bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BMP4 Administration Induces Differentiation of CD133+ Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells, Blocking Their Contributions to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Lixing , Sun Hefen , Zhao Fangyu , Lu Ping , Ge Chao , Li Hong , Hou Helei , Yan Mingxia , Chen Taoyang , Jiang Guoping , Xie Haiyang , Cui Ying , Huang Xiaowu , Fan Jia , Yao Ming , Li Jinjun
Published: July 2012

CD133+ cancer stem cells (CSC) contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and resistance to therapy. Bone morphogenetic protein BMP4 plays an important role in hepatogenesis and hepatic stem cell differentiation, but little is known about its function in hepatic CSCs. In this study, we showed that high-dose exogenous BMP4 promotes CD133+ HCC CSC differentiation and inhibits the self-renewal, chemotherapeutic resistance, and tumorigenic capacity of these cells. Interestingly, we found that low-dose exogenous BMP4 upregulated CD133 protein expression in vitro, and endogenous BMP4 was preferentially expressed in CD133+ HCC CSCs, suggesting that low doses of BMP4 may facilitate CSC maintenance. A reduction in endogenous BMP4 levels decreased CD133 protein expression in vitro. In HCC tissues, expression of the BMP4 signaling target gene SMAD6 was positively correlated with CD133 expression. Activation of the Erk1/2 signaling pathway led to BMP4-mediated reduction in CD133 expression, which was reversed by treatment with MEK inhibitors. Taken together, our findings indicated that BMP4 might be a potent therapeutic agent in HCC that targets CSCs. Cancer Res; 72(16); 4276–85. ©2012 AACR.
Prognostic Impact of Comorbidity among Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors: Results from the LACE Study
Authors: Braithwaite Dejana , Moore Dan H. , Satariano William A. , Kwan Marilyn L. , Hiatt Robert A. , Kroenke Candyce , Caan Bette J.
Published: July 2012

Background: Little is known about the long-term impact of comorbidity among women with breast cancer.

Methods: We studied a prospective cohort of 2,272 women with breast cancer, who were recruited following initial breast cancer treatment. Associations of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and hypertension with survival were evaluated in delayed entry Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: During a median follow-up of nine years, higher CCI scores were independently associated with an increased risk of death from all causes [HR, 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–1.54] and from nonbreast cancer causes (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19–2.02), but not from breast cancer (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.93–1.41). Hypertension was independently associated with an increased risk of death from all causes (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.20–1.99), from nonbreast cancer causes (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.10–2.54), and from breast cancer (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03–2.09), but these associations were no longer significant after adjustment for antihypertensive medication. The relationship between the CCI and overall survival was the strongest among women with stage I disease (stage I, HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.26–2.16 vs. stage III, HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.23–1.25).

Conclusion: The CCI was independently associated with lower overall and nonbreast cancer survival, but not with breast cancer–specific survival.

Impact: Comorbidity may play an important role in breast cancer outcomes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(7); 1115–25. ©2012 AACR.
Prognostic Value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Meilan , Cai Erhui , Huang Jizheng , Yu Ping , Li Ke
Published: July 2012

Background: VEGF is a prime mediator of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Various studies assessing the prognostic value of VEGF in patients with esophageal cancer remain controversial. This study aims to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the evidence on the suitability of VEGF to predict patients' survival.

Methods: Searches were applied to PubMed and EMBASE until December 31, 2011, without language restrictions. Studies were assessed for quality using REMARK (Reporting recommendations for tumor MARKer prognostic studies). Data were collected comparing overall survival in patients with high VEGF level with those with low level. We conducted a systematic review of 31 studies (n = 2,387 patients) and completed a meta-analysis of 30 studies (n = 2,345 patients) that correlated VEGF levels with overall survival. Data were synthesized with HRs.

Results: The estimated risk of death was 1.82-fold greater in patients with high VEGF expression [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58–2.08]. The heterogeneity was not significant (P = 0.130) between studies. High VEGF expression was associated with worse survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.57–2.10) and there was no significance in between-study heterogeneity (P = 0.185). Data collected were not sufficient to determine the prognostic value of VEGF in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, elevated VEGF expression was associated with poor survival in patients with esophageal cancer but not esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Impact: These results support further investigation of VEGF expression for predicting poor survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma and may have implications for treatments directed at inhibiting VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(7); 1126–34. ©2012 AACR.
Modeling of the Growth Kinetics of Occult Breast Tumors: Role in Interpretation of Studies of Prevention and Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Authors: Santen Richard J. , Yue Wei , Heitjan Daniel F.
Published: July 2012

Background: Autopsy studies report a reservoir of small, occult, undiagnosed breast cancers in up to 15.6% of women dying from unrelated causes. The effective doubling times (EDT) of these occult neoplasms range from 70 to 350 days and mammographic detection threshold diameters from 0.88 to 1.66 cm. Modeling of the biologic behavior of these occult tumors facilitates interpretation of tamoxifen breast cancer prevention and menopausal hormone therapy studies.

Methods: We used iterative and mathematical techniques to develop a model of occult tumor growth (OTG) whose parameters included prevalence, EDT, and detection threshold. The model was validated by comparing predicted with observed incidence of breast cancer in several populations.

Results: Iterative analysis identified a 200-day EDT, 7% prevalence and 1.16 cm detection threshold as optimal parameters for an OTG model as judged by comparison with Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) population incidence rates in the United States. We validated the model by comparing predicted incidence rates with those observed in five separate population databases, in three long-term contralateral breast cancer detection studies, and with data from a computer-simulated tumor growth (CSTG) model. Our model strongly suggests that breast cancer prevention with anti-estrogens or aromatase inhibitors represents early treatment not prevention. In addition, menopausal hormone therapy does not primarily induce de novo tumors but promotes the growth of occult lesions.

Conclusions: Our OGTG model suggests that occult, undiagnosed tumors are prevalent, grow slowly, and are the biologic targets of anti-estrogen therapy for prevention and hormone therapy for menopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(7); 1038–48. ©2012 AACR.
Height, Sitting Height, and Leg Length in Relation with Breast Cancer Risk in the E3N Cohort
Authors: Fagherazzi Guy , Vilier Alice , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Mesrine Sylvie
Published: July 2012

Background: If height is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, leg length and sitting height are usually considered as better candidate biomarkers of growth hormone exposure than height, respectively, in pre- and postpuberty.

Methods: Risk of breast cancer associated with quartiles of height, sitting height, and leg length were estimated in the French E3N cohort (N = 50,704, including 2,065 breast cancer cases), stratified on both menopausal and hormone receptor statuses.

Results: Height was associated with an increased postmenopausal breast cancer risk [HR = 1.22 (1.06–1.41) when comparing extreme categories, Ptrend = 0.002], which was exclusively driven by the association with leg length [HR = 1.21 (1.05–1.39), Ptrend = 0.013] and not sitting height [HR = 1.03 (0.89–1.18), Ptrend = 0.379]. Leg length was associated with an increased ER+ breast cancer risk in postmenopausal [HR = 1.24 (1.06–1.46), Ptrend = 0.004], whereas sitting height was associated with a borderline decreased ER− premenopausal breast cancer risk [HR = 0.45 (0.20–1.01), Ptrend = 0.011]. The positive associations observed in the overall population between leg length and breast cancer risk were actually restricted to women who had a short birth length [HR = 1.82 (1.22–2.72), Ptrend = 0.022] and those with a low birth weight [HR = 1.43 (1.00–2.04), Ptrend = 0.054].

Conclusion: The two components of height risk are differentially associated with breast cancer risk: leg length with an increased risk of postmenopausal ER+ tumors and sitting height with a decreased risk of premenopausal ER− tumors.

Impact: Future prospective studies should no longer consider height a single risk factor for breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(7); 1171–5. ©2012 AACR.
Oophorectomy after Menopause and the Risk of Breast Cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Lubinski Jan , Lynch Henry T. , Kim-Sing Charmaine , Neuhausen Susan , Demsky Rochelle , Foulkes William D. , Ghadirian Parviz , Tung Nadine , Ainsworth Peter , Senter Leigha , Karlan Beth , Eisen Andrea , Eng Charis , Weitzel Jeffrey , Gilchrist Dawna M. , Blum Joanne L. , Zakalik Dana , Singer Christian , Fallen Taya , Ginsburg Ophira , Huzarski Tomasz , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A.
Published: July 2012

Background: To evaluate the effect of the cumulative number of ovulatory cycles and its contributing components on the risk of breast cancer among BRCA mutation carriers.

Methods: We conducted a matched case–control study on 2,854 pairs of women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between the number of ovulatory cycles and various exposures and the risk of breast cancer. Information from a subset of these women enrolled in a prospective cohort study was used to calculate age-specific breast cancer rates.

Results: The annual risk of breast cancer decreased with the number of ovulatory cycles experienced (ρ = −0.69; P = 0.03). Age at menarche and duration of breastfeeding were inversely related with risk of breast cancer among BRCA1 (Ptrend < 0.0001) but not among BRCA2 (Ptrend ≥ 0.28) mutation carriers. The reduction in breast cancer risk associated with surgical menopause [OR, 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.40–0.66; Ptrend < 0.0001] was greater than that associated with natural menopause (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62–1.07; Ptrend = 0.14). There was a highly significant reduction in breast cancer risk among women who had an oophorectomy after natural menopause (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02–0.54; P = 0.006).

Conclusions: These data challenge the hypothesis that breast cancer risk can be predicted by the lifetime number of ovulatory cycles in women with a BRCA mutation. Both pre- and postmenopausal oophorectomy protect against breast cancer.

