bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADHD Preschoolers With and Without ODD
Authors: Gopin Chaya B. , Berwid Olga , Marks David J. , Mlodnicka Agnieska , Halperin Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2012

Objective: To examine the impact of reinforcement on reaction time (RT) and RT variability (RT standard deviation [RTSD]) in preschoolers with ADHD with and without oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and a typically developing (TD) comparison group. Method: Participants were administered a computerized task consisting of two conditions: simple RT (SRT) and reinforced SRT (SRTr). Data were analyzed using two-way (Group × Condition) mixed ANOVAs and followed-up using pairwise comparisons. Results: RTs were significantly shorter and less variable during the SRTr than the SRT condition. A significant Group x Condition interaction was observed for RTSD (F= 3.38, p < .05); post hoc analyses indicated that the RTSD of the ADHD + ODD group was significantly more variable than that of the TD group during the SRT condition ( F = 4.81, p < .05). However, their RTSD was statistically indistinguishable from the other groups during the SRTr condition. Conclusion: Preschoolers who are oppositional/defiant and hyperactive are the most responsive to feedback/reward.
OpenMP task scheduling strategies for multicore NUMA systems
Authors: Olivier Stephen L , Porterfield Allan K , Wheeler Kyle B , Spiegel Michael , Prins Jan F
Published: February 2012

The recent addition of task parallelism to the OpenMP shared memory API allows programmers to express concurrency at a high level of abstraction and places the burden of scheduling parallel execution on the OpenMP run-time system. Efficient scheduling of tasks on modern multi-socket multicore shared memory systems requires careful consideration of an increasingly complex memory hierarchy, including shared caches and non-uniform memory access (NUMA) characteristics. In order to evaluate scheduling strategies, we extended the open source Qthreads threading library to implement different scheduler designs, accepting OpenMP programs through the ROSE compiler. Our comprehensive performance study of diverse OpenMP task-parallel benchmarks compares seven different task-parallel run-time scheduler implementations on an Intel Nehalem multi-socket multicore system: our proposed hierarchical work-stealing scheduler, a per-core work-stealing scheduler, a centralized scheduler, and LIFO and FIFO versions of the Qthreads round-robin scheduler. In addition, we compare our results against the Intel and GNU OpenMP implementations.

Our hierarchical scheduling strategy leverages different scheduling methods at different levels of the hierarchy. By allowing one thread to steal work on behalf of all of the threads within a single chip that share a cache, the scheduler limits the number of costly remote steals. For cores on the same chip, a shared LIFO queue allows exploitation of cache locality between sibling tasks as well as between a parent task and its newly created child tasks. In the performance evaluation, our Qthreads hierarchical scheduler is competitive on all benchmarks tested. On five of the seven benchmarks, it demonstrates speedup and absolute performance superior to both the Intel and GNU OpenMP run-time systems. Our run-time also demonstrates similar performance benefits on AMD Magny Cours and SGI Altix systems, enabling several benchmarks to successfully scale to 192 CPUs of an SGI Altix.
Seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus and Toxoplasma gondii in stray cat colonies in northern Italy and correlation with clinical and laboratory data
Authors: Spada Eva , Proverbio Daniela , Pepa Alessandra della , Perego Roberta , Baggiani Luciana , DeGiorgi Giada Bagnagatti , Domenichini Giulia , Ferro Elisabetta , Cremonesi Fausto
Published: February 2012

Stray cat colonies in urban and rural areas of Lombardy, northern Italy, were surveyed for seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen and Toxoplasma gondii IgG. Of 316 cats tested, 6.6% were positive for FIV and 3.8% were positive for FeLV infection; 203 cats were tested for T gondii IgG antibodies and a prevalence of 30.5% was detected. Statistical analysis tested the influence of provenience, age, gender, health status and laboratory results on seroprevalence and found male gender and adult age were risk factors for FIV infection. FIV-infected cats were more likely to have a decreased red blood cell count than FIV seronegative cats. No predictors were significantly associated with FeLV and T gondii seropositivity. Colony cats in this study posed a limited risk for retrovirus infection to pet cats allowed outdoors, whereas toxoplasmosis exposure was comparable with the worldwide data.
Quality of life of caregivers of children with autism in Qatar
Authors: Kheir Nadir , Ghoneim Ola , Sandridge Amy L. , Al-Ismail Muna , Hayder Sara , Al-Rawi Fadhila
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Caring for a child diagnosed with autism could affect the quality of life of the caregiver in various different ways. No previous research has assessed the quality of lives of caregivers of children with autism in Qatar.

Methods: Caregivers of a child with autism between 3 and 17 years old were recruited from child rehabilitation clinics in Qatar. The non-autism group was represented by caregivers of a typically growing child visiting a primary health care facility for a routine medical examination. Data collected from both groups included demographic and quality of life information for caregivers.

