bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reductions in RIP140 are not required for exercise- and AICAR-mediated increases in skeletal muscle mitochondrial content
Authors: Frier Bruce C. , Hancock Chad R. , Little Jonathan P. , Fillmore Natasha , Bliss Tyler A. , Thomson David M. , Wan Zhongxiao , Wright David C.
Published: June 2011

Receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP140) has recently been demonstrated to be a key player in the regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial content. We have shown that β-guanadinopropionic acid (β-GPA) feeding reduces RIP140 protein content and mRNA levels concomitant with increases in mitochondrial content (Williams DB, Sutherland LN, Bomhof MR, Basaraba SA, Thrush AB, Dyck DJ, Field CJ, Wright DC. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 296: E1400–E1408, 2009). Since β-GPA feeding reduces high-energy phosphate levels and activates AMPK, alterations reminiscent of exercise, we hypothesized that exercise training would reduce RIP140 protein content. We further postulated that an acute bout of exercise, or interventions known to induce the expression of mitochondrial enzymes or genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, would result in decreases in nuclear RIP140 content. Two weeks of daily swim training increased markers of mitochondrial content in rat skeletal muscle independent of reductions in RIP140 protein. Similarly, high-intensity exercise training in humans failed to reduce RIP140 content despite increasing skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzymes. We found that 6 wk of daily 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) injections had no effect on RIP140 protein content in rat skeletal muscle while RIP140 content from LKB1 knockout mice was unaltered despite reductions in mitochondria. An acute bout of exercise, AICAR treatment, and epinephrine injections increased the mRNA levels of PGC-1α, COXIV, and lipin1 independent of decreases in nuclear RIP140 protein. Surprisingly these interventions increased RIP140 mRNA expression. In conclusion our results demonstrate that decreases in RIP140 protein content are not required for exercise and AMPK-dependent increases in skeletal muscle mitochondrial content, nor do acute perturbations alter the cellular localization of RIP140 in parallel with the induction of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.
Pulmonary function, bronchial reactivity, and epithelial permeability are response phenotypes to ozone and develop differentially in healthy humans
Authors: Que Loretta G. , Stiles Jane V. , Sundy John S. , Foster W. Michael
Published: June 2011

Effect of laboratory exposure to O3(220 ppb) and filtered air (FA) on respiratory physiology were evaluated at two time points (acute and 1 day postexposure) in healthy cohort ( n = 138, 18–35 yr, 40% women) comprised mainly of Caucasian (60%) and African American (33.3%) subjects. Randomized exposures had a crossover design and durations of 2.25 h that included rest and treadmill walking. Airway responsiveness (AHR) to methacholine (Mch) and permeability of respiratory epithelium (EI) to hydrophilic radiomarker (99mTc-DTPA, MW = 492), were measured at 1-day postexposure. O3significantly affected FEV1and FVC indices acutely with mean decrements from pre-exposure values on the order of 7.7 to 8.8% and 1.8 to 2.3% at 1-day post. Acute FEV1and FVC decreases were most robust in African American male subjects. At 1-day post, O3induced significant changes in AHR (slope of Mch dose response curve) and EI (Tc99m-DTPA clearance half-time). Based on conventional thresholds of response and dichotomous classification of subjects as responders and nonresponders, sensitivity to O3was shown to be nonuniform. Acute decrements ≥15% in FEV1, a doubling of Mch slope, or ≥15% increase in EI developed in 20.3%, 23.1%, and 25.9%, respectively, of subjects evaluated. Results demonstrate a diffuse sensitivity to O3and physiological responses, either acutely (decreases in FEV1) or 1 day post (development of AHR or change in EI) occur differentially in healthy young adults. Random overlap among subjects classified as responsive for respective FEV1, AHR, and EI endpoints suggests these are separate and independent phenotypes of O3exposure.
Evolution of texture and dislocation distributions in high-ductile austenitic steel during deformation
Authors: Sato Shigeo , Yoshimura Toshiki , Takahashi Yohei , Yamada Nao , Wagatsuma Kazuaki , Suzuki Shigeru
Published: June 2011

The microstructural evolution of Fe–Mn–C austenitic steels, which exhibit outstanding high-ductile deformation in their plastic regions, was characterized by line-profile and texture analyses. The convolutional multiple whole profile fitting procedure was used for a line-profile analysis of 2θ−θ diffraction data to evaluate variations of crystallite size, dislocation density, and dislocation arrangement. A substantial refinement of the crystallite size proceeded at an early deformation stage. In addition, the dislocation density increased with an increase in the tensile strain. Texture evolution was characterized by the analysis of orientation distribution functions. Three texture components grew with an increase in the tensile strain. According to the pole figure describing the full width at half maximum (FWHM) distribution of the 220 reflection, the nontextured grains had more microstructural defects than the textured grains. To evaluate the microstructural defects in detail, the 220 reflection observed at each texture orientation was analyzed by the single-line-profile method. The crystallite size and dislocation density were almost comparable, irrespective of the kind of texture component. The crystallite size of the nontextured grains was also comparable to that of the textured grains, whereas the nontextured grains had a dislocation density several times that of the textured grains.
Certification of Standard Reference Material 660B
Authors: Black David R. , Windover Donald , Henins Albert , Filliben James , Cline James P.
Published: June 2011