Impact: Understanding the basis for the protective effect of oophorectomy has important implications for chemoprevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(7); 1089–96. ©2012 AACR.
Urinary Naphthol Metabolites and Chromosomal Aberrations in 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: Orjuela Manuela A. , Liu Xinhua , Miller Rachel L. , Warburton Dorothy , Tang Deliang , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Hoepner Lori , Suen Ida Hui , Diaz-Carreño Silvia , Li Zheng , Sjodin Andreas , Perera Frederica P.
Published: July 2012

Background: Exposure to naphthalene, an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)-classified possible carcinogen and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is widespread, though resulting health effects are poorly understood. Metabolites of naphthalene, 1- and 2-naphthol, are measurable in urine and are biomarkers of personal exposure. Chromosomal aberrations, including translocations, are established markers of cancer risk and a biodosimeter of clastogenic exposures. Although prenatal (maternal) PAH exposure predicts chromosomal aberrations in cord blood, few studies have examined chromosomal aberrations in school-age children and none has examined their association with metabolites of specific PAHs.

Methods: Using Whole Chromosome Paint Fluorescent in situ Hybridization, we documented chromosomal aberrations including translocations, in 113 five-year-old urban minority children and examined their association with concurrent concentrations of PAH metabolites measured in urine.

Results: We report that in lymphocytes, the occurrence and frequency of chromosomal aberrations including translocations are associated with levels of urinary 1- and 2-naphthol. When doubling the levels of urinary naphthols, gender-adjusted OR for chromosomal aberrations are 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–2.19] and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.02–2.04) for 1- and 2-naphthol, respectively; and for translocations OR = 1.55 (95% CI, 1.11–2.17) and 1.92 (95% CI, 1.20–3.08) for 1- and 2-naphthol, respectively.

Conclusion: Our results show that markers of exposure to naphthalene in children are associated with translocations in a dose-related manner, and that naphthalene may be a clastogen.

Impact: Indoor exposure to elevated levels of naphthalene is prevalent in large regions of the world. This study is the first to present an association between a marker of naphthalene exposure and a precarcinogenic effect in humans. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(7); 1191–202. ©2012 AACR.
Ultrasound Confirmation of Endotracheal Tube Position in Neonates
Authors: Dennington Debra , Vali Payam , Finer Neil N. , Kim Jae H.
Published: July 2012

Background: The placement of the endotracheal tube (ETT) in neonates is a challenging procedure that currently requires timely confirmation of tip placement by radiographic imaging. Objective: We sought to determine if bedside ultrasound (US) could demonstrate ETT tip location in preterm and term newborns and offer a quick alternative method of ETT positioning. Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot study of 30 newborns admitted to the UC San Diego Medical Center who had their ETT placement confirmed by chest radiographs. After a radiograph, each infant had a US exam with a 13-MHz linear transducer on a portable US machine. To assist localization, gentle longitudinal movement of the ETT of less than 0.5 cm was performed. Measurements from the tip of the ETT tip to the carina were made on chest radiograph and midsagittal US images. Results: Study infants had a mean gestational age of 30.2 ± 4.9 (SD) weeks and mean birth weight of 1,595.2 ± 862 g. US images were taken a mean 2.9 ± 2.2 h after radiographs. Data from 2 infants were excluded for poor radiograph image quality and extreme outlier values. The ETT was visualized by US in all newborns examined. We observed a good correlation between ETT tip-to-carina distance on US and radiograph (r2 = 0.68) with minimal bias. Each study took less than 5 min to obtain without any clinical deterioration. Conclusions: Bedside US can visualize the anatomic position of the ETT position in preterm and term infants but further validation is required before routine clinical implementation.
Distribution of Telomeric DNA Sequences on the X-Radiation-Induced Chromosome Fragments Observed in the Genome of Androgenetic Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis, Mitchill 1814)
Authors: Ocalewicz K. , Dobosz S. , Kuzminski H.
Published: July 2012

Cytogenetic screening of the androgenetic brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis, Mitchill 1814) offspring hatched from eggs exposed to 420 Gy of X-radiation before insemination exhibited residues of the irradiated maternal nuclear genome in the form of small chromosome fragments. Remnants of the irradiated chromosomes had different sizes, and their number varied intraindividually from 1 to 15. To efficiently pass through the series of the cell divisions, such chromosome fragments must have had functional kinetochores. Distribution patterns of the telomeric hybridization signals on the chromosome fragments enabled us to distinguish their 3 groups: (i) telomere-less ring chromosomes with fused broken chromosome arms, (ii) rings formed in the course of fusion of the radiation-broken chromosome arm with the opposite telomeric region and exhibiting interstitial telomeric signals at the fusion point, and (iii) chromosome fragments with fused unprotected sister chromatids of 1 broken arm and intact telomeres from the other arm. Disturbances during segregation of such fragments, mainly breakages during anaphase, may partially explain intraindividual variation in the number and size of the chromosome fragments observed in the androgenetic brook trout.
Differentiation Between Fresh and Old Left Ventricular Thrombi by Deformation Imaging
Authors: Niemann Markus , Gaudron Philipp Daniel , Bijnens Bart , Störk Stefan , Beer Meinrad , Hillenbrand Hanns , Cikes Maja , Herrmann Sebastian , Hu Kai , Ertl Georg , Weidemann Frank
Published: July 2012

