bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphologically Normal-Appearing Mammary Epithelial Cells Obtained from High-Risk Women Exhibit Methylation Silencing of INK4a/ARF
Authors: Bean Gregory R. , Bryson Andrew D. , Pilie Patrick G. , Goldenberg Vanessa , Baker Joseph C. , Ibarra Catherine , Brander Danielle M.U. , Paisie Carolyn , Case Natalie R. , Gauthier Mona , Reynolds Paul A. , Dietze Eric , Ostrander Julie , Scott Victoria , Wilke Lee G. , Yee Lisa , Kimler Bruce F. , Fabian Carol J. , Zalles Carola M. , Broadwater Gloria , Tlsty Thea D. , Seewaldt Victoria L.
Published: November 2007

Purpose: p16(INK4a) has been appreciated as a key regulator of cell cycle progression and senescence. Cultured human mammary epithelial cells that lack p16(INK4a) activity have been shown to exhibit premalignant phenotypes, such as telomeric dysfunction, centrosomal dysfunction, a sustained stress response, and, most recently, a dysregulation of chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation. These data suggest that cells that lack p16(INK4a) activity would be at high risk for breast cancer development and may exhibit an increased frequency of DNA methylation events in early cancer.

Experimental Design: To test this hypothesis, the frequencies of INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation, as well as four additional selected loci, were tested in the initial random periareolar fine needle aspiration samples from 86 asymptomatic women at high risk for development of breast cancer, stratified using the Masood cytology index.

Results: INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation was observed throughout all early stages of intraepithelial neoplasia and, importantly, in morphologically normal-appearing mammary epithelial cells; 29 of 86 subjects showed INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation in at least one breast. Importantly, INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation was not associated with atypia, and the frequency of hypermethylation did not increase with increasing Masood cytology score. The frequency of INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation was associated with the combined frequency of promoter hypermethylation of retinoic acid receptor-β2, estrogen receptor-α, and breast cancer-associated 1 genes (P = 0.001).

Conclusions: Because INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation does not increase with age but increases with the frequency of other methylation events, we predict that INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation may serve as a marker of global methylation dysregulation.
Distribution Patterns of Dendritic Cells and T Cells in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas Correlate with Prognoses
Authors: Chang Kung-Chao , Huang Guan-Cheng , Jones Dan , Lin Ya-Hui
Published: November 2007

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, accounts for 30% to 40% of all lymphoma cases. However, long-term survival by current chemotherapy was achieved in only 40% of patients, warranting the development of novel therapeutic strategies including T-cell immunotherapy. However, the level of baseline immune activation in DLBCL is unclear.

Experimental Design: The density and distribution of dendritic cells and T cells in 48 cases of primary DLBCL was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Increased numbers of intratumoral CD1a+ dendritic cells and increased S100+ cells and CD45RO+ T cells around the edges of the tumors were seen in 10 of 48 (21%), 9 of 48 (19%), and 10 of 48 (21%) cases and these were correlated with a favorable prognosis (P = 0.015; P = 0.070, and P = 0.017, respectively), along with increased granzyme B+ T cells in tumor beds (P = 0.013). Increased peritumoral T cells were correlated with tumor expression of HLA-DR (r = 0.446; P = 0.002). Extranodal lymphomas showed fewer tumor-associated CD45RO+ T cells (r = −0.407; P = 0.001) and less conspicuous dendritic cell infiltrates.

Conclusions: In DLBCL, the presence of baseline antitumor immune response is associated with favorable clinical outcome, and thus adjuvant T-cell immunotherapy may further boost treatment responses.
Response to [90Yttrium-DOTA]-TOC Treatment is Associated with Long-term Survival Benefit in Metastasized Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Iten Fabienne , Müller Beat , Schindler Christian , Rochlitz Christoph , Oertli Daniel , Mäcke Helmut R. , Müller-Brand Jan , Walter Martin A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose: We aimed to explore the efficacy of 90Yttrium–1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododecane N,N′,N″,N-‴-tetraacetic acid (90Y-DOTA)–Tyr3-octreotide (TOC) therapy in advanced medullary thyroid cancer.

Experimental Design: In a phase II trial, we investigated the response, survival, and long-term safety profile of systemic [90Y-DOTA]-TOC treatment in metastasized medullary thyroid cancer. Adverse events were assessed according to the criteria of the National Cancer Institute. Survival analyses were done using multiple regression models.

Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. A median cumulative activity of 12.6 GBq (range, 1.7-29.6 GBq) of [90Y-DOTA]-TOC was administered. Response was found in nine patients (29.0%). Four patients (12.9%) developed hematologic toxicities and seven patients (22.6%) developed renal toxicities. Response to treatment was associated with longer survival from time of diagnosis (hazard ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.81; P = 0.02) and from time of first [90Y-DOTA]-TOC therapy (hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.63; P = 0.009). The visual grade of scintigraphic tumor uptake was not associated with treatment response or survival.