This report describes SRM 660b, the third generation of this powder diffraction SRM used primarily for determination of the instrument profile function (IPF). It is certified with respect to unit-cell parameter. It consists of approximately 6 g LaB6 powder prepared using a 11B isotopically enriched precursor material so as to render the SRM applicable to the neutron diffraction community. The microstructure of the LaB6 powder was engineered to produce a crystallite size above that where size broadening is typically observed and to minimize the crystallographic defects that lead to strain broadening. A NIST -built diffractometer, incorporating many advanced design features, was used to certify the unit-cell parameter of the LaB6 powder. Both type A, statistical, and type B, systematic, errors have been assigned to yield a certified value for the unit-cell parameter of a=0.415691(8) nm at 22.5°C.
Enhancement of XRF intensity by using Au-coated glass monocapillary
Authors: Nakazawa Takashi , Nakano Kazuhiko , Yoshida Masaru , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: June 2011

Results on using X-ray optics with a monocapillary attached to a microfocus Mo X-ray tube for a high-intensity XRF analysis are reported. Au-coated glass monocapillaries with 400 and 700 μm inner diameters were used to obtain focused and intensive incident Mo X-rays for the measurements of XRF intensities from pure metal samples. Intensity enhancements obtained by using the Au-coated monocapillaries were found to be up to 1.5 times higher than those obtained by using similar inner diameter uncoated glass capillaries. The XRF intensity profiles were measured by the wire scanning method to investigate the reasons. The traces of the incident X-rays were calculated by taking into account of X-ray total reflection of the incident X-rays from the inner wall of the capillaries. The calculated XRF intensity profiles agree with those of the measured XRF intensity profiles. The observed enhancements in XRF intensity were the results of the incident X-rays emitted from the Mo X-ray tube being totally reflected on the inner wall of the Au-coated monocapillaries.
Global cement and raw materials fusion/XRF analytical solution. II
Authors: Bouchard Mathieu , Anzelmo John , Rivard Sebastien , Seyfarth Alexander , Arias Larry , Behrens Kai , Durali-Müller Soodabeh
Published: June 2011

A previous paper portrayed sample preparation by fusion methodology and the XRF analysis conditions for the calibration of cement materials [Bouchard et al., 2009. “Global cement and raw materials fusion/XRF analytical solution,” Adv. X-Ray Anal. 53, 263–279]. The results of two well known cement chemical analysis Standard Methods were also presented. These results proved that this robust analytical method is able to qualify by the ASTM C114 [ASTM C114-08 (2008). “Standard test methods for chemical analysis of hydraulic cement,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards Vol. 04.01 (ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA), pp. 150–157)] and ISO/DIS 29581-2 [Draft Standard, 2007-07 (2007). “Methods of testing cement—Chemical analysis of cement—Part 2: Analysis by X-ray fluorescence” ISO/DIS 29581-2, 2007, pp. 1–30]. This robust analytical method was developed using an automated fusion instrument for the sample preparation and a WDXRF spectrometer for the determination of all elements of interest relating to the cement industry. This method was used to prepare finished products, process materials, as well as a very large range of raw materials. The first part of this second paper examines all the XRF analysis conditions for the calibration of the raw materials using the robust fusion sample preparation methodology as well as the numerous reference materials (RMs) used for this analytical application. All interesting results will be presented. The second part of this paper reveals the rapid analytical method results using sample preparation by fusion on nonignited samples. It will also be proven that this faster method, combined with the WDXRF spectrometer, complies with both cement analysis Standard Methods: ASTM C114 and ISO/DIS 29581-2.
Pertuzumab in Combination with Trastuzumab Shows Significantly Enhanced Antitumor Activity in HER2-Positive Human Gastric Cancer Xenograft Models
Authors: Yamashita-Kashima Yoriko , Iijima Shigeyuki , Yorozu Keigo , Furugaki Koh , Kurasawa Mitsue , Ohta Masateru , Fujimoto-Ouchi Kaori
Published: June 2011

Purpose: We investigated the antitumor activity of the combination of two different humanized monoclonal human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 antibodies, pertuzumab and trastuzumab, for gastric cancer.

Experimental Design: Tumor mouse xenograft models were used to examine antitumor activity. Cell proliferation was examined using crystal violet staining. HER family proteins' expression was analyzed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylated proteins and heterodimers were detected by Western blotting and in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA), respectively. Apoptosis activity was examined by caspase 3/7 activity. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity was detected by xCELLigence. Microvessel density was examined by CD31 staining.

Results: Pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab showed significant antitumor activity compared with each monotherapy in NCI-N87, an HER2-positive human gastric cancer xenograft model. The efficacy was stronger than that of the maximum effective dose with each monotherapy. Similar antitumor activity was shown in 4-1ST, another HER2-positive gastric cancer model, but not in MKN-28, an HER2-negative model. Combining pertuzumab with trastuzumab enhanced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis activity by inhibiting EGFR-HER2 heterodimerization and the phosphorylation of these receptors and their downstream factors. This effect was also seen in HER2-HER3 signaling. Furthermore, pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab potentiated the ADCC activity of those antibodies and reduced tumor microvessel density.

Conclusions: We showed the significantly enhanced efficacy of pertuzumab combining with trastuzumab for HER2 overexpressing gastric cancer through the potentiation of cell growth inhibition, apoptosis activity, cell killing activity by ADCC, and antiangiogenic activity. This study suggests the clinical benefit of combination therapy with pertuzumab and trastuzumab for patients with HER2-positive gastric cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 5060–70. ©2011 AACR.
TAK1–TAB2 Signaling Contributes to Bone Destruction by Breast Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Safina Alfiya , Sotomayor Paula , Limoge Michelle , Morrison Carl , Bakin Andrei V.
Published: June 2011

Advanced-stage breast cancers frequently metastasize to the bones and cause bone destruction, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. This study presents evidence that TGF-β–activated protein kinase 1 (TAK1) signaling in tumor cells promotes bone destruction by metastatic breast carcinoma cells, controlling expression of prometastatic factors including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and COX2. Suppression of TAK1 signaling by dominant-negative TAK1 (dn-TAK1) in breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells impairs bone colonization by carcinoma cells and bone osteolysis in the intracardiac injection model. Mechanistic studies showed that inhibition of TAK1 by dn-TAK1 or siRNA blocked expression of factors implicated in bone metastasis, such as MMP-9, COX2/PTGS2, parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) and interleukin 8 (IL-8), but did not affect activation of p38MAPK by TGF-β. TAK1 signaling is mediated by TAK1-binding partners TAB1, TAB2, and TAB3. Carcinoma cells express elevated mRNA levels of TAB2 and TAB3, whereas the TAB1 expression is noticeably low. Accordingly, depletion of TAB2 by siRNA reduced expression of MMP-9 and COX2. Together, these studies show that the TAK1–TAB2-TAB3 signaling axis is critical for carcinoma-induced bone lesions, mediating expression of proinvasive and osteolytic factors. These findings identify the TAK1–TAB2 axis as a potential therapeutic target in bone metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 9(8); 1042–53. ©2011 AACR.
Salivary Detection of H1N1 Virus: A Clinical Feasibility Investigation
Authors: Bilder L. , Machtei E.E. , Shenhar Y. , Kra-Oz Z. , Basis F.
Published: June 2011

The fast and efficient transportation among continents will continue to play a role in the spread of airborne pandemics. The objective of this study was to detect H1N1 virus in the saliva of individuals who visited the emergency department and were diagnosed as having H1N1 influenza. Nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva samples from those who presented to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms were sent to the laboratory. RNA was extracted from both samples. Real-time RT-PCR tests were performed, and the saliva and nasopharyngeal swab tests were compared. Samples were drawn from 26 individuals. A positive nasopharyngeal swab test and salivary test was found in 14 persons, and negative tests were found in 12 persons. Saliva sampling for H1N1 has excellent predictive value, is highly accurate and reliable, and is more convenient than the nasopharyngeal swab. Clinical trial with the Helsinki Committee at Rambam Health Care Campus, registration number 036309-RMB.
2010 Hans O. Mauksch Address: Teaching Sociology: Leader of the Pack?
Authors: Pike Diane
Published: June 2011

This research explores key features of the scholarship of teaching and learning presented in nine higher education pedagogical journals. In an effort to better understand the domain in which the journal Teaching Sociology resides, descriptive and comparative analyses indicate that there is notable variation in the type of knowledge offered to teacher-scholars in different disciplines and in the patterns of authorship in terms of solo or multiple authors and gender. Teaching Sociology appears to fare well in comparison with other journals for the criteria examined. The critical issue of determining how this knowledge serves us in practice remains.
Self-Determination Theory and Diminished Functioning
Authors: Bartholomew Kimberley J. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Ryan Richard M. , Bosch Jos A. , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie
Published: June 2011

