bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar Potassium Fertilizer Additives Affect Soybean Response and Weed Control with Glyphosate
Authors: Nelson Kelly A. , Motavalli Peter P. , Stevens William E. , Kendig John A. , Dunn David , Nathan Manjula
Published: November 2012

Research in 2004 and 2005 determined the effects of foliar-applied K-fertilizer sources (0-0-62-0 (%N-%P2O5-%K2O-%S), 0-0-25-17, 3-18-18-0, and 5-0-20-13) and additive rates (2.2, 8.8, and 17.6 kg K ha−1) on glyphosate-resistant soybean response and weed control. Field experiments were conducted at Novelty and Portageville with high soil test K and weed populations and at Malden with low soil test K and weed populations. At Novelty, grain yield increased with fertilizer additives at 8.8 kg K ha−1in a high-yield, weed-free environment in 2004, but fertilizer additives reduced yield up to 470 kg ha−1in a low-yield year (2005) depending on the K source and rate. At Portageville, K-fertilizer additives increased grain yield from 700 to 1160 kg ha−1compared to diammonium sulfate, depending on the K source and rate. At Malden, there was no yield response to K sources. Differences in leaf tissue K(P=0.03), S(P=0.03), B(P=0.0001), and Cu(P=0.008)concentrations among treatments were detected 14 d after treatment at Novelty and Malden. Tank mixtures of K-fertilizer additives with glyphosate may provide an option for foliar K applications.
Painful Hip Leading to the Diagnosis of MEN 2B Syndrome
Authors: Ahmad Mehtab , Rizvi Imran , Jain Amit , Zaidi Noorin
Published: November 2012

Context. MEN 2B syndrome is characterized by the presence of medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, mucosal neuromas, marfanoid features, and skeletal abnormalities like kyphoscoliosis, joint laxity, pes cavus, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in a minority; we present the case of a young female who was brought to medical attention due to painful hip because of SCFE.Case Report. A 16-year-old female presented to orthopedics out-patient department (OPD) with complaints of pain around the left hip and walking with a limp for the last two months. MRI of hip confirmed the presence of SCFE of the left hip. General examination detected thyroid swelling which was found to be a medullary thyroid cancer and imaging of abdomen confirmed the presence of bilateral pheochromocytoma, also present were neuromas of tongue and lips. Thus, a diagnosis of MEN 2B syndrome was made.Conclusion. SCFE can sometimes be the presenting feature of MEN 2B syndrome. Physicians should keep this in mind as it can lead to early diagnosis of a potentially lethal illness.
Different Effects of Resveratrol on Dose-Related Doxorubicin-Induced Heart and Liver Toxicity
Authors: Dudka Jaroslaw , Gieroba Renata , Korga Agnieszka , Burdan Franciszek , Matysiak Wlodzimierz , Jodlowska-Jedrych Barbara , Mandziuk Slawomir , Korobowicz Elzbieta , Murias Marek
Published: November 2012

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol in doxorubicin-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. Doxorubicin was administered once a week throughout the period of 7 weeks with 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg body weight or concomitantly with resveratrol (20 mg/kg of feed). Heart and liver toxicity was histologically and biochemically evaluated. Resveratrol protected from the heart lipid peroxidation caused by 1 mg doxorubicin and it sharply diminished superoxide dismutase activity. An insignificant effect of resveratrol on the lipid peroxidation level and the superoxide dismutase activity was observed in the hearts of rats administered a higher dose of doxorubicin. However, resveratrol attenuate necrosis and other cardiac histopathological changes were induced by a high dose of doxorubicin. Interestingly, it slightly intensified adverse cardiac histological changes in rats receiving a lower dose of doxorubicin. Resveratrol did not have any protective effect on the hepatic oxidative stress, while exerting a mild beneficial effect on the morphological changes caused by doxorubicin. All in all, this study has shown different effects of resveratrol on dose-related doxorubicin-induced heart and liver toxicity. Resveratrol may modulate the hepatic and cardiac effect of doxorubicin, depending on the drug dose.
Horizontal Transfer and the Evolution of Host-Pathogen Interactions
Authors: de la Casa-Esperón Elena
Published: November 2012

Horizontal gene transfer has been long known in viruses and prokaryotes, but its importance in eukaryotes has been only acknowledged recently. Close contact between organisms, as it occurs between pathogens and their hosts, facilitates the occurrence of DNA transfer events. Once inserted in a foreign genome, DNA sequences have sometimes been coopted by pathogens to improve their survival or infectivity, or by hosts to protect themselves against the harm of pathogens. Hence, horizontal transfer constitutes a source of novel sequences that can be adopted to change the host-pathogen interactions. Therefore, horizontal transfer can have an important impact on the coevolution of pathogens and their hosts.
Development of a Novel Embedded Relay Lens Microscopic Hyperspectral Imaging System for Cancer Diagnosis: Use of the Mice with Oral Cancer to Be the Example
Authors: Hsieh Yao-Fang , Ou-Yang Mang , Duann Jeng-Ren , Chiou Jin-Chern , Chang Nai-Wen , Jan Chia-Ing , Tsai Ming-Hsui , Wu Shuen-De , Lin Yung-Jiun , Lee Cheng-Chung
Published: November 2012

