bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetuin-A is linked to improved glucose tolerance after short-term exercise training in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Malin Steven K. , Mulya Anny , Fealy Ciaran E. , Haus Jacob M. , Pagadala Mangesh R. , Scelsi Amanda R. , Huang Hazel , Flask Chris A. , McCullough Arthur J. , Kirwan John P.
Published: August 2013

Fetuin-A is synthesized in the liver and may be associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle-induced weight loss reduces fetuin-A, but the effect of exercise alone is unknown. We determined the effect of short-term exercise training on plasma fetuin-A in 13 (50.5 ± 3.4 yr) obese adults (body mass index, 33.3 ± 0.9 kg/m2) with clinically diagnosed NAFLD. Subjects participated in 7 days of supervised exercise training (60 min/day at ∼85% maximum heart rate) and were instructed to maintain their normal caloric and macronutrient intake. Insulin resistance was assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test. Hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) was determined by proton MRI. We used C2C12 skeletal muscle cells to examine the direct effect of fetuin-A on 2-deoxyglucose uptake, insulin signaling [phosphorylation of Akt and AS160 (pAkt and pAS160, respectively)], and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) translocation. Insulin resistance was reduced by 29% ( P < 0.05), and glucose area under the curve (AUC) was decreased by 13% ( P < 0.01) after the 7 days of exercise. Furthermore, circulating fetuin-A was decreased by 11% (4.2 ± 03 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2 nM; P < 0.02), and this change correlated with reduced insulin resistance ( r = 0.62; P < 0.04) and glucose AUC ( r = 0.58; P < 0.04). Importantly, the exercise program did not change body weight ( P = 0.12), HTGC ( P = 0.73), or aerobic capacity ( P = 0.14). In vitro experiments revealed that fetuin-A decreased skeletal muscle glucose uptake by downregulating pAkt and pAS160 and subsequent GLUT-4 translocation to the plasma membrane. Together, our findings highlight a role for fetuin-A in skeletal muscle insulin resistance and suggest that part of the exercise-induced improvement in glucose tolerance in patients with NAFLD may be due to lowering fetuin-A.
Estimation of individual-specific progression to impending cardiovascular instability using arterial waveforms
Authors: Convertino Victor A. , Grudic Greg , Mulligan Jane , Moulton Steve
Published: August 2013

Trauma patients with “compensated” internal hemorrhage may not be identified with standard medical monitors until signs of shock appear, at which point it may be difficult or too late to pursue life-saving interventions. We tested the hypothesis that a novel machine-learning model called the compensatory reserve index (CRI) could differentiate tolerance to acute volume loss of individuals well in advance of changes in stroke volume (SV) or standard vital signs. Two hundred one healthy humans underwent progressive lower body negative pressure (LBNP) until the onset of hemodynamic instability (decompensation). Continuously measured photoplethysmogram signals were used to estimate SV and develop a model for estimating CRI. Validation of the CRI was tested on 101 subