bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase II Study of Abiraterone Acetate in Chemotherapy-Naive Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Displaying Bone Flare Discordant with Serologic Response
Authors: Ryan Charles J. , Shah Shreya , Efstathiou Eleni , Smith Matthew R. , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Bubley Glenn J. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Kheoh Thian , Kilian Christine , Haqq Christopher M. , Molina Arturo , Small Eric J.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Abiraterone is an oral inhibitor of CYP17, which is essential for androgen biosynthesis. This multicenter study assessed its efficacy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), without prior chemotherapy or CYP17-targeted therapy, and frequency of bone scans discordant with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and clinical response.

Experimental Design: Thirty-three patients received abiraterone acetate 1,000 mg daily with prednisone 5 mg twice daily in continuous 28-day cycles. Patients were evaluated monthly for efficacy and safety. Bone scan flare was defined as the combination, after 3 months of therapy, of an interpreting radiologist's report indicating “disease progression” in context of a 50% or more decline in PSA level, with scan improvement or stability 3 months later.

Results: A 50% or more decline in PSA level at week 12 was confirmed in 22 of 33 (67%) patients. Declines in PSA level of 50% or more were seen in 26 of 33 (79%) patients. Undetectable PSA levels (≤0.1 ng/mL) occurred in 2 patients. Median time on therapy and time to PSA progression were 63 weeks and 16.3 months, respectively. Twenty-three patients were evaluable for bone scan flare. Progression was indicated in radiologist's report in 12 of 23 (52%), and 11 of 12 subsequently showed improvement or stability. As prospectively defined, bone scan flare was observed in 11 of 23 (48%) evaluable patients or 11 of 33 (33%) enrolled patients. Adverse events were typically grade 1/2 and consistent with prior published abiraterone reports.

Conclusion: Clinical responses to abiraterone plus prednisone were frequent and durable in men with metastatic CRPC. Further investigation is needed to clarify the confounding effect of bone scan flare on patient management and interpretation of results. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4854–61. ©2011 AACR.
Sodium Butyrate Inhibits the Self-Renewal Capacity of Endometrial Tumor Side-Population Cells by Inducing a DNA Damage Response
Authors: Kato Kiyoko , Kuhara Aya , Yoneda Tomoko , Inoue Takafumi , Takao Tomoka , Ohgami Tatsuhiro , Dan Li , Kuboyama Ayumi , Kusunoki Soshi , Takeda Satoru , Wake Norio
Published: June 2011

We previously isolated side-population (SP) cells from a human endometrial cancer cell line, Hec1, and determined that Hec1-SP cells have cancer stem–like cell features. In this study, we isolated SP cells and non-SP (NSP) cells derived from a rat endometrial cell line expressing human [12Val] KRAS (RK12V cells) and determined the SP phenotype. RK12V-SP cells showed self-renewal capacity, the potential to develop into stromal cells, reduced expression levels of differentiation markers, long-term proliferating capacity in cultures, and enhanced tumorigenicity, indicating that RK12V-SP cells have cancer stem–like cell features. RK12V-SP cells also display higher resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. In contrast, treatment with a histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitor, sodium butyrate (NaB), reduced self-renewal capacity and completely suppressed colony formation of RK12V-SP cells in a soft agar. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the number of γH2AX foci were increased by NaB treatment of both RK12V-SP cells and RK12V-NSP cells. The expression levels of γH2AX, p21, p27, and phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were enhanced in RK12V-SP cells compared with RK12V-NSP cells. These results imply that treatment with NaB induced production of intracellular ROS and DNA damage in both RK12V-SP and RK12V-NSP cells. Following NaB treatment, DNA damage response signals were enhanced more in RK12V-SP cells than in RK12V-NSP cells. This is the first article on an inhibitory effect of NaB on proliferation of endometrial cancer stem–like cells. HDAC inhibitors may represent an attractive antitumor therapy based upon their inhibitory effects on cancer stem–like cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(8); 1430–9. ©2011 AACR.
The ARF Tumor Suppressor Inhibits Tumor Cell Colonization Independent of p53 in a Novel Mouse Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Metastasis
Authors: Muniz Viviane Palhares , Barnes J. Matthew , Paliwal Seema , Zhang Xuefeng , Tang Xiaoyun , Chen Songhai , Zamba Kokou D. , Cullen Joseph J. , Meyerholz David K. , Meyers Shari , Davis J. Nathan , Grossman Steven R. , Henry Michael D. , Quelle Dawn E.
Published: June 2011

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an incurable, highly metastatic disease that is largely resistant to existing treatments. A better understanding of the genetic basis of PDAC metastasis should facilitate development of improved therapies. To that end, we developed a novel mouse xenograft model of PDAC metastasis to expedite testing of candidate genes associated with the disease. Human PDAC cell lines BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, and Panc-1 stably expressing luciferase were generated and introduced by intracardiac injections into immunodeficient mice to model hematogenous dissemination of cancer cells. Tumor development was monitored by bioluminescence imaging. Bioluminescent MiaPaCa-2 cells most effectively recapitulated PDAC tumor development and metastatic distribution in vivo. Tumors formed in nearly 90% of mice and in multiple tissues, including normal sites of PDAC metastasis. Effects of p14ARF, a known suppressor of PDAC, were tested to validate the model. In vitro, p14ARF acted through a CtBP2-dependent, p53-independent pathway to inhibit MiaPaCa-2–invasive phenotypes, which correlated with reduced tumor cell colonization in vivo. These findings establish a new bioluminescent mouse tumor model for rapidly assessing the biological significance of suspected PDAC metastasis genes. This system may also provide a valuable platform for testing innovative therapies. Mol Cancer Res; 9(7); 867–77. ©2011 AACR.
Cotargeting Cyclin D1 Starts a New Chapter in Lung Cancer Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Kim Edward S. , Lee J. Jack , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: June 2011

Lung cancer has limited effective therapy and no effective prevention. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has not improved when combined with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib (standard lung cancer therapy) or with the rexinoid bexarotene. Combining erlotinib and bexarotene, however, to cotarget cyclin D1 via the retinoid X receptor and EGFR was active preclinically in KRAS-driven lung cancer cells derived from transgenic mice and in two clinical studies in lung cancer (including wild-type EGFR tumors, with or without KRAS mutations), as reported in this issue of the journal by Dragnev and colleagues (beginning on page 818). These results, along with closely related clinical results of the BATTLE program, support the promise of this cotargeting approach for lung cancer prevention and therapy and of cyclin D1 as a predictive, personalizing marker for it. Cancer Prev Res; 4(6); 779–82. ©2011 AACR.
Anoxia-Reoxygenation Enhances Platelet Thromboxane A
2
Production via Reactive Oxygen Species–Generated NOX2
Authors: Basili Stefania , Pignatelli Pasquale , Tanzilli Gaetano , Mangieri Enrico , Carnevale Roberto , Nocella Cristina , Di Santo Serena , Pastori Daniele , Ferroni Patrizia , Violi Francesco
Published: June 2011

Objective—

Platelets undergoing anoxia-reoxygenation (AR) simultaneously increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thromboxane (Tx) B
2
. Our aim was to assess whether there is an interplay between activation of NOX2, the catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, and platelet TxB
2
in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Platelets that underwent AR had enhanced ROS. This was associated with NOX2 activation and was inhibited by incubation with NOX2-blocking peptide. AR was associated with TxB
2
and isoprostane production, which were inhibited by NOX2-blocking peptide, vitamin C, and the inhibitor of phospholipase A
2
. Platelet incubation with 100 μmol/L aspirin fully prevented AR-induced TxA
2
but did not affect isoprostane production. We included 56 aspirin-treated patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or intravenous infusion of 1 g of vitamin C. Blood TxB
2
, isoprostanes, and soluble NOX2-derived peptide, a marker of systemic NADPH oxidase activation, significantly increased at 60 and 120 minutes after PCI in placebo-treated but not in vitamin C-treated patients.

Conclusion—

AR is associated with overproduction of platelet TxB
2
and isoprostanes, which is dependent on NOX2-dependent ROS generation. Low doses of aspirin are unable to prevent TxB
2
formation in patients who undergo PCI.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Enlargement as a Marker of Early Disease in Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fatkin Diane , Yeoh Thomas , Hayward Christopher S. , Benson Victoria , Sheu Angela , Richmond Zara , Feneley Michael P. , Keogh Anne M. , Macdonald Peter S.
Published: June 2011

Background—

Echocardiographic screening of families with dilated cardiomyopathy has identified a subgroup of asymptomatic relatives with left ventricular enlargement (LVE). The prognostic significance of LVE in this setting is incompletely understood.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 457 asymptomatic relatives in 128 dilated cardiomyopathy families and identified 110 individuals (24%) with LVE. Serial echocardiograms in 72 untreated LVE relatives showed that 9 individuals (13%) had development of dilated cardiomyopathy over 10 to 152 months (median, 52). Thirty LVE relatives and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were evaluated using 2-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, noninvasive pressure-volume assessment, exercise stress echocardiography, and brain natriuretic peptide levels. LVE relatives showed mild defects of systolic and diastolic LV function, with normal filling pressures and exercise-induced increments in systolic contraction in most cases. LV dimensions and fractional shortening most effectively differentiated LVE relatives from control subjects, with other functional indices lacking additive discriminative value. In a receiver operating characteristics analysis, the area under the curve for LV end-diastolic diameter (% predicted) was 0.96 (
P
<0.001). LV end-diastolic diameter (% predicted) >116% or LV end-diastolic diameter (% predicted) 112% to 116%+fractional shortening ≤29% had high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (93%) for LVE relatives and identified 8 of 9 progressors.

Conclusions—

LVE is a common finding in asymptomatic relatives in dilated cardiomyopathy families and can be a marker of preclinical cardiomyopathy. Assessment of LV size and contractile function is required for differentiating between pathological and physiological causes of LVE and may help to identify those at risk of disease progression.
Placental Growth Factor Regulates Cardiac Adaptation and Hypertrophy Through a Paracrine Mechanism
Authors: Accornero Federica , van Berlo Jop H. , Benard Matthew J. , Lorenz John N. , Carmeliet Peter , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: June 2011

Rationale:

Paracrine growth factor-mediated crosstalk between cardiac myocytes and nonmyocytes in the heart is critical for programming adaptive cardiac hypertrophy in which myocyte size, capillary density, and the extracellular matrix function coordinately.

Objective:

To examine the role that placental growth factor (PGF) plays in the heart as a paracrine regulator of cardiac adaptation to stress stimulation.

Methods and Results:

PGF is induced in the heart after pressure-overload stimulation, where it is expressed in both myocytes and nonmyocytes. We generated cardiac-specific and adult inducible PGF-overexpressing transgenic mice and analyzed
Pgf
−/−
mice to examine the role that this factor plays in cardiac disease and paracrine signaling. Although PGF transgenic mice did not have a baseline phenotype or a change in capillary density, they did exhibit a greater cardiac hypertrophic response, a greater increase in capillary density, and increased fibroblast content in the heart in response to pressure-overload stimulation. PGF transgenic mice showed a more adaptive type of cardiac growth that was protective against signs of failure with pressure overload and neuroendocrine stimulation. Antithetically,
Pgf
−/−
mice rapidly died of heart failure within 1 week of pressure overload, they showed an inability to upregulate angiogenesis, and they showed significantly less fibroblast activity in the heart. Mechanistically, we show that PGF does not have a direct effect on cardiomyocytes but works through endothelial cells and fibroblasts by inducing capillary growth and fibroblast proliferation, which secondarily support greater cardiac hypertrophy through intermediate paracrine growth factors such as interleukin-6.

Conclusions:

PGF is a secreted factor that supports hypertrophy and cardiac function during pressure overload by affecting endothelial cells and fibroblasts that in turn stimulate and support the myocytes through additional paracrine factors.
Validation of In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability Measurements by Comparison With Gold Standard Histology
Authors: Hoffmann Angelika , Bredno Jörg , Wendland Michael F. , Derugin Nikita , Hom Jason , Schuster Tibor , Su Hua , Ohara Peter T. , Young William L. , Wintermark Max
Published: June 2011

Background and Purpose—

We sought to validate the blood–brain barrier permeability measurements extracted from perfusion-weighted MRI through a relatively simple and frequently applied model, the Patlak model, by comparison with gold standard histology in a rat model of ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Eleven spontaneously hypertensive rats and 11 Wistar rats with unilateral 2-hour filament occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery underwent imaging during occlusion at 4 hours and 24 hours after reperfusion. Blood–brain barrier permeability was imaged by gradient echo imaging after the first pass of the contrast agent bolus and quantified by a Patlak analysis. Blood–brain barrier permeability was shown on histology by the extravasation of Evans blue on fluorescence microscopy sections matching location and orientation of MR images. Cresyl-violet staining was used to detect and characterize hemorrhage. Landmark-based elastic image registration allowed a region-by-region comparison of permeability imaging at 24 hours with Evans blue extravasation and hemorrhage as detected on histological slides obtained immediately after the 24-hour image set.

Results—

Permeability values in the nonischemic tissue (marginal mean±SE: 0.15±0.019 mL/miṅ100 g) were significantly lower compared to all permeability values in regions of Evans blue extravasation or hemorrhage. Permeability values in regions of weak Evans blue extravasation (0.23±0.016 mL/miṅ100 g) were significantly lower compared to permeability values of in regions of strong Evans blue extravasation (0.29±0.020 mL/miṅ100 g) and macroscopic hemorrhage (0.35±0.049 mL/miṅ100 g). Permeability values in regions of microscopic hemorrhage (0.26±0.024 mL/miṅ100 g) only differed significantly from values in regions of nonischemic tissue (0.15±0.019 mL/miṅ100 g).

Conclusions—

Areas of increased permeability measured in vivo by imaging coincide with blood–brain barrier disruption and hemorrhage observed on gold standard histology.
Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Use for Ischemic Stroke in the United States
Authors: Adeoye Opeolu , Hornung Richard , Khatri Pooja , Kleindorfer Dawn
Published: June 2011

Background and Purpose—

Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In 2004, 1.8% to 2.1% of AIS patients in the United States received rtPA. Given incentives from regulatory agencies and payors to increase rtPA use, we hypothesized that rtPA use in the United States would increase from 2005 to 2009.

Methods—

AIS cases were defined by exclusion of hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack International Classification of Diseases 9
th
revision codes (430, 431, 432, and 435) from diagnosis-related groups 14, 15, 524, and 559 discharges. Patients receiving thrombolytics were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9
th
revision code 99.10 (Medicare Provider and Analysis Review and Premier databases) and pharmacy billing records (Premier). Change over time and differences between databases were tested using negative binomial regression.

