bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Inhibition of the Chemokine Receptor, CX3CR1, Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Poupel Lucie , Boissonnas Alexandre , Hermand Patricia , Dorgham Karim , Guyon Elodie , Auvynet Constance , Charles Flora Saint , Lesnik Philippe , Deterre Philippe , Combadiere Christophe
Published: July 2013

Objective—

Alterations of the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 gene were associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction in human and limited atherosclerosis in mice. In this study, we addressed whether CX3CR1 antagonists are potential therapeutic tools to limit acute and chronic inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Treatment with F1, an amino terminus–modified CX3CR1 ligand endowed with CX3CR1 antagonist activity, reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions in both
Apoe
−/−
and
Ldlr
−/−
proatherogenic mouse models. Macrophage accumulation in the aortic sinus was reduced in F1-treated
Apoe
−/−
mice but the macrophage density of the lesions was similar in F1-treated and control mice. Both in vitro and in vivo F1 treatment reduced CX3CR1-dependent inflammatory monocyte adhesion, potentially limiting their recruitment. In addition, F1-treated
Apoe
−/−
mice displayed reduced numbers of blood inflammatory monocytes, whereas resident monocyte numbers remained unchanged. Both in vitro and in vivo F1 treatment reduced CX3CR1-dependent inflammatory monocyte survival. Finally, F1 treatment of
Apoe
−/−
mice with advanced atherosclerosis led to smaller lesions than untreated mice but without reverting to the initial phenotype.

Conclusions—

The CX3CR1 antagonist F1 is a potent inhibitor of the progression of atherosclerotic lesions by means of its selective impact on inflammatory monocyte functions. Controlling monocyte trafficking and survival may be an alternative or complementary therapy to lipid-lowering drugs classically used in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Sirolimus-FKBP12.6 Impairs Endothelial Barrier Function Through Protein Kinase C-α Activation and Disruption of the p120–Vascular Endothelial Cadherin Interaction
Authors: Habib Anwer , Karmali Vinit , Polavarapu Rohini , Akahori Hirokuni , Cheng Qi , Pachura Kim , Kolodgie Frank D. , Finn Aloke V.
Published: July 2013

Objective—

Sirolimus (SRL) is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation and neointimal hyperplasia when delivered from drug-eluting stents. Major side effects of SRL include edema and local collection of intimal lipid deposits at drug-eluting stent sites, suggesting that SRL impairs endothelial barrier function (EBF). The aim of this study was to address the role of SRL on impaired EBF and the potential mechanisms involved.

Approach and Results—

Cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and intact human and mouse endothelium was examined to determine the effect of SRL, which binds FKBP12.6 to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin, on EBF. EBF, measured by transendothelial electrical resistance, was impaired in HAECs when treated with SRL or small interfering RNA for FKBP12.6 and reversed when pretreated with ryanodine, a stabilizer of ryanodine receptor 2 intracellular calcium release channels. Intracellular calcium increased in HAECs treated with SRL and normalized with ryanodine pretreatment. SRL-treated HAECs demonstrated increases in protein kinase C-α phosphorylation, a calcium sensitive serine/threonine kinase important in vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin barrier function through its interaction with p120-catenin (p120). Immunostaining of HAECs, human coronary and mouse aortic endothelium treated with SRL showed disruption of p120–VE cadherin interaction treated with SRL. SRL impairment of HAEC EBF was reduced with protein kinase C-α small interfering RNA. Mice treated with SRL demonstrated increased vascular permeability by Evans blue albumin extravasation in the lungs, heart, and aorta.

Conclusions—

SRL-FKBP12.6 impairs EBF by activation of protein kinase C-α and downstream disruption of the p120–VE cadherin interaction in vascular endothelium. These data suggest this mechanism may be an important contributor of SRL side effects related to impaired EBF.
Improving Survival Rates of Patients With Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Tuscany Over 3 Decades
Authors: Castelli Gabriele , Fornaro Alessandra , Ciaccheri Mauro , Dolara Alberto , Troiani Vito , Tomberli Benedetta , Olivotto Iacopo , Gensini Gian Franco
Published: July 2013

Background—

Contemporary therapeutic options have led to substantial improvement in survival of patients with heart failure. However, limited evidence is available specifically on idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. We thus examined changes in prognosis of a large idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy cohort systematically followed during the past 30 years.

Methods and Results—

From 1977 to 2011, 603 consecutive patients (age, 53±12 years; 73% men; left ventricular ejection fraction, 32±10%) fulfilling World Health Organization criteria for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, including negative coronary angiography, were followed up for 8.8±6.3 years. Patients were subdivided in 4 enrollment periods on the basis of heart failure treatment eras: (1) 1977–1984 (n=66); (2) 1985–1990 (n=102); (3) 1991–2000 (n=197); (4) 2001–2011 (n=238). Rates of patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptors blockers, β-blockers, and devices at final evaluation increased from 56%, 12%, 8% (period 1) to 97%, 86%, 17% (period 4), respectively (
P
<0.05). There was a trend toward enrollment of older patients with less severe left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction during the years. During follow-up, 271 patients (45%) reached a combined end point including death (heart failure related, n=142; sudden death, n=71; and noncardiac, n=22) or cardiac transplant (n=36). A more recent enrollment period represented the most powerful independent predictor of favorable outcome {period 2 versus 1 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64;
P
=0.04), period 3 versus 1 (HR, 0.35;
P
<0.001), period 4 versus 1 (HR, 0.14;
P
<001)}. Each period was associated with a 42% risk reduction versus the previous one (HR, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.67;
P
<0.001), reflecting marked decreases in heart failure–related mortality and sudden death (period 4 versus 1: HR, 0.10;
P
<001 and HR, 0.13;
P
<0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions—

Evidence-based treatment has led to dramatic improvement in the prognosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy during the past 3 decades. The benefits of controlled randomized trials can be replicated in the real world, emphasizing the importance of tailored follow-up and long-term continuity of care.
Relationship Between Onset-to-Door Time and Door-to-Thrombolysis Time
Authors: Strbian Daniel , Michel Patrik , Ringleb Peter , Numminen Heikki , Breuer Lorenz , Bodenant Marie , Seiffge David J. , Jung Simon , Obach Victor , Weder Bruno , Tiainen Marjaana , Eskandari Ashraf , Gumbinger Christoph , Gensicke Henrik , Chamorro Angel , Mattle Heinrich P. , Engelter Stefan T. , Leys Didier , Köhrmann Martin , Parkkila Anna-Kaisa , Hacke Werner , Tatlisumak Turgut
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Inverse relationship between onset-to-door time (ODT) and door-to-needle time (DNT) in stroke thrombolysis was reported from various registries. We analyzed this relationship and other determinants of DNT in dedicated stroke centers.

Methods—

Prospectively collected data of consecutive ischemic stroke patients from 10 centers who received IV thrombolysis within 4.5 hours from symptom onset were merged (n=7106). DNT was analyzed as a function of demographic and prehospital variables using regression analyses, and change over time was considered.

Results—

In 6348 eligible patients with known treatment delays, median DNT was 42 minutes and kept decreasing steeply every year (
P
<0.001). Median DNT of 55 minutes was observed in patients with ODT ≤30 minutes, whereas it declined for patients presenting within the last 30 minutes of the 3-hour time window (median, 33 minutes) and of the 4.5-hour time window (20 minutes). For ODT within the first 30 minutes of the extended time window (181–210 minutes), DNT increased to 42 minutes. DNT was stable for ODT for 30 to 150 minutes (40–45 minutes). We found a weak inverse overall correlation between ODT and DNT (
R
2
=−0.12;
P
<0.001), but it was strong in patients treated between 3 and 4.5 hours (
R
2
=−0.75;
P
<0.001). ODT was independently inversely associated with DNT (
P
<0.001) in regression analysis. Octogenarians and women tended to have longer DNT.

Conclusions—

DNT was decreasing steeply over the last years in dedicated stroke centers; however, significant oscillations of in-hospital treatment delays occurred at both ends of the time window. This suggests that further improvements can be achieved, particularly in the elderly.
Prognostic Evaluation Based on Cortical Vein Score Difference in Stroke
Authors: Parthasarathy Rajsrinivas , Kate Mahesh , Rempel Jeremy L. , Liebeskind David S. , Jeerakathil Thomas , Butcher Kenneth S. , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Multimodal imaging in acute ischemic stroke defines the extent of arterial collaterals, resultant penumbra, and associated infarct core, yet limitations abound. We identified superficial and deep venous drainage patterns that predict outcomes in patients with a proximal arterial occlusion of the anterior circulation.

Methods—

An observational study that used computed tomography (CT) angiography to detail venous drainage in a consecutive series of patients with a proximal anterior circulation arterial occlusion. The principal veins that drain the cortex (superficial middle cerebral, vein of Trolard, vein of Labbé, and basal vein of Rosenthal) and deep structures were scored with a categorical scale on the basis of degree of contrast enhancement. The Prognostic Evaluation based on Cortical vein score difference In Stroke score encompassing the interhemispheric difference of the composite scores of the veins draining the cortices (superficial middle cerebral+vein of Trolard+vein of Labbé+basal vein of Rosenthal) was analyzed with respect to 90-day modified Rankin Scale outcomes.

Results—

Thirty-nine patients were included in the study. A Prognostic Evaluation based on Cortical vein score difference In Stroke score of 4 to 8 accurately predicted poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, 3–6; odds ratio, 20.53;
P
<0.001). On stepwise logistic regression analyses adjusted for CT Alberta stroke program early CT score, CT angiography collateral grading and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, a Prognostic Evaluation based on Cortical vein score difference In Stroke score of 4 to 8 (odds ratio, 23.598;
P
=0.009) and an elevated admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (odds ratio, 1.423;
P
=0.023) were independent predictors of poor outcome.

