bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dimensions of Occupational Gender Segregation in Industrial Countries
Authors: Jarman Jennifer , Blackburn Robert M , Racko Girts
Published: May 2012

It is well known that women and men tend to work in different occupations, and generally held that this disadvantages women. In order to understand how far this occupational segregation entails gender inequality it is necessary to examine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the segregation. The horizontal dimension measures difference without inequality while the vertical dimension measures the extent of the occupational inequality. Two measures of vertical inequality are used: pay and social stratification (CAMSIS). Measurements over a number of industrially developed countries show the expected male advantage with regard to pay. However, contrary to popular beliefs, women are consistently advantaged in terms of stratification. Also, it is found that the position of women is more favourable where the overall segregation is higher – the lower the male advantage on pay and the greater the female advantage on stratification.
Shielding Women Against Status Loss
Authors: Merkel Elisa , Maass Anne , Frommelt Laura
Published: May 2012

It is well established that the masculine form (MF) makes women invisible, yet little is known about which form of feminization represents the most appropriate alternative. In the present study, conducted in Italian language, the authors compared the MF (e.g., avvocato, lawyer) with two forms of feminization, namely, the asymmetrical and traditional suffix “-essa” (traditional forms of feminization [TFF], e.g., avvocatessa) that is currently in use and modern alternatives (modern forms of feminization [ModFF], e.g., avvocata) that represent neologisms. Results show that women professionals described by the TFF “-essa” are perceived as having less social status than those described either by the MF or ModFF. The authors conclude that symmetrical forms may shield women against both invisibility and status loss.
Taking Stock After 30 Years
Authors: Giles Howard
Published: May 2012

This is the very first time that the Journal of Language and Social Psychology has ever celebrated an anniversary with a Special Commemorative Issue. In this article, an institutional history of the journal is crafted, together with a brief overview of the articles that follow.
Christians in the Middle East – Past, Present and Future
Authors: Chapman Colin
Published: May 2012

A brief survey of events and movements from the first century to the present day provides the background for understanding the complexity of questions relating to the presence of Christians in the Middle East at the present time. Some of these issues affect all Christians, while others are specific to particular countries in the region. Given the steep decline in the numbers of Christians for a variety of reasons over the centuries, is it possible to have any optimism about their future in the region?
World influences on human rights language in constitutions: A cross-national study
Authors: Beck Colin J , Drori Gili S , Meyer John W
Published: May 2012

A recent movement has extended previous emphases on the rights of national citizens by asserting the global human rights of all persons. This article describes the extent to which this change is reflected in the language of national constitutions around the world. Human rights language – formerly absent from almost all constitutions – now appears in most of them. Rather than characterizing developed or democratic states, human rights language is, first, especially common in countries most susceptible to global influences. Second, human rights language is driven by the extent of the international human rights regime at the time of a constitution’s writing. Third, human rights language tends to appear in newer constitutions and in the constitutions of emergent and reorganized states. National constitutions are imprinted with global social conditions, which now stress the discourse of human rights.
Characterization and toxicological evaluation of leachate from closed sanitary landfill
Authors: Emenike Chijioke U , Fauziah Shahul H , Agamuthu P
Published: May 2012

Landfilling is a major option in waste management hierarchy in developing nations. It generates leachate, which has the potential of polluting watercourses. This study analysed the physico-chemical components of leachate from a closed sanitary landfill in Malaysia, in relation to evaluating the toxicological impact on fish species namely Pangasius sutchi S., 1878 and Clarias batrachus L., 1758. The leachate samples were taken from Air Hitam Sanitary Landfill (AHSL) and the static method of acute toxicity testing was experimented on both fish species at different leachate concentrations. Each fish had an average of 1.3 ± 0.2 g wet weight and length of 5.0 ± 0.1 cm. Histology of the fishes was examined by analysing the gills of the response (dead) group, using the Harris haemtoxylin and eosin (H&E) method. Finneys’ Probit method was utilized as a statistical tool to evaluate the data from the fish test. The physico-chemical analysis of the leachate recorded pH 8.2 ± 0.3, biochemical oxygen demand 3500 ± 125 mg L−1, COD 10 234 ± 175 mg L−1, ammonical nitrogen of 880 ± 74 mg L−1, benzene 0.22 ± 0.1 mg L−1 and toluene 1.2 ± 0.4 mg L−1. The 50% lethality concentration (LC50) values calculated after 96 h exposure were 3.2% (v/v) and 5.9% (v/v) of raw leachate on P. sutchi and C. batrachus, respectively. The H&E staining showed denaturation of the nucleus and cytoplasm of the gills of the response groups. Leachate from the sanitary landfill was toxic to both fish species. The P. sutchi and C. batrachus may be used as indicator organisms for leachate pollution in water.
Fracture analysis of semielliptical cracks at the interface of two functionally gradient materials using three-dimensional finite-element method
Authors: Kheirikhah M M , Khalili S M R
Published: May 2012

Functionally graded materials are used as thermal coatings in the high-temperature applications such as aerospace structures, because of their good resistance against high temperature, wear, and oxidation. The purpose of this article is to study the fracture problem of semielliptical cracks between two functionally graded plates. The three-dimensional finite-element method is used to construct the mechanical models and calculate the stress intensity factors (SIFs) of interfacial cracks. For a special case, the validity of the finite-element model is examined. The effect of some relative parameters such as crack depth to thickness, crack length to crack depth (crack aspect ratio), plate width to thickness, plate height to thickness and relative heights of the plates, and also the effect of changing the modulus of elasticity on the SIF of the cracks are discussed. The results shown that there is a particular crack aspect ratio in which the maximum value of stress intensity factor changes from the deepest point to the surface point of the crack. Also, it can be concluded that the SIFs decrease with increase in the height-to-thickness ratio of the plate, but the plate width has no effect on the crack SIFs.
The Social Dimension of Stress Reactivity
Authors: von Dawans Bernadette , Fischbacher Urs , Kirschbaum Clemens , Fehr Ernst , Heinrichs Markus
Published: May 2012

Psychosocial stress precipitates a wide spectrum of diseases with major public-health significance. The fight-or-flight response is generally regarded as the prototypic human stress response, both physiologically and behaviorally. Given that having positive social interactions before being exposed to acute stress plays a preeminent role in helping individuals control their stress response, engaging in prosocial behavior in response to stress (tend-and-befriend) might also be a protective pattern. Little is known, however, about the immediate social responses following stress in humans. Here we show that participants who experienced acute social stress, induced by a standardized laboratory stressor, engaged in substantially more prosocial behavior (trust, trustworthiness, and sharing) compared with participants in a control condition, who did not experience socioevaluative threat. These effects were highly specific: Stress did not affect the readiness to exhibit antisocial behavior or to bear nonsocial risks. These results show that stress triggers social approach behavior, which operates as a potent stress-buffering strategy in humans, thereby providing evidence for the tend-and-befriend hypothesis.
An In Vivo Lapine Model for Impact-Induced Injury and Osteoarthritic Degeneration of Articular Cartilage
Authors: Alexander Peter G. , McCarron Jesse A. , Levine Matthew J. , Melvin Gary M. , Murray Patrick J. , Manner Paul A. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: May 2012

Objective:

In this study, we applied a spring-loaded impactor to deliver traumatic forces to articular cartilage in vivo. Based on our recent finding that a 0.28-J impact induces maximal catabolic response in adult bovine articular cartilage in vitro using this device, we hypothesize that this impact will induce the formation of a focal osteoarthritic defect in vivo.

Design:

The femoral condyle of New Zealand White rabbits was exposed and one of the following procedures performed: 0.28 J impact, anterior cruciate ligament transection, articular surface grooving, or no joint or cartilage destruction (control). After 24 hours, 4 weeks, or 12 weeks ( n = 3 for each time point), wounds were localized with India ink, and tissue samples were collected and characterized histomorphometrically with Safranin O/Fast green staining and Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining for cell vitality.

Results:

The spring-loaded device delivered reproducible impacts with the following characteristics: impact area of 1.39 ± 0.11 mm2, calculated load of 326 ± 47.3 MPa, time-to-peak of 0.32 ± 0.03 ms, and an estimated maximal displacement of 25.1% ± 4.5% at the tip apex. The impact resulted in immediate cartilage fissuring and cell loss in the surface and intermediate zones, and it induced the formation of a focal lesion at 12 weeks. The degeneration was defined and appeared more slowly than after anterior cruciate ligament transection, and more pronounced and characteristic than after grooving.

Conclusion:

A single traumatic 0.28 J impact delivered with this spring-loaded impactor induces focal cartilage degeneration characteristic of osteoarthritis.
European Music After 1945 as a Restricted Space of Enunciation
Authors: Pinho Vargas António
Published: May 2012

In this article, starting from the contributions of Pierre-Michel Menger and some sociological concepts of Boaventura de Sousa Santos and other postcolonial authors, the author proposes an analysis of the new musical structures created after 1945 in the new music field in Europe as a construction regulated and dominated by the core countries, critically seen from the vantage point of observation of a peripheral and subaltern country of Europe.
Mutated regions of nucleophosmin 1 elicit both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Greiner Jochen , Ono Yoko , Hofmann Susanne , Schmitt Anita , Mehring Elmar , Götz Marlies , Guillaume Philippe , Döhner Konstanze , Mytilineos Joannis , Döhner Hartmut , Schmitt Michael
Published: May 2012

Mutations in the nucleophosmin gene (NPM1mut) are one of the most frequent molecular alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and immune responses may contribute to the favorable prognosis of AML patients with NPM1mut. In the present study, we were able to demonstrate both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses against NPM1mut. Ten peptides derived from wild-type NPM1 and NPM1mut were subjected to ELISPOT analysis in 33 healthy volunteers and 27 AML patients. Tetramer assays against the most interesting epitopes were performed and Cr51-release assays were used to show the cytotoxicity of peptide-specific T cells. Moreover, HLA-DR–binding epitopes were used to test the role of CD4+ T cells in NPM1 immunogenicity. Two epitopes (epitopes #1 and #3) derived from NPM1mut induced CD8+ T-cell responses. A total of 33% of the NPM1mut AML patients showed immune responses against epitope #1 and 44% against epitope #3. Specific lysis of leukemic blasts was detected. To obtain robust immune responses against tumor cells, the activation of CD4+ T cells is crucial. Therefore, overlapping (OL) peptides were analyzed in ELISPOT assays and OL8 was able to activate both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. The results of the present study show that NPM1mut induces specific T-cell responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and therefore is a promising target for specific immunotherapies in AML.
The degree of BCR and NFAT activation predicts clinical outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Le Roy Christine , Deglesne Pierre-Antoine , Chevallier Nathalie , Beitar Taoufik , Eclache Virginie , Quettier Maude , Boubaya Marouane , Letestu Rémi , Lévy Vincent , Ajchenbaum-Cymbalista Florence , Varin-Blank Nadine
Published: May 2012

B-cell antigen receptor (BCR)–mediated signaling plays a critical role in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis and gives an in vitro survival advantage to B cells isolated from patients with unfavorable prognostic factors. In this study, we undertook to elucidate the signaling intermediates responsible for this biologic alteration. In responding cells only, in vitro BCR engagement triggers global phosphorylation of Syk, activation of phospholipase Cγ2, and intracellular calcium mobilization, reflecting competency of BCR signaling. The calcium–calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT2 is up-regulated and to some extent constitutively activated in all CLL B cells. In contrast, its DNA-binding capacity is enhanced on IgM stimulation in responding cells only. NFAT inhibition using the VIVIT peptide prevents induction of CD23 target gene and IgM-induced survival, converting responding cells to unresponsive status. At the opposite, ionomycin-induced NFAT activity allows survival of nonresponding cells. These results demonstrate that the functional heterogeneity relies on variability of protein levels establishing BCR-dependent thresholds and NFAT-dependent activation. Finally, status of the BCR-NFAT pathway for each patient reveals its relevance for CLL clinical outcome and points out to BCR-NFAT intermediates as promising functional therapeutic targets.
Workflows for microarray data processing in the Kepler environment
Authors: Stropp Thomas , McPhillips Timothy , Ludäscher Bertram , Bieda Mark
Published: May 2012

Background

Microarray data analysis has been the subject of extensive and ongoing pipeline development due to its complexity, the availability of several options at each analysis step, and the development of new analysis demands, including integration with new data sources. Bioinformatics pipelines are usually custom built for different applications, making them typically difficult to modify, extend and repurpose. Scientific workflow systems are intended to address these issues by providing general-purpose frameworks in which to develop and execute such pipelines. The Kepler workflow environment is a well-established system under continual development that is employed in several areas of scientific research. Kepler provides a flexible graphical interface, featuring clear display of parameter values, for design and modification of workflows. It has capabilities for developing novel computational components in the R, Python, and Java programming languages, all of which are widely used for bioinformatics algorithm development, along with capabilities for invoking external applications and using web services.

Results

We developed a series of fully functional bioinformatics pipelines addressing common tasks in microarray processing in the Kepler workflow environment. These pipelines consist of a set of tools for GFF file processing of NimbleGen chromatin immunoprecipitation on microarray (ChIP-chip) datasets and more comprehensive workflows for Affymetrix gene expression microarray bioinformatics and basic primer design for PCR experiments, which are often used to validate microarray results. Although functional in themselves, these workflows can be easily customized, extended, or repurposed to match the needs of specific projects and are designed to be a toolkit and starting point for specific applications. These workflows illustrate a workflow programming paradigm focusing on local resources (programs and data) and therefore are close to traditional shell scripting or R/BioConductor scripting approaches to pipeline design. Finally, we suggest that microarray data processing task workflows may provide a basis for future example-based comparison of different workflow systems.

Conclusions

We provide a set of tools and complete workflows for microarray data analysis in the Kepler environment, which has the advantages of offering graphical, clear display of conceptual steps and parameters and the ability to easily integrate other resources such as remote data and web services.
Reliable and rapid characterization of functional FCN2 gene variants reveals diverse geographical patterns
Authors: Ojurongbe Olusola , Ouf Eman Abou , Van Tong Hoang , Toan Nguyen L , Song Le H , Luz Paola R , Messias-Reason Iara JT , Nurjadi Dennis , Zanger Philipp , Kun Jürgen FJ , Kremsner Peter G , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P
Published: May 2012

Background

Ficolin-2 coded by FCN2 gene is a soluble serum protein and an innate immune recognition element of the complement system. FCN2 gene polymorphisms reveal distinct geographical patterns and are documented to alter serum ficolin levels and modulate disease susceptibility.

Methods

We employed a real-time PCR based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) method to genotype four functional SNPs including -986 G > A (#rs3124952), -602 G > A (#rs3124953), -4A > G (#rs17514136) and +6424 G > T (#rs7851696) in the ficolin-2 (FCN2) gene. We characterized the FCN2 variants in individuals representing Brazilian (n = 176), Nigerian (n = 180), Vietnamese (n = 172) and European Caucasian ethnicity (n = 165).

