bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focused Ultrasound Delivers Targeted Immune Cells to Metastatic Brain Tumors
Authors: Alkins Ryan , Burgess Alison , Ganguly Milan , Francia Giulio , Kerbel Robert , Wels Winfried S. , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: January 2013

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes involved in innate immunity. NK-92, a human NK cell line, may be targeted to tumor-associated antigens in solid malignancies where it exhibits antitumor efficacy, but its clinical utility for treating brain tumors is limited by an inability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We investigated the potential for focused ultrasound (FUS) to deliver targeted NK-92 cells to the brain using a model of metastatic breast cancer. HER2-expressing human breast tumor cells were implanted into the brain of nude rats. The NK-92-scFv(FRP5)-zeta cell line expressing a chimeric HER2 antigen receptor was transfected with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles before intravenous injection, before and following BBB disruption using focused ultrasound (551.5 kHz focused transducer, 0.33 MPa average peak rarefaction pressure) in the presence of a microbubble contrast agent. Baseline and posttreatment 1.5T and 7T MR imaging was done, and histology used to identify NK-92 cells post-mortem. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed reproducible and consistent BBB disruption. 7T MR images obtained at 16 hours posttreatment revealed a significant reduction in signal indicating the presence of iron-loaded NK-92 cells at the tumor site. The average ratio of NK-92 to tumor cells was 1:100 when NK cells were present in the vasculature at the time of sonication, versus 2:1,000 and 1:1,000 when delivered after sonication and without BBB disruption, respectively. Our results offer a preclinical proof-of-concept that FUS can improve the targeting of immune cell therapy of brain metastases. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1892–9. ©2012 AACR.
A Chimeric Receptor with NKG2D Specificity Enhances Natural Killer Cell Activation and Killing of Tumor Cells
Authors: Chang Yu-Hsiang , Connolly John , Shimasaki Noriko , Mimura Kousaku , Kono Koji , Campana Dario
Published: January 2013

Natural killer (NK) cells rely on surface receptors to distinguish healthy cells from cancer cells. We designed a receptor termed NKG2D-DAP10-CD3ζ that is composed of the NK cell activating molecule NKG2D plus 2 key signaling molecules, DAP10 and CD3ζ, and evaluated its capacity to promote cancer cell killing. Retroviral transduction of NKG2D-DAP10-CD3ζ markedly increased NKG2D surface expression in NK cells, which became consistently more cytotoxic than mock-transduced cells against leukemia and solid tumor cell lines. In contrast, there was no increase in cytotoxicity against nontransformed blood and mesenchymal cells. NKG2D blockade abrogated gains in cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Receptor stimulation triggered signal transduction, secretion of IFN-γ, GM-CSF, IL-13, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, CCL5, and TNF-α, and massive release of cytotoxic granules, which persisted after 48 hours of continuous stimulation. NKG2D-DAP10-CD3ζ–expressing NK cells had considerable antitumor activity in a mouse model of osteosarcoma, whereas activated NK cells were ineffective. Thus, the cytotoxic potential of NK cells against a wide spectrum of tumor subtypes could be markedly enhanced by expression of NKG2D-DAP10-CD3ζ receptors. The development of an electroporation method that permits rapid expression of the receptor in a large number of human NK cells facilitates clinical translation of this NK-based strategy for a generalized cellular therapy that may be useful to treat a wide range of cancers. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1777–86. ©2012 AACR.
Evaluation of Progression-Free Survival as a Surrogate Endpoint for Survival in Chemotherapy and Targeted Agent Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Trials
Authors: Sidhu Roger , Rong Alan , Dahlberg Steve
Published: January 2013

Pooled analyses of chemotherapy trials in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have suggested that progression-free survival (PFS) is a surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS). However, this has not been evaluated under current standard-of-care regimens of chemotherapy in combination with targeted therapies. We conducted an analysis of published mCRC trials of chemotherapy and targeted therapies from 2000 to evaluate the surrogacy of PFS and response rate (RR) for OS. Study-level data was pooled from 24 randomized mCRC trials that evaluated fluoropyrimidine-based regimens and included trials conducted with targeted agents (panitumumab, cetuximab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept). A total of 69 treatment arms with a sample size of 20,438 patients was included. Linear regression analysis was carried out to estimate the correlation of PFS and RR with OS. The correlation coefficient between PFS HRs and OS HRs was 0.86 for all trials, 0.89 for 12 phase III trials of targeted agents in combination with chemotherapy, 0.95 for 8 first-line phase III trials of targeted agents, and 0.83 for 9 trials of anti-EGFR-targeted agents. In all cases, correlation coefficients between RR and OS HRs were lower than those between PFS HRs and OS HRs (range, 0.42–0.81). In this study-level analysis of randomized mCRC trials of chemotherapy and targeted agents, improvements in PFS are strongly correlated with improvements in OS. This suggests that PFS remains a valid surrogate endpoint for OS with current treatment regimens in the mCRC setting. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 969–76. ©2012 AACR.
Primary Melanoma of the CNS in Children Is Driven by Congenital Expression of Oncogenic NRAS in Melanocytes
Authors: Pedersen Malin , Küsters-Vandevelde Heidi V.N. , Viros Amaya , Groenen Patricia J.T.A. , Sanchez-Laorden Berta , Gilhuis Jacobus H. , van Engen-van Grunsven Ilse A. , Renier Willy , Schieving Jolanda , Niculescu-Duvaz Ion , Springer Caroline J. , Küsters Benno , Wesseling Pieter , Blokx Willeke A.M. , Marais Richard
Published: January 2013

NRAS mutations are common in human melanoma. To produce a mouse model of NRAS-driven melanoma, we expressed oncogenic NRAS (NRASG12D) in mouse melanocytes. When NRASG12D was expressed in the melanocytes of developing embryos, it induced melanocyte proliferation and congenital melanocytic lesions reminiscent of human blue nevi but did not induce cutaneous melanoma. Unexpectedly, however, it did induce early-onset primary melanoma of the central nervous system (CNS). The tumors were rapidly proliferating and caused neurologic symptoms, rapid health deterioration, and death. NRAS is not a common driver oncogene of primary melanoma of the CNS in adults, but we report two cases of primary melanoma of the CNS in children, both of which carried oncogenic mutations in NRAS. We conclude that acquisition of somatic mutations in NRAS in CNS melanocytes is a predisposing risk factor for primary melanoma of the CNS in children, and we present a mouse model of this disease.

Significance: We show that the acquisition of NRAS mutations in melanocytes during embryogenesis is a risk factor for early-onset melanoma of the CNS. We have developed a powerful mouse model to study this rare but devastating childhood disease, and to develop therapeutic approaches for its treatment. Cancer Discov; 3(4); 458–69. ©2013 AACR.

See related commentary by Ciarlo and Zon, p. 382

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 363
Regulator of G-Protein Signaling 5 Controls Blood Pressure Homeostasis and Vessel Wall Remodeling
Authors: Holobotovskyy Vasyl , Manzur Mitali , Tare Marianne , Burchell Jennifer , Bolitho Erin , Viola Helena , Hool Livia C. , Arnolda Leonard F. , McKitrick Douglas J. , Ganss Ruth
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) modulates G-protein-coupled receptor signaling and is prominently expressed in arterial smooth muscle cells. Our group first reported that RGS5 is important in vascular remodeling during tumor angiogenesis. We hypothesized that RGS5 may play an important role in vessel wall remodeling and blood pressure regulation.

Objective:

To demonstrate that RGS5 has a unique and nonredundant role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and to identify crucial RGS5-regulated signaling pathways.

Methods and Results:

We observed that arterial RGS5 expression is downregulated with chronically elevated blood pressure after angiotensin II infusion. Using a knockout mouse model, radiotelemetry, and pharmacological inhibition, we subsequently showed that loss of RGS5 results in profound hypertension. RGS5 signaling is linked to the renin–angiotensin system and directly controls vascular resistance, vessel contractility, and remodeling. RGS5 deficiency aggravates pathophysiological features of hypertension, such as medial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Moreover, we demonstrate that protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal–regulated kinase, and Rho kinase signaling pathways are major effectors of RGS5-mediated hypertension.

Conclusions:

Loss of RGS5 results in hypertension. Loss of RGS5 signaling also correlates with hyper-responsiveness to vasoconstrictors and vascular stiffening. This establishes a significant, distinct, and causal role of RGS5 in vascular homeostasis. RGS5 modulates signaling through the angiotensin II receptor 1 and major Gα
q
-coupled downstream pathways, including Rho kinase. So far, activation of RhoA/Rho kinase has not been associated with RGS molecules. Thus, RGS5 is a crucial regulator of blood pressure homeostasis with significant clinical implications for vascular pathologies, such as hypertension.
An In Vivo Cardiac Assay to Determine the Functional Consequences of Putative Long QT Syndrome Mutations
Authors: Jou Chuanchau J. , Barnett Spencer M. , Bian Jian-Tao , Weng H. Cindy , Sheng Xiaoming , Tristani-Firouzi Martin
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Genetic testing for Long QT Syndrome is now a standard and integral component of clinical cardiology. A major obstacle to the interpretation of genetic findings is the lack of robust functional assays to determine the pathogenicity of identified gene variants in a high-throughput manner.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to design and test a high-throughput in vivo cardiac assay to distinguish between disease-causing and benign
KCNH2
(
hERG1)
variants, using the zebrafish as a model organism.

Methods and Results:

We tested the ability of previously characterized Long QT Syndrome
hERG1
mutations and polymorphisms to restore normal repolarization in the
kcnh2
-knockdown embryonic zebrafish. The cardiac assay correctly identified a benign variant in 9 of 10 cases (negative predictive value 90%), whereas correctly identifying a disease-causing variant in 39/39 cases (positive predictive value 100%).

