bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Footprints
Authors: Veronesi Francesca , Gemeinboeck Petra
Published: July 2009

/ Mobile, location-aware technologies are cultural tools for the re-enactment, re-embodiment and recontextualization of history and memory in our everyday life. The transformative potential of spatial practices that creatively employ these technologies can renegotiate our experience of place by allowing us to co-inhabit past and present storied spaces of different cultures. The research project Mapping Footprints explores alternative means of knowing and making place through a spatial practice which mediatizes heritage conservation sites with archival records. In the context of Elvina site, a heritage place of Aboriginal culture in Sydney, we experiment with a place-making practice where the re-storing of memory renegotiates archived oral histories and the geography of the site. We will look at the role of mediation, performativity, and representation in shaping both the development process and the experience of this augmented, storied landscape.
Hierarchical dynamic time-to-event models for post-treatment preventive care data on breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cooner Freda W , Yu Xinhua , Banerjee Sudipto , Grambsch Patricia L , McBean A Marshall
Published: July 2009

This paper considers modelling data arising in post-treatment preventive care settings, where cancer patients who have undergone disease-directed treatment discontinue seeking preventive care services. Clinicians and public health researchers are interested in explaining such behavioural patterns by modelling the time-to-receiving care while accounting for several patient and treatment attributes. A key feature of such data is that a noticeable number of patients would never return for screening, a concept subtly different from censoring, where an individual does not return for screening in the given time frame of the study. Models distinguishing between these two concepts are known as cure rate models and are often preferred for data where a significant part of the population never experienced the endpoint. Building upon recent work on hierarchical cure model framework we propose modelling a sequence of latent events with a piecewise exponential distribution that remedies oversmoothing encountered in existing models with different latent distributions. We investigate simultaneous regression on the cure fraction and the latent event distribution and derive a flexible class of semiparametric cure rate models.
Towards the third stage of the lighting profession
Authors: Cuttle C.
Published: July 2009

The notion of stages of the lighting profession is examined to identify the main themes that have directed the objectives of the lighting profession. It is proposed that the objective of the first stage was provision of uniform illumination over a horizontal plane, and that of the second stage has been to provide illuminance suited to human need, based on visual performance. This brings us up to the current era, and it is the author’s opinion that the second stage has failed to achieve its objective. While codes and standards pay lip service to visual performance, the reality is that for the vast majority of situations where lighting standards are applied, the aim is to meet user expectations for the spaces they occupy to appear adequately lit. The metrics currently used to specify, measure, and calculate lighting levels are inappropriate for this purpose. The concept of mean room surface exitance is proposed as a basis for lighting standards. Procedures for calculation and measurement lead to some startling conclusions. Familiar notions of lighting effectiveness and efficiency are turned upside down, and an entirely different way of thinking about interior lighting design is revealed. The essential difference is a switch from assessing light incident on planes to assessing light arriving at the eye. Such a change of thinking may be seen as a precursor for the third stage of the lighting profession.
Factors Critical to Knowledge Management Success
Authors: Conley Curtis A. , Wei Zheng
Published: July 2009

The problem and the solution. This article integrates literature on organizational factors that influence knowledge management (KM) effectiveness that have been identified in several bodies of literature: HRD, information technology, and management. A framework has been developed that categorizes the various organizational factors and their paths of influence on KM effectiveness. It advances knowledge in the field of HRD by summarizing existing knowledge, identifying gaps, and providing agenda for future research in KM. It also provides practitioners of KM a holistic understanding of how organizational context influences KM effectiveness. This knowledge may help them to (a) diagnose their organizational environment before launching KM projects, (b) communicate with stakeholders the importance of ensuring a KM-friendly environment, and (c) optimize their resources and strategies to remove organizational barriers and cultivate organizational enablers for KM.
The Role of Knowledge Management in Quality Management Practices: Achieving Performance Excellence in Organizations
Authors: Akdere Mesut
Published: July 2009

The problem and the solution. Knowledge management involves “knowledge” and “information.” Both of these concepts lie at the heart of human resource development (HRD) practice in the workplace. In fact, knowledge management strongly supports both paradigms of HRD—learning and performance. Quality management, on the other hand, applies knowledge management as one of its core components. However, the problem is that knowledge management and quality management are viewed as unrelated fields and their interaction has not been fully explored. Understanding these two vital organizational processes will enable HRD practitioners to develop and design effective programs and services that fully utilize both processes in the organization. Considering knowledge management as a key element in the quality management process can help increase knowledge creation and utilization within the organization. This article explores the relationship between knowledge management and quality management and discusses its applicability in HRD for enhancing organizational capacity and capability to achieve performance excellence.
Virtual HRD: The Intersection of Knowledge Management, Culture, and Intranets
Authors: Bennett Elisabeth E.
Published: July 2009