This paper develops a novel embedded relay lens microscopic hyperspectral imaging system (ERL-MHSI) with high spectral resolution (nominal spectral resolution of 2.8 nm) and spatial resolution (30 μm × 10 μm) for cancer diagnosis. The ERL-MHSI system has transmittance and fluorescence mode. The transmittance can provide the morphological information for pathological diagnosis, and
the fluorescence of cells or tissue can provide the characteristic signature for identification of normal and abnormal. In this work, the development of the ERL-MHSI system is discussed and the capability of the system is demonstrated by diagnosing early stage oral cancer of twenty mice in vitro. The best sensitivity for identifying normal cells and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was 100%. The best specificity for identifying normal cells and SCC was 99%. The best sensitivity for identifying normal cells and dysplasia was 99%. The best specificity for identifying normal cells and dysplasia was 97%. This work also utilizes fractal dimension to analyze the morphological information and find the significant different values between normal and SCC.
Robotic versus Endoscopic Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Cancers: A Multi-Institutional Analysis of Early Postoperative Outcomes and Surgical Learning Curves
Authors: Lee Jandee , Yun Jong Ho , Choi Un Jong , Kang Sang-Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Chung Woong Youn
Published: November 2012

Robotic thyroidectomy is an emerging technique with postoperative outcomes that are at least comparable to those of conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy, with some end-points appearing superior. Our multicenter series represents the largest comparison of robotic and endoscopic thyroidectomy to date, with results suggesting a comparable robot technology we used that could overcome some of the technical limitations associated with conventional endoscopic procedures, with reduced operation times and increased lymph node retrieval. Moreover, we found that the learning curve for robotic thyroidectomy was shorter than that for endoscopic thyroidectomy.
Oscillation Criteria for Second‐Order Nonlinear Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Zhang Shao-Yan , Wang Qi-Ru
Published: November 2012

This paper is concerned with oscillation of second‐order nonlinear dynamic equations of the form on time scales. By using a generalized Riccati technique and integral averaging techniques, we establish new oscillation criteria which handle some cases not covered by known criteria.
False-Negative Results of Endoscopic Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Kaposi’s Sarcoma in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Nagata Naoyoshi , Sekine Katsunori , Igari Toru , Hamada Yohei , Yazaki Hirohisa , Ohmagari Norio , Akiyama Junichi , Shimbo Takuro , Teruya Katsuji , Oka Shinichi , Uemura Naomi
Published: November 2012

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a rare endothelial neoplasm mainly involving the skin, but it is often associated with AIDS. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) tract KS, a common site of visceral involvement in AIDS, is important, but endoscopic biopsy carries a risk of false-negative results (FNRs) due to its submucosal appearance. This study sought to determine the rate and causes of FNR for endoscopic biopsy of GI-KS lesions. Endoscopic biopsy samples of 116 GI-KS lesions were reviewed retrospectively. All GI-KS lesions were confirmed to be resolved following KS therapy. FNRs were yielded for 41 of the lesions (35.3%). Among upper and lower GI sites, the esophagus was the only site significantly associated with FNRs (P<0.01). Small size (<10 mm) and patches found on endoscopy were significantly associated with FNRs (P<0.05). Findings of submucosal tumor (SMT) with ulceration were significantly associated with true-positive results (P<0.05). In conclusion, FNRs were found in 35.3% of GI-KS lesions and were especially related to the site of the esophagus and endoscopic early stage (small size or patch appearance). An SMT with ulceration may be relatively easy to diagnose on endoscopic biopsy. Caution should be exercised when performing endoscopic biopsy of these lesions in AIDS patients and evaluating the histological features.
Tuning the Photocatalytic Activity and Optical Properties of Mesoporous TiO2 Spheres by a Carbon Scaffold
Authors: Velasco Leticia F. , Haro Marta , Parmentier Julien , Gadiou Roger , Vix-Guterl Cathie , Ania Conchi O.
Published: November 2012

The photoelectrochemical response and catalytic efficiency towards phenol photooxidation of mesoporous titania particles with spherical morphology have been explored. The catalysts were synthesized in two different arrangements using carbon spheres in a dual role as support and morphology director: hollow spherical titania particles and dense structures where the titania shell is surrounding a carbon core. Although the synthesized titania hollow spheres exhibited a similar photoelectrochemical behavior and optical properties than commercial P25, they showed a better photocatalytic response towards phenol photo-oxidation in terms of pollutant mineralization. This behavior cannot be explained in terms of the crystallinity (found to be higher for P25) and has been attributed to both confinement effects in the mesoporosity of these catalysts as well as to the spherical morphology of titania particles. The spherical arrangement of the titania surface would favor the fast motion of the charge carriers and minimize recombination processes. On the other hand, no clear contribution of the carbon phase to the enhanced photocatalytic response, since quite similar performance is observed for the hollow spheres and the core/shell composite. However, separation and filtration of the catalysts become easier for the carbon/titania composite, thereby improving the so-called practical efficiency.
A Fibrin-Based Tissue-Engineered Renal Proximal Tubule for Bioartificial Kidney Devices: Development, Characterization and In Vitro Transport Study
Authors: Ng Chee Ping , Zhuang Yuhang , Lin Alex Wei Haw , Teo Jeremy Choon Meng
Published: November 2012