Results: A total of 98 participants consented to take part in the study. Fifty-six of these were caregivers of a child with autism and 42 were caregivers of a typically growing child. There was no significant difference between quality of life domains between the two groups of caregivers, but caregivers of autistic children rated their health as poor and likely to get worse (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study provided some evidence for the impact of caring for a child with autism on the life of the caregiver. The findings should help health policy-makers in Qatar to provide better and more focused support to children with autism and their caregivers.
Post-welfarist risk managers? Risk, crime prevention and the responsibilization of community-based organizations
Authors: Goddard Tim
Published: February 2012

Numerous scholars have observed that neo-liberal rationalities have resulted in the replacement of interventionist State-run welfare initiatives with community-based risk managing schemes in a process called responsibilization. These risk management policies have become influential in the domain of crime prevention and in the shaping of the future conduct of the ‘at-risk’ youth. This article details, ethnographically, the goals and activities of 10 responsibilized community-based organizations and the conceptualization of ‘risk’ by practitioners from these organizations. The findings suggest that social abandonment and surveillance-centered risk management schemes co-exist with welfarist notions. The findings have implications about whether crime prevention is as post-welfarist as some theorists maintain.
Three-dimensional finite element modelling of ultrasonic-guided wave scattering from fuel weep holes
Authors: Doherty Cain C. , Chiu Wing K.
Published: February 2012

A three-dimensional finite element model for analysis of ultrasonic-guided wave scattering from a hidden notch on a through-thickness circular hole is presented in this article. The structure is representative of an aircraft wing spar with a fuel weep hole. In contrast to the high-frequency bulk-wave wedge transducer methodology traditionally used for weep hole inspection, the length scales of the in situ technique are such that the wavelength of the incident guided waves are comparable with the hole diameter and larger than the defect length. The ability to accurately model acousto-ultrasonic elastic wave dynamics is crucial for future developments in this research field. Three-dimensional laser vibrometry is used to measure the deformation of a low-profile surface-bonded piezoelectric disc. The measurements provide the input conditions for a force-actuated computational model. The computational scattered wave field from a notch on the blind side of the hole is compared with experimental data for model validation. It is concluded that the boundary conditions for wave scattering from the hidden notch are a complex combination of the incident wave field and the dispersive edge-guided Rayleigh-type flexural wave that is formed on the free surface of the hole.
Emissions and economic costs of cycling compact fluorescent lamps with integrated ballasts
Authors: Rosillo FG , Castejón F , Egido MA
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes a way to quantify the emissions of mercury (Hg) and CO2 associated with the manufacture and operation of compact fluorescent lamps with integrated ballasts (CFLis), as well as the economic cost of using them under different operating cycles. The main purpose of this paper is to find simple criteria for reducing the polluting emissions under consideration and the economic cost of CFLi to a minimum. A lifetime model is proposed that allows the emissions and costs to be described as a function of degradation from turning CFLi on and their continuous operation. An idealized model of a CFLi is defined that combines characteristics stated by different manufacturers. In addition, two CFLi models representing poor-quality products are analyzed. It was found that the emissions and costs per unit of time of operation of the CFLi depend linearly on the number of times per unit of time it is turned on and the time of continuous operation. The optimal conditions (lowest emissions and costs) depend on the place of manufacture, the place of operation and the quality of the components of the lamp/ballast. Finally, it was also found that for each lamp, there are intervals when it is turned off during which emissions of pollutants and costs are identical regardless of how often the lamp is turned on or the time it remains on. For CO2 emissions, the lamp must be off up to 5 minutes; for the cost, up to 7 minutes and for Hg emissions, up to 43 minutes. It is advisable not to turn on a CFLi sooner than 43 minutes from the last time it was turned off.
Comparative control strategies of exterior and interior blind systems
Authors: Kim Deuk-Woo , Park Cheol-Soo
Published: February 2012

Blind systems have been introduced to provide visual and thermal comfort, as well as to reduce energy use in buildings. A wide variety of such systems exist in terms of thermal and optical properties, location and physical configuration. The current problem with blinds is that their operation is not based on the dynamics of the room but on the static or manual control operated by occupants, although many studies have recognized that dynamic control can far outperform static control. One reason for the lack of dynamic control is that it is not easy to combine the room dynamics with any possible optimization algorithm. Hence, in this study, a whole building simulation tool, EnergyPlus, was integrated with the MATLAB optimization toolbox to solve for optimal control of blind systems. This paper addresses the difference between static versus optimal control of interior and exterior blind systems in office buildings.
The Recruitment and Support of Latino Faculty for Tenure and Promotion
Authors: De Luca Susan M. , Escoto Ernesto R.
Published: February 2012

Retaining and supporting Latino faculty is a challenge for many colleges and universities in the United States. This article focuses on the unique experiences faced by Latino junior faculty, when power differentials between senior faculty are most prominent in their career, and examines the cultural norms of personalismo, familismo, and collectivism and their professional experiences. Recommendations are made regarding how organizational policies can promote a more inclusionary environment for Latino and Latina faculty members.
A Latino Scorecard for Higher Education
Authors: Vega Arturo , Martinez Rubén
Published: February 2012

A Latino scorecard is presented for higher education institutions using an index of eight measures for resources, effectiveness, diversity, equity, affordability, and access. It is applied to public 4-year institutions in Texas and shows that institutions located in South Texas and those with higher resources do better relative to Latino students. The scorecard can inform Latino parents on how institutions perform relative to Latinos and provide objective information on performance to colleges and universities to institutions.
Determination of hyperelastic properties of viral capsids using finite element calculation and nanoindentation
Authors: Ahadi Aylin
Published: February 2012