Drawing from self-determination theory, three studies explored the social-environmental conditions that satisfy versus thwart psychological needs and, in turn, affect psychological functioning and well-being or ill-being. In cross-sectional Studies 1 and 2, structural equation modeling analyses supported latent factor models in which need satisfaction was predicted by athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support, and need thwarting was better predicted by coach control. Athletes’ perceptions of need satisfaction predicted positive outcomes associated with sport participation (vitality and positive affect), whereas need thwarting more consistently predicted maladaptive outcomes (disordered eating, burnout, depression, negative affect, and physical symptoms). In addition, athletes’ perceptions of psychological need thwarting were significantly associated with perturbed physiological arousal (elevated levels of secretory immunoglobulin A) prior to training. The final study involved the completion of a diary and supported the relations observed in the cross-sectional studies at a daily level. These findings have important implications for the operationalization and measurement of interpersonal styles and psychological needs.
Complex Sample Data Recommendations and Troubleshooting
Authors: Hahs-Vaughn Debbie L. , McWayne Christine M. , Bulotsky-Shearer Rebecca J. , Wen Xiaoli , Faria Ann-Marie
Published: June 2011

Complex survey data, as highlighted in this issue of Evaluation Review, provide a wealth of opportunities for answering methodological and/or applied research questions. However, the analytic issues of nonindependence and unequal selection probability must be addressed when analyzing this type of data. Thus, to ensure that research questions are accurately answered when using complex survey data, researchers must take extra precautions to ensure complex survey data are correctly analyzed. The purpose of this article is to provide software recommendations for analysis of and tips on troubleshooting when analyzing complex sample data.
Navigating the Eternally Unfolding Present
Authors: Cook S.D. Noam , Wagenaar Hendrik
Published: June 2011

The topic of the article is practice theory. Using a detailed example from public administration, we first discus the shortcomings of the model of practice as applied knowledge that we have dubbed the Received View. The first half of the article is a chronology of successive adaptations of the Received View. These adaptations have gradually brought the Received View more in accordance with the practice-oriented critique in social theory and research of recent years. These adaptations fall short, however, of offering a theoretical account that explains the relationships among practice, knowledge, and context. These adaptations do not enable us to show, as we wish to do, how knowledge and context can be explained in terms of—and are evoked within—practice, and not the other way round—and that this transpires within real worlds each of which has its own unique constraints and affordances, histories and futures. In the second half of the article, we pick up on a relational conception of practice, knowledge, and context in which practice is distinct and primary. To develop this aspect of practice theory, we make use of some key concepts from modern Japanese philosophy. The nondualist posture of Japanese philosophy gives rise to a useful conceptualization of the dynamic and fluid relationships among practice, the characteristics of the situation at hand, and the epistemic elements of practice itself. In this final section, we introduce three concepts that help capture this dynamic, relational understanding of practice: “actionable understanding,” “ongoing business,” and “the eternally unfolding present.”
High cervical spinal cord stimulation for chronic cluster headache
Authors: Wolter Tilman , Kiemen Andrea , Kaube Holger
Published: June 2011

Background: Cluster headache (CH) is the most painful and debilitating primary headache syndrome. Conventional treatment combines acute and prophylactic drugs. Also with maximal therapy a substantial proportion of patients do not experience a meaningful prevention or pain relief. Recent case series and early trials have suggested that occipital nerve stimulation can be very effective in the management of intractable CH.

Methods: Seven patients with medically intractable chronic cluster headache were implanted with high cervical epidural electrodes. After a median test phase of 10 days (range 4–19 days) an impulse generator was implanted subcutaneously. Mean follow up was 23 months (median 12 months, range 3–78 months).

Results: All patients showed significant treatment effects. In all patients, improvement occurred immediately after electrode implantation. The mean attack frequency decreased, as well as the mean duration and intensity of attacks. Also, depression, anxiety, and pain-related impairment scores decreased and medication intake was markedly reduced.

Conclusions: In this prospective series, high cervical spinal cord stimulation shows an effect size equal or larger than occipital nerve stimulation with immediate onset after surgery and may serve as a valuable additional treatment option of intractable cluster headache in the future.
Results of Isolated Lateral Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Kim Chang-Wan , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Sang-Hoon , Kim Jae-Hyan , Huang Jingmin , Kim Kyung-Ah , Bin Seong-Il
Published: June 2011

Background: Although numerous studies have reported outcomes of meniscus allograft transplantation, only a few dealt with isolated procedures or employed objective evaluation methods.

Hypothesis: Isolated lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (LMAT) provides clinical improvements and favorable objective results in symptomatic lateral meniscus–deficient knees.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: The authors collected and analyzed the results of 29 consecutive isolated LMATs with a minimum of 24 months’ follow-up. The mean age of the patients was 29.6 years (range, 18-48 years). The modified Lysholm scoring system and the Hospital for Special Surgery score were used to evaluate subjective improvements. Every patient underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or second-look arthroscopy or both as objective evaluation. The allograft extrusion and relative percentage of extrusion (RPE) was measured on final MRI. Status of the allograft was classified according to the above 3 categories into 3 grades; satisfactory, fair, or poor.

Results: The average length of follow-up was 53.6 months. Symptoms and functions of the involved knee improved in 28 knees (96.6%) at the last follow-up. The average preoperative modified Lysholm score was 69.5, which increased to 89.9 postoperatively ( P < .001). The average preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery pain score was 15.3, which increased to 26.7 postoperatively ( P < .001). Postoperative MRI alone was performed in 22 knees (75.9%), second-look arthroscopy alone in 1 knee (3.4%), and both examinations in 6 knees (20.7%). The MRI scans revealed 4 gross and 5 small tears in the allograft and also provided valuable information despite magnetic susceptibility artifacts. Mean allograft extrusion was 4.0 mm and mean RPE was 45.4%. At second-look arthroscopy, 3 gross tears and a small flap tear were identified in 4 cases. According to the clinical and the objective criteria, the allografts were graded as satisfactory in 20 cases (69.0%), fair in 5 cases (17.2%), and poor in 4 cases (13.8%).

Conclusion: The results of the present study showed remarkable symptomatic improvements and acceptable objective findings in short- to intermediate-term follow-up. Even in cases with favorable clinical results, MRI or second-look arthroscopy was necessary to identify the actual status of the allograft. Isolated LMAT could be an effective treatment for symptomatic, lateral meniscus–deficient knees.
Comparison of a Reading Fluency Intervention With and Without Passage Repetition on Reading Achievement
Authors: Therrien William J. , Kirk James F. , Woods-Groves Suzanne
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a repeated reading and question generation intervention entitled Re-read-Adapt and Answer-Comprehend (RAAC) with a modified RAAC intervention without the repeated reading component. The sample included 30 students in Grades 3 through 5. The students received services in reading within a three-tiered response to intervention framework or in special education. Students were randomly assigned to the nonrepetitive condition or the control repeated reading condition and participated in 50 intervention sessions over a 4-month period. Regardless of condition, all students made gains in oral reading fluency on independent passages. The modified RAAC program without passage repetition appeared to be as effective if not more so at increasing reading fluency when compared to the RAAC program with passage repetition.
Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type 1: A Rare, but Treatable, Cause of Severe Hypotonia in Infancy
Authors: Yan Yun , Calikoglu Ali S. , Jain Nina
Published: June 2011

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by an inactivating mutation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin-D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) gene. Clinical presentation is characterized by early onset of severe rickets and can include severe hypotonia. Here, we report a 16-month-old white male who presented with severe muscle weakness, failure to thrive, renal tubular dysfunction, and skeletal deformities, including osteopenia and multiple fractures. At presentation, he had severe hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone levels, although normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. DNA sequencing of the CYP27B1 gene revealed a novel mutation in exon 2 (c286_300de115) and a previously reported mutation in exon 7 (c.1166G>A). Once calcitriol therapy was initiated, the patient showed significant improvement in muscle strength and linear growth. Serum calcium, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase returned to normal range. Organic aciduria resolved and aminoaciduria significantly improved 2 months after parathyroid hormone levels normalized.
Retiring From the Family Business
Authors: Gagnè Marylène , Wrosch Carsten , Brun de Pontet Stephanie
Published: June 2011

A longitudinal study of family business leaders nearing retirement age examined the effects of goal adjustment capacities (disengagement and reengagement) on retirement planning. Goal disengagement predicted taking concrete steps to prepare retirement, whereas goal reengagement was related to having positive retirement expectations. Family business leaders with high goal reengagement capacities who trusted their successor’s abilities set an earlier retirement date than others. Leaders with poor goal disengagement capacities who did not trust their successor were unable to improve their retirement expectations over time. This study shows the importance of psychological variables in the retirement planning process of family business leaders.
The causes of death in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus over 11 years
Authors: Kang KY , Kwok S-K , Ju JH , Park K-S , Cho C-S , Kim H-Y , Park S-H
Published: June 2011