Results—

Within Medicare Provider and Analysis Review, thrombolytic use increased from 1.1% in 2005 to 3.4% in 2009 (
P
<0.001 for trend). Within Premier, thrombolytic use increased from 1.4% in 2005 to 3.7% in 2009 for all cases (
P
<0.001). Analysis of pharmacy billing records in Premier for 50-mg or 100-mg doses of rtPA showed that 3.4% of AIS cases were treated in 2009. Inclusion of patients with transient ischemic attack or hemorrhagic stroke International Classification of Diseases 9
th
revision codes who received any thrombolytic as “ischemic stroke patients receiving rtPA” changed the rate of thrombolysis to 5.2%.

Conclusions—

In 2009, 3.4% to 5.2% of AIS patients in the United States received thrombolytics, approximately double the rate of treatment in 2005. Rapid recognition and transport and quick treatment in the emergency department remain goals for further improving treatment rates.
Preoperative Assessment for Children Requiring Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Auvergne Lauriane , Quinonez Rocio , Roberts Michael W. , Drawbridge J. Nicole , Cowherd Michael , Steiner Michael J.
Published: June 2011

Objective. This study aimed to describe children <6 years requiring general anesthesia for dental treatment and factors associated with a change in medical management prior to surgery. Study design. This case series reviewed the past medical history and preoperative assessment of patients referred for dental preoperative evaluations at a single institution (2005-2008). A “deflection” was defined as a recommendation to change preoperative or operative care based on the preoperative assessment. The sample was analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Results. Of 648 subjects (aged 9 months to 6 years, mean 3.9 years), 63% had a past medical history abnormality and 38% had previous surgery. In total, 14% were deflected, most commonly because of the addition of infective endocarditis prophylaxis (29%). A history of coagulation disorder had the strongest association with deflection ( P < .0001, odds ratio = 10.0, 95% confidence interval = 4.6-22.1), followed by cardiac anomalies. Conclusion. Preoperative assessments for pediatric dental treatment frequently identify medical problems resulting in treatment plan alterations.
Evaluating Ranking Strategies in Assessing Change When the Measures Differ Across Time
Authors: Moses Tim , Kim Sooyeon
Published: June 2011

In this study, a ranking strategy was evaluated for comparing subgroups’ change using identical, equated, and nonidentical measures. Four empirical data sets were evaluated, each of which contained examinees’ scores on two occasions, where the two occasions’ scores were obtained on a single identical measure, on two equated tests, and on two nonidentical measures. The two subgroups’ rates of change were compared based on ranked nonidentical measures, on raw and ranked equated measures, and on a raw and ranked identical measure. The results of comparing subgroups’ change were similar when based on the nonidentical measures and on the identical and equated measures. Additional evaluations using simulated data demonstrated that the ranking strategy proposed for nonidentical measures is accurate, especially when the subgroups were large, the difference between the subgroups’ change was large, and scores obtained on the measure(s) were highly correlated across occasions. The statistical power of the proposed ranking method is slightly reduced because of the tendency of the nonidentical measures to have relatively low correlations.
HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among college students in China
Authors: Tung Wei-Chen , Hu Jie , Efird Jimmy Thomas , Yu Liping , Su Wei
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, sources of HIV information and behaviours related to HIV, and to explore the difference in the HIV knowledge and attitudes between genders and school years among college students in China.

Design:

Descriptive, cross-sectional.

Setting:

475 college students from two universities in China.

Method:

Data were collected with a self-report questionnaire through the Internet.

Results:

Only 24.2 per cent of the participants were aware that HIV could be spread through infected semen, and only 10.5 per cent were aware that condoms would decrease the risk of HIV transmission. The major sources of HIV information were through the mass media (i.e. 69.5 per cent Internet, 65.9 per cent newspaper and magazines, 58.3 per cent television). Only 17.9 per cent reported ever having had sex, and only 21.2 per cent used condoms during each sexual encounter. Females were more likely to obtain HIV information from school teachers ( OR = 2.24, 95 per cent CI: 1.53–3.28, p = 0.000) and health professionals ( OR = 1.95, 95 per cent CI: 1.27–2.99, p = 0.002) than males. Males were more likely to discuss sexually transmitted infections through online chat or email with strangers ( OR = 0.46, 95 per cent CI: 0.29–0.71, p = 0.001). Higher school grade was associated with better HIV knowledge in this study, with graduate students, seniors, and sophomores having higher scores on HIV knowledge and HIV transmission myth subscales than freshman.