Conclusions—

The Prognostic Evaluation based on Cortical vein score difference In Stroke score, a novel measure of venous enhancement on CT angiography, accurately predicts clinical outcomes. Venous features on computed tomography angiography provide additional characterization of collateral perfusion and prognostication in acute ischemic stroke.
Eligibility for Randomized Trials of Treatments Specifically for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Fonville Arthur F. , Samarasekera Neshika , Hutchison Aidan , Perry David , Roos Yvo B. , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Acute treatments specifically for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are being sought in randomized controlled trials. The treatment effect sizes in ongoing and future trials are likely to be small, necessitating large sample sizes.

Methods—

We searched online trial registries for randomized controlled trials investigating an acute treatment for ICH. For the trials whose eligibility criteria could be assessed in a prospective, community-based ICH cohort study (2010–2011), we quantified the proportions of patients who were eligible and investigated influences on these proportions.

Results—

We applied the eligibility criteria of 17 trials to 166 adults with ICH, of whom between 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.1–3.3) to 40% (95% confidence interval, 33–48) were eligible for each trial. Fewer patients were eligible for trials restricted to patients randomized within 12 hours of ICH onset (versus trials with a longer time window;
P
=0.03) and trials restricting eligibility according to premorbid disability (versus trials without this restriction;
P
=0.046). Each additional eligibility criterion reduced the portion of eligible patients by 1.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.4–2.2; adjusted
R
2
=0.47;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

Less than half of patients with ICH were eligible for current randomized controlled trials. Future trials could maximize enrollment by minimizing the number of eligibility criteria, maximizing the time window for recruiting patients after ICH onset, permitting premorbid disability, and using a simulator to assess the impact of other eligibility critiera (
www.dcn.ed.ac.uk/ICHsimulator/
).
Lesion Location Predicts Transient and Extended Risk of Aspiration After Supratentorial Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Galovic Marian , Leisi Natascha , Müller Marlise , Weber Johannes , Abela Eugenio , Kägi Georg , Weder Bruno
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

To assess the association of lesion location and risk of aspiration and to establish predictors of transient versus extended risk of aspiration after supratentorial ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Atlas-based localization analysis was performed in consecutive patients with MRI-proven first-time acute supratentorial ischemic stroke. Standardized swallowing assessment was carried out within 8±18 hours and 7.8±1.2 days after admission.

Results—

In a prospective, longitudinal analysis, 34 of 94 patients (36%) were classified as having acute risk of aspiration, which was extended (≥7 days) or transient (<7 days) in 17 cases. There were no between-group differences in age, sex, cause of stroke, risk factors, prestroke disability, lesion side, or the degree of age-related white-matter changes. Correcting for stroke volume and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale with a multiple logistic regression model, significant adjusted odds ratios in favor of acute risk of aspiration were demonstrated for the internal capsule (adjusted odds ratio, 6.2;
P
<0.002) and the insular cortex (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8;
P
<0.003). In a multivariate model of extended versus transient risk of aspiration, combined lesions of the frontal operculum and insular cortex was the only significant independent predictor of poor recovery (adjusted odds ratio, 33.8;
P
<0.008).

Conclusions—

Lesions of the insular cortex and the internal capsule are significantly associated with acute risk of aspiration after stroke. Combined ischemic infarctions of the frontal operculum and the insular cortex are likely to cause extended risk of aspiration in stroke patients, whereas risk of aspiration tends to be transient in subcortical stroke.
G. K. Chesterton: Theologian?
Authors: Collins Peter M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The subject of this review essay is Aidan Nichols’ book G. K. Chesterton, Theologian. Nichols has used Chesterton’s two best known books, Orthodoxy (1908) and The Everlasting Man (1925) (especially the latter), in explaining five “theological” Chestertonian themes, following an explication of various principles characterizing Chesterton’s authorship. The author, a well-known theologian, seems to view the first part of his book as focused upon philosophy and the second part being essentially theological. He not only is “speaking theologically” in the latter but also maintaining that Chesterton is doing theology as well. For example, he refers to The Everlasting Man as the “theological masterpiece” of Chesterton’s maturity.