Results

We observed that the genotype distribution of three functional SNP variants (−986 G > A, -602 G > A and -4A > G) differ significantly between the populations investigated (p < 0.0001). The SNP variants were highly linked to each other and revealed significant population patterns. Also the distribution of haplotypes revealed distinct geographical patterns (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The observed distribution of the FCN2 functional SNP variants may likely contribute to altered serum ficolin levels and this may depend on the different disease settings in world populations. To conclude, the use of FRET based real-time PCR especially for FCN2 gene will benefit a larger scientific community who extensively depend on rapid, reliable method for FCN2 genotyping.
Characterizing the spatial and temporal variation of malaria incidence in Bangladesh, 2007
Authors: Reid Heidi L , Haque Ubydul , Roy Shyamal , Islam Nazrul , Clements Archie CA
Published: May 2012

Background

Malaria remains a significant health problem in Bangladesh affecting 13 of 64 districts. The risk of malaria is variable across the endemic areas and throughout the year. A better understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in malaria risk and the determinants driving the variation are crucial for the appropriate targeting of interventions under the National Malaria Control and Prevention Programme.

Methods

Numbers of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria cases reported by month in 2007, across the 70 endemic thanas (sub-districts) in Bangladesh, were assembled from health centre surveillance reports. Bayesian Poisson regression models of incidence were constructed, with fixed effects for monthly rainfall, maximum temperature and elevation, and random effects for thanas, with a conditional autoregressive prior spatial structure.

Results

The annual incidence of reported cases was 34.0 and 9.6 cases/10,000 population for P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively and the population of the 70 malaria-endemic thanas was approximately 13.5 million in 2007. Incidence of reported cases for both types of malaria was highest in the mountainous south-east of the country (the Chittagong Hill Tracts). Models revealed statistically significant positive associations between the incidence of reported P. vivax and P. falciparum cases and rainfall and maximum temperature.

Conclusions

The risk of P. falciparum and P. vivax was spatially variable across the endemic thanas of Bangladesh and also highly seasonal, suggesting that interventions should be targeted and timed according to the risk profile of the endemic areas. Rainfall, temperature and elevation are major factors driving the spatiotemporal patterns of malaria in Bangladesh.
Struma ovarii with follicular thyroid-type carcinoma and neuroendocrine component: case report
Authors: Selvaggi Federico , Risio Domenico , Waku Mathew , Simo Daniela , Angelucci Domenico , D’Aulerio Alberto , Cotellese Roberto , Innocenti Paolo
Published: May 2012

Struma ovarii (SO) is a slow-growing ovarian neoplasm with thyroid tissue as its predominant component. It is an uncommon neoplasm, usually asymptomatic with an unknown risk of malignant transformation. Due to difficulties in assessing the rare biological nature and the discrepancies in the reported cases, a consensus on the appropriate treatment has not been definitively reached.

A 50-year-old female was subjected to upper gut endoscopy which showed a 30-mm mass located in the gastric antrum, suggestive of mesenchimal tumor. Incidentally, a pelvic CT scan also documented a solid mass in the right adnexa, with morphological characteristics of ovarian neoplasm. The patient underwent gastrectomy, total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with lymph node dissection, and omentectomy. Histology documented the presence of gastric cavernous angioma, and, in the right adnexa, foci of follicular thyroid-type carcinoma arising in SO with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine component.

Here we report and discuss the clinical and morphological presentation of follicular thyroid-type carcinoma arising in SO. The neoplasm was discovered incidentally and had a favorable clinical outcome at 1-year follow-up.
Beneficial effects of non-matched allogeneic cord blood mononuclear cells upon patients with idiopathic osteoporosis
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Li , Zhou Liang , Yu Zheng-Ping , Qi Feng , Liu Bei , Zi Su-Xia , Li Li , Li Yi , Wang San-Bin , Cui Zheng-Jiang , Pan Xing-Hua
Published: May 2012

Background

Immunological arguments and historical examples have shown that treatment with cord blood for non-hematopoietic activities, such as growth factor production and stimulation of angiogenesis, may not require matching or immune suppression.

Methods

To study the benefit of blood mononuclear cell therapy, 8 patients with idiopathic osteoporosis were given intermittent treatments with non-matched allogeneic cord blood mononuclear cells for 3 months. Morning fasting samples were collected for measuring urine N telopeptide of type-1 collagen, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and insulin-like growth factor 1 during one-year study.