A bioartificial renal proximal tubule is successfully engineered as a first step towards a bioartificial kidney for improved renal substitution therapy. To engineer the tubule, a tunable hollow fiber membrane with an exterior skin layer that provides immunoprotection for the cells from extracapillary blood flow and a coarse inner surface that facilitates a hydrogel coating for cell attachment was embedded in a “lab-on-a-chip” model for the small-scale exploratory testing under flow conditions. Fibrin was coated onto the inner surface of the hollow fiber, and human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells were then seeded. Using this model, we successfully cultured a confluent monolayer, as ascertained by immunofluorescence staining for ZO-1 tight junctions and other proximal tubule markers, scanning electron microscopy, and FITC-inulin recovery studies. Furthermore, the inulin studies, combined with the creatinine and glucose transport profiles, suggested that the confluent monolayer exhibits functional transport capabilities. The novel approaches here may eventually improve current renal substitution technology for renal failure patients.
Evaluation of Groundwater for Arsenic Contamination Using Hydrogeochemical Properties and Multivariate Statistical Methods in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Farraj Abdullah S. , Al-Wabel Mohammad I. , El-Saeid Mohamed Hamza , El-Naggar Ahmed H. , Ahmed Zaheer
Published: November 2012

The aim of this research is to evaluate arsenic distribution and associated hydrogeochemical parameters in 27 randomly selected boreholes representing aquifers in the Al‐Kharj geothermal fields of Saudi Arabia. Arsenic was detected at all sites, with 92.5% of boreholes yielding concentrations above the WHO permissible limit of 10 μg/L. The maximum concentration recorded was 122 μg/L (SD = 29 μg/L skewness = 1.87). The groundwater types were mainly Ca+2‐Mg+2‐‐Cl− and Na+‐Cl−‐, accounting for 67% of the total composition. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the main source of arsenic release was geothermal in nature and was linked to processes similar to those involved in the release of boron. The PCA yielded five components, which accounted for 44.1%, 17.0%, 10.1%, 08.4%, and 06.5% of the total variance. The first component had positive loadings for arsenic and boron along with other hydrogeochemical parameters, indicating the primary sources of As mobilization are derived from regional geothermal systems and weathering of minerals. The remaining principal components indicated reductive dissolution of iron oxyhydroxides as a possible mechanism. Spatial evaluation of the PCA results indicated that this secondary mechanism of arsenic mobilization may be active and correlates positively with total organic carbon. The aquifers were found to be contaminated to a high degree with organic carbon ranging from 0.57 mg/L to 21.42 mg/L and showed high concentrations of ranging from 8.05 mg/L to 248.2 mg/L.
Molecular Characterization by Immunocytochemistry of Lung Adenocarcinoma on Cytology Specimens
Authors: Moreira Andre L. , Hasanovic Adnan
Published: November 2012

The discovery of targetable driver mutations in pulmonary adenocarcinoma has revolutionized the field of thoracic oncology by the introduction of oral small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target specific EGFR mutations and EML-4/ALK rearrangement. Therefore, testing for EGFR gene mutations and ALK rearrangements has become part of everyday clinical practice. The majority of lung cancer patients present at an advanced stage, where small biopsy and cytology specimens are often the only available material for diagnostic workup and molecular characterization. Mutation testing has become the standard of care. Nonetheless, the technical complexity and relative high cost of the test have challenged the widespread use of molecular techniques in everyday clinical settings. Recently, antibodies to specific molecular alterations have become available and have the potential to become instruments for the molecular characterization of tumors. In this review article we will discuss practical issues in molecular characterization of lung adenocarcinoma on cytology material and the use of immunocytochemical stains for the detection of mutant protein as an alternative or adjunct to molecular techniques.
MicroRNAs and Inflammation in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Colon Cancer
Authors: Okayama Hirokazu , Schetter Aaron J. , Harris Curtis C.
Published: November 2012