Conclusions: Response to [90Y-DOTA]-TOC therapy in metastasized medullary thyroid cancer is associated with a long-term survival benefit. Treatment should be considered independently from the result of the pretherapeutic scintigraphy.
Phase I Trial of Single-Dose Temozolomide and Continuous Administration of O6-Benzylguanine in Children with Brain Tumors: a Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium Report
Authors: Broniscer Alberto , Gururangan Sridharan , MacDonald Tobey J. , Goldman Stewart , Packer Roger J. , Stewart Clinton F. , Wallace Dana , Danks Mary K. , Friedman Henry S. , Poussaint Tina Y. , Kun Larry E. , Boyett James M. , Gajjar Amar ,   for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium
Published: November 2007

Purpose: To estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of escalating doses of temozolomide combined with O6-benzylguanine in patients ≤21 years with recurrent brain tumors.

Experimental Design: Treatment strata consisted of patients who had previously received no or local radiotherapy (Str1) and patients who had undergone craniospinal radiotherapy or myeloablative chemotherapy (Str2). One-hour i.v. administration of O6-benzylguanine at 120 mg/m2 was followed by 48-h continuous infusion at 30 mg/m2/day. Single-dose temozolomide at five dosage levels (267, 355, 472, 628, and 835 mg/m2) was given at least 6 h after completion of O6-benzylguanine bolus. Treatment was repeated after recovery from toxicities at least 4 weeks apart for a maximum of 12 courses. Dose escalation followed the modified continual reassessment method. Pharmacokinetic analyses of temozolomide and 5-triazeno imidazole carboxamide (MTIC) were done in 28 patients.

Results: A total of 44 and 26 eligible patients were enrolled on Str1 and Str2, respectively. Median age at study entry in each stratum was 8.6 and 11.3 years, respectively. Predominant diagnoses were high-grade/brainstem glioma in Str1 and medulloblastoma in Str2. Whereas the estimated MTDs of temozolomide for Str1 and Str2 were 562 and 407 mg/m2, respectively, the doses recommended for phase II investigations are 472 and 355 mg/m2, respectively. DLTs were predominantly neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Three patients with gliomas experienced centrally confirmed partial responses to therapy. Four patients completed all planned therapy. Temozolomide and MTIC exposures were statistically associated with temozolomide dosage.

Conclusions: The current schedule of temozolomide and O6-benzylguanine is safe and showed modest activity against recurrent brain tumors in children.
Biological Therapy and Other Novel Therapies in Early-Stage Disease: Are They Appropriate?
Authors: Grothey Axel
Published: November 2007

For nearly two decades, adjuvant chemotherapy has been the standard of care in patients with early-stage colon cancer at high risk of recurrence. Until now, treatment has been based on the use of cytotoxic drugs that have well-demonstrated efficacy in advanced colorectal cancer. Most recently, targeted biological agents [i.e., antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor] have become essential components of the palliative medical treatment of colorectal cancer. Proof of efficacy of these agents in advanced disease has led to the initiation of several trials testing epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies in the adjuvant setting. Although definitive results of ongoing adjuvant studies will not be available for 2 to 3 years, some oncologists might already inappropriately consider the use of these targeted agents as a component of adjuvant therapy in selected patients. Whether the results obtained in advanced colorectal cancer can be readily translated into a projected efficacy in early-stage colon cancer, however, is unclear. In addition, the long-term safety of biological agents in potentially surgically cured patients has not yet been established. This review discusses the potential caveats and concerns associated with the uncritical use of targeted agents as adjuvant therapy before their safety and efficacy in this setting has been indisputably established in definitive phase III trials.
Management of Early Rectal T1 and T2 Cancers
Authors: Stamos Michael J. , Murrell Zuri
Published: November 2007

The treatment of rectal cancer has undergone a tremendous surgical evolution over the past century. Initially, in the 19th century, the only possible safe treatment was a diverting colostomy, which then evolved first to local treatment, primarily via the Lisfranc and Kraske procedures (posterior approach), and later, in the 20th century, to the abdominal-perineal resection popularized by Miles. Subsequently, anterior resection and low anterior resection gained a solid foothold as the most efficacious ways to treat most cancers of the rectum. In the past 3 decades, transanal excision has reemerged as a popular treatment option for T1 and selected T2 rectal adenocarcinomas, allowing less morbidity for early cancers. The selection criteria for this treatment have often included mobile tumor, size <4 cm, favorable histology without lymphovascular invasion, and anatomic accessibility with the ability to achieve 1-cm circumferential margins. Although the use of transanal excision for T1 rectal cancer increased from 26% to ∼44% between 1989 and 2003, multiple recent retrospective studies have suggested that locoregional recurrence after this procedure is as high as 18% for T1 cancers and 47% for T2 cancers. Of interest, limited available prospective data reveal much better results (4-5% locoregional recurrence rate for T1 and 14-16% for T2). Much of the apparent discrepancy is due to patient selection, which is far more rigid in prospective trials. Conflicting data also exist as to how this outcome affects overall survival, although surgical salvage averages ∼50% with close follow-up. The following topics will be discussed in this article: the surgical evolution of rectal cancer, best patient selection criteria for transanal excision versus more radical operation, utility and effect of adjuvant therapy in early-stage rectal cancer, current trends in the treatment of early-stage rectal cancer, and current early-stage rectal cancer trials.
Normal Brain Cells Contribute to the Bystander Effect in Suicide Gene Therapy of Malignant Glioma
Authors: Miletic Hrvoje , Fischer Yvonne Heidemarie , Giroglou Tsanan , Rueger Maria Adele , Winkeler Alexandra , Li Huongfeng , Himmelreich Uwe , Stenzel Werner , Jacobs Andreas H. , von Laer Dorothee
Published: November 2007