In this paper a calibration procedure for determining the elastic parameters of empty and filled viral capsids is presented. The procedure combines finite element calculations and results from nanoindentation experiments. The experimental data is from indentation on individual viral particles performed with atomic force microscope. Experimental force–indentation curves for the viral capsid are extracted and compared to force–indentation curves obtained from finite element simulations. The nanoindentation response is simulated using three-dimensional finite element analysis, and the simulations are performed using the finite element code Abaqus. Material parameters such as the Young’s modulus, the shear modulus and the bulk modulus are determined by fitting the force–indentation curves to experimental data by the means of the least squares method. Two different viral capsid are considered: the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus and bacteriophage λ. Predictions are made for the pressure distribution inside the capsid.
Knock-in of a FLT3/ITD mutation cooperates with a NUP98-HOXD13 fusion to generate acute myeloid leukemia in a mouse model
Authors: Greenblatt Sarah , Li Li , Slape Christopher , Nguyen Bao , Novak Rachel , Duffield Amy , Huso David , Desiderio Stephen , Borowitz Michael J. , Aplan Peter , Small Donald
Published: February 2012

Constitutive activation of FLT3 by internal tandem duplication (ITD) is one of the most common molecular alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3/ITD mutations have also been observed in myelodysplastic syndrome patients both before and during progression to AML. Previous work has shown that insertion of an FLT3/ITD mutation into the murine Flt3 gene induces a myeloproliferative neoplasm, but not progression to acute leukemia, suggesting that additional cooperating events are required. We therefore combined the FLT3/ITD mutation with a model of myelodysplastic syndrome involving transgenic expression of the Nup98-HoxD13 (NHD13) fusion gene. Mice expressing both the FLT3/ITD and NHD13 transgene developed AML with 100% penetrance and short latency. These leukemias were driven by mutant FLT3 expression and were susceptible to treatment with FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We also observed a spontaneous loss of the wild-type Flt3 allele in these AMLs, further modeling the loss of the heterozygosity phenomenon that is seen in human AML with FLT3-activating mutations. Because resistance to FLT3 inhibitors remains an important clinical issue, this model may help identify new molecular targets in collaborative signaling pathways.
Elevated serum IL-10 levels in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a mechanism of aberrant JAK2 activation
Authors: Gupta Mamta , Han Jing Jing , Stenson Mary , Maurer Matthew , Wellik Linda , Hu Guangzhen , Ziesmer Steve , Dogan Ahmet , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: February 2012

Cytokines are deregulated in cancers and can contribute to tumor growth. In patients with diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we observed higher levels of JAK/STAT pathway-related serum cytokines (ie, IL-6, IL-10, epidermal growth factor, and IL-2) compared with controls. Of these, only IL-10 activated the JAK2 pathway in lymphoma cells in vitro. Patients with high serum IL-10 had shorter event-free survival (EFS) than patients with low levels (P > .01) and high IL-10 was correlated with high lactase dehydrogenase (P = .0085) and higher International Prognostic Index scores (P = .01). To explore the mechanism by which IL-10 may contribute to an inferior EFS, we investigated the effect of IL-10 on the JAK2 pathway and found that the IL-10/IL-10 receptor complex up-regulated JAK2 signaling. Neutralizing Ab to IL-10 inhibited constitutive and IL-10–induced JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation. JAK2 inhibition dephosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 and caused an inhibitory effect on phospho-JAK2–positive DLBCL cells; there was a minimal effect on phospho-JAK2–negative cells. Apoptosis induced by JAK2 inhibition was dependent on inhibition of autocrine IL-10 and c-myc expression and independent of Bcl-2 family expression. These results provide the rationale for testing JAK2 inhibitors in DLBCL patients, and indicate that serum IL-10 may be a biomarker to identify patients more likely to respond to JAK2-targeted therapy.
Regulation of dendritic cell development by GM-CSF: molecular control and implications for immune homeostasis and therapy
Authors: van de Laar Lianne , Coffer Paul J. , Woltman Andrea M.
Published: February 2012

Dendritic cells (DCs) represent a small and heterogeneous fraction of the hematopoietic system, specialized in antigen capture, processing, and presentation. The different DC subsets act as sentinels throughout the body and perform a key role in the induction of immunogenic as well as tolerogenic immune responses. Because of their limited lifespan, continuous replenishment of DC is required. Whereas the importance of GM-CSF in regulating DC homeostasis has long been underestimated, this cytokine is currently considered a critical factor for DC development under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions. Regulation of cellular actions by GM-CSF depends on the activation of intracellular signaling modules, including JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K, and canonical NF-κB. By directing the activity of transcription factors and other cellular effector proteins, these pathways influence differentiation, survival and/or proliferation of uncommitted hematopoietic progenitors, and DC subset–specific precursors, thereby contributing to specific aspects of DC subset development. The specific intracellular events resulting from GM-CSF–induced signaling provide a molecular explanation for GM-CSF–dependent subset distribution as well as clues to the specific characteristics and functions of GM-CSF–differentiated DCs compared with DCs generated by fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand. This knowledge can be used to identify therapeutic targets to improve GM-CSF–dependent DC-based strategies to regulate immunity.
Targeting Gene-Viro-Therapy with AFP driving Apoptin gene shows potent antitumor effect in hepatocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Kang-Jian , Qian Jing , Wang Shi-Bing , Yang Yi
Published: February 2012

Background

Gene therapy and viral therapy are used for cancer therapy for many years, but the results are less than satisfactory. Our aim was to construct a new recombinant adenovirus which is more efficient to kill hepatocarcinoma cells but more safe to normal cells.

Methods

By using the Cancer Targeting Gene-Viro-Therapy strategy, Apoptin, a promising cancer therapeutic gene was inserted into the double-regulated oncolytic adenovirus AD55 in which E1A gene was driven by alpha fetoprotein promoter along with a 55 kDa deletion in E1B gene to form AD55-Apoptin. The anti-tumor effects and safety were examined by western blotting, virus yield assay, real time polymerase chain reaction, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Hoechst33342 staining, Fluorescence-activated cell sorting, xenograft tumor model, Immunohistochemical assay, liver function analysis and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling assay.

Results

The recombinant virus AD55-Apoptin has more significant antitumor effect for hepatocelluar carcinoma cell lines (in vitro) than that of AD55 and even ONYX-015 but no or little impair on normal cell lines. Furthermore, it also shows an obvious in vivo antitumor effect on the Huh-7 liver carcinoma xenograft in nude mice with bigger beginning tumor volume till about 425 mm3 but has no any damage on the function of liver. The induction of apoptosis is involved in AD55-Apoptin induced antitumor effects.

Conclusion

The AD55-Apoptin can be a potential anti-hepatoma agent with remarkable antitumor efficacy as well as higher safety in cancer targeting gene-viro-therapy system.
Web-browser encryption of personal health information
Authors: Morse Richard E , Nadkarni Prakash , Schoenfeld David A , Finkelstein Dianne M
Published: February 2012

Background

Electronic health records provide access to an unprecedented amount of clinical data for research that can accelerate the development of effective medical practices. However it is important to protect patient confidentiality, as many medical conditions are stigmatized and disclosure could result in personal and/or financial loss.

Results

We describe a system for remote data entry that allows the data that would identify the patient to be encrypted in the web browser of the person entering the data. These data cannot be decrypted on the server by the staff at the data center but can be decrypted by the person entering the data or their delegate. We developed this system to solve a problem that arose in the context of clinical research, but it is applicable in a range of situations where sensitive information is stored and updated in a database and it is necessary to ensure that it cannot be viewed by any except those intentionally given access.

Conclusion

By developing this system, we are able to centralize the collection of some patient data while minimizing the risk that protected health information be made available to study personnel who are not authorized to use it.
Malaria transmission in Libreville: results of a one year survey
Authors: Mourou Jean-Romain , Coffinet Thierry , Jarjaval Fanny , Cotteaux Christelle , Pradines Eve , Godefroy Lydie , Kombila Maryvonne , Pagès Frédéric
Published: February 2012

Background

In Gabon, vector transmission has been poorly studied. Since the implementation of the Roll Back malaria recommendations, clinical studies have shown a decline in the burden of malaria in Libreville, the capital city of Gabon. To better understand the transmission dynamic in Libreville, an entomological survey was conducted in five districts of the city.

Methods

Mosquitoes were sampled by human landing collection during 1 year in five districts of Libreville: Alibandeng, Beauséjour, Camp des Boys and Sotega. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically and by molecular methods. The Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoïte indices were measured by ELISA, and the entomological inoculation rates (EIR) were calculated for all areas. Molecular assessments of pyrethroid knock down resistance (kdr) and of insensitive acetylcholinesterase resistance were conducted.

Results

A total of 57,531 mosquitoes were caught during 341 person-nights (161 person-nights indoor and 180 person-nights outdoor) among which, 4,223 were Anopheles gambiae s.l. The average Human Biting Rate fell from 15.5 bites per person during the rainy season to 4.7 during the dry season. The An. gambiae complex population was composed of An. gambiae s.s molecular form S (99.5%), Anopheles melas (0.3%) and An. gambiae s.s. form M (0.2%). Thirty-three out of 4,223 An. gambiae s.l. were found to be infected by P. falciparum (CSP index = 0.78%). The annual EIR was estimated at 33.9 infected bites per person per year ranging from 13 in Alibandeng to 88 in Sotega. No insensitive AChE mutation was identified but both kdr-w and kdr-e mutations were present in An. gambiae molecular form S with a higher frequency of the kdr-w allele (76%) than the kdr-e allele (23.5%).