The problem and the solution. Virtual human resource development (VHRD) is just beginning to be defined in the field of human resource development. This article explores how knowledge management, organizational culture, and intranets combine to create VHRD, with implications for training, career, and organizational development. A conclusion is that VHRD is not a panacea but must be designed with care and purpose.
Knowledge Management for Sustained Competitive Advantage in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Kongpichayanond Pimpimon
Published: July 2009

The problem and the solution. Mergers and acquisitions have become one of the most well-known business strategies in the global economy. Increasing market share, gaining core capabilities, and accessing more capital at lower cost are results from a successful and effective merger and acquisition. However, emphasizing business strategies and financial issues is not enough. Organizations also need to focus on their human resources in mergers and acquisitions. Knowledge and knowledge management as a soft side of mergers and acquisitions play a vital role. Having a better understanding of the relationship between knowledge management and mergers and acquisitions will help the combined organization succeed in mergers and acquisitions and sustain competitive advantage.
Molecular profiling of CD3−CD4+ T cells from patients with the lymphocytic variant of hypereosinophilic syndrome reveals targeting of growth control pathways
Authors: Ravoet Marie , Sibille Catherine , Gu Chunyan , Libin Myriam , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Sotiriou Christos , Goldman Michel , Roufosse Florence , Willard-Gallo Karen
Published: July 2009

The clonal CD3−CD4+ T-cell population characterizing lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L-HES) persists for years, with a subgroup of patients ultimately progressing to T lymphoma. The molecular changes associated with the premalignant clone and the emergence of malignant subclones are unknown, precluding the development of targeted therapy for this HES variant. In this study, we used whole genome arrays to examine gene expression in the CD3−CD4+ T cells and found that 850 genes were differentially regulated during chronic disease compared with CD3+CD4+ T cells from healthy donors. Changes in the expression of 349 genes were altered in association with the clinical progression from chronic L-HES to T lymphoma in 1 patient, with 87 of 349 genes representing further changes in genes whose expression was altered in all chronic disease patients (87 of 850). Array analysis after CD2/CD28-mediated activation revealed that the major gene expression changes observed in the CD3−CD4+ T cells do not reflect activation induced alterations but rather pathways involved in T-cell homeostasis, including transforming growth factor-β signaling, apoptosis, and T-cell maturation, signaling, and migration. Examination of microRNA expression in the CD3−CD4+ T cells from patients with chronic disease identified 23 microRNAs that changed significantly, among which miR-125a further decreased in association with one patient's evolution to T lymphoma.
Mice deficient for CD137 ligand are predisposed to develop germinal center–derived B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Middendorp Sabine , Xiao Yanling , Song Ji-Ying , Peperzak Victor , Krijger Peter H. L. , Jacobs Heinz , Borst Jannie
Published: July 2009

In the germinal center (GC), B cells proliferate dramatically and diversify their immunoglobulin genes, which increases the risk of malignant transformation. The GC B-cell reaction relies on crosstalk with follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), to which the costimulatory receptor CD137 on FDCs and its ligand on GC B cells potentially contribute. We report that mice deficient for CD137 ligand (CD137L) are predisposed to develop B-cell lymphoma, with an incidence of approximately 60% at 12 months of age. Lymphoma membrane markers were characteristic of GC B cells. Longitudinal histologic analysis identified the GC as site of oncogenic transformation and classified 85% of the malignancies found in approximately 200 mice as GC-derived B-cell lymphoma. To delineate the mechanism underlying lymphomagenesis, gene expression profiles of wild-type and CD137L-deficient GC B cells were compared. CD137L deficiency was associated with enhanced expression of a limited gene set that included Bcl-10 and the GC response regulators Bcl-6, Spi-B, Elf-1, Bach2, and activation-induced cytidine deaminase. Among these are proto-oncogenes that mediate GC B-cell lymphoma development in humans. We conclude that CD137L ordinarily regulates the GC B-cell response and thereby acts as a tumor suppressor.
Increased augmentation index in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hull J. H. , Garrod R. , Ho T. B. , Knight R. K. , Cockcroft J. R. , Shale D. J. , Bolton C. E.
Published: July 2009

Increased large artery stiffness occurs in a range of inflammatory conditions indicating an ageing of the vasculature and additionally being an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. We determined large artery parameters in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

50 clinically stable adult patients with CF (mean±sdage 28.0±8.2 yrs) and 26 controls matched for age, sex and body mass index were studied. Central aortic blood pressure, augmentation index (AIx) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) were determined using applanation tonometry. Lung function, diabetic status and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also determined.

Mean±sdAIx was greater in patients than controls, 8.5±11.1% and -1.8±13.1%, respectively (p<0.001), while PWV was similar. Although AIx was greatest in the sub-group with CF-related diabetes (CFRD), it was also increased in the non-CFRD sub-group when compared with controls. In patients, AIx was related to log10CRP (r = 0.33) and forced vital capacity (r =  -0.34; both p<0.05), and CRP remained predictive in multiple regression.