In the first section of this commentary, the message of G. K. Chesterton, Theologian is summarized briefly. In the second section, there is a question raised of whether Chesterton was really a theologian despite the Christian orientation of his writings. The purpose in raising this question is not to answer it decisively, but to notice some factors that must be considered in order to answer it, at least in a preliminary manner. Much of my own inquiry in this second section is addressed to the general nature and some principles of Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man, attempting to view them in accord with Chesterton.
Universal Salvation in a Universal Language? Trevor Steele’s Kaj staros tre alte
Authors: Hale Frederick
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Extensive secularisation in Europe and several other parts of the world in recent decades has not diminished the attractiveness of Jesus as a theme in contemporary fiction internationally. Fictional biographies of him continue to appear in many languages. Among the novelists who have tapped their imaginations to fill in gaps in the canonical gospels and construct a Jesus who fits their own agenda is the Australian Trevor Steele. His work of 2006, Kaj staros tre alte, presents Jesus as essentially a supernaturally gifted healer but also as a teacher of universal brotherhood. Steele argues that the effectiveness of Jesus was severely limited by contemporary notions of Jewish apocalypticism and Messianism. Steele’s literary device for providing extra-biblical information about Jesus is a manuscript purportedly written by a Roman tax officer who was stationed in Caesarea approximately a decade after the Crucifixion. Discovered in 2001, this Greek text forms the fictional basis of Kaj staros tre alte.
The Rule of Creative Completion: Neofiti’s Use of שכלל
Authors: Cargill Robert R.
Published: July 2013

The verb שכלל never appears as the sole verb of a creative process in Targum Neofiti—a practice unique to TgNeof among the Palestinian Targums. Rather, the authors exclusively reserve שכלל for the final position of Aramaic verbal doublets and triplets that complete a creative action initiated by a prior Hebrew verb. This article examines each use of שכלל in TgNeof and demonstrates how its consistent usage—designated as the ‘Rule of Creative Completion’ by the author—can inform contested interpretations elsewhere within the text, and notably its presence in the extant text of TgNeof Gen. 1.1, as well as offer further evidence for an established Aramaic scribal style employed during the composition of Palestinian Targums.
Distribution and biological notes of Strumigenys margaritae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dacetini)
Authors: MacGown Joe A. , Wetterer James K.
Published: July 2013

Strumigenys margaritae Forel, 1893 (Tribe Dacetini) is a tiny predatory ant native to the New World. It is known from northern South America, Central America, Mexico, the West Indies, and the southeastern US from Texas to Florida. To evaluate the geographic range of S. margaritae, we compiled and mapped specimen records from > 200 sites. We found S. margaritae records for 38 geographic areas (countries, island groups, major islands, and US states), including several locales for which we found no previously published records: Anguilla, Barbados, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dutch Caribbean, Grenada, Honduras, Nevis, Nicaragua, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin, Tobago, US Virgin Islands, and Venezuela.
Worldwide spread of the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Wetterer James K.
Published: July 2013

Native to the Neotropics, Wasmannia auropunctata has spread to numerous other tropical and subtropical areas, where it is can reach extremely high densities and threaten the local biota. To evaluate the worldwide spread of W. auropunctata, I compiled published and unpublished specimen records from > 1700 sites. I documented the earliest known W. auropunctata records for 53 geographic areas (countries, island groups, major West Indian islands, and US states), including many with no previously published records: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Caicos Islands, El Salvador, Guam, Montserrat, Nevis, St Kitts, St Martin, and Texas. In the New World, W. auropunctata has a seemingly continuous distribution from central Argentina to southernmost Texas, suggesting that it may be native throughout this expanse. Wasmannia auropunctata has also spread throughout the West Indies and to peninsular Florida, though it is unclear which West Indian islands may constitute part of its native range. The earliest Old World reports of W. auropunctata, in the 1890’s, came from West Africa: Sierra Leone and Gabon. Although no additional records have come from Sierra Leone, W. auropunctata has spread broadly across Gabon and into neighboring countries, where it is a serious pest. In Oceania, the earliest records of W. auropunctata date to 1972 from New Caledonia and 1974 from the Solomon Islands. Pacific populations of W. auropunctata are actively spreading within these islands and to many other island groups. In the past decade, first records of W. auropunctata have been reported from several Old World areas, including the Central African Republic, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Guam, Italy, and Israel. Wasmannia auropunctata appears to still have much potential for future spread in the Old World.
Pharmacometabonomics and personalized medicine
Authors: Everett Jeremy R , Loo Ruey Leng , Pullen Francis S
Published: July 2013

Background

Pharmacometabonomics is a new branch of science, first described in 2006 and defined as ‘the prediction of the effects of a drug on the basis of a mathematical model of pre-dose metabolite profiles’. Pharmacometabonomics has been used to predict drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (PK), drug safety and drug efficacy in both animals and humans and is complementary to both pharmacogenomics (PGx) and pharmacoproteomics.

Methods

A literature review using the search terms pharmacometabonomics, pharmacometabolomics, pharmaco-metabonomics, pharmaco-metabolomics and the singular form of all those terms was conducted in October 2012 using PubMed and Web of Science. The review was updated until mid April 2013.

Results

Since the original description of pharmacometabonomics in 2006, 21 original publications and eight reviews have emerged, covering a broad range of applications from the prediction of PK to the prediction of drug metabolism, efficacy and safety in humans and animals.

