bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TprC/D (Tp0117/131), a Trimeric, Pore-Forming Rare Outer Membrane Protein of Treponema pallidum, Has a Bipartite Domain Structure
Authors: Anand Arvind , Luthra Amit , Dunham-Ems Star , Caimano Melissa J. , Karanian Carson , LeDoyt Morgan , Cruz Adriana R. , Salazar Juan C. , Radolf Justin D.
Published: March 2012

Identification ofTreponema pallidumrare outer membrane proteins (OMPs) has been a longstanding objective of syphilis researchers. We recently developed a consensus computational framework that employs a battery of cellular localization and topological prediction tools to generate ranked clusters of candidate rare OMPs (D. L. Cox et al., Infect. Immun. 78:5178–5194, 2010). TP0117/TP0131 (TprC/D), a member of theT. pallidumrepeat (Tpr) family, was a highly ranked candidate. Circular dichroism, heat modifiability by SDS-PAGE, Triton X-114 phase partitioning, and liposome incorporation confirmed that full-length, recombinant TprC (TprCFl) forms a β-barrel capable of integrating into lipid bilayers. Moreover, TprCFlincreased efflux of terbium-dipicolinic acid complex from large unilamellar vesicles and migrated as a trimer by blue-native PAGE. We found that inT. pallidum, TprC is heat modifiable, trimeric, expressed in low abundance, and, based on proteinase K accessibility and opsonophagocytosis assays, surface exposed. From these collective data, we conclude that TprC is a bona fide rare OMP as well as a functional ortholog ofEscherichia coliOmpF. We also discovered that TprC has a bipartite architecture consisting of a soluble N-terminal portion (TprCN), presumably periplasmic and bound directly or indirectly to peptidoglycan, and a C-terminal β-barrel (TprCC). Syphilitic rabbits generate antibodies exclusively against TprCC, while secondary syphilis patients fail to mount a detectable antibody response against either domain. The syphilis spirochete appears to have resolved a fundamental dilemma arising from its extracellular lifestyle, namely, how to enhance OM permeability without increasing its vulnerability to the antibody-mediated defenses of its natural human host.
Gender difference in the prognostic value of estimated glomerular filtration rate at admission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Damman Peter , Kikkert Wouter J , Woudstra Pier , Kuijt Wichert J , Grundeken Maik J D , Harskamp Ralf E , Baan Jan , Vis Marije M , Henriques Jose P S , Piek Jan J , van Straalen Jan P , Fischer Johan C , Tijssen Jan G P , de Winter Robbert J
Published: March 2012

Objective

To evaluate gender differences in the prognostic value of renal function for mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Design

Prospective single-center cohort.

Setting

Single tertiary referral center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Patients consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI (1412 men and 558 women).

Main outcome measure

The authors calculated adjusted HRs for 3-year all-cause mortality according to the presence of a reduced renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min) using Cox proportional hazards models. In order to investigate a possible gender difference in the prognostic value of a reduced renal function, a comparison was made between the HRs of male and female patients and an interaction term was added to the model and tested for significance. Adjustments were made for age, body mass index, history of diabetes or hypertension, systolic blood pressure and heart rate, anterior myocardial infarction and time to treatment.

Results

In male patients, a reduced renal function was associated with increased 3-year mortality (adjusted HR 6.31, 95% CI 3.74 to 10.63, p<0.001). A reduced renal function was associated with a twofold increase in the mortality hazard in female patients (adjusted HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.94, p=0.006).

Conclusions

In this large single-centre registry of STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, renal dysfunction as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate had prognostic significance for mortality in both male and female patients.
Protocol: inspiratory muscle training for promoting recovery and outcomes in ventilated patients (IMPROVe): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bissett Bernie M , Leditschke I Anne , Paratz Jennifer D , Boots Robert J
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Inspiratory muscle weakness is a known consequence of mechanical ventilation and a potential contributor to difficulty in weaning from ventilatory support. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) reduces the weaning period and increases the likelihood of successful weaning in some patients. However, it is not known how this training affects the residual inspiratory muscle fatigability following successful weaning nor patients' quality of life or functional outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This dual centre study includes two concurrent randomised controlled trials of IMT in adult patients who are either currently ventilator-dependent (>7 days) (n=70) or have been recently weaned from mechanical ventilation (>7 days) in the past week (n=70). Subjects will be stable, alert and able to actively participate and provide consent. There will be concealed allocation to either treatment (IMT) or usual physiotherapy (including deep breathing exercises without a resistance device). Primary outcomes are inspiratory muscle fatigue resistance and maximum inspiratory pressures. Secondary outcomes are quality of life (Short Form-36v2, EQ-5D), functional status (Acute Care Index of Function), rate of perceived exertion (Borg Scale), intensive care length of stay (days), post intensive care length of stay (days), rate of reintubation (%) and duration of ventilation (days).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from relevant institutions, and results will be published with a view to influencing physiotherapy practice in the management of long-term ventilator-dependent patients to accelerate weaning and optimise rehabilitation outcomes.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12610001089022.
SU(5)-COMPATIBLE YUKAWAON MODEL
Authors: KOIDE YOSHIO
Published: March 2012