AIx is increased in adults with CF, in the presence of a normal blood pressure and independent of diabetic status. AIx was related to the systemic inflammatory status. These findings have implications for management and require further exploration so that cardiovascular health can be maintained.
Myeloid-related protein 8/14 levels in children with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Kim J. , Bhattacharjee R. , Snow A. B. , Capdevila O. S. , Kheirandish-Gozal L. , Gozal D.
Published: July 2009

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in children and leads to multiple end-organ morbidities. Myeloid-related protein (MRP) 8/14 plays an important pathophysiological role in atherosclerosis, and plasma levels correlate with endothelial cell dysfunction. We hypothesised that MRP8/14 levels would be altered in children with OSA.

255 children (aged 7.6±1.5 yrs) were included after a sleep study and a morning blood sample. MRP8/14 and interleukin-6 plasma levels were assayed using ELISA and C-reactive protein by immunoturbidometry. Endothelial function was assessed as the hyperaemic response after occlusion of the brachial artery.

Plasma log MRP8/14 levels showed apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) dose-dependent increases regardless of obesity. Moreover, log MRP8/14 levels correlated with log AHI (r = 0.340, p<0.001) after controlling for age and body mass index Z-score, and with endothelial function. Children with the highest MRP levels (>1.34 ug·mL−1) had 2.4- and 5.4-fold increased odds of mild OSA and moderate-to-severe OSA, respectively, after adjusting for confounding variables.

Plasma MRP8/14 levels are associated with paediatric OSA and may reflect increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity. The short- and long-term consequences of elevated MRP8/14 on cardiovascular function in the context of paediatric OSA remain to be defined.
Monitoring sputum eosinophils in mucosal inflammation and remodelling: a pilot study
Authors: Chakir J. , Loubaki L. , Laviolette M. , Milot J. , Biardel S. , Jayaram L. , Pizzichini M. , Pizzichini E. , Hargreave F. E. , Nair P. , Boulet L-P.
Published: July 2009

Normalisation of eosinophil counts in sputum of asthmatic patients reduces eosinophilic exacerbations. However, the effect of this strategy on airway remodelling remains to be determined. We compared bronchial inflammation and collagen deposition after 2 yrs of treatment guided by either sputum eosinophils (sputum strategy, SS) or by clinical criteria (clinical strategy, CS).

As a pilot study, 20 mild asthmatic patients were randomly assigned to CS or SS strategies. Bronchial biopsies were obtained when minimum treatment needed to maintain control was identified and this was continued for 2 yrs. Biopsies were immunostained for inflammatory cells, mucin 5A (MUC5A) and collagen.

The mean dose of inhaled corticosteroids at the start and end of the study was similar in both SS and CS groups. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased in both groups at the study end. In SS, mucosal lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, but not neutrophils, were reduced at the end of the study. In CS, only activated eosinophil and neutrophil counts decreased. MUC5A staining decreased in SS but not CS. No change in collagen deposition underneath the basement membrane was observed in either strategy.

Treatment strategies that normalise sputum eosinophils also reduce mucosal inflammatory cells and MUC5A expression, but do not change subepithelial collagen deposition in mild to moderate asthma.
Lung-specific inactivation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α causes a pathological pattern characteristic of COPD
Authors: Didon L. , Roos A. B. , Elmberger G. P. , Gonzalez F. J. , Nord M.
Published: July 2009

The link between respiratory complications in prematurely born infants and susceptibility for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving increasing attention. We have previously found that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) activity in airway epithelial cells of COPD patients is decreased compared to healthy smokers, suggesting a previously unknown role for C/EBPs in COPD pathogenesis.

To investigate the role of the transcription factor C/EBPα in lung development and its potential role in COPD, mice with a lung epithelial-specific disruption of the C/EBPα gene (CebpaΔLE) were generated using Cre-mediated excision, and the resulting pathology was studied during development and into adulthood.

CebpaΔLEmice exhibit impaired lung development and epithelial differentiation, as well as affected vascularity. Furthermore,CebpaΔLEmice that survive until adulthood develop a severe pathological picture with irregular emphysema; bronchiolitis, including goblet cell hyperplasia, bronchiolar metaplasia, fibrosis and mucus plugging; and an inflammatory cell and gene expression profile similar to COPD.

CebpaΔLEmice display lung immaturity during development, and adultCebpaΔLEmice develop a majority of the histopathological and inflammatory characteristics of COPD.CebpaΔLEmice could thus provide new valuable insights into understanding the long-term consequences of lung immaturity and the link to susceptibility of developing COPD.
Evaluating complex health interventions: a critical analysis of the 'outcomes' concept
Authors: Paterson Charlotte , Baarts Charlotte , Launsø Laila , Verhoef Marja J
Published: July 2009

Background

The extent to which a health care intervention causes or facilitates health-related change is a key question in research. The need to quantify such change has led to the development of an increasing number of change indicators, to measure what have come to be known as 'outcomes'. In the context of medical research into the efficacy or effectiveness of an intervention the term 'outcomes' has often been interpreted to mean single endpoints with a linear cause and effect link to an external intervention.

Discussion

In this paper we present a critical analysis of the nature and interpretation of the 'outcomes' concept and of the assumptions that underpin it. Drawing on our own work and that of others, we analyse the problems that arise when the concept is applied to complex interventions and discuss the use of other models, such as programme theory, as a basis for alternative conceptualisations for indicators of change.

Our analysis demonstrates that the interpretation of 'outcomes' that may be appropriate for clinical trials of pharmaceutical products, is problematic when used in evaluations of complex interventions in areas such as complementary medicine, palliative care, rehabilitation, and health promotion. The 'outcomes' concept may impose inappropriate patterns of thought and meaning. We present alternative models, such as those based on programme theory, which conceptualise health-related change as resulting from the interaction between intervention, process and context over time. In this framework both the intervention and the patient are defined as causal factors, because the result of the treatment is dependent on the resources of the patient – such as the body's ability to heal itself – and the impact of the patient's situation.

Evaluations based on a model such as programme theory will encompass a wide range of health-related changes that include aspects of process, such as new meanings and understanding, as well as longer term changes in health, wellbeing and health-related competences and behaviours.
Reliability and validity of a new scale on internal coherence (ICS) of cancer patients
Authors: Kröz Matthias , Büssing Arndt , von Laue Hans Broder , Reif Marcus , Feder Gene , Schad Friedemann , Girke Matthias , Matthes Harald
Published: July 2009

Background

Current inventories on quality of life used in oncology mainly focus on functional aspects of patients in the context of disease adaption and treatments (side) effects (EORTC QLQ C30) or generically the status of common functions (Medical Outcome Study SF 36). Beyond circumscribed dimensions of quality of life (i.e., physical, emotional, social, cognitive etc.), there is a lack of inventories which also address other relevant dimensions such as the 'sense of coherence' (SOC) in cancer patients. SOC is important because of its potential prognostic relevance in cancer patients, but the current SOC scale has mainly been validated for psychiatric and psychosomatic patients. Our two-step validation study addresses the internal coherence (ICS) scale, which is based on expert rating, using specific items for oncological patients, with respect to its reliability, validity and sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Methods

The items were tested on 114 participants (57 cancer patients and a matched control group), alongside questions on autonomic regulation (aR), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), self-regulation (SRQ) and Karnofsky the Performance-Index (KPI). A retest of 65 participants was carried out after a median time span of four weeks.

In the second part of the study, the ICS was used to assess internal coherence during chemotherapy in 25 patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and 17 breast cancer patients. ICS was recorded before, during and 4 – 8 weeks after treatment.

Results

The 10-item scale of 'internal coherence' (ICS) shows good to very good reliability: Cronbach-α r = 0.91, retest-reliability r = 0.80. The ICS correlates with r = 0.43 – 0.72 to the convergence criteria (all p < 0.001). We are able to show decreased ICS-values after the third cycle for CRC and breast cancer patients, with a subsequent increase of ICS scores after the end of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The ICS has good to very good reliability, validity and sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Lung cancer gene expression database analysis incorporating prior knowledge with support vector machine-based classification method
Authors: Guan Peng , Huang Desheng , He Miao , Zhou Baosen
Published: July 2009

Background

A reliable and precise classification is essential for successful diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Gene expression microarrays have provided the high-throughput platform to discover genomic biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Rational use of the available bioinformation can not only effectively remove or suppress noise in gene chips, but also avoid one-sided results of separate experiment. However, only some studies have been aware of the importance of prior information in cancer classification.

Methods

Together with the application of support vector machine as the discriminant approach, we proposed one modified method that incorporated prior knowledge into cancer classification based on gene expression data to improve accuracy. A public well-known dataset, Malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma gene expression database, was used in this study. Prior knowledge is viewed here as a means of directing the classifier using known lung adenocarcinoma related genes. The procedures were performed by software R 2.80.

Results

The modified method performed better after incorporating prior knowledge. Accuracy of the modified method improved from 98.86% to 100% in training set and from 98.51% to 99.06% in test set. The standard deviations of the modified method decreased from 0.26% to 0 in training set and from 3.04% to 2.10% in test set.

Conclusion

The method that incorporates prior knowledge into discriminant analysis could effectively improve the capacity and reduce the impact of noise. This idea may have good future not only in practice but also in methodology.
Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy results in decreased morbidity and mortality among patients with TB and HIV
Authors: Tabarsi Payam , Saber‐Tehrani Ali S , Baghaei Parvaneh , Padyab Mojgan , Mansouri Davood , Amiri Majid , Masjedi Mohammad Reza , Altice Frederick L
Published: July 2009

Introduction

The overlapping drug toxicity profiles, drug‐drug interactions and complications of management of both HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in patients with advanced HIV have not been fully delineated.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of the outcomes of tuberculosis treatment among 69 HIV‐infected patients with TB, who were hospitalized in Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran between 2002 and 2006, and who received standard category 1 (CAT‐1) regimens. Group I (N = 47) included those treated from 2002 to 2005 with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiated after eight weeks of TB treatment for those whose CD4 count was <200 cells/mm3. Group II (N = 22) included TB patients treated from 2005 to 2006, with HAART initiated after two weeks of TB treatment if their CD4 count was <100 cells/mm3 and eight weeks after initiation of TB treatment for those whose CD4 count was between 101 and 200 cells/mm3.