Conclusions

Pharmacometabonomics promises to be an important new approach to the delivery of personalized medicine to improve both drug efficacy and safety for patients in the future. Pharmacometabonomics is particularly powerful as it is sensitive to both genetic and environmental factors such as diet, drug intake and most importantly, a person’s microbiome. PGx is now over 50 years old and although it has not achieved as much as some hoped, it is starting to have important applications in personalized medicine. We predict that pharmacometabonomics will be equally important in the next few decades and will be both valuable in its own right and complementary to pharmacoproteomics and PGx.
Minority Threat and Juvenile Court Outcomes
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Peck Jennifer H. , Rodriguez Nancy
Published: July 2013

Framed within the racial/ethnic threat thesis, the present research examined the relative effects of the size of minority populations and the ratios of White-to-minority unemployment on intake, adjudication, and judicial disposition decision making within juvenile court proceedings. Communities with greater Black and Hispanic presence and greater economic equality were expected to increase the social control for youth up to a point, where social control would then diminish. These relationships were anticipated to be stronger for Blacks than Hispanics. The overall pattern of results failed to yield support specifically for these hypothesized effects and in general, for the minority threat perspective. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.
Addiction Severity Index Scores and Urine Drug Screens at Baseline as Predictors of Graduation From Drug Court
Authors: Shah Sanjay , DeMatteo David , Keesler Michael , Davis Jennie , Heilbrun Kirk , Festinger David S.
Published: July 2013

Graduation rates from drug courts are impressive and are often attributed to the delivered treatments. However, it is unclear whether graduation rates are bolstered by low severity of drug use problems upon entry into drug court. To address this question, this study examined the relationship between baseline substance use severity and graduation rates among 251 drug court clients. Results revealed that participants with subthreshold drug composite scores on the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) were significantly more likely to graduate than those scoring in the mild-to-moderate or severe range. Furthermore, results revealed that participants who provided a drug-negative baseline urine were significantly more likely to graduate than those who provided a drug-positive baseline urine. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that ASI drug composite score, urine screen, race, and years educated were statistically significant predictors of drug court graduation.
Education and the public’s desire for social distance from people with depression and schizophrenia: The contribution of emotional reactions and causal attributions
Authors: von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Angermeyer Matthias C , Kofahl Christopher , Makowski Anna Christin , Mnich Eva
Published: July 2013

Background:

Association between education and desire for social distance from people with mental illness is unclear.

Aims:

(1) Is there an association between education and social distance from people with a depression or schizophrenia? (2) Can this association be explained by beliefs about causes of and emotional reactions to the mental disorders? (3) Are there differences between the two mental disorders?

Methods:

Analyses are based on a telephone survey in two large German cities (Hamburg and Munich, N = 2,014, response rate 51%). Vignettes with typical signs and symptoms suggestive of depression and schizophrenia were presented. Respondents were asked about beliefs about causes of the mental disorders, their emotional reactions and their desire for social distance.

Results:

Lower education is significantly associated with a stronger tendency for social distance in the case of depression but not in case of schizophrenia, when age and gender are controlled. In case of depression, the association decreases when beliefs about possible causes are additionally controlled. In terms of schizophrenia, associations between education and social distance become stronger when emotional reactions are introduced.

Conclusions:

Our results underline that campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and social distance should consider specific emotional reactions and information needs of people with low education regarding different mental disorders.
Remembering Juan Navia
Authors: Dasanayake A.P. , Li Y. , Maetz H.M. , Vermund S.H.
Published: July 2013

Juan Navia died on September 4, 2010. Those who knew him as the director of the University of Alabama’s John J. Sparkman Center for International Public Health Education and later the dean of UAB School of Public Health watched him train and shape the next generation of global public health leaders with a kind heart and a firm, but gentle, hand. On this third anniversary of Professor Navia’s passing, in response to an invitation from the Journal of Dental Research to write an essay on an educator who influenced the professional trajectories of many people, we have put together an account of some of his contributions and attributes to highlight this remarkable leader’s accomplishments in and impact on dental public health and global nutrition.
Bullying and Middle School Students With and Without Specific Learning Disabilities
Authors: Rose Chad Allen , Espelage Dorothy L. , Monda-Amaya Lisa E. , Shogren Karrie A. , Aragon Steven R.
Published: July 2013

The current study investigated demographic variables, sense of belonging, and social supports as predictors for involvement in bullying for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and students without disabilities. Although these student groups are characteristically different, results suggested involvement in bullying was invariant. However, gender, race, grade point average, and participation in extracurricular activities emerged as significant predictors for involvement in the bullying dynamic. In addition, increased peer social support was found to be the most significant predictor of decreased bullying, victimization, fighting, and anger for both students with SLD and students without disabilities. Educational implications include the suggestion that schools adopt multitiered antibullying programs that foster increased social supports and peer acceptance and incorporate targeted interventions for at-risk subpopulations of students.
Prediction and Stability of Reading Problems in Middle Childhood
Authors: Ritchey Kristen D. , Silverman Rebecca D. , Schatschneider Christopher , Speece Deborah L.
Published: July 2013