Conclusions:

The in vivo zebrafish cardiac assay approaches the accuracy of the current benchmark in vitro assay for the detection of disease-causing mutations, and is far superior in terms of throughput rate. Together with emerging algorithms for interpreting a positive long QT syndrome genetic test, the zebrafish cardiac assay provides an additional tool for the final determination of pathogenicity of gene variants identified in long QT syndrome genetic screening.
“Buddhist Compassion” and “Animal Abuse” in Thailand’s Tiger Temple
Authors: Cohen Erik
Published: January 2013

Abstract

The Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand, is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to interact closely with tigers. It presents itself as a “tiger sanctuary,” whose tigers have been tamed by nonviolent Buddhist methods. This claim has been disputed by visitors and animal welfare activists. This article confronts the Temple’s master narrative of “Buddhist compassion” with a counternarrative of “animal abuse” according to which, rather than being a “sanctuary” for tigers, the Temple in fact mistreats the animals and exploits them commercially. However, even as an animal welfare organization’s report confirmed the abuse of the tigers and called for their confiscation and for the suspension of their display to visitors, the Thai authorities granted the Temple permission to operate as a zoo. This decision highlights the profound contrast between Thai and Western-inspired international norms for the treatment of captive (wild) animals. The article examines the cultural roots of this contrast and argues that in their narrow focus on the Tiger Temple the critics have unwittingly missed the opportunity to use the Temple’s animal abuse as an instance of a wider problem in the perception and treatment of (wild) animals in Thailand.
Potential Benefits of Canine Companionship for Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Authors: Stern Stephen L. , Donahue D. Allen , Allison Sybil , Hatch John P. , Lancaster Cynthia L. , Benson Trisha A. , Johnson Allegro L. , Jeffreys Matthew D. , Pride Denise , Moreno Carlos , Peterson Alan L.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Investigators surveyed 30 U.S. military veterans with PTSD who reported having benefited from living with a dog. The subject population included men and women aged 34 to 67, with a mean of 56.9 years (SD= 8.1), who were being treated at two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinics. Participants received a questionnaire packet designed to assess aspects of their mental and physical health and relationship with a canine companion, which they completed at home and returned either in person or by mail. The packet consisted of the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M); Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-II); Veterans Short Form Health Survey and Health Behaviors Questionnaire (SF-36); Dog Information Sheet; Dog Relationship Questionnaire; and Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale. Respondents indicated that since adopting their dog they had experienced improvement in several areas, including feeling calmer, less lonely, less depressed, and less worried about their and their family’s safety. These results suggest that living with a companion dog may help relieve some of the psychological distress associated with PTSD in some veterans.
The Economics of the Right to Keep a Dog
Authors: Yau Yung , Chiu Shuk Man
Published: January 2013

Dog guardianship has gained popularity in many cities as a result of animal domestication. In spite of its benefits, dog guardianship in high-density urban housing creates certain problems, including increased health risks. Conflicts between different interested parties over the right to keep dogs have therefore surfaced. In Hong Kong, a lawsuit was initiated by a resident in a private housing estate, Mei Foo Sun Chuen, to overturn dog bans imposed by the property management company. The court’s judgment stated that dog bans are enforceable only if dogs are explicitly prohibited in the deed of mutual covenant. This study aims to value empirically the right to keep dogs in private housing based on an analysis of a set of housing transaction data in Hong Kong. It also investigates how the value of the right has changed with the court judgment. The findings suggest that the right was negatively valued by the market, but the court judgment increased its value. These results demonstrate a revealed preference of the Hong Kong community for dog guardianship in a high-rise living environment.
Study of mononchids from Iran, with description of Mylonchulus kermaniensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Mononchida)
Authors: SHOKOOHI EBRAHIM , MEHRABI-NASAB ABDOLRAHMAN , MIRZAEI MAHDIEH , PENEVA VLADA
Published: January 2013

During a survey of soil nematodes in Iran, three species of predatory nematodes, including a new species of the genus Mylonchulus Cobb, 1916 were recovered. Mylonchulus kermaniensis sp. n. is characterised by its body length (1.2–1.4 mm), six rows of rasp-like denticles, the sixth line consisting of four denticles, female tail slightly sigmoid, sharply bent ventrad with digitate posterior portion slightly but clearly bent dorsad, (37–49 μm long, c=27.9–38.9, c'=1.2–1.7) with a terminal opening of spinneret. Two advulval papillae present, one is pre-vulval and the other one is located posterior to vulva. Furthermore, two other mononchid species namely M. cf. hawaiiensis (Cassidy, 1931) Goodey, 1951 and Mononchus truncatus Bastian, 1865 were also recovered from soil in the province of Kerman, Iran, the former representing a new geographical record for Iran. Measurements and illustration are provided for these three species. Molecular study of 18S rDNA region of M. cf. hawaiiensis demonstrated that the Iranian population compared with the nearest populations identified as M. hawaiiensis from Japan, shows 5 to 8 nucleotide differences. In addition, phylogeny of Mylonchulus is discussed and a checklist of the species of Mononchida from Iran is provided.
Harry Beal Torrey (1873–1970) of California, USA, and his research on hydroids and other coelenterates
Authors: CALDER DALE R.
Published: January 2013

Harry Beal Torrey was born on 22 May 1873 in Boston, Massachusetts. Two years later his family moved to Oakland, California. Torrey earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in zoology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1895 and 1898 respectively, a Ph.D. in zoology from Columbia University in 1903, and an M.D. from the Medical College of Cornell University in 1927. He began his academic career as a marine biologist, investigating taxonomy, reproduction, morphology, development, regeneration, and behaviour of cnidarians of the west coast of the United States, but his research interests soon shifted to experimental biology and endocrinology. He eventually entered the field of medicine, specializing in public health, and served as a physician and hospital administrator. Torrey held academic positions at the University of California, Berkeley (1895–1912), the Marine Biological Association of San Diego (1903–1912), Reed College (1912–1920), the University of Oregon (1920–1926), and Stanford University (1928–1938). Following retirement from academia, he served as Director of the Children’s Hospital of the East Bay, Oakland, California, from 1938 to 1942. In retirement, he continued an association with the University of California at Berkeley, near his home. Of 84 publications by him listed herein, 31 dealt with coelenterates. This paper focuses on his early research on coelenterate biology, and especially his contributions to taxonomy of hydroids. He was author or coauthor of six genera and 48 species-group taxa of Cnidaria, and he also described one new species each of Ctenophora and Phoronida. Although he abandoned systematic work early in his career, his most widely cited publication is a taxonomic monograph on hydroids of the west coast of North America, published in 1902. He died, at age 97, on 9 September 1970.
Two new species of Rhopalopsole (Plecoptera: Leuctridae) from China
Authors: QIAN YU-HAN , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: January 2013

Two new species of the leuctrid genus Rhopalopsole from China are described, R. curvispina Qian & Du, sp. nov. and R. triseriata Qian & Du, sp. nov. The new species are compared to similar species in R. dentata group and R. magnicercia group.
A new species of Dendroblatta Rehn, 1916 from northern Brazil (Blattaria: Ectobiidae) collected in wasp nests
Authors: LOPES SONIA MARIA , DA SILVA LEONARDO DE OLIVEIRA CARDOSO
Published: January 2013

Currently sixteen species of Dendroblatta Rehn, 1916 are known, twelve of them occurring in Brazil. In this paper, one new species, D. spiculata sp. nov., is described from material collected from the Acre and Amazonas states in northern Brazil, in wasp nests. The new species differs from all other members of the genus by the male genitalia pieces. Illustrations of the genital pieces are presented. In Brazil, the genus is now known from the states of Acre, Amazonas, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rio de Janeiro, and Rondônia.
The domestic and gendered context for retirement
Authors: Loretto Wendy , Vickerstaff Sarah
Published: January 2013

Against a global backdrop of population and workforce ageing, successive UK governments have encouraged people to work longer and delay retirement. Debates focus mainly on factors affecting individuals’ decisions on when and how to retire. We argue that a fuller understanding of retirement can be achieved by recognizing the ways in which individuals’ expectations and behaviours reflect a complicated, dynamic set of interactions between domestic environments and gender roles, often established over a long time period, and more temporally proximate factors. Using a qualitative data set, we explore how the timing, nature and meaning of retirement and retirement planning are played out in specific domestic contexts. We conclude that future research and policies surrounding retirement need to: focus on the household, not the individual; consider retirement as an often messy and disrupted process and not a discrete event; and understand that retirement may mean very different things for women and for men.
Pathways to retirement: A career stage analysis of retirement age expectations
Authors: Post Corinne , Schneer Joy A , Reitman Frieda , ogilvie dt
Published: January 2013

In western economies with aging populations, organizations are increasingly challenged to understand and manage employees’ retirement expectations. At the same time, employees’ relationships to retirement decisions and the age at which they expect to retire are likely to change as their careers unfold. This article seeks to inform the careers and management literatures on factors contributing to retirement intentions at different career stages. Using a sample of mid- and late career professionals with MBAs, we find that mid-career professionals expect to retire three years earlier than those in late career (age 62 versus age 65.) Work centrality is associated with intentions to retire later, while positive retirement attitudes and higher income are associated with intentions to retire earlier. Furthermore, the expected retirement age is more sensitive to income at mid-career (than at late career) and is more sensitive to work centrality at late career (than at mid-career). We discuss implications for careers research and for human resource management practice.
Car Parking Matters
Authors: Moutou Claudine J.
Published: January 2013

The economic vitality of all town centers is highly dependent upon an ability to attract customers. With the popularization of the car in Australia, the travel decisions of shoppers impacted local centers in two significant ways—more demand for car parking space and reduced dependence on local shopping destinations. A review of historical newspaper coverage about three local centers in an inner city area of Sydney provides insight into how a neighborhood adapts to such change. Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, and Newtown all wanted to change the town center urban form to remain attractive and competitive to customers but they each faced different barriers and pressures. Change was slow. Trade-offs were required. Mistakes were made, expectations changed, and new problems emerged. The neighborhood, in short, adapted.
‘Mixing of the unmixables’: the 1949 Causeway Green ‘riots’ in Birmingham
Authors: Searle Kevin
Published: January 2013

Standard accounts of postwar race relations in the UK begin with the arrival of Jamaican immigrants on the Empire Windrush in 1948, while the anti-black riots of 1958 in Notting Hill (in London) and Nottingham are said to be the first postwar ‘race riots’. But this account of postwar immigrant Jamaican workers (many pre-dating the Windrush), who were housed in the wartime hostels of the National Service Hostels Corporation, reveals an earlier history of conflict, often with European and Irish migrant workers. Drawn from archival sources, it shows the early trend of postwar government policy in attempting to limit numbers of black workers in the hostels, keep them apart from others and blame them for attacks instigated by others. In this, it foreshadowed a more fully fledged ‘commonsense’ racism that posited the numbers of black workers as the problem, rather than any lack of social provision. And it hints that the contours of black settlement, taken for granted today in places such as Brixton and Birmingham, may have been initially determined by the location of those early hostels and labour exchanges.
Environmental Justice in Ohio
Authors: Naidu Sirisha C. , Manolakos Panayiotis T. , Hopkins Thomas E.
Published: January 2013

This paper investigates the correlates of inequity in the distribution of exposure to air pollution in the state of Ohio. Although virtually all studies in the environmental justice literature analyze cross-sectional data, we construct a panel data set and estimate an econometric model of exposure utilizing the generalized method of moments. In addition, we postulate a surrogate for class position derived from data on estate tax collections. Even after accounting for some of the criticisms of the environmental justice literature, class and race are still significant correlates of the distribution of environmental burdens.

JEL Classification: Q53, R10, C23
Self-relations in Social Relations
Authors: Silver Daniel , Lee Monica
Published: January 2013

This article contributes to an ongoing theoretical effort to extend the insights of relational and network sociology into adjacent domains. We integrate Simmel’s late theory of the relational self into the formal analysis of social relations, generating a framework for theorizing forms of association among self-relating individuals. On this model, every “node” in an interaction has relations not only to others but also to itself, specifically between its ideality and its actuality. We go on to integrate this self-relation into a formal model of social relations. This model provides a way to describe configurations of social interactions defined by the forms according to which social relations realize participants’ ideal selves. We examine four formal dimensions along which these self-relational relationships can vary: distance, symmetry, scope, and actualization.
Web tension control of multispan roll-to-roll system by artificial neural networks for printed electronics
Authors: Choi KyungHyun , Zubair Muhammad , Ponniah Ganeshthangaraj
Published: January 2013

The mass production of printed electronic devices can be achieved by roll-to-roll system that requires highly regulated web tension. This highly regulated tension is required to minimize printing register error and maintain proper roughness and thickness of the printed patterns. The roll-to-roll system has a continuous changing roll diameter and a strong coupling exists between the spans. The roll-to-roll system is a multi-input-multi-output, time variant, and nonlinear system. The conventional proportional–integral–derivative control, used in industry, is not able to cope with roll-to-roll system for printed electronics. In this study, multi-input-single-output decentralized control scheme is used for control of a multispan roll-to-roll system by applying regularized variable learning rate backpropagating artificial neural networks. Additional inputs from coupled spans are given to regularized variable learning rate backpropagating artificial neural network control to decouple the two spans. Experimental results show that the self-learning algorithm offers a solution to decouple speed and tension in a multispan roll-to-roll system.
Investigation and optimization of pulsed electroforming process parameters for thickness distribution of a revolving nickel part
Authors: Behagh Amir Masoud , Tehrani Ali Reza Fadaei , Jazi Hamid Reza Salimi , Chavoshi Saeed Zare
Published: January 2013

The objective of this research is to examine the influence of low frequency pulsed electroforming process parameters, such as current, pulse-on time, pulse-off time, and electrolyte temperature, to obtain good thickness uniformity. For this purpose, a pulsed electroforming system was designed and made. Three level, four-parameter experiments were designed using Taguchi method. The effect of parameters and optimal parameters combination were obtained through signal-to-noise ratio ( S/ N), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pareto ANOVA method. Also the regression analysis was performed to obtain a predictive model. The results demonstrated that current has a dominant effect on thickness distribution and pulse-on time, temperature and pulse-off time affect thickness distribution, respectively. Optimum electroforming process parameters were determined and experimental tests were conducted to verify the optimized parameters. The results showed the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method.
Optimisation of the dynamic properties of ladder track to minimise the chance of rail corrugation
Authors: Yan Ziquan , Markine Valéri , Gu Aijun , Liang Qinghuai
Published: January 2013

The ladder track used by the Beijing subway which can be subjected to rail corrugation is considered in this paper. Dynamic models of the vehicle and the ladder track are developed to analyse the track vibration behaviour. Using these models the effect of the most significant ladder track parameters on track vibrations are analysed in the frequency and time domains. Using experimental and numerical results the vibration frequency of the rail that is responsible for rail corrugation is determined. Based on the results of the parametric study, an optimisation of the mechanical properties of the ladder track to reduce or eliminate the track vibrations at the corrugation frequency and ultimately to reduce the chance of rail corrugation is performed using a genetic algorithm-based approach. The results of the optimisation are presented and discussed.
A speech database for stress monitoring in the cockpit
Authors: Luig Johannes , Sontacchi Alois
Published: January 2013

This article presents a new database of speech produced under cognitive load for the purpose of non-invasive psychological stress monitoring. The voices and the heart rates of eight airline pilots were recorded while completing an advanced flight simulation programme in a level D full flight simulator. Focusing on real-world applicability, the experiments were designed to yield the maximum degree of realism possible. Evaluation of physiological reference measures in pilots demonstrates that several heart rate variability parameters correlate with speech features derived from the recorded data. The article discusses the evolution of speech monitoring in aviation and proposes that application-orientated research methods can be useful in designing a system for real-world monitoring.
Design and development of an automated, portable and handheld tablet personal computer-based data acquisition system for monitoring electromyography signals during rehabilitation
Authors: Ahamed Nizam U , Sundaraj Kenneth , Poo Tarn S
Published: January 2013

This article describes the design of a robust, inexpensive, easy-to-use, small, and portable online electromyography acquisition system for monitoring electromyography signals during rehabilitation. This single-channel (one-muscle) system was connected via the universal serial bus port to a programmable Windows™ operating system handheld tablet personal computer for storage and analysis of the data by the end user. The raw electromyography signals were amplified in order to convert them to an observable scale. The inherent noise of 50 Hz (Malaysia) from power lines electromagnetic interference was then eliminated using a single-hybrid IC notch filter. These signals were sampled by a signal processing module and converted into 24-bit digital data. An algorithm was developed and programmed to transmit the digital data to the computer, where it was reassembled and displayed in the computer using software. Finally, the following device was furnished with the graphical user interface to display the online muscle strength streaming signal in a handheld tablet personal computer. This battery-operated system was tested on the biceps brachii muscles of 20 healthy subjects, and the results were compared to those obtained with a commercial single-channel (one-muscle) electromyography acquisition system. The results obtained using the developed device when compared to those obtained from a commercially available physiological signal monitoring system for activities involving muscle contractions were found to be comparable (the comparison of various statistical parameters) between male and female subjects. In addition, the key advantage of this developed system over the conventional desktop personal computer-based acquisition systems is its portability due to the use of a tablet personal computer in which the results are accessible graphically as well as stored in text (comma-separated value) form.
The statistical theories of Fisher and of Neyman and Pearson: A methodological perspective
Authors: Hager Willi
Published: January 2013

Most of the debates around statistical testing suffer from a failure to identify clearly the features specific to the theories invented by Fisher and by Neyman and Pearson. These features are outlined. The hybrids of Fisher’s and Neyman–Pearson’s theory are briefly addressed. The lack of random sampling and its consequences for statistical inference are also highlighted, leading to the recommendation to dispense with inferences and perform approximate randomization tests instead. A possible scheme for the appraisal of substantive hypotheses is offered, the corroboration of which is a necessary prerequisite for scientific explanations and predictions. The scheme is partly based on the Neyman–Pearson theory. This theory, though not perfect, is superior to its competitors, especially when examining substantive hypotheses. The many statistical and extra-statistical decisions prior to experimentation and the inevitable subjectivity of our research endeavors are emphasized. If feasible, statistical problems should be discussed from an extra-statistical methodological/epistemological viewpoint.
Fatal and Non-Fatal Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Addington Lynn A. , Perumean-Chaney Suzanne E.
Published: January 2013

Comparing male and female victims across lethal and non-lethal intimate partner violence (IPV) can provide a better understanding of these incidents and assist policy makers in developing more tailored victim services and prevention programs. To date, little research has examined this issue. This study compares the characteristics that predict female and male IPV victimization. Given the role that law enforcement can play in promoting victim assistance programs, police data are used to explore this issue. This study finds that victim sex differences do exist within and across lethal and non-lethal IPV. These findings are discussed as well as their implications for future policy and research.
Examining the Efficacy of a Basic Functional Behavioral Assessment Training Package for School Personnel
Authors: Loman Sheldon L. , Horner Robert H.
Published: January 2013

This study evaluated the effects of manualized training in “Basic” functional behavioral assessment (FBA) for typical school professionals on the ability of these professionals to complete technically adequate FBAs. Twelve school professionals participated in four 1-hr training sessions using the Basic FBA training handbook. After documenting knowledge competencies, 10 of the 12 professionals each completed a formal FBA with a student from their school. The technical adequacy of these 10 FBAs was assessed with functional analyses. Results from the 10 functional analyses confirmed that all 10 school professionals accurately identified the antecedents and consequences controlling student problem behavior. The efficiency and social validity of the Basic FBA training process was also investigated. These preliminary findings suggest a role for behavior specialists to train typical school personnel in Basic FBA procedures. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are presented.
Diversity in causes and characteristics of drug-induced deaths in an urban setting
Authors: Gjersing Linn , Jonassen Kristine V. , Biong Stian , Ravndal Edle , Waal Helge , Bramness Jørgen G. , Clausen Thomas
Published: January 2013

