bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Cortisol in Boys with Early-Onset Conduct Disorder and Callous-Unemotional Traits
Authors: von Polier Georg G. , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Konrad Kerstin , Wiesler Kristine , Rieke Jana , Heinzel-Gutenbrunner Monika , Bachmann Christian J. , Vloet Timo D.
Published: June 2013

Background. A growing body of evidence suggests an association between altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity and the development of persistent antisocial behavior in children. However the effects of altered cortisol levels remain poorly understood in the complex context of conduct disorder, callous-unemotional (CU) personality traits, and frequent comorbidities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of the current study was to investigate associations among CU traits, antisocial behavior, and comorbid ADHD symptomatology with cortisol levels in male children and adolescents.Methods. The study included 37 boys with early-onset conduct disorder (EO-CD, mean age 11.9 years) and 38 healthy boys (mean age 12.5 years). Participants were subjected to multiple daytime salivary cortisol measurements and a psychometric characterization.Results. Subjects in the EO-CD group with elevated CU traits showed a diminished cortisol awakening response compared to healthy participants. In the EO-CD group, high CU traits and impulsivity were associated with decreased diurnal cortisol levels, while associations with antisocial behavior were not detected. The cortisol awakening response was significantly inversely associated with hyperactivity (P=0.02) and marginally significant with CU traits (P=0.07).Conclusions. These results indicate a specific association between CU traits and a diminished stress response, which is not explained by antisocial behavior in general.
Discrete Subspace Multiwindow Gabor Frames and Their Duals
Authors: Li Yun-Zhang , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2013

This paper addresses discrete subspace multiwindow Gabor analysis. Such a scenario can model many practical signals and has potential applications in signal processing. In this paper, using a suitable Zak transform matrix we characterize discrete subspace mixed multi-window Gabor frames (Riesz bases and orthonormal bases) and their duals with Gabor structure. From this characterization, we can easily obtain frames by designing Zak transform matrices. In particular, for usual multi-window Gabor frames (i.e., all windows have the same time-frequency shifts), we characterize the uniqueness of Gabor dual of type I (type II) and also give a class of examples of Gabor frames and an explicit expression of their Gabor duals of type I (type II).
Application of Buoy Observations in Determining Characteristics of Several Typhoons Passing the East China Sea in August 2012
Authors: Huang Ningli , Fang Zheqing , Liu Fei
Published: June 2013

The buoy observation network in the East China Sea is used to assist the determination of the characteristics of tropical cyclone structure in August 2012. When super typhoon “Haikui” made landfall in northern Zhejiang province, it passed over three buoys, the East China Sea Buoy, the Sea Reef Buoy, and the Channel Buoy, which were located within the radii of the 13.9 m/s winds, 24.5 m/s winds, and 24.5 m/s winds, respectively. These buoy observations verified the accuracy of typhoon intensity determined by China Meteorological Administration (CMA). The East China Sea Buoy had closely observed typhoons “Bolaven” and “Tembin,” which provided real-time guidance for forecasters to better understand the typhoon structure and were also used to quantify the air-sea interface heat exchange during the passage of the storm. The buoy-measured wind and pressure time series were also used to correct the intensity of “Damrey” initially determined by CMA.
How to Translate Basic Knowledge into Clinical Application of Biologic Therapy in Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Chou Chung-Tei
Published: June 2013

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a family of many diseases, and these diseases share some clinical, genetic, and radiologic features. The disease process in the spine at the beginning is spinal inflammation, in which TNFαis the principal cytokine involved. Therefore, the dramatic clinical and pathologic response of anti-TNFαtherapy in SpA is based upon the presence of increased TNFαin synovial tissues and sacroiliac joints, which perpetuates chronic inflammation. The increased Toll-like receptors (TCR) 2 and 4 in the serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or synovial tissues of ankylosing spondyloarthritis (AS) or SpA patients suggest that SpA is highly associated with innate immunity. Any drug including anti-TNFαblocker which can downregulate the TCR, infiltrated neutrophils, or CD163+ macrophages in the synovial tissue is the rationale for the management of SpA. Like rheumatoid arthritis, the increased TH22 and TH17 cells either in blood, synovial fluid, or synovial tissues were also demonstrated in SpA. Thus, TH17 and TH22 may be reasonable cellular targets for therapeutic intervention. Drugs (anti-IL6R or anti-IL6) which can reduce the binding of IL6 and IL6R to the cell surface may be beneficial in SpA. Many proteins are implicated in the new bone formation (syndesmophyte) or ankylosis in AS or SpA. The enhanced BMP and Wnt pathway will activate osteoblasts which promote the new bone formation. However, no drug including anti-TNFαcan stop or prevent the syndesmophyte in AS. In summary, looking for new targeting therapies for either anti-inflammation (beyond anti-TNF) or anti-bone formation (including anti-TGFβor PDGF) is warranted in the future.
Interleukin-13 +1923C/T Polymorphism Is Associated with Asthma Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Yongan , Liu Tao , Nie Wei , Lai Guoxiang , Xiu Qingyu
Published: June 2013

There are controversies on the association betweeninterleukin-13(IL-13) +1923C/T polymorphism (rs1295686) and the risk of asthma. We performed this study to assess the association by the method of meta-analysis. A systematic search current to October 16, 2012, was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and identified ten studies comprising 13698 cases and 38209 controls. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. There was a significant association betweenIL-13+1923C/T polymorphism and asthma risk in codominant model. When stratified by ethnicity,IL-13+1923C/T polymorphism remained significantly associated with higher asthma risk in Asians and Caucasians. In the subgroup analysis by study quality, a significantly increased asthma risk was observed in high quality studies. Sensitivity analysis and cumulative analysis further strengthened the validity of the results. No publication bias was found in this meta-analysis. In conclusion, results from this meta-analysis suggested thatIL-13+1923C/T polymorphism was a risk factor of asthma.
Input-to-State Stability of Singularly Perturbed Control Systems with Delays
Authors: Zhao Yongxiang , Xiao Aiguo , Li Li
Published: June 2013

We study the input-to-state stability of singularly perturbed control systems with delays. By using the generalized Halanay inequality and Lyapunov functions, we derive the input-to-state stability of some classes of linear and nonlinear singularly perturbed control systems with delays.
Streaming Potential and Electroosmosis Measurements to Characterize Porous Materials
Authors: Luong D. T. , Sprik R.
Published: June 2013

Characterizing the streaming potential and electroosmosis properties of porous media is essential in applying seismoelectric and electroseismic phenomena for oil exploration. Some parameters such as porosity, permeability, formation factor, pore size, the number of pores, and the zeta potential of the samples can be obtained from elementary measurements. We performed streaming potential and electro-osmosis measurements for 6 unconsolidated samples made of spherical polymer particles. To check the validity of the measurements, we also used alternative analysis to determine the average pore size of the samples and, moreover, used a sample made of sand particles to determine the zeta potential.
Improvement in Contact Strength of Si3N4/SiC Composite by Crack Healing
Authors: Takahashi Koji , Takahashi Keita , Ando Kotoji
Published: June 2013

Ceramics have been used as bearing and cutting tool components, which are subjected to contact loading during their operation. The presence of surface cracks on these components decreases their contact strength. Thus, the reliability of ceramic components can be increased by improving their contact strength through crack healing. In the present study, the effects of crack healing on the contact strength of a silicon carbide-(SiC-) reinforced silicon nitride (Si3N4) composite subjected to various machining processes were investigated. The contact strength of this composite was evaluated using a sphere indentation test in which acoustic emission was used. The results showed that the contact strength of the composite improved when it was subjected to crack healing in combination with rapping; this was true even when the composite had cracks due to a heavy machining process.
Alignment ofTiO2(Anatase) Crystal of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by External Magnetic Field
Authors: Hong Na-Yeong , Seo Hyunwoong , Son Min-Kyu , Kim Soo-Kyoung , Park Song-Yi , Prabakar Kandasamy , Kim Hee-Je
Published: June 2013

In this study, magnetic field (B) was applied on TiO2(anatase) of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) for alignment of crystal. Magnetic field was applied on TiO2when deposited TiO2on the fluorine tin oxide (FTO) was dried at 373 K for crystalline orientation. And applying time ofBwas varied 0~25 min. Characteristics of the magnetic field applied TiO2films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Current-voltage characteristics were also analyzed using solar simulator, and it was confirmed that the energy conversion efficiency of 41% was increased. Finally, it was identified that the magnetic field affected orientation of TiO2, resulting in the enhancement of the performance of the DSC.
A Single Consumption of High Amounts of the Brazil Nuts Improves Lipid Profile of Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Colpo Elisângela , Vilanova Carlos Dalton de Avila , Brenner Reetz Luiz Gustavo , Medeiros Frescura Duarte Marta Maria , Farias Iria Luiza Gomes , Irineu Muller Edson , Muller Aline Lima Hermes , Moraes Flores Erico Marlon , Wagner Roger , da Rocha João Batista Teixeira
Published: June 2013

Background. This study investigates the effects of Brazil nut ingestion on serum lipid profile in healthy volunteers.Methods. Ten healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Each subject was tested 4 times in a randomized crossover in relation to the ingestion of different serving sizes of the Brazil nut: 0, 5, 20, or 50 g. At each treatment point, peripheral blood was drawn before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 hours and 5 and 30 days. Blood samples were tested for total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c and LDL-c, resp.), triglycerides, selenium, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, gamma GT, urea, creatinine, and C-reactive protein.Results. A significant increase of the plasma selenium levels was observed at 6 hours within the groups receiving the nuts. Serum LDL-c was significantly lower, whereas HDL-c was significantly higher 9 hours after the ingestion of 20 or 50 g of nuts. The biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function were not modified by ingestion of nuts.Conclusions. This study shows that the ingestion of a single serving of Brazil nut can acutely improve the serum lipid profile of healthy volunteers.
A Reversible Cause of Skin Hyperpigmentation and Postural Hypotension
Authors: Cherqaoui Rabia , Husain Mehreen , Madduri Sujay , Okolie Pamela , Nunlee-Bland Gail , Williams James
Published: June 2013

