bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Song wennuan, ‘sending warmth’: Unemployment, new urban poverty, and the affective state in China
Authors: Yang Jie
Published: March 2012

The article examines the emerging welfare state in China through an analysis of the poverty-relief program of song wennuan, which sends the ‘warmth’ of the party in the form of gift to unemployed workers. In addition to material support, song wennuan which is imbued with psychologically infused ideologies and practice prescribes particular emotions and thought processes to and for the poor. Unlike the Western therapeutic (welfare) state which normalizes the marginalized, song wennuan nurtures the poor to highlight the benevolence of an affective state. This program thus transforms the poor from subjects with rights to objects of care, translating the exercise of power into an affective and therapeutic activity. Such affective measures patch up political and economic ‘wounds’ caused by economic restructuring and legitimate the ruling party’s continued existence in the market economy.
Understanding software evolution with software cities
Authors: Steinbrückner Frank , Lewerentz Claus
Published: March 2012

Software cities are visualizations of software systems in the form of virtual cities. They are used as platforms to integrate a large variety of product- and process-related analysis data. Their usability, however, for real-world software development often suffers from their inability to appropriately deal with software changes. Even small structural changes can disrupt the overall structure of the city, which in turn corrupts the mental maps of its users. In this article we describe a systematic approach to utilize the city metaphor for the visualization of evolving software systems as growing software cities. The main contribution is a new layout approach which explicitly takes the development history of software systems into account. The approach has two important effects: first, it creates a stable gestalt of software cities even when the underlying software systems evolve; thus, by preserving its users’ mental maps these cities are especially suitable for use during ongoing system development. Second, it makes history directly visible in the city layouts, which allows for supporting novel analysis scenarios. We illustrate such scenarios by presenting several thematic cities’ maps, each capturing specific development history aspects.
Modeling insurgency, counter-insurgency, and coalition strategies and operations
Authors: Arney David Chris , Arney Kristin
Published: March 2012

We model insurgency and counter-insurgency (COIN) operations with a large-scale system of differential equations and a dynamically changing coalition network. We use these structures to analyze the components of leadership, promotion, recruitment, financial resources, operational techniques, network communications, coalition cooperation, logistics, security, intelligence, infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, and psychological warfare, with the goal of informing today’s decision makers of the options available in COIN tactics, operations, and strategy. In modern conflicts, techniques of asymmetric warfare wreak havoc on the inflexible, regardless of technological or numerical advantage. In order to be more effective, the US military must improve its COIN capabilities and flexibility to match the adaptability and rapid time-scales of insurgent networks and terror cells. Our simulation model combines elements of traditional differential equation force-on-force modeling with modern social science modeling of networks, PSYOPs, and coalition cooperation to build a framework that can inform various levels of military decision makers in order to understand and improve COIN strategy. We show a test scenario of eight stages of COIN operation to demonstrate how the model behaves and how it could be used to decide on effective COIN resources and strategies.
Five Really Easy Steps to Build a Homemade Low-Cost Simulator
Authors: Moreira-Pinto João , Silva João Guilherme , Ribeiro de Castro João Luís , Correia-Pinto Jorge
Published: March 2012

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate how simple it is to build a homemade low-cost simulator using a simple 5-step scheme. Methods. A scheme explaining how to build an endoscopic surgery simulator in 5 easy steps was presented to 26 surgeons. The simulator required a pair of scissors and easy-to-find materials. Its total cost was less than €35. The participants assessed the simulator using common endoscopic training toys or ex vivo tissue and completed an anonymous query comparing it with other commercial simulators that they had experienced before. Results. In all, 84.6% found the simulator really easy to build. Every participant felt that he or she could do the same simulator themselves. Comparing with other commercial available box simulators, the majority of participants found the homemade simulator easier to ( a) mount and dismount, ( b) transport, ( c) clean, and ( d) use when practicing alone. Conclusions. Anyone can build its own simulator for a small amount of money.
Girls Will Be Girls
Authors: Dennis Jeffery P.
Published: March 2012

The impact of childhood gender polarization on adolescent problem behaviors and delinquent behaviors was measured through a survey of students in sociology and criminal justice classes. Three predictors were measured: parental gender-polarized attitudes during middle and late childhood, gender-coded activities during middle and late childhood, and parental heteronormative expectations regarding dating, romance, and marriage. Gender-coded activities increased the risk of problem and delinquent behaviors for both boys and girls, but gender-polarized attitudes affected only girls, and heteronormative expectations affected both female heterosexual and lesbian/bisexual respondents. Significant differences were found based on the race and social class of the respondents.
Young Native American Men and Their Intention to Use Family Planning Services
Authors: Rink Elizabeth , FourStar Kris , Elk Jarrett Medicine , Dick Rebecca , Jewett Lacey , Gesink Dionne
Published: March 2012