Results

There were no differences between Groups I and II with regard to: adverse drug reactions [four (8.5%) versus two (9%), p = ns]; IRIS [six (12.7%) versus three (10.7%), p = ns]; and new opportunistic infections [eight (17.0%) versus two (9.1%), p = ns]. Death, however, occurred more frequently in Group I than in Group II [13 (27.7%) versus (4.5%), p = 0.03], where HAART was initiated earlier. Injection of drugs was the most common route of HIV transmission in both groups (72.3% in Group I and 77.3% in Group II).

Conclusion

This manuscript shows that in a retrospective review of HIV/TB patients hospitalized in Tehran, improved survival was associated with earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV/TB patients with CD4 counts of below 100 cells/mm3.
Characterization of the Endocannabinoid System in Human Spermatozoa and Involvement of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Receptor in Their Fertilizing Ability
Authors: Francavilla F. , Battista N. , Barbonetti A. , Vassallo M. R. C. , Rapino C. , Antonangelo C. , Pasquariello N. , Catanzaro G. , Barboni B. , Maccarrone M.
Published: July 2009

Human spermatozoa express type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), whose activation by anandamide (AEA) affects motility and acrosome reaction (AR). In this study, we extended the characterization of the AEA-related endocannabinoid system in human spermatozoa, and we focused on the involvement of the AEA-binding vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) in their fertilizing ability. Protein expression was revealed for CB1 (∼56 kDa), TRPV1 (∼95 kDa), AEA-synthesizing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) (∼46 kDa), and AEA-hydrolyzing enzyme [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), ∼66 kDa]. Both AEA-binding receptors (CB1 and TRPV1) exhibited a functional binding activity; enzymatic activity was demonstrated for NAPE-PLD, FAAH, and the purported endocannabinoid membrane transporter (EMT). Immunoreactivity for CB1, NAPE-PLD, and FAAH was localized in the postacrosomal region and in the midpiece, whereas for TRPV1, it was restricted to the postacrosomal region. Capsazepine (CPZ), a selective antagonist of TRPV1, inhibited progesterone (P)-enhanced sperm/oocyte fusion, as evaluated by the hamster egg penetration test. This inhibition was due to a reduction of the P-induced AR rate above the spontaneous AR rate, which was instead increased. The sperm exposure to OMDM-1, a specific inhibitor of EMT, prevented the promoting effect of CPZ on spontaneous AR rate and restored the sperm responsiveness to P. No significant effects could be observed on sperm motility. In conclusion, this study provides unprecedented evidence that human spermatozoa exhibit a completely functional endocannabinoid system related to AEA and that the AEA-binding TRPV1 receptor could be involved in the sperm fertilizing ability.
Thermal and fouling characteristics of cross-flow wet cooling towers under mixed weather conditions
Authors: Shakeri R , Mehrabian M A , Hajidavalloo E
Published: July 2009

Cooling towers are widely used in most industrial units to reject waste heat to the environment. Wet towers are usually designed to operate in hot and dry weather conditions, but wet cooling towers operating in Ahvaz climate suffer from mixed weather conditions that strongly affect the thermal performance of the towers. Operating in mixed weather conditions and fouling on fills are two major concerns for towers working in the direct reduction unit of Khuzestan Steel Company (KSC), Ahvaz. The first step is to model the thermal behaviour of the tower under the present operating conditions. Two mathematical models (the conventional Merkel model and the dimensionless Halasz model) are applied in this step and the results of the models for the outlet water temperature in nine various operating conditions are compared with experimental data. Prevailing fill characteristic curves for three cell halves of the tower are obtained using a numerical—experimental method. At the second step, the results of the chemical analysis of fouling material and circulating water are considered to obtain the main factor of scale forming in the tower. The tendency of water to scale forming is investigated using three conventional scaling criteria. The analysis of water and fouling material shows that both air and water have important fouling and scaling effects on fills. Finally, several approaches are proposed to reduce these deteriorating effects of air and water. The effect of placing an impact separator in front of air louvers (to reduce suspended solids of the air) on the thermal performance of the tower is investigated.
Sample average approximation applied to the capacitated-facilities location problem with unreliable facilities
Authors: Gade D , Pohl E A
Published: July 2009