Results

Clinical response was striking. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 significantly increased in all patients at 3 months compared with baseline values, from 264.1 ± 107.0 to 384.4 ± 63.1 ng/mL (P = 0.002), with a tendency to return to baseline values at 12 months (312.9 ± 75.5 ng/mL, P = 0.083). In contrast, differences in serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and urine N telopeptide of type-1 collagen were not significant at 3 (P = 0.765, P = 0.057) or 12 months (P = 0.889, P = 0.122). A beneficial effect on bone density was observed in all patients at the lumbar spine. The mean bone mineral density calculated during therapy (0.6811 ± 0.1442 g/cm2) tended higher than baseline values (0.6239 ± 0.1362 g/cm2, P < 0), and percentage change (median) varied from 8.85% at 3 months to 7.85% at one year. All patients are now well after one year.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that for these patients with idiopathic osteoporosis, treatment with cord blood mononuclear cells led to a significant increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, which favors the increase in bone mineral density.
Functional dosimetric metrics for predicting radiation-induced lung injury in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Sun Jinbo , Zhu Jingyu , Li Xiaohong , Zhen Yanbo , Sui Songtao
Published: May 2012

Background

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is an important dose-limiting toxicity during thoracic radiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion-weighted functional dose-volume histogram (FDVH) for predicting RILI in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

Fifty-seven locally advanced NSCLC patients receiving chemoradiotherapy were enrolled prospectively. Patients had treatment scans and dose calculations to provide a standard dose-volume histogram (DVH). Fusion of SPECT and computed tomography scans provided perfusion-weighted FDVH and associated functional dosimetric parameters (relative volumes of functional lung receiving more than a threshold dose of 5 – 60 Gy at increments of 5 Gy [FV5 – FV60]). The predictive abilities of FDVH and DVH were calculated and compared based on the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).

Results

The accumulative incidence of ≥ 2 grade RILI was 19.3% with a median follow-up of 12 months. Univariate analysis showed that the functional (FV5 – FV60) and standard (V5 – V40) parameters were associated with RILI (all value of p < 0.05). Close correlations between a variety of functional and standard parameters were found. By ROC curve analysis, functional metrics (AUCs were 0.784 – 0.869) provided similarly (p value 0.233 – 1.000) predictive outcome to standard metrics (AUCs were 0.695 – 0.902) in lower – median dose level parameters (FV5 – FV40). However, FDVH seemed to add some predictive value in higher dose level, the best statistical significance for comparing FV60 with V60 was 0.693 vs. 0.511 (p = 0.055).

Conclusions

Functional metrics are identified as reliable predictors for RILI, however, this observation still needs to be further verified using a larger sample size.
Neoplastic leptomeningitis presenting in a melanoma patient treated with dabrafenib (a V600EBRAF inhibitor): a case report
Authors: Simeone Ester , De Maio Eleonora , Sandomenico Fabio , Fulciniti Franco , Lastoria Secondo , Aprea Pasquale , Staibano Stefania , Montesarchio Vincenzo , Palmieri Giuseppe , Mozzillo Nicola , Ascierto Paolo A
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Leptomeningeal metastases are occurring at higher frequency in cancer patients. The prognosis of leptomeningeal metastases is poor and standard treatment, which includes radiotherapy and chemotherapy, is mostly ineffective. Melanoma represents one of the tumors with the highest incidence of leptomeningeal metastases. For such a disease, the BRAF inhibitors have recently been demonstrated to be effective on melanoma brain metastases harboring the V600EBRAF mutation.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 39-year-old Italian woman with advanced melanoma with brain, lung and peritoneum metastases harboring the V600EBRAF mutation. In August 2010 she was enrolled into the BRIM3 trial and after the randomization process she received dacarbazine. After two cycles, there was evidence of disease progression in her peritoneum and lung. For this reason, she was enrolled into another clinical trial with the GSK2118436 BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib, as a second line of therapy. She had a partial response that was maintained until 13 weeks of treatment. In January 2011 she developed symptoms typical for brain metastases and received a diagnosis of leptomeningeal involvement of melanoma cells after an examination of her cerebral spinal fluid; magnetic resonance imaging was negative for meningitis or brain metastases. Analysis of her cerebral spinal fluid sample confirmed that the melanoma cells still carried the V600EBRAF mutation. After a few days, our patient went into a coma and died.

Conclusion

Starting with a clinical case, we discuss the pathogenesis of leptomeningeal metastases and whether the leptomeninges may represent a sanctuary where melanoma cells may generate resistance and/or BRAF inhibitors cannot reach an adequate concentration for significant activity. We assess whether treatment with BRAF inhibitors in melanoma patients should be interrupted as soon as disease progression appears or continued beyond progression, through the administration of additional compounds.
Genome-wide association analyses of the 15th QTL-MAS workshop data using mixed model based single locus regression analysis
Authors: Fu Wei-Xuan , Wang Chong-Long , Ding Xiang-Dong , Zhang Zhe , Ma Pei-Pei , Weng Zi-Qing , Liu Jian-Feng , Zhang Qin
Published: May 2012

Background

The mixed model based single locus regression analysis (MMRA) method was used to analyse the common simulated dataset of the 15th QTL-MAS workshop to detect potential significant association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the simulated trait. A Wald chi-squared statistic with df =1 was employed as test statistic and the permutation test was performed. For adjusting multiple testing, phenotypic observations were permutated 10,000 times against the genotype and pedigree data to obtain the threshold for declaring genome-wide significant SNPs. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) in term of D' between significant SNPs was quantified and LD blocks were defined to indicate quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions.

Results

The estimated heritability of the simulated trait is approximately 0.30. 82 genome-wide significant SNPs (P < 0.05) on chromosomes 1, 2 and 3 were detected. Through the LD blocks of the significant SNPs, we confirmed 5 and 1 QTL regions on chromosomes 1 and 3, respectively. No block was detected on chromosome 2, and no significant SNP was detected on chromosomes 4 and 5.

Conclusion

MMRA is a suitable method for detecting additive QTL and a fast method with feasibility of performing permutation test. Using LD blocks can effectively detect QTL regions.
Targeting triple-negative breast cancer cells with the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat
Authors: Tate Chandra R , Rhodes Lyndsay V , Segar H Chris , Driver Jennifer L , Pounder F Nell , Burow Matthew E , Collins-Burow Bridgette M
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Of the more than one million global cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year, approximately fifteen percent are characterized as triple-negative, lacking the estrogen, progesterone, and Her2/neu receptors. Lack of effective therapies, younger age at onset, and early metastatic spread have contributed to the poor prognoses and outcomes associated with these malignancies. Here, we investigate the ability of the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) to selectively target triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation and survival in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo.

Methods

TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-157, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and BT-549 were treated with nanomolar (nM) quantities of panobinostat. Relevant histone acetylation was verified by flow cytometry and immunofluorescent imaging. Assays for trypan blue viability, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) proliferation, and DNA fragmentation were used to evaluate overall cellular toxicity. Changes in cell cycle progression were assessed with propidium iodide flow cytometry. Additionally, qPCR arrays were used to probe MDA-MB-231 cells for panobinostat-induced changes in cancer biomarkers and signaling pathways. Orthotopic MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 mouse xenograft models were used to assess the effects of panobinostat on tumorigenesis. Lastly, flow cytometry, ELISA, and immunohistochemical staining were applied to detect changes in cadherin-1, E-cadherin (CDH1) protein expression and the results paired with confocal microscopy in order to examine changes in cell morphology.

Results

Panobinostat treatment increased histone acetylation, decreased cell proliferation and survival, and blocked cell cycle progression at G2/M with a concurrent decrease in S phase in all TNBC cell lines. Treatment also resulted in apoptosis induction at 24 hours in all lines except the MDA-MB-468 cell line. MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 tumor formation was significantly inhibited by panobinostat (10 mg/kg/day) in mice. Additionally, panobinostat up-regulated CDH1 protein in vitro and in vivo and induced cell morphology changes in MDA-MB-231 cells consistent with reversal of the mesenchymal phenotype.

Conclusions

This study revealed that panobinostat is overtly toxic to TNBC cells in vitro and decreases tumorigenesis in vivo. Additionally, treatment up-regulated anti-proliferative, tumor suppressor, and epithelial marker genes in MDA-MB-231 cells and initiated a partial reversal of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Our results demonstrate a potential therapeutic role of panobinostat in targeting aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell types.
TFEM for oil detection: Case studies
Authors: Zhanxiang He , Zhi Zhao , Haiying Liu , Jinchen Qin
Published: May 2012

The time-frequency electromagnetic method (TFEM) has been developed and refined along with its applications in the last decade. BGP has contributed much to its development in areas of data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. For example, we have developed a super-powered transmitter, an on-site and in-house data processing and interpretation system, and a multiparameter inversion algorithm for induced polarization and resistivity (IPR). We have successfully applied TFEM in China and overseas for decades and obtained rewarding results. The method has two major functions: one is to evaluate the traps discovered by seismic data and the other is to determine optimal drilling locations. TFEM results can also serve as a key reference for seismic survey design. In this paper, we briefly review TFEM and present a set of examples.
Quantitative application of poststack acoustic impedance inversion to subsalt reservoir development
Authors: Wagner Charles , Gonzalez Alfonso , Agarwal Vinod , Koesoemadinata Adam , Ng David , Trares Steven , Biles Norman , Fisher Kevin
Published: May 2012

The cost and complexity of deep-water subsalt development wells is so great that a very limited spatial sampling of the target reservoir is achievable with well data. Thus, the quantitative use of seismic data becomes of paramount importance.

Poststack seismic amplitude inversion, and poststack seismic attribute analysis and modeling are frequently employed to perform quantitative prediction of reservoir properties from surface seismic data. Several authors have shown that both absolute and relative acoustic impedance (AAI and RAI, respectively) derived from poststack seismic amplitude inversion can be useful for quantitative estimates of summary reservoir properties such as average porosity, net-to-gross, and others. This includes suprasalt and minibasin clastic reservoirs typically encountered in the Middle and Lower Tertiary plays in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico (several of which are also encountered subsalt), where depth to target can exceed 9000 m and highest frequencies at target are often rather low (20–25 Hz) (Bogan et al., 2003, Vernik et al., 2002).
Extracting full-resolution models from seismic data to minimize systematic errors in inversion: Method and examples
Authors: Brouwer Friso , Huck Arnaud , Hemstra Nanne , Braga Igor
Published: May 2012

