bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PedsQL™ multidimensional fatigue scale in sickle cell disease: Feasibility, reliability, and validity
Authors: Panepinto Julie A. , Torres Sylvia , Bendo Cristiane B. , McCavit Timothy L. , Dinu Bogdan , Sherman‐Bien Sandra , Bemrich‐Stolz Christy , Varni James W.
Published: September 2013

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by a chronic hemolytic anemia that can contribute to fatigue and global cognitive impairment in patients. The study objective was to report on the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale in SCD for pediatric patient self‐report ages 5–18 years and parent proxy‐report for ages 2–18 years.

Procedure

This was a cross‐sectional multi‐site study whereby 240 pediatric patients with SCD and 303 parents completed the 18‐item PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Participants also completed the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales.

Results

The PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale evidenced excellent feasibility, excellent reliability for the Total Scale Scores (patient self‐report α = 0.90; parent proxy‐report α = 0.95), and acceptable reliability for the three individual scales (patient self‐report α = 0.77–0.84; parent proxy‐report α = 0.90–0.97). Intercorrelations of the PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale with the PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales were predominantly in the large (≥0.50) range, supporting construct validity. PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale Scores were significantly worse with large effects sizes (≥0.80) for patients with SCD than for a comparison sample of healthy children, supporting known‐groups discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable to excellent model fit in SCD.

Conclusions

The PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale demonstrated acceptable to excellent measurement properties in SCD. The results demonstrate the relative severity of fatigue symptoms in pediatric patients with SCD, indicating the potential clinical utility of multidimensional assessment of fatigue in patients with SCD in clinical research and practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:171–177. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroblastoma in older children, adolescents and young adults: A report from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group project
Authors: Mossé Yaël P. , Deyell Rebecca J. , Berthold Frank , Nagakawara Akira , Ambros Peter F. , Monclair Tom , Cohn Susan L. , Pearson Andrew D. , London Wendy B. , Matthay Katherine K.
Published: September 2013

Background

Neuroblastoma in older children and adolescents has a distinctive, indolent phenotype, but little is known about the clinical and biological characteristics that distinguish this rare subgroup. Our goal was to determine if an optimal age cut‐off exists that defines indolent disease and if accepted prognostic factors and treatment approaches are applicable to older children.

Procedure

Using data from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group, among patients ≥18 months old (n = 4,027), monthly age cut‐offs were tested to determine the effect of age on survival. The prognostic effect of baseline characteristics and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT) for advanced disease was assessed within two age cohorts; ≥5 to <10 years (n = 730) and ≥10 years (n = 200).

Results

Older age was prognostic of poor survival, with outcome gradually worsening with increasing age at diagnosis, without statistical evidence for an optimal age cut‐off beyond 18 months. Among patients ≥5 years, factors significantly prognostic of lower event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in multivariable analyses were INSS stage 4, MYCN amplification and unfavorable INPC histology classification. Among stage 4 patients, AHCT provided a significant EFS and OS benefit. Following relapse, patients in both older cohorts had prolonged OS compared to those ≥18 months to <5 years (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Despite indolent disease and infrequent MYCN amplification, older children with advanced disease have poor survival, without evidence for a specific age cut‐off. Our data suggest that AHCT may provide a survival benefit in older children with advanced disease. Novel therapeutic approaches are required to more effectively treat these patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:627–635. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neonatal hemochromatosis: management, outcome, and prevention
Authors: Lopriore Enrico , Mearin M. Luisa , Oepkes Dick , Devlieger Roland , Whitington Peter F.
Published: September 2013

Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is a rare disorder but the most common cause of acute liver failure in neonates. NH is characterized by severe hepatic injury and iron overload and is associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. NH is often preceded by oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction, suggesting an important impact of NH during fetal life. Stillbirth and prematurity are not uncommon. During the last decade, major discoveries on the etiology of NH have radically changed the management and outcome of this disease. NH is now regarded as an alloimmune disease and is, as such, often referred to as gestational alloimmune liver disease. Antenatal treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins starting at 14 weeks' gestation has been shown to prevent the development of NH in subsequent pregnancies. Postnatal treatment, previously based on the use of anti‐oxidants and chelation therapy, has now successfully been replaced by exchange transfusions and intravenous immunoglobulins substitution. This review summarizes the latest discoveries on the etiology of NH and the new recommendations concerning its management and prevention. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure Evolution upon Uniaxial Drawing Skin‐ and Core‐Layers of Injection‐Molded Isotactic Polypropylene by In Situ Synchrotron X‐ray Scattering
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Zhong Ganji , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Li Zhongming
Published: September 2013

The structure evolution of the oriented layer (skin) and unoriented layer (core) from injection‐molded isotactic polypropylene samples upon uniaxial drawing is probed by in situ synchrotron X‐ray scattering. The X‐ray data analysis approach, called “halo method”, is used to semiquantitatively identify the transformation process of crystal phase upon uniaxial drawing. The results verify the validation of the stress‐induced crystal fragmentation and recrystallization process in the deformation of the injection‐molded samples under different temperatures. Furthermore, the end of strain softening region in the engineering stress‐strain curves explicitly corresponds to the transition point from the stress‐induced crystal fragmentation to recrystallization process. Basically, the skin and core layers of the injection‐molded parts share the similar deformation mechanism as aforementioned. The stretching temperature which dramatically affects the relative strength between the entanglement‐induced tie chains and the adjacent crystalline lamellae determines the crystal structural evolution upon drawing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1618–1631
Novel Crosslinked Alkaline Exchange Membranes Based on Poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhu Xiuling , Wang Guangfu , Hou Xixin , Liu Dezhi
Published: September 2013

Novel crosslinked anion exchange membranes based on poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) were successfully prepared through chloromethylation, quaternization, membrane casting and OH‐ ionic exchange reaction from the quaternized PPEK (QPPEK) membrane. The quaternization was performed with N‐methylimidazolium (MIm) as ammonium agent and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as crosslinking agent. The ion‐exchange capacity, swelling ratio (SR), water uptake (WU), and ionic conductivity of the QPPEK alkaline membranes have been systematically investigated. The results showed that QPPEK membranes have a high hydroxide conductivity and very low SR. For the QPPEK‐4 alkaline membrane with ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) 2.63 mmol/g, the WU was 35.8%, and the hydroxide conductivity was 0.028 S/cm at 30 °C and 0.032 S/cm at 70 °C, while its SR was only 7.6%. The thermal properties of the QPPEK alkaline membrane and CMPPEK were characterized using thermo‐gravimetric analysis measurements in a nitrogen atmosphere. The alkaline resistance of membrane QPPEK −4 was also briefly investigated in 6 M KOH at 60 °C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1632–1638
Impact of molecular tilt angle on the absorption spectra of pentacene:perfluoropentacene blends
Authors: Broch K. , Bürker C. , Dieterle J. , Krause S. , Gerlach A. , Schreiber F.
Published: September 2013

We investigate the relation between the optical properties and the average molecular tilt angle for blends of pentacene and perfluoropentacene, which can be considered as a prototypical donor–acceptor complex. Combining near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy we study thin films of these compounds prepared at three different substrate temperatures Tsub. For Tsub =180 K we observe a larger average tilt angle than for blends prepared at higher substrate temperatures. This orientational change has significant impact on the uniaxial anisotropic optical properties of the mixed films which we measure post growth as well as in real‐time during growth. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On‐Site Formation of Emulsions by Controlled Air Plugs
Authors: Huang Xiaowen , Hui Wenli , Hao Chonglei , Yue Wanqing , Yang Mengsu , Cui Yali , Wang Zuankai
Published: September 2013

Air plugs are usually undesirable in microfluidic systems because of their detrimental effect on the system's stability and integrity. By controlling the wetting properties as well as the topographical geometry of the microchannel, it is reported herein that air plugs can be generated in pre‐defined locations to function as a unique valve, allowing for the on‐site formation of various emulsions including single‐component droplets, composite droplets with droplet‐to‐droplet concentration gradient, blood droplets, paired droplets, as well as bubble arrays without the need for precious flow control, a difficult task with conventional droplet microfluidics. Moreover, the self‐generated air valve can be readily deactivated (turned off) by the introduction of an oil phase, allowing for the on‐demand release of as‐formed droplets for downstream applications. It is proposed that the simple, yet versatile nature of this technique can act as an important method for droplet microfluidics and, in particular, is ideal for the development of affordable lab‐on‐a‐chip systems without suffering from scalability and manufacturing challenges that typically confound the conventional droplet microfluidics.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging and FRET‐Induced Intracellular Redistribution of Tat‐Conjugated Quantum Dot Nanoparticles through Interaction with a Phthalocyanine Photosensitiser
Authors: Yaghini Elnaz , Giuntini Francesca , Eggleston Ian M. , Suhling Klaus , Seifalian Alexander M. , MacRobert Alexander J.
Published: September 2013

The interaction of Tat‐conjugated PEGylated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QD) with the amphiphilic disulfonated aluminium phthalocyanine photosensitiser is investigated in aqueous solution and in a human breast cancer cell line. In aqueous solution, the QDs and phthalocyanine form stable nanocomposites. Using steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements combined with singlet oxygen detection, efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is observed with the QDs acting as donors, and the phthalocyanine photosensitiser, which mediates production of singlet oxygen, as acceptors. In cells, the Tat‐conjugated QDs localise in lysosomes and the QD fluorescence lifetimes are close to values observed in aqueous solution. Strong FRET‐induced quenching of the QD lifetime is observed in cells incubated with the nanocomposites using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Using excitation of the QDs at wavelengths where phthalocyanine absorption is negligible, FRET‐induced release of QDs from endo/lysosomes is confirmed using confocal imaging and FLIM, which is attributed to photooxidative damage to the endo/lysosomal membranes mediated by the phthalocyanine acceptor.
Phase Chemistry in the Ca‐Mn‐Sb‐O System at 1160–1250 °C
Authors: Bazuev Gennady V. , Tyutyunnik Aleksander P. , Golovkin Boris G.
Published: September 2013

Phase equilibrium in the Ca‐Mn‐Sb‐O system was studied in air at the temperature range from 1160 to 1250 °C and a pseudo‐quaternary phase diagram for the system CaO‐MnO‐Mn2O3‐Sb2O5 is presented. The following compounds were discovered: new antimonate Ca7Sb2O12 with a perovskite‐like structure, solid solutions Mn2–xCaxSb2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.6) with a 3T‐weberite structure, and Ca2–xMnxSb2O7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.23) with a 2O‐weberite structure, as well as solid solutions Ca2Mn1+xSb1–xO6 with monoclinic (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.67) and orthorhombic (0.75 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite structures. The existence of a number of double and ternary oxides and solid solutions on the basis of Sb5+ and Mn2+, Mn3+, Mn4+ and with mixed manganese valence is confirmed.
Whisper‐like behavior in a non‐human primate
Authors: Morrison Rachel , Reiss Diana
Published: September 2013

In humans, whispering has evolved as a counteractive strategy against eavesdropping. Some evidence for whisper‐like behavior exists in a few other species, but has not been reported in non‐human primates. We discovered the first evidence of whisper‐like behavior in a non‐human primate, the cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), in the course of investigating their use of human‐directed mobbing calls. We exposed a family of captive cotton‐top tamarins to a supervisor who previously elicited a strong mobbing response. Simultaneous audio–video recordings documented the animals' behavioral and vocal responses in the supervisor's presence and absence. Rather than exhibiting a mobbing response and producing loud human‐directed mobbing calls, the tamarins exhibited other anti‐predator behaviors and produced low amplitude vocalizations that initially eluded our detection. A post‐hoc analysis of the data was conducted to test a new hypothesis—the tamarins were reducing the amplitude of their vocalizations in the context of exposure to a potential threat. Consistent with whisper‐like behavior, the amplitude of the tamarins' vocalizations was significantly reduced only in the presence of the supervisor. Due to its subtle properties, this phenomenon may have eluded detection in this species. Increasing evidence of whisper‐like behavior in non‐human species suggests that such low amplitude signaling may represent a convergence in a communication strategy amongst highly social and cooperative species. Zoo Biol. 32:626–631, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classical tau-function for quantum spin chains
Authors: Alexandrov Alexander , Kazakov Vladimir , Leurent Sebastien , Tsuboi Zengo , Zabrodin Anton
Published: September 2013

Abstract

For an arbitrary generalized quantum integrable spin chain we introduce a “masterT-operator” which represents a generating function for commuting quantum transfer matrices constructed by means of the fusion procedure in the auxiliary space. We show that the functional relations for the transfer matrices are equivalent to an infinite set of model-independent bilinear equations of the Hirota form for the masterT-operator, which allows one to identify it withτ-function of an integrable hierarchy of classical soliton equations. In this paper we consider spin chains with rationalGL(N)-invariantR-matrices but the result is independent of a particular functional form of the transfer matrices and directly applies to quantum integrable models with more general (trigonometric and elliptic)R-matrices and to supersymmetric spin chains.
Halostable cellulase with organic solvent tolerance from Haloarcula sp. LLSG7 and its application in bioethanol fermentation using agricultural wastes
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Hui-Ying
Published: September 2013

A haloarchaeal strain LLSG7 with cellulolytic activity was isolated from the saline soil of Yuncheng Salt Lake, China. Biochemical and physiological characterization along with 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the isolate in the genus Haloarcula. Cellulase production was strongly influenced by the salinity of the culture medium with the maximum obtained in the presence of 25 % NaCl. Substrate specificity tests showed that the crude cellulase was a multicomponent enzyme system, and zymogram analysis revealed that five different endoglucanases were secreted by strain LLSG7. Optimal cellulase activity was at 50 °C, pH 8.0, and 20 % NaCl. In addition, it was highly active and stable over broad ranges of temperature (40–80 °C), pH (7.0–11.0), and NaCl concentration (17.5–30 %). The cellulase displayed remarkable stability in the presence of non-polar organic solvents with log P  ow ≥ 1.97. The crude cellulase secreted by strain LLSG7 was further applied to hydrolyze alkali-pretreated rice straw and the enzymatic hydrolysate was used as the substrate for bioethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yield of ethanol was 0.177 g per gram of pretreated rice straw, suggesting that it might be potentially useful for bioethanol production.
Tall tales and fat tails: the science and economics of extreme warming
Authors: Calel Raphael , Stainforth David A. , Dietz Simon
Published: September 2013