There is a strong connection between inflammation, altered microRNA (miRNA) expression and colon cancer. Longstanding inflammatory bowel diseases-related colitis leads to increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), while sporadic CRC is in part driven by the inflammatory microenvironment. This supports a causative role for inflammation in colon carcinogenesis. miRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that have recently emerged as key players in both inflammation and cancer. Some miRNAs act as inflammatory mediators, others can act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the cellular environment in which they are expressed. In particular, miR-21 is an oncogenic miRNA that has been implicated as an inflammatory mediator and may promote inflammation-associated colon carcinogenesis. miRNAs have potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. They are currently being evaluated as early detection biomarkers and prognostic classifiers. Polymorphisms in miRNAs and miRNA-binding sites may alter one’s risk of CRC. This review will focus on the role of inflammation and miRNAs in colon carcinogenesis and discuss the potential for miRNAs and inflammatory genes to be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of CRC.
The ‘Difficult’ Polyp: Pitfalls for Endoscopic Removal
Authors: Jung M.
Published: November 2012

Adenomatous polyps are early neoplasias of colorectal cancer (adenoma-carcinoma sequence). The majority of adenomas or early invasive cancers (T1sm1) can be resected by endoscopy. Endoscopic resection techniques include classic loop polypectomy, endoscopic mucosectomy with preceding lifting of the (almost flat) lesion, endoscopic submucosal dissection and transanal microsurgical resection, an alternative to endoscopic submucosal dissection in the rectum. Endoscopic polyp removal should always aim to resect the lesion in ‘one piece’ and avoid, whenever possible, ‘piecemeal resection’. One-piece polypectomy is the basis for a precise histopathological analysis and for proving complete removal of the lesion. Preceding injection of saline solution into the submucosa to lift the targeted polyp is a therapeutic modality to remove even-flat and flat-depressed adenomas. In addition, a positive lifting sign is regarded as a criterion of lower superficial malignancy. Lifting of a polyp can be negatively influenced by an already advanced cancer (T1sm3/T2) in the deep parts of the submucosa as well as by scars and connective tissue in the upper two layers of the colorectal wall. Hence, a negative lifting sign may lead to incorrect macroscopic evaluation of the lesion before removal. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is mostly performed in large laterally spreading tumors in the rectum and in the preanal region. The technique has a relatively long learning curve and is somewhat time consuming. A ‘difficult polyp’ may be characterized by: (1) the size (>3 cm), pedunculated or sessile (Ip/Is); (2) morphological type (classification of Paris 2003), in particular the flat type II lesions IIa–c flat, flat depressed; laterally spreading tumors and the large sessile-serrated lesions; and (3) the difficult assessment of the grade of malignancy before removal [e.g. dysplasia-associated lesions or masses (DALMs), sporadic adenoma, colitis carcinoma]. Chromoendoscopy (with indigo carmine) represents an adequate method to differentiate advanced flat and depressed type II lesions from those with lower malignancy, and to better identify DALMs and sporadic adenomas in patients with long-lasting ulcerative colitis. To reduce the risk of resection (hemorrhage 0–6%, perforation 0.2%; Munich Polyp Study 2005) the application of hemoclips to visible vessels or injection of adrenaline (1:10,000) in the polyp stalk before removal are methods to prevent bleeding. In case of immediate bleeding, the treatment with hemoclips, injection (adrenaline or fibrin sealant) or endoloops are efficacious to manage this problem. Small perforations can be treated at once by the application of hemoclips, or, in case of larger or difficult leakages by Ovesco clips to avoid surgical interventions.
Quality Assurance in Rectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: van de Velde C.J.H. , van den Broek C.B.M.
Published: November 2012

Colorectal cancer is the cancer with the second highest cancer incidence in Europe. Roughly, 1 out of 3 patients with a colorectal malignancy has a rectal carcinoma. Surgery is the cornerstone in the curative treatment of rectal cancer. In the 1980s with conventional surgery, the 5-year local recurrence rate was over 20% and the 5-year overall survival rate around 50%. In the Swedish Rectal Cancer trial, in which 1,168 patients were included, preoperative radiotherapy in addition to conventional surgery resulted in a reduction of more than 50% in the 5-year local recurrence rate in comparison to conventional surgery alone (11 vs. 27%; p < 0.001). In addition, the 5-year overall survival rate improved from 48 to 58% if patients were treated with preoperative radiotherapy in addition to conventional surgery (p = 0.004). With total mesorectal excision (TME), by which the rectum with its mesorectum and visceral fascia are dissected sharply and under direct vision, local recurrence rates dropped and overall survival improved. In the Dutch TME trial, 5 × 5 Gy preoperative radiotherapy in combination with TME surgery was compared to TME surgery alone (1,861 patients). In this trial, the 5-year local recurrence rate for patients treated with TME surgery alone was similar to patients treated in the Swedish Rectal Cancer trial with blunt dissection in combination with preoperative 5 × 5 Gy radiotherapy (11%). If preoperative radiotherapy was added to TME surgery, the 5-year local recurrence rate was reduced to 5.6%. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 64% for both patients treated with TME surgery alone and patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy followed by TME surgery, compared to 48% for patients treated with blunt dissection alone in the previously mentioned Swedish trial. TME surgery is now considered the standard surgical procedure for rectal cancer. However, even if TME surgery is performed, surgical quality varies. First, these results indicate that improvements in the surgical procedure itself can result in major progress regarding long-term oncological outcome, such as decreased local recurrence rates and improved overall survival. Second, it illustrates that variation in surgical quality could lead to large differences in outcome. Recently, it was shown that surgical variation is not only important for patients with rectal cancer, but also plays an important role for the outcome of patients with colon cancer.
Simple Protocol for DNA Extraction from Archival Stained FNA Smears, Cytospins, and Thin Preparations
Authors: Arcila Maria E.
Published: November 2012

A high proportion of patients with lung carcinoma present at a late stage of disease or have significant comorbidities which preclude treatment by aggressive surgical approaches. Consequently, many of these patients must be diagnosed and treated based on the assessment of cytologic samples or very small biopsies. Molecular testing, now an integral part of this assessment, introduces an additional level of complexity in the triaging of limited tissue for maximal diagnostic yield. Archived and previously stained cytologic samples provide a robust source of material for molecular studies. However, optimal techniques of tissue retrieval and DNA extraction are crucial to maximize the DNA yield. In this communication, we outline our protocol for obtaining DNA from archival cytologic material. The method is simple, requires no destaining steps or extensive manipulation of the sample, and yields sufficient DNA for the standard performance of routine molecular studies.
Diabetes and Infection: Is There a Link? - A Mini-Review
Authors: Knapp Sylvia
Published: November 2012

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent conditions in the elderly and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, mainly from cardiovascular and renal complications. Furthermore, common perception associates diabetes with a generally increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, although epidemiologic data that would prove this are surprisingly scarce. However, it seems to be confirmed that diabetes predisposes to certain types of infection and death thereof, but it is less well understood if metabolic disturbances in diabetes itself, associated hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia or diabetes-associated comorbidities provide the link between diabetes and susceptibility to infections. In this review, I will summarize published reports on the incidence and risk for infectious diseases in diabetic people and give a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms that have been suggested to explain the potentially altered immune response to pathogens in patients with diabetes.
Circulating Tumor Cells in Lung Cancer
Authors: Young Rachel , Pailler Emma , Billiot Fanny , Drusch Françoise , Barthelemy Amélie , Oulhen Marianne , Besse Benjamin , Soria Jean-Charles , Farace Françoise , Vielh Philippe
Published: November 2012

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have emerged as potential biomarkers in several cancers such as colon, prostate, and breast carcinomas, with a correlation between CTC number and patient prognosis being established by independent research groups. The detection and enumeration of CTCs, however, is still a developing field, with no universal method of detection suitable for all types of cancer. CTC detection in lung cancer in particular has proven difficult to perform, as CTCs in this type of cancer often present with nonepithelial characteristics. Moreover, as many detection methods rely on the use of epithelial markers to identify CTCs, the loss of these markers during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in certain metastatic cancers can render these methods ineffective. The development of personalized medicine has led to an increase in the advancement of molecular characterization of CTCs. The application of techniques such as FISH and RT-PCR to detect EGFR, HER2, and KRAS abnormalities in lung, breast, and colon cancer, for example, could be used to characterize CTCs in real time. The use of CTCs as a ‘liquid biopsy’ is therefore an exciting possibility providing information on patient prognosis and treatment efficacy. This review summarizes the state of CTC detection today, with particular emphasis on lung cancer, and discusses the future applications of CTCs in helping the clinician to develop new strategies in patient treatment.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effect of elevated factor VIII on the thrombogenic process
Authors: Golder Mia , Mewburn Jeffrey , Lillicrap David
Published: November 2012

Factor VIII (FVIII), a procoagulant cofactor, plays a crucial role in the intrinsic coagulation cascade. A causal association between elevated FVIII levels and venous thrombosis incidence has been established; no such association has been confirmed with arterial thrombosis. The independent role of elevated FVIII levels in arteriolar thrombosis was evaluated in a mouse model to determine the thrombogenic potential of elevated levels of FVIII. The in vitro thrombogenic effect of elevated FVIII levels was examined using thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex generation and thromboelastography (TEG) assays. The thrombogenic potential of acute and extended elevation of circulating FVIII levels was assessed using ferric chloride induced injury of the cremaster arterioles. The rate of TAT complex formation, and the final concentration of TAT complexes, significantly increased as FVIII levels were elevated from 100% to 400% FVIII activity. TEG analysis of fibrin and clot formation showed that as FVIII levels were elevated, the time to initial fibrin formation decreased and the rate of fibrin formation increased. The acute elevation of circulating FVIII to 400% FVIII activity resulted in significantly decreased times to vessel occlusion. Prolonged elevation of FVIII activity did not significantly affect time to vessel occlusion. In conclusion, acute elevations in FVIII levels result in a nonlinear thrombogenic effect, with non-significant increases in thrombogenic risk within the physiological range (FVIII levels up to 200%). Prolonged elevation of plasma FVIII did not further increase the thrombogenic potential of elevated FVIII levels.
The Effect of Student Evaluations on Academic Success
Authors: Artz Benjamin , Welsch David M.
Published: November 2012

This article uses longitudinal student-level data from the American University of Sharjah, a large comprehensive university in the Middle East, to examine the relationship between student evaluations of teachers and current and future student achievement. Our model strategies control for the observed and unobserved heterogeneity of students and use unique instruments. We find that when all disciplines are examined together there is a positive relationship between current evaluation and current grade point average (GPA) but a negative relationship between past evaluations and current GPA. Discipline-specific estimations find the same results in the math and science course subsample, but for other course types there is little relation between evaluation and GPA.
Simulations of the Eastern North Pacific Intraseasonal Variability in CMIP5 GCMs
Authors: Jiang Xianan , Maloney Eric D. , Li Jui-Lin F. , Waliser Duane E.
Published: November 2012

As a key component of tropical atmospheric variability, intraseasonal variability (ISV) over the eastern North Pacific Ocean (ENP) exerts pronounced influences on regional weather and climate. Since general circulation models (GCMs) are essential tools for prediction and projection of future climate, current model deficiencies in representing this important variability leave us greatly disadvantaged in studies and prediction of climate change. In this study, the authors have assessed model fidelity in representing ENP ISV by analyzing 16 GCMs participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Among the 16 CMIP5 GCMs examined in this study, only seven GCMs capture the spatial pattern of the leading ENP ISV mode relatively well, although even these GCMs exhibit biases in simulating ISV amplitude. Analyses indicate that model fidelity in representing ENP ISV is closely associated with the ability to simulate a realistic summer mean state. The presence of westerly or weak mean easterly winds over the ENP warm pool region could be conducive to more realistic simulations of the ISV. One hypothesis to explain this relationship is that a realistic mean state could produce the correct sign of surface flux anomalies relative to the ISV convection, which helps to destabilize local intraseasonal disturbances. The projected changes in characteristics of ENP ISV under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) projection scenario are also explored based on simulations from three CMIP5 GCMs. Results suggest that, in a future climate, the amplitude of ISV could be enhanced over the southern part of the ENP while reduced over the northern ENP off the coast of Mexico/Central America and the Caribbean.
A Second-Moment Closure Model of Langmuir Turbulence
Authors: Harcourt Ramsey R.
Published: November 2012

The Reynolds stress equation is modified to include the Craik–Leibovich vortex force, arising from the interaction of the phase-averaged surface wave Stokes drift with upper-ocean turbulence. An algebraic second-moment closure of the Reynolds stress equation yields an algebraic Reynolds stress model (ARSM) that requires a component of the vertical momentum flux to be directed down the gradient of the Stokes drift, in addition to the conventional component down the gradient of the ensemble-averaged Eulerian velocity. For vertical and horizontal component fluctuations, the momentum flux must be closed using the form , where the coefficient is generally distinct from the eddy viscosity or eddy diffusivity . Rational expressions for the stability functions , , and are derived for use in second-moment closure models where the turbulent velocity and length scales are dynamically modeled by prognostic equations for and . The resulting second-moment closure (SMC) includes the significant effects of the vortex force in the stability functions, in addition to source terms contributing to the and equations. Additional changes are made to the way in which is limited by proximity to boundaries or by stratification. The new SMC model is tuned to, and compared with, a suite of steady-state large-eddy simulation (LES) solutions representing a wide range of oceanic wind and wave forcing conditions. Comparisons with LES show the modified SMC captures important processes of Langmuir turbulence, but not without notable defects that may limit model generality.
Hydrographic Preconditioning for Seasonal Sea Ice Anomalies in the Labrador Sea
Authors: Fenty Ian , Heimbach Patrick
Published: November 2012

This study investigates the hydrographic processes involved in setting the maximum wintertime sea ice (SI) extent in the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay. The analysis is based on an ocean and sea ice state estimate covering the summer-to-summer 1996/97 annual cycle. The estimate is a synthesis of in situ and satellite hydrographic and ice data with a regional coupled ⅓° ocean–sea ice model. SI advective processes are first demonstrated to be required to reproduce the observed ice extent. With advection, the marginal ice zone (MIZ) location stabilizes where ice melt balances ice mass convergence, a quasi-equilibrium condition achieved via the convergence of warm subtropical-origin subsurface waters into the mixed layer seaward of the MIZ.

An analysis of ocean surface buoyancy fluxes reveals a critical role of low-salinity upper ocean (100 m) anomalies for the advancement of SI seaward of the Arctic Water–Irminger Water Thermohaline Front. Anomalous low-salinity waters slow the rate of buoyancy loss–driven mixed layer deepening, shielding an advancing SI pack from the warm subsurface waters, and are conducive to a positive surface meltwater stabilization enhancement (MESEM) feedback driven by SI meltwater release. The low-salinity upper-ocean hydrographic conditions in which the MESEM efficiently operates are termed sea ice–preconditioned waters (SIPW).