We investigated the causes of death and analyzed the prognostic factors in Korean systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We evaluated 1010 patients with SLE who visited Seoul Saint Mary’s Hospital from 1997–2007. Changing patterns in the causes of death were analyzed. Survival rate was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test. The risk factors for death were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The 5-year survival rate was 97.8%. Over the period of the study, 59 deaths were observed. Among 44 patients who died in our hospital, the most common cause of death was infection (37.3%), with SLE-related death as the next most frequent cause (22.0%). In comparison with earlier data, the proportion of SLE-related deaths has fallen and the proportion of infections has risen. SLE-related death was the most frequent cause of early death, while infection was the most common cause of death in the overall population. In univariate analysis, damage related to SLE, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, mean glucocorticoid dose for 1 month before death, intravenous methylprednisolone therapy and cyclophosphamide treatment were associated with death ( p < 0.001 each). The late onset of SLE and renal involvement were predictive factors of poor outcome ( p = 0.03 and p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for death were irreversible damage related to SLE, cyclophosphamide therapy and mean glucocorticoid dose for 1 month before death. The most common cause of death in Korean SLE patients was infection. The judicious use of immunosuppressive agents may be important to decrease infection and to improve survival in SLE patients.
Clinical expression and morbidity of systemic lupus erythematosus during a post-diagnostic 5-year follow-up: a male:female comparison
Authors: Stefanidou S , Benos A , Galanopoulou V , Chatziyannis I , Kanakoudi F , Aslanidis S , Boura P , Sfetsios T , Settas L , Katsounaros M , Papadopoulou D , Giamalis P , Dombros N , Chatzistilianou M , Garyfallos A
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of the most relevant clinical features of the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a sample of male patients with lupus as well as the incidence of the main causes of morbidity in a 5-year period after the diagnosis. A further aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gender on expression and morbidity of SLE. Data were collected from the medical records of 59 male and 535 female patients with SLE who were diagnosed at the hospitals in the region of Thessaloniki. Several differences in the expression and morbidity of the disease were found in relation to the gender of the patient. Male patients had a higher prevalence of thromboses, nephropathy, strokes, gastrointestinal tract symptoms and antiphospholipid syndrome when compared with female patients, but tended to present less often with arthralgia, hair loss, Raynaud’s phenomenon and photosensitivity as the initial clinical manifestations. During the 5-year follow-up, positive associations have been found between male gender and the incidence of tendonitis, myositis, nephropathy and infections, particularly of the respiratory tract. In conclusion, this study has provided information regarding the features of clinical expression and morbidity in male patients, and has shown that gender is a possible factor that can influence the clinical expression of SLE.
Association between variable number tandem repeats within the 3′ flanking region of the interleukin-6 gene and systemic lupus erythematosus in Korean patients
Authors: Jeon J-Y , Kim H-A , Kim S-H , Suh C-H
Published: June 2011

Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism located in the 3′ flanking region of the interleukin-6 ( IL-6) gene was examined in Koreans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We identified 15 VNTR alleles (K1 to K15) in the 3′ flanking region by Genescan analysis. The VNTR K8 allele, a 648-base pair (bp) allele, was most commonly found in Koreans, being present in 74.8% of the SLE patients and 70.3% of the normal controls. The VNTR K9 (642 bp) allele was associated with susceptibility to SLE. In addition, the VNTR K9 was significantly associated with leukopenia ( p = 0.048), thrombocytopenia ( p = 0.020), and elevated C-reactive protein ( p = 0.019). These data suggest that the VNTR K9 in the 3′ flanking region of the IL-6 gene may be associated with disease susceptibility and the clinical phenotypes of SLE.
Using Wii Fit to reduce fatigue among African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A pilot study
Authors: Yuen HK , Holthaus K , Kamen DL , Sword DO , Breland HL
Published: June 2011

Fatigue and physical deconditioning are common, difficult to treat conditions among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program using the Wii Fit system in patients with SLE. Fifteen sedentary African American women with SLE experiencing moderate to severe fatigue participated in a home exercise program using the Wii Fit 3 days a week for 30 minutes each for 10 weeks. A one-group pretest–post test design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. Primary outcome measure was severity of fatigue. Secondary outcome measures were body weight, waist circumference, fatigue-related symptoms of distress, activity level, and physical fitness. At the completion of the 10-week Wii Fit exercise program, participants perceived fatigue severity as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale to be significantly decreased ( p = 0.002), and body weight and waist circumference were significantly reduced ( p = 0.01). In addition, anxiety level, as measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and overall intensity of total pain experience, as measured by Short-form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, were also significantly reduced ( p < 0.05). Findings provide preliminary evidence that the Wii Fit motivates this population to exercise, which leads to alleviation of fatigue and reduced body weight, waist circumference, anxiety level, and overall intensity of total pain experience.
Content Management in the Workplace
Authors: McCarthy Jacob E. , T. Grabill Jeffrey , Hart-Davidson William , McLeod Michael
Published: June 2011

The authors report on a multiyear study designed to reveal how introducing a content management system (CMS) in an administrative office at a large organization affects the office’s writing and work practices. Their study found that users implemented the CMS in new and creative ways that the designers did not anticipate and that the choices users made in using the CMS were often driven not by technology but by the social implications the CMS held for their office. By contrasting how writers negotiated specific genres of writing before and after the CMS was introduced, the authors argue for increased attention to providing flexible technologies that enable writers to innovate new tools in response to the social needs of their writing environments. This approach must be driven by research on the implications of technology in workplace communities.
The Meaning of Animal Portraiture in a Museum Setting: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Kalof Linda , Zammit-Lucia Joe , Kelly Jennifer Rebecca
Published: June 2011

The authors document the changes in visitors’ perceptions of animals after viewing an animal portraiture exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, France. The exhibit consisted of 29 photographic prints, the participants were 50 visitors, and the instrument used was the Personal Meaning Map. Sixty-six percent of visitors changed, added, or deleted meaning to their perception of animals after viewing the animal portraits and a further 20% reported changes to the aggregate intensity of the pre-exhibit themes that they associated with the concept of “Animal.” Pre-exhibit, the visitors thought about animals primarily in terms of “Nature” and “Wild/Free” creatures; whereas post-exhibit the visitors’ meanings of “Animal” emphasized “Personality” and “Kinship.” The authors raise questions about today’s prevalent approaches to the visual culture of animal representation in conservation and the conservation value of exposing people to animals in a captive setting.
The Association Between Variants on Chromosome 9p21 and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Ethnically Diverse Women With Coronary Heart Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Beckie Theresa M. , Beckstead Jason W. , Groer Maureen W.
Published: June 2011