The longitudinal prediction of reading problems from fourth grade to sixth grade was investigated with a sample of 173 students. Reading problems at the end of sixth grade were defined by significantly below average performance (≤ 15th percentile) on reading factors defining word reading, fluency, and reading comprehension. Sixth grade poor reader status was predicted by fall of fourth grade passage reading fluency, spelling fluency, and the number of reading problems identified by teachers. Reading fluency and spelling fluency were significant predictors in logistic regression equation that combined to yield a screening battery with an area under the curve of .91. These results suggest that brief assessments of reading and spelling fluency in fourth grade may be able to identify students in middle childhood who have a reading problem or who are at risk for experiencing reading problems in sixth grade.
Employer Stigma as a Mediator Between Past and Future Hiring Behavior
Authors: Kosyluk Kristin A. , Corrigan Patrick W. , Landis Ronald S.
Published: July 2013

This study examined the mediating effect of stigma on the link between past and future hiring behavior for individuals with serious psychiatric disabilities. Structural equation modeling of data from a randomized controlled trial of 174 employers in Chicago, Hong Kong, and Beijing regarding stigma and employment-related discrimination toward individuals with behaviorally driven health conditions indicated that, for individuals with serious psychiatric disabilities, the relationship between past and future hiring behavior was fully mediated by stigma. Implications of these findings in terms of psychiatric rehabilitation and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Modeling and simulation of large-scale social networks using parallel discrete event simulation
Authors: Hou Bonan , Yao Yiping , Wang Bing , Liao Dongsheng
Published: July 2013

The modeling and simulation of social networks is an important approach to better understanding complex social phenomena, especially when the inner structure has remarkable impact on behavior. With the availability of unprecedented data sets, simulating large-scale social networks of millions, or even billions, of entities has become a new challenge. Current simulation environments for social studies are mostly sequential and may not be efficient when social networks grow to a certain size. In order to facilitate large-scale social network modeling and simulation, this paper proposes a framework named SUPE-Net, which is based on a parallel discrete event simulation environment YH-SUPE for massively parallel architectures. The framework is designed as a layered architecture with utilities for network generation, algorithms and agent-based modeling. Distributed adjacency lists are used for graph modeling and a reaction–diffusion paradigm is adapted to model dynamical processes. Experiments are performed using PageRank and the susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model on social networks with millions of entities. The results demonstrate that SUPE-Net has achieved a speedup of 12, and increased the event-processing rate by 11%, with good scalability and effectiveness.
Identifying Areas of Specific Responsivity in Cognitive–Behavioral Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Van Voorhis Patricia , Spiropoulos Georgia , Ritchie P. Neal , Seabrook Renita , Spruance Lisa
Published: July 2013

This study examines the impact of offenders’ psychological and demographic attributes and their offense history on the effectiveness of Reasoning and Rehabilitation, a cognitive–behavioral intervention. Differential effects were examined for a sample of 940 male parolees randomly assigned to either experimental or comparison conditions. The study used survival analysis to test interactions between treatment and age, race, social class, risk, marital status, prearrest employment status, education, prior violence, interpersonal maturity level, personality, reading level, and IQ. For the entire sample, the difference in recidivism rates (returns to prison up to 33 months) was not statistically significant. The analysis of differential effects, however, uncovered five interaction effects. The treated high-risk, aged 28 to 32 years, assessed as dependent (Jesness Inventory [JI]), and White groups evidenced lower recidivism rates than their comparison group. The treated parolee group assessed with high anxiety (JI) evidenced a higher recidivism rate than their comparison group.
America’s “Broken Government”
Authors: Lynn Laurence E.
Published: July 2013

It has become impossible, or so it seems, to reach agreement on reasonable solutions to the problems confronting American government. Many claim that our political system is broken, our unique Constitutional scheme of governance - separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, pluralism—dysfunctional or obsolete. Would James Madison, the principal author of that scheme, agree? It Truem the way our political system works can undermine the general welfare. Often our politics seem farcical. Bur Madison would know why. Our governing structures do not fail. We, the people, do. Liberty and justice cannot be secured, Madison argued, unless the people embrace the principle that the stronger parties among them submit to a government that protects all parties, the weaker as well as themselves. When the people abandon this principle - when, for example, wealth rules and joblessness persists - liberty and justice for all, the goals of our republican democracy, are in jeopardy.
Market coordination and training networks in Australia
Authors: Cooney Richard , Long Michael
Published: July 2013