It is investigated what constraints are imposed on the so-called yukawaon model when we regard quarks and leptons as [Formula: see text] of SU(5) (i = 1, 2, 3: index of U(3) family symmetry). In past yukawaon models, the effective Yukawa coupling constants [Formula: see text] are given by vacuum expectation values of fields Yf ("yukawaons") as [Formula: see text]. In order to build a model without a cutoff scale Λ, vector-like fields [Formula: see text] are introduced in addition to the conventional quarks and leptons. The U(3) family symmetry is broken at 〈Yf〉~1013 GeV .
A SEMIRELATIVISTIC TREATMENT OF SPINLESS PARTICLES SUBJECT TO THE YUKAWA POTENTIAL WITH ARBITRARY ANGULAR MOMENTA
Authors: HAMZAVI MAJID , IKHDAIR SAMEER M. , SOLAIMANI M.
Published: March 2012

We obtain analytical solutions of the two-body spinless Salpeter (SS) equation with the Yukawa potential within the conventional approximation scheme to the centrifugal term for any l-state. The semirelativistic bound-state energy spectra and the corresponding normalized wave functions are calculated by means of the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU) method. We also obtain the numerical energy spectrum of the SS equation without any approximation to centrifugal term for the same potential and compare them with the approximated numerical ones obtained from the analytical expressions. It is found that the exact numerical results are in good agreement with the approximated ones for the lower energy states. Special cases are treated like the nonrelativistic limit and the solution for the Coulomb problem.
FINITE RINGS WITH EULERIAN ZERO-DIVISOR GRAPHS
Authors: KUZMINA A. S.
Published: March 2012

The zero-divisor graph Γ(R) of an associative ring R is the graph whose vertices are all non-zero (one-sided and two-sided) zero-divisors of R, and two distinct vertices x and y are joined by an edge if and only if xy = 0 or yx = 0. [S. P. Redmond, The zero-divisor graph of a noncommutative ring, Int. J. Commut. Rings1(4) (2002) 203–211.]

In the present paper, all finite rings with Eulerian zero-divisor graphs are described.
ROOT SYSTEMS ARISING FROM AUTOMORPHISMS
Authors: AZAM SAEID , YOUSOSFZADEH MALIHE
Published: March 2012

We study a combinatorial approach of producing new root systems from the old ones in the context of affine root systems and their new generalizations. The appearance of this approach in the literature goes back to the outstanding work of Kac in the realization of affine Kac–Moody Lie algebras. In recent years, this approach has been appeared in many other works, including the study of affinization of extended affine Lie algebras and invariant affine reflection algebras.
A PRESENTATION FOR THE SYMPLECTIC BLOB ALGEBRA
Authors: GREEN R. M. , MARTIN P. P. , PARKER A. E.
Published: March 2012

The symplectic blob algebra bn(n ∈ ℕ) is a finite-dimensional algebra defined by a multiplication rule on a basis of certain diagrams. The rank r(n) of bn is not known in general, but r(n)/n grows unboundedly with n. For each bn we define an algebra by presentation, such that the number of generators and relations grows linearly with n. We prove that these algebras are isomorphic.
GORENSTEIN-PROJECTIVE MODULES OVER TRIANGULAR MATRIX ARTIN ALGEBRAS
Authors: XIONG BAO-LIN , ZHANG PU
Published: March 2012

Let [Formula: see text] be an Artin algebra. Under suitable conditions, we describe all the modules in ⊥Λ, and obtain criteria for the Gorensteinness of Λ. As applications, we determine explicitly all the Gorenstein-projective Λ-modules if Λ is Gorenstein, and all the Gorenstein-projective Tn(A)-modules if A is Gorenstein.
COMPLEXITY OF TRIVIAL EXTENSIONS OF ITERATED TILTED ALGEBRAS
Authors: PURIN MARJU
Published: March 2012

We study the complexity of a family of finite-dimensional self-injective k-algebras where k is an algebraically closed field. More precisely, let T be the trivial extension of an iterated tilted algebra of type H. We prove that modules over the trivial extension T all have complexities either 0, 1, 2 or infinity, depending on the representation type of the hereditary algebra H.
GENERATING GROUPS BY CONJUGATION-INVARIANT SETS
Authors: BARDAKOV VALERY , TOLSTYKH VLADIMIR , VERSHININ VLADIMIR
Published: March 2012

Let S be a generating set of a group G. We say that G has finite width relative to S if G = (S ∪ S-1)k for a suitable natural number k. We say that a group G is a group of finite C-width if G has finite width with respect to all conjugation-invariant generating sets of G. We give a number of examples of groups of finite C-width, and, in particular, we prove that the commutator subgroup F′ of Thompson's group F is a group of finite C-width. We also study the behavior of the class of all groups of finite C-width under some group-theoretic constructions; it is established, for instance, that this class is closed under formation of group extensions.
NONCOMMUTATIVE POLYNOMIAL MAPS
Authors: LEROY ANDRÉ
Published: March 2012

Polynomial maps attached to polynomials of an Ore extension are naturally defined. In this setting we show the importance of pseudo-linear transformations and give some applications. In particular, factorizations of polynomials in an Ore extension over a finite field 𝔽q[t;θ], where θ is the Frobenius automorphism, are translated into factorizations in the usual polynomial ring 𝔽q[x].
ANNIHILATOR CONDITIONS IN MATRIX AND SKEW POLYNOMIAL RINGS
Authors: ALHEVAZ A. , MOUSSAVI A.
Published: March 2012

Let R be a ring with an endomorphism α and α-derivation δ. By [A. R. Nasr-Isfahani and A. Moussavi, Ore extensions of skew Armendariz rings, Comm. Algebra 36(2) (2008) 508–522], a ring R is called a skew Armendariz ring, if for polynomials f(x) = a0 + a1 x + ⋯ + anxn, g(x) = b0+b1x + ⋯ + bmxm in R[x; α, δ], f(x)g(x) = 0 implies a0bj = 0 for each 0 ≤ j ≤ m. In this paper, radicals of the skew polynomial ring R[x; α, δ], in terms of a skew Armendariz ring R, is determined. We prove that several properties transfer between R and R[x; α, δ], in case R is an α-compatible skew Armendariz ring. We also identify some "relatively maximal" skew Armendariz subrings of matrix rings, and obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a trivial extension to be skew Armendariz. Consequently, new families of non-reduced skew Armendariz rings are presented and several known results related to Armendariz rings and skew polynomial rings will be extended and unified.
ASYMMETRIC QUANTUM PRODUCT CODES
Authors: LA GUARDIA GIULIANO G.
Published: March 2012

A family of asymmetric quantum codes derived from the product code of two (classical) Reed–Solomon (RS) codes is constructed in this paper. This family is constructed by applying the Calderbank–Shor–Steane (CSS) construction. The proposed codes can be utilized in quantum channels having great asymmetry, that is, quantum channels in which the probability of occurrence of phase-shift errors is large when compared to the probability of occurrence of qudit-flip errors.
GEOMETRIC PHASE AND DISENTANGLEMENT OF A MOVING FOUR-LEVEL ATOM IN THE PRESENCE OF NONLINEAR MEDIUM
Authors: ZIDAN NOUR , ABDEL-KHALEK S. , ABDEL-ATY M.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we investigate the geometric phase of the field interacting with a moving four-level atom in the presence of Kerr medium. The results show that the atomic motion, the field-mode structure and Kerr medium play important roles in the evolution of the system dynamics. As illustration, we examine the behavior of the geometric phase and entanglement with experimentally accessible parameters. Some new aspects are observed and discussed.
TELEPORTATION OF N-QUDIT STATE
Authors: SHAO JIA-JIA , TIAN XIU-LAO , SHI GUO-FANG
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we study the teleportation of arbitrary N-qudit state with the tensor representation. The necessary and sufficient condition for realizing a successful or perfect teleportation is obtained, as will be shown, which is determined by the measurement matrix Tδ and the quantum channel parameter matrix X. The general expressions of the measurement matrix Tδ are written out and the quantum channel parameter matrix X are discussed. As an example, we show the details of three-ququart state teleportation.
Altered expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain proteins and improved myocardial energetic state during late ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Cabrera Jesús A. , Ziemba Elizabeth A. , Colbert Robert , Anderson Lorraine B. , Sluiter Willem , Duncker Dirk J. , Butterick Tammy A. , Sikora Joseph , Ward Herbert B. , Kelly Rosemary F. , McFalls Edward O.
Published: March 2012

Altered expression of mitochondrial electron transport proteins has been shown in early preconditioned myocardial tissue. We wished to determine whether these alterations persist in the Second Window of Protection (SWOP) and if so, whether a favorable energetic state is facilitated during subsequent ischemia. Fourteen pigs underwent a SWOP protocol with ten 2-minute balloon inflations in the LAD artery, each separated by 2 minutes reperfusion. Twenty-four hours later, mitochondria were isolated from SWOP and SHAM pig hearts and analyzed for uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 content by western blot analysis, proteomic changes by iTRAQ® and respiration by an oxygen electrode. In parallel in vivo studies, high-energy nucleotides were obtained by transmural biopsy from anesthetized SWOP and SHAM pigs at baseline and during sustained low-flow ischemia. Compared with SHAM mitochondria, ex vivo SWOP heart tissue demonstrated increased expression of UCP-2, Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) and Complex V (ATPase) proteins. In comparison with SHAM pigs during in vivo conditions, transmural energetics in SWOP hearts, as estimated by the free energy of ATP hydrolysis (ΔG0), were similar at baseline but had decreased by the end of low-flow ischemia (-57.0 ± 2.1 versus -51.1 ± 1.4 kJ/mol; P < 0.05). In conclusion, within isolated mitochondria from preconditioned SWOP hearts, UCP-2 is increased and in concert with enhanced Complex IV and V proteins, imparts a favorable energetic state during low-flow ischemia. These data support the notion that mitochondrial adaptations that may reduce oxidant damage do not reduce the overall efficiency of energetics during sustained oxygen deprivation.
Study of Zn-Ni Alloy Coatings Modified by Nano-SiO2Particles Incorporation
Authors: Hammami Olfa , Dhouibi Leila , Berçot Patrice , Rezrazi El Mustafa , Triki Ezzeddine
Published: March 2012