Purpose: Lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with glycoproteins of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV-GP) are promising candidates for gene therapy of malignant glioma, as they specifically and efficiently transduce glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of LCMV-GP and vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) pseudotyped vectors.

Experimental Design: Therapeutic efficacy was tested for unmodified (9L) and DsRed-modified (9LDsRed) gliomas using the suicide gene thymidine kinase of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1-tk). Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging were done to analyze transduction of tumors and monitor therapeutic outcome.

Results: LCMV-GP pseudotypes mediated a successful eradication of 9LDsRed tumors with 100% of long-term survivors. Before initiation of ganciclovir treatment, a strong HSV-1-tk expression within the tumor was detected by noninvasive PET using the tracer 9-[4-[18F]fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine. Therapeutic outcome was successfully monitored by magnetic resonance imaging and PET imaging and correlated with the histopathologic data. In the 9L model, LCMV-GP and VSV-G pseudotyped lentiviral vectors displayed similar therapeutic efficacy. Further studies revealed that normal brain cells transduced with VSV-G pseudotypes were not eliminated by ganciclovir treatment and contributed significantly to the bystander killing of tumor cells.

Conclusions: Suicide gene transfer using pseudotyped lentiviral vectors was very effective in the treatment of rat glioma and therefore is an attractive therapeutic strategy also in human glioblastoma especially in conjunction with an imaging-guided approach. In addition, high selectivity of gene transfer to tumor cells may not always be desirable for therapeutic genes that exert a clear bystander effect.
Randomised comparison of G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells versus bone marrow-mononuclear cells for the treatment of patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans
Authors: Huang Ping Ping , Yang Xiao Feng , Li Shan Zhu , Wen Jin Chao , Zhang Yan , Han Zhong Chao
Published: November 2007

Previous studies have suggested that the lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (LASO) could be improved by autologous transplantation of either bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) or G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (M-PBMNC). However, the number of patients observed was very limited, and little information is available regarding comparison. The present randomised trial was designed to assess which is the better option. One hundred fifty patients with LASO were randomised to either group A (76 cases implanted with M-PBMNC) or group B (74 cases implanted with BMMNC), and followed up for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were safety and efficacy of treatment, based on ankle-brachial index (ABI) and rest pain, and analysis was per protocol. Significant improvement of the main clinical index was observed in both groups after transplantation. No transplantation-related complication was observed in either group. Comparative analysis revealed that at 12 weeks after cell implantation, improvement of ABI (difference 0.06 ± 0.01; p<0.0001), skin temperature (difference 0.55 ± 0.25; p=0.028), and rest pain (difference –0.57 ± –0.15;p<0.0001) was significantly better in groupA patients than group B patients. However, there was no significant difference between two groups for pain-free walking distance, transcutaneous oxygen pressure, ulcers, and rate of lower limb amputation. Autologous transplantation of either M-PBMNC or BMMNC significantly promotes improvement of limb ischaemia in patients with LASO. Comparative analysis indicated that M-PBMNC should be more practical in comparison with BMMNC in the treatment of LASO.
APC resistance during the normal menstrual cycle
Authors: Silveira Angela , Thomassen Stella , Odeberg Jacob , Hamsten Anders , Rosing Jan , Bremme Katarina , Rooijen Marianne van
Published: November 2007

Increased serum levels of endogenous as well as exogenous estrogen are regarded to be responsible for acquired activated protein C (APC) resistance. It was the objective of this study to evaluate whether the physiological increase in serum estradiol concentration during the normal menstrual cycle affects the individual’s sensitivity to APC. Seventy-two women with normal menstrual cycles were included in the study. Blood samples for analysis of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and APC resistance were drawn at two time points of the menstrual cycle (day 3–5 and day 22–25). Two methods of measuring APC resistance were used: the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)-based assay and the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)-based APC resistance test. Independent of the method used, no changes in APC resistance were found, even though the E2 concentration increased significantly between the two menstrual phases. No correlations between E2 levels and APC resistance, P4 levels and APC resistance or changes in E2 concentrations and changes in APC resistance were detected. Ten women were carriers of the factor VLeiden mutation. Their baseline APC resistance was increased, but their response to elevated E2 during the menstrual cycle did not differ from that of non-carriers. In conclusion, our observations suggest that physiological differences in serum levels of estradiol and progesterone between the early follicular and the luteal phase in a normal menstrual cycle do not have any significant impact on the individual’s sensitivity to APC.
Profibrinolytic activity of the direct thrombin inhibitor melagatran and unfractionated heparin in platelet-poor and platelet-rich clots
Authors: Rossiello Maria , Ammollo Tiziana , Semeraro Fabrizio , Piro Donatella , Colucci Mario
Published: November 2007