Vitamin B12deficiency results in neuropsychiatric, hematologic, gynecologic, cardiovascular, and cutaneous manifestations. It is seen most commonly in the elderly, malabsorption diseases  (>60% of all cases), vegans, and vegetarians. Manifestations of pernicious anemia may be similar to Addison disease and may lead to a misdiagnosis. Herein, we report two cases of vitamin B12deficiency in which clinical features shared many similarities with Addison disease. Both patients presented with progressive darkening of hands and postural hypotension that reversed with replenishment of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12deficiency should be considered in patients presenting with skin lesions especially with other coexisting autoimmune diseases.
Real-Time Implementation of Change Detection for Automated Video Surveillance System
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Mandal A. S. , Shekhar Chandra , Vohra Anil
Published: June 2013

Change detection is one of the several important problems in the design of any automated video surveillance system. Appropriate selection of frames of significant changes can minimize the communication and processing overheads for such systems. This research presents the design of a VLSI architecture for change detection in a video sequence and its implementation on Virtex-IIPro FPGA platform. Clustering-based scheme is used for change detection. The proposed system is designed to meet the real-time requirements of video surveillance applications. It robustly detects the changes in a video stream in real time at 25 frames per second (fps) in gray scale CIF size video.
Mid-Thoracic Spinal Injuries during Horse Racing: Report of 3 Cases and Review of Causative Factors and Prevention Measurements
Authors: Triantafyllopoulos Ioannis , Panagopoulos Andreas , Sapkas George
Published: June 2013

We report three cases of a rare pattern of mid-thoracic spine injuries after horse racing falls and discuss possible causative factors and prevention measurements to reduce injury rates in professional riding and racing. Three patients, 2 male and 1 female with a mean age of 28 years old, underwent surgical treatment for mid-thoracic fractures after professional equestrian activities. The ASIA scale was E in one patient, B in the other one and A in the third. Multilevel posterior fusion was used in two patients and somatectomy plus fusion in the other. Follow up evaluation included changing of the ASIA scale, functional outcome and participation in equestrian activities. One patient fully recovered after surgery. Two patients remained paraplegic despite early surgical treatment and prolonged rehabilitation therapy. All patients had ended their professional equestrian career. This report analyzes possible mechanisms of injury and the pattern of mid-thoracic spine fractures after professional horse riding injuries. Despite skill improvements and continued safety education for horse riding, prophylactic measures for both the head and the spine should be refined. According to our study, additional mid-thoracic spinal protection should be added.
RSW-MCFP: A Resource-Oriented Solid Waste Management System for a Mixed Rural-Urban Area through Monte Carlo Simulation-Based Fuzzy Programming
Authors: Li P. , Wu H. J. , Chen B.
Published: June 2013

The growth of global population and economy continually increases the waste volumes and consequently creates challenges to handle and dispose solid wastes. It becomes more challenging in mixed rural-urban areas (i.e., areas of mixed land use for rural and urban purposes) where both agricultural waste (e.g., manure) and municipal solid waste are generated. The efficiency and confidence of decisions in current management practices significantly rely on the accurate information and subjective judgments, which are usually compromised by uncertainties. This study proposed a resource-oriented solid waste management system for mixed rural-urban areas. The system is featured by a novel Monte Carlo simulation-based fuzzy programming approach. The developed system was tested by a real-world case with consideration of various resource-oriented treatment technologies and the associated uncertainties. The modeling results indicated that the community-based bio-coal and household-based CH4facilities were necessary and would become predominant in the waste management system. The 95% confidence intervals of waste loadings to the CH4and bio-coal facilities were 387, 450 and 178, 215 tonne/day (mixed flow), respectively. In general, the developed system has high capability in supporting solid waste management for mixed rural-urban areas in a cost-efficient and sustainable manner under uncertainty.
On Hopf-Cyclic Cohomology and Cuntz Algebra
Authors: Sitarz Andrzej
Published: June 2013

We demonstrate that Hopf cyclic cocycles, that is, cyclic cocycles with coefficients in stable anti-Yetter-Drinfeld modules, arise from invariant traces on certain ideals of Cuntz-type extension of the algebra.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Presenting as Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Rauenzahn Sherri , Armstrong Caroline , Curley Brendan , Sofka Sarah , Craig Michael
Published: June 2013

Appendicitis in leukemic patients is uncommon but associated with increased mortality. Additionally, leukemic cell infiltration of the appendix is extremely rare. While appendectomy is the treatment of choice for these patients, diagnosis and management of leukemia have a greater impact on remission and survival. A 59-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to the surgical service with acute right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and anorexia. She was noted to have leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal imaging demonstrated appendicitis with retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathy for which she underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Peripheral smear, bone marrow biopsy, and surgical pathology of the appendix demonstrated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with nonsuppurative appendicitis. In the setting of AML, prior cases described the development of appendicitis with active chemotherapy. Of these cases, less than ten patients had leukemic infiltration of the appendix, leading to leukostasis and nonsuppurative appendicitis. Acute appendicitis with leukemic infiltration as the initial manifestation of AML has only been described in two other cases in the literature with an average associated morbidity of 32.6 days. The prompt management in this case of appendicitis and AML resulted in an overall survival of 185 days.
State of the Art and Perspectives of Inorganic Photovoltaics
Authors: Le Donne A. , Scaccabarozzi A. , Tombolato S. , Marchionna S. , Garattini P. , Vodopivec B. , Acciarri M. , Binetti S.
Published: June 2013