Aims: To assess demographic characteristics, treatment utilization and circumstances of death among those who died from drug-induced deaths in an urban setting and to identify possible subpopulations that should be targeted specifically to further develop preventive public health policies. Methods: Subjects ( N = 231) who died, from drug-induced deaths, in the Norwegian capital Oslo (2006–2008) were identified through the National Cause of Death Registry. Data on toxicology, prison release and contact with health and social services in Oslo were collected. Results: Majority of cases were men (78%) and the mean age was 37 years. Nearly all cases (90%) were polydrug intoxications. Heroin was implicated in 67%. Residential address was the most common place of death (67%). Most cases (82%) had been in contact with health and social services in the year before death. Women were 4 years older, more often Oslo residents (82% vs. 64%) and fewer died from heroin intoxication. Non-Oslo residents were younger and more likely to have been found outdoors with heroin as the main intoxicant. Other identified subpopulations were those who died after prison release and those discharged from drug treatment. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the majority of cases could have been available for preventive measures through their contacts with health and social services. Yet, the heterogeneity among cases indicates that such measures need to be multifaceted. Finally, it is important for policymakers and health and social workers in various countries to consider subpopulations such as women and non-city residents when developing public health interventions to prevent overdose deaths.
The Determinants of Television Audience for Professional Cycling
Authors: Rodríguez César , Pérez Levi , Puente Víctor , Rodríguez Plácido
Published: January 2013

This research is intended to assess the determinants of the television (TV) audience in Spain for professional cycling. Our data refer to cycling races broadcast on several Spanish TV channels and make it possible to compute three different audience variables: rating, share, and number of viewers. The most original contributions of this research are the new indicators of competitive balance for cycling races that are proposed here. The outcomes show that audience ratings depend mainly on the following features: competitive balance, the type of stage and race, the nationality of the race leader, and inertial behaviors on the part of viewers.
Trapeziometacarpal narrow pseudarthrosis: a new surgical technique to treat thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis
Authors: Rubino M. , Civani A. , Pagani D. , Sansone V.
Published: January 2013

We describe a technique that arose from the observation of the clinical outcome of failed arthrodeses of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. In these cases a pseudoarthrosis developed which, surprisingly, rarely lead to a poor clinical outcome. Thus we developed a simple technique which deliberately caused the formation of a narrow pseudoarthrosis in the carpometacarpal joint. We present a retrospective review of 248 consecutive patients treated for Eaton stages II and III osteoarthritis. We observed a statistically significant improvement in mean appositional and oppositional pinch strength, mean DASH score (63.8 pre-operatively to 10.5 at final follow-up), and the mean pain score (8.3 to 0.2). We conclude that trapeziometacarpal limited excision arthroplasty is a simple and reliable alternative to existing surgical techniques for treating Stage II or III thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis.
Ethics and Clinical Trials in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Shaddy Robert E.
Published: January 2013

There is a strong need for well-designed clinical trials in congenital heart disease. Research in children, including children with congenital heart disease, must adhere to the highest ethical standards at all times.
Genetic Testing in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Lin Kimberly Y. , D’Alessandro Lisa C. A. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

On March 16, 2012, the Ethics of the Heart 2012: Ethical and Policy Challenges in Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Conference took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first session focused on the ethics surrounding genetic testing in patients with congenital heart disease. Summarized here is the introductory presentation given by Dr Elizabeth Goldmuntz entitled “The Role of Genetic Testing in Congenital Heart Disease,” followed by a case presentation given by Dr Lisa D’Alessandro. The case and the panel discussion that ensued highlight several ethical principles and challenges in this unique patient population.
Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connections
Authors: Fragata José , Magalhães Manuel , Baquero Luis , Trigo Conceição , Pinto Fátima , Fragata Isabel
Published: January 2013

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs) are a heterogeneous group of congenital heart lesions in which at least one pulmonary vein will drain into the systemic venous system. The consequences are a variable left-to-right hemodynamic shunt and more rarely pulmonary artery hypertension. Often, PAPVC occurs in association with other congenital cardiac malformations. Surgical correction is most often advisable and is generally straightforward and simple to achieve. Historically, some repairs have included incision across the junction of the superior vena cava with the right atrium, which can lead to late arrhythmias. The Warden technique avoids incision across the atriocaval junction. Neonates and infants with Scimitar syndrome represent the most challenging subset of patients with PAPVC.
Long-Term Results of the Subclavian Flap Repair for Coarctation of the Aorta in Infants
Authors: Adams Elizabeth E. , Davidson William R. , Swallow Nicole A. , Nickolaus Michelle J. , Myers John L. , Clark Joseph B.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Coarctation is a congenital narrowing of the aorta that often requires repair during infancy. The subclavian flap aortoplasty was once widely favored for its avoidance of a circumferential suture line and low incidence of recoarctation. The aim of this study is to report the long-term results of the subclavian flap repair for coarctation of the aorta in infants.

Methods:

Our operative database was queried for infants with coarctation who underwent subclavian flap aortoplasty from 1966 to 1991. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics and outcomes. Survivors were identified for additional phone interview.