Anticoagulants have been shown to stimulate fibrinolysis principally via inhibition of thrombin-mediated activation of TAFI (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor). Their profibrinolytic effect,however,may vary according to their mechanism of action and to the clot composition. We compared the fibrinolytic activity of the direct thrombin inhibitor melagatran with that of unfractionated heparin in platelet-poor (PPP) and platelet-rich (PRP) models consisting of tissue-factor-induced clots exposed to exogenous t-PA (25 ng/ml). In the PPP clot model, both heparin (0.1–0.6 U/ml) and melagatran (20–320 ng/ml) caused a concentration- dependent shortening of lysis time. However, when drug profibrinolytic activity (lysis ratio) was expressed in function of the aPTT prolongation (aPTT ratio), melagatran was more efficient than heparin. In the PRP clot model, melagatran displayed a fibrinolytic activity fairly comparable to that observed in PPP whilst heparin caused a modest reduction of lysis time only at the highest concentrations. Assay of thrombin and TAFIa generation in defibrinated plasma showed that the presence of platelets markedly reduced the ability of heparin,but not that of melagatran, to inhibit the formation of these enzymes. Altogether these data indicate that melagatran is more efficient than heparin in promoting fibrinolysis, particularly in plateletrich clots, and may thus grant a greater antithrombotic activity by enhancing thrombus dissolution.
Low risk of inhibitor formation in haemophilia patients after a change in treatment from Chinese hamster ovary cell-produced to baby hamster kidney cell-produced recombinant factor VIII
Authors: Smith Jude , Kavanagh Mary , Nolan Beatrice , White Barry , Singleton Evelyn
Published: November 2007

This retrospective survey of haemophilia A patients from multiple treatment centres in Ireland assessed the development of inhibitors following a switch in the prescribed treatment from recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) produced by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (rFVIII-CHO) to rFVIII produced by baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells (rFVIII-BHK). Ninety-four patients participated in the survey. Most patients (89.4%) had severe haemophilia. One of 77 (1.3%) patients with no inhibitor history developed an inhibitor. This was a patient with moderate haemophilia A who developed a transient, low-titre (1 BU) de novo inhibitor following surgery. Recurrent inhibitors were detected in three of 17 patients with an inhibitor history during the 20-month post-switch study period. All patients continued on rFVIII-BHK therapy, and all tested negative for inhibitors at the time of their last inhibitor assay during the observation period. These results are consistent with the low levels of inhibitor formation demonstrated in phase III studies of previously treated patients receiving BHK-produced rFVIII and support the low risk of inhibitor formation following a change from rFVIIICHO to rFVIII-BHK.
Use of the pentasaccharide fondaparinux as an anticoagulant during haemodialysis
Authors: Kalicki Robert , Aregger Fabienne , Alberio Lorenzo , Lämmle Bernhard , Frey Felix , Uehlinger Dominik
Published: November 2007

No data about the use of the pentasaccharide fondaparinux, a highly selective indirect inhibitor of factor Xa,in patients treated with haemodialysis are available. Therefore, we investigated the pharmacokinetics and -dynamics of fondaparinux in 12 patients during haemodialysis. The anti-Xa activity (expressed as fondaparinux equivalent) was monitored, a semiquantitative clotting scale (SQCS) ranging from 0 (no visible traces of coagula) to 3 (complete clotting of the dialysis circuit) was applied, and the digital compression time necessary to achieve haemostasis at the puncture site was determined. After an initial period, when the regular heparin dose was replaced once weekly by fondaparinux, 0.05 mg/kg, the pentasaccharide was administered for nine consecutive haemodialysis sessions. Peak anti-Xa activity increased from 0.61 ± 0.14 μg/l after the first dose to 0.89 ± 0.24 μg/l after dose 9 (P<0.001), whereas predialysis anti-Xa activity steadily rose to 0.32 ± 0.09 μg/l (P<0.001). A sufficient but slightly less effective anticoagulation with a mean SQCS of 1.19 ± 0.71 (n=121) was obtained by fondaparinux as compared with 0.65 ± 0.58 (n=60, P<0.005) by 4,825 ± 1,703 U of unfractionated heparin. Mean digital compression time rose slightly during fondaparinux from 23.7 ± 7.4 minutes to 24.8 ± 7.5 minutes (P<0.05) and, more important, six of the 12 patients reported minor bleeding problems during the interdialytic interval. Thus, fondaparinux can be used to prevent circuit clotting during haemodialysis; however, accumulation results in an interdialytic increase of anti-Xa activity. Therefore, fondaparinux should be reserved for patients requiring systemic anticoagulation on the days off dialysis.
Association Between Concurrent and Remote Blood Pressure and Disability in Older Adults
Authors: Hajjar Ihab , Lackland Daniel T. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Lipsitz Lewis A.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between blood pressure and disability in older adults. Stroke-free participants in the Charleston Heart Study (n=999, mean age=68.5± 0.2 years SE, 57% women, and 39% African Americans) were followed between 1960 and 1993. Functional measures including Nagi’s Congruency in Medical and Self Assessment of Disability Scale, the Rosow-Breslaw Scale, and Katz’ Activities of Daily Living Scale, in addition to systolic and diastolic blood pressures, were collected in 1984–1985, 1987–1990, and 1990–1993. Additional systolic and diastolic blood pressures from 1960 to 1963 were also available. We defined remote blood pressure change as the change from 1960 to 1984 to 1985 and concurrent blood pressure change as the change from 1984 to 1985 to the follow-up periods. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg or receiving antihypertensive agents, and it was considered uncontrolled if subjects were receiving antihypertensive agents and blood pressure was ≥140/90 mm Hg. Greater increases in remote and concurrent systolic blood pressure increases but not diastolic blood pressure were associated with greater declines in all 3 of the functional measures. Participants with hypertension were also at an increased risk for developing new disability (hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.59 for Nagi scale; hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.59 for Rosow-Breslaw Scale; and hazard ratio: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.69 for Katz scale). Participants with uncontrolled hypertension were at greatest risk of disability compared with normotensive subjects. In stroke-free older adults, increases in remote and concurrent systolic blood pressure increases are associated with greater functional decline. Older adults with uncontrolled hypertension are at a particularly increased risk for disability.
A Neural Basis for Percept Stabilization in Binocular Rivalry
Authors: Sterzer Philipp , Rees Geraint
Published: November 2007