In the last decade, the fast increase of the global energy consumption, mainly related to the strong economic growth in the Far East, and the progressive depletion of the fossil fuels induced a run-up in the world oil price. Both these economic concerns and the growing global pollution pointed out that a transition toward renewable energies is mandatory. Among renewables, the conversion of sunlight into electricity by photovoltaic (PV) devices is a reliable choice to cope the growing energy consumption, due to the huge potentially extractable power (up to 120000 TW). The most important classes of inorganic PV devices developed in the last sixty years will be reviewed in this paper, in order to depict the state of the art of the technologies which dominate the PV market. Some novel concepts which could have an important role in the future of PV will be also described.
Neurite Outgrowth and Neuroprotective Effects of Quercetin fromCaesalpinia mimosoidesLamk. on Cultured P19-Derived Neurons
Authors: Tangsaengvit Napat , Kitphati Worawan , Tadtong Sarin , Bunyapraphatsara Nuntavan , Nukoolkarn Veena
Published: June 2013

Quercetin has been isolated for the first time from ethyl acetate extract ofCaesalpinia mimosoidesLamk.C. mimosoidesLamk. (Fabaceae) or Cha rueat (Thai name) is an indigenous plant found in mixed deciduous forest in northern and north-eastern parts of Thailand. Thai rural people consume its young shoots and leaves as a fresh vegetable, as well as it is used for medicinal purposes.The antioxidant capacity in terms of radical scavenging activity of quercetin was determined as IC50of 3.18 ± 0.07 µg/mL, which was higher than that of Trolox and ascorbic acid (12.54 ± 0.89 and 10.52 ± 0.48 µg/mL, resp.). The suppressive effect of quercetin on both purified and cellular acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes was investigated as IC5056.84 ± 2.64 and 36.60 ± 2.78 µg/mL, respectively. In order to further investigate the protective ability of quercetin on neuronal cells, P19-derived neurons were used as a neuronal model in this study. As a result, quercetin at a very low dose of 1 nM enhanced survival and induced neurite outgrowth of P19-derived neurons. Furthermore, this flavonoid also possessed significant protection against oxidative stress induced by serum deprivation. Altogether, these findings suggest that quercetin is a multifunctional compound and promising valuable drugs candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
Abnormal Elevated CA 19-9 in the Dermoid Cyst: A Sign of the Ovarian Torsion?
Authors: Artunc Ulkumen Burcu , Goker Asli , Pala Halil Gursoy , Ordu Sercin
Published: June 2013

Dermoid cyst is the most common germ cell tumor of the ovary containing various tissue elements. Ovarian torsion is a common complication of which ultrasonographic diagnosis is confusing. We report here a 14-year-old adolescent with painless torsion of the ovary including dermoid cyst and with abnormal elevated CA 19-9 serum levels. Elevated CA 19-9 level may be related to ovarian torsion and may predict the extent of tissue necrosis.
Transparent Nanocrystallite Silver for Antibacterial Coating
Authors: Ismail W. Ahliah , Ali Zainal Abidin , Puteh R.
Published: June 2013

Transparent sol‐gel film with antibacterial coating property incorporating silver nanoparticles has been successfully developed. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation method at room temperature. XRD structural studies show that crystallite sizes in the range of 18 nm to 40 nm were produced. The coating system used methyltrimethoxy silane as binder and N‐propanol as diluent to obtain the highest transperancy. 2.5% wt of nanosilver crystallites was added as antibacterial agent. The coating mixture was applied onto glass plates using sponges and tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Values of antimicrobial activity of 4.6, 7.2, and 4.2 were, respectively, obtained for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Coating with antimicrobial activity greater than 2 classified as antibacterial.
Rabies in Two Bison from Colorado
Authors: Rhyan Jack C. , Van Campen Hana , McCollum Matt , Nol Pauline , Davis Rolan , Barfield Jennifer P. , Salman Mo
Published: June 2013

Two adult female bison, housed in an outdoor research facility and observed daily, died suddenly three days apart. Minimal coordination and behavioral changes were observed in one animal the evening before being found in a moribund state. Malignant catarrhal fever was suspected in both bison due to a recent confirmed MCF case with similar course. The cause of death was not apparent from necropsy, but brains of both animals were strongly positive for rabies virus antigen by fluorescent antibody and/or immunohistochemical tests. Minimal to mild encephalitis with Negri bodies was observed on histopathology. The bison were located in an area that had not been endemic for skunk rabies; however, a case of rabies in a skunk had been discovered 1.6 km north of the bison paddock two months prior to the bison cases.
Steroid Induced Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Grixti Andre , Kumar Vineeth
Published: June 2013

