bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple mechanisms of ligand interaction with the human organic cation transporter, OCT2
Authors: Harper Jaclyn N. , Wright Stephen H.
Published: October 2012

OCT2 is the entry step for organic cation (OC) secretion by renal proximal tubules. Although many drugs inhibit OCT2 activity, neither the mechanistic basis of their inhibition nor their transport status is generally known. Using representatives of several structural classes of OCT2-inhibitory ligands described recently (Kido Y, Matsson P, Giacomini KM. J Med Chem 54: 4548–4558, 2011), we determined the kinetic basis of their inhibition of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP) transport into Chinese hamster ovary cells that stably expressed hOCT2. The “cluster II” inhibitors (which contain known OCT2 substrates) metformin and cimetidine interacted competitively with MPP. However, other cluster II compounds, including tetraethylammonium (TEA), diphenidol and phenyltoloxamine, were mixed-type inhibitors of MPP transport (i.e., decreasing Jmaxand increasing Kt). A cluster III (neutral steroid) representative, adrenosterone, and a cluster I (large, flexible cation) representative, carvedilol, displayed noncompetitive inhibitory profiles. Competitive counterflow (CCF) was used to determine whether the inhibitory ligands served as substrates of hOCT2. Carvedilol (cluster I) and adrenosterone (cluster III) did not support CCF, consistent with the prediction that members of these structural classes are likely to be nontransported inhibitors of OCT2. The cluster II representatives MPP, metformin, cimetidine, and TEA all supported CCF, consistent with independent assessments of their OCT2-mediated transport. However, the other cluster II representatives, diphenidol and phenyltoloxamine, failed to support CCF, suggesting that neither compound is transported by OCT2. An independent assessment of diphenidol transport (using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy) confirmed this observation. The results underscore the caution required for development of predictive models of ligand interaction with multidrug transporters.
Impact of the Integrin Signaling Adaptor Protein NEDD9 on Prognosis and Metastatic Behavior of Human Lung Cancer
Authors: Kondo Shunsuke , Iwata Satoshi , Yamada Taketo , Inoue Yusuke , Ichihara Hiromi , Kichikawa Yoshiko , Katayose Tomoki , Souta-Kuribara Akiko , Yamazaki Hiroto , Hosono Osamu , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Tanaka Hirotoshi , Hayashi Yuichiro , Sakamoto Michiie , Kamiya Kazunori , Dang Nam H. , Morimoto Chikao
Published: October 2012

Purpose: In a substantial population of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), expression and activation of EGF receptor (EGFR) have been reported and is regarded as a novel molecular target. A growing body of evidence has shown the signaling crosstalk between EGFR and integrins in cellular migration and invasion. NEDD9 is an integrin signaling adaptor protein composed of multiple domains serving as substrate for a variety of tyrosine kinases. In the present study, we aimed at elucidating a role of NEDD9 in the signaling crosstalk between EGFR and integrins.

Experimental Design: Using NSCLC cell lines, we conducted immunoblotting and cellular migration/invasion assay in vitro. Next, we analyzed metastasis assays in vivo by the use of xenograft transplantation model. Finally, we retrospectively evaluated clinical samples and records of patients with NSCLCs.

Results: We showed that tyrosine phosphorylation of NEDD9 was reduced by the inhibition of EGFR in NSCLC cell lines. Overexpression of constitutively active EGFR caused tyrosine phosphorylation of NEDD9 in the absence of integrin stimulation. By gene transfer and gene knockdown, we showed that NEDD9 plays a pivotal role in cell migration and invasion of those cells in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of NEDD9 promoted lung metastasis of an NSCLC cell line in NOD/Shi-scid, IL-2Rγnull mice (NOG) mice. Finally, univariate and multivariate Cox model analysis of NSCLC clinical specimens revealed a strong correlation between NEDD9 expression and recurrence-free survival as well as overall survival.

Conclusion: Our data thus suggest that NEDD9 is a promising biomarker for the prognosis of NSCLCs and its expression can promote NSCLC metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6326–38. ©2012 AACR.
Inhibition of Tumor Promotion by Parthenolide: Epigenetic Modulation of p21
Authors: Ghantous Akram , Saikali Melody , Rau Tilman , Gali-Muhtasib Hala , Schneider-Stock Regine , Darwiche Nadine
Published: October 2012

The promotion stage in the multistep process of epidermal tumorigenesis is NF-кB–dependent, epigenetically regulated, and reversible, thus, a suitable target for chemoprevention. We investigated whether the NF-кB inhibitor, parthenolide, currently in cancer clinical trials, attenuates tumor promotion by modulating the epigenetically regulated NF-кB target genes, p21 and cyclin D1.

Parthenolide selectively inhibited the growth of neoplastic keratinocytes while sparing normal ones. Specifically, in JB6P+ cells, a model of tumor promotion, noncytotoxic parthenolide concentrations abrogated tumor promoter–induced cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Furthermore, parthenolide decreased tumor promoter–induced NF-кB activity, increased p21, and decreased cyclin D1 expression. In parthenolide-treated cells, p21 transcription correlated with relaxed chromatin and p65/NF-кB binding at the p21 promoter. However, cyclin D1 transcription correlated more with p65/NF-кB binding than with chromatin structure at the cyclin D1 promoter. Epigenetic regulation by parthenolide seemed specific, as parthenolide did not alter global histone acetylation and methylation and histone deacetylase activity. Because p21 expression by parthenolide was sustained, we used p21-siRNA and p21 −/− cancer cells and showed that the loss of p21 is cytoprotective against parthenolide.

Low parthenolide concentrations (0.25 mg/kg) inhibited tumor growth of promoted JB6P+ cells in xenograft immunocompromised mice using two different chemoprevention protocols. Tissue microarray of mouse tumors showed that parthenolide decreased scores of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 and p65/NF-кB, whereas it increased p21 expression.

These results show that low doses of parthenolide inhibit tumor promotion and epigenetically modulate p21 expression, highlighting the potential role of this drug as a chemopreventive agent and in epigenetic cancer therapy. Cancer Prev Res; 5(11); 1298–309. ©2012 AACR.
Defining the Role of Renal Transplantation in the Modern Management of Multiple Myeloma and Other Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
Authors: Bansal Tarun , Garg Anshu , Snowden John A. , McKane William
Published: October 2012

Plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD) are due to an abnormal proliferation of a single clone of plasma or lymphoplasmacytic cells leading to secretion of immunoglobulin (Ig) or an Ig fragment, causing the dysfunction of multiple organs. Median survival of these patients has significantly improved over the last decade due to availability of treatment options such as high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation and novel anti-myeloma agents. Renal transplantation has not traditionally been considered in these patients due to the previously limited prognosis, along with concerns relating to disease recurrence affecting the renal allograft and increased infection susceptibility following renal transplant due to immunosuppression and the PCD itself. However, with the increasing range of effective treatment options, renal transplantation could now be considered, especially in young patients with good performance status. It is therefore timely to reappraise the potential role of renal transplantation in end-stage renal disease due to multiple myeloma and other PCD. This review summarizes the literature relating to renal transplantation in PCD, including multiple myeloma, monoclonal Ig deposition disease and systemic AL amyloidosis, to attempt to identify patients who may benefit most from this approach and to explore areas for further development.
Topical Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Frei Pascal , Biedermann Luc , Manser Christine N. , Wilk Maike , Manz Michael , Vavricka Stephan R. , Rogler Gerhard
Published: October 2012

Due to misunderstandings about their effectiveness and feasibility, topical (or rectal) therapies with aminosalicylates (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) and steroids are often underused in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, many of these patients could be treated solely with rectal/topical therapies, or could benefit from them in combination with oral therapies. We review the evidence for topical therapies containing 5-ASA and budesonide in UC and discuss how these therapies can be optimized in daily practice, thereby improving compliance. Finally, we provide a brief summary of studies on the use of other topical treatments in UC, the results of which were both promising and negative.
On the Effective Capacity of the Dense-Water Reservoir for the Nordic Seas Overflow: Some Effects of Topography and Wind Stress
Authors: Yang Jiayan , Pratt Lawrence J.
Published: October 2012

The overflow of the dense water mass across the Greenland–Scotland Ridge (GSR) from the Nordic Seas drives the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). The Nordic Seas is a large basin with an enormous reservoir capacity. The volume of the dense water above the GSR sill depth in the Nordic Seas, according to previous estimates, is sufficient to supply decades of overflow transport. This large capacity buffers overflow’s responses to atmospheric variations and prevents an abrupt shutdown of the AMOC. In this study, the authors use a numerical and an analytical model to show that the effective reservoir capacity of the Nordic Seas is actually much smaller than what was estimated previously. Basin-scale oceanic circulation is nearly geostrophic and its streamlines are basically the same as the isobaths. The vast majority of the dense water is stored inside closed geostrophic contours in the deep basin and thus is not freely available to the overflow. The positive wind stress curl in the Nordic Seas forces a convergence of the dense water toward the deep basin and makes the interior water even more removed from the overflow-feeding boundary current. Eddies generated by the baroclinic instability help transport the interior water mass to the boundary current. But in absence of a robust renewal of deep water, the boundary current weakens rapidly and the eddy-generating mechanism becomes less effective. This study indicates that the Nordic Seas has a relatively small capacity as a dense water reservoir and thus the overflow transport is sensitive to climate changes.
Usable Science? The U.K. Climate Projections 2009 and Decision Support for Adaptation Planning
Authors: Tang Samuel , Dessai Suraje
Published: October 2012

With future changes in climate being inevitable, adaptation planning has become a policy priority. A central element in adaptation planning is scientific expertise and knowledge of what the future climate may hold. The U.K. Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09) provide climate information designed to help those needing to plan how to adapt to a changing climate. This paper attempts to determine how useful and usable UKCP09 is for adaptation decision making. The study used a mixed-methods approach that includes analysis of adaptation reports, a quantitative survey, and semistructured interviews with key adaptation stakeholders working in the science–policy interface, which included decision makers, knowledge producers, and knowledge translators. The knowledge system criteria were used to assess the credibility, legitimacy, and saliency of UKCP09 for each stakeholder group. It emerged that stakeholders perceived UKCP09 to be credible and legitimate because of its sophistication, funding source, and the scientific reputation of organizations involved in UKCP09’s development. However, because of the inherent complexities of decision making and a potentially greater diversity in users, UKCP09’s saliency was found to be dependent upon the scientific competence and familiarity of the user(s) in dealing with climate information. An example of this was the use of Bayesian probabilistic projections, which improved the credibility and legitimacy of UKCP09’s science but reduced the saliency for decision making. This research raises the question of whether the tailoring of climate projections is needed to enhance their salience for decision making, while recognizing that it is difficult to balance the three knowledge criteria in the production of usable science.
A Prospective Study of Psychoanalytic Practice and Professional Development
Authors: Cherry Sabrina , Meyer Juliette , Hadge Luke , Terry Madeleine , Roose Steven P.
Published: October 2012

In 2003 the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research began a prospective study of graduates designed to both describe and understand their professional trajectory. The study has two components: a quantitative component based on an anonymous comprehensive questionnaire given analysts yearly starting with their graduation, and a qualitative component comprising analyst interviews beginning at the end of the first postgraduate year and repeated every two years. Analysis of the first six years of the qualitative study shows that analysts will talk openly about their practice and careers and that when they do, practical issues are a dominant concern. Analysts both immersed and not immersed in four-times-weekly analytic cases experiment with adapting skills developed in training to treat cases in analysis seen less frequently. Analysts without four-times-weekly case immersion are engaged in analytic careers, participate as faculty at the institute, and report a high degree of career satisfaction. The major findings of this study compel changes in psychoanalytic training programs. The field would do well to address actual clinical practice experience in institute curricula and training programs, thus making analytic training more relevant.
Restructuring the Morbidity and Mortality Conference in a Department of Pediatrics to Serve as a Vehicle for System Changes
Authors: Rabizadeh Shervin , Gower W. Adam , Payton Kurlen , Miller Kathryn , Vera Kimberly , Serwint Janet R.
Published: October 2012

Purpose. Morbidity and mortality conference (MMC) serves an important role in medical care and education. We restructured our Department of Pediatrics MMC to focus on multidisciplinary participation and improved communication among disciplines, quality improvement, and system changes for safer clinical care and enhanced learning from adverse outcomes. Method. The structure and philosophy of the Department of Pediatrics MMC was changed. We present guiding principles for the restructuring process and evaluation results postrestructuring, which examined achievement of conference goals, including quality improvement. Results. The MMC led to system changes within the Department of Pediatrics as well as other parts of the hospital. Satisfaction with these changes was high among conference participants, who felt that the conference achieved its goals of including multiple disciplines and creating system changes. Conclusions. The successful change in the focus of the pediatric MMC conference resulted in significant hospital-wide system changes, quality improvements, enhanced education, and departmental satisfaction.
Working with passion: Emotionology, corporate environmentalism and climate change
Authors: Wright Christopher , Nyberg Daniel
Published: October 2012

In responding to climate change, organizations navigate in an increasingly volatile emotional milieu in which feelings of fear, anxiety, hostility and anger shape public debate. In this article, we explore how corporations have responded to the broader ‘emotionology’ surrounding climate change. Our focus is on the role of corporate sustainability specialists as intermediaries, or ‘emotionology workers’, acting between broader social debates and local organizational contexts. Through analysis of interview and documentary data from major Australian corporations we explore both the activities of these individuals in translating and shaping climate change emotionology within their organizations, and how they manage their own emotionality in this work. We find that sustainability professionals are key agents in the design and implementation of a positive emotionology of climate change as a challenge and opportunity for corporate action. However, these activities result in tensions and contradictions for these individuals in reconciling their own emotional engagement with climate change and the negative impact of corporate activities on the environment. Our analysis contributes to an understanding of the roles and activities of ‘emotionology work’, as well as broadening the concept of ‘emotion work’ to include those involved in promoting broader social change in organizational settings.
Physical illness in psychiatric inpatients: Comparison of patients with and without substance use disorders
Authors: Frasch Karel , Larsen Jens Ivar , Cordes Joachim , Jacobsen Bent , Wallenstein Jensen Signe Olrik , Lauber Christoph , Nielsen Jørgen Achton , Tsuchiya Kenji J , Uwakwe Richard , Munk-Jørgensen Povl , Kilian Reinhold , Becker Thomas
Published: October 2012

Background:

Physical comorbidities and substance use are commonly reported in patients with mental disorders.

Aim:

To examine somatic comorbidity in patients with substance use disorders (SUD) compared to patients with mental disorders but no SUD.

Methods:

Lifetime prevalence data on mental and physical health status were collected from inpatients in 12 mental health care facilities in five different countries. Differences in somatic comorbidity were examined by means of logistic regression analysis controlling for age and gender.

Results:

Of 2,338 patients, 447 (19%) had a primary or secondary SUD diagnosis. In comparison to patients with other mental disorders, patients with SUD had a higher prevalence of infectious and digestive diseases but a lower prevalence of endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders. Patterns of physical comorbidities differed according to type of substance used (alcohol use – cardiovascular; tobacco use – respiratory, neoplasms; cannabinoid use – injuries; opioid use – infectious, digestive; benzodiazepine use – endocrine, nutritional, metabolic; stimulants – urogenital).

Conclusions:

SUD are related to specific somatic health risks while some of our findings point to potentially protective effects. The widespread prescription of benzodiazepines requires research on physical health effects. Early detection of SUD and their integration into programmes targeting physical comorbidity should be a priority in organizing mental health care.
Duration of untreated illness (DUI) and schizophrenia sub-types: A collaborative study between the universities of Milan and Moscow
Authors: Buoli Massimiliano , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Zaytseva Yuliya , Gurovich Isaac Ya , Movina Larisa , Dorodnova Anna , Shmuckler Alexander , Altamura A Carlo
Published: October 2012

Background:

Several studies show an association between a long duration of untreated illness (DUI) and poor outcome in schizophrenic patients. DUI, in turn, may be influenced by different variables including specific illness-related factors as well as access to local psychiatric services.

Aims:

The purposes of the present study were to detect differences in terms of DUI among schizophrenics coming from different geographic areas and to evaluate differences in DUI across diagnostic sub-types.

Method:

One hundred and twenty-five (125) schizophrenic patients of the Psychiatric Clinic of Milan ( n = 51) and Moscow ( n = 74) were enrolled. SCID-I was administered to all patients and information about DUI was obtained by consulting clinical charts and health system databases, and by means of clinical interviews with patients and their relatives. DUI was defined as the time between the onset of illness and the administration of the first antipsychotic drug. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to find eventual differences in terms of DUI across diagnostic sub-types.

Results:

Italian patients showed a longer DUI ( M = 4.14 years, SD = 4.95) than Russians ( M = 1.16 years, SD = 1.43) ( F = 24.03, p < .001). DUI was found to be longer in paranoid schizophrenics ( M = 3.47 years, SD = 4.19) compared to catatonic patients ( M = 0.96 years, SD = 0.94) ( F = 3.56, p = .016).

Conclusions:

The results of the present study suggest that the different schizophrenic sub-types may differ in terms of DUI, likely due to different clinical severity and social functioning. Studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the data of the present study.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Journal of Cross- Cultural Psychology During the First Ten Years of the New Millennium
Authors: Allik Jüri
Published: October 2012

A bibliometric analysis of research articles published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology ( JCCP) during the first 10 years (2001-2010) of the new millennium was provided. There were 457 original research articles, which were cited 6,187 times in 4,227 citing papers (January 25, 2012). Although the largest number of articles were authored by researchers from the United States (52.3%), Canada (12.0%), and People’s Republic of China (11.6%), the highest impact articles were written by Israeli (30.5 citations per article), Estonian (29.5), and Swiss (23.6) psychologists. The country self-citation rates or biases were highest in the United States (+22.9%), the Netherlands (+20.7%), and People’s Republic of China (+20.5%), showing that the small-world networks operate most strongly in these three countries. As revealed by a cross-journal citation pattern, JCCP had the strongest influence on personality and social psychology research and negligible on intelligence and cognitive research. The impact of the research articles published in JCCP on the core psychology journals remained at the same (modest) level, while the journal self-citation bias demonstrated a slight increase during the last 10 years.
Exploring Clinicians Attitudes Toward the Incorporation of Racial Socialization in Psychotherapy
Authors: Brown Danice L. , Blackmon Sha’Kema , Schumacher Kayla , Urbanski Brooke
Published: October 2012

Racial socialization has been found to have a positive impact on the lives of African Americans. While most studies have focused on parental and caretaker racial socialization, none have examined this process in the context of the mental health practitioner-client relationship. Mental health practitioners may also serve as a socializing agent, providing African American clients with messages regarding race and racial barriers. The present exploratory study examined whether racial socialization messages are being incorporated in individual therapy by mental health practitioners who work with African American clients. Participants were 136 mental health providers solicited via electronic mailing lists from various divisions of the American Psychological Association, college counseling centers, and regional associations. Participants completed a survey on-line. Results indicated ethnicity was linked to the report of racial socialization focused on spiritual coping messages. Results also suggested an interaction between the ethnicity of the clinician and the age group of their clientele when examining messages focused on color-blind ideology.
Cultural Values Influencing Immigrant Haitian Mothers’ Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Daughters
Authors: Stephens Dionne P. , Thomas Tami L.
Published: October 2012

Although research has shown that mothers significantly influence daughters’ willingness to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), cultural factors influencing immigrant Haitian mothers’ willingness to have adolescent daughters to be vaccinated are unknown. This is of concern as this population experiences disproportionately higher rates of HPV infection and related cervical cancers. This study identifies cultural beliefs influencing 31 immigrant Haitian mothers’ willingness to vaccinate their daughters against HPV using semistructured interviews. Mothers had low levels of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, and desired more information. Concerns centered on cultural values regarding adolescent sexuality and HIV/AIDS stigmas specific to Haitian communities. If vaccination were recommended by a physician, mothers are more likely to have their daughters vaccinated. HPV vaccination uptake efforts targeting Haitian months should emphasize physician involvement and incorporate culturally relevant health concerns.
Quantifying capital goods for collection and transport of waste
Authors: Brogaard Line K , Christensen Thomas H
Published: October 2012

The capital goods for collection and transport of waste were quantified for different types of containers (plastic containers, cubes and steel containers) and an 18-tonnes compacting collection truck. The data were collected from producers and vendors of the bins and the truck. The service lifetime and the capacity of the goods were also assessed. Environmental impact assessment of the production of the capital goods revealed that, per tonne of waste handled, the truck had the largest contribution followed by the steel container. Large high density polyethylene (HDPE) containers had the lowest impact per tonne of waste handled. The impact of producing the capital goods for waste collection and transport cannot be neglected as the capital goods dominate (>85%) the categories human-toxicity (non-cancer and cancer), ecotoxicity, resource depletion and aquatic eutrophication, but also play a role (>13%) within the other impact categories when compared with the impacts from combustion of fuels for the collection and transport of the waste, when a transport distance of 25 km was assumed.
Sober as Deviant
Authors: Herman-Kinney Nancy J. , Kinney David A.
Published: October 2012

Social scientists have conducted numerous studies on college students’ binge drinking behavior. They have not, however, conducted any systematic studies of nondrinkers on college campuses. Our study focuses on the everyday experiences of nondrinking undergraduates who stay “dry” while living on “wet” campuses. We use the symbolic interactionist notions of identity work and deviance to show how nondrinkers employ a variety of stigma management strategies to avoid being labeled deviant. These strategies include the procurement of drinking props, fictive storytelling, alteration of personal appearance, concealment, disclosure, and capitulation. We extend the sociological study of identity work and deviance by documenting how nondrinkers experience and manage stigma and negotiate positive social and personal identities. Moreover, we apply the concepts of “negative deviants,” “rate busters,” and “positive deviants” to delineate how nondrinkers are viewed by different audiences on a “wet” campus.
Preparation, characterization and thermal properties of titanium- and silicon-modified novolac resins
Authors: Guo Zibin , Li Hao , Liu Zhe , Zhao Tong
Published: October 2012

Titanium- and silicon-modified novolac (TSN) resins were prepared by the reaction of novolac resin with the organotitanium polysiloxane. TSN resins with a series of inorganic element contents were prepared, and the corresponding silicon fiber reinforced TSN composites (TSN/silica fiber) were fabricated by the compression molding procedure. The results of thermogravimetric analysis show that the thermal stability of TSN resins were improved by the introduction of inorganic element, both for the initial decomposition temperature and char yields. As the inorganic element increase, the thermal stability also increases initially and then subsequently decreases. Meanwhile, the storage modulus and glass transition temperature ( Tg) of TSN resin composites were improved. TSN-3.12 composite shows the best thermal stability with Tg at 290°C, which was 37°C higher than that of the neat resin composite.
Thermoplastic polyurethane/single-walled carbon nanotube composites with low electrical resistance surfaces
Authors: Sankar R. Murali , Meera K. Seeni , Mandal Asit Baran , Jaisankar S. N.
Published: October 2012

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposite films were prepared using 1,6-hexane diisocyanate and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) in tetrahydrofuran with various concentrations of SWCNTs. The interaction between polyurethane (PU) and SWCNTs in nanocomposite was studied using different methods. The film turns yellowish to grayish-black in colour upon increasing the concentration of SWCNTs in PU matrix. This may be due to the formation of π–π interaction between polyurethane amide functional group and SWCNTs. Differential scanning calorimetric results show that the soft segment of nanocomposite interacts much stronger than hard segment, which results in lowering melting transition temperature of soft segments. The activation energy and thermal stability parameters were determined from thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analyses. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic results show the intermolecular interaction between HTPB-based PU and SWCNT. Mesoporous morphology of the nanocomposites was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The average diameter of the pores was calculated using Gaussian method. The TPU films exhibit about 3.5 times greater resistivity than nanocomposite films. All the analysed data prove that the SWCNTs were well distributed in PU matrix and exhibited as tough films with low electrical resistivity.
Composite proton conducting membrane by radiation-induced grafting of 1-vinylimidazole onto poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) and phosphoric acid doping
Authors: Nasef Mohamed Mahmoud , Ali Amgad Ahmed , Saidi Hamdani
Published: October 2012

