published: July 2009

Background: Obtaining regular screening exams can significantly reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality. Most CRC models to date have assumed “ideal conditions” such as 100% compliance, and the effects of CRC screening tests have been assessed only under these conditions. In this study, we assess cost-effectiveness incorporating real-world patient preferences and compliance.

Methodology: We built an agent-based simulation model to assess the effect of compliance and patient preferences. Baseline values were derived from the 2003 and 2005 National Health Interview Survey, and effectiveness and cost parameters were obtained through literature review. Initial screening compliance was 45%, and compliance with follow-up diagnostic tests was 75%.

Results: The current level of screening reduces CRC mortality by 44.1% when compared with no screening. Increasing diagnostic follow-up compliance to 95% can lead to an additional 9.3% reduction in CRC mortality, whereas increasing initial screening compliance to 95% can result in an additional 50.4% reduction. These increases can be achieved at a cost of about $7,500 ($1,309-$32,864) per life year saved and $14,000 ($3,620-$35,855) per life year saved for diagnostic follow-up and initial screening tests, respectively.

Conclusions: Increasing compliance with both initial screening test recommendation and diagnostic testing are cost-effective approaches. The most cost-effective approach under limited funding is to increase compliance with diagnostic testing for those already being screened. Targeted interventions, which are necessary to increase compliance, are generally cost-effective under the base case scenarios presented in this model, but additional studies are required to identify the most cost-effective approach. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):1971–8)
Prostate Cancer Risk Associated Loci in African Americans
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Kibel Adam S. , Hu Jennifer J. , Turner Aubrey R. , Pruett Kristen , Zheng Siqun Lilly , Sun Jielin , Isaacs Sarah D. , Wiley Kathleen E. , Kim Seong-Tae , Hsu Fang-Chi , Wu William , Torti Frank M. , Walsh Patrick C. , Chang Bao-Li , Isaacs William B.
Published: July 2009

Four genome-wide association studies, all in populations of European descent, have identified 20 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 20 regions that are associated with prostate cancer risk. We evaluated these 20 SNPs in a combined African American (AA) study, with 868 prostate cancer patients and 878 control subjects. For 17 of these 20 SNPs, implicated risk-associated alleles were found to be more common in these AA cases than controls, significantly more than expected under the null hypothesis (P = 0.03). Two of these 17 SNPs, located at 3p12, and region 2 at 8q24, were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk (P < 0.05), and only SNP rs16901979 at region 2 of 8q24 remained significant after accounting for 20 tests. A multivariate analysis of additional SNPs across the broader 8q24 region revealed three independent prostate cancer risk-associated SNPs, including rs16901979, rs13254738, and rs10086908. The first two SNPs were ∼20 kb apart and the last SNP, a novel finding from this study, was ∼100 kb centromeric to the first two SNPs. These results suggest that a systematic evaluation of regions harboring known prostate cancer risk SNPs implicated in other races is an efficient approach to identify risk alleles for AA. However, studies with larger numbers of AA subjects are needed, and this will likely require a major collaborative effort to combine multiple AA study populations. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2145–9)
Angiogenic Balance in Pregnancy and Subsequent Breast Cancer Risk and Survival: A Population Study
Authors: Vatten Lars J. , Romundstad Pål R. , Jenum Pål A. , Eskild Anne
Published: July 2009

Background: Women with a history of preeclampsia have reduced breast cancer risk. Because preeclampsia is characterized by an imbalance in angiogenic factors, we assessed pregnancy levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and soluble endoglin (s-endoglin) and subsequent breast cancer risk.

Methods: In a case-control study among 26,744 pregnant women, we compared angiogenic factors between 145 women who later developed invasive breast cancer and 400 controls. The angiogenic factors were determined with ELISA in blood samples collected in weeks (median) 10, 23, and 35 of the baseline pregnancy.

Results: Concentrations of PlGF, sFlt-1, and s-endoglin did not differ between women who later developed breast cancer and control women, and odds ratios across quartiles of each factor did not indicate any association in blood samples from gestational week 10, 23, or 35. During pregnancy, there was a general increase in each angiogenic factor, but degree of increase from one sampling period to the next was not associated with later breast cancer risk. Among cases, 22 of 145 died from breast cancer during 10 years of follow-up, but there was no consistent indication that angiogenic factors measured in pregnancy up to several years before diagnosis were associated with case fatality.