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an ophthalmic emergency which requires early diagnosis and treatment with high dose systemic corticosteroids in order to prevent permanent visual loss. However, systemic corticosteroids have significant ocular side effects including cataract formation, raised intraocular pressure, and less commonly, central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). We report a case of visual loss secondary to CSCR complicating corticosteroid therapy in GCA. When assessing patients with systemic conditions such as GCA or other vasculitic process, who complain of visual loss which is getting worse on corticosteroid treatment, clinicians should consider other causes such as CSCR as part of the differential diagnosis. Extra caution should be exercised in such cases as increasing the dose of corticosteroids might aggravate CSCR resulting in further visual loss.
Decoupling Suspension Controller Based on Magnetic Flux Feedback
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Li Jie , Zhang Kun , Cui Peng
Published: June 2013

The suspension module control system model has been established based on MIMO (multiple input and multiple output) state feedback linearization. We have completed decoupling between double suspension points, and the new decoupling method has been applied to CMS04 magnetic suspension vehicle in national mid‐low‐speed maglev experiment field of Tangshan city in China. Double suspension system model is very accurate for investigating stability property of maglev control system. When magnetic flux signal is taken back to the suspension control system, the suspension module’s antijamming capacity for resisting suspension load variety has been proved. Also, the external force interference has been enhanced. As a result, the robustness and stability properties of double‐electromagnet suspension control system have been enhanced.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Bilateral Mastoid Cavity
Authors: Bozdemir Kazım , Tarlak Behçet , Çakar Hasan , Doblan Ahmet , Kutluhan Ahmet , Dilek İmdat , Adıyaman Süngü Nuran
Published: June 2013

A 39-year-old male was admitted to our clinic with symptoms of headache, dizziness, nausea, otalgia, otorrhea, tinnitus, and hearing loss in both ears for 3 weeks. Physical examination revealed edema in the tympanic membrane and external ear canal, and pain by palpation in the mastoid area bilaterally. There was no nystagmus, and the rest of the physical examination was otherwise normal. Temporal bone high resolution computed tomography (CT) showed a lesion causing erosion in the mastoid cortex, tegmen tympani, ossicles, and in the bone covering the sigmoid sinus bilaterally. There was also erosion in the superior semicircular canal and petrous bone on the left side. Cortical mastoidectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathologic examination of the tissue revealed Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). In this paper a case with LCH, presenting with bilateral mastoid involvement which has been rarely reported in the literature, is discussed with the existing literature.
Perturbation Analysis of the Nonlinear Matrix Equation
Authors: Li Jing
Published: June 2013

Consider the nonlinear matrix equation with . Two perturbation bounds and the backward error of an approximate solution to the equation are derived. Explicit expressions of the condition number for the equation are obtained. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical examples.
HSP90 Inhibitors, Geldanamycin and Radicicol, Enhance Fisetin-Induced Cytotoxicity via Induction of Apoptosis in Human Colonic Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Ming-Shun , Lien Gi-Shih , Shen Shing-Chuan , Yang Liang-Yo , Chen Yen-Chou
Published: June 2013

We revealed the cytotoxic effect of the flavonoid, fisetin (FIS), on human COLO205 colon cancer cells in the presence and absence of the HSP90 inhibitors, geldanamycin (GA) and radicicol (RAD). Compared to FIS treatment alone of COLO205 cells, GA and RAD significantly enhanced FIS-induced cytotoxicity, increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and the PAPR protein, and produced a greater density of DNA ladder formation. GA and RAD also reduced the MMPs with induction of caspase-9 protein cleavage in FIS-treated COLO205 cells. Increased caspase-3 and -9 activities were detected in COLO205 cells treated with FIS+GA or FIS+RAD, and the intensity of DNA ladder formation induced by FIS+GA was reduced by adding the caspase-3 inhibitor, DEVD-FMK. A decrease in Bcl-2 but not Bcl-XL or Bax protein by FIS+GA or FIS+RAD was identified in COLO205 cells by Western blotting. A reduction in p53 protein with increased ubiquitin-tagged proteins was observed in COLO205 cells treated with FIS+GA or FIS+RAD. Furthermore, GA and RAD reduced the stability of the p53 protein in COLO205 cells under FIS stimulation. The evidence supports HSP90 inhibitors possibly sensitizing human colon cancer cells to FIS-induced apoptosis, and treating colon cancer by combining HSP90 inhibitors with FIS deserves further in vivo study.
A Cohort Study of Metformin Exposure and Survival in Patients with Stage I–III Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Spillane Susan , Bennett Kathleen , Sharp Linda , Barron Thomas I.
Published: June 2013

Background: Preclinical evidence suggests a beneficial effect of metformin in colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate associations between metformin exposure and colorectal cancer–specific survival using population-level data.

Methods: Adult patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer diagnosed from 2001 to 2006 were identified from the National Cancer Registry Ireland. Use of metformin and other antidiabetic medications was determined from a linked national prescription claims database. Multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between prediagnostic metformin exposure (versus nonmetformin antidiabetic drugs) and colorectal cancer–specific mortality. Models were stratified by antidiabetic drug coprescription and intensity of metformin exposure.