Background: The most consistently replicated genetic variants associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in populations of European descent have been found on chromosome 9p21. Yet there is little known about these associations in ethnic groups of African ancestry. These disease-associated variants are located in a genomic region of unknown function. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the allelic frequencies and haplotype structure of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Black and White women with CHD. The authors also sought to explore the relationship between these genetic variants and biomarkers of inflammation. Methods: Using polymerase chain reaction amplification, the authors genotyped 8 SNPs in a 58-kilobase region of chromosome 9p21 in a cohort of women with CHD (n = 91). The authors examined the interethnic relationship between the SNPs and four inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: We found considerable interethnic allelic and haplotype diversity across the 9p21 locus, with only two SNPs in perfect linkage disequilibrium (LD) in both races. A pair of high- and low-risk haplotypes was most common in White women, while about 41% of Blacks carried the risk alleles for three of the eight SNPs the authors examined. The interethnic associations between the SNP genotypes and inflammatory markers were divergent in both direction and magnitude. Conclusions: Our results lend support for the importance of ancestry-specific allelic context when examining variants on chromosome 9p21. Additional work is needed to elucidate the genetic contribution to inflammatory biomarkers for diverse racial groups.
Cognitive load in simultaneous interpreting: Model meets data
Authors: Seeber Kilian G. , Kerzel Dirk
Published: June 2011

Seeber (2011) recently introduced a series of analytical cognitive load models, providing a detailed illustration of conjectured cognitive resource allocation during simultaneous interpreting. In this article, the authors set out to compare these models with data gathered in an experiment using task-evoked pupillary responses to measure online cognitive load during simultaneous interpreting when embedded in single-sentence context and discourse context. Verb-final and verb-initial constructions were analysed in terms of the load they cause to an inherently capacity-limited system when interpreted simultaneously into a verb-initial language like English. The results show larger pupil dilation with verb-final than with verb-initial constructions, suggesting higher cognitive load with asymmetrical structures. A tendency for reduced cognitive load in the discourse context compared to the sentence context was also found. These data support the models’ prediction of an increase in cognitive load towards (and beyond) the end of verb-final constructions.
‘Improper distance’: Towards a critical account of solidarity as irony
Authors: Chouliaraki Lilie
Published: June 2011

Silverstone’s ‘proper distance’ is one of the most original and productive conceptualizations of a fundamental problem in the ethics of mediation: the humanization of vulnerable others. This is because ‘proper distance’ is not only a normative but also, importantly, an analytical concept. Whereas in its normative dimension, proper distance refers to the degree of proximity required for mediated relationships of care and responsibility to develop, in its analytical dimension, the metaphorical vocabulary of space becomes an important resource in evaluating how mediation produces ‘humanity’ through the positioning of mediated others along the axis of proximity— distance. My application of this analytical vocabulary to the mediation of humanitarianism enables me to create a typology of paradigms of solidarity, namely ‘pity’, ‘irony’ and ‘agonism’, highlighting the different ways in which their particular articulations of proximity—distance produce distinct conceptions of ‘humanity’ and, therefore, distinct proposals for solidarity towards vulnerable others. Focusing, specifically, on the critique of an emerging paradigm of solidarity as irony, I argue that, even though it appears as a promising response to pity and its misleading spatiality of universal proximity, irony celebrates consumerism as a reflexive distance-from-the self and is, therefore, unable to put forward a morally acceptable proposal of solidarity.
Phatic morality: Television and proper distance
Authors: Frosh Paul
Published: June 2011

This article attempts to expand Silverstone’s notion of ‘proper distance’ by asking what moral possibilities are ‘proper’ to aspects of mediation that are usually understood to be ‘distant’: impersonal, non-intimate and inattentive. Proper assessment of these low-intensity modes of mediation invites us to challenge the automatic assumption that moral sensibility has a necessary basis in audience attentiveness, intimacy and involvement with the representations of others. Instead, the article emphasizes the work of ‘phatic morality’, the moral ground created by long-term, habitual, ambient forms of mediated connectivity rather than the attentive engagement of viewers with particular texts. Focusing on television, it elaborates the features and limitations of phatic morality by exploring frequently denigrated aspects of the medium: the creation of non-reciprocal communicative relations between viewer and viewed; the transience of those depicted; the substitutability of depicted individuals and the aggregation of images over time.
Proper distance from ourselves: The potential for estrangement in the mediapolis
Authors: Orgad Shani
Published: June 2011