This study examines the extent to which age, fatherhood, relationship status, self-control of birth control method, and the use of birth control influence young Native American men’s intention to use family planning services. Data were collected for this study during in-depth interviews with 112 Native American men between the ages of 18 and 24 years. The mean age reported was 21. Thirty-eight percent of the young men reported having children. Almost 70% of the young men reported being in a steady relationship. Eighty-eight percent reported that it was very important that they have self-control of the type of birth control that they use. In addition, 88% of the young men reported that they would use some type of birth control within the next year to prevent a pregnancy with their partner. Logistic regression analysis indicated that as age increased, young men were less likely to seek family planning services for birth control. The young men who reported being fathers were more likely than the young men who did not report being fathers to seek family planning services for birth control. Findings from this study suggest that public health efforts to educate Native American men about family planning services are most effective in their adolescence, before they transition into young adulthood. Fatherhood may also be considered a protective factor that may increase the likelihood that young Native American men will seek family planning services for birth control. Public health efforts that address reproductive health among young Native American men may be effective with Native American men in adolescence, prior to their transition to young adulthood. Family planning services that provide outreach education and care to Native American fathers may also be effective.
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) and nonallergic food intolerance: FODMAPs or food chemicals?
Authors: Barrett Jacqueline S. , Gibson Peter R.
Published: March 2012

Food intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is increasingly being recognized, with patients convinced that diet plays a role in symptom induction. Evidence is building to implicate fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) in the onset of abdominal pain, bloating, wind and altered bowel habit through their fermentation and osmotic effects. Hypersensitivity to normal levels of luminal distension is known to occur in patients with IBS, with consideration of food chemical intolerance likely to answer many questions about this physiological process. This paper summarizes the evidence and application of the most common approaches to managing food intolerance in IBS: the low-FODMAP diet, the elimination diet for food chemical sensitivity and others including possible noncoeliac gluten intolerance.
Space and spatiality in theory
Authors: Merriman Peter , Jones Martin , Olsson Gunnar , Sheppard Eric , Thrift Nigel , Tuan Yi-Fu
Published: March 2012

This article is an edited transcript of a panel discussion on ‘Space and Spatiality in Theory’ which was held at the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers, Washington, DC, April 2010. In the article, the panel map out some of the challenges for thinking, writing and performing spaces in the 21st century, reflecting upon the emergence of new ways of theorizing space and spatiality, the relationship between writing, action and spacing, and the emergence of distinctive spatialized ontologies (e.g. ‘movement-space’) which appear to reflect epistemological and technological shifts in how our worlds are thought, produced and inhabited. The panellists stress the importance of recognizing the partial nature of Anglophone theoretical approaches, and they argue for more situated and modest theories. They also reflect upon the importance of a wide range of disciplinary knowledges and practices to their thinking on the spatialities of the world, from philosophy and the natural sciences to art and poetry.
Why?
Authors: Staeheli Lynn A
Published: March 2012

In this essay, I raise three questions regarding spatiality. Why do we struggle to explain spatiality? What kinds of politics does an appreciation of spatiality enable? And why do discussions of spatiality seem to be framed by people who often share subject positions shaped by education, class, gender, racialization, and postcolonialism? I raise these – admittedly awkward – questions, but confess that I struggle to answer them. Yet it seems important to address them if we are to meet our responsibilities to the publics that support academics and the publics we hope to support.
Cell transformation by FLT3 ITD in acute myeloid leukemia involves oxidative inactivation of the tumor suppressor protein-tyrosine phosphatase DEP-1/ PTPRJ
Authors: Godfrey Rinesh , Arora Deepika , Bauer Reinhard , Stopp Sabine , Müller Jörg P. , Heinrich Theresa , Böhmer Sylvia-Annette , Dagnell Markus , Schnetzke Ulf , Scholl Sebastian , Östman Arne , Böhmer Frank-D.
Published: March 2012

Signal transduction of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is regulated by protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). We recently identified the PTP DEP-1/CD148/PTPRJ as a novel negative regulator of FLT3. This study addressed the role of DEP-1 for regulation of the acute myeloid leukemia (AML)–related mutant FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) protein. Our experiments revealed that DEP-1 was expressed but dysfunctional in cells transformed by FLT3 ITD. This was caused by enzymatic inactivation of DEP-1 through oxidation of the DEP-1 catalytic cysteine. In intact cells, including primary AML cells, FLT3 ITD kinase inhibition reactivated DEP-1. DEP-1 reactivation was also achieved by counteracting the high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production detected in FLT3 ITD–expressing cell lines by inhibition of reduced NAD phosphate (NADPH)–oxidases, or by overexpression of catalase or peroxiredoxin-1 (Prx-1). Interference with ROS production in 32D cells inhibited cell transformation by FLT3 ITD in a DEP-1–dependent manner, because RNAi-mediated depletion of DEP-1 partially abrogated the inhibitory effect of ROS quenching. Reactivation of DEP-1 by stable overexpression of Prx-1 extended survival of mice in the 32D cell/C3H/HeJ mouse model of FLT3 ITD–driven myeloproliferative disease. The study thus uncovered DEP-1 oxidation as a novel event contributing to cell transformation by FLT3 ITD.
Stress significantly increases mortality following a secondary bacterial respiratory infection
Authors: Hodgson Paul D , Aich Palok , Stookey Joseph , Popowych Yurij , Potter Andrew , Babiuk Lorne , Griebel Philip J
Published: March 2012

A variety of mechanisms contribute to the viral-bacterial synergy which results in fatal secondary bacterial respiratory infections. Epidemiological investigations have implicated physical and psychological stressors as factors contributing to the incidence and severity of respiratory infections and psychological stress alters host responses to experimental viral respiratory infections. The effect of stress on secondary bacterial respiratory infections has not, however, been investigated. A natural model of secondary bacterial respiratory infection in naive calves was used to determine if weaning and maternal separation (WMS) significantly altered mortality when compared to calves pre-adapted (PA) to this psychological stressor. Following weaning, calves were challenged withMannheimiahaemolyticafour days after a primary bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) respiratory infection. Mortality doubled in WMS calves when compared to calves pre-adapted to weaning for two weeks prior to the viral respiratory infection. Similar results were observed in two independent experiments and fatal viral-bacterial synergy did not extend beyond the time of viral shedding. Virus shedding did not differ significantly between treatment groups but innate immune responses during viral infection, including IFN-γ secretion, the acute-phase inflammatory response, CD14 expression, and LPS-induced TNFα production, were significantly greater in WMS versus PA calves. These observations demonstrate that weaning and maternal separation at the time of a primary BHV-1 respiratory infection increased innate immune responses that correlated significantly with mortality following a secondary bacterial respiratory infection.
Algorithms for optimizing cross-overs in DNA shuffling
Authors: He Lu , Friedman Alan M , Bailey-Kellogg Chris
Published: March 2012

Background

DNA shuffling generates combinatorial libraries of chimeric genes by stochastically recombining parent genes. The resulting libraries are subjected to large-scale genetic selection or screening to identify those chimeras with favorable properties (e.g., enhanced stability or enzymatic activity). While DNA shuffling has been applied quite successfully, it is limited by its homology-dependent, stochastic nature. Consequently, it is used only with parents of sufficient overall sequence identity, and provides no control over the resulting chimeric library.

Results

This paper presents efficient methods to extend the scope of DNA shuffling to handle significantly more diverse parents and to generate more predictable, optimized libraries. Our CODNS (cross-over optimization for DNA shuffling) approach employs polynomial-time dynamic programming algorithms to select codons for the parental amino acids, allowing for zero or a fixed number of conservative substitutions. We first present efficient algorithms to optimize the local sequence identity or the nearest-neighbor approximation of the change in free energy upon annealing, objectives that were previously optimized by computationally-expensive integer programming methods. We then present efficient algorithms for more powerful objectives that seek to localize and enhance the frequency of recombination by producing "runs" of common nucleotides either overall or according to the sequence diversity of the resulting chimeras. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CODNS in choosing codons and allocating substitutions to promote recombination between parents targeted in earlier studies: two GAR transformylases (41% amino acid sequence identity), two very distantly related DNA polymerases, Pol X and β (15%), and beta-lactamases of varying identity (26-47%).

Conclusions

Our methods provide the protein engineer with a new approach to DNA shuffling that supports substantially more diverse parents, is more deterministic, and generates more predictable and more diverse chimeric libraries.
Gravitational and magnetic field variations synergize to cause subtle variations in the global transcriptional state of Arabidopsis in vitro callus cultures
Authors: Manzano Ana I , van Loon Jack JWA , Christianen Peter CM , Gonzalez-Rubio Juana M , Medina F Javier , Herranz Raul
Published: March 2012

Background

Biological systems respond to changes in both the Earth's magnetic and gravitational fields, but as experiments in space are expensive and infrequent, Earth-based simulation techniques are required. A high gradient magnetic field can be used to levitate biological material, thereby simulating microgravity and can also create environments with a reduced or an enhanced level of gravity (g), although special attention should be paid to the possible effects of the magnetic field (B) itself.

Results

Using diamagnetic levitation, we exposedArabidopsis thaliana in vitrocallus cultures to five environments with different levels of effective gravity and magnetic field strengths. The environments included levitation, i.e. simulated μg* (close to 0g* atB= 10.1 T), intermediateg* (0.1g* atB= 14.7 T) and enhanced gravity levels (1.9g* atB= 14.7 T and 2g* atB= 10.1 T) plus an internal 1g* control (B= 16.5 T). The asterisk denotes the presence of the background magnetic field, as opposed to the effective gravity environments in the absence of an applied magnetic field, created using a Random Position Machine (simulated μg) and a Large Diameter Centrifuge (2g).

Microarray analysis indicates that changes in the overall gene expression of cultured cells exposed to these unusual environments barely reach significance using an FDR algorithm. However, it was found that gravitational and magnetic fields produce synergistic variations in the steady state of the transcriptional profile of plants. Transcriptomic results confirm that high gradient magnetic fields (i.e. to create μg* and 2g* conditions) have a significant effect, mainly on structural, abiotic stress genes and secondary metabolism genes, but these subtle gravitational effects are only observable using clustering methodologies.

Conclusions

A detailed microarray dataset analysis, based on clustering of similarly expressed genes (GEDI software), can detect underlying global-scale responses, which cannot be detected by means of individual gene expression techniques using raw or corrected p values (FDR). A subtle, but consistent, genome-scale response to hypogravity environments was found, which was opposite to the response in a hypergravity environment.
Phase I/IIa study of intratumoral/intracerebral or intravenous/intracerebral administration of Parvovirus H-1 (ParvOryx) in patients with progressive primary or recurrent glioblastoma multiforme: ParvOryx01 protocol
Authors: Geletneky Karsten , Huesing Johannes , Rommelaere Jean , Schlehofer Joerg R , Leuchs Barbara , Dahm Michael , Krebs Ottheinz , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Huber Bernard , Hajda Jacek
Published: March 2012

Background

The treatment of patients with malignant brain tumors remains a major oncological problem. The median survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most malignant type, is only 15 months after initial diagnosis and even less after tumor recurrence. Improvements of standard treatment including surgery and radio-chemotherapy have not lead to major improvements. Therefore, alternative therapeutics such as oncolytic viruses that specifically target and destroy cancer cells are under investigation. Preclinical data of oncolytic parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) infection of glioma cells demonstrated strong cytotoxic and oncosuppressing effects, leading to a phase I/IIa trial of H-1PV in patients with recurrent GBM (ParvOryx01). ParvOryx01 is the first trial with a replication competent oncolytic virus in Germany.

Methods

ParvOryx01 is an open, non-controlled, two groups, intra-group dose escalation, single center, phase I/IIa trial. 18 patients with recurrent GBM will be treated in 2 groups of 9 patients each. Treatment group 1 will first receive H-1PV by intratumoral injection and second by administration into the walls of the tumor cavity during tumor resection. In treatment group 2 the virus will initially be injected intravenously and afterwards, identical to group 1, into the surrounding brain tissue during tumor removal. Main eligibility criteria are: age of 18 years, unifocal recurrent GBM, amenable to complete or subtotal resection. Dose escalation will be based on the Continual Reassessment Method. The primary objective of the trial is local and systemic safety and tolerability and to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives are proof of concept (PoC) and Progression-free Survival (PFS) up to 6 months.

Discussion

This is the first trial with H-1PV in patients with recurrent GBM. The risks for the participants appear well predictable and justified. Furthermore, ParvOryx01 will be the first assessment of combined intratumoral and intravenous application of an oncolytic virus. Due to its study design the trial will not only generate data on the local effect of H-1PV but it will also investigate the penetration of H-1PV into the tumor after systemic delivery and obtain safety data from systemic delivery possibly supporting clinical trials with H-1PV in other, non-CNS malignancies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01301430
Severe paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Todenhöfer Tilman , Wirths Stefan , von Weyhern Claus Hann , Heckl Stefan , Horger Marius , Hennenlotter Joerg , Stenzl Arnulf , Kanz Lothar , Schwentner Christian
Published: March 2012

Background

Renal cell carcinoma can cause various paraneoplastic syndromes including metabolic and hematologic disturbances. Paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia has been reported in a variety of hematologic and solid tumors. We present the first case in the literature of severe paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in a patient with renal cell carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 46 year-old patient patient with a history of significant weight loss, reduced general state of health and coughing underwent radical nephrectomy for metastasized renal cell carcinoma. Three weeks after surgery, the patient presented with excessive peripheral hypereosinophilia leading to profound neurological symptoms due to cerebral microinfarction. Systemic treatment with prednisolone, hydroxyurea, vincristine, cytarabine, temsirolimus and sunitinib led to reduction of peripheral eosinophils but could not prevent rapid disease progression of the patient. At time of severe leukocytosis, a considerable increase of cytokines associated with hypereosinophilia was measurable.

Conclusions

Paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia in patients with renal cell carcinoma might indicate poor prognosis and rapid disease progression. Myelosuppressive therapy is required in symptomatic patients.
Antenatal magnesium individual participant data international collaboration: assessing the benefits for babies using the best level of evidence (AMICABLE)
Authors:   The AMICABLE Group
Published: March 2012

Background

The primary aim of this study is to assess, using individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis, the effects of administration of antenatal magnesium sulphate given to women at risk of preterm birth on important clinical outcomes for their child such as death and neurosensory disability. The secondary aim is to determine whether treatment effects differ depending on important pre-specified participant and treatment characteristics, such as reasons at risk of preterm birth, gestational age, or type, dose and mode of administration of magnesium sulphate.

Methods

Design

The Antenatal Magnesium Individual Participant Data (IPD) International Collaboration: assessing the benefits for babies using the best level of evidence (AMICABLE) Group will perform an IPD meta-analysis to answer these important clinical questions.

Setting/Timeline

The AMICABLE Group was formed in 2009 with data collection commencing late 2010.

Inclusion Criteria

Five trials involving a total 6,145 babies are eligible for inclusion in the IPD meta-analysis.

Primary study outcomes

For the infants/children: Death or cerebral palsy. For the women: Any severe maternal outcome potentially related to treatment (death, respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest).

Discussion

Results are expected to be publicly available in 2012.
Differential Entrainment of Peripheral Clocks in the Rat by Glucocorticoid and Feeding
Authors: Sujino Mitsugu , Furukawa Keiichi , Koinuma Satoshi , Fujioka Atsuko , Nagano Mamoru , Iigo Masayuki , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi
Published: March 2012

The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master circadian clock and resets the peripheral clocks via various pathways. Glucocorticoids and daily feeding are major time cues for entraining most peripheral clocks. However, recent studies have suggested that the dominant timing factor differs among organs and tissues. In our current study, we reveal differences in the entrainment properties of the peripheral clocks in the liver, kidney, and lung through restricted feeding (RF) and antiphasic corticosterone (CORT) injections in adrenalectomized rats. The peripheral clocks in the kidney and lung were found to be entrained by a daily stimulus from CORT administration, irrespective of the meal time. In contrast, the liver clock was observed to be entrained by an RF regimen, even if daily CORT injections were given at antiphase. These results indicate that glucocorticoids are a strong zeitgeber that overcomes other entrainment factors regulating the peripheral oscillators in the kidney and lung and that RF is a dominant mediator of the entrainment ability of the circadian clock in the liver.
Changing topographic Hox expression in blood vessels results in regionally distinct vessel wall remodeling
Authors: Pruett Nathanael D. , Hajdu Zoltan , Zhang Jing , Visconti Richard P. , Kern Michael J. , Wellik Deneen M. , Majesky Mark W. , Awgulewitsch Alexander
Published: March 2012

The distinct topographic Hox expression patterns observed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the adult cardiovascular system suggest that these transcriptional regulators are critical for maintaining region-specific physiological properties of blood vessels. To test this proposition, we expanded the vascular Hoxc11 expression domain normally restricted to the lower limbs by utilizing an innovative integrated tetracycline regulatory system and Transgelin promoter elements to induce Hoxc11 expression universally in VSMCs of transgenic mice. Ectopic Hoxc11 expression in carotid arteries, aortic arch and descending aorta resulted in drastic vessel wall remodeling involving elastic laminae fragmentation, medial smooth muscle cell loss, and intimal lesion formation. None of these alterations were observed upon induction of Hoxc11 transgene expression in the femoral artery, i.e. the natural Hoxc11 activity domain, although this vessel was greatly enlarged, comparable to the topographically restricted vascular changes seen in Hoxc11−/− mice. To begin defining Hoxc11-controlled pathways of vascular remodeling, we performed immunolabeling studies in conjunction with co-transfection and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays using mouse vascular smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells. The results suggest direct transcriptional control of two members of the matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp) family, including Mmp2 and Mmp9 that are known as key players in the inception and progression of vascular remodeling events. In summary, the severe vascular abnormalities resulting from the induced dysregulated expression of a Hox gene with regional vascular patterning functions suggest that proper Hox function and regulation is critical for maintaining vascular functional integrity.
The contribution of air breathing to aerobic scope and exercise performance in the banded knifefishGymnotus carapoL.
Authors: McKenzie David J. , Steffensen John F. , Taylor Edwin W. , Abe Augusto S.
Published: March 2012

The contribution of air breathing to aerobic metabolic scope and exercise performance was investigated in a teleost with bimodal respiration, the banded knifefish, submitted to a critical swimming speed (Ucrit) protocol at 30°C. Seven individuals (mean ± s.e.m. mass 89±7 g, total length 230±4 mm) achieved a Ucrit of 2.1±1 body lengths (BL) s–1 and an active metabolic rate (AMR) of 350±21 mg kg–1 h–1, with 38±6% derived from air breathing. All of the knifefish exhibited a significant increase in air-breathing frequency (fAB) with swimming speed. If denied access to air in normoxia, these individuals achieved a Ucrit of 2.0±0.2 BL s–1 and an AMR of 368±24 mg kg–1 h–1 by gill ventilation alone. In normoxia, therefore, the contribution of air breathing to scope and exercise was entirely facultative. In aquatic hypoxia (PO2=4 kPa) with access to normoxic air, the knifefish achieved a Ucrit of 2.0±0.1 BL s–1 and an AMR of 338±29 mg kg–1 h–1, similar to aquatic normoxia, but with 55±5% of AMR derived from air breathing. Indeed, fAB was higher than in normoxia at all swimming speeds, with a profound exponential increase during exercise. If the knifefish were denied access to air in hypoxia, Ucrit declined to 1.2±0.1 BL s–1 and AMR declined to 199±29 mg kg–1 h–1. Therefore, air breathing allowed the knifefish to avoid limitations to aerobic scope and exercise performance in aquatic hypoxia.
Blue-light-receptive cryptochrome is expressed in a sponge eye lacking neurons and opsin
Authors: Rivera Ajna S. , Ozturk Nuri , Fahey Bryony , Plachetzki David C. , Degnan Bernard M. , Sancar Aziz , Oakley Todd H.
Published: March 2012

Many larval sponges possess pigment ring eyes that apparently mediate phototactic swimming. Yet sponges are not known to possess nervous systems or opsin genes, so the unknown molecular components of sponge phototaxis must differ fundamentally from those in other animals, inspiring questions about how this sensory system functions. Here we present molecular and biochemical data on cryptochrome, a candidate gene for functional involvement in sponge pigment ring eyes. We report that Amphimedon queenslandica, a demosponge, possesses two cryptochrome/photolyase genes, Aq-Cry1 and Aq-Cry2. The mRNA of one gene (Aq-Cry2) is expressed in situ at the pigment ring eye. Additionally, we report that Aq-Cry2 lacks photolyase activity and contains a flavin-based co-factor that is responsive to wavelengths of light that also mediate larval photic behavior. These results suggest that Aq-Cry2 may act in the aneural, opsin-less phototaxic behavior of a sponge.
Adding ductus venosus blood flow as a categorical variable to the Combined and Integrated tests in Down's syndrome screening
Authors: Wald Nicholas J , Bestwick Jonathan P , Borrell Antoni
Published: March 2012

Ductus venosus blood flow, expressed as a pulsatility index (DVPI) has been shown to improve the performance of the Combined and Integrated antenatal screening tests for Down's syndrome using previously published data. The use of ductus venosus blood flow as a categorical marker (reversed or absent end diastolic blood flow indicating a positive result) is less discriminatory but simpler, so is sometimes preferred over DVPI. For example, with the Integrated test the false-positive rate for a 90% detection rate was 1.5% as a categorical marker compared with 1.1% expressed as DVPI.  We here provide the necessary algorithm and parameters for using ductus venosus blood flow as a categorical marker with the Combined and Integrated tests.
Overdiagnosis in the population-based service screening programme with mammography for women aged 40 to 49 years in Sweden
Authors: Hellquist Barbro Numan , Duffy Stephen W , Nyström Lennarth , Jonsson Håkan
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To estimate the level of overdiagnosis of all breast cancers and of invasive breast cancers in women aged 40–49 invited to the subsequent screening rounds in the Swedish service-screening programme 1986–2005.

Methods

To estimate the level of overdiagnosis in subsequent screening, the rate ratios (RR) of the breast cancer incidence in the study group (women in areas with screening in ages 40–49) and the control group (women in areas with no screening in ages 40–49) were calculated for all breast cancers and for invasive breast cancers. The RR estimates were adjusted for the prescreening difference in incidence between study and control group and for lead time.

Results

The prescreening incidence rate ratio was estimated at 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–0.97). The number of breast cancer cases and person-years were 6047 and 3.8 million, and 7790 and 5.2 million, in the study group and control group respectively during the study period. The RR estimate for all cancers was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.94–1.08) when adjusted for prescreening difference and a lead time of 1.2 years. The corresponding estimate for invasive breast cancers was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88–1.02).

Conclusions

We found no significant overdiagnosis for women aged 40–49 in the Swedish service screening programme with mammography.
Influence of false-positive mammography results on subsequent screening: do physician recommendations buffer negative effects?
Authors: DeFrank Jessica T , Rimer Barbara K , Bowling J Michael , Earp Jo Anne , Breslau Erica S , Brewer Noel T
Published: March 2012

Objective

Cancer screening guidelines often include discussion about the unintended negative consequences of routine screening. This prospective study examined effects of false-positive mammography results on women's adherence to subsequent breast cancer screening and psychological well-being. We also assessed whether barriers to screening exacerbated the effects of false-positive results.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of data from telephone interviews and medical claims records for 2406 insured women. The primary outcome was adherence to screening guidelines, defined as adherent (10–14 months), delayed (15–34 months), or no subsequent mammogram on record.

Results

About 8% of women reported that their most recent screening mammograms produced false-positive results. In the absence of self-reported advice from their physicians to be screened, women were more likely to have no subsequent mammograms on record if they received false-positive results than if they received normal results (18% vs. 7%, OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.30, 7.70). Receipt of false-positive results was not associated with this outcome for women who said their physicians had advised regular screening in the past year (7% vs. 10%, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.38, 1.45). False-positive results were associated with greater breast cancer worry ( P < .01), thinking more about the benefits of screening ( P < .001), and belief that abnormal test results do not mean women have cancer ( P < .01), regardless of physicians' screening recommendations.

Conclusion

False-positive mammography results, coupled with reports that women's physicians did not advise regular screening, could lead to non-adherence to future screening. Abnormal mammograms that do not result in cancer diagnoses are opportunities for physicians to stress the importance of regular screening.
Mammography screening and breast cancer mortality in Australia: an aggregate cohort study
Authors: Morrell Stephen , Taylor Richard , Roder David , Dobson Annette
Published: March 2012

Background

Evidence that mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality derives from trials, with observational studies broadly supporting trial findings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the national mammographic screening programme, BreastScreen Australia, using aggregate screening and breast cancer mortality data.

Methods

Breast cancer mortality from 1990 to 2004 in the whole Australian population was assessed in relation to screening exposure in the target of women aged 50–69 years. Population cohorts were defined by year of screening (and diagnosis), five-year age group at screening (and diagnosis), and local area of residence at screening (and diagnosis). Biennial screening data for BreastScreen Australia were related to cumulated mortality from breast cancer in an event analysis using Poisson regression, and in a time-to-event analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results were adjusted for repeated measures and the potential effects of mammography outside BreastScreen Australia, regionality, and area socio-economic status.

Results

From the adjusted Poisson regression model, a 22% (95% CI:12–31%) reduction in six-year cumulated mortality from breast cancer was predicted for screening participation of approximately 60%, compared with no screening; 21% (95% CI:11–30%) for the most recently reported screening participation of 56%; and 25% (95% CI:15–35%) for the programme target of 70% biennial screening participation. Corresponding estimates from the Cox proportional hazard regression model were 30% (95% CI:17–41%), 28% (95% CI:16–38%) and 34% (95% CI:20–46%).

Conclusions

Despite data limitations, the results of this nationwide study are consistent with the trial evidence, and with results of other service studies of mammography screening. With sufficient participation, mammography screening substantially reduces mortality from breast cancer.
Dry self-sampling versus provider-sampling of cervicovaginal specimens for human papillomavirus detection in the Inuit population of Nunavik, Quebec
Authors: Cerigo Helen , Coutlée François , Franco Eduardo L , Brassard Paul
Published: March 2012

Objective

To assess the comparability of self-collected cervicovaginal samples and provider-collected cervical samples for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA among Inuit women in Nunavik, Quebec, avoiding the use of liquid-based storage and transport of the self-collected samples.

Methods

Ninety-three women aged 18–69 years were recruited from a previously formed cohort on the natural history of HPV to this cross-sectional measurement study. This study utilized HPV DNA test results from 89 paired specimens collected by study participant and health provider with Dacron swabs. Samples were tested for 36 HPV types with the PGMY-primer PCR protocol and genotyping with the linear array method. Unweighted kappa statistics and McNemar tests were used to measure the agreement between sampling techniques.

Results

In the self-collected samples, 30 different HPV types were found, compared with 29 types found in the provider-collected samples. The prevalence of high-risk (HR) HPV was 38.2% in the self-collected samples and 28.1% in the provider-collected samples. The agreement between collection methods for the detection of HR-HPV DNA (85.4%) was good. HR-HPV and type-specific HPV 16/18 were as likely to be detected in the self-collected samples compared with the provider-obtained samples.

Conclusions

Women in this population were easily able to collect adequate cervicovaginal specimens for HPV testing. As self-sampling has a high recovery of HR-HPV and is comparable with provider-sampling, we conclude that self-sampling with dry storage and transport could be a good cervical cancer screening alternative for Inuit women in Nunavik who have traditionally avoided speculum examination.
Stimulating the Economy in an Era of Debt and Deficit
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E.
Published: March 2012

It’s the structure of the budget and not the size of the deficit says Joseph Stiglitz. He says the time is optimal for an out-of-the-box Keynesian solution and describes what that could be.
Technology Inertia and the Benefits of Entry
Authors: Bacchiega Emanuele , Garella Paolo G.
Published: March 2012

We study the effects of entry on price in an industry. This assessment is usually carried out under the implicit assumption of “technological inertia”: incumbents cannot change their technologies in response to entry. We remove this assumption by modeling a game where, before quantity competition, firms choose technologies. We identify parameter configurations where, after entry, the incumbent(s) changes technology. This leads either to a higher price after entry or to a “dampening effect” on price reduction. This effect is shown to be relevant when evaluating the welfare gains from measures intended to foster competition by increasing the number of competitors. The converse proposition could be stated for evaluating the social costs of mergers.
The Intergovernmental Politics of Internet Sales Taxation in the United States
Authors: Herian Mitchel Norman
Published: March 2012