Conclusions: The results of this nested case-control study, based on blood samples collected up to three time points during pregnancy, and subsequent cancer follow-up, do not provide any evidence that pregnancy levels of PlGF, sFlt-1, and s-endoglin are associated with breast cancer risk later in life. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2074–8)
The Impact of Donor-Recipient Sex Matching on Survival After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation
Authors: Weiss Eric S. , Allen Jeremiah G. , Patel Nishant D. , Russell Stuart D. , Baumgartner William A. , Shah Ashish S. , Conte John V.
Published: July 2009

Introduction—

Single-institution series have suggested that men receiving orthotopic heart transplantation from female donors have decreased survival. No multi-institutional series has comprehensively addressed the issue of donor and recipient sex matching for both male and female orthotopic heart transplantation recipients.

Methods and Results—

We used data from the multi-institutional prospectively collected United Network for Organ Sharing open transplantation cohort to review 18 240 adult patients who received orthotopic heart transplantation from 1999 to 2007. Four donor recipient strata were identified (male donor/male recipient, N=10 750; female donor/female recipient, N=2201; male donor/female recipient, N=2121; and female donor/male recipient, N=3168). The primary end point of all cause posttransplant mortality was compared among groups using a Cox proportional hazard regression model with additional propensity adjustment. Female recipients, irrespective of donor sex, had 3.6% lower overall survival at 5 years posttransplant (
P
=0.003). Men who received organs from male donors had the highest cumulative survival at 5 years (74.5%). Men receiving female hearts had a 15% increase in the risk of adjusted cumulative mortality (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.30;
P
=0.02). No significant increase in the relative hazard for death occurred for women receiving opposite sex donor organs (1.24; 0.92 to 1.35;
P
=0.31).

Conclusions—

The United Network for Organ Sharing data set has provided a large sample examining donor recipient sex pairing in orthotopic heart transplantation. Men receiving organs for same sex donors have significantly improved short- and long-term survival. No survival advantage was seen for women with same sex donors.
Low-Frequency Variability in a Turbulent Baroclinic Jet: Eddy–Mean Flow Interactions in a Two-Level Model
Authors: Bernstein Joseph , Farrell Brian
Published: July 2009

The origin of low-frequency variability in the midlatitude jet is investigated using a two-level baroclinic channel model. The model state fields are separated into slow and fast components using intermediate time- scale averaging. In the equation for the fast variables the nonlinear wave–wave interactions are parameterized as a stochastic excitation. The slowly varying ensemble mean eddy fluxes obtained from the resulting stochastic turbulence model are coupled with the slowly varying mean flow dynamics. This forms a coupled set of deterministic equations on the slow time scale that governs the dynamics of the eddy–mean flow interaction. The equilibria of this coupled system are found as a function of the excitation strength, which controls the level of turbulence. At low levels of turbulence the equilibrated flow with zonally symmetric mean forcing remains zonally symmetric, but as excitation increases it undergoes zonal symmetry-breaking bifurcations. Time-dependent flows arising from these bifurcations take the form of westward-propagating wavelike structures resembling blocking patterns. Features of these waves are characteristic of blocking in both observations and atmospheric general circulation model simulations including retrogression, eddy variance concentrated upstream of the waves, and eddy momentum flux forcing the waves.
Improving Seasonal Predictions of Climate Variability and Water Availability at the Catchment Scale
Authors: Switanek Matthew B. , Troch Peter A. , Castro Christopher L.
Published: July 2009

In a water-stressed region, such as the southwestern United States, it is essential to improve current seasonal hydroclimatic predictions. Typically, seasonal hydroclimatic predictions have been conditioned by standard climate indices, for example, Niño-3 and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). In this work, the statistically unique relationships between sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and particular basins’ hydroclimates are explored. The regions where global SSTs are most correlated with the Little Colorado River and Gunnison River basins’ hydroclimates are located throughout the year and at varying time lags. The SSTs, from these regions of highest correlation, are subsequently used as hydroclimatic predictors for the two basins. This methodology, named basin-specific climate prediction (BSCP), is further used to perform hindcasts. The hydroclimatic hindcasts obtained using BSCP are shown to be closer to the historical record, for both basins, than using the standard climate indices as predictors.
The Effect of Tilted Rotation on Shear Instabilities at Low Stratifications
Authors: Jeffery Nicole , Wingate Beth
Published: July 2009