Results:

Fifty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 7 early deaths (in hospital), 11 late deaths, 5 patients lost to follow-up, and 32 known long-term survivors with a mean follow-up of 22.0 years (range 2.4-34.9). Hospital mortality was not associated with patient characteristics but was associated with earlier year of surgery ( P = .015). A trend toward decreased overall survival was seen in patients with coarctation with associated cardiac defects ( P = .072). Reintervention for recoarctation was required in 3 (6.6%) patients and was not related to the patient characteristics. There were no apparent complications related to subclavian artery sacrifice.

Conclusions:

Subclavian flap aortoplasty provides excellent long-term results for the repair of coarctation in infants. The incidence of recoarctation requiring reintervention is low and compares favorably with other techniques. Compromise of growth or function of the left arm was not appreciated. The subclavian flap technique remains a viable surgical option for the repair of coarctation in infants.
Ethical Considerations Related to the Use of Mechanical Support in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Rossano Joseph W. , Kaufman Beth D. , Rame J. Eduardo
Published: January 2013

Heart failure frequently complicates congenital heart disease (CHD) in children and adults. In patients with end-stage disease, mechanical circulatory support may improve survival, quality of life, and serve as bridge to cardiac transplantation. There are many ethical issues surrounding the use of mechanical circulatory support in patients with CHD including the use of prospective and randomized trials, proper oversight of new therapies, and transparency in reporting. Additionally, there are ethical considerations relevant to the greater society as these therapies are highly resource intensive in a resource-limited society. This article will review the burden of disease of heart failure in patients with CHD, the challenges of mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation, and the ethical considerations and problems that arise for this population.
Adult and Pediatric Perspectives on Heart Retransplant
Authors: Kaufman Beth D. , Jessup Mariell
Published: January 2013

At the Ethics of the Heart II: Ethical and Policy Challenges in Congenital Heart Disease Conference, March 16-17, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the sessions focused on the issues related to end-stage heart failure in patients with congenital heart disease including utilizing the therapy of heart transplantation. This article will summarize the session related to repeat heart transplant that was based on discussion of actual patient cases, two adults and one pediatric, presented, respectively, by an adult and a pediatric heart transplant specialist. Outcome data related to retransplant for both adult and pediatric heart transplant populations are reviewed. The complicated ethical issues related to considerations of beneficence versus nonmalfeasance by a medical care team for an individual patient, patient autonomy related to adherence, and obligations to society to fairly allocate the scarce precious resource of donor organs are discussed.
Eosinophil extracellular DNA trap cell death mediates lytic release of free secretion-competent eosinophil granules in humans
Authors: Ueki Shigeharu , Melo Rossana C. N. , Ghiran Ionita , Spencer Lisa A. , Dvorak Ann M. , Weller Peter F.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

This research is the first to document that human eosinophils undergo extracellular DNA trap cell death. This research revealed a process by which eosinophils undergo cytolysis to liberate intact cell-free and secretion-competent granules.
Macrophage Wnt-Calcineurin-Flt1 signaling regulates mouse wound angiogenesis and repair
Authors: Stefater James A. , Rao Sujata , Bezold Katie , Aplin Alfred C. , Nicosia Roberto F. , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Ferrara Napoleone , Lang Richard A.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Macrophage Wnt signaling regulates wound angiogenesis and repair.
CD19+CD21low B cells and patients at risk for NIH-defined chronic graft-versus-host disease with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
Authors: Kuzmina Zoya , Krenn Katharina , Petkov Ventzislav , Körmöczi Ulrike , Weigl Roman , Rottal Arno , Kalhs Peter , Mitterbauer Margit , Ponhold Lothar , Dekan Gerhard , Greinix Hildegard T. , Pickl Winfried F.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

B-cell subpopulation as biomarker for NIH-defined BOS.
A novel flow cytometry–based platelet aggregation assay
Authors: De Cuyper Iris M. , Meinders Marjolein , van de Vijver Edith , de Korte Dirk , Porcelijn Leendert , de Haas Masja , Eble Johannes A. , Seeger Karl , Rutella Sergio , Pagliara Daria , Kuijpers Taco W. , Verhoeven Arthur J. , van den Berg Timo K. , Gutiérrez Laura
Published: January 2013

Key Points

FCA is a novel flow cytometry–based platelet aggregation assay that allows single receptor analysis in small volume/thrombocytopenic samples FCA facilitates platelet studies in experimental animal models even during gestation and allows kinetic measurements in individual animals
Genome-wide identification of Ikaros targets elucidates its contribution to mouse B-cell lineage specification and pre-B–cell differentiation
Authors: Ferreirós-Vidal Isabel , Carroll Thomas , Taylor Benjamin , Terry Anna , Liang Ziwei , Bruno Ludovica , Dharmalingam Gopuraja , Khadayate Sanjay , Cobb Bradley S. , Smale Stephen T. , Spivakov Mikhail , Srivastava Prashant , Petretto Enrico , Fisher Amanda G. , Merkenschlager Matthias
Published: January 2013

Key Points

We identify genes that are bound and regulated by Ikaros in pre-B cells. Ikaros dosage drives the differentiation of cycling (Fr.C') to resting (Fr.D) pre-B cells.