When the same visual input has conflicting interpretations, conscious perception can alternate spontaneously between each competing percept. Surprisingly, such bistable perception can be stabilized by intermittent stimulus removal, suggesting the existence of perceptual “memory” across interruptions in stimulation. The neural basis of such a process remains unknown. Here, we studied binocular rivalry, one type of bistable perception, in two linked experiments in human participants. First, we showed, in a behavioral experiment using binocular rivalry between face and grating stimuli, that the stabilizing effect of stimulus removal was specific to perceptual alternations evoked by rivalry, and did not occur following physical alternations in the absence of rivalry. We then used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity in a variable delay period of stimulus removal. Activity in the fusiform face area during the delay period following removal of rivalrous stimuli was greater following face than grating perception, whereas such a difference was absent during removal of non-rivalrous stimuli. Moreover, activity in areas of fronto-parietal regions during the delay period correlated with the degree to which individual participants tended to experience percept stabilization. Our findings suggest that percept-related activity in specialized extrastriate visual areas help to stabilize perception during perceptual conflict, and that high-level mechanisms may determine the influence of such signals on conscious perception.
The Seductive Allure of Neuroscience Explanations
Authors: Weisberg Deena Skolnick , Keil Frank C. , Goodstein Joshua , Rawson Elizabeth , Gray Jeremy R.
Published: November 2007

Explanations of psychological phenomena seem to generate more public interest when they contain neuroscientific information. Even irrelevant neuroscience information in an explanation of a psychological phenomenon may interfere with people's abilities to critically consider the underlying logic of this explanation. We tested this hypothesis by giving naïve adults, students in a neuroscience course, and neuroscience experts brief descriptions of psychological phenomena followed by one of four types of explanation, according to a 2 (good explanation vs. bad explanation) × 2 (without neuroscience vs. with neuroscience) design. Crucially, the neuroscience information was irrelevant to the logic of the explanation, as confirmed by the expert subjects. Subjects in all three groups judged good explanations as more satisfying than bad ones. But subjects in the two nonexpert groups additionally judged that explanations with logically irrelevant neuroscience information were more satisfying than explanations without. The neuroscience information had a particularly striking effect on nonexperts' judgments of bad explanations, masking otherwise salient problems in these explanations.
Using Temperature–Salinity Relations in a Global Ocean Implementation of a Multivariate Data Assimilation Scheme
Authors: Bellucci A. , Masina S. , DiPietro P. , Navarra A.
Published: November 2007

In this paper results from the application of an ocean data assimilation (ODA) system, combining a multivariate reduced-order optimal interpolator (OI) scheme with a global ocean general circulation model (OGCM), are described. The present ODA system, designed to assimilate in situ temperature and salinity observations, has been used to produce ocean reanalyses for the 1962–2001 period. The impact of assimilating observed hydrographic data on the ocean mean state and temporal variability is evaluated. A special focus of this work is on the ODA system skill in reproducing a realistic ocean salinity state. Results from a hierarchy of different salinity reanalyses, using varying combinations of assimilated data and background error covariance structures, are described. The impact of the space and time resolution of the background error covariance parameterization on salinity is addressed.
Assessing the Numerical Accuracy of Complex Spherical Shallow-Water Flows
Authors: Mohebalhojeh Ali R. , Dritschel David G.
Published: November 2007

The representation of nonlinear shallow-water flows poses severe challenges for numerical modeling. The use of contour advection with contour surgery for potential vorticity (PV) within the contour-advective semi-Lagrangian (CASL) algorithm makes it possible to handle near-discontinuous distributions of PV with an accuracy beyond what is accessible to conventional algorithms used in numerical weather and climate prediction. The emergence of complex distributions of the materially conserved quantity PV, in the absence of forcing and dissipation, results from large-scale shearing and deformation and is a common feature of high Reynolds number flows in the atmosphere and oceans away from boundary layers. The near-discontinuous PV in CASL sets a limit on the actual numerical accuracy of the Eulerian, grid-based part of CASL. For the spherical shallow-water equations, the limit is studied by comparing the accuracy of CASL algorithms with second-order-centered, fourth-order-compact, and sixth-order-supercompact finite differencing in latitude in conjunction with a spectral treatment in longitude. The comparison is carried out on an unstable midlatitude jet at order one Rossby number and low Froude number that evolves into complex vortical structures with sharp gradients of PV. Quantitative measures of global conservation of energy and angular momentum, and of imbalance as diagnosed using PV inversion by means of Bolin–Charney balance, indicate that fourth-order differencing attains the highest numerical accuracy achievable for such nonlinear, advectively dominated flows.
Convective Episodes in the East-Central United States
Authors: Parker Matthew D. , Ahijevych David A.
Published: November 2007

Nine years of composited radar data are investigated to assess the presence of organized convective episodes in the east-central United States. In the eastern United States, the afternoon maximum in thunderstorms is ubiquitous over land. However, after removing this principal diurnal peak from the radar data, the presence and motion of organized convective systems becomes apparent in both temporally averaged fields and in the statistics of convective episodes identified by an objective algorithm. Convective echoes are diurnally maximized over the Appalachian chain, and are repeatedly observed to move toward the east. Partly as a result of this, the daily maximum in storms is delayed over the Piedmont and coastal plain relative to the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coast. During the 9 yr studied, the objective algorithm identified 2128 total convective episodes (236 yr−1), with several recurring behaviors. Many systems developed over the elevated terrain during the afternoon and moved eastward, often to the coastline and even offshore. In addition, numerous systems formed to the west of the Appalachian Mountains and moved into and across the eastern U.S. study domain. In particular, many nocturnal convective systems from the central United States entered the western side of the study domain, frequently arriving at the eastern mountains around the next day’s afternoon maximum in storm frequency. A fraction of such well-timed systems succeeded in crossing the Appalachians and continuing across the Piedmont and coastal plain. Convective episodes were most frequent during the high-instability, low-shear months of summer, which dominate the year-round statistics. Even so, an important result is that the episodes still occurred almost exclusively in above-average vertical wind shear. Despite the overall dominance of the diurnal cycle, the data show that adequate shear in the region frequently leads to long-lived convective episodes with mesoscale organization.
Educational Administration Quarterly, 1979-2003: An Analysis of Types of Work, Methods of Investigation, and Influences
Authors: Murphy Joseph , Vriesenga Michael , Storey Valerie
Published: November 2007

Purpose: The objective of this article is to provide an analysis of articles in Education Administration Quarterly (EAQ) over the 25-year period 1979-2003.

Approach: The approach is document analysis.

Findings: Information is presented on four key themes: (a) types of articles published; (b) methodologies employed; (c) topic areas emphasized; and (d) books and articles exerting considerable influence.

Implications: Based on publication patterns, questions are framed that could help shape editorial policy in EAQ . In addition, areas of work that merit greater attention are noted.
Active on the Job—Proactive in Change
Authors: Hornung Severin , Rousseau Denise M.
Published: November 2007

Two separate samples of a hospital's employees ( N = 166 and 133) obtained at different points in time are used to test a structural equation model of the developmental and socializing effects autonomy at work has on employees' proactivity and its resultant impact on their support for organizational change. In both samples, autonomy positively affected employee role breadth self-efficacy and personal initiative, which in turn had positive though differential relationships with employee responses to change. The model fitting each cross-sectional sample is supported in a third separate, longitudinal sample ( N = 74) of participants in both surveys. Results indicate that the proactivity characteristic of workers enjoying on-the-job autonomy promotes their positive responses to structural change. Promoting worker autonomy itself can be a critical precursor to successful implementation of certain forms of organizational change.
Rural Women's Experiences of Micro-Credit Schemes in Nigeria
Authors: Omorodion Francisca Isi
Published: November 2007

This paper seeks to examine the perceptions and experiences of Nigerian Esan women who participated in Better Life for Women Program, a poverty alleviation program. Between January and June 1994, we conducted in-depth interviews with twenty members of two micro credit groups based in Ekpoma and Ubiaja. The data showed that the distance between their place of residence and the financial institutions, spouses' control over their income, the use of force and threat of prosecution by the government and financial institutions hindered regular loan repayments. The findings are indications that culture practices and expectations negatively impact on poverty alleviation programs.
Colonial India and External Affairs
Authors: Kuracina William F.
Published: November 2007