Composite membrane containing phosphoric acid (PA) for possible use in a fuel cell was prepared by radiation-induced grafting of 1-vinylimidazole (1-VIm) onto poly(ethylene- co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films followed by protonation with PA doping. The preparation procedure involved three steps: (i) irradiation of ETFE films by an electron beam, (ii) grafting of 1-VIm onto the irradiated films under selected conditions and (iii) doping the grafted film with PA. The membrane composition, thermal properties and thermal stability were evaluated using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The obtained membrane was found to have a degree of grafting of 54% and 6.6 mmol PA per poly-VIm repeating unit with ionic conductivity of 140 mS cm−1 at 120°C and ∼20% relative humidity. The overall results suggest that the membrane has a promising combination of physicochemical properties appealing for possible application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell above 100°C.
A heuristic complexity-based method for cost estimation of aerospace systems
Authors: Banazadeh Afshin , Jafari Mohammad Haji
Published: October 2012

Cost estimation plays an essential role in the development of aerospace systems that are perhaps the most complex, time- and labor-consuming ones. Regarding this matter, it is unavoidable to take a systematic approach to build a realistic model through a deliberative, heuristical and easy-to-do process in the early stages of design. In the current study, complexity index theory is utilized to develop a heuristic complexity-based method to estimate various costs of aerospace systems. This method promises to be logically and practically more reliable and accurate than classical parametric methods. Logically, manipulating a group of parameters, instead of only one or two, reduces the probability of misrepresentation of systems and in the case of incompleteness of input data, reserves the chance for guessing them. Practically, all operations in this method are linear which makes it possible to work with matrices. With its organized and discrete nature, simulated annealing as a heuristic tool is employed to offset undesirable effects of imprecise initial assumptions. This helps to adjust complexity coefficients to more realistic magnitudes, when deriving a specific model from the heuristic complexity-based method. These coefficients may be used to estimate the cost of a new system as well as for sensitivity analysis. As a test scenario, estimation of an acquisition cost of a newly-developed unmanned aerial vehicle is concerned. Sensitivity of the complexity index to a number of complexity inducer parameters is also examined in order to achieve the most affecting parameters. Comparing by previously published results, it is seen that the current model is a remarkably accurate estimator for the acquisition cost of aerospace systems. This model shows a better R2 value, as a statistical measure of regression quality, than an already existing successful model by Technomics Corporation, regarded as a pioneer in this field.
Humanitarian Responses and Their Ethical Implications
Authors: Lee Ilhak
Published: October 2012

As the frequency and seriousness of natural disasters increase, humanitarian response gains interests. Disaster, as a threat to a society, exposes the weaknesses of that society and aids from agents other than that society are needed in the disaster situation. This nature of humanitarian response makes ethical consideration necessary, but as the context is different, ethical concerns and principles are also different from those of conventional medical ethics. Ethical justification is essential to humanitarian responses, and ethical standards and ideals should be considered during the humanitarian responses.
Race to the Top and the Exclusion of Welfare Recipients From Educational Policy Discourse
Authors: Johnson Michelle A. , Stephens Mattyna L.
Published: October 2012

In 2009, President Obama and his administration sought to overhaul the existing educational reform program and launched their initiative titled Race to the Top (RTTT). RTTT, a competitive grant program, comprised six priorities designed to help states reform their current educational systems. Priority five calls for states to evaluate their current adult education programs and explore how they could improve those programs through the collaboration of community and states agencies. States currently support, design, and implement adult education programs under the federal guidelines of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Although WIA addresses the needs of a targeted population of adult learners, it does not specifically address the educational needs of welfare recipients. Welfare recipients, who are among those considered to be in dire need of education and training, lack the support of policy to access adult education programs. This article explores the tensions that exist between the espoused purpose of RTTT and WIA, using the state of Texas’ adult education policies as a case example. By using critical discourse analysis, we examine the policies in RTTT and WIA at the state level that defines the nature and scope of adult education. This form of analysis provides an opportunity to critically examine and explore the language of these various policies by focusing on not only what is present in the text but also on what is absent from it as well.
Comparing the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and the Psychopathy Checklist–Youth Version (PCL-YV) Among Offending Girls
Authors: Chauhan Preeti , Ragbeer Shayne N. , Burnette Mandi L. , Oudekerk Barbara , Reppucci N. Dickon , Moretti Marlene M.
Published: October 2012

Using a multimeasure longitudinal research design, we measured psychopathy with the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and the Psychopathy Checklist–Youth Version (PCL-YV) among 122 offending girls. We examined the psychometric properties of the YPI, investigated the association between the YPI and the PCL-YV, and assessed their concurrent and longitudinal association with externalizing problems on the Youth/Adult Self-Report and violent and delinquent behaviors on the Self-Report of Offending. Alphas for the YPI were adequate and there were small to moderate correlations between the YPI and PCL-YV, suggesting that each assesses distinctive personality features. The YPI and the PCL-YV were approximately equivalent in their association with concurrent and longitudinal outcomes with two exceptions, where the YPI demonstrated a stronger association with antisocial behavior. Concurrently, there was a divergent relationship between the psychopathy factor scores and antisocial outcomes. Within 2 years, the psychopathy affective factor, which constrained the YPI and PCL-YV to be equivalent, was associated with externalizing behaviors and the YPI affective factor was associated with violent offending. Approximately 4½ years later, neither measure was significantly related to antisocial behavior after accounting for past behavior. Reasons for continuity and discontinuity in risk identification are discussed.
Homicide and Organized Crime in England
Authors: Hopkins Matt , Tilley Nick , Gibson Kate
Published: October 2012

This article reports results of a study identifying and analyzing the 17 homicides (from a total 696 recorded non-terrorist homicides) committed as part of organized crime in England and Wales in 2005-2006. Homicides related to organized crime were found to follow from inter group rivalries, tensions within the same organized crime group, or police/citizen resistance during armed robbery. The motivations of the homicides can be broadly categorized as instrumental or expressive. Suggestions are made for further research on the conditions surrounding such homicides and on the relative rarity of organized crime related homicides in Britain.
Service Evaluation Model for Medical Tour Service
Authors: Kang Inwon , Shin Matthew M. , Lee Jiwon
Published: October 2012

Medical tourism is a high-involvement and high-risk service. Because of these characteristics, consumers make decisions either by increasing benefit or by reducing risk. Therefore, there should be different decision-making procedures for different types of medical tour services. Consumers may perceive higher risk from significant treatment medical tour services, whereas lifestyle-related medical tour consumers may pay more attention to benefits. In this context, we propose a medical tour service evaluation model that reflects service characteristics and consumers’ involvement. From the results of this study, we drew meaningful marketing strategies for hospitals, travel agencies, and governments.
Exploring Destination Image Decay
Authors: King Ceridwyn , Chen Nan , Funk Daniel C.
Published: October 2012

Limited research has examined the decay of destination image (DI) using longitudinal repeated measures. This study used a tripartite attitude perspective to examine the structural stability of DI among sport tourists after returning home. Two online survey waves were conducted to monitor the DI change held by 234 nonlocal participants in an international marathon event over a 9-month interval. The results revealed that the DI decayed over time and this decay was dimensionally specific. Affective and conative components of DI were more susceptible to change while cognitive DI was more stable. However, the pattern of decay was moderated by the strength of a tourist’s psychological connection to the destination. Relevant theoretical and managerial implications are discussed to provide insights for both researchers and practitioners.
Long-term treatment risks in multiple sclerosis: risk knowledge and risk perception in a large cohort of mitoxantrone-treated patients
Authors: Hofmann A , Stellmann JP , Kasper J , Ufer F , Elias WG , Pauly I , Repenthin J , Rosenkranz T , Weber T , Köpke S , Heesen C ,   on behalf of the MS Network Hamburg
Published: October 2012

Background:

Balancing treatment benefits and risks is part of a shared decision-making process before initiating any treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients understand, appreciate and profit from evidence-based patient information (EBPI). While these processes are well known, long-term risk awareness and risk processing of patients has not been studied. Mitoxantrone treatment in MS is associated with long-term major potential harms – leukaemia (LK) and cardiotoxicity (CT). The risk knowledge and perception among patients currently or previously treated with mitoxantrone is unknown.

Objectives:

The objective of this article is to conduct a retrospective cohort study in greater Hamburg, Germany, to estimate risk awareness and perception in MS patients treated with mitoxantrone.

Methods:

MS patients with at least one dose of mitoxantrone between 1991 and 2010 from six major MS centres in greater Hamburg received a questionnaire assessing risk awareness and perception as well as a written EBPI about mitoxantrone-associated LK and CT.

Results:

Fifty-one per cent in the cohort of n = 575 patients returned the questionnaire. Forty per cent correctly estimated the risk of LK (CT 16%); 56% underestimated the risk (CT 82%). Reading the information increased the accuracy of LK risk estimation, and patients did not report an increase of worries. The EBPI was appreciated and recommended by 85%.

Conclusion:

Risk awareness of mitoxantrone-treated patients is insufficient, but can be increased by EBPI without increasing worries. Continued patient information during and after treatment should be implemented in management algorithms.
Analysis of prognostic factors associated with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis
Authors: Sepúlveda María , Blanco Yolanda , Rovira Alex , Rio Jordi , Mendibe Mar , Llufriu Sara , Gabilondo Iñigo , Villoslada Pablo , Castilló Joaquin , Corral Juan , Ayuso Teresa , Iñiguez Cristina , Santos Sonia , Guijarro Cristina , Ramió-Torrentà Lluis , Sempere Angel P , Olascoaga Javier , Graus Francesc , Montalban Xavier , Saiz Albert
Published: October 2012

Objective:

The aim of this study is to report the clinical profile and outcome of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM).

Methods:

We prospectively studied adult patients who presented with LETM from January 2008 to December 2011. Information on demographic, clinical course, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and outcome was collected. HLA-DRB1 genotype was compared with those of 225 normal controls and patients with MS (228) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) (22).

Results:

In total, 23 patients (16 female) with a median age of 44.5 years (range: 20–77 years) were included. Most (74%) had moderate–severe disability at nadir (48% non-ambulatory), normal/non-multiple sclerosis (MS) brain MRI (96%) and a median MRI cord lesion of 5 vertebral segments (range: 3–19). Laboratory analysis showed cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (45%), NMO-IgG (9%), antinuclear antibodies (70%), and genotype HLA-DRB1*13 (57%). The frequency of DRB1*13 genotype was higher compared with controls ( p=0.002), MS ( p=0.001) and NMO ( p= 0.003) patients. After a median follow-up of 32 months, one patient converted to MS, two had relapsing LETM with NMO-IgG, and 20 remained as idiopathic with recurrences in four (20%). Twelve (52%) patients recovered with minimal disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) <2.5) and three (13%) remained wheelchair dependent. Disability at nadir was associated with the final outcome and extension of the spinal cord lesion with risk of recurrence. Recurrence was not associated with worse outcome.

Conclusions:

Inflammatory LETM is mostly idiopathic with a good outcome. It includes a relatively homogenous group of patients with an overrepresentation of the HLA-DRB1*13 genotype. EDSS at nadir is a predictor of the final outcome and extension of the myelitis of the recurrence risk.
ADvanced IMage Algebra (ADIMA): a novel method for depicting multiple sclerosis lesion heterogeneity, as demonstrated by quantitative MRI
Authors: Yiannakas Marios C , Tozer Daniel J , Schmierer Klaus , Chard Declan T , Anderson Valerie M , Altmann Daniel R , Miller David H , Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia AM
Published: October 2012

Background:

There are modest correlations between multiple sclerosis (MS) disability and white matter lesion (WML) volumes, as measured by T2-weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (T2-WML). This may partly reflect pathological heterogeneity in WMLs, which is not apparent on T2w scans.

Objective:

To determine if ADvanced IMage Algebra (ADIMA), a novel MRI post-processing method, can reveal WML heterogeneity from proton-density weighted (PDw) and T2w images.

Methods:

We obtained conventional PDw and T2w images from 10 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) and ADIMA images were calculated from these. We classified all WML into bright (ADIMA-b) and dark (ADIMA-d) sub-regions, which were segmented. We obtained conventional T2-WML and T1-WML volumes for comparison, as well as the following quantitative magnetic resonance parameters: magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR), T1 and T2. Also, we assessed the reproducibility of the segmentation for ADIMA-b, ADIMA-d and T2-WML.

Results:

Our study’s ADIMA-derived volumes correlated with conventional lesion volumes ( p < 0.05). ADIMA-b exhibited higher T1 and T2, and lower MTR than the T2-WML ( p < 0.001). Despite the similarity in T1 values between ADIMA-b and T1-WML, these regions were only partly overlapping with each other. ADIMA-d exhibited quantitative characteristics similar to T2-WML; however, they were only partly overlapping. Mean intra- and inter-observer coefficients of variation for ADIMA-b, ADIMA-d and T2-WML volumes were all < 6 % and < 10 %, respectively.

Conclusion:

ADIMA enabled the simple classification of WML into two groups having different quantitative magnetic resonance properties, which can be reproducibly distinguished.
Serum levels of LIGHT in MS
Authors: Malmeström Clas , Gillett Alan , Jernås Margareta , Khademi Mohsen , Axelsson Markus , Kockum Ingrid , Mattsson Niklas , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Alfredsson Lars , Wadenvik Hans , Lycke Jan , Olsson Tomas , Olsson Bob
Published: October 2012

Background:

Recently, a polymorphism in the LIGHT gene was shown to increase the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Objective:

Our aim was to investigate if serum levels of LIGHT were affected by this polymorphism and by the disease itself.

Methods:

Serum levels of LIGHT were investigated in four cohorts; 1) MS ( n = 159) and controls ( n = 160) in relation to rs1077667 genotype; 2) MS at relapse ( n = 30) vs. healthy controls ( n = 26); 3) MS ( n = 27) vs. other neurological disease (OND, n = 33); and 4) MS patients before and after one year of treatment with natalizumab ( n = 30).

Results:

Carriers of the GG genotype had the lowest serum levels of LIGHT ( p=0.02). Serum levels of LIGHT were increased in MS at relapse in two separate cohorts: vs. healthy controls ( p=0.00005) and vs. remission ( p=0.00006), other neurological disease (OND) ( p=0.002) and OND with signs of inflammation (iOND; p=0.00005). Furthermore, serum levels of LIGHT were decreased by natalizumab treatment ( p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Soluble LIGHT is an inhibitor of T-cell activation and GG carriers of rs1077667, with the highest risk for MS, had the lowest serum levels. The increased levels of LIGHT at times of increased MS activity suggest that soluble LIGHT is protective and may act to limit inflammation.