Conclusion

Malaria transmission in Libreville occurred mainly during the rainy season but also during the dry season in the five districts. Transmission level is high and seems to be very heterogeneous in the town. Interestingly, the highest EIR was recorded in the most central and urbanized quarter and the lowest in a peripheral area. The decrease of transmission usually seen from peri-urban areas to urban centers is probably more dependent of the socio-economic level of a quarter than of its location in the city. Urban malaria control programmes need to consider the socio economic level of an area rather than the location in the city in order to determine the areas most favourable to malaria transmission.
First Initial community-acquired meningitis due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli complicated with multiple aortic mycotic aneurysms
Authors: Weyrich Pierre , Ettahar Nicolas , Legout Laurence , Meybeck Agnes , Leroy Olivier , Senneville Eric
Published: February 2012

We report the first case of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli community-acquired meningitis complicated with multiple aortic mycotic aneurysms. Because of the acute aneurysm expansion with possible impending rupture on 2 abdominal CT scan, the patient underwent prompt vascular surgery and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy but he died of a hemorrhagic shock. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli was identified from both blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture before vascular treatment. The present case report does not however change the guidelines of Gram negative bacteria meningitis in adults.
Serial measurements of cardiac biomarkers in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Roziakova Lubica , Bojtarova Eva , Mistrik Martin , Dubrava Juraj , Gergel Jozef , Lenkova Nadezda , Mladosievicova Beata
Published: February 2012

Background

Previous therapy with anthracyclines (ANT) and conditioning regimen followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents a high risk for development of cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to assess subclinical myocardial damage after HSCT using echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers - high sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and to identify patients at risk of developing clinical cardiotoxicity.

Patients and methods

Thirty-seven patients who were treated with allogeneic HSCT for hematologic diseases at median age of 28 years at time of HSCT were studied. Conditioning regimen included either chemotherapy without total body irradiation (TBI) or combination of chemotherapy with TBI. Twenty-nine (78,3%) patients were pretreated with ANT therapy. Cardiac biomarkers were serially measured before conditioning regimen and at days 1, 14 and 30 after HSCT. Cardiac systolic and diastolic functions were assessed before conditioning regimen and 1 month after HSCT by echocardiography.

Results

The changes in plasma NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT levels during the 30 days following the HSCT were statistically significant (P < 0,01 v.s. P < 0,01). Persistent elevations of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT simultaneously for a period exceeding 14 days after HSCT were found in 29,7% patients. Serum concentrations of cardiomarkers were significantly elevated in ANT group compared to non-ANT group. These observations were underscored by the echocardiographic studies which did reveal significant changes in systolic and diastolic parameters. Five of 37 (13,5%) patients developed clinical manifestation of cardiotoxicity.

Conclusions

Elevations in both cardiac biomarkers were found before clinical signs of cardiotoxicity developed. Persistent elevations in NT-pro-BNP and hs-cTnT concentrations simultaneously for a period exceeding 14 days might be used for identification of patients at risk of developing cardiotoxicity and requiring further cardiological follow up.
The growth response to androgen receptor signaling in ERα-negative human breast cells is dependent on p21 and mediated by MAPK activation
Authors: Garay Joseph P , Karakas Bedri , Abukhdeir Abde M , Cosgrove David P , Gustin John P , Higgins Michaela J , Konishi Hiroyuki , Konishi Yuko , Lauring Josh , Mohseni Morassa , Wang Grace M , Jelovac Danijela , Weeraratna Ashani , Sherman Baust Cheryl A , Morin Patrice J , Toubaji Antoun , Meeker Alan , De Marzo Angelo M , Lewis Gloria , Subhawong Andrea , Argani Pedram , Park Ben H
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Although a high frequency of androgen receptor (AR) expression in human breast cancers has been described, exploiting this knowledge for therapy has been challenging. This is in part because androgens can either inhibit or stimulate cell proliferation in pre-clinical models of breast cancer. In addition, many breast cancers co-express other steroid hormone receptors that can affect AR signaling, further obfuscating the effects of androgens on breast cancer cells.

Methods

To create better-defined models of AR signaling in human breast epithelial cells, we took estrogen receptor (ER)-α-negative and progesterone receptor (PR)-negative human breast epithelial cell lines, both cancerous and non-cancerous, and engineered them to express AR, thus allowing the unambiguous study of AR signaling. We cloned a full-length cDNA of human AR, and expressed this transgene in MCF-10A non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cells and MDA-MB-231 human breast-cancer cells. We characterized the responses to AR ligand binding using various assays, and used isogenic MCF-10A p21 knock-out cell lines expressing AR to demonstrate the requirement for p21 in mediating the proliferative responses to AR signaling in human breast epithelial cells.

Results

We found that hyperactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway from both AR and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling resulted in a growth-inhibitory response, whereas MAPK signaling from either AR or EGFR activation resulted in cellular proliferation. Additionally, p21 gene knock-out studies confirmed that AR signaling/activation of the MAPK pathway is dependent on p21.