The development of voluntary networks of firms has been proposed as a way of stimulating employer demand for vocational training in more liberal market economies. The emergence of market-based training networks is seen to lead to greater inter-firm cooperation, resource sharing and facilitate employer collective action to address labour market needs. This study examines the evidence for the existence of voluntary training networks in five Australian industries. The study finds that these training networks supply limited amounts of training, most of which is non-formal. These networks are primarily developed for the dissemination of the tacit knowledge and skills needed for the exploitation of new technology. These networks have few linkages to the vocational training system and have a limited capacity to contribute to the development of transferable skills that address employers’ labour market needs.
Networked pay coordination and the containment of second-tier pay bargaining: Social partnership in Ireland at the height of the economic boom
Authors: Higgins Colman , Roche William K
Published: July 2013

Pay coordination is a subject of continuing interest in industrial relations, especially achieved through networks and as a feature of social pacts. Yet few empirical studies have examined the issue in a systematic way. This article examines how pay was coordinated to contain second-tier bargaining and pay drift under Irish social partnership at the peak of the Irish economic boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Drawing on case studies of collective bargaining in the building construction and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, the article examines the relevance of a series of mechanisms of network-based pay coordination in containing second-tier pay bargaining and potential economy-wide pay drift.
Interregional Migration and Transportation Improvements in Iceland
Authors: Karlsson Vífill
Published: July 2013

This article examines the relationship between migration and transportation improvements. More precisely, will transportation improvements between central business districts (CBDs) and rural areas make migration trends more favorable in rural areas? Due to household utility geographical differentials, there are interregional migration. Thus, it is resaonable to believe that transportation improvements that increase the access of rural population to the labor and the service market of CBDs will influence interregional migration in rural areas positively. I will examine whether this is true for Iceland, a thinly populated area with two CBDs. A macro panel data set from Iceland will be used. It represents several essential varaibles of the house market for seventy-nine municipalities in Iceland during the period from 1986 to 2006. Furthermore, I will investigate whether there are any gender aspects regarding the matter.
The New York Times as a Resource for Mode 2
Authors: Hicks Diana , Wang Jian
Published: July 2013

The New York Times ( NYT) receives more citations from academic journals than the American Sociological Review, Research Policy, or the Harvard Law Review. This article explores the reasons why scholars cite the NYT so much. Reasons include studying the newspaper itself or New York City, establishing public interest in a topic by referencing press coverage, introducing specificity, and treating the NYT very much like an academic journal. The phenomenon seems to reflect a mode 2 type of scholarship produced in the context of application, organizationally diverse, socially accountable, and aiming to be socially useful as well as high quality as assessed by peers.
Teenage Pregnancy in Adolescents With an Incarcerated Household Member
Authors: Whalen Mathilde Logan , Loper Ann Booker
Published: July 2013

This study examines the association between the incarceration of a household member and adolescent pregnancy, and evaluates whether this association extends beyond that of other variables associated with sexual health. We used data from 12 waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth: Child and Young Adult. After eliminating males and individuals who did not respond to key questions, a sample of 1,229 girls (ages 14-19) was analyzed. Girls who experienced the incarceration of a household member faced more demographic and family environment risk factors than those who did not. Regression analyses demonstrated that the addition of a household incarceration variable afforded superior prediction of teenage pregnancy relative to the prediction based on demographic and family features alone. Programs that are directed toward reducing teen pregnancy will benefit from attention to the home situation of the at-risk girl, particularly the experience of household member incarceration and related family dynamics.
A latent variable investigation of the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening-Kindergarten assessment: Construct identification and multigroup comparisons between Spanish-speaking English-language learners (ELLs) and non-ELL students
Authors: Huang Francis L. , Konold Timothy R.
Published: July 2013

Psychometric properties of the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening for Kindergarten (PALS-K) instrument were investigated in a sample of 2844 first-time public school kindergarteners. PALS-K is a widely used English literacy screening assessment. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a theoretically defensible measurement structure that was found to replicate in a randomly selected hold-out sample when examined through the lens of confirmatory factor analytic methods. Multigroup latent variable comparisons between Spanish-speaking English-language learners (ELLs) and non-ELL students largely demonstrated the PALS-K to yield configural and metric invariance with respect to associations between subtests and latent dimensions. In combination, these results support the educational utility of the PALS-K as a tool for assessing important reading constructs and informing early interventions across groups of Spanish-speaking ELL and non-ELL students.
Effects of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on cerebral oxygenation in hypercapnic ARDS
Authors: Muellenbach RM , Kilgenstein C , Kranke P , Küstermann J , Kredel M , Roewer N , Ernestus RI , Westermaier T
Published: July 2013

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in ARDS patients with hypoxemia and/or severe hypercapnia refractory to conventional treatment strategies. However, it is associated with severe intracranial complications, e.g. ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. The arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) is one of the main determinants influencing cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. Since CO2 removal is highly effective during ECMO, reduction of CO2 may lead to alterations in cerebral perfusion. We report on the variations of cerebral oxygenation during the initiation period of ECMO treatment in a patient with hypercapnic ARDS, which may partly explain the findings of ischemic and/or hemorrhagic complications in conjunction with ECMO.
Calibration of Complex Models through Bayesian Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Jackson Christopher H. , Jit Mark , Sharples Linda D. , De Angelis Daniela
Published: July 2013