Results: The cohort included 207 diabetics who received metformin, 108 diabetics not exposed to metformin, and 3,501 nondiabetic patients. In multivariate analyses, a nonsignificant reduction in colorectal cancer–specific mortality was observed for metformin-exposed patients relative to other treated diabetics (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37–1.01). In stratified analyses, no significant association was observed for patients receiving low-intensity metformin or metformin in combination with other antidiabetic drugs. High-intensity exclusive metformin use was associated with a significant reduction in colorectal cancer–specific mortality (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20–0.95).

Conclusions: Significant associations between metformin exposure and colorectal cancer–specific mortality were observed only for high-intensity exclusive metformin use in the diabetic cohort.

Impact: This study provides moderate evidence of an association between metformin exposure and improved colorectal cancer survival in a diabetic population. Additional studies in larger cohorts, with detailed information on diabetes severity, are required to confirm these results. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(8); 1364–73. ©2013 AACR.
Comparison of Postoperative Infection between Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy and Open Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Shigemura Katsumi , Tanaka Kazushi , Yamamichi Fukashi , Muramaki Mototsugu , Arakawa Soichi , Miyake Hideaki , Fujisawa Masato
Published: June 2013

Background: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has been rapidly adapted worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative infection (POI) after RALP and compare it with that after open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Methods: 89 consecutive RALP cases and 105 recent ORP cases were enrolled. POIs were categorized according to CDC guideline criteria. Laboratory data relating to infection such as serum white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were comparatively investigated before and after the surgeries. Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: There was one surgical site infection patient in the RALP cases (1/89, 1.12%). ORP cases had a comparatively higher ratio of POI (6/105, 4.77%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0876). The postoperative rise of serum WBC (postoperative days 1 and 4) and CRP (postoperative days 1, 4 and 7) was significantly suppressed from pre-surgery data in RALP when compared to ORP. Conclusions: RALP tended to have a lower rate of POI than ORP even though this change was not statistically significant and the postoperative rise of serum WBC and CRP was significantly suppressed in RALP compared to ORP. A prospective study with a standardized prophylactic antibiotic administration may be necessary for further evaluation of potential guidelines for RALP.
Resveratrol Improves Vascular Function in Patients With Hypertension and Dyslipidemia by Modulating NO Metabolism
Authors: Carrizzo Albino , Puca Annibale , Damato Antonio , Marino Marina , Franco Elio , Pompeo Franco , Traficante Anna , Civitillo Fabio , Santini Luigi , Trimarco Valentina , Vecchione Carmine
Published: June 2013

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in resveratrol, is associated with a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of resveratrol on cardiovascular function remain incompletely understood. Therefore, we set out to identify the molecular target(s) mediating the protective action of resveratrol on vascular function. To this end, we performed vascular reactivity studies to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on superior thyroid artery obtained from 59 patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia. We found that resveratrol evoked vasorelaxation and reduced endothelial dysfunction through the modulation of NO metabolism via (1) an 5′ adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase–mediated increase in endothelial NO synthase activity; (2) a rise in tetrahydrobiopterin levels, which also increases endothelial NO synthase activity; and (3) attenuation of vascular oxidative stress, brought about by overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase via an nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2-like 2–dependent mechanism. The effects of resveratrol on acetylcholine vasorelaxation were also tested in vessels from patients with nonhypertensive nondyslipidemia undergoing thyroid surgery. In this setting, resveratrol failed to exert any effect. Thus, our finding that resveratrol reduces endothelial dysfunction, an early pathophysiological feature and independent predictor of poor prognosis in most forms of cardiovascular disease, supports the concept that the risk of vascular events could be further reduced by adherence to a set of dietary and behavioral guidelines.
Differential Control of Calcium Homeostasis and Vascular Reactivity by Ca
2+
/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase II
Authors: Prasad Anand M. , Nuno Daniel W. , Koval Olha M. , Ketsawatsomkron Pimonrat , Li Weiwei , Li Hui , Shen Fred Y. , Joiner Mei-ling A. , Kutschke William , Weiss Robert M. , Sigmund Curt D. , Anderson Mark E. , Lamping Kathryn G. , Grumbach Isabella M.
Published: June 2013