This article examines the moratorium on Internet sales taxation in the U.S. through perspectives of federalism and intergovernmental relations. First, it provides a brief overview of the literature describing contemporary theories of federalism and intergovernmental relations in the U.S. Second, it describes the efforts of U.S. governors to shape federal policy on the issue with a specific focus on the lobbying efforts of the National Governors Association to repeal the Internet sales tax moratorium. Finally, the paper describes the states' attempts to devise an interstate compact designed to streamline state tax policy across the states with the goal of developing a mechanism to allow states to collect Internet sales taxes outside the purview of Congressional control. Arguing that the relatively recent development of e‐commerce and the associated politics have allowed a unique relationship between the state and federal governments to emerge, the paper concludes with a discussion of the possible implications for state/federal relations in the area of e‐commerce in the future.
The Anatomy of a Brand: Shaping Nuclear Discourse to Create the Perception of a “Clean World”
Authors: Eyles John , Fried Jana
Published: March 2012

We examine how over the past 25 years the Canadian nuclear industry has used various strategies to diminish or remove perceptions of any environmental health risks that emanate from its practice and activities. Using both industry and critical website materials, we demonstrate how the industry “removes” risk by emphasizing its own safety culture in a complex process, its green credentials, its role in producing local energy options, and the scientific ignorance of its critics, the suppression of opposing views, and a narrow risk assessment approach to potential environmental and health hazards in the marketing of a specific brand. We suggest that the same strategies are being used after the recent Japanese nuclear disaster.
Lactating Women's Perception of the Free Health Care Initiative in Rural Sierra Leone
Authors: M'Cormack Fredanna A. D. , M'Cormack‐Hale Fredline A. O. , Yannessa John F.
Published: March 2012

Introduction: On April 27, 2010 Sierra Leone implemented the Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI) for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under age five to address high mortality and morbidity. This study examined participant satisfaction with health services before and after the FHCI implementation. Methods: This was a retrospective study that assessed healthcare satisfaction in rural Sierra Leone after the implementation of the FHCI. Participants were interviewed using a structured satisfaction questionnaire about the FHCI. Conclusions: Results find a positive, statistically significant difference in participant satisfaction with ambulance services after the implementation of the FHCI compared to the level of satisfaction prior to the FHCI. Although results indicate a very slight increase in overall satisfaction with healthcare services, and a slight decrease in satisfaction with drug availability after the implementation of FHCI, the results are not statistically significant. Findings also indicate that participants attending emergency obstetric care (EmOC) facilities were less satisfied with the services provided than those attending the non‐EmOC facility or hospital.
International Health and Intelligence Gathering: One in the Same or Rival Factions?
Authors: Shelton John
Published: March 2012

This paper will consider a proposal for a new type of governmental agency to counter the threat of international public health concerns. Public health has increasingly become an international concern as a national security issue regardless of whether it involves an intentional release of a disease. September 11th and the Anthrax letters woke people up to the threat of bioterrorism. In addition, SARS, H1N1, and the Andrew Speaker incident have served to remind us that the threat of fatal disease occurs naturally and does not need to be turned into a weapon before it is a legitimate threat. The natural question that one must raise is whether existing government agencies are sufficiently equipped and prepared to deal with such challenges. The hypothetical government agency discussed in this paper will is one that combines aspects of a public health agency along with that of an intelligence organization. To begin the analysis of such a hypothetical agency, one must first consider where the world of public health intersects with espionage and law enforcement. Next, this paper will discuss the some of the government entities charged separately with different aspects of these duties. Finally, this paper will consider some of the legal limits of such a new agency.
The Biological Weapons Convention: Creation and Problems with Enforcement
Authors: Ayers Allen
Published: March 2012

Prior to examining ways to prevent biological warfare, it is important to gain a clear understanding of what some of the most likely biological weapons are. Knowing the potential effect of a weapon is an important step as it will aid in laying down a basis for regulations. After understanding the types of weapons available, the conversation logically turns towards a question of preventative action that can be taken to avoid this potential catastrophe from taking place. Prevention is primarily attempted through the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). It is through this convention that the majority of the world’s nations agreed to either cease or not begin a biological weapons program. However, as with many other treaties, the Biological Weapons Convention is left with several problems when it comes to its enforceability. This problem with the convention is serious enough to render the entire BWC ineffective. By considering these weapons, the measures to prevent their use, and the problems surrounding the BWC, it is possible to better understand the actual threat posed by biological warfare and the current state of measures being taken to ensure that such an attack cannot occur. While the potential list of biological weapons is numerous, there are a handful of weapons that are considered to be of particular concern. These have been termed as class A agents, which pose a high national security risk and will be the primary focus of this paper.
Practical aspects of modern interferometry for optical manufacturing quality control: Part 1
Authors: Smythe Robert
Published: March 2012

Modern phase shifting interferometers enable the manufacture of optical systems that drive the global economy. Semiconductor chips, solid-state cameras, cell phone cameras, infrared imaging systems, space based satellite imaging and DVD and Blu-Ray disks are all enabled by phase shifting interferometers. Theoretical treatments of data analysis and instrument design advance the technology but often are not helpful towards the practical use of interferometers. An understanding of the parameters that drive system performance is critical to produce useful results. Any interferometer will produce a data map and results; this paper reviews some of the key issues to minimize error sources in that data and provide a valid measurement.