Conclusion:

Low rates of condom use and insufficient knowledge on HIV prevention among college students in China remain a significant problem. This research provides additional insights that may be used to develop effective HIV prevention strategies in China.
Differentiation in the Music Classroom
Authors: Standerfer Stephanie L.
Published: June 2011

Differentiating music instruction can be done well with a bit of forethought and creativity. When strategically used, music educators can better meet students’ needs and make great strides in individual and overall student achievement. A variety of K–12 choral, instrumental, and general music examples is included.
Interactive Uncertainty Reduction Strategies and Verbal Affection in Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Antheunis Marjolijn L. , Schouten Alexander P. , Valkenburg Patti M. , Peter Jochen
Published: June 2011

The goal of this study was to investigate the language-based strategies that computer-mediated communication (CMC) users employ to reduce uncertainty in the absence of nonverbal cues. Specifically, this study investigated the prevalence of three interactive uncertainty reduction strategies (i.e., self-disclosure, question asking, and question/disclosure intimacy) in reduced-cue settings. Moreover, this study investigated whether these uncertainty reduction strategies increased the verbal statements of affection in CMC. Eighty-one unacquainted cross-sex dyads were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: face-to-face, visual CMC supported by a webcam, or text-only CMC. Content analysis of the verbal communication revealed that text-only CMC interactants made a greater proportion of affection statements than face-to-face interactants. Proportions of question asking and question/disclosure intimacy were higher in both CMC conditions than in the face-to-face condition, but only question asking mediated the relationship between CMC and verbal statements of affection. No differences in question asking, question/disclosure intimacy, and verbal statements of affection were observed between the text-only CMC condition and the visual CMC condition. This study provided additional support for social information processing theory by specifying the role of different language-based strategies that may be employed online.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Filled Natural Rubber Compounds: Effects of Filler Loading and Types of Matrix
Authors: Nabil H. , Ismail H. , Azura A.R.
Published: June 2011

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) was utilized as a filler in natural rubber (SMR L) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50) compounds. Results indicated that the maximum torque, scorch, and cure time of SMR L compounds increased with increasing R-PET loading, whereas ENR 50 compounds showed the decreasing trend in scorch and cure time. Increment in R-PET increased crosslink density and tensile modulus of both natural rubber compounds. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and fatigue life of both natural rubber compounds showed the decreased trend with increasing R-PET loading but ENR 50 showed the lower values than SMR L compounds. The thermal degradation was shifted to a higher temperature and the micrographs exhibited the detachment of R-PET and more agglomeration with increasing R-PET loading in both natural rubber compounds.
Unsightly Urban Menaces and the Rescaling of Residential Segregation in the United States
Authors: Hanlon James
Published: June 2011

In this article, the author uses a slum clearance project in Lexington, Kentucky, as a lens through which to examine the spatial dynamics of racial residential segregation during the first half of the twentieth century. At the time, urban migration and upward socioeconomic mobility on the part of African Americans destabilized extant residential segregation patterns. Amid this instability, various spatial practices were employed in the interest of maintaining white social and economic supremacy. The author argues that such practices were indicative of a thoroughgoing reinvention of urban socio-spatial order that in turn precipitated the vastly expanded scale of residential segregation still found in U.S. cities today. Evidence of this reinvented ordering of urban space lies in the rendering of some long-standing African American neighborhoods as “out of place” within it and the use of slum clearance to remove the “menace” such neighborhoods posed to it.
Interactive processing of contrastive expressions by Russian children
Authors: Sekerina Irina A. , Trueswell John C.
Published: June 2011

Children’s ability to interpret color adjective noun phrases (e.g., red butterfly) as contrastive was examined in an eyetracking study with 6-year-old Russian children. Pitch accent placement (on the adjective red, or on the noun butterfly) was compared within a visual context containing two red referents (a butterfly and a fox) when only one of them had a contrast member (a purple butterfly) or when both had a contrast member (a purple butterfly and a grey fox). Contrastiveness was enhanced by the Russian-specific ‘split constituent’ construction (e.g., Red put butterfly . . .) in which a contrastive interpretation of the color term requires pitch accent on the adjective, with the nonsplit sentences serving as control. Regardless of the experimental manipulations, children had to wait until hearing the noun (butterfly) to identify the referent, even in splits. This occurred even under conditions for which the prosody and the visual context allow adult listeners to infer the relevant contrast set and anticipate the referent prior to hearing the noun (accent on the adjective in 1-Contrast scenes). Pitch accent on the adjective did facilitate children’s referential processing, but only for the nonsplit constituents. Moreover, visual contexts that encouraged the correct contrast set (1-Contrast) only facilitated referential processing after hearing the noun, even in splits. Further analyses showed that children can anticipate the reference like adults but only when the contrast set is made salient by the preceding supportive discourse, that is, when the inference about the intended contrast set is provided by the preceding utterance.
School bullying by one or more ways: Does it matter and how do students cope?
Authors: Skrzypiec Grace , Slee Phillip , Murray-Harvey Rosalind , Pereira Beatriz
Published: June 2011

Students (n = 452; ages 12—14 years) attending two South Australian metropolitan high schools completed the ‘Living & learning at school: Bullying at school’ survey in which they reported ways they were bullied and the strategies they would use to deal with bullying. Results showed that a small proportion of students were bullied in three or more ways, and that males and females differed in the coping strategies they would use if bullied. Significant differences were found between bullied and not bullied students in their use of ‘problem-focused’ in contrast to ‘emotion focused’, or ‘approach’ in contrast to ‘avoidance’ coping strategies, with bullied students more likely to use ‘avoidance’ strategies. Findings suggest that in terms of coping, it does matter whether or not a student is bullied in multiple ways.
Nonexophytic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Loh Kwok Seng , Petersson Fredrik
Published: June 2011

Objective

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) usually presents with an exophytic mass. However, some patients present with biopsy‐proven NPC but normal‐appearing nasopharynx on endoscopic examination (nonexophytic NPC). The authors aim to characterize the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of nonexophytic NPC in a high‐incidence area.