This essay relates the Indian National Congress's struggle against British imperialism to the global politics of the mid-1930s. While contextualizing the Congress's anti-colonialism as a world view intending to combat imperial systems of exploitation, this article postulates that the foreign policy of the post-colonial Indian state originated in the Congress's anti-imperialism and anti-fascism of the 1930s. Drawing on published sources that chart policy decisions and illustrate the attitudes of leading actors in the formulation of official policy, this article hypothesizes that the principles generated by inter-war exigencies proved to be incompatible ideologies for the construction of India's post-colonial foreign policy.
Bond Graph Modeling of Rail Wheelset on Curved Track
Authors: Banerjee Nilotpal , Karmakar Ranjit
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a bond graph model of a free rail wheelset rolling on fleXible curved track, considering siX degrees of freedom without linearity approXimations. Modeling of engineering systems through bond graphs is based on eXchange of power amongst the basic elements of a system and several energy domains can be represented in a unified manner. In this paper, the modeling approach is based on creating subsystem bond graph models or capsules representing various analytical aspects of wheelset dynamics. The model is finally converted to a wheelset capsule, which can be further used for the development of truck and carbody models with suspension elements. The model can accommodate any creep force formulation for the rail—wheel contact forces. In this work, both Kalker's linear theory and heuristic modification based on non-linear formulation by Vermeulen and Johnson are used separately in a comparative study. Both these formulations allow the creep forces to be modeled by a non-linear bond graph R elements acted upon by the corresponding slip velocities between the wheel and track. Kinematic analysis of the wheelset is carried out to determine velocities of the contact points. The bond graph is created using software SYMBOLS 2000 and simulated for a set of parameter values.
An Entire Strategy for Control of a Calender Roller System: Part II Settling Time-optimal Feedback Control
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Fang Chien-Chou
Published: November 2007

Fast tracking performance and settling times, and low energy consumption while minimizing vibrations must be provided by a high performance calender roller system. This paper is a continuation of a companion paper [ Textile Res. J. XX, 00—00 (2007)], a regulating reference input technology combined with the aforementioned PID type control scheme is proposed for robustness and dominant mode vibration suppression. This combination scheme possesses the advantages of simplicity and effectiveness, and because no additional sensors and actuators are required the resulting controllers lead to optimal settling time performance without unwanted residual vibrations. This control scheme has stability and robustness to parameter variations of the calender roller system since the controller guarantees the absolute stability of the system. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated through computer simulations. This feedback control design is particularly well suited to perform calculations by computer, and eventually we hope to design a calender roller system that can actually be controlled directly by an on-line computer.
Regulation of Surface Hydrophilicity of Plasma Treated Wool Fabrics
Authors: Canal Cristina , Erra Pilar , Molina Ricardo , Bertrán Enric
Published: November 2007

In this study, a set of experiments was carried out with the aim of gradually conferring hydrophobic properties to a low temperature plasma-treated wool fiber surface by post-reaction with hydrocarbon chains of different chain length. This study revealed the close relationship between the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the wool surface with its shrinkage properties.
Biocidal Aramide Fabrics for Emergency Responders: Formation and Properties of Aramide Halamine
Authors: Sandstrom Anne , Gang Sun  , Morshed Mohammad
Published: November 2007

Poly- m-phenyleneisophthalamide fibers are widely used in production of inherently flame-retardant fabrics for firefighters' uniforms. These meta-aromatic polyamide fibers can be directly converted to biocidal halamine structures, which provide durable and rechargeable antimicrobial functions. Such a treatment on the fabrics was carefully evaluated to ensure no deleterious effects of bleaching on fabric performance. Results indicated that low crystallinity meta-aramids can undergo chlorination in high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solutions without showing significant change in tensile strength, flammability, electrical static resisitivity, or radiant heat exposure values. These findings suggest that antimicrobial functions can be easily incorporated into fabrics containing this fiber without altering the expected short-term performance properties of the material.
Analysis of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzo-furans in Sanitary Products of Women
Authors: Jeoung Hwa Shin  , Yun Gyong Ahn
Published: November 2007

To dissolve and develop the analytical methods for native polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in sanitary products, we collected sanitary napkins from Korea (K1, K2, K3), Japan (J1, J2, J3), USA (U1, U2, U3), Germany (G1, G2) and China (C1, C2), and tampons from Korea (TK), Japan (TJ1, TJ2) and USA (TU1, TU2, TU3). PCDDs and PCDFs in sanitary products were determined by HRGC/HRMS. Experimental methods consisted of comparison of extracting solvents toluene and a mixture of hexane/dichloromethane (1/1), and analysis of PCDD/Fs in sanitary products. In extracting solvent experiments with K1 and K2, octachlorinated dioxin (OCDD), hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) and octa-chlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) were detected. The recoveries of sampling standard and clean-up standard in extract of hexane/dichloromethane (1/1) were higher than extract of toluene. From the results of analysis of PCDD/Fs in sanitary napkins, no noxious materials were detected in one from Korea (K3) and three from USA (U1, U2, U3) among the tested samples with our test method. OCDD, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF were detected in all the kinds of tampon tested. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in tampon samples were similar to that in sanitary napkins.
Aardvark et al.: quality journals and gamesmanship in management studies
Authors: Macdonald Stuart , Kam Jacqueline
Published: November 2007