The capacitated-facilities location problem (CFLP) deals with opening facilities with a finite capacity to serve a set of customers. This paper addresses the discrete CFLP when the opened facilities are unreliable, i.e. they are unavailable to provide service to customers. Such problems have gained prominence in the recent past owing to their application in the area of supply-chain disruptions. A stochastic programming formulation for the CFLP with unreliable facilities is presented and the benefit of investing in redundant facility locations is demonstrated. A sampling-based algorithm called the sample average approximation algorithm is used to approximately solve this model and present computational results.
‘Infected by the seed of postindustrial punk bohemia’
Authors: Webb Peter
Published: July 2009

This article uses the concepts of cultural milieu and music genre to explore the work of Nick Cave in the 1980s and later. Milieu theory is derived from the work of phenomenologists Alfred Schutz and Jorg Durschmitt. The article analyses the transgressive milieu of Cave and such collaborators as Blixa Bargeld and Lydia Lunch and considers the way in which the music genres of punk, post-punk, gothic and industrial have been implicated in Nick Cave’s recorded output.
Afraid of Technology?
Authors: Furgason Aaron
Published: July 2009

Advancements in media technologies have had a profound impact on the production and distribution of recorded music. Digital audio editing technology such as Pro-tools and Audicy have allowed for cheaper and faster production of recorded music. The distribution of music has also been impacted by technological advancements (MP3’s and Peer-to-peer networks) which allow for faster and cheaper distribution of recorded material via the Internet. While these technologies were seen as an avenue to revolutionize the production and distribution of recorded music, recording industry stalwarts (consolidated major labels) were less then enthusiastic about the advancements. The major labels were concerned about the possible economic implications of the change on their business models. This study examines the response of the consolidated major labels to the new technological improvements via the ‘Stages in Media Institution Responses to New Technologies,’ posited by Napoli (1998). The model notes that there are four distinct institutional responses to technological advancements: complacency, resistance, differentiation and diversification. The results of the paper highlight the response of the major labels as they moved through each stage of the model and the impact of their response on labels, artists and the consumers of popular music.
It was easy, it was cheap, so what?
Authors: Dale Pete
Published: July 2009

Today, the words ‘indie’ and ‘independence’ are commonly taken only to be connotative of a musical style, yet during an earlier punk/post-punk period they were used to denote a specific economic separateness from the major labels. This article examines the development of the indie sector in this earlier period, challenging a tendency to reify certain proponents of punk’s DIY principle (Buzzcocks’ Spiral Scratch EP, Desperate Bicycles) by noting some significant antecedents and continuations of the indie ‘Do It Yourself’ impetus. Contrasting the Rough Trade label against anarcho-punks Crass, the article also highlights the ‘cutie’ or ‘C86’ period in which indie is sometimes said to have become more about music and less about politics. The significance of MySpace and other recent technological developments are also considered. In conclusion, the article interrogates the political efficacy of the ‘anyone can do it’ principle associated with punk/indie’s DIY ethic.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: Therapeutic Options According to Molecular Subtypes and Prior Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Guarneri Valentina , Conte PierFranco
Published: July 2009

In spite of advances in treatment strategies, about 25%–40% of patients with breast cancer still eventually develop metastatic disease that is largely incurable. Treatment goals vary from symptom control to lengthening survival, mainly on the basis of patient age and performance status, tumor biology, site and extent of disease, and prior therapies. In particular, breast cancer molecular characterization allows for the identification of breast cancer subtypes with distinct biological features, a distinct clinical course, and distinct treatment sensitivity.

Endocrine manipulation is the cornerstone of therapy in hormone receptor–positive tumors; anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 agents are essential in the management of HER-2+ tumors; and chemotherapy is the only available option so far for the triple-negative subtype. In each of these subtypes, the more efficacious agents have been progressively incorporated into adjuvant treatment. As a consequence, the choice of the optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with metastatic disease is largely influenced by prior exposure to adjuvant therapies. This review contextualizes the data from clinical trials into different clinical scenarios of metastatic disease, taking into account the molecular subtype and prior adjuvant treatments.
Prostate cancer stromal cells and LNCaP cells coordinately activate the androgen receptor through synthesis of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from dehydroepiandrosterone
Authors: Mizokami Atsushi , Koh Eitetsu , Izumi Kouji , Narimoto Kazutaka , Takeda Masashi , Honma Seijiro , Dai Jinlu , Keller Evan T , Namiki Mikio
Published: July 2009