This article discusses how, and with what consequences, the news in today’s increasingly global and porous environment tells us about ourselves, showing us images that are often uncomfortable, strange and disturbing. In particular, it examines how, in times of conflict, in narrating and imaging ‘us’ as a nation, the news media can contribute to an ethical project of estrangement — achieving distance from ourselves, seeing ourselves as others, as a way to address injustice and enhance democratic public spheres. The analysis is based on a comparison of coverage of the 2005 riots in France and the reporting of the 2008/9 Gaza war in Israel. The discussion explores ways in which the aesthetics of news can be mobilized for estrangement, what incentives journalism might have for promoting an ethics of estrangement, and the opportunities and dangers this project entails. This exploration shows how Silverstone’s concept of proper distance may play out in different situations of news coverage of conflict, especially when there is a tension between national and international reporting.
Comfort, irony, and trivialization: The mediation of torture
Authors: Sturken Marita
Published: June 2011

This article examines the interrelationship of torture and comfort as a key feature of the United States project of American Empire, examining how the U.S. practice of torture is mediated in American culture, in particular through the distancing strategies of domestication, trivialization, kitschification, and irony. It uses as a framing concept Roger Silverstone’s notion of ‘proper distance’, in particular its formulation of the relationship of mediation to morality, to examine the mechanisms in American culture that enable a level of comfort with the practice of torture. Through an examination of the image icons of the Abu Ghraib prison and the representations of torture at Guantánamo Bay prison, including popular culture representations, trivializing rhetoric, artistic engagements, and kitsch souvenirs, this article analyzes the tensions of proximity and distance that mediate the U.S. practice of torture.
Reconfiguring the mediapolis: New media and civic agency
Authors: Bakardjieva Maria
Published: June 2011

The summer of 2007 marked the growing visibility of blogs and bloggers in the Bulgarian public sphere. A case in point was a spontaneous civic protest spurred by a decision of the Supreme Administrative Court to strip a territory in the south-east of Bulgaria (Strandja Mountain) of its status as a protected natural reserve. Young people and environmentalist groups went out in the streets to challenge the decision, their actions being organized and reported by blogs, websites and text messages. These brief but centrally placed and well-attended civic actions compelled not only the mass media, but also parliamentarians to put the issue on their agendas. This article analyzes the relationship between media messages and street action as well as the dynamics of inter-media exchanges and the profiles of the actors behind them.
Bimanual Training and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Gordon Andrew M. , Hung Ya-Ching , Brandao Marina , Ferre Claudio L. , Kuo Hsing-Ching , Friel Kathleen , Petra Electra , Chinnan Ashley , Charles Jeanne R.
Published: June 2011

Background. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) promotes hand function using intensive unimanual practice along with restraint of the less-affected hand. CIMT has not been compared with a treatment with equivalent dosing frequency and intensity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Objectives. The authors report a randomized trial comparing CIMT and a bimanual intervention (hand-arm intensive bimanual therapy; HABIT) that maintains the intensity of practice associated with CIMT but where children are engaged in functional bimanual tasks. Methods. A total of 42 participants with hemiplegic CP between the ages of 3.5 and 10 years (matched for age and hand function) were randomized to receive 90 hours of CIMT or an equivalent dosage of functional bimanual training (HABIT) conducted in day-camp environments. A physical therapist blinded to treatment allocation tested hand function before and after treatment. The primary outcomes were changes in Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF) and Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) scores. Secondary measures included the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Results. Both the CIMT and HABIT groups demonstrated comparable improvement from the pretest to immediate posttest in the JTTHF and AHA ( P < .0001), which were maintained at 6 months. GAS, however, revealed greater progress toward goals for the HABIT group ( P < .0001), with continued improvement across test sessions for both groups ( P < .0001). Conclusions. Both CIMT and bimanual training lead to similar improvements in hand function. A potential benefit of bimanual training is that participants may improve more on self-determined goals.
Prism Adaptation Therapy Enhances Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients With Unilateral Spatial Neglect
Authors: Mizuno Katsuhiro , Tsuji Tetsuya , Takebayashi Toru , Fujiwara Toshiyuki , Hase Kimitaka , Liu Meigen
Published: June 2011

Background and objective. Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) can interfere with rehabilitation processes and lead to poor functional outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prism adaptation (PA) therapy improves USN and functional outcomes in stroke patients in the subacute stage. Methods. A multicenter, double-masked, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a 2-week PA therapy on USN assessed with the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT), the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS), and activities of daily living (ADL) as evaluated with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). A total of 38 USN patients with right-brain damage were divided into prism (n = 20) and control (n = 18) groups. Patients were divided into mild and severe USN groups according to BIT behavioral test (mild ≥ 55 and severe<55). The prism group performed repetitive pointing with prism glasses that induce rightward optical shift twice daily, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks, whereas the control group performed similar pointing training with neutral glasses. Results. The FIM improved significantly more in the prism group. In mild USN patients, there was significantly greater improvement of BIT and FIM in the prism group. Conclusions. PA therapy can significantly improve ADL in patients with subacute stroke.