The SI extent seaward of the Thermohaline Front is shown to closely correspond to the distribution of SIPW. The analysis of two additional state estimates (1992/93, 2003/04) suggests that interannual hydrographic variability provides a first-order explanation for SI maximum extent anomalies in the region.
Response Rates in National Panel Surveys
Authors: Schoeni Robert F. , Stafford Frank , Mcgonagle Katherine A. , Andreski Patricia
Published: November 2012

It has been well documented that response rates to cross-sectional surveys have declined over the past few decades. It is less clear whether response rates to longitudinal surveys have experienced similar changes over time. This article examines trends in response rates in several major, national longitudinal surveys in the United States and abroad. The authors find that for most of these surveys, the wave-to-wave response rate has not declined. This article also describes the various approaches that these surveys use to minimize attrition.
Introduction
Authors: Massey Douglas S. , Tourangeau Roger
Published: November 2012

Surveys are the principal source of data not only for social science, but for consumer research, political polling, and federal statistics. In response to social and technological trends, rates of survey nonresponse have risen markedly in recent years, prompting observers to worry about the continued validity of surveys as a tool for data gathering. This introductory article sets the stage for the comprehensive review that follows of the causes and consequences of nonresponse for survey data and the approaches that have been developed to address it.
Estimating a Preference-Based Index from the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure (CORE-OM)
Authors: Mavranezouli Ifigeneia , Brazier John E. , Rowen Donna , Barkham Michael
Published: November 2012

Background. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) is used to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapies in people with common mental disorders. The objective of this study was to estimate a preference-based index for this population using CORE-6D, a health state classification system derived from the CORE-OM consisting of a 5-item emotional component and a physical item, and to demonstrate a novel method for generating states that are not orthogonal. Methods. Rasch analysis was used to identify 11 emotional health states from CORE-6D that were frequently observed in the study population and are, thus, plausible (in contrast, conventional statistical design might generate implausible states). Combined with the 3 response levels of the physical item of CORE-6D, they generate 33 plausible health states, 18 of which were selected for valuation. A valuation survey of 220 members of the public in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, was undertaken using the time tradeoff (TTO) method. Regression analysis was subsequently used to predict values for all possible states described by CORE-6D. Results. A number of multivariate regression models were built to predict values for the 33 health states of CORE-6D, using the Rasch logit value of the emotional state and the response level of the physical item as independent variables. A cubic model with high predictive value (adjusted R2 = 0.990) was selected to predict TTO values for all 729 CORE-6D health states. Conclusion. The CORE-6D preference-based index will enable the assessment of cost-effectiveness of interventions for people with common mental disorders using existing and prospective CORE-OM data sets. The new method for generating states may be useful for other instruments with highly correlated dimensions.
Comparison of Surveillance Strategies for Low-Risk Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Denton Brian T. , Nielsen Matthew E.
Published: November 2012

Objective. Low-grade noninvasive disease comprises approximately half of incident bladder cancer cases. These lesions have exceedingly low rates of progression to aggressive, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and there is salient discordance with regard to management recommendations for these patients between the principal clinical practice guidelines. In this context, we compare the international guidelines with alternative surveillance strategies for low-risk bladder cancer patients. Methods. We used a partially observable Markov model based on states that defined patient risk levels associated with recurrence and progression of bladder cancer. The model also included states defining the effects of treatment, death from bladder cancer, and all other-cause mortality. Simulation was done to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), expected lifelong progression probability, and lifetime number of cystoscopies. Results. We compared current international guidelines and additional proposed surveillance strategies on the basis of QALYs. We conducted a bicriteria analysis to compare expected lifelong progression rate v. the number of cystoscopies. One-way sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the influence of model parameters, including a patient’s disutility associated with cystoscopy, bladder cancer mortality, and all other-cause mortality. Conclusions. Age and comorbidity significantly affect the optimal surveillance strategy. Results suggest that younger patients should be screened more intensively than older patients, and patients having comorbidity should be screened less intensively.
“3 . . 2 . . 1 . . Impact [Factor]: Target [Academic Career] Destroyed!”
Authors: Brumback Roger A.
Published: November 2012