Creating an accurate subsurface model is paramount to many geophysical and geological workflows. Examples are background models for seismic inversion, rock property models for reservoir characterization, and geological models of depositional elements for seismic morphological interpretation. The standard workflow for creating subsurface models using seismic data is stratal slicing. The stratal slicing approach, however, may break down in the case of complex stratigraphic or tectonic structuring, such as shelf-to-basin clinoforms, delta lobe switching, deep-water channel-fan complexes, and deformation due to salt tectonics. This paper illustrates how the results obtained with high-resolution inversion and the incorporation of a stratigraphically consistent low-frequency model generated through horizon mapping—called the HorizonCube—improves the quality of the estimation of the subsurface parameters in structural complex settings. Using two data examples with different seismic data and geological settings from the North Sea and offshore Brazil, the paper will demonstrate the increased accuracy of the final inversion result using a data-driven HorizonCube.
Financial Innovation and Asset Price Volatility
Authors: Kubler Felix , Schmedders Karl
Published: May 2012

We compare asset prices in an overlapping generations model for incomplete and complete markets. Individuals within a generational cohort have heterogeneous beliefs about future states of the economy and thus would like to make bets against each other. In the incomplete-markets economy, agents cannot make such bets. Asset price volatility is very small. The situation changes dramatically when markets are completed through financial innovations as the set of available securities now allows agents with different beliefs to place bets against each other. Wealth shifts across agents and generations. Such changes in the wealth distribution lead to substantial asset price volatility.
International Liquidity in a Multipolar World
Authors: Eichengreen Barry
Published: May 2012

Today's global monetary and financial system, to a remarkable extent, continues to rely on the U.S. dollar for international liquidity. This reflects the currency's historic role, the liquidity of American financial markets, and the absence of alternatives. But with the emergence of emerging markets, the capacity of the United States to provide safe assets will be outstripped by the growth of international transactions. It is thus likely that other large economies, presumably Europe and China, will eventually join the United States as sources of international liquidity and that other currencies will come to share the dollar's reserve-currency status.
Sustaining Production Chains through Financial Linkages
Authors: Kim Se-Jik , Shin Hyun Song
Published: May 2012

The technological constraints on sustaining production chains have been discussed extensively by development economists, but the role of financial linkages has received less attention. In a model of recursive moral hazard for a manufacturing supply chain, we show that the structure of interlocking receivables and payables serve as the glue for the production chain that sustains complex manufacturing output. The inefficiency associated with recursive moral hazard can be mitigated through optimal delays in payments along the chain. However, efficiency requires large stocks of working capital, and invoice prices are high due to implicit amortization costs of inter-firm credit.
Exports and Within-Plant Wage Distributions: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Frías Judith A , Kaplan David S , Verhoogen Eric
Published: May 2012

This short paper examines the effect of exporting on within-plant wage distributions in employer-employee data on Mexican manufacturing plants. Using the late-1994 peso devaluation interacted with initial plant size as a source of exogenous variation in exporting and focusing on wages at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles within each plant, we document three patterns: (1) there is no evidence of an effect of exporting on wages at the 10th percentile; (2) the wage effects of exporting are larger at higher percentiles, up to the 75th; and (3) there is no evidence of an increase in dispersion within the top quartile.
The Long-Term Effects of UI Extensions on Employment
Authors: Schmieder Johannes F , Wachter Till von , Bender Stefan
Published: May 2012

The majority of papers analyzing the employment effects of unemployment insurance (UI) benefit durations focus on the duration of the first unemployment spell. In this paper, we make two contributions. First, we use a regression discontinuity design to analyze the long-term effects of extensions in UI durations. These estimates differ from standard estimates in that they incorporate differences in UI benefit receipt and employment due to recurrent unemployment spells. Second, we derive a welfare formula of UI extensions that incorporates recurrent nonemployment spells.
Coming to America: Does Having a Developed Home Country Matter for Self-Employment in the United States?
Authors: Oyelere Ruth Uwaifo , Belton Willie
Published: May 2012

This research examines the relationship between the economic status of an immigrant's home country and the probability of self-employment in the US. We find that immigrants from developing countries on average have lower self-employment probabilities relative to immigrants from developed countries. Similarly, we find a positive correlation between the current HDI of an immigrant's home country and the probability of self-employment in the US. These result are unexpected given that past research suggests immigrants from countries with high levels of self-employment (developing countries) are more likely to be self-employed in the US. We provide a possible explanation for these results.
Feasibility of epicardial adipose tissue quantification in non-ECG-gated low-radiation-dose CT: comparison with prospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT
Authors: Simon-Yarza Isabel , Viteri-Ramírez Guillermo , Saiz-Mendiguren Ramón , Slon-Roblero Pedro J , Paramo María , Bastarrika Gorka
Published: May 2012

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an important indicator of cardiovascular risk. This parameter is generally assessed on ECG-gated computed tomography (CT) images.

Purpose

To evaluate feasibility and reliability of EAT quantification on non-gated thoracic low-radiation-dose CT examinations with respect to prospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT acquisition.