Study Design and Setting

A retrospective cohort analysis of 274 patients with NPC in a tertiary institution.

Subjects and Methods

On the basis of endoscopic findings, the patients were categorized into nonexophytic and exophytic NPC. Clinical, pathological, and survival outcomes between the 2 groups were compared.

Results

Nonexophytic NPC was present in 24 patients (8.8%). A greater proportion of patients with nonexophytic NPC presented with T1 tumors compared to patients with exophytic NPC (70.8% vs 35.2%, P =. 004). Similarly, a higher proportion of patients with nonexophytic NPC compared with exophytic NPC presented with both N3 and M1 disease (37.5% vs 13.2%, P =. 01 and 25.0% vs 6%, P =. 005, respectively). The mean duration of symptoms of patients did not differ significantly. The 5‐year disease‐specific and disease‐free survivals did not show any significant differences.

Conclusion

Nonexophytic NPC appears to be associated with higher risks of both N3 and M1 disease at presentation. However, these patients have similar treatment outcomes compared to patients with exophytic NPC. Although nonexophytic NPC appears to be an aggressive variant, current treatment protocols are as effective as for the group with exophytic NPC. Awareness of the existence of nonexophytic NPC is important for adequate diagnostic workup of patients with this subset of NPC.
Consideration of Genetic Contributions to the Risk for Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Sharma Nutan , Franco Ramon A.
Published: June 2011

Spasmodic dysphonia, a form of the neurologic condition known as dystonia, results from involuntary spasms of the larynx, producing interruptions of speech and changes in voice quality. The pathogenesis of spasmodic dysphonia is not well understood. However, several genetic mutations have been identified that cause different forms of dystonia. In some individuals, these genetic mutations result in spasmodic dysphonia, either with no other signs of dystonia or as part of a broader dystonia phenotype. Thus, research in the growing field of dystonia genetics may help to inform our understanding of the pathogenesis of spasmodic dysphonia.
The Use of Digital Technologies in the Classroom
Authors: Buzzard Christopher , Crittenden Victoria L. , Crittenden William F. , McCarty Paulette
Published: June 2011

Today’s college students, often referred to as the “digital generation,” use an impressive assortment of technological tools in a wide variety of ways. However, the findings reported here suggest that students prefer more traditional instructional technology for effective engagement and learning. Faculty members, however, prefer the use of course-learning technology offered by their universities or publishers. In addition to this potential mismatch between preferences of students and teachers, the research finds that there are vast differences in preferences and usage across disciplines, in particular, business and economics instructors and students having stronger technology preferences than instructors and students of the fine arts and life sciences.
Filtering out slow-scan drifts in atomic force microscopy images
Authors: Teyssedre H , Roux S , Régnier G , Tracz A
Published: June 2011

From two AFM images, scanned in two orthogonal directions, a method is proposed to reconstruct a reference image that is deprived of the slow-scan drifts of each image, and hence that benefits from the fast-scan accuracy of both images. This method, extending that initially proposed by Sun and Pang [ 1 ], is formulated as a global Digital Image Correlation (DIC) problem. The analysis provides not only a reference image but also a residual map, allowing checking of the validity of the correction, and the slow-drift corrections. The algorithm is applied to AFM images of spherulites obtained in tapping mode. It is shown that artificial strains as large as 16 per cent can be corrected from this procedure.
Constellations of Institutional Logics
Authors: Goodrick Elizabeth , Reay Trish
Published: June 2011

Drawing on the professions and institutional literature, we develop theory about how professional work can reflect multiple institutional logics by analyzing changes in the work of pharmacists over time. Through a historical case study of U.S. pharmacists from 1852 to the present, we propose a new conceptualization of professionals and professional work as guided by a constellation of logics derived from broader society. We show that both competitive (segmenting) and cooperative (facilitative or additive) relationships among coexisting logics allow for the simultaneous influence of multiple logics on professionals and their work.
Nano lithium silicates as flame-retardant impregnants for Pinus radiata
Authors: Canosa Guadalupe , Alfieri Paula V. , Giudice Carlos A.
Published: June 2011

Aqueous solutions of nano lithium silicates with 5.5/1.0 and 7.5/1.0 silica/alkali molar ratios were used to impregnate Pinus radiata. To obtain these impregnants, a solution of 3.5/1.0 SiO2/Li2O molar ratio was used; this ratio was increased with nanosilica solution. The impregnations were realized using Bethell process. The curing was made with dibutylamine phosphate, a divalent cation and both chemicals used sequentially. Panels were tested in oxygen index (OI) chamber and two-foot tunnel. The statistical interpretation indicates that the best economical and technical performance was reached with impregnant of the highest silica content and with zinc cation for curing.
Influence of naringin on cadmium-induced genomic damage in human lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Yılmaz Dilek , Aydemir Nilufer Cinkilic , Vatan Özgür , Tüzün Ece , Bilaloğlu Rahmi
Published: June 2011