The aim of this research work was to codeposit nano-SiO2particles into Zn-Ni alloy coatings in order to improve some surface properties. It had been investigated the effect of loading the plating bath with nanoparticles on composition, morphology, phase structure of deposits, and their subsequent influence on the corrosion process in corrosive solution of 3% NaCl and the thermal stability of deposits at200°C. It was found that Zn-Ni alloy composites contain a higher percentage of Ni with incorporation in the deposit of 1.54% of silica. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the alloys consisted of two phases, pure zinc andγphase. Electrochemical characterization of the composites had been carried out through potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The composites exhibited higher values of microhardness and better corrosion resistance in corrosive media.
Patient Perceptions of Natural Orifice Translumenal Surgery
Authors: Tsang Melanie E. , Theman Kirstin , Mercer Dale , Hopman Wilma M. , Hookey Lawrence
Published: March 2012

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is on the forefront of surgical technique, but existing research has produced mixed results regarding factors associated with interest in the procedure. Our objective was to ascertain patient opinions at a Canadian centre regarding scarless surgery. A survey comprising demographic data (gender, age, body mass index [BMI]), interest in NOTES, impact of increased risk, as well as importance of further research and shorter recovery time was administered to volunteer patients at outpatient general surgery clinics. Nonparametric tests were utilized to examine difference in response by age, sex, BMI, and preexisting scars. Of the 335 participants (57% female, mean age of54.5±15.9years, mean BMI of28.7±6.9), the majority (83%) showed some interest, but this dropped to 38% when additional risk was factored in. Generally, women, those under 50 years of age and those of healthy weight, were more interested than male, older, and/or heavier patients. Most felt that research into NOTES and reduced length of inpatient stay were important (80% and 95%, respectively). Further investigation into objective NOTES outcomes are needed to provide patients adequate data to make an informed choice regarding surgical route.
3D Assembly Group Analysis for Cognitive Automation
Authors: Brecher Christian , Breitbach Thomas , Müller Simon , Mayer Marcel Ph. , Odenthal Barbara , Schlick Christopher M. , Herfs Werner
Published: March 2012

A concept that allows the cognitive automation of robotic assembly processes is introduced. An assembly cell comprised of two robots was designed to verify the concept. For the purpose of validation a customer-defined part group consisting of Hubelino bricks is assembled. One of the key aspects for this process is the verification of the assembly group. Hence a software component was designed that utilizes the Microsoft Kinect to perceive both depth and color data in the assembly area. This information is used to determine the current state of the assembly group and is compared to a CAD model for validation purposes. In order to efficiently resolve erroneous situations, the results are interactively accessible to a human expert. The implications for an industrial application are demonstrated by transferring the developed concepts to an assembly scenario for switch-cabinet systems.
The Theory of Falling Shadows Applied to -Ideals in -Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin
Published: March 2012

On the basis of the theory of a falling shadow which was first formulated by Wang (1985), the notion of falling -ideals in -algebras is introduced, and related properties are investigated. Characterizations of a falling -ideal are established. Relations among falling -ideals, falling -ideals, falling -ideals, falling -subalgebras, and fallingBCK-ideals are discussed.
Transplantation of Amniotic Membrane to the Subretinal Space in Pigs
Authors: Kiilgaard Jens Folke , Scherfig Erik , Prause Jan Ulrik , la Cour Morten
Published: March 2012

Purpose. To investigate the effect of transplanted amniotic membrane (AM) on subretinal wound healing.Methods. Nine Danish Landrace pigs had surgical removal of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and mechanical damage of Bruch’s membrane (BM) and served as a control group. 15 pigs additionally had AM transplanted to the subretinal space.Results. AM significantly reduces choroidal neovascularisation when complete coverage of the induced defect is obtained (7 pigs) (P<0.05). In cases where AM did not cover the rupture in BM choroidal tissue covered the transplanted membrane (8 pigs). AM is well tolerated in the subretinal space, causes only limited inflammation, and is covered with a monolayer of pigmented cells when in contact with the host RPE.Conclusions. AM modifies choroidal neovascularisation after BM damage and may serve as a basement membrane substitute for the RPE.
Therapeutic Vascular Compliance Change May Cause Significant Variation in Coronary Perfusion: A Numerical Study
Authors: Nobari S. , Mongrain R. , Gaillard E. , Leask R. , Cartier R.
Published: March 2012

In some pathological conditions like aortic stiffening and calcific aortic stenosis (CAS), the microstructure of the aortic root and the aortic valve leaflets are altered in response to stress resulting in changes in tissue thickness, stiffness, or both. This aortic stiffening and CAS are thought to affect coronary blood flow. The goal of the present paper was to include the flow in the coronary ostia in the previous fluid structure interaction model we have developed and to analyze the effect of diseased tissues (aortic root stiffening and CAS) on coronary perfusion. Results revealed a significant impact on the coronary perfusion due to a moderate increase in the aortic wall stiffness and CAS (increase of the aortic valve leaflets thickness). A marked drop of coronary peak velocity occurred when the values of leaflet thickness and aortic wall stiffness were above a certain threshold, corresponding to a threefold of their normal value. Consequently, mild and prophylactic treatments such as smoking cessation, exercise, or diet, which have been proven to increase the aortic compliance, may significantly improve the coronary perfusion.
Dickkopf-1 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Marker for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gao Chengcheng , Xie Rui , Ren Chengcheng , Yang Xiaozhong
Published: March 2012

Aim. To investigate the involvement of Dickkopf-1 expression in gastric cancer.Methods. Dickkopf-1 mRNA and protein expression were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in specimens of primary cancer and their adjacent noncancerous tissues in gastric cancer patients.Results. Dickkopf-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were both significantly upregulated in gastric cancer lesions compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. Its positive expression was correlated with depth of invasion, vessel invasion, lymph node and distant metastasis, and TNM stage of tumors. Additionally, in stages I, II, and III gastric cancers, the 5- year survival rate of patients with a high expression of Dickkopf-1 was significantly lower than that in patients with low expression. In stage IV, Dickkopf-1 expression did not correlate with the 5-year survival rate. Further multivariate analysis suggested that the up-regulation of Dickkopf-1 was an independent prognostic indicator for gastric cancer.Conclusion. A subset of cases with gastric cancer revealed the up-regulation of Dickkopf-1, which was associated with a progressive pathological feature and an aggressive clinical course. Therefore, Dickkopf-1 expression may be predictor for poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. This is the first report describing the involvement of Dickkopf-1 in gastric cancer.
Classifying High-Dimensional Patterns Using a Fuzzy Logic Discriminant Network
Authors: Pizzi Nick J. , Pedrycz Witold
Published: March 2012

Although many classification techniques exist to analyze patterns possessing straightforward characteristics, they tend to fail when the ratio of features to patterns is very large. This “curse of dimensionality” is especially prevalent in many complex, voluminous biomedical datasets acquired using the latest spectroscopic modalities. To address this pattern classification issue, we present a technique using an adaptive network of fuzzy logic connectives to combine class boundaries generated by sets of discriminant functions. We empirically evaluate the effectiveness of this classification technique by comparing it against two conventional benchmark approaches, both of which use feature averaging as a preprocessing phase.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Prevention and Management of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Papapietro Nicola , Petrillo Stefano , Franceschetti Edoardo , Maffulli Nicola , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: March 2012

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) is a frequent pathological condition. Conservative management often fails, and patients with IVD degeneration may require surgical intervention. Several treatment strategies have been proposed, although only surgical discectomy and arthrodesis have been proved to be predictably effective. The aim of biological strategies is to prevent and manage IVD degeneration, improve the function, the anabolic and reparative capabilities of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells, and inhibit matrix degradation. At present, clinical applications are still in their infancy. Further studies are required to clarify the role of mesenchymal stem cells and gene therapy for the prevention and treatment of IVD degeneration.
Type I and II IFNs Inhibit Merkel Cell Carcinoma via Modulation of the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigens
Authors: Willmes Christoph , Adam Christian , Alb Miriam , Völkert Lena , Houben Roland , Becker Jürgen C. , Schrama David
Published: March 2012

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive skin cancer associated with the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV). As MCC cell lines show oncogene addiction to the MCV T antigens, pharmacologic interference of the large T antigen (LTA) may represent an effective therapeutic approach for this deadly cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of IFNs on MCC cell lines, especially on MCV-positive (MCV+) lines. Type I IFNs (i.e., Multiferon, a mix of different IFN-α subtypes, and IFN-β) strongly inhibited the cellular viability. Cell-cycle analysis showed increased sub-G fractions for these cells upon IFN treatment indicating apoptotic cell death; these effects were less pronounced for IFN-γ. Notably, this inhibitory effect of type I IFNs on MCV+ MCC cell lines was associated with a reduced expression of the MCV LTA as well as an increased expression of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein, which is known to interfere with the function of the LTA. In addition, the intratumoral application of Multiferon resulted in a regression of MCV+ but not MCV− MCCs in vivo. Together, our findings show that type I IFNs have a strong antitumor effect, which is at least in part explained by modulation of the virally encoded LTA. Cancer Res; 72(8); 2120–8. ©2012 AACR.
The Formation of the Soviet Bloc's Council for Mutual Economic Assistance: Romania's Involvement
Authors: Dragomir Elena
Published: March 2012

This article discusses Romania's role in the creation of the Soviet bloc's Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) in January 1949. The article explains why Romanian leaders, with Soviet approval, proposed the creation of the CMEA and why the proposal was adopted. An analysis of Romania's support for the creation of the CMEA sheds interesting light on the stance taken by Romania in the 1960s and 1970s against the Soviet Union's attempts to use the CMEA in forging a supranational division of labor in the Soviet bloc. Romania's opposition was largely in accord with the objectives originally envisaged by Romanian leaders when the CMEA was formed.
Commentary on Globalizing de Gaulle
Authors: Wall Irwin
Published: March 2012