Background—

Noninvasive echocardiographic differentiation between old and fresh left ventricular thrombi after myocardial infarction would be of clinical importance to estimate the risk for embolization and the necessity of anticoagulation.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-two patients, aged 41 to 87 years, with a thrombus after myocardial infarction were included in this 2-part study: In substudy-I, 20 patients, 10 each with a definite diagnosis of fresh or old thrombus, were included. In the subsequent prospective substudy-II, 32 consecutive patients with an incident thrombus after myocardial infarction but unknown thrombus age were started on phenprocoumon and followed for 6 months. Data on medical history, standard echocardiography, strain-rate (SR) imaging and magnetic resonance tomography were analyzed. In substudy-I, analysis of thrombus deformation revealed the most rapid change in SR during the isovolumetric relaxation period when cavity pressure decreases rapidly. Fresh (range: 5–27 days) and old thrombi (4–26 months) could be discriminated without overlap by peak SR during the isovolumetric relaxation period, using a cutoff value of 1 s
−1
. Applying this threshold value in substudy-II, 17 thrombi were echocardiographically classified as fresh (=SR ≥1 s
−1
) and 15 as old. After 6 months in the fresh thrombus group, 16 of 17 thrombi had disappeared (94%), and in 1 patient the thrombus size was diminished by >50% (now presenting an old thrombus SR pattern). In contrast, 14 of the 15 old thrombi remained unchanged in size and deformation (1 thrombus disappeared).

Conclusions—

Fresh and old intracavitary thrombi can be reliably differentiated by deformation imaging. In fresh thrombi, anticoagulation with phenprocoumon results in thrombus resolution in most patients.
Transplantation and Tracking of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in a Pig Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Templin Christian , Zweigerdt Robert , Schwanke Kristin , Olmer Ruth , Ghadri Jelena-Rima , Emmert Maximilian Y. , Müller Ennio , Küest Silke M. , Cohrs Susan , Schibli Roger , Kronen Peter , Hilbe Monika , Reinisch Andreas , Strunk Dirk , Haverich Axel , Hoerstrup Simon , Lüscher Thomas F. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Landmesser Ulf , Martin Ulrich
Published: July 2012

Background—

Evaluation of novel cellular therapies in large-animal models and patients is currently hampered by the lack of imaging approaches that allow for long-term monitoring of viable transplanted cells. In this study, sodium iodide symporter (NIS) transgene imaging was evaluated as an approach to follow in vivo survival, engraftment, and distribution of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derivatives in a pig model of myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Transgenic hiPSC lines stably expressing a fluorescent reporter and NIS (NIS
pos
-hiPSCs) were established. Iodide uptake, efflux, and viability of NIS
pos
-hiPSCs were assessed in vitro. Ten (±2) days after induction of myocardial infarction by transient occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, catheter-based intramyocardial injection of NIS
pos
-hiPSCs guided by 3-dimensional NOGA mapping was performed. Dual-isotope single photon emission computed tomographic/computed tomographic imaging was applied with the use of
123
I to follow donor cell survival and distribution and with the use of
99m
TC-tetrofosmin for perfusion imaging. In vitro, iodide uptake in NIS
pos
-hiPSCs was increased 100-fold above that of nontransgenic controls. In vivo, viable NIS
pos
-hiPSCs could be visualized for up to 15 weeks. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that hiPSC-derived endothelial cells contributed to vascularization. Up to 12 to 15 weeks after transplantation, no teratomas were detected.

Conclusions—

This study describes for the first time the feasibility of repeated long-term in vivo imaging of viability and tissue distribution of cellular grafts in large animals. Moreover, this is the first report demonstrating vascular differentiation and long-term engraftment of hiPSCs in a large-animal model of myocardial infarction. NIS
pos
-hiPSCs represent a valuable tool to monitor and improve current cellular treatment strategies in clinically relevant animal models.
Theoretical Impact of Changing Albedo on Precipitation at the Southernmost Boundary of the ITCZ in South America
Authors: Doughty Christopher E. , Loarie Scott R. , Field Christopher B.
Published: July 2012

South America has undergone a large increase in albedo over the past decade as forests have been converted to crops and wetlands have been drained. Recent modeling literature and paleoclimate precipitation proxies have highlighted how changes in surface energy balance could affect the position of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in South America. Here, the authors investigate whether large continental increases in albedo in South America can likewise affect the southward migration of the ITCZ into South America using the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model, version 3.0 (CAM3.0) coupled with the Community Land Model, version 3.5 (CLM3.5) and a slab ocean model. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) albedo data show that between 2001 and 2008 average albedo increased by 0.0025 albedo units across all South America and by 0.0032 albedo units between 0° and 24° latitude in South America and, because of this effect, the authors’ simulations estimate an average ~23 mm yr−1 decrease in rainfall in the southern migration of the ITCZ (SMI) and an average ~9 mm yr−1 decrease in the entire Amazon basin. Large increases in albedo in South America decrease the northward atmospheric energy transport at the equator during the months the region of increased albedo is south of the ITCZ (May–July), leading to an apparent delay in its arrival to the SMI region and reduced rainfall in this region. However, because changing albedo is often associated with changing surface roughness, the authors model this separately and find that decreased surface roughness will have an opposite, increasing effect on precipitation. Therefore, they expect increasing albedo in South America associated with the drainage of wetlands to decrease precipitation, especially in the SMI region; however, in the case of deforestation, some of the decrease in precipitation from increased albedo may be offset by a corresponding decrease in surface roughness.
Long-Term Trends in Air Temperature Distribution and Extremes, Growing Degree‐Days, and Spring and Fall Frosts for Climate Impact Assessments on Agricultural Practices in Nebraska
Authors: Skaggs Kari E. , Irmak Suat
Published: July 2012