Cadmium is an important toxic environmental heavy metal. Generally, occupational and environmental exposures to cadmium result from heavy metal mining, metallurgy and industrial use and the manufacturing of nickel–cadmium batteries, pigments and plastic stabilizers. Cadmium induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant system, resulting in oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. The effect of naringin, a grapefruit flavonone, on cadmium-induced genomic damage was studied by using an in vitro system to test for chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges. Cadmium significantly increased the total chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes at concentrations of 20 and 40 μM, and although naringin alone did not induce any chromosomal aberrations, it decreased those induced by cadmium. The mitotic index was not affected by either cadmium or naringin. Cadmium also induced a significant number of sister chromatid exchanges, but naringin alone did not induce sister chromatid exchanges and was unable to decrease the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges induced by cadmium. Replicative index analysis revealed that naringin and cadmium did not significantly alter replicative index frequencies. In this study, we show that plant-based flavonoids, such as naringin, may reduce the genomic damage induced by cadmium and may protect the cellular environments from free radical damage by its possible antioxidative potential.
Epilepsy Treatment in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Krajnc Natalija , Župančič Neža , Oražem Jasna
Published: June 2011

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder predominately affecting females. The majority of patients have epilepsy in the early stages of the disease. This study evaluates the clinical course of epilepsy and the effect of antiepileptic drug treatment in Rett syndrome using retrospective data analysis. Epilepsy was present in 16 of 19 (84%) patients with Rett syndrome in this series. The mean age of seizure onset was 4 years. Remission of seizures was achieved after the first monotherapy in 56% and after the second monotherapy in 18.5% of patients. Valproate, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine were the drugs used most frequently as monotherapy. Valproate monotherapy was highly effective as 75% of treated patients achieved seizure remission. Monotherapy with lamotrigine or carbamazepine was effective in half of the treated patients. There was a clear tendency toward seizure remission after the age of 15 years.
Childhood Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Lo Warren D.
Published: June 2011

Hemorrhagic stroke in children occurs more frequently than is commonly appreciated. There are important differences in the factors associated with hemorrhagic stroke in children when compared with adults. These differences likely play a role in the different outcomes, which tend to worsen with age. In this review, we describe the estimated frequency, clinical presentation, acute management of hemorrhagic stroke, and an overview of rehabilitation techniques. We identify key topics for future basic and clinical research. Findings from future studies will help improve our ability to optimize treatment for and long-term rehabilitation of these patients.
An experimental and modelling study of the combustion and emission characteristics for gasoline–diesel dual-fuel engines
Authors: Cha J , Kwon S , Park S
Published: June 2011

In this study, the combustion and emissions characteristics of gasoline–diesel dual-fuel operation were investigated both experimentally and numerically. Gasoline fuel was injected through an intake port, and diesel fuel was injected directly into the combustion chamber to trigger combustion. The tested concentrations of diesel fuel were 30 per cent and 40 per cent, and it was found that a smaller amount of diesel fuel forms a more homogeneous mixture. Numerical calculations were performed for selected injection timings (i.e. −20° crank angle (CA) after top dead centre) for increased understanding of the combustion regime of dual-fuel combustion using the KIVA code coupled with the primary reference fuels mechanism. The injection timings of the diesel fuel were swept from −40° to +3° CA.

The results showed that gasoline–diesel dual-fuel operation exhibited significant reductions in soot and nitrogen oxide emissions by suppressing the formation of locally rich mixtures or high-temperature regions. However, the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions were increased for a wide range of injection timings.
Estimation of force on vascular wall caused by insertion of self-expanding stents
Authors: Yoshino D , Sato M , Inoue K
Published: June 2011

Stent placement is a minimally invasive procedure that has received considerable attention as a treatment option for vascular stenotic lesions associated with coronary atherosclerosis. However, the severe problem of in-stent restenosis has recently begun to occur in blood vessels in which long-term placement of stents has occurred. In-stent restenosis results from the increase in neointimal hyperplasia caused by the stimulus of the force on the vascular wall. In the present study, methods are proposed to compute the contact force and straightening force on a vascular wall. The force on the vascular wall is calculated using these methods. As an example, the force on the vascular wall created by the insertion of the stent into the carotid artery is calculated, and the concentration of the force at both ends of the stent is confirmed. Guidelines are presented to modify the stent shape based in order to remove this force concentration which may provoke the neointimal hyperplasia. The methods described in the present paper are easily applied to the shape design of stents and will be an effective tool for improving the stent shape.
A simple, economical, and effective portable paediatric mock circulatory system
Authors: Vandenberghe S , Shu F , Arnold D K , Antaki J F
Published: June 2011

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) and total artificial hearts have been in development for the last 50 years. Since their inception, simulators of the circulation with different degrees of complexity have been produced to test these devices in vitro. Currently, a new path has been taken with the extensive efforts to develop paediatric VADs, which require totally different design constraints.