A linear stability analysis of the inviscid stratified Boussinesq equations is presented given a steady zonal flow with constant vertical shear in a tilted f plane. Full nonhydrostatic terms are included: 1) acceleration of vertical velocity and 2) Coriolis force terms arising from the meridional component of earth’s rotation vector. Calculations of growth rates, critical wavenumbers, and dominance regimes for baroclinic and symmetric instabilities are compared with results from the traditional nonhydrostatic equations, which include a strictly vertical rotation vector, as well as results from the hydrostatic equations. The authors find that for positive zonal z shear, tilted rotation enhances the dominance regime of symmetric instabilities at the expense of baroclinic instabilities and maintains symmetric instabilities at larger scales than previously indicated. Furthermore, in contrast to former studies, it is determined that hydrostatic growth rates for both instabilities are not maximal. Rather, growth rates peak in the fully nonhydrostatic equations for parameter regimes physically relevant and consistent with abyssal ocean stratifications and weak zonal z shears and oceanic measurements of the Labrador Sea and Southern Ocean. In addition, the authors find that zonal shear modifies the frequency range of subinertial inertio–gravity waves. Tilted rotation effects break the base flow shear reflection symmetry present in the traditional and hydrostatic models. Thus, only in the fully nonhydrostatic model does weak negative zonal z shear stabilize the flow and decrease the subinertial frequency range.
Data Mining Storm Attributes from Spatial Grids
Authors: Lakshmanan Valliappa , Smith Travis
Published: July 2009

A technique to identify storms and capture scalar features within the geographic and temporal extent of the identified storms is described. The identification technique relies on clustering grid points in an observation field to find self-similar and spatially coherent clusters that meet the traditional understanding of what storms are. From these storms, geometric, spatial, and temporal features can be extracted. These scalar features can then be data mined to answer many types of research questions in an objective, data-driven manner. This is illustrated by using the technique to answer questions of forecaster skill and lightning predictability.
For How Long Should What Data Be Assimilated for the Mesoscale Forecasting of Convection and Why? Part I: On the Propagation of Initial Condition Errors and Their Implications for Data Assimilation
Authors: Fabry Frédéric , Sun Juanzhen
Published: July 2009

Data assimilation is used among other things to constrain the initial conditions of weather forecasting models by fitting the model fields to observations made over a certain time interval. In particular, it tries to tie incomplete data with model constraints to detect and correct for initial condition errors. This is possible only if initial condition errors leave their signature on the data assimilated and if the model is capable of faithfully reproducing such signatures. Using simulations of the evolution of convective storms in the Great Plains over an active 6-day period, the propagation of initial condition errors to other variables as well as their effect on the accuracy of the forecasts were investigated. Increasing the assimilation time window boosts the ability of assimilation systems to detect a variety of initial condition errors; however, limits to the predictability of convective events impose a maximum assimilation period that is a function of the type of measurements assimilated as well as of the type of errors one tries to correct for. These findings are then used to suggest changes in assimilation approaches to take into account the different predictability times of the model fields constrained by assimilation.
Low-cost Insurance Schemes in Scottish Social Housing: An Empirical Study of Availability and Tenants' Participation
Authors: Hood John , Stein William , McCann Claire
Published: July 2009

The UK has had a long history of market provision of household insurance. Recent years, however, have seen a decline in the traditional insurance market distribution channels aimed at low-income and/or rented-sector households. The products, pricing and method of payment currently offered by insurers have exacerbated the exclusion of many in social housing from this important financial services product. Research suggests that only 50 per cent of people living in rented or local authority housing insure their contents, compared with 93 per cent of homeowners. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the degree to which tenants in public-sector housing participate in low-cost household insurance schemes promoted by their landlord and to assess the reasons behind this level of participation. This study suggests that, despite value-for-money schemes being available, the take-up rates by tenants are low and that the providers of social housing need to be more vigorous and imaginative in their promotion of low-cost insurance schemes if this form of financial exclusion is to be tackled successfully.
Provincial Wages in Spain: Convergence and Flexibility
Authors: Maza Adolfo , Villaverde Jose
Published: July 2009

This paper analyses the performance of provincial Spanish wages during the period 1985—2003. Using both traditional and recent analytical approaches, related to spatial econometrics, non-parametric and semi-parametric techniques, the paper reveals that a process of wage convergence has taken place. However, this does not preclude that mobility within the provincial wage distribution is small. The paper also shows that the degree of provincial wage flexibility is very low, which is in accordance with the institutional framework of wage formation in Spain.
High Rates of Mortality and Morbidity Occur in Infants With Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Cholestasis
Authors: Willis Theresa C. , Carter Beth A. , Rogers Stefanie P. , Hawthorne Keli M. , Hicks Penni D. , Abrams Steven A.
Published: July 2009

Background: Extremely few data are available about the natural history of parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated cholestasis. The authors evaluated a cohort of infants at a large center to determine the outcome of PN‐associated cholestasis in infants with some gastrointestinal function. Methods: The authors reviewed the records of all infants admitted to a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit over a 16‐month period who had the diagnosis of PN‐associated cholestasis. Records were reviewed in these infants for course of cholestasis, laboratory values, outcome, and infection rate. Results: Sixty‐six patients were admitted who met the study criteria. There were 10 deaths and 1 referral for liver transplant (Death/TPlant) (17%) in the first year of life. All Death/TPlant infants had at least 1 positive blood culture after the onset of cholestasis. Maximum conjugated bilirubin (MaxCB) in Death/TPlant infants was 15.7 ± 2.2 (SEM) compared to 8.4± 1.0 mg/dL in babies who recovered. Of 21 infants with a MaxCB≥ 10.0, Death/TPlant occurred in 8/21 (38%). Of 40 babies with positive blood cultures, 11 were in the Death/TPlant group vs no deaths among the 25 without positive blood cultures. Average time to resolution from the MaxCB to a CB <2.0 mg/dL was 66 ± 7 days (n = 49). Conclusions: Infants with PN‐associated cholestasis have high rates of mortality despite the presence of some gastrointestinal function. These data support further evaluation and the development of novel forms of therapy for babies with parenteral‐associated CB ≥2 mg/dL with emphasis on interventions for infants with a CB >10 mg/dL.
Associations of Peer Acceptance and Perceived Popularity With Bullying and Victimization in Early Adolescence
Authors: de Bruyn Eddy H. , Cillessen Antonius H. N. , Wissink Inge B.
Published: July 2009

This study examined the role of peer acceptance and perceived popularity in bullying and victimization in early adolescent peer groups. Peer acceptance is the degree to which adolescents are well liked by their peers; perceived popularity indicates visibility, dominance, and prestige. It was hypothesized that acceptance negatively predicts bullying, whereas popularity positively predicts bullying, and that both acceptance and popularity negatively predict victimization. Interactions between acceptance and popularity were tested as well. Participants were 1,207 13- to 14-year-old adolescents who completed sociometric assessments in their classrooms. Both bullying and victimization were predicted by the interaction between acceptance and perceived popularity. Bullying was positively associated with popularity, and this association was stronger for adolescents with lower levels of acceptance. Victimization was negatively associated with popularity, and this association was also stronger for adolescents with lower levels of acceptance. Linear and curvilinear main effects and interactions were found; some were further moderated by gender. The discussion focused on the role of individual status and group dynamic factors in the occurrence of aggression among early adolescents.
Unbounded boundary studies and collapsed categories: rethinking spatial objects
Authors: Schaffter Marius , Fall Juliet J. , Debarbieux Bernard
Published: July 2009

This paper is a response to Reece Jones’ ‘Categories, borders and boundaries’ (2009) that aims to give an alternate proposal to rethink geographical categories and boundary studies. First, it examines the various meanings of the word ‘category’ as used in Jones’ paper. We then stress the importance of the processes involved in constructing spatialized and unspatialized categories as a central issue for social sciences. Using different examples such as the city and the nation state, we finally argue that the triad of reification—naturalization—fetishization is a good tool to analyse the social construction of geographical categories and boundaries.