Conclusions

These studies present a new model for the analysis of AR signaling in human breast epithelial cells lacking ERα/PR expression, providing an experimental system without the potential confounding effects of ERα/PR crosstalk. Using this system, we provide a mechanistic explanation for previous observations ascribing a dual role for AR signaling in human breast cancer cells. As previous reports have shown that approximately 40% of breast cancers can lack p21 expression, our data also identify potential new caveats for exploiting AR as a target for breast cancer therapy.
Keynesian Historiography and the Anti-Semitism Question
Authors: Weintraub E. Roy
Published: February 2012

Historians’ treatment of John Maynard Keynes’s putative anti-Semitism raises complex historiographic issues. Melvin W. Reder’s 2000 HOPE article “The Anti-Semitism of Some Eminent Economists” considered whether the term ambivalent anti-Semitism could be applied variously to John Maynard Keynes, Joseph Schumpeter, and Friedrich Hayek by arguing that those three important economists evinced attitudes or made remarks that today would be characterized as anti-Semitic. I am not concerned here to appraise Reder’s argument about whether the label “anti-Semitic,” whether “ambivalent” or not, is usefully attached to Keynes. I rather am concerned with the issue of how Keynesian historiography has dealt with the anti-Semitism question. That is, I am concerned with the role that Keynes’s possible anti-Semitism has played in Keynesian scholarship and how the community of Keynes scholars has treated that allegation.
PRMT5 and the role of symmetrical dimethylarginine in chromatoid bodies of planarian stem cells
Authors: Rouhana Labib , Vieira Ana P. , Roberts-Galbraith Rachel H. , Newmark Phillip A.
Published: February 2012

Planarian flatworms contain a population of adult stem cells (neoblasts) that proliferate and generate cells of all tissues during growth, regeneration and tissue homeostasis. A characteristic feature of neoblasts is the presence of chromatoid bodies, large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules morphologically similar to structures present in the germline of many organisms. This study aims to reveal the function, and identify additional components, of planarian chromatoid bodies. We uncover the presence of symmetrical dimethylarginine (sDMA) on chromatoid body components and identify the ortholog of protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 as the enzyme responsible for sDMA modification in these proteins. RNA interference-mediated depletion of planarian PRMT5 results in defects in homeostasis and regeneration, reduced animal size, reduced number of neoblasts, fewer chromatoid bodies and increased levels of transposon and repetitive-element transcripts. Our results suggest that PIWI family member SMEDWI-3 is one sDMA-containing chromatoid body protein for which methylation depends on PRMT5. Additionally, we discover an RNA localized to chromatoid bodies, germinal histone H4. Our results reveal new components of chromatoid bodies and their function in planarian stem cells, and also support emerging studies indicative of sDMA function in stabilization of RNP granules and the Piwi-interacting RNA pathway.
Role of injection pressure, flow and sclerosant viscosity in causing cutaneous ulceration during sclerotherapy
Authors: Miyake1 R K , King J T , Kikuchi R , Duarte F H , Davidson J R P , Oba C
Published: February 2012

The objective of the study is to evaluate the viscosity of popular sclerosants and their flow hydrodynamics through a syringe/needle to further discuss Miyake's old, venous-capillary reflux theory, using additional objective data. The following sclerosing agents were tested in the study: 75% dextrose (D75%); 50% dextrose (D50%); 5% ethanolamine oleate (Etha5%); 0.5% laureth-9 (Aet0.5%) and 0.1% sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS0.1%). Using 5 mL syringes and 27G needles, the resulting pressures and flows for each sclerosant agent were measured. To do this, a three-way stopcock was connected between the syringe and the needle so that an arm of the stopcock could be used to measure injection pressures with a digital monitor in 1 mmHg increments. Two trials were performed: in trial 1, the syringe was attached to a Samtronic 680 infusion pump and in trial 2, the solutions were injected manually. The observed sclerosant viscosities were as follows: D75%: 0.28 Poise; D50%: 0.12 Poise; Etha5%: 0.10 Poise; Aet0.5%: 0.07 Poise; and STS0.1%: 0.04 Poise. In trial 1 (constant flow), it was observed that D75%, which had the highest viscosity of the sclerosants tested, had the highest pressure readings. In trial 2 (constant pressure), the flow obtained with the D75% solution was lower than the flow of the other solutions. In conclusion, based on the rabbit study theory, vessel size and sclerosant viscosity and strength, not extravasation, play a role in causing ulceration from injection sclerotherapy. As a result, they all affect the potential of venous–capillary reflux being caused by sclerotherapy injection and, thus, the risk of postsclerotherapeutic cutaneous ulceration.
Characteristics of venous insufficiency in western Turkey: VEYT-I study
Authors: Akbulut B , UÇAr H İ , Öç M , İKizler M , Yorgancoğlu C , Dernek S , BÖKe E
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Syndromes of venous hypertension and reduced venous clearance are important causes of morbidity and disability in patients with varicose venous disease. Published estimates of the prevalence of varicosities range from 7% to 55% in the adult population, with most studies demonstrating clinical varicose reflux in about 40% of the population where the frequency of venous insufficiency is believed to be higher in Westernized and industrialized nations, most likely due to differences in lifestyle and activity. Unfortunately, the prevalence in a Turkish population is not known. The goal of the VEYT-I study was to determine the characteristics of venous insufficiency in a Turkish population.

Method

Randomized patients who applied to a health-care centre were included in this study. The Tübingen questionnaire was used to evaluate the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency and their seriousness in a Turkish population. Patients were additionally questioned on demographic data, education, working, living habits, quality of life and actual health status.

Results

A total of 2167 patients were involved in this study. Four patients with chronic renal failure and 40 patients with congestive heart failure were excluded. In patients with venous insufficiency, 90.1% did not receive any therapy. In all, 51.53% of patients with venous insufficiency were men, and mean age was 56.9 ± 9.4.

Conclusion

The prevalence of venous insufficiency seems to be somewhat higher when compared with Western populations. One of the most prominent facts is that about 90% of patients with venous insufficiency did not receive any therapy. Therefore, disease-related complications or discomfort might emerge soon, and so more importance should be given to venous insufficiency. The VEYT-I study is a continuing database study and the target is to enlarge the study population.
Fixed-Charge Transportation with Product Blending
Authors: Papageorgiou Dimitri J. , Toriello Alejandro , Nemhauser George L. , Savelsbergh Martin W. P.
Published: February 2012

Numerous planning models within the chemical, petroleum, and process industries involve coordinating the movement of raw materials in distribution networks so they can be blended into final products. The uncapacitated fixed-charge transportation problem with blending (FCTPwB) studied in this paper captures a core structure encountered in many of these environments. We model the FCTPwB as a mixed-integer linear program, and we derive two classes of facets, both exponential in size, for the convex hull of solutions for the problem with a single consumer and show that they can be separated in polynomial time. Furthermore, we prove that, in certain situations, these classes of facets along with the continuous relaxation of the original constraints yield a description of the convex hull. Finally, we present a computational study that demonstrates that these classes of facets are effective in reducing the integrality gap and solution time for more general instances of the FCTPwB with arc capacities and multiple consumers.
Equitable and Efficient Coordination in Traffic Flow Management
Authors: Barnhart Cynthia , Bertsimas Dimitris , Caramanis Constantine , Fearing Douglas
Published: February 2012

When air traffic demand is projected to exceed capacity, the Federal Aviation Administration implements traffic flow management (TFM) programs. Independently, these programs maintain a first-scheduled, first-served invariant, which is the accepted standard of fairness within the industry. Coordinating conflicting programs requires a careful balance between equity and efficiency. In our work, we first develop a fairness metric to measure deviation from first-scheduled, first-served in the presence of conflicts. Next, we develop an integer programming formulation that attempts to directly minimize this metric. We further develop an exponential penalty approach and show that its computational performance is far superior and its tradeoff between delay and fairness compares favorably. In our results, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these models using historical and hypothetical scenarios. Additionally, we demonstrate that the exponential penalty approach exhibits exceptional computational performance, implying practical viability. Our results suggest that this approach could lead to system-wide savings on the order of $25 to $50 million per year.
A Bivariate Multinomial Probit Model for Trip Scheduling: Bayesian Analysis of the Work Tour
Authors: Lemp Jason D. , Kockelman Kara M. , Damien Paul
Published: February 2012

As tour-based methods for activity and travel participation patterns replace trip-based methods, time-of-day (TOD) choice modeling remains problematic. In practice, most travel demand model systems handle tour scheduling via joint-choice multinomial logit (MNL) models, which suffer from the well-known independence of irrelevant alternatives assumption. This paper introduces a random utility maximization model of tour scheduling called the bivariate multinomial probit. This specification enables correlations across TOD alternatives, both outbound and return (on a tour) and over time slots (in a day). The model is estimated in a Bayesian setting on work-tour data from the San Francisco Bay Area with 30-minute time slots at most times of day (for both outbound and inbound journeys). Empirical results suggest that a variety of individual, household, and tour characteristics have reasonable effects on scheduling behavior. For instance, older persons typically pursue work tours at earlier times of day, part-time workers pursue their work tours later, and those with additional activities and tours tend to arrive slightly later and leave much earlier than those undertaking only a single tour, everything else constant. The model outperforms a comparable MNL, while offering reasonable implications under a variety of road-tolling scenarios.
Preparation of67Cuviadeuteron irradiation of70Zn
Authors: Kozempel Ján , Abbas Kamel , Simonelli Federica , Bulgheroni Antonio , Holzwarth Uwe , Gibson Neil
Published: February 2012

A method for preparation of67Cu based on deuteron irradiation of enriched70Zn is presented. Cross-sections for67Cu formation were determined by the stacked foil technique for deuteron energies in the range from 10 to 20 MeV for the first time. Irradiations of70Zn foils were followed by radiochemical separation of67Cu from the target material and co-produced radionuclidic impurities. The maximum cross-section value of 25.5 ± 2.2 mb was reached at 19 MeV. The integral yield in the energy window of 20 → 10 MeV on 95% enriched70Zn is estimated at 4.2 MBq/μA h (110 μCi/μA h) or 375 MBq/μA (10 mCi/μA) at saturation.
Mutual separation of americium(III) and europium(III) using glycolamic acid and thioglycolamic acid
Authors: Suneesh A. S. , Venkatesan K. A. , Syamala K. V. , Antony M. P. , Vasudeva Rao P. R.
Published: February 2012