Four distinguished analysts of French foreign policy under Charles de Gaulle provide in-depth assessments of the new book edited by Christian Nuenlist, Anna Locher, and Garret Martin, Globalizing de Gaulle: International Perspectives on French Foreign Policies, 1958–1969, published by Lexington Books. The commentators praise the book's wide scope and many of its essays and broad themes, but they raise questions about Garret Martin's contention (shared by a few, though not all, of the other contributors to the volume) that de Gaulle had a coherent if ultimately unsuccessful strategy to overcome the Cold War and move toward the unification of Germany and Europe. In article-length commentaries, both Andrew Moravcsik and Marc Trachtenberg take issue with Martin's view, arguing that de Gaulle's foreign policy involved more bluff and bluster than any genuine attempt to bring about the reunification of Germany or to end the Cold War. Moravcsik also provides a spirited defense of the “revisionist” conception of de Gaulle's policy toward Europe, which sees the general as having been guided mostly by his domestic economic and political interests—a conception that Trachtenberg has also come to accept. The forum ends with a reply by Nuenlist, Locher, and Martin to the four commentaries.
Contractualism in Employment Relationships: A Conceptual Discourse of Common Law and the Shariʿah
Authors: Hassan Kamal Halili
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This article discusses contractualism in employment relationships from the perspectives of common law and the Shariʿah. While common law has developed a modern concept of employment relationships—a contract of service as opposed to a contract for services—Islamic history has shown a similar development. In fact, Islam has contributed immensely to the emergence of a contract of service. That contribution is the reason this article adopts an intertwined discourse of both systems. However, there are differences in such relationships; whereas an element of control dominates the contract of service in common law, the Islamic system places more emphasis on the principle of brotherhood. However, when it comes to the mutual trust and confidence of both parties in implementing the implied obligations under contract, both systems share the same values.
An Evaluation of Rotated EOF Analysis and Its Application to Tropical Pacific SST Variability
Authors: Lian Tao , Chen Dake
Published: March 2012

As an effective eigen method for phenomenon identification and space reduction, empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is widely used in climate research. However, because of its orthorgonality constraint, EOF analysis has a tendency to produce unphysical modes. Previous studies have shown that the drawbacks of EOF analysis could be partly alleviated by rotated EOF (REOF) analysis, but such studies are always based on specific cases. This paper provides a thorough statistical evaluation of REOF analysis by comparing its ability with that of EOF analysis in reproducing a large number of randomly selected stationary modes of variability. The synthetic experiments indicate that REOF analysis is overwhelmingly a better choice in terms of accuracy and effectiveness, especially for picking up localized patterns. When applied to the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature variability, REOF and EOF analyses show obvious discrepancies, with the former making much better physical sense. This challenges the validity of the so-called sea surface temperature cooling mode and the spatial structure of “El Niño Modoki,” both of which are recently identified by EOF analysis. At any rate, one has to be cautious when claiming new discoveries of climate modes based on EOF analysis alone.
The science and practice of lithium therapy
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Tanious Michelle , Das Pritha , Berk Michael
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Despite more that 60 years of clinical experience, the effective use of lithium for the treatment of mood disorder, in particular bipolarity, is in danger of becoming obsolete. In part, this is because of exaggerated fears surrounding lithium toxicity, acute and long-term tolerability and the encumbrance of life-long plasma monitoring. Recent research has once again positioned lithium centre stage and amplified the importance of understanding its science and how this translates to clinical practice.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide a sound knowledge base as regards the science and practice of lithium therapy.

Method: A comprehensive literature search using electronic databases was conducted along with a detailed review of articles known to the authors pertaining to the use of lithium. Studies were limited to English publications and those dealing with the management of psychiatric disorders in humans. The literature was synthesized and organized according to relevance to clinical practice and understanding.

Results: Lithium has simple pharmacokinetics that require regular dosing and monitoring. Its mechanisms of action are complex and its effects are multi-faceted, extending beyond mood stability to neuroprotective and anti-suicidal properties. Its use in bipolar disorder is under-appreciated, particularly as it has the best evidence for prophylaxis, qualifying it perhaps as the only true mood stabilizer currently available. In practice, its risks and tolerability are exaggerated and can be readily minimized with knowledge of its clinical profile and judicious application.