Air temperature influences agricultural practices and production outcomes, making detailed quantifications of temperature changes necessary for potential positive and negative effects on agricultural management practices to be exploited or mitigated. Temperature trends of long-term data for five agricultural locations, ranging from the subhumid eastern to the semiarid western parts of Nebraska, were studied to determine local temperature changes and their potential effects on agricultural practices. The study quantified trends in annual and monthly average maximum and minimum air temperature (Tmax and Tmin), daily temperature range (DTR), total growing degree-days, extreme temperatures, growing‐season dates and lengths, and temperature distributions for five heavily agricultural areas of Nebraska: Alliance, Central City, Culbertson, Fremont, and Hastings. July and August were the months with the greatest decreases in Tmax for the central part of Nebraska—Culbertson, Hastings, and Central City. Alliance, Culbertson, and Fremont had year-round decreases in DTR. Central City and Hastings experienced growing‐season decreases in DTR. Increases in growing‐season length occurred at rates of 14.3, 16.7, and 11.9 days century−1 for Alliance, Central City, and Fremont, respectively. At Hastings, moderately earlier last spring frost (LS) at a rate of 6.6 days century−1 was offset by an earlier (2.7 days century−1) first fall frost (FF), resulting in only a 3.8 days century−1 longer growing season. There were only slight changes in LS and FF dates of around 2 days earlier and 1 day later per century, respectively, for Culbertson.
Core modifications of sandwich panels fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding
Authors: Halimi F , Golzar M , Asadi P , Beheshty MH
Published: July 2012

Composite sandwich panels with high stiffness to weight ratios are mostly used in the transportation, aerospace, and marine structures. In this study, the possibility of manufacturing the sandwich panels by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding without using the distribution media is experimentally investigated. These structures are comprised of E-glass fiber/polyester resin face sheets and a rigid polyvinyl chloride foam core. In order to facilitate the fabrication of sandwich panels by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, six different hole patterns are conducted on the foam core, then the effects of each one on the manufacturing parameters and mechanical properties were studied. Results show that the mold filling time decreases up to 40%, and bending critical load and yield absorbed energy increase up to 38% and 100%, respectively. However, the specimens’ weight increases 3.6% at most. Moreover, some enhancements are seen in debond critical load and fracture toughness.
The Cultural Palace of Nationalities: Ethnicities Under One Roof?
Authors: Hung Chang-tai
Published: July 2012

The Cultural Palace of Nationalities, one of the Ten Monumental Buildings built in 1959 in Beijing to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is considered a ‘political building’ in that it brings together ethnicity, architecture, art, technology and, most importantly, representations of the Party-state’s policy on the unity of the many different nationalities in China. A careful examination of the history of the Palace’s construction and its exhibits reveals two unsettling problems: the Chinese Communist Party’s manipulation of official images of national minorities, along with the Party’s difficulties in dealing with ethnic nationalism, regional separatism and local identity in the first decade of the PRC. These same thorny issues continue to cause the current government a major headache.
Global patterns of maritime piracy, 2000–09
Authors: Coggins Bridget L
Published: July 2012

This article introduces the Maritime Piracy Data (MPD), a dataset dedicated to understanding the nature, dynamics, and causes of contemporary piracy and armed robbery against ships. Data on maritime piracy are presented in two formats: an event set and an annual, country-level set. The event data track every maritime piracy attack reported to the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Center (IMB/PRC) for a total of 3,413 events between 2000 and 2009. Entries provide event details including date, geo-coded location, attacker nationality, victim nationality, success, vessel type, violence level, loot taken, and/or ransom demanded. The annual data count the number of piracy events emanating from the world’s 147 coastal countries over the same decade for a total of 1,470 observations. Entries include country-level information regarding the maritime sector including coastal shipping traffic, coastline length, seaports, distances to major sea lane chokepoints, and merchant marine size. The article describes the main features of the data, provides descriptive statistics, and briefly illustrates their potential utility for research. The MPD has potential utility for scholars examining non-traditional threats generated by non-state actors; for those studying the potential relationships between governance and conflict on land and piracy at sea; and for individuals engaged in policy-relevant analyses evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of counter-piracy strategies and tactics.
Provision of a Soy‐Based Intravenous Lipid Emulsion at 1 g/kg/d Does Not Prevent Cholestasis in Neonates
Authors: Nehra Deepika , Fallon Erica M. , Carlson Sarah J. , Potemkin Alexis K. , Hevelone Nathanael D. , Mitchell Paul D. , Gura Kathleen M. , Puder Mark
Published: July 2012