The extractants, bis(2-ethylhexyl)diglycolamicacid (HDEHDGA) and bis(2-ethylhexy)thiodiglycolamic acid (HDEHSDGA) were synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, mass and IR spectroscopy. The extraction behaviour of (152+154)Eu(III) and 241Am(III) from nitric acid medium by a solution of HDEHDGA (or HDEHSDGA) in n-dodecane (n-DD) was studied for the mutual separation of actinides and lanthanides. The effect of various parameters such as the pH, concentrations of HDEHDGA, HDEHSDGA, sodium nitrate, N,N,N´,N´-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) on the separation factor (SF) of americium(III) over europium(III) and vice versa was studied, and the conditions needed for the preferential separation were optimised. The results show that HDEHDGA exhibits higher extraction for (152+154)Eu(III) and HDEHSDGA shows the superior selectivity for 241Am(III).
Morfometria das fibras colágeno cardíaco em ratos sadios e diabéticos suplementados com vitamina C
Authors: Diniz Thiago Guerra , Benedicto Hildebrando Gomes , Agreste Fernanda Rodrigues , Clebis Naianne Kelly , Hernandez-Blazquez Francisco Javier , Bombonato Pedro Primo
Published: February 2012

O aumento do conteúdo de fibras colágenas no coração de diabéticos é um fato bastante conhecido, suas conseqüências ainda são objeto de estudo e causam certa controvérsia, portanto este trabalho objetivou estudar a variação na quantidade das fibras de colágeno cardíacas em animais normais e diabéticos tratados pela vitamina C. Para isso foram selecionados 32 ratos Wistar, 16 diabéticos induzidos pela injeção endovenosa de estreptozootocina e 16 normais, sendo metade deles tratados com Vitamina C (diabéticos e normais) por um período de 90 dias. Após período experimental, os corações foram retirados e processados segundo protocolo convencional para microscopia óptica e coloração específica para colágeno. Os resultados mostram que animais diabéticos apresentam maior quantidade de fibras de colágeno cardíacas e que o tratamento com a vitamina C determinou um menor acúmulo na quantidade dessas fibras.
Estudo microscópico e macroscópico, com enfoque radiográfico e de alizarina, no desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal de gatos domésticos (Felis catus) em diferentes idades gestacionais
Authors: Abreu Dilayla K , Rodrigues Elaine A.F , Monteiro Janaina M , Franciolli André L , Costola-Souza Carolina , Roballo Kelly C.S , Ambrósio Carlos Eduardo , Miglino Maria Angélica
Published: February 2012

O gato doméstico (Felis catus) foi nomeado por Carolus Linnaeus em seu livro Systema Naturae, em 1798. A família Felidea apresenta muita semelhança morfológica com os felinos selvagens. O estudo da embriologia do gato doméstico é de grande valia, uma vez que, é considerado um importante modelo animal quando comparado aos gatos selvagem em extinção, especialmente relacionado às pesquisas sobre biologia reprodutiva. Este trabalho objetivou análisar e comparar as fases embrionárias de quatro embriões e um feto de felinos domésticos. Nos embriões com idade gestacional estimada em 17 dias (0,5cm CR) podemos observar pela análise macroscópica a presença de dilatação rostral correspondente ao prosencéfalo, o local placóide do cristalino, a flexura cervical, os quatro arcos faríngeos com os sulcos que o dividem, a proeminência cardíaca, o indício do brotamento do membro pélvico, além da presença de somitos. Na região caudal do embrião, visualizamos a curvatura cranio-caudal, permitindo ao mesmo uma posição em formato de "C". Nos embriões com idade gestacional estimada em 22 dias (1,2cm CR), na análise macroscópica foi visualizado o prosencéfalo, vesícula óptica com pigmentação da retina, vesícula ótica, quarto ventrículo, fígado, membros torácicos e pélvicos com discreta distinção dos dígitos e vascularização superficial. Nos embriões com idade gestacional estimada em 25 dias (1,5cm CR) notamos a presença do prosencéfalo e mesencéfalo, a curvatura cervical pronunciada, vesícula óptica com forte pigmentação da retina, vesícula ótica, membros pélvicos e torácicos bem desenvolvidos, com distinção dos dígitos e fígado bem pronunciado. Os fetos com idade gestacional estimada em 52 dias (10cm CR) possuem estruturas internas e externas facilmente identificadas em animais adultos. Com relação às estruturas ósseas notamos que as mesmas não apresentam nenhuma epífise óssea formada, sendo visíveis somente as diáfises ósseas. Na análise microscópica, o embrião de idade gestacional de 19 dias (0,9cm CR) revelou a presença do rostro, cavidade oral com lábio superior e inferior, cavidade nasal, olho e a abertura do 4º ventrículo encefálico, esôfago, coração com átrio e ventrículo, pulmão, fígado, crista mesonéfrica, gônada primitiva, estômago, broto do membro torácico, coluna vertebral e a medula espinhal em formação. Esse trabalho é de grande importância para o estudo da morfologia externa e interna de gatos domésticos, principalmente no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento ósseo e articular, considerando as alterações que podem ou não ser promovidas pelo uso de terapias medicamentosas ou celulares durante o desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal.