bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of 3 Flavonoids from Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson subsp. longifolia and Determination of Their Genotoxic Potentials by Using the E. coli WP2 Test System
Authors: Baris Ozlem , Karadayi Mehmet , Yanmis Derya , Guvenalp Zuhal , Bal Tugba , Gulluce Medine
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Flavonoids, abundant in most of plant species, are widely used in medicine and development studies on phytotherapeutic drugs due to their various biological activities. In the present study, 3 flavonoids, apigenin‐7‐O‐glucoside, apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside, and apigenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide, were isolated from Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson subsp. longifolia by using E. coli WP2 genotoxicity assay guided fractionation procedures. Later, the mutagenic and antimutagenic properties of each flavonoid were evaluated by using the same genotoxicity assay. The results showed that all the test compounds have significant antimutagenic activity at tested concentrations with or without S9 activation. The inhibition rates were between 25.3% (apigenin‐7‐O‐glucoside with S9—2.0 μM/plate) and 59.0% (apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside without S9—2.0 μM/plate). In conclusion, the results revealed that the 3 flavonoids from Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson subsp. longifolia have significant antimutagenic activity, and the findings of the present study are valuable for further investigations, focus on the phytotherapeutic drug discovery.

Practical Application:  Apigenin derivatives can be thought as genetically safe at tested concentrations because they did not show mutagenic activity. Furthermore, they have also significant antimutagenic activity. These are valuable for further research focus on phytotherapeutic drug discovery and development.
Defining the Public Health Threat of Food Fraud
Authors: Spink John , Moyer Douglas C.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Food fraud, including the more defined subcategory of economically motivated adulteration, is a food risk that is gaining recognition and concern. Regardless of the cause of the food risk, adulteration of food is both an industry and a government responsibility. Food safety, food fraud, and food defense incidents can create adulteration of food with public health threats. Food fraud is an intentional act for economic gain, whereas a food safety incident is an unintentional act with unintentional harm, and a food defense incident is an intentional act with intentional harm. Economically motivated adulteration may be just that—economically motivated—but the food‐related public health risks are often more risky than traditional food safety threats because the contaminants are unconventional. Current intervention systems are not designed to look for a near infinite number of potential contaminants. The authors developed the core concepts reported here following comprehensive research of articles and reports, expert elicitation, and an extensive peer review. The intent of this research paper is to provide a base reference document for defining food fraud—it focuses specifically on the public health threat—and to facilitate a shift in focus from intervention to prevention. This will subsequently provide a framework for future quantitative or innovative research. The fraud opportunity is deconstructed using the criminology and behavioral science applications of the crime triangle and the chemistry of the crime. The research provides a food risk matrix and identifies food fraud incident types. This project provides a starting point for future food science, food safety, and food defense research.

Practical Application:  Food fraud, including the more defined subcategory of economically motivated adulteration, is a food protection threat that has not been defined or holistically addressed. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led to the development of food defense as an autonomous area of study and a new food protection discipline. As economically motivated adulteration grows in scope, scale, and awareness, it is conceivable that food fraud will achieve the same status as an autonomous concept, between food safety and food defense. This research establishes a starting point for defining food fraud and identifying the public health risks.
Survival, Acid and Bile Tolerance, and Surface Hydrophobicity of Microencapsulated B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 during Storage at Room Temperature
Authors: Dianawati Dianawati , Shah Nagendra P.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Survival, acid and bile tolerance, and surface hydrophobicity of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 were studied during storage at room temperature (25 °C) at low water activity (0.07, 0.1, and 0.2). Two types of alginate‐based systems were prepared with and without mannitol as microencapsulant of B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12. Formation of gel beads containing cells was achieved by dropping each emulsion into CaCl2 solution; then, the beads were freeze dried. Survival, acid tolerance during 2‐h exposure in de Man, Rogosa, Sharpe (MRS) broth at pH 2.0, bile tolerance during 8‐h exposure in MRS broth containing taurocholic acid at pH 5.8, and retention of surface hydrophobicity were determined after freeze drying and during storage. The result showed that neither alginate nor alginate‐mannitol formulation was effective in protecting B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 during freezing and freeze drying. The viability in alginate‐mannitol and alginate formulations after freeze drying was 6.61 and 6.34 log CFU/g, respectively. Storage at low aw improved survival, acid tolerance, bile tolerance, and surface hydrophobicity retention of microencapsulated B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 when compared with controlled storage in an aluminum foil (with aw of 0.38 and 0.40 for alginate‐mannitol and alginate formulations, respectively). Alginate mannitol was more effective than the alginate system during a short period of storage, but its effectiveness decreased during a long period of storage (80% survival at 10 wk). Nevertheless, storage of microencapsulated B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 in an aluminum foil without aw adjustment during 10 wk at room temperature was not effective (survival was 64% to 65%).
Through a Glass, Darkly: Dispelling Three Common Misconceptions in Glass Science
Authors: Mauro John C.
Published: November 2011