Conclusion: Lithium is a safe and effective agent that should, whenever indicated, be used first-line for the treatment of bipolar disorder. A better understanding of its science alongside strategic management of its plasma levels will ensure both wider utility and improved outcomes.
The Relationship Between Accurate and Benevolently Biased Serial Argument Perceptions and Individual Negative Health Perceptions
Authors: Bevan Jennifer L. , Sparks Lisa
Published: March 2012

This study explores the extent to which romantic partners’ accurate or benevolently biased (i.e., positive relational illusions) perceptions of one another’s perceived resolvability and conflict strategy usage in serial arguments are linked to multiple measures of individual negative health perceptions. Eighty-four romantic couples separately completed a questionnaire that assessed self- and partner-reports of the serial argument variables and self-reports of negative health perceptions. Benevolently biased serial argument perceptions were significantly associated with more negative health perception variables than were accurate perceptions. These findings offer tentative support for considering dyadic perceptions in relation to individual well-being in the serial argument context.
Television News, Public Opinion, and the Iraq War
Authors: Coe Kevin
Published: March 2012

The idea that the public is swayed by the rationales for war that circulate throughout the media environment is well established in popular discourse. Research on the determinants of support for war, however, has largely ignored the role that such rationales might play. This study is the first to directly test the possibility that rationales for war present in news coverage influence public support for war. Pairing a detailed computer-assisted content analysis with measures of public support for the Iraq War, this study shows that, contrary to popular wisdom, rationales for war present in television news have only a limited impact on public attitudes about U.S. military action.
Emotion Regulation in Adolescence
Authors: Larsen Junilla K. , Vermulst Ad A. , Geenen Rinie , van Middendorp Henriët , English Tammy , Gross James J. , Ha Thao , Evers Catharine , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: March 2012

Cross-sectional studies have shown a positive association between expressive suppression and depressive symptoms. These results have been interpreted as reflecting the impact of emotion regulation efforts on depression. However, it is also possible that depression may alter emotion regulation tendencies. The goal of the present study was to prospectively examine the bidirectional association between habitual use of suppression and depressive symptoms in young adolescents. Participants were 1,753 adolescents (mean age = 13.8 years) who reported their use of suppression and depressive symptoms at two time points with a 1-year interval. Suppression and depressive symptoms were correlated within each time point. Depressive symptoms preceded increased use of suppression 1 year later, but suppression did not precede future depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest depressive symptoms may be a potential precursor of habitual use of suppression during adolescence.
Does School Connectedness Buffer the Impact of Peer Victimization on Early Adolescents’ Subsequent Adjustment Problems?
Authors: Loukas Alexandra , Pasch Keryn E.
Published: March 2012

The current study examined the role of school connectedness as a moderator of the associations between overt and relational forms of peer victimization and early adolescents’ subsequent adjustment problems. Data were collected from 490 adolescents when they were initially in the sixth and seventh grades and again 1 year later. Regression analyses indicated that overt, but not relational, victimization predicted increases in boys’ and girls’ conduct problems and social anxiety and girls’ depressive symptoms across the 1-year period. School connectedness was associated with decreases in adolescents’ conduct problems across time and buffered the impact of overt victimization on girls’ subsequent conduct problems. Study findings highlighted the protective role of the school context for girls experiencing overt victimization.
Transposing the Urban to the Mall
Authors: Stillerman Joel , Salcedo Rodrigo
Published: March 2012

Scholars understand shopping malls as central commercial and social settings. Some argue that malls’ designs attract and seduce consumers, while others contend that mall authorities exclude vulnerable groups and prohibit free expression. Ethnographic studies, by contrast, document how consumers interpret and shape malls as social settings. Drawing on qualitative research in two Santiago, Chile, malls, we contend that Santiago’s patterns of socioeconomic segregation and ample public transport facilitate cross-class interactions in malls. These characteristics encourage visitors to transpose practices and meanings from other public settings to the mall, drawing on rules for public interaction. Residents adapt mall infrastructures for noncommercial uses and engage in informal and formal resistance, reflecting conflicts between abstract and social space. The analysis shows that distinctive urbanization patterns significantly shape how consumers access and use malls as social spaces.
‘The whole playboy mansion image’: Girls’ fashioning and fashioned selves within a postfeminist culture
Authors: Jackson Sue , Vares Tiina , Gill Rosalind
Published: March 2012

This article is located in contemporary feminist interrogations of postfeminism and postfeminist popular culture. Fashion articulates a postfeminist ideology through notions of empowerment via sexuality and consumption, and engages a postfeminist aesthetic of the ‘sexy’, desirable young woman. Recognising the potential complications of these postfeminist constructions and practices for embodied identities of girls within discourses of child innocence, in this article we explore how girls negotiate contemporary postfeminist meanings of femininity marketed to them in fashion. To do so, we examine narratives extracted from a media video diary component of a ‘tween’ popular culture project with 71 pre-teen girls. Using a psycho-discursive approach within a feminist poststructuralist framework, the analyses focus on ways girls engage with and disengage from postfeminist identities constituted through ‘girlie’ and ‘sexy’ clothing. Our findings illuminate the fluidity of girls’ subjectivities as they positioned themselves in some moments within constraining discourses of girlhood femininity (e.g. influenced by media) and at other times as critical ‘savvy’ consumers, rejecting marketing ploys and ‘sexy’ identities. In narratives of clothing practices we found careful, situated negotiation of clothing styles open to sexual meanings and distancing from ‘sexy’ dress through refusals, derogation of other girls and negative affective responses. These practices intersected with class and age and commonly used regulatory and constraining discourses of femininity. We argue that the challenge for feminisms and feminists is to find ways to research and work with/for girls that will open up spaces to explore meanings of femininity that escape limiting, repressive boundaries.
Suicide by Do-Not-Resuscitate Order
Authors: Patel Akshar Yogesh
Published: March 2012