Background: One of the most common and severe complications of long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN) is PN‐associated cholestasis. The soybean oil–based lipid emulsion administered with PN has been associated with cholestasis, leading to an interest in lipid reduction strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the provision of a soybean oil–based lipid emulsion at 1 g/kg/d compared with 2–3 g/kg/d is associated with a reduced incidence of cholestasis. Methods: Retrospective review of neonates admitted between 2007 and 2011 with a gastrointestinal condition necessitating ≥21 days of PN support. Neonates were divided into 2 groups based on the intravenous lipid emulsion dose: 1‐g group (1 g/kg/d) and 2‐ to 3‐g group (2–3 g/kg/d). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of cholestasis. Results: Sixty‐one patients met inclusion criteria (n = 29, 1‐g group; n = 32, 2‐ to 3‐g group). The 2 groups did not differ in any baseline characteristics other than associated comorbidities that were more common in the 2‐ to 3‐g group. The duration of PN, the number of operative procedures and bloodstream infections, and enteral nutrition (EN) were similar between groups. The incidence of cholestasis was not different between groups (51.7%, 1‐g group; 43.8%, 2‐ to 3‐g group; P = .61), and there was no difference between groups in the time to cholestasis (32.6 ± 24.1 days, 1‐g group; 27.7 ± 10.6 days, 2‐ to 3‐g group; P = .48). Overall, 44.8% of patients with cholestasis were transitioned to full EN, and 55.2% were transitioned to a fish oil–based lipid emulsion after which the direct bilirubin normalized in all patients. Conclusion: Lipid reduction to 1 g/kg/d does not prevent or delay the onset of cholestasis in neonates.
A differentor-based adaptive ontology-matching approach
Authors: Xu Peigang , Wang Yadong , Liu Bo
Published: July 2012

Ontology matching, aimed at finding semantically related entities from different ontologies, plays an important role in establishing interoperation among Semantic Web applications. Recently, many similarity measures have been proposed to explore the lexical, structural or semantic features of ontologies. However, a key problem is how to integrate various similarities automatically. In this paper, we define a novel metric termed a “differentor” to assess the probability that a similarity measure can find the one-to-one mappings between two ontologies at the entity level, and use it to integrate different similarity measures. The proposed approach can assign weights automatically to each pair of entities from different ontologies without any prior knowledge, and the aggregation task is accomplished based on these weights. The proposed approach has been tested on OAEI2010 benchmarks for evaluation. The experimental results show that the differentor can reflect the performance of individual similarity measures, and a differentor-based aggregation strategy outperforms other existing aggregation strategies.
A Dermal Phototoxicity Study Following Intravenous Infusion Administration of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride in the Novel Microminipigs
Authors: Yoshikawa Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Kawaguchi Hiroaki , Utsunomiya Shinji , Miura Naoki , Izumi Hiroyuki , Miyoshi Noriaki , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: July 2012

The authors evaluated dermal phototoxicity using the world smallest minipig (MMPig: Microminipig). MMPigs were administered 100 mg/kg ciprofloxacin hydrochloride with an infusion pump. The dorsal area of each animal was irradiated with ultraviolet-A irradiation. The left dorsal skin was irradiated at intensities of 5, 10, 15, and 20 J/cm2, and the right dorsal back skin was set as a nonirradiated site. Gross and histopathological examinations were conducted before irradiation and from 1 to 72 hr after irradiation. Initial changes in the skin were necrosis of the basal and/or prickle cell layer and cellular infiltration from 24 hr after irradiation. Vesicle formation observed from 48 hr after irradiation was considered similar to bullous eruptions, a known side effect of fluoroquinolones in humans. Therefore, the authors suggest that the MMPig may be a useful experimental animal model for dermal phototoxicity studies.
Friends with benefits relationships as a start to exclusive romantic relationships
Authors: Owen Jesse , Fincham Frank D.
Published: July 2012

The current study examined whether young adults who start their exclusive romantic relationship via Friends with Benefits (FWB) relationships differed in relationship functioning from those who did not. After controlling for other salient predictors of relationship functioning (e.g., alcohol use, attachment style), young adults who were in FWB relationships prior to becoming exclusive reported lower relationship satisfaction when compared to young adults who did not. There were no significant associations between FWB status and communication quality or ambiguity in commitment levels. FWB status was not associated with relationship termination over the course of 4 months. Collectively, starting exclusive romantic relationships via FWB relationships had little apparent impact on later relationship functioning.
The Context of Ethnicity
Authors: Hoglund Wendy L. G. , Hosan Naheed E.
Published: July 2012