The field of glass science is at a critical juncture. With many recent advances in theoretical glass physics, computational capabilities, and processing and characterization technology, there has surely never been a more exciting time to be a glass scientist. However, much of our current glass science education focuses on concepts that have been rejected based on a combination of rigorous theory and experimental observations. In this article, I review three common misconceptions often taught in glass science curricula, viz., the Kauzmann paradox, the divergence of supercooled liquid dynamics, and the notion of residual entropy. In each case, there is now ample experimental and theoretical evidence disproving these concepts. These topics are misleading and confusing to students in the field, and I argue that a better use of the students’ time would be to focus on building a rigorous foundation in the underlying physics, chemistry, and mathematics of glass. Such a rigorous foundation is necessary for students to be successful in the high‐technology jobs of the future and to discover the next great advances in glass science and technology.
Arithmetic 𝒟-modules on the unit disk. With an appendix by Shigeki Matsuda
Authors: Crew Richard
Published: November 2011

Let 𝒱 be a complete discrete valuation ring of mixed characteristic. We classify arithmetic 𝒟-modules on Spf(𝒱[[t]]) up to certain kind of ‘analytic isomorphism’. This result is used to construct canonical extensions (in the sense of Katz and Gabber) for objects of this category.
A twisted topological trace formula for Hecke operators and liftings from symplectic to general linear groups
Authors: Weselmann Uwe
Published: November 2011

For the locally symmetric space X attached to an arithmetic subgroup of an algebraic group G of ℚ-rank r, we construct a compact manifold $\tilde X$ by gluing together 2r copies of the Borel–Serre compactification of X. We apply the classical Lefschetz fixed point formula to $\tilde X$ and get formulas for the traces of Hecke operators ℋ acting on the cohomology of X. We allow twistings of ℋ by outer automorphisms η of G. We stabilize this topological trace formula and compare it with the corresponding formula for an endoscopic group of the pair (G,η) . As an application, we deduce a weak lifting theorem for the lifting of automorphic representations from Siegel modular groups to general linear groups.
Do older patients' perceptions of safety highlight barriers that could make their care safer during organisational care transfers?
Authors: Scott Jason , Dawson Pamela , Jones Diana
Published: November 2011

Background

Healthcare is a series of complex, interwoven systems in which any discontinuities of care may affect the safety of patients, who have been reported to perceive safety differently to clinicians. This study aimed to explore patient perceptions of safety and identify how they can be used to construct additional barriers to reduce safety incidents within organisational care transfers, which are known to be high in risk.

Design

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) methodology was used to develop semi-structured interviews, using the Discover and Dream processes of AI. Fourteen patients (four men, 10 women; average age 76.2 years) were purposively recruited from NHS community care teams, social care homes and private nursing homes based on their experience of going through organisational care transfers. Thematic analysis was used to highlight key themes, which participants verified.

Findings

Communication, responsiveness and avoidance of traditional safety risks were identified as being important for patients to feel safe. Communication and responsiveness were mapped onto the Swiss-Cheese model of safety, presenting two new barriers to safety incidents. Traditional risks and the role of trust are discussed in relation to patients feeling safe.

Conclusion

Perceptions of safety such as communication and responsiveness were similar to those found in previous studies. Mapping these perceptions onto the Swiss-Cheese model of safety identifies how further defences, barriers and safeguards can be constructed to make people feel safer by reinforcing communication and responsiveness. Traditional risks are widely published, but the identification by patients reinforces the role they can play in identifying and reporting these risks.
HER2 status in unusual histological variants of gastric adenocarcinomas
Authors: Giuffrè Giuseppe , Ieni Antonio , Barresi Valeria , Caruso Rosario Alberto , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: November 2011

Aim

To investigate HER2 status in a cohort of 109 gastric adenocarcinomas also including unusual variants, such as 14 hepatoid (HAS) and 9 mitochondrion-rich (MRC), characterised by an opposing clinical behaviour.

Methods and Results

Using HercepTest (DAKO) and FISH test (pharmDx DAKO), HER2 overexpression/amplification was encountered in 23 of 109 (21.10%) of all gastric adenocarcinomas. A progressive increase in HER2 overexpression was observed moving from the poorly cohesive histotype to MRC, tubular adenocarcinomas and HAS. A statistically significant difference was found between poorly cohesive carcinomas and the others; a similar significant difference was encountered between HAS and all other variants of adenocarcinoma. HER2 overexpression was significantly associated with high grade, advanced stage, high Ki-67 labelling index value and death from gastric cancer. Multivariate analysis identified HER2 overexpression as an independent unfavourable prognostic variable for adenocarcinomas as a whole and also for the HAS variant.

Conclusions

Trastuzumab has been confirmed as an additional useful therapeutic standard option for patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancers, and also in aggressive variants of adenocarcinomas such as HAS.
Can community health workers increase coverage of reproductive health services?
Authors: Viswanathan Kavitha , Hansen Peter M , Rahman M Hafizur , Steinhardt Laura , Edward Anbrasi , Arwal Said Habib , Peters David H , Burnham Gilbert
Published: November 2011

Background

Health services were severely affected during the many years of instability and conflict in Afghanistan. In recent years, substantial increases in the coverage of reproductive health services have been achieved, yet absolute levels of coverage remain very low, especially in rural areas. One strategy for increasing use of reproductive health services is deploying community health workers (CHWs) to promote the use of services within the community and at health facilities.

Methods

Using a multilevel model employing data from a cross-sectional survey of 8320 households in 29 provinces of Afghanistan conducted in 2006, this study determines whether presence of a CHW in the community leads to an increase in use of modern contraceptives, skilled antenatal care and skilled birth attendance. This study further examines whether the effect varies by the sex of the CHW.

Results

Results show that presence of a female CHW in the community is associated with higher use of modern contraception, antenatal care services and skilled birth attendants but presence of a male CHW is not. Community-level random effects were also significant.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that indicates that CHWs can contribute to increased use of reproductive health services and that context and CHW sex are important factors that need to be addressed in programme design.
Educational differences in disability pension among Swedish middle-aged men: role of factors in late adolescence and work characteristics in adulthood
Authors: Johansson Elin , Leijon Ola , Falkstedt Daniel , Farah Ahmed , Hemmingsson Tomas
Published: November 2011

Background

The association between level of education and disability pension (DP) is well known. Earlier studies have investigated the importance of early life factors and work characteristics but not in combination. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between level of education and DP among Swedish middle-aged working men and to what extent such an association can be explained by factors measured in late adolescence and work characteristics in adulthood.

Methods

Information about IQ, health-related lifestyle factors, psychiatric and musculoskeletal diagnoses was obtained from the 1969 conscription cohort, consisting of 49 321 Swedish men. Data collected when subjects were 18–20 years of age were combined with national register-based information about level of education, job control and physical strain at work in adulthood, and information about DP between 1991 and 2002.

Results

There was a strong graded association between level of education and DP. Those with the lowest level of education had a four times greater probability of having DP as compared with those with the highest level. In multivariable analyses, factors measured in late adolescence, IQ in particular, attenuated the association more than work-related characteristics in adulthood.

Conclusions

The authors found an association between level of education and DP among Swedish middle-aged working men. A large part of the association was explained by factors measured in late adolescence, IQ in particular, and somewhat less by work characteristics measured in adulthood. Level of education remained as a significant predictor of DP in middle age after full adjustment.
Altered REDD1, myostatin, and Akt/mTOR/FoxO/MAPK signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic muscle atrophy
Authors: Hulmi Juha J. , Silvennoinen Mika , Lehti Maarit , Kivelä Riikka , Kainulainen Heikki
Published: November 2011

Type 1 diabetes, if poorly controlled, leads to skeletal muscle atrophy, decreasing the quality of life. We aimed to search highly responsive genes in diabetic muscle atrophy in a common diabetes model and to further characterize associated signaling pathways. Mice were killed 1, 3, or 5 wk after streptozotocin or control. Gene expression of calf muscles was analyzed using microarray and protein signaling with Western blotting. We identified translational repressor protein REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage responses) that increased seven- to eightfold and was associated with muscle atrophy in diabetes. The diabetes-induced increase in REDD1 was confirmed at the protein level. This result was accompanied by the increased gene expression of DNA damage/repair pathways and decreased expression in ATP production pathways. Concomitantly, increased phosphorylation of AMPK and dephosphorylation of the Akt/mTOR/S6K1/FoxO pathway of proteins were observed together with increased protein ubiquitination. These changes were especially evident during the first 3 wk, along with the strong decrease in muscle mass. Diabetes also induced an increase in myostatin protein and decreased MAPK signaling. These, together with decreased serum insulin and increased serum glucose, remained altered throughout the 5-wk period. In conclusion, diabetic myopathy induced by streptozotocin led to alteration of multiple signaling pathways. Of those, increased REDD1 and myostatin together with decreased Akt/mTOR/FoxO signaling are associated with diabetic muscle atrophy. The increased REDD1 and decreased Akt/mTOR/FoxO signaling followed a similar time course and thus may be explained, in part, by increased expression of genes in DNA damage/repair and possibly also decrease in ATP-production pathways.
An Osteoconductive, Osteoinductive, and Osteogenic Tissue-Engineered Product for Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery: How Far Are We?
Authors: Khan Wasim S. , Rayan Faizal , Dhinsa Baljinder S. , Marsh David
Published: November 2011

The management of large bone defects due to trauma, degenerative disease, congenital deformities, and tumor resection remains a complex issue for the orthopaedic reconstructive surgeons. The requirement is for an ideal bone replacement which is osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic. Autologous bone grafts are still considered the gold standard for reconstruction of bone defects, but donor site morbidity and size limitations are major concern. The use of bioartificial bone tissues may help to overcome these problems. The reconstruction of large volume defects remains a challenge despite the success of reconstruction of small-to-moderate-sized bone defects using engineered bone tissues. The aim of this paper is to understand the principles of tissue engineering of bone and its clinical applications in reconstructive surgery.
Growth Factors and Anticatabolic Substances for Prevention and Management of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Petrillo Stefano , Franceschetti Edoardo , Maffulli Nicola , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: November 2011

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is frequent, appearing from the second decade of life and progressing with age. Conservative management often fails, and patients with IVD degeneration may need surgical intervention. Several treatment strategies have been proposed, although only surgical discectomy and arthrodesis have been proved to be predictably effective. Biological strategies aim to prevent and manage IVD degeneration, improving the function and anabolic and reparative capabilities of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells and inhibiting matrix degradation. At present, clinical applications are still in their infancy. Further studies are required to clarify the role of growth factors and anticatabolic substances for prevention and management of intervertebral disc degeneration.
Targeting Regulatory T Cells in Cancer
Authors: Byrne William L. , Mills Kingston H.G. , Lederer James A. , O'Sullivan Gerald C.
Published: November 2011

Infiltration of tumors by regulatory T cells confers growth and metastatic advantages by inhibiting antitumor immunity and by production of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand, which may directly stimulate metastatic propagation of RANK-expressing cancer cells. Modulation of regulatory T cells can enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Strategies include depletion, interference with function, inhibition of tumoral migration, and exploitation of T-cell plasticity. Problems with these strategies include a lack of specificity, resulting in depletion of antitumor effector T cells or global interruption of regulatory T cells, which may predispose to autoimmune diseases. Emerging technologies, such as RNA interference and tetramer-based targeting, may have the potential to improve selectivity and efficacy. Cancer Res; 71(22); 6915–20. ©2011 AACR.
Synergistic Antitumor Activity of Anti-CD25 Recombinant Immunotoxin LMB-2 with Chemotherapy
Authors: Singh Rajat , Zhang Yujian , Pastan Ira , Kreitman Robert J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Although anti-CD25 recombinant immunotoxin LMB-2 is effective against CD25+ hairy cell leukemia, activity against more aggressive diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is limited by rapid disease progression between treatment cycles. Our goal was to determine in vivo whether rapid growth of CD25+ tumor is associated with high levels of tumor interstitial soluble CD25 (sCD25) and whether chemotherapy can reduce tumor sCD25 and synergize with LMB-2.

Experimental Design: Tumor xenografts expressing human CD25 were grown in mice, which were then treated with LMB-2 and chemotherapy either alone or in combination, and sCD25 level and antitumor activity were measured.

Results: CD25+ human xenografts growing rapidly in nude mice had intratumoral sCD25 at levels that were between 21- and 2,200 (median 118)-fold higher than in serum, indicating that interstitial sCD25 interacts with LMB-2 in tumors. Intratumoral sCD25 levels were in the range 21 to 157 (median 54) ng/mL without treatment and 0.95 to 6.1 (median 2.6) ng/mL (P < 0.0001) 1 day after gemcitabine administration. CD25+ xenografts that were too large to regress with LMB-2 alone were minimally responsive to gemcitabine alone but completely regressed with the combination. Ex vivo, different ratios of gemcitabine and LMB-2 were cytotoxic to the CD25+ tumor cells in an additive, but not synergistic, manner.

Conclusions: Gemcitabine is synergistic with LMB-2 in vivo unrelated to improved cytotoxicity. Synergism, therefore, appears to be related to improved distribution of LMB-2 to CD25+ tumors, and is preceded by decreased sCD25 within the tumor because of chemotherapy. To test the concept of combined treatment clinically, patients with relapsed/refractory ATL are being treated with fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide before LMB-2. Clin Cancer Res; 18(1); 152–60. ©2011 AACR.
Two Distinct Routes to Oral Cancer Differing in Genome Instability and Risk for Cervical Node Metastasis
Authors: Bhattacharya Aditi , Roy Ritu , Snijders Antoine M. , Hamilton Gregory , Paquette Jesse , Tokuyasu Taku , Bengtsson Henrik , Jordan Richard C. K. , Olshen Adam B. , Pinkel Daniel , Schmidt Brian L. , Albertson Donna G.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Problems in management of oral cancers or precancers include identification of patients at risk for metastasis, tumor recurrence, and second primary tumors or risk for progression of precancers (dysplasia) to cancer. Thus, the objective of this study was to clarify the role of genomic aberrations in oral cancer progression and metastasis.

Experimental Design: The spectrum of copy number alterations in oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) was determined by array comparative genomic hybridization. Associations with clinical characteristics were studied and results confirmed in an independent cohort.

Results: The presence of one or more of the chromosomal aberrations +3q24-qter, -8pter-p23.1, +8q12-q24.2, and +20 distinguishes a major subgroup (70%–80% of lesions, termed 3q8pq20 subtype) from the remainder (20%–30% of lesions, non-3q8pq20). The 3q8pq20 subtype is associated with chromosomal instability and differential methylation in the most chromosomally unstable tumors. The two subtypes differ significantly in clinical outcome with risk for cervical (neck) lymph node metastasis almost exclusively associated with the 3q8pq20 subtype in two independent oral SCC cohorts.

Conclusions: Two subtypes of oral lesions indicative of at least two pathways for oral cancer development were distinguished that differ in chromosomal instability and risk for metastasis, suggesting that +3q,–8p, +8q, and +20 constitute a biomarker with clinical utility for identifying patients at risk for metastasis. Moreover, although increased numbers of genomic alterations can be harbingers of progression to cancer, dysplastic lesions lacking copy number changes cannot be considered benign as they are potential precursors to non-3q8pq20 locally invasive, yet not metastatic oral SCC. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7024–34. ©2011 AACR.
Uric Acid Level and Its Association with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Cardiac Syndrome X
Authors: Acikgoz Nusret , Ermis Necip , Yagmur Julide , Muezzinoglu Kubra , Karakus Yasin , Cansel Mehmet , Pekdemir Hasan , Ozdemir Ramazan
Published: November 2011

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum uric acid level and its relationship with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). Subjects and Methods: A total of 50 patients with CSX (28 females/22 males, 51.0 ± 10.9 years) and 40 controls (27 females/13 males, 53.0 ± 10.2 years) were included in the study. All subjects underwent a noninvasive stress test and conventional coronary angiography. Serum uric acid levels were measured and B mode ultrasonography was performed to assess CIMT in all subjects. Results: Serum uric acid levels were higher in patients with CSX than in the control subjects (5.1 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 1.3 mg/dl; p = 0.002). The CIMT was higher in patients with CSX than in the control subjects (0.75 ± 0.18 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09 mm; p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between serum uric acid values and CIMT measurements in patients with CSX (r = 0.666, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum uric acid levels were higher in patients with CSX and elevated serum uric acid levels were associated with carotid atherosclerosis, thereby indicating that elevated serum uric acid levels might contribute to the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in CSX patients.
Robotic Extravesical Anti-Reflux Operations in Complex Cases: Technical Considerations and Preliminary Results
Authors: Callewaert P.R. , Biallosterski B.T. , Rahnama’i M.S. , Van Kerrebroeck P.E.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To evaluate technical aspects and outcome of robotic laparoscopic extravesical anti-reflux surgery in the treatment of high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with associated complicating conditions. Materials and Methods: Retrospective database and chart reviews were performed to identify a subgroup of patients with high-grade VUR who underwent robot-assisted anti-reflux surgery using the extravesical Lich-Gregoir repair and who additionally had preoperatively known complicating factors. Five such patients were operated on from 2005 to 2009. All had bilateral VUR, bladder dysfunction, breakthrough infections, renal scarring or at least one of the following complicating factors: posterior urethral valve bladders, duplex systems or para-ostial diverticula. Outcome and surgical aspects were assessed. Results: At follow-up 9 of 10 ureters were free of reflux and diverticulae had disappeared completely. No lasting urinary retentions occurred but two boys needed reinsertion of a catheter for 24 h after surgery. No further complications were noted. There were no signs of obstruction, infections did not persist and there was no negative effect on bladder function. Dissection of para-ostial diverticula seemed the only additional technical challenge. Conclusions: Robot-assisted extravesical anti-reflux surgery seems a promising technique in the operative management of this unfavorable subset of patients. Reflux cure rate is higher than expected using injection therapy and at the same time morbidity seems lower than with open surgery. Further experience is needed to confirm these first impressions.
Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Normal and High Pitch Phonation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Aithal Venkataraja U. , Bellur R. , John Sunila , Varghese Ciji , Guddattu Vasudeva
Published: November 2011

Objectives: Comparison of acoustic parameters of voice between normal and high pitch phonation in normal adults, and comparison between genders. Participants and Methods: A total of 48 normal laryngeal speakers were considered for this study. The acoustic parameters were analyzed using the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of the acoustic parameters across tasks and genders. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare measures between tasks. Independent-samples t tests were used to compare parameters between genders. Results: Significant differences were found across tasks in the range of fundamental frequency and average fundamental frequency. Females showed a significant difference in the frequency perturbation measures – percent jitter and relative average perturbation, while males demonstrated a significant difference in the noise-to-harmonic ratio. While comparing mean differences between genders, significant differences were observed in fundamental frequency, range of the fundamental frequency, and smoothed pitch perturbation quotient during both phonation tasks. Conclusion: Comparison of acoustic parameters between normal and high pitch phonation would facilitate understanding the effect of high pitch phonation on voice parameters. Subsequently, this would help clinicians to focus on important acoustic parameters while assessing professional voice users who are at risk of developing voice problems.
Blood Cardioplegia Serves as a Bicarbonate Donor to the Myocardium during Ischemia: Effects of Anoxia and Hypercapnia on Acid-Base Characteristics of Blood Cardioplegic Solution
Authors: Yamamoto H. , Goh K. , Magishi K. , Sasajima T. , Yamamoto F.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: We investigated the alterations of acid-base characteristics of the blood cardioplegia (BCP) solution during aortic cross-clamping in hearts arrested with BCP and during in vitro-simulated ischemia. Methods: Following aortic cross-clamping, the hearts of 40 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were intermittently infused with an 18°C BCP solution and finally with a 34°C BCP solution prior to aortic cross-clamp release. We measured the pH, partial CO2 pressure (pCO2), [HCO3–], and [Cl–] of the coronary sinus effluent in the final BCP solution. The BCP solution was assessed under in vitro gassing at 34°C with 95% N2 + 5% CO2 (n = 6), 50% N2 + 50% CO2 (n = 3), or 100% CO2 (n = 6). Results: The coronary sinus effluent, compared with the preinfusion BCP solution, exhibited a significantly lower pH and a greater pCO2 with no change in the [HCO3–] level. In vitro, the 95% N2 + 5% CO2 gassing (simulated hypoxia) group exhibited a slight increase in [HCO3–] with no change in pCO2 or pH whereas the 50% N2 + 50% CO2 gassing and the 100% CO2 gassing (simulated hypoxia and hypercapnia) groups exhibited a significant increase in [HCO3–] under high pCO2-induced acidification. Conclusions: Under anoxia and CO2 retention during aortic cross-clamping, the BCP solution can be a bicarbonate donor to the myocardium.
Has the British Public Depolarized Along With Political Elites? An American Perspective on British Public Opinion
Authors: Adams James , Green Jane , Milazzo Caitlin
Published: November 2011

In contrast to the growing elite policy polarization in the United States, the British Labour and Conservative Parties have converged dramatically on economic and social welfare policy over the past two decades. The authors ask the following question: Has there been a parallel depolarization in the British mass public’s policy attitudes and partisan loyalties, pointing to a general mechanism that extends beyond the U.S. case? The authors report analyses of election survey data from 1987 to 2001 that document significant declines in the association between British citizens’ policy positions and their partisanship ( partisan sorting). However, they find only modest changes in the dispersion of British respondents’ self-placements on the policy scales ( policy extremity) and in mass attitude constraint, defined as the correlations between citizens’ positions across different policy issues. These trends in the British public’s policy preferences and partisan loyalties are mirror images of the trends in the American public’s policy preferences and mass partisanship.
The Role of Responsible Gambling Strategy in Forming Behavioral Intention
Authors: Song Hak-Jun , Lee Choong-Ki , Norman William C. , Han Heesup
Published: November 2011

By examining the perception of a responsible gambling strategy, this study developed an extended model of goal-directed behavior (EMGB) with respect to the behavioral intentions of casino visitors. The results of the EMGB, which uses structural equation modeling, indicate that desire had the strongest relationship with casino visitors’ intention to gamble, followed by positive anticipated emotion, perceived behavioral control, perceptions of a responsible gambling strategy, negative anticipated emotion, and attitude. The perception of a responsible gambling strategy was also a significant predictor of both desire and behavioral intention, as casino visitors had positive perceptions of casinos that implemented responsible gambling strategies. Casino managers should consider a responsible gambling strategy as an important long-term business activity to increase casino visitor’s intention to gamble.
Company and country effects in international mergers and acquisitions: Employee perceptions of a merger in three European countries
Authors: Edwards Martin R , Edwards Tony
Published: November 2011

Despite the prevalence of international mergers and acquisitions (M&A) there is a dearth of studies that draw on employee accounts of how they are affected by the associated restructuring. This omission is important because of the likely role of national context in conditioning the way employees are affected by organizational change in the post-merger period and the way in which employee perceptions of a merger are likely to vary according to which party to the merger an employee worked for previously. This article addresses three questions. First, to what extent are employee perceptions of an international M&A conditioned by the national context in which they operate? Second, how do employee perceptions of an international M&A differ between those in the dominant and those in the dominated parties to the merger? Third, are these twin effects independent or interdependent?
Evaluation of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Pediatric Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Kleinman Jonathan T. , Beslow Lauren A. , Engelmann Kyle , Smith Sabrina E. , Licht Daniel J. , Ichord Rebecca N. , Jordan Lori C.
Published: November 2011

Previous studies of pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage have investigated isolated intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The authors investigated whether detailed assessment of intraventricular hemorrhage enhanced outcome prediction after intracerebral hemorrhage. They prospectively enrolled 46 children, full-term to 17 years, median age 2.7 years, with spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage and/or intraventricular hemorrhage. Outcome was assessed with the King’s Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury. Twenty-six (57%) had intraparenchymal hemorrhage, 10 (22%) had pure intraventricular hemorrhage, and 10 (22%) had both. There were 2 deaths, both with intraparenchymal hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage volume ≥4% of total brain volume. Presence of intraventricular hemorrhage was not associated with poor outcome, but hydrocephalus showed a trend ( P = .09) toward poor outcome. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, combined intraparenchymal hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage volume also showed a trend toward better outcome prediction than intraparenchymal hemorrhage volume alone. Although not an independent outcome predictor, future studies should assess intraventricular hemorrhage qualitatively and quantitatively.
Expressions of Machismo in Colorectal Cancer Screening Among New Mexico Hispanic Subpopulations
Authors: Getrich Christina M. , Sussman Andrew L. , Helitzer Deborah L. , Hoffman Richard M. , Warner Teddy D. , Sánchez Victoria , Solares Angélica , Rhyne Robert L. ,   on Behalf of RIOS Net Clinicians
Published: November 2011

Although national colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have steadily decreased, the rate for New Mexico Hispanics has been increasing, and screening rates are low. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study to determine barriers to CRC screening for New Mexico Hispanics. We found that machismo served as a dynamic influence on men’s health-seeking behaviors; however, it was conceptualized differently by two distinct Hispanic subpopulations, and therefore appeared to play a different role in shaping their screening attitudes and behaviors. Machismo emerged as more of an influence for Mexican men, who expressed concern over colonoscopies being potentially transformative and/or stigmatizing, but was not as salient for Hispanos, who viewed the colonoscopy as “strictly medical,” and were more concerned with discomfort and pain. Findings from the study highlight the importance of identifying varying characteristics among subpopulations to better understand screening barriers and provide optimal CRC screening counseling in primary care settings.
Reconstituted HDL Elicits Marked Changes in Plasma Lipids Following Single-Dose Injection in C57Bl/6 Mice
Authors: Chen Zhu , O'Neill Edward A. , Meurer Roger D. , Gagen Karen , Luell Silvi , Wang Sheng-Ping , Ichetovkin Marina , Frantz-Wattley Betsy , Eveland Suzanne , Strack Alison M. , Fisher Timothy S. , Johns Douglas G. , Sparrow Carl P. , Wright Samuel D. , Hubbard Brian K. , Carballo-Jane Ester
Published: November 2011

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-targeting therapies, including reconstituted HDL (rHDL), are attractive agents for treating dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, as they may increase HDL levels and enhance therapeutic activities associated with HDL, including reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Using CSL-111, a rHDL consisting of native human apolipoprotein AI (hApoAI) and phospholipids, we characterized the acute effects of rHDL administration in C57Bl/6 mice to (i) further our understanding of the mechanism of action of rHDL, and (ii) evaluate the usefulness of the mouse as a preclinical model for HDL-targeting therapies. After a single injection of CSL-111, there was a dose- and time-dependent increase of hApoAI, human pre-β HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum, consistent with the effects of CSL-111 in humans. However, unlike in humans, there was no measurable increase in cholesteryl esters. Evaluated ex vivo, the ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1)- and scavenger receptor type BI (SR-BI)-dependent cholesterol efflux capacity of serum from CSL-111-treated mice was increased compared with serum from vehicle-treated animals. Fractionation by size exclusion chromatography of lipoproteins in serum from treated mice revealed hApoAI in particles the size of endogenous HDL and slightly larger, cholesterol-enriched particles of all sizes, including sizes distinct from endogenous HDL or CSL-111 itself, and triglyceride-enriched particles the size of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). These results suggest that in mouse blood CSL-111 is remodeled and generates enhanced cholesterol efflux capacity which increases mobilization of free cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Our findings complement the previous reports on CSL-111 in human participants and provide data with which to evaluate the potential utility of mouse models in mechanistic studies of HDL-targeting therapies.
The hybrid ontology of mobile gaming
Authors: Richardson Ingrid
Published: November 2011

This article examines the hybrid ontologies that typify networked and mobile location-based games, exploring some of the phenomenological, embodied or somatic aspects of the practices and perceptions of ‘mixed reality’ game-play. In particular, it focuses on the potential cultural and corporeal effects of mobile gaming since the introduction of the iPhone and subsequent touchscreens, and the specific technosomatic arrangements such devices demand in everyday life. Mobile media and game-play in both urban and domestic places evoke particular kinds of embodiment, indicative of emergent habitual and quotidian behaviours, gesturings, positionings and choreographies of the body, at times partially determined by the culture of the user, at others by the technical specificities and demands of the interface. Location-based mobile games and applications also modify our experience and perception of ‘being online’, and effectively disassemble the actual/virtual dichotomy of internet ‘being’ into a complex and dynamic range of modalities of presence. Finally, this article suggests that the kind of ontological and ‘containment’ metaphors we use to describe the space of screen-based game-play — in particular, the magic circle, and tropologies of the screen as a fixed window or frame — are ill-suited as descriptors for the complex layering of material and virtual contexts specific to mobile location-based and mixed reality gaming.
We play in public: The nature and context of portable gaming systems
Authors: McCrea Christian
Published: November 2011

Academic work on dedicated portable gaming devices has often assumed that these devices were prima facie convergent: providing a mobile experience equivalent to smartphones. What is fascinating in the period 2005—2011, however, is that two highly non-convergent portable game consoles — the Nintendo DS series (DS/DSi/DSiXL) and the Sony PlayStation Portable series (PSP/PSPgo) — existed in parallel to the emergent growth of a smartphone market which would go on to threaten the traditional macro-economic business model of games retail. This article argues that the concept of the ‘portable’ can be productively distinguished from ‘mobile’. Two game design case studies — of Pokémon HeartGold/Pokémon SoulSilver and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite are used to demonstrate the idiosyncratic relationships between game, platform and player. The design and play of these portable games are discussed, and the deep engagements they offer are explored in contrast to the design and play of mobile games.
The effect of self-construals on perceptions of organizational events
Authors: Pekerti Andre A. , Kwantes Catherine T.
Published: November 2011

This empirical research examines the effect of culture on the way people perceive and assign causes to events in organizations. It explores the idea that attributional biases and errors are moderated by a person’s culture. Results supported proposed hypotheses; they showed that Indonesians, New Zealanders, and Canadians perceived their interdependent self-construal as salient, moderately salient, and least salient, respectively. Furthermore, self-construals moderated and mediated people’s perceptions of organizational events. High-interdependents attributed negative organizational events to factors that are external, less controllable, thus had a more fatalistic outlook compared to Moderate-interdependents and Low-interdependents, respectively. In contrast, Low-interdependents attributed positive organizational events to more internal and stable factors compared to Moderate- and High-interdependents, respectively; they also perceived positive events as being controllable and caused by their own actions compared to High-interdependents. Implications for management practices in multinational organizations are discussed.
Managing Creative Performance
Authors: Waples Ethan P. , Friedrich Tamara L.
Published: November 2011

The problem. Decades of research on performance management has been undertaken in an effort to improve both the validity of the process and the effectiveness of its outcomes (Budworth & Mann, 2011). This issue becomes even more potent when discussed in relation to those individuals attempting to foster creative efforts within organizations. The solution. This article reviews literature on creative performance in organizations and how performance management tactics can enhance the effectiveness of leaders who seek creative products and services from their employees in the new knowledge and service-based economy of the 21st century. More specifically, we attempt to integrate the findings in the literature related to creativity with the literature on leadership and performance management to offer suggestions for specific practices leaders can engage in to foster creative performance from individuals who are working in either routine (i.e., not thought of as requiring high levels of creativity) or nonroutine (i.e., generally considered creative) positions. Stakeholders. The suggestions within this article should be of interest to professionals in the HRD field, particularly those who are interested in leader development. In addition, these suggestions may be of interest to the HRD professional within an organization that intends to increase or encourage the creative capacities of both leaders and subordinates.
The BRAF V600E mutation in hairy cell leukemia and other mature B-cell neoplasms
Authors: Arcaini Luca , Zibellini Silvia , Boveri Emanuela , Riboni Roberta , Rattotti Sara , Varettoni Marzia , Guerrera Maria Luisa , Lucioni Marco , Tenore Annamaria , Merli Michele , Rizzi Silvia , Morello Lucia , Cavalloni Chiara , Da Vià Matteo C. , Paulli Marco , Cazzola Mario
Published: November 2011

The somatically acquired V600E mutation of the BRAF gene has been recently described as a molecular marker of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). We developed an allele-specific PCR for this mutation and studied 62 patients with HCL, 1 with HCL variant, 91 with splenic marginal zone lymphoma, 29 with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and 57 with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. The BRAF V600E mutation was detected in all HCL cases and in only 2 of the remaining 178 patients. These 2 subjects had B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders that did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for HCL. Despite the positive PCR finding, the mutation could not be detected by Sanger sequencing in these 2 cases, suggesting that it was associated with a small subclone. We conclude that the BRAF V600E mutation is present in all patients with HCL and that, in combination with clinical and morphologic features, represents a reliable molecular marker for this condition.