One of the mechanisms through which advanced prostate cancer (PCa) usually relapses after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the adaptation to residual androgens in PCa tissue. It has been observed that androgen biosynthesis in PCa tissue plays an important role in this adaptation. In the present study, we investigated how stromal cells affect adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolism in androgen-sensitive PCa LNCaP cells. DHEA alone had little effect on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter activity and the proliferation of LNCaP cells. However, the addition of prostate stromal cells or PCa-derived stromal cells (PCaSC) increased DHEA-induced PSA promoter activity via androgen receptor activation in the LNCaP cells. Moreover, PCaSC stimulated the proliferation of LNCaP cells under physiological concentrations of DHEA. Biosynthesis of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone from DHEA in stromal cells and LNCaP cells was involved in this stimulation of LNCaP cell proliferation. Androgen biosynthesis from DHEA depended upon the activity of various steroidogenic enzymes present in stromal cells. Finally, the dual 5α-reductase inhibitor dutasteride appears to function not only as a 5α-reductase inhibitor but also as a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor in LNCaP cells. Taken together, this coculture assay system provides new insights of coordinate androgen biosynthesis under the microenvironment of PCa cells before and after ADT, and offers a model system for the identification of important steroidogenic enzymes involved in PCa progression and for the development of the corresponding inhibitors of androgen biosynthesis.
Functional characterization of wild-type and mutated pendrin (SLC26A4), the anion transporter involved in Pendred syndrome
Authors: Dossena Silvia , Rodighiero Simona , Vezzoli Valeria , Nofziger Charity , Salvioni Elisabetta , Boccazzi Marta , Grabmayer Elisabeth , Bottà Guido , Meyer Giuliano , Fugazzola Laura , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Paulmichl Markus
Published: July 2009

Pendred syndrome (PS) is the most frequent form of genetically related syndromic hearing loss, and is associated with mutations of pendrin, encoded by the SLC26A4 gene. This protein localizes to the cellular membrane and permits the exchange of anions between the cytosol and extracellular space. In the inner ear, pendrin conditions the endolymph, allowing for the proper function of sensory cells. Understanding the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of pendrin mutations would aid clinicians to better serve PS patients–however, little is known. Here, we summarize the available data concerning SLC26A4 mutations and how they relate to transporter function. The main findings suggest that all the truncation mutations tested annihilate pendrin function, and that the addition or omission of proline, or the addition or omission of charged amino acids in the sequence of SLC26A4 result in a substantial to dramatic reduction in pendrin function.
Environmental Characteristics Associated With Pedestrian–Motor Vehicle Collisions in Denver, Colorado
Authors: Sebert Kuhlmann Anne K. , Brett John , Thomas Deborah , R. Sain Stephan
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We examined patterns of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions and associated environmental characteristics in Denver, Colorado.

Methods. We integrated publicly available data on motor vehicle collisions, liquor licenses, land use, and sociodemographic characteristics to analyze spatial patterns and other characteristics of collisions involving pedestrians. We developed both linear and spatially weighted regression models of these collisions.

Results. Spatial analysis revealed global clustering of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions with concentrations in downtown, in a contiguous neighborhood, and along major arterial streets. Walking to work, population density, and liquor license outlet density all contributed significantly to both linear and spatial models of collisions involving pedestrians and were each significantly associated with these collisions.

Conclusions. These models, constructed with data from Denver, identified conditions that likely contribute to patterns of pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions. Should these models be verified elsewhere, they will have implications for future research directions, public policy to enhance pedestrian safety, and public health programs aimed at decreasing unintentional injury from pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions and promoting walking as a routine physical activity.
Percent Total Attrition: A Poor Metric for Study Rigor in Hosted Intervention Designs
Authors: Amico K. Rivet
Published: July 2009

Health behavior interventions delivered at point of service include those that yoke an intervention protocol with existing systems of care (e.g., clinical care, social work, or case management). Though beneficial in a number of ways, such “hosted” intervention studies may be unable to retain participants that specifically discontinue their use of the hosting service.

In light of recent practices that use percent total attrition as indicative of methodological flaws, hosted interventions targeting hard-to-reach populations may be excluded from consideration in effective intervention compendiums or research synthesis because of high attrition rates that may in fact be secondary to the natural flow of service use or unrelated to differential attrition or internal design flaws. Better methods to characterize rigor are needed.
Ethical Considerations in HIV/AIDS Biobehavioral Surveys That Use Respondent-Driven Sampling: Illustrations From Lebanon
Authors: DeJong Jocelyn , Mahfoud Ziyad , Khoury Danielle , Barbir Farah , Afifi Rema Adel
Published: July 2009

Respondent-driven sampling is especially useful for reaching hidden populations and is increasingly used internationally in public health research, particularly on HIV. Respondent-driven sampling involves peer recruitment and has a dual-incentive structure: both recruiters and their peer recruits are paid.

Recent literature focusing on the ethical dimensions of this method in the US context has identified integral safeguards that protect against ethical violations. We analyzed a study of 3 groups in Lebanon who are at risk for HIV (injection drug users, men who have sex with men, female sex workers) and the ethical issues that arose.