“Publish or perish” is the time-honored “principle” for academicians who race to accumulate lines under the “publications” section of a curriculum vitae. The original intent of publication—to inform others of findings and further scientific knowledge—has been corrupted by factors including (1) exponential growth of journals and the journal industry, fueled in part by intrusion of the Internet into all aspects of academic life; and (2) adoption of journal metrics (rather than written content) as the measure of scientific quality. The proprietary Thomson Reuters Impact Factor is the most pernicious metric, having caused editors and publishers to change editorial practices to boost the number. At the same time, gullible administrators and government agencies have been persuaded that metrics for the journal in which materials are published can be used as a measure of the worth of individual investigators (and institutions) and their research efforts: simple numbers can be substituted for the burdensome effort required to read and assess research quality. Thus, granting of research funds, awarding of academic rank and tenure, and determination of salaries (including bonus payments) have become tied to manipulable journal metrics rather than the significance or quality of reported research. Therefore, it is no wonder that the integrity of science is more often being questioned. How should a young investigator approach the “publish or perish” dilemma? Performing sound research and preparing optimal materials for publication must remain the overriding goals: properly articulate the question addressed by the study; thoroughly document all methods and case information; carefully describe results including any conflicting or negative findings; discuss the importance of the findings along with how the results address the initial question and whether findings refute or confirm previous studies; prepare properly cited bibliographic references; list all author contributions, potential conflicts of interest, financial support, and required ethical approvals; and provide a catchy title and an abstract containing sufficient information that other investigators perusing scientific indices will be enticed to read the published article. Submit the completed manuscript to the most appropriate journal based on that journal’s previously published content and relevance to the field of study regardless of journal metrics. On publication, notify investigators in the same field to ask for their comments on the work. Thus, an individual will become known for the quality of his or her work product and the worshiping of publication metrics will be unnecessary.
Life-Threatening ACE Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema After Eleven Years on Lisinopril
Authors: Norman Johanna L. , Holmes Whitney L. , Bell William A. , Finks Shannon W.
Published: November 2012

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) are the primary medication class implicated in drug-associated angioedema. Angioedema is most common early in ACE-I therapy, yet episodes can occur late in therapy and have been reported even as late as 10 years after single treatment initiation. We present a case of a 65-year-old African American woman who experienced 2 episodes of angioedema, with the second being life threatening after receiving several concomitant agents known to cause angioedema, most notably lisinopril for 11 years.
Student Pharmacists’ Perceptions of Barriers to Medication Adherence Counseling
Authors: Mangan Michelle N. , Powers Mary F. , Lengel Aaron J.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To identify the barriers perceived by student pharmacists to counseling on medication adherence in a supermarket community pharmacy chain.

Methods:

Online surveys were made available to 65 student pharmacists. Subjects completed the survey anonymously and indicated their opinions and perceptions on topics related to medication adherence through the use of a 5-point Likert-type scale.

Results:

Of the surveyed student pharmacists, 26 completed the survey (40%). All participants (100%) agreed that they have knowledge on the importance of medication adherence. Student pharmacists stated that they did not have the time to cover adherence in a counseling session (72.7%) nor did they have time to perform follow-up phone calls with the patient (54.5%). The majority of student pharmacists (81.8%) were comfortable bringing up the topic of adherence with the patient but thought that they did not have access to resources on adherence to provide to the patient (59%).

Conclusions:

Surveyed students indicated they were constrained for time to counsel patients on adherence and to perform continued follow-up with patients afterward. Factors cited as barriers to counseling patients on medication adherence include time, lack of specific training in adherence management, lack of resources to provide to the patient, and patient disinterest in the subject.
Spontaneous aortic dissection within an infrarenal AAA
Authors: Griffin Kathryn J , Bailey Marc A , McAree Barry , Mekako Anthony , Berridge David C , Nicholson Tony , Scott D Julian A
Published: November 2012

Aortic dissection occurring in the infrarenal abdominal aorta is uncommon. We present the case of a patient presenting with an enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm and concurrent dissection (with associated radiological imaging) and briefly discuss the literature relating to this phenomenon.
Atorvastatin modulates the DDAH1/ADMA system in high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant rats with endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Chen Po , Xia Ke , Zhao Zhenyu , Deng Xu , Yang Tianlun
Published: November 2012

Dimethylarginine dimethyl-aminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) is a metabolic enzyme for asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), both of which are closely related to endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction, a main risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, can be attributed to insulin resistance. We aimed to determine the effects of atorvastatin, an endothelium-protective drug, on DDAH1/ADMA in insulin-resistant rats. Insulin resistance in male Sprague-Dawley rats was induced with a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Some rats received atorvastatin (30 mg/kg/day) for an additional 8 weeks. Insulin-resistant rats exhibited not only decreases in the DDAH activity and aortic expression of DDAH1 and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) but also increases in plasma ADMA levels, all of which were inhibited by atorvastatin. Insulin sensitivity and DDAH activity showed a significant positive correlation. In conclusion, our results suggest that atorvastatin may modulate DDAH1/ADMA to improve endothelial function in insulin-resistant rats; SREBP1 may also play a role in this.
Auto(erotic)ethnography
Authors: Blinne Kristen C
Published: November 2012

Rather than abstracting my experience in a way that neatly summarizes or prepackages our encounter, I prefer to extend an invitation to you to join me on this auto(erotic)ethnographic journey. I must warn, however, that moving forward with this story requires that you take a risk, to interact with me, to engage in conversation, and to jump into the process with your body, heart, and mind so that we can create spaces to tell our sexual stories – stories that need to be told, autoethnographically – auto(erotic)ethnographically, regardless of how masturbatory they are, may be, or might become.