It has recently been highlighted that the economic value of climate change mitigation depends sensitively on the slim possibility of extreme warming. This insight has been obtained through a focus on the fat upper tail of the climate sensitivity probability distribution. However, while climate sensitivity is undoubtedly important, what ultimately matters is transient temperature change. A focus on transient temperature change stresses the interplay of climate sensitivity with other physical uncertainties, notably effective heat capacity. In this paper we present a conceptual analysis of the physical uncertainties in economic models of climate mitigation, leading to an empirical application of the DICE model, which investigates the interaction of uncertainty in climate sensitivity and the effective heat capacity. We expand on previous results exploring the sensitivity of economic evaluations to the tail of the climate sensitivity distribution alone, and demonstrate that uncertainty about the system’s effective heat capacity also plays a very important role. We go on to discuss complementary avenues of economic and scientific research that may help provide a better combined understanding of the physical and economic processes associated with a rapidly warming world.
A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on the Implications of Genome‐Wide Testing in Pediatric Clinical Practice
Authors: Reiff Marian , Mueller Rebecca , Mulchandani Surabhi , Spinner Nancy B. , Pyeritz Reed E. , Bernhardt Barbara A.
Published: September 2013

The utilization of genome‐wide chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in pediatric clinical practice provides an opportunity to consider how genetic diagnostics is evolving, and to prepare for the clinical integration of genome‐wide sequencing technologies. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 15 healthcare providers (7 genetic counselors, 4 medical geneticists, and 4 non‐genetics providers) to investigate the impact of CMA on clinical practice, and implications for providers, patients and families. Interviews were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. Most providers reported that genomic testing enhanced their professional experience and was beneficial to patients, primarily due to the improved diagnostic rate compared with earlier chromosomal studies. Other effects on practice included moving towards genotype‐first diagnosis and broadening indications for chromosomal testing. Opinions varied concerning informed consent and disclosure of results. The duty to disclose incidental findings (IFs) was noted; however concerns were raised about potential psychosocial harms of disclosing pre‐symptomatic findings. Tensions were revealed between the need for comprehensive informed consent for all families and the challenges of communicating time‐consuming and potentially anxiety‐provoking information regarding uncertain and incidental findings that may be relevant only in rare cases. Genetic counselors can play an important role in liaising with families, health professionals and testing laboratories, providing education and guidance to non‐genetics providers, and enabling families to receive adequate pre‐and post‐test information and follow‐up care.
Identifying Outcomes of Clinical Genetic Services: Qualitative Evidence and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Pithara Christalla
Published: September 2013

Extensive research into the tangible and intangible implications of Clinical Genetic Services (CGSs) has confirmed the relevance of a multidimensional outcome of benefit conceptually linked to perceived control. This paper aims to report qualitative findings from one small study aiming to add to the evidence pool confirming the relevance of such an outcome to participants from one UK clinical genetics center. Data were collected using focus groups and individual interviews with 22 service users from the following conditions: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC), von Hippel Lindau disorder (VHL), Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and tuberous sclerosis (TS). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and four dimensions of benefit were identified relating to cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional consequences. These dimensions related to an overarching conceptual outcome described as Perceived Familial Control. Findings are discussed to illustrate the inter‐generational and intra‐generational familial dimensions of CGSs and reinforce the significance of a familial focus to any genetics‐specific outcome measure. The prospect and methodological considerations of a familial composite outcome measure for measuring overall benefit of CGSs is discussed based on current and past findings.
Coronary heart disease alters intercellular communication by modifying microparticle‐mediated microRNA transport
Authors: Finn Nnenna A. , Eapen Danny , Manocha Pankaj , Al Kassem Hatem , Lassegue Bernard , Ghasemzadeh Nima , Quyyumi Arshed , Searles Charles D.
Published: September 2013

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is characterized by abnormal intercellular communication and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are likely involved in this process. Here, we show that CHD was associated with changes in the transport of circulating miRNA, particularly decreased miRNA enrichment in microparticles (MPs). Additionally, MPs from CHD patients were less efficient at transferring miRNA to cultured HUVECs, which correlated with their diminished capacity to bind developmental endothelial locus‐1 (Del‐1). In summary, CHD was associated with distinct changes in circulating miRNA transport and these changes may contribute to the abnormal intercellular communication that underlies CHD initiation and progression.
Potential biomarkers of long‐term benefit from single‐agent trastuzumab or lapatinib in HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Montemurro Filippo , Prat Aleix , Rossi Valentina , Valabrega Giorgio , Sperinde Jeff , Peraldo-Neia Caterina , Donadio Michela , Galván Patricia , Sapino Anna , Aglietta Massimo , Baselga José , Scaltriti Maurizio
Published: September 2013

In 2009 a prospective, randomized Phase II trial (NCT00842998) was initiated to evaluate the activity of HER2‐targeting agents without chemotherapy (CT) in HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. The primary tumors of the patients enrolled in this study offered a unique opportunity to identify biomarkers that could predict durable clinical benefit from CT‐free anti‐HER2 therapy.

Patients with HER2‐positive MBC were randomized to trastuzumab or lapatinib as first‐line therapy. CT was added to anti‐HER2 therapy in patients failing to achieve tumor regression at the 8‐week evaluation and in those progressing at any time. Expression analysis of 105 selected genes was performed from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary tumor samples. The research‐based PAM50 intrinsic subtypes were also identified. Additionally, quantitative HER2 (H2T) and p95HER2 (p95) protein expression were evaluated by HERmark® and VeraTag® assay, respectively. Predictors of persistence on protocol (PP) were studied by Cox univariate and multivariate analysis.

Nineteen patients were enrolled. Median overall survival was 43 months and median PP was 3.8 months (0.8–38.8+), with 4 patients (21.1%) persisting on single agent trastuzumab or lapatinib for longer than 12 mo (14.9–38.8 + mo). Seventeen patients were evaluable for PP. Gene expression analysis revealed that high expression of the 17q12‐21 amplicon genes HER2 and GRB7, and the PAM50 HER2‐enriched intrinsic profile, were significantly associated with longer PP. Conversely, high expression of luminal‐related genes such as PGR, MDM2 or PIK3CA, or the PAM50 luminal intrinsic profile correlated with reduced PP. Moreover, increasing H2T/p95 ratio was found to be significantly associated with longer PP (HR 0.56 per 2‐fold increase in H2T/p95, P = 0.0015).

Our data suggest that patients belonging to the “HER2‐enriched” subtype and/or having high H2T/p95 protein expression ratio are exquisitely sensitive to anti‐HER2 agents. MBC patients with these tumors could be candidates for studies aimed at establishing chemotherapy‐free regimens.
Co‐contractive Activation of the Superficial Multifidus During Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Contraction
Authors: Matthijs Omer C.G. , Dedrick Gregory S. , James C. Roger , Brismée Jean‐Michel , Hooper Troy L. , McGalliard Michael K. , Sizer Phillip S.
Published: September 2013

Objective

To investigate whether the superficial multifidus (MF) muscle at the lower lumbar spine displayed co‐contraction during volitional preemptive abdominal contraction (VPAC) through the abdominal drawing‐in maneuver (ADIM) or the abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM) in 3 different postural positions.

Design

A within‐subject cohort design.

Setting

A clinical laboratory.

Participants

A healthy convenience sample of 21 women and 13 men; mean age (SD), 25.5 ± 6.5 years.

Methods

We collected surface electromyographic measurements for the superficial MF at the L5 vertebral level and abdominal wall muscles. Ultrasound imaging was used during screening and testing sessions for confirming transverse abdominis muscle activation while subjects maintained a relaxed state without volitional abdominal contraction (no‐VPAC) and performed ADIM and ABM in 3 postural positions: supine, 4‐point kneeling, and upright standing.

Main Outcome Measurement

The frequency of superficial MF co‐contraction occurrences (percentage of the total number of conditions) was measured during ADIM and ABM in 3 different postural positions.

Data Analyses

A Cochran Q test for k‐related samples (α = 0.05) was used for data analysis.

Results

Activation of the abdominal wall by using either VPAC strategy resulted in a significantly greater MF co‐contraction occurrence when compared with no‐VPAC in each position. The ABM produced a significantly higher MF co‐contractive occurrence versus the ADIM in the supine position.

Conclusion

Both VPAC strategies produced a co‐contractive MF response, which appears to be important for lumbar segmental stabilization and control. Analysis of the results suggests that VPAC strategies are appropriate for coactivating the MF, which can enhance spinal protection and rehabilitation responses.
Endothelial PAS Domain Protein 1 Chr2:46441523(hg18) Polymorphism Is Associated With Susceptibility to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema in Han Chinese
Authors: Yang Ying-zhong , Wang Ya-ping , Qi Yu-juan , Du Yang , Ma Lan , Ga Qin , Ge Ri-li
Published: September 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) gene are associated with the susceptibility to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) in Han Chinese.

Methods

This study enrolled 153 HAPE patients (HAPE-p), matched with Han Chinese resistant to HAPE (HAPE-r) and local highland Tibetans from Yushu earthquake construction population in Qinghai where the altitude is more than 3500 m above sea level. The polymorphism of EPAS1 chr2:46441523(hg18) was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed by DNA sequencing.

Results

The frequencies of EPAS1 chr2:46441523(hg18) polymorphism C allele were significantly higher in the HAPE-p group than in the HAPE-r group ( P < .001), but the frequencies of heterozygous C/G were significantly higher in the HAPE-r group than in the HAPE-p group ( P < .001). Moreover, the frequencies of the EPAS1 chr2:46441523(hg18) polymorphism G allele were significantly higher in the highland Tibetan group than in the HAPE-p and HAPE-r groups.

Conclusions

The EPAS1 chr2:46441523(hg18) polymorphism C is strongly associated with susceptibility to HAPE in Han Chinese, and the EPAS1 chr2:46441523(hg18) polymorphism G is present at high frequency and may be associated with high altitude adaptation in the Tibetans.
Energy Expenditure and Intensity Levels During a 6170-m Summit in the Karakoram Mountains
Authors: Miller Andrew D. , Taylor Bryan J. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: September 2013

Objective

Although the majority of high altitude studies have used doubly labeled water to assess energy expenditure (EE), minimal research has examined variation in intensity levels while participating in such an expedition. The purpose of this study was to use ambulatory monitoring technology to assess EE and time spent in moderate (3.0–6.0 METS), vigorous (6.0–9.0 METS), and very vigorous (>9.0 METS) intensities during an expedition to summit a 6170-m peak in Northern Pakistan.

Methods

Twelve men and 2 women were studied. Their EE was determined from galvanic skin response, heat flux, and biaxial accelerometry using a multisensor armband. Lake Louise Scores for altitude illness assessment were obtained each morning.

Results

Average daily total EE and number of steps taken was 4173 ± 848 kcal/d (range, 3332 to 4838 kcal/d) and 26,232 ± 7210 steps/d (range, 11,788 to 34,979 steps/d), respectively. On average, subjects spent approximately 7.7 h/d performing physical activity (>3.0 METS). Of this, subjects spent 399 ± 107, 61 ± 77, and 3 ± 10 min/d at moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous intensity levels, respectively, corresponding to 88%, 11%, and 1% of total physical activity time. During summit day, subjects climbed at an intensity equivalent to approximately 42% of their high altitude predicted maximal oxygen consumption at 5100 m).

Conclusions

During a high altitude expedition, subjects predominantly exercise at a moderate intensity, with limited time spent at higher intensity levels. Use of accelerometer-based technology may provide more cost-effective and logistically easier means of assessing EE in extreme environments.
Colonial Politics and Precolonial History: Everyday Knowledge, Genre, and Truth in a Yoruba Town
Authors: Nolte Insa
Published: September 2013

This article suggests that colonial African historiography was shaped both by the textual forms and conventions associated with local historical knowledge and by the complex political interests which emerged under colonial rule. Based on a case study of two linked debates in the small Yoruba town of Ode Remo, the article argues that beyond narratives, local historical knowledge was also contained, sometimes opaquely, in a variety of other genres and practices. During the colonial period, traditionally segmented and distributed forms of knowledge were brought together in civic debates to constitute a more general history. But while historical accounts could be inflected under political pressure or even to reflect widespread local ambitions, the enduring presence of historical knowledge in textual forms used in everyday life meant that there nonetheless remained an overall sense of what was true within the community.
Additive effects of childhood abuse and cannabis abuse on clinical expressions of bipolar disorders
Authors: Aas M. , Etain B. , Bellivier F. , Henry C. , Lagerberg T. , Ringen A. , Agartz I. , Gard S. , Kahn J.-P. , Leboyer M. , Andreassen O. A. , Melle I.
Published: September 2013

Background

Previous studies of bipolar disorders indicate that childhood abuse and substance abuse are associated with the disorder. Whether both influence the clinical picture, or if one is mediating the association of the other, has not previously been investigated.

Method

A total of 587 patients with bipolar disorders were recruited from Norway and France. A history of childhood abuse was obtained using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Diagnosis and clinical variables, including substance abuse, were based on structured clinical interviews (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders or French version of the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies).

Results

Cannabis abuse was significantly associated with childhood abuse, specifically emotional and sexual abuse (χ2 = 8.63,p = 0.003 andχ2 = 7.55,p = 0.006, respectively). Cannabis abuse was significantly associated with earlier onset of the illness (z = −4.17,p < 0.001), lifetime history of at least one suicide attempt (χ2 = 11.16,p = 0.001) and a trend for rapid cycling (χ2 = 3.45,p = 0.06). Alcohol dependence was associated with suicide attempt (χ2 = 10.28,p = 0.001), but not with age at onset or rapid cycling. After correcting for possible confounders and multiple testing, a trend was observed for an interaction between cannabis abuse and childhood abuse and suicide attempt (logistic regression:r2 = 0.06,p = 0.039). Significant additive effects were also observed between cannabis abuse and childhood abuse on earlier age at onset (p < 0.001), increased rapid cycling and suicide attempt (logistic regression:r2 = 0.03–0.04,p < 0.001). No mediation effects were observed; childhood abuse and cannabis abuse were independently associated with the disorder.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to demonstrate significant additive effects, but no mediation effects, between childhood abuse and cannabis abuse on increased clinical expressions of bipolar disorders.
Longitudinal associations between childhood and adulthood externalizing and internalizing psychopathology and adolescent substance use
Authors: Miettunen J. , Murray G. K. , Jones P. B. , Mäki P. , Ebeling H. , Taanila A. , Joukamaa M. , Savolainen J. , Törmänen S. , Järvelin M.-R. , Veijola J. , Moilanen I.
Published: September 2013

Background

Emotional and behavioral problems are commonly associated with substance use in adolescence but it is unclear whether substance use precedes or follows mental health problems. The aim was to investigate longitudinal associations between externalizing and internalizing psychopathology and substance use in a prospective population study design.

Method

The sample was the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study (NFBC 1986;n = 6349; 3103 males). Externalizing and internalizing mental health problems were assessed at age 8 years (Rutter scales), substance use and externalizing and internalizing problems [Youth Self-Report (YSR)] at age 15–16 years, and hospital diagnoses for internalizing disorders (age 25) and criminal offences (age 20) from nationwide registers in adulthood.

Results

Externalizing problems at age 8 were associated with later substance use. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, parental alcohol use and psychiatric disorders, and earlier externalizing and internalizing problems, substance use predicted criminality, especially among males, with the highest odds ratio (OR) for cannabis use [adjusted OR 6.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1–12.7]. Early internalizing problems were not a risk for later substance use. Female adolescent cannabis (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4–7.3) and alcohol (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.2) use predicted internalizing disorders in adulthood.

Conclusions

Externalizing problems precede adolescent substance use in both genders, whereas, among boys, substance use also precedes criminal offences. Internalizing problems may follow substance use in females. These associations were robust even when taking into account previous mental health problems.
Beyond blood brothers: queer Bruce Springsteen
Authors: Fanshel Rosalie Zdzienicka
Published: September 2013

Bruce Springsteen's body of work contains a striking number of songs with homoerotic or queerly suggestive content. Moreover, his live performances often push the limits of the homosocial, ‘queering’ onstage relationships through everything from lingering kisses with the late saxophonist Clarence Clemons to intimate microphone sharing with guitarist and real-life best friend Stevie Van Zandt. In this paper I trace Bruce Springsteen's consistent performative engagement with queer desire over the course of his 40-year career through a close reading of both lyrics and performance (including onstage, and in video and still photography). I examine how Springsteen's queer lyrical content and performative acts contrast critically with dominant readings of his hypermasculine, ‘all-American’ image, and suggest that Springsteen's regular deployment of homosocial and homoerotic imagery in both lyrics and performance – far from being an exception to his more mainstream persona – actually constitute a kind of queer aesthetic vital to, and consistent with, his artistic vision of love and community.
‘Keep the best of you, “do” the rest of you’: passing, ambivalence and keeping queer time in gender performative negotiations of popular music
Authors: Devitt Rachel
Published: September 2013

This article considers the integral role music plays in drag in general and ‘femme’ gender performance (or queer performances of femininity) in particular. Drawing from ethnographic interviews with performers and observations of their performances, I delineate some of the purposes music can serve in these contexts: a tool for character development, a musical lingua franca with which to establish a dialogue with the audience; a part of a nuanced intertext that troubles the cohesiveness of a musical plot or ideological discourse; a fan strategy for staking ownership over a beloved song or genre. I argue that femme gender performers critically stage their own consumption of the popular music they enjoy, interrupting its narratives and rhythms with their choreography and reterritorialising it with their dancing bodies.
The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams: Meshell Ndegeocello and the ‘problem’ of Black female masculinity
Authors: Goldin-Perschbacher Shana
Published: September 2013

Singer, bass player and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello has inspired a growing body of scholarship addressing her funky, political, ‘othered’ musical personae. Existing work celebrates Ndegeocello in the context of identity politics (most commonly feminist, Black Feminist/Womanist, Black Nationalist or Africanist). This tactic not only defies Ndegeocello's rejection of identity politics, but also oversimplifies her complex, sometimes divergent musical negotiations of selfhood. This article highlights the discursive tensions of engaging ‘Black’ with ‘queer’ with ‘woman’ with ‘musician’ by exploring her most contradictory performances of self, particularly those which other scholars argue are ‘feminist’ or ‘queer’. Identifying a scholarly gap around Ndegeocello's strikingly conflicted performances of Black queer gender in songs about same- and opposite-sex relationships, this queer of colour critique explores manner and process over essence, articulating experiential, situational, non-linear and even incoherent perspectives. In doing so, it offers an affect-oriented, politically and musically attentive alternative conceptual frame to identity politics.
The estranged quotation in Israeli popular music
Authors: Goldenberg Yosef
Published: September 2013

Israeli popular music includes many quotations from earlier Israeli songs as well as other Israeliana references. Quotations may take various forms, from cover versions to the mere evocation of song titles. This phenomenon preceded the rockisation of Israeli music, had its apex in the 1970s with early rockisation, and is continuing today, despite a certain decline. The purpose of the quotations is often a mere interaction with traditional materials, but it also sometimes expresses a striving towards an experience of life that is more sincere. Two subtopics of special significance are adolescence and political critique. Since earlier hegemony in Israel was maintained by the old left, the rock music rebellion was not as anti-capitalistic as in the Woodstock Festival, rather manifesting anti-authoritarian trends similar to (but milder than) those encountered in Eastern Europe.
Object Shift in spoken Mainland Scandinavian: A corpus study of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish
Authors: Bentzen Kristine , Anderssen Merete , Waldmann Christian
Published: September 2013

Recent work on Object Shift (OS) suggests that this is not as uniform an operation as traditionally assumed. In this paper, we examine OS in the spontaneous speech of adults in large Danish, Norwegian and Swedish child language corpora in order to explore variation with respect to OS across these three languages. We evaluate our results against three recent strands of accounts of OS, namely a prosodic/phonological account, an account in terms of cognitive status, and an account in terms of information structure. Our investigation shows that there is both within-language and across-language variation in the application of OS, and that the three accounts can explain some of our data. However, all accounts are faced with challenges, especially when explaining exceptional cases.
Object Shift and remnant VP-topicalisation: Danish and Swedish verb particles and ‘let’-causatives
Authors: Engels Eva , Vikner Sten
Published: September 2013