The multifunctional Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is activated by vasoconstrictors in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), but its impact on vasoconstriction remains unknown. We hypothesized that CaMKII inhibition in VSMC decreases vasoconstriction. Using novel transgenic mice that express the inhibitor peptide CaMKIIN in smooth muscle (TG SM-CaMKIIN), we investigated the effect of CaMKII inhibition on L-type Ca
2+
channel current (
I
Ca
), cytoplasmic and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
, and vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries. In mesenteric VSMC, CaMKII inhibition significantly reduced action potential duration and the residual
I
Ca
50 ms after peak amplitude, indicative of loss of L-type Ca
2+
channel–dependent
I
Ca
facilitation. Treatment with angiotensin II or phenylephrine increased the intracellular Ca
2+
concentration in wild-type but not TG SM-CaMKIIN VSMC. The difference in intracellular Ca
2+
concentration was abolished by pretreatment with nifedipine, an L-type Ca
2+
channel antagonist. In TG SM-CaMKIIN VSMC, the total sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
content was reduced as a result of diminished sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase activity via impaired derepression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase inhibitor phospholamban. Despite the differences in intracellular Ca
2+
concentration, CaMKII inhibition did not alter myogenic tone or vasoconstriction of mesenteric arteries in response to KCl, angiotensin II, and phenylephrine. However, it increased myosin light chain kinase activity. These data suggest that CaMKII activity maintains intracellular calcium homeostasis but is not required for vasoconstriction of mesenteric arteries.
Rethinking the Concept and Measurement of Societal Culture in Light of Empirical Findings
Authors: Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: June 2013

Fischer and Schwartz demonstrated that values vary much more within countries than between countries. This challenges the prevailing conception of culture as shared meaning systems, with high consensus, in which values play a central role. This article offers a concept of culture that does not assume shared individual values. It views societal culture as the hypothetical, latent, normative value system that underlies and justifies the functioning of societal institutions. As such, culture is external to individuals. But if culture is not in the minds of individuals, can it be measured by aggregating individuals’ values? This article explicates the links between the latent culture and individual values, mediated through societal institutions that partially shape the beliefs, values, behaviors, and styles of thinking of societal members. It discusses the reasons for low value consensus among individuals and the justification for inferring cultural value emphases from aggregated individual values.
Bringing Kinship into Being: Connectedness, Donor Conception and Lesbian Parenthood
Authors: Nordqvist Petra
Published: June 2013

The meaning of kinship received little sustained attention for some time in British sociology. However, we are now beginning to see a shift, and Jennifer Mason’s (2008) conceptualisation of kinship affinities makes an important contribution to emerging debates. In this article I seek to add to such debates and also provide original data from the field of donor conception and lesbian motherhood, a particularly rich field in which to explore the meaning of kin. I investigate stories about becoming parents, and demonstrate that the issue of bringing kinship into being is a key concern in that process. I develop the argument that kinship is a multilayered and malleable resource with an exceptional capacity to encompass difference. This leads me to suggest that we need to be sensitive to the multitude, shifting ways in which connectedness is experienced in personal life.
Fulminant amoebic colitis: a rare fierce presentation of a common pathology
Authors: Alvi Abdul Rehman , Jawad Ahmed , Fazal Fariha , Sayyed Raza
Published: June 2013

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with fulminant amoebic colitis (FAC) over a 20 year period in an urban tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. After consideration for inclusion and exclusion criteria 25 cases were identified as FAC with the most common presentations being abdominal pain (84%). Nineteen (76%) underwent laparotomy for peritonitis with evidence of: colonic perforation in 10 (40%); faecal peritonitis in eight (32%); bowel gangrene in one (4%); and intra-abdominal abscess in two (8%). Nine (36%) deaths were recorded in the series – eight (53%) in the operated group and one (16.6%) in the medically-treated group. The optimal outcome can be achieved in FAC with aggressive resuscitation, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, including metronidazole, and total colectomy without anastomosis in patients with peritonitis.
Primary small bowel volvulus in adults can be fatal: a report of two cases and brief review of the subject
Authors: Weledji Elroy P , Theophile Nana
Published: June 2013

Primary small bowel volvulus is a relatively rare cause of small bowel obstruction but can be fatal. The chief problem is in differentiating it from other causes of obstruction that can be treated conservatively. We report two cases of primary small bowel volvulus in a regional hospital in the south west region of Cameroon within a 2 month period and briefly review the literature.
The Influence of Adolescent Psychiatric Disorder on Young Adult Recidivism
Authors: Hoeve Machteld , McReynolds Larkin S. , Wasserman Gail A.
Published: June 2013

This study examined the influence of adolescent psychiatric disorder on young adult recidivism and compared findings with earlier studies of juvenile recidivism. Logistic regression analysis examined subsequent adulthood recidivism (through age 23 years) by disorder profile, adjusting for prior offense severity and background variables, in 340 Alabama juveniles referred to juvenile justice agencies (probation and detention). Youths with comorbid internalizing and disruptive behavior disorder had a sixfold increased risk for young adult recidivism compared with nondisordered counterparts. Comorbid internalizing disorder likely is a marker for the severity of a youth’s disruptive behavior disorder; similarly, offending that continues into adulthood likely betokens a more serious course of offending behavior. The severity underlying disorder and offending behavior is probably the common link between them. To prevent reoffending into adulthood, the mental health needs of juvenile justice youths’ internalizing and externalizing problems should be addressed.
Breast cancer mortality trends in England and the assessment of the effectiveness of mammography screening: population-based study
Authors: Mukhtar Toqir K , Yeates David RG , Goldacre Michael J
Published: June 2013

Objective

To investigate whether mortality statistics show an effect of mammographic screening on population-based breast cancer mortality in England.

Design

Joinpoint regression analyses, and other analyses, of population-based mortality data.