Publication in quality journals has become a major indicator of research performance in UK universities. This paper investigates the notion of `quality journal' and finds dizzying circularity in its definitions. Actually, what a quality journal is does not really matter: agreement that there are such things matters very much indeed. As so often happens with indicators of performance, the indicator has become the target. So, the challenge is to publish in quality journals, and the challenge rewards gamesmanship. Vested interests have become particularly skilful at the game, and at exercising the winners' prerogative of changing the rules. All but forgotten in the desperation to win the game is publication as a means of communicating research findings for the public benefit. The paper examines the situation in management studies, but the problem is much more widespread. It concludes that laughter is both the appropriate reaction to such farce, and also, perhaps, the stimulus to reform.
Experiencing modernization: Frontline probation perspectives on the transition to a National Offender Management Service
Authors: Robinson Gwen , Burnett Ros
Published: November 2007

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS), intended to integrate the Probation and Prison Services of England and Wales and to provide an operational framework for the end-to-end management of offenders throughout their sentences, was introduced in summer 2004. This major innovation came fast after a period of immense change to probation services which had culminated in the formation of the National Probation Service (NPS) in 2001. The present study, in which 41 probation practitioners from four probation areas were interviewed, sought to gain insight into frontline perspectives on the impact of NOMS. The study indicates that communication to frontline staff about NOMS has not been wholly effective and many practitioners are experiencing `initiative confusion' and `change fatigue' in endeavouring to meet an increasing range of demands from an expanding range of `masters'. While many remain open to the possible benefits of NOMS, particularly for offenders, considerable uncertainty remains about the implications of NOMS for themselves and the Probation Service. The `ogre of contestability' is linked with fears about future job security, whilst other aspects of the NOMS agenda are adding to a sense of demoralization and increasing alienation from the values that brought some into the service.
In the aftermath: Listening to people bereaved by homicide
Authors: Malone Lesley
Published: November 2007

This article presents some of the key findings from a study of bereavement by homicide, based on interviews with bereaved people and personnel from Victim Support, the probation service, the police and voluntary organizations. It outlines some of the emotional and practical aspects of traumatic bereavement and the needs that subsequently arise, with particular regard to bereaved people's involvement with the criminal justice system. Recommendations for improved probation service, police and Victim Support responses are proposed.
Supermedia Interface for Internet-based Telediagnostics of Breast Pathology
Authors: Shen Yantao , Methil Nandagopal S. , Pomeroy Craig A. , Xi Ning , Mukherjee Ranjan , Zhu Danyu , Cen Zhiwei , Yang James , Mutka Matt W. , Slomski Carol A. , Apelgren Keith N.
Published: November 2007

We present our development of a supermedia interface for telediagnostics of breast pathology via the Internet. Supermedia is the incorporation of multiple media and data streams, such as audio, video, ultrasound images, and tactile and haptic sensor data for enhanced telepresence capabilities. Our supermedia interface comprises an anthropomorphic arm/hand equipped with haptic and tactile sensing, ultrasound imaging capabilities, a physician interface capable of rendering both haptic and tactile information, and two-way audio and video. The supermedia interface was tested via the Internet and enables telediagnostics. Preliminary experiments with silicone breast models have demonstrated the e fectiveness of the supermedia interface for telediagnostics. The interface is expected to enhance and improve the diagnostic performance of breast pathology as well as promote telediagnostics in remote areas and for patients with cultural barriers.
Automatic Detection of Instruments in Laparoscopic Images: A First Step Towards High-level Command of Robotic Endoscopic Holders
Authors: Voros Sandrine , Long Jean-Alexandre , Cinquin Philippe
Published: November 2007

The tracking of surgical instruments o fers interesting possibilities for the development of high-level commands for robotic camera holders in laparoscopic surgery. We have developed a new method to detect instruments in laparoscopic images which uses information on the 3D position of the insertion point of an instrument into the abdominal cavity. This information strongly constrains the search for the instrument in each endoscopic image. Hence, the instrument can be detected in near real-time using shape considerations. Early results on laparoscopic images show that the method is rapid and robust in the presence of partial occlusion and smoke. Our first experiment on a cadaver validates our approach and shows encouraging results.
A Haptic Robot Reveals the Adaptation Capability of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Casadio Maura , Sanguineti Vittorio , Solaro Claudio , Morasso Pietro G.
Published: November 2007

A prerequisite for rehabilitation is that patients preserve their ability to adapt to novel dynamic environments, an ability that has been associated with the cerebellar system. In this study, we use a robot manipulandum to assess the ability of multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects in the early phase of the disease to adapt to a speed-dependent force field. Their performance is compared with an equal number of age-matched controls. We found that MS subjects display subtle in-coordination problems but do not significantly di fer from controls in their ability to adapt to the force field. These findings are discussed in terms of the possible benefits that MS subjects might receive from robot-assisted therapy that is specifically aimed at impaired visuomotor coordination.