On the basis of an examination of remnant VP-topicalisation constructions, this paper argues for an order preservation analysis of Scandinavian Object Shift. Extending the empirical database, we account for the phenomena in an Optimality Theoretic framework. The paper focusses on two particular constructions in Danish and Swedish, namely particle verb constructions and causative constructions with Danishladeand Swedishlåta‘let’. It is shown how differences in the VP-internal object position give rise to mirror image sequences concerning Object Shift in connection with verb second (V°-to-I°-to-C° movement) and with remnant VP-topicalisation.
Seroprevalence of Sindbis virus and associated risk factors in northern Sweden
Authors: AHLM C. , ELIASSON M. , VAPALAHTI O. , EVANDER M.
Published: September 2013

Mosquito-borne Sindbis virus (SINV) cause disease characterized by rash, fever and arthritis which often leads to long-lasting arthralgia. To determine the seroprevalence of SINV and associated risk factors in northern Sweden, a randomly selected population aged between 25 and 74 years were invited to join the MONICA study. Serum from 1611 samples were analysed for specific IgG antibodies. Overall, 2·9% had IgG against SINV. More men (3·7%) than women (2·0%) were SINV seropositive (P = 0·047) and it was more common in subjects with a lower educational level (P = 0·013) and living in small, rural communities (P < 0·001). Seropositivity was associated with higher waist circumference (P = 0·1), elevated diastolic blood pressure (P = 0·037), and history of a previous stroke (P = 0·011). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for known risk factors for stroke, seropositivity for SINV was an independent predictor of having had a stroke (odds ratio 4·3, 95% confidence interval 1·4–13·0, P = 0·011).
Are antidepressants effective in quality of life improvement among children and adolescents? A systematic review
Authors: Stevanovic Dejan , Tadic Ivana , Knez Rajna
Published: September 2013

There is some evidence indicating that psychotropic medications might lead to health-related quality of life (QOL) improvements among children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to assess evidence regarding whether antidepressant treatment improves QOL among children and adolescents with depressive or anxiety disorders. A comprehensive search resulted in 5 clinical trials to be included in this review: 4 trials with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 1 trial with social anxiety disorder (SAD). In one MDD trial, fluoxetine combined with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) significantly improved QOL compared to fluoxetine or CBT alone (effect sizes were 0.53 and 0.69, respectively). In 2 combined trials, sertraline alone significantly improved QOL among adolescents with MDD (effect size was 0.29), but not among children with MDD. Essentially, it was observed that antidepressants in these trials had minor positive effects on QOL improvement, which were lower than their potential to improve depressive symptoms. Although fluoxetine with CBT or sertraline monotherapy were shown to have some potential to improve QOL, this systematic review found inconclusive evidence that antidepressant treatments improve QOL among children and adolescents with depressive or anxiety disorders. More research is required, considering that QOL is currently under-evaluated in clinical trials with antidepressants among children and adolescents and available trials have limited methodological quality when reporting QOL data.
Tribute to David Westbrook (1950–2013)
Authors: Fennell Melanie
Published: September 2013

David Westbrook, who died tragically in a road traffic accident in April, was a stalwart of the CBT world. He was a man of substantial physical and psychological heft and has left an equally substantial hole. He is missed by an extraordinarily range of people, as messages on the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC) website from people whose lives he touched attest.
Cantharidin-Mediated Ultrastructural and Biochemical Changes in Mitochondria Lead to Apoptosis and Necrosis in Murine Dalton's Lymphoma
Authors: Prasad Surya B. , Verma Akalesh K.
Published: September 2013

Cantharidin, a type of terpenoid, is the blistering agent of blister beetles frequently used in traditional medicine. The isolation and anticancer activity of cantharidin from blister beetles,Mylabris cichoriihas been recently reported by us. This study deals with changes in mitochondrial structure and function and understanding their significance in the underlying mechanism(s) in cantharidin-mediated antitumor effects in Dalton's lymphoma (DL) bearing mice. Cantharidin treatment caused the appearance of abnormal mitochondrial features which included roundish mitochondria with thickened membranes, irregularity in cristae, and appearance of small and large size vacuoles in mitochondria of DL cells. Cantharidin treatment resulted in a decrease in mitochondrial reduced glutathione, succinate dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced apoptosis and necrosis in DL cells. The decrease/release of mitochondrial cytochrome c were also observed after cantharidin treatment. Flow cytometry-based cell cycle analysis showed a time-dependent accumulation of the sub-G0 population of DL cells, thus, confirming the involvement of apoptosis in tumor cells in cantharidin-mediated antitumor activity. These finding signify that the apoptosis induced by cantharidin in DL cells should involve mitochondrial-dependent pathways. It is suggested that these cantharidin-mediated changes in mitochondria may play a crucial role in its antitumor activity.