The current study bridges research on peer relational and physical victimization with research on ethnic victimization and situates this research in the context of ethnic diversity. Specifically, the authors investigate how ethnic, relational, and physical victimization relate to concurrent levels of depression/anxiety and physical aggression and assess individual and classroom ethnic differences in these associations. These associations are tested using data from a cross-sectional sample of Aboriginal, Asian, and Caucasian adolescents in Grades 6 and 7. Overall, ethnic, relational, and physical victimization were significantly intercorrelated and showed common and unique associations with depression/anxiety and physical aggression that differed modestly by ethnicity. Levels of classroom ethnic diversity differentially influenced some of the associations between ethnic (but not relational or physical) victimization and adjustment problems for Aboriginal and Asian adolescents.
Coordinating the Cognitive Processes of Writing
Authors: Quinlan Thomas , Loncke Maaike , Leijten Mariëlle , Van Waes Luuk
Published: July 2012

Moment to moment, a writer faces a host of potential problems. How does the writer’s mind coordinate this problem solving? In the original Hayes and Flower model, the authors posited a distinct process to manage this coordinating—that is, the “monitor.” The monitor became responsible for executive function in writing. In two experiments, the current authors investigated monitor function by examining the coordination of two common writing tasks—editing (i.e., correcting an error) and sentence composing—in the presence or absence of an error and with a low or high memory load for the writer. In the first experiment, participants could approach the editing and composing task in either order. On most trials (88%), they finished the sentence first, and less frequently (12%), they corrected the error first. The error-first approach occurred significantly more often under the low-load condition than the high-load condition. For the second experiment, participants were asked to adopt the less-used, error-first approach. Success in completing the assigned task order was affected by both memory load and error type. These results suggest that the monitor depends on the relative availability of working memory resources and coordinates subtasks to mitigate direct competition over those resources.
Mesure statistique, mesure politique - Le cas des personnes sans-abri
Authors: Marpsat Maryse
Published: July 2012

Statistical Measure, Policy Measure - The Case of Rough Sleepers: Since the 1980s, in the US and Europe, various statistical methods have been developed to investigate people without housing, including those who sleep in places “not meant for habitation”, the “rough sleepers”. Street counts can be done locally by local authorities or by organizations serving homeless people to assess policies toward the rough sleepers or seeking to attract the attention of the general public and authorities. Among national statistical agencies, national street counts of rough sleepers are carried out and highlighted by a civic type of argument. A third type of surveys involves a vision of the rough sleepers as occupying a situation which may be only transitory, and involves public action to improve the situation of homeless people, but also to prevent it. By drawing on the work of Alain Desrosières, we will attempt to reconsider these statistical tools, these ways of thinking about society, and these policies of acting on society, at least for the fraction of interest here.
Haemocompatibility of titanium and its alloys
Authors: Bakir Mohammed
Published: July 2012

This review outlines the current understanding of the interactions of titanium and its alloys with blood components, and the ways in which surface modification techniques can be used to alter the surface physicochemical and topographical features that determine blood–material interactions. Surface modification of the spontaneously formed titanium oxide surface layer is a highly attractive means of improving haemocompatibility without forgoing the advantageous mechanical and physical properties of titanium and its alloys. A number of surface modification techniques and treatment processes are discussed in the context of enhancing the haemocompatibility of titanium and its alloys, with a view to optimising the clinical efficacy of blood-contacting devices and materials.
Early treatment with glucocorticoids or cyclophosphamide retains the slit diaphragm proteins nephrin and podocin in experimental lupus nephritis
Authors: Moysiadis DK , Perysinaki GS , Bertsias G , Stratakis S , Kyriacou K , Nakopoulou L , Boumpas DT , Daphnis E
Published: July 2012

Renal podocytes and their slit diaphragms ensure the integrity of renal basement membrane and prevent urinary protein loss. We have previously reported that decreases of the podocyte slit diaphragm proteins nephrin and podocin represent early events in the podocytopathy of lupus nephritis (LN). We asked whether immunosuppressive agents such as glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide may have direct effects on podocytes. We assessed in New Zealand Black/New Zealand White (NZB/W) F1 LN mice glomerular nephrin and podocin expression and localization by the use of Western blot and immunofluorescence; mRNA levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and renal histology by light and electron microscopy. Early treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide halted the histologic alterations associated with LN, preserving podocyte foot processes. Nephrin and podocin protein expression significantly increased in both glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide groups as early as after three months of therapy. Real-time PCR revealed similar enhancement in nephrin and podocin mRNA levels after three to six months of treatment. This study documents that early treatment in experimental LN with glucocorticoids or cyclophosphamide preserves slit diaphragm proteins in podocytes and halts histological changes of the glomeruli, thus raising the possibility of a direct protective effect of these drugs on podocytes.
Development and evaluation of multi-marker risk scores for clinical prognosis
Authors: French Benjamin , Saha-Chaudhuri Paramita , Ky Bonnie , Cappola Thomas P , Heagerty Patrick J
Published: July 2012