Decision-analytic models must often be informed using data that are only indirectly related to the main model parameters. The authors outline how to implement a Bayesian synthesis of diverse sources of evidence to calibrate the parameters of a complex model. A graphical model is built to represent how observed data are generated from statistical models with unknown parameters and how those parameters are related to quantities of interest for decision making. This forms the basis of an algorithm to estimate a posterior probability distribution, which represents the updated state of evidence for all unknowns given all data and prior beliefs. This process calibrates the quantities of interest against data and, at the same time, propagates all parameter uncertainties to the results used for decision making. To illustrate these methods, the authors demonstrate how a previously developed Markov model for the progression of human papillomavirus (HPV-16) infection was rebuilt in a Bayesian framework. Transition probabilities between states of disease severity are inferred indirectly from cross-sectional observations of prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-16–related disease by age, cervical cancer incidence, and other published information. Previously, a discrete collection of plausible scenarios was identified but with no further indication of which of these are more plausible. Instead, the authors derive a Bayesian posterior distribution, in which scenarios are implicitly weighted according to how well they are supported by the data. In particular, we emphasize the appropriate choice of prior distributions and checking and comparison of fitted models.
Sclerosis and varicocele embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate: experience in 41 patients
Authors: Urbano José , Cabrera Manuel , Alonso-Burgos Alberto
Published: July 2013

Background

Embolization is an established treatment for varicocele. Coils are most frequently used in the procedure. Liquid embolic and sclerosing agents seem to have a number of advantages over coils.

Purpose

To report our experience and explain the technique of using N-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate (N2BCA) in varicocele treatment.

Material and Methods

From January 2010 to July 2011, 42 gonadal veins in 41 consecutive patients (age range, 11–41 years; mean, 18 years) with a diagnosis of varicocele were treated with N2BCA as an embolic agent. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound in all patients. Institutional review board approval was obtained, and all the patients signed informed consent for this retrospective review. In all cases, a 4-F hydrophilic catheter was used to catheterize the distal portion of the gonadal vein through which N2BCA, emulsified with lipiodol, was injected.

Results

The technical success was 100%. No complications or non-targeted embolizations were reported. Seven patients reported moderate post-embolization pain that required oral analgesic treatment for 7–10 days. After 12-month follow-up, all patients exhibited varicocele resolution in the Doppler ultrasound examination as well as relief of all previous symptoms. We have no fertility-related data for patients treated for this condition.

Conclusion

N2BCA as an embolic agent is a therapeutic alternative for the endovascular treatment of varicocele. This technique is uncomplicated, inexpensive, efficient, and safe.
MR imaging of the chest in children
Authors: Manson David E
Published: July 2013

The application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diseases of the pediatric chest has been complicated, selective and cautious. More specifically, MRI of the pediatric lung has been a highly anticipated technique that has inherent great potential for improved imaging of the chest without the use of ionizing radiation. Practical issues impede the transition from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to MRI in some chest diseases in children, while other disease states are intrinsically easier to image using MRI. More rapid respiratory and cardiac rates, patient instability, sedation requirements, and the low physical density of water in the lung, hinder the requirement for maximal spatial and contrast resolution. This review is intended to serve as a functional review of the practical and currently applicable ways in which the transition of imaging the non-cardiac aspects of the pediatric chest from MDCT to MRI can be done in a clinically useful way.
Finite element prediction of fatigue crack growth in Super CMV hollow shafts with transverse holes under combined torsional and axial loading
Authors: Li Ran , Hyde Thomas H , Sun Wei
Published: July 2013

Fatigue crack growth tests have been carried out on two types of pre-cracked, hollow, Super CMV shaft specimens with transverse holes, under combined torsional and axial loading, from which crack growth patterns and crack growth data have been obtained. Experimental results show that the cracks were found to initially propagate under the Mode I condition on the planes of maximum tensile stress, and these then veered toward the planes of maximum shear stress and propagated under a mixture of Modes II and III patterns. A finite element approach is used to predict the fatigue crack growth, under the Mode I condition, in the shaft specimens tested at relatively low magnitudes of torque. A series of incremental finite element analyses, in conjunction with the use of Paris’ law, with different crack lengths and crack front profiles, are used to simulate the progressive fatigue crack growth process. The finite element predicted crack growth data are compared with the corresponding experimental data. Good agreement is obtained between the finite element predictions and the experimental results for relatively “short” crack growths, for crack lengths of up to about 1.25 mm. For the crack lengths greater than 1.25 mm, the finite element approach underpredicts the fatigue crack growth rates and overpredicts the fatigue lives. The possible reasons for the difference between the predicted and tested results are also discussed.