Setting

Analysis of mortality rates in the Oxford region, UK (1979–2009) because, unlike the rest of England, all causes of death mentioned on each death certificate for its residents (not just the underlying cause) are available prior to commencement of the English National Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). In addition, analysis of English national breast cancer mortality rates (1971–2009).

Participants

Women who died from breast cancer in the Oxford region (1979--2009) and England (1971--2009)

Main outcome measures

Age-specific mortality rates, and age-standardized mortality rates. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to estimate years (‘joinpoints’) in which trends changed, and annual percentage change between joinpoints, with confidence intervals.

Results

In the Oxford region, trends for breast cancer mortality based on underlying cause and on mentions were very similar. For all ages combined, mortality rates peaked for both underlying cause and mentions in 1985 and then started to decline, prior to the introduction of the NHSBSP in 1988. Between 1979 and 2009, for mortality measured as underlying cause, rates declined by −2.1% (95% CI −2.7 to −1.4) per year for women aged 40–49 years (unscreened), and by the same percentage per year (−2.1% [−2.4 to −1.7]) for women aged 50–64 years (screened). In England, the first estimated changes in trend occurred prior to the introduction of screening, or before screening was likely to have had an effect (between 1982 and 1989). Thereafter, the downward trend was greatest in women aged under 40 years: −2.0% per year (−2.8 to −1.2) in 1988–2001 and −5.0% per year (−6.7 to −3.3) in 2001–2009. There was no evidence that declines in mortality rates were consistently greater in women in age groups and cohorts that had been screened at all, or screened several times, than in other (unscreened) women, in the same time periods.

Conclusions

Mortality statistics do not show an effect of mammographic screening on population-based breast cancer mortality in England.
Affective–Cognitive Meta-Bases Versus Structural Bases of Attitudes Predict Processing Interest Versus Efficiency
Authors: See Ya Hui Michelle , Petty Richard E. , Fabrigar Leandre R.
Published: June 2013

We proposed that (a) processing interest for affective over cognitive information is captured by meta-bases (i.e., the extent to which people subjectively perceive themselves to rely on affect or cognition in their attitudes) and (b) processing efficiency for affective over cognitive information is captured by structural bases (i.e., the extent to which attitudes are more evaluatively congruent with affect or cognition). Because processing speed can disentangle interest from efficiency by being manifest as longer or shorter reading times, we hypothesized and found that more affective meta-bases predicted longer affective than cognitive reading time when processing efficiency was held constant (Study 1). In contrast, more affective structural bases predicted shorter affective than cognitive reading time when participants were constrained in their ability to allocate resources deliberatively (Study 2). When deliberation was neither encouraged nor constrained, effects for meta-bases and structural bases emerged (Study 3). Implications for affective–cognitive processing and other attitudes-relevant constructs are discussed.
Compassion and Capitalism
Authors: George Jennifer M.
Published: June 2013

In the United States, income inequality has escalated since the 1970s while millions of workers and their families are suffering the devastation of long-term unemployment or work that is insecure and unstable. Against this backdrop, a growing body of literature focuses on compassion in organizations, primarily at the individual and group level of analysis. However, the current economic system under which the U.S. economy operates might create a fundamental tension in this regard. That is, the tenets of American corporate capitalism (ACC) might be in contradiction to compassionate organizing. ACC is an ideology that emphasizes, among other things, the pursuit of self-interest, competition, market exchange, consumerism, and using a profit/loss criterion to make decisions in organizations. Members of a society in which ACC is dominant may come to internalize the beliefs and values underlying ACC (Kasser, Cohn, Kanner, & Ryan, 2007), which may be at odds with compassionate organizing. Indeed, management scholarship has tended to be dominated by a concern with economic performance and efficiency. In addition to this focus on efficiency and competitiveness as ultimate outcomes of interest, perhaps management scholars should also focus on social problems and social welfare concerns. Consistent with contemporary interest in compassion, key to advancing our knowledge in this area would be identifying the conditions under which organizations inflict the least harm and alleviate the most suffering. In this regard, several directions for future organizational research are provided.
The Psychometric Properties of the Simple Screening Instrument for Substance Abuse
Authors: Boothroyd Roger A. , Peters Roger H. , Armstrong Mary I. , Rynearson-Moody Sarah , Caudy Michael
Published: June 2013

The Simple Screening Instrument for Substance Abuse (SSI-SA) is gaining widespread use as a self-report measure of substance abuse; yet, little information exists regarding the instrument’s psychometric properties. This study examined the SSI’s psychometric properties within a population of 6,664 adult Medicaid enrollees in Florida, who responded to a survey conducted as part of a statewide evaluation of Medicaid services. The SSI-SA had excellent internal consistency (.85). Evidence of the SSI’s validity was strong; SSI-SA scores distinguished among individuals with and without substance abuse needs and were significantly correlated with a measure of functioning in daily living. Using the recommended SSI-SA cutoff score of 4 or higher to indicate the presence of a substance abuse problem, the SSI-SA had respectable sensitivity (.82) and specificity (.90).