Heart failure research suggests that multiple biomarkers could be combined with relevant clinical information to more accurately quantify individual risk and guide patient-specific treatment strategies. Therefore, statistical methodology is required to determine multi-marker risk scores that yield improved prognostic performance. Development of a prognostic score that combines biomarkers with clinical variables requires specification of an appropriate statistical model and is most frequently achieved using standard regression methods such as Cox regression. We demonstrate that care is needed in model specification and that maximal use of marker information requires consideration of potential non-linear effects and interactions. The derived multi-marker score can be evaluated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic methods, or risk reclassification methods adapted for survival outcomes. We compare the performance of alternative model accuracy methods using simulations, both to evaluate power and to quantify the potential loss in accuracy associated with use of a sub-optimal regression model to develop the multi-marker score. We illustrate development and evaluation strategies using data from the Penn Heart Failure Study. Based on our results, we recommend that analysts carefully examine the functional form for component markers and consider plausible forms for effect modification to maximize the prognostic potential of a model-derived multi-marker score.
Urban governance, property rights, land readjustment and public value capturing
Authors: Muñoz-Gielen Demetrio
Published: July 2012

There is an ongoing debate in the literature on urban policy networks about governance and, more specifically, the role of public bodies in urban policy implementation networks. This paper focuses on the specific debate in Dutch and Spanish academic and professional circles regarding property rights in land (hereafter property rights) and the need to separate development rights from property rights. The British nationalisation of development rights in 1947 is an important point of reference in these debates. This paper adds to these debates by providing empirical evidence about a land readjustment regulation that public bodies can use to modify the power relationships between public and private parties. This regulation can improve public value capturing by helping public bodies transfer the costs for public infrastructure and affordable housing to developers while capturing part of the enhanced economic value.
The erosion of corporatism? The rescaling of industrial relations in Germany
Authors: Heeg Susanne
Published: July 2012

By the 1980s, some scholars had already claimed that corporatism, as an expression and institution of the bilateral negotiations between trade unions and employers’ associations, had come to an end. This perception is stronger nowadays than it was then. Quite often it is argued that, as a result of economic liberalisation and the paradigm shift from Keynesianism to Monetarism, industrial relations are under pressure, and that this is accompanied by a weakening of trade union power. In this article, the development of collective negotiations and the new contours of corporatism are analysed with respect to Germany. At the moment we are witnessing a decentralisation of formerly central negotiations and their differentiation in the direction of collective and/or concession bargaining at the level of the firm. At the same time, there is an important trend towards the up-scaling of industrial relations to the European Union level. The central argument of the article, therefore, is that a rescaling of industrial relations is taking place, which does not necessarily mean an end to corporatism but, rather, profoundly new qualities of corporatism. In order to develop the argument, changes in industrial and political organisation are examined.
Quality, difference and regional advantage: The case of the winter sports industry
Authors: Hauge Atle , Power Dominic
Published: July 2012

This paper addresses the role of quality, difference and differentiation in the value both producers and consumers attach to products and firms. It is argued that analysis of urban and regional competitiveness needs to be complemented by a renewed focus on the vital role that quality plays in competitiveness as well as an understanding of geographies of product difference and differentiation. Debates on economic development and resilience need to focus on innovation but also on how through making and providing quality goods and services – that may be based on the latest technologies or equally on age-old craft traditions – firms secure and develop competitive strengths. But since quality is always a value co-constructed in a negotiation between the consumer and producer, processes of identification and differentiation are formative. A case study of two developments in winter sport equipment is used to exemplify an industry in which quality is both an entry condition as well as a major factor in differentiation and valuation. The case illustrates the roles of producer-led innovation and user-led innovation in equipment innovation; and that the appreciation of products’ quality, value and differentiation rests in interactions between producers, intermediaries and led-users in localized and regional settings. Focusing on the geographies of quality and differentiation is suggested to be important not only for firms but also for urban and regional policy. Regional advantage may partly rest upon how actors come together to co-construct notions of quality and difference: notions that can have lasting effects on regional competitiveness.
Teaching the clinical encounter in psychiatry: a trial of Balint groups for medical students
Authors: Parker Stephen , Leggett Andrew
Published: July 2012

Objective:

Balint groups are being trialled as a method to facilitate understanding of the relational aspects of student encounters with psychiatric patients. This paper reports on the establishment, processes and trends in the student evaluations of these groups.

Method:

The groups have been introduced as part of the medical student curriculum at a tertiary referral hospital. In six of the eight weeks of the clinical rotation in psychiatry, students meet in a group led by the authors, to discuss relational aspects of their interactions with patients. Ten third-year postgraduate medical students participate in the group each rotation. The educational value of each meeting and the group overall is assessed using questionnaires.

Results:

The groups tended to be rated positively by the participants. However, students were less certain of the relevance to their clinical practice. Vignettes demonstrating aspects of group process are presented in the context of the leaders’ experiential account.

Conclusions:

Short-term clinical reflection groups can be effectively implemented for medical students in a hospital environment. These groups have the potential to support students in the process of learning to work in doctor–patient relationships, but may encounter significant challenges necessitating adaptation of method and process to context.