Historically, medicine has been warned, “first, do no harm.” In contemporary practice, however, the emergency response has generally been to err on the side of action with resuscitation efforts. Typically, it is only later on when medical therapy is considered futile that treatment is withdrawn. In such circumstances, a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is typically enacted as a part of an advance directive. However, when such patients attempt suicide, the approach to their care becomes complicated. Is the DNR order valid in a suicidal patient? What is the role of patient autonomy? How should an ethics consultant advise? This case details the method by which such issues should be approached in the emergent care of patients who have DNR order and attempt suicide.
Barriers to the Detection and Management of Depression by Palliative Care Professional Carers Among Their Patients: Perspectives From Professional Carers and Patients' Family Members
Authors: Mellor David , McCabe Marita P. , Davison Tanya E. , Goldhammer Denisa L. , Hallford David J.
Published: March 2012

Introduction:

Clinical depression is highly prevalent yet underdetected and poorly managed within palliative care settings.

Objectives:

This qualitative study explored the identification, monitoring, and management of symptoms of depression in patients receiving palliative care from 2 juxtaposed perspectives that are of care providers and care recipients' family members. Examining the barriers that restrict professional carers detecting and managing depression in their patients was a central focus of the study.

Methods:

Focus groups were held with 18 professional carers, including 8 holding managerial positions, across 2 palliative care services, 1 regional and 1 metropolitan, which provided both inpatient and community-based care. Individual interviews were conducted with 10 family members of patients who had received or were receiving palliative care through these services.

Results:

Thematic analysis of these data identified that both professional carers and family members perceived that depression is a wide-spread concern for patients receiving palliative care; however, numerous barriers were identified that affect professional carers’ ability to identify depression. These included knowledge and training deficits, low self-efficacy, prioritization of physical concerns and time constraints, patient/family characteristics, and system/process issues. These themes (and related subthemes) are discussed in this article.

Conclusions:

Specialized training in depression is recommended for professional carers in order to improve their depression-related knowledge, detection skills, and self-efficacy. The ultimate goal of such training is to increase the rate of recognition of depression that in turn will lead to appropriate treatment for depressed patients.
Dabigatran
Authors: Iyer Vivek , Singh Harsimran S. , Reiffel James A.
Published: March 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects more than 3 million Americans and is expected to reach epidemic proportions as the US population ages. The presence of AF increases lifetime stroke risk nearly 5-fold. Conventionally, patients at moderate or high risk of stroke have been prescribed antiplatelet agents or vitamin K antagonists to reduce the risk, but each has significant limitations. Accordingly, the development of new oral anticoagulants (direct thrombin inhibitors [DTIs] and factor Xa inhibitors) has attracted significant interest. The DTI dabigatran etexilate was recently shown to provide superior risk reduction to warfarin for stroke and systemic embolism for patients with nonvalvular AF and recently gained US Food and Drug Administration approval for this indication. Dabigatran etexilate is the first new agent for this indication in the United States in more than 50 years. Herein, we outline the options for stroke prevention in AF in the new oral anticoagulant era. The efficacy and practical obstacles surrounding the use of warfarin are summarized. We then review the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of dabigatran—including clinically relevant pharmacokinetics. Practical issues of initiation, conversion of anticoagulant therapy, and recommendations for dabigatran use in patients at high risk of bleeding and other special populations are discussed. We conclude by proposing a role for dabigatran in the armamentarium of drugs available for the management of stroke risk in AF.
AssessMent of ProphylAxis for VenouS ThromboembolIsm in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Sharif-Kashani Babak , Shahabi Payman , Raeissi Sasan , Behzadnia Neda , Shoaraka Alireza , Shahrivari Mahan , Saliminejad Leila , Pozhhan Saviz , Hashemian Mohammad-Reza , Masjedi Mohammad-Reza , Bikdeli Behnood
Published: March 2012

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) accounts for several cases of in-hospital mortality (over 100 000 deaths annually in the West). Despite the existence of effective prophylaxis guidelines for at-risk patients, the guidelines adherence is missing. Methods: We evaluated the thromboprophylaxis reception and appropriateness based on the eighth edition of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines on VTE prophylaxis, among hospitalized patients of a World Health Organization (WHO)-collaborating teaching hospital in a 3-month period. Results: From the 904 evaluated cases, 481 entered the study. Appropriate decision on whether to prophylaxe or not, was made in 305 (63.40%), however, complete appropriateness (considering correct regimen type, dosing, and duration) was seen only in 229 patients (47.60%). The ACCP risk for VTE was the strongest predictor of thromboprophylaxis prescription (odds ratio [OR]: 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-5.05). Conclusions: Our thromboprophylaxis results were comparable to that of Western countries. Improved thromboprophylaxis appropriateness, which requires improving the physicians' thromboprophylaxis awareness and knowledge, could reduce the rate of in-hospital VTE and translate into better patient care.