This paper presents the manufacturing details of an economical simulator of the systemic paediatric circulation. This simulator allows the insertion of a paediatric VAD, includes a pumping ventricle, and is adjustable within the paediatric range. Rather than focusing on complexity and physiological simulation, this simulator is designed to be simple and practical for rapid device testing.

The simulator was instrumented with medical sensors and data were acquired under different conditions with and without the new PediaFlow™ paediatric VAD. The VAD was run at different impeller speeds while simulator settings such as vascular resistance and stroke volume were varied. The hydraulic performance of the VAD under pulsatile conditions could be characterized and the magnetic suspension could be tested via manipulations such as cannula clamping.

This compact mock loop has proven to be valuable throughout the PediaFlow development process and has the advantage that it is uncomplicated and can be manufactured cheaply. It can be produced by several research groups and the results of different VADs can then be compared easily.
Correlation between intravesical pressure and prostatic obstruction grade using computational fluid dynamics in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Lee M K , Lee S H , Hur N , Kim S , Kim S , Choi B
Published: June 2011

An urodynamic test which measures various physiologic variables during voiding is generally used for accurate diagnosis of a bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). However, this method is difficult to directly apply to all patients because it is an invasive test and many patients suffer from anxiety and embarrassment during the test. Thus, other diagnosis methods such as uroflowmetry and prostatic symptom score are performed to measure the degree of BOO prior to the urodynamic test, and it is necessary to construct a quantitative relationship among the obstruction level, the intravesical pressure, and the uroflow rate. The aim of this paper is to analyse the variation of intravesical pressure as a function of the extent of the obstruction and the uroflow rate from given information on the size of the bladder and the urodynamic test using a computational fluid dynamics approach. In order to analyse the intravesical pressure, a two-dimensional axisymmetric model of the bladder including a narrowed region, i.e. the prostatic obstruction, is created. Then the variation of the intravesical pressure is quantitatively obtained as a function of the magnitude of the uroflow rate and the extent of the obstruction. It is shown that the intravesical pressure significantly increases even for small obstructions and that at large obstructions it can reach values higher than 100 cm H20, which is a dangerous value. It is shown that the intravesical pressure decreases as the uroflow rate decreases. This study can form the basis of a non-invasive test for the diagnosis of BHP.
Association of heart structure and function abnormalities with laboratory findings in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Plazak W , Gryga K , Milewski M , Podolec M , Kostkiewicz M , Podolec P , Musial J
Published: June 2011

Conventional risk factors of coronary artery disease fail to explain the increased frequency of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study was conducted to determine possible association between the heart structure and function abnormalities with established prognostic value assessed by non-invasive imaging techniques and markers of autoimmune and inflammatory phenomena typical for SLE. Echocardiography and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT; Tc-99m-MIBI) at rest were performed in 60 SLE patients in a stable clinical condition of their disease. Laboratory evaluation included serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), complement C3c and C4 components and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The latter included serum anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (antiβ2GPI) antibodies, both of IgG and IgM class, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) in plasma. Echocardiography revealed pathologic thickening of valvular leaflets and/or pericardium in more than 60% of patients. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was elevated (>30 mmHg) in 16.7%. Myocardial perfusion defects were present in 36.7% of patients, despite normal ECG recordings and a lack of clinical symptoms of myocardial ischaemia. There was a significant association between thickening of valvular leaflets and/or pericardium and high CRP and low C3c and C4 concentrations. On the other hand, increased RVSP and the presence of myocardial perfusion defects were associated with the presence of anticardiolipin and antiβ2GPI antibodies of the IgG class. Increased anticardiolipin IgG levels predicted perfusion defects in SPECT study with 100% sensitivity and 68% specificity, whereas elevated antiβ2GPI IgG levels predicted RVSP elevation (>30 mmHg) with 100% sensitivity and 78% specificity. In stable SLE patients pericardial and valve abnormalities may be associated with markers of an ongoing inflammation. Also, pulmonary systolic pressure elevation and myocardial perfusion defects are combined with elevated levels of anticardiolipin and antiβ2GPI antibodies of the IgG class. These results indicate that even clinically silent pulmonary hypertension and myocardial perfusion defects in SLE patients could be causally related to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
Risk assessment as rhetorical practice: The ironic mathematics behind terrorism, banking, and public policy
Authors: Danisch Robert
Published: June 2011

The twin problems of possible terrorist attacks and a global economic recession have been, and continue to be, critical components of contemporary political culture. At the center of both problems is the assessment of future risk. To calculate the probability that a loan will default or to estimate the likelihood of an act of bioterrorism crippling an American city is to engage in the quantitative science of risk assessment. The process of risk assessment is an attempt to rationalize the uncertainty and contingency of the future. In this essay, I read risk assessments made by the Department of Homeland Security and by major banks during the recent financial collapse as examples of rhetorical practice. As such, I show the rhetorical form and function of risk assessments in order to determine the effect that they have on contemporary political culture.