More explicit attention should be given to ethical issues involved in research implementing respondent-driven sampling of at-risk populations in developing countries, where ethical review mechanisms may be weak.
Care in the Country: A Historical Case Study of Long-Term Sustainability in 4 Rural Health Centers
Authors: Wright D. Brad
Published: July 2009

From 1978 to 1983, researchers at the University of North Carolina conducted a National Evaluation of Rural Primary Care Programs. Thirty years later, many of the programs they studied have closed, but the challenges of providing rural health care have persisted. I explored the histories of 4 surviving rural primary care programs and identified factors that contributed to their sustainability. These included physician advocates, innovative practices, organizational flexibility, and community integration. As rural health programs look ahead, identifying future generations of physician advocates is a crucial next step in developing the rural primary care workforce. It is also important for these programs to find ways to cope with high rates of staff turnover.
Overweight and Diabetes Prevalence Among US Immigrants
Authors: Oza-Frank Reena , Narayan K. M. Venkat
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We estimated the prevalence of overweight and diabetes among US immigrants by region of birth.

Methods. We analyzed data on 34 456 US immigrant adults from the National Health Interview Survey, pooling years 1997 to 2005. We estimated age- and gender-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted overweight and diabetes prevalence by region of birth using logistic regression.

Results. Both men (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9, 5.8) and women (OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.3, 7.7) from the Indian subcontinent were more likely than were European migrants to have diabetes without corresponding increased risk of being overweight. Men and women from Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean were more likely to be overweight (men: OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.3, 1.7; women: OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.7, 2.2) and to have diabetes (men: OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4, 2.9; women: OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4, 2.8) than were European migrants.

Conclusions. Considerable heterogeneity in both prevalence of overweight and diabetes by region of birth highlights the importance of making this distinction among US immigrants to better identify subgroups with higher risks of these conditions.
Trends and Risk Factors for Mental Health Diagnoses Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Using Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care, 2002–2008
Authors: Seal Karen H. , Metzler Thomas J. , Gima Kristian S. , Bertenthal Daniel , Maguen Shira , Marmar Charles R.
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We sought to investigate longitudinal trends and risk factors for mental health diagnoses among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Methods. We determined the prevalence and predictors of mental health diagnoses among 289 328 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans entering Veterans Affairs (VA) health care from 2002 to 2008 using national VA data.

Results. Of 289 328 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 106 726 (36.9%) received mental health diagnoses; 62 929 (21.8%) were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 50 432 (17.4%) with depression. Adjusted 2-year prevalence rates of PTSD increased 4 to 7 times after the invasion of Iraq. Active duty veterans younger than 25 years had higher rates of PTSD and alcohol and drug use disorder diagnoses compared with active duty veterans older than 40 years (adjusted relative risk = 2.0 and 4.9, respectively). Women were at higher risk for depression than were men, but men had over twice the risk for drug use disorders. Greater combat exposure was associated with higher risk for PTSD.

Conclusions. Mental health diagnoses increased substantially after the start of the Iraq War among specific subgroups of returned veterans entering VA health care. Early targeted interventions may prevent chronic mental illness.
Novice Drivers' Risky Driving Behavior, Risk Perception, and Crash Risk: Findings From the DRIVE Study
Authors: Ivers Rebecca , Senserrick Teresa , Boufous Soufiane , Stevenson Mark , Chen Huei-Yang , Woodward Mark , Norton Robyn
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We explored the risky driving behaviors and risk perceptions of a cohort of young novice drivers and sought to determine their associations with crash risk.

Methods. Provisional drivers aged 17 to 24 (n = 20 822) completed a detailed questionnaire that included measures of risk perception and behaviors; 2 years following recruitment, survey data were linked to licensing and police-reported crash data. Poisson regression models that adjusted for multiple confounders were created to explore crash risk.

Results. High scores on questionnaire items for risky driving were associated with a 50% increased crash risk (adjusted relative risk = 1.51; 95% confidence interval = 1.25, 1.81). High scores for risk perception (poorer perceptions of safety) were also associated with increased crash risk in univariate and multivariate models; however, significance was not sustained after adjustment for risky driving.

Conclusions. The overrepresentation of youths in crashes involving casualties is a significant public health issue. Risky driving behavior is strongly linked to crash risk among young drivers and overrides the importance of risk perceptions. Systemwide intervention, including licensing reform, is warranted.
Smoking as a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 24 Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Huncharek Michael , Haddock K. Sue , Reid Rodney , Kupelnick Bruce
Published: July 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the relationship between smoking and adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Methods. We pooled data from 24 cohort studies enrolling 21 579 prostate cancer case participants for a general variance-based meta-analysis. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated separately for mortality and incidence studies. We tested the robustness of effect measures and evaluated statistical heterogeneity with sensitivity analyses.

Results. In the pooled data, current smokers had no increased risk of incident prostate cancer (RR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.87, 1.24), but in data stratified by amount smoked they had statistically significant elevated risk (cigarettes per day or years: RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.46; pack years of smoking: RR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.22). Former smokers had an increased risk (RR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.16). Current smokers had an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer (RR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.19). The heaviest smokers had a 24% to 30% greater risk of death from prostate cancer than did nonsmokers.

Conclusions. Observational cohort studies show an association of smoking with prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Ill-defined exposure categories in many cohort studies suggest that pooled data underestimate risk.