Material and Methods

Sixty consecutive asymptomatic smokers (47 men; mean age 64 ± 9.8 years) underwent low-dose CT of the chest and prospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT acquisitions (64-slice dual-source CT). The two examinations were reconstructed with the same range, field of view, slice thickness, and convolution algorithm. Two independent observers blindly quantified EAT volume using commercially available software. Data were compared with paired sample Student t-test, concordance correlation coefficients (CCC), and Bland-Altman plots.

Results

No statistically significant difference was observed for EAT volume quantification with low-dose-CT (141.7 ± 58.3 mL) with respect to ECG-gated CT (142.7 ± 57.9 mL). Estimation of CCC showed almost perfect concordance between the two techniques for EAT-volume assessment (CCC, 0.99; mean difference, 0.98 ± 5.1 mL). Inter-observer agreement for EAT volume estimation was CCC: 0.96 for low-dose-CT examinations and 0.95 for ECG-gated CT.

Conclusion

Non-gated low-dose CT allows quantifying EAT with almost the same concordance and reliability as using dedicated prospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT acquisition protocols.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): initial experience in a clinical setting
Authors: Skaane Per , Gullien Randi , Bjørndal Hilde , Eben Ellen B. , Ekseth Ulrika , Haakenaasen Unni , Jahr Gunnar , Jebsen Ingvild Næss , Krager Mona
Published: May 2012

Background

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a promising new technology. Some experimental clinical studies have shown positive results, but the future role and indications of this new technique, whether in a screening or clinical setting, need to be evaluated.

Purpose

To compare digital mammography and DBT in a side-by-side feature analysis for cancer conspicuity, and to assess whether there is a potential additional value of DBT to standard state-of-the-art conventional imaging work-up with respect to detection of additional malignancies.

Material and Methods

The study had ethics committee approval. A total of 129 women underwent 2D digital mammography including supplementary cone-down and magnification views and breast ultrasonography if indicated, as well as digital breast tomosynthesis. The indication for conventional imaging in the clinical setting included a palpable lump in 30 (23%), abnormal mammographic screening findings in 54 (42%), and surveillance in 45 (35%) of the women. The women were examined according to present guidelines, including spot-magnification views, ultrasonography, and needle biopsies, if indicated. The DBT examinations were interpreted several weeks after the conventional imaging without knowledge of the conventional imaging findings. In a later session, three radiologists performed a side-by-side feature analysis for cancer conspicuity in a sample of 50 cases.

Results

State-of-the-art conventional imaging resulted in needle biopsy of 45 breasts, of which 20 lesions were benign and a total of 25 cancers were diagnosed. The remaining 84 women were dismissed with a normal/definitely benign finding and without indication for needle biopsy. The subsequent DBT interpretation found suspicious findings in four of these 84 women, and these four women had to be called back for repeated work-up with knowledge of the tomosynthesis findings. These delayed work-ups resulted in two cancers (increasing the cancer detection by 8%) and two false-positive findings. The side-by-side feature analysis showed higher conspicuity scores for tomosynthesis compared to conventional 2D for cancers presenting as spiculated masses and distortions.

Conclusion

Tomosynthesis is a promising new technique. Our preliminary clinical experience shows that there is a potential for increasing the sensitivity using this new technique, especially for cancers manifesting as spiculated masses and distortions.
Reviews DVDs
Authors: Stamm Laura , Fajardo Sophie , Stromquist Amanda
Published: May 2012

I Am Love (Io sono l’amore) (2009) Italy Director Luca Guadagnino Runtime 120 minutes

DVD USA, 2010

The Headless Woman (La mujer sin cabeza) (2008) Argentina Director Lucrecia Martel Runtime 87 minutes

DVD USA, 2009

Sakuran (2006) Japan Director Mika Ninagawa Runtime
111 minutes

DVD UK, 2010
How Dirty Harry was Rodney King’d: The vigilante cop in modern American cinema
Authors: Maruska Travis
Published: May 2012

This paper is an examination of the vigilante cop’s emergence as an American film icon in the 1970s and 80s as well as an investigation into his recent descent to the role of antagonist in popular films such as Training Day and Pride and Glory. While many cultural and political
factors contribute to the evolution of a cinematic genre, this paper attempts to show that the impetus for this particular, significant transformation was the highly televised and controversial 1991 beating of Rodney King, an African American citizen of Los Angeles, by the LAPD. This blatant
act forced American audiences to reconsider the glorification of police vigilantism they had so easily embraced for two decades and cast a shadow of corruption over future cinematic incarnations.
Dancing Golden Stools
Authors: Müller Louise
Published: May 2012

In this article the author concentrates on the use of Indigenous Religion among the Akuapem in Ghana for the construction of their group identity. She discusses the way in which the Akuapem make use of the celebration of an annual indigenous religious festival (Odwira) to strengthen their group identity by self-identification, differentiation and the perception of other cultural groups. Her specific focus is on the common Asante-Akuapem history, the foundation of the Akan Golden Stools, akom dancing and the Odwira festival procession and Durbars. She concludes that Indigenous Religion should not be left out in the study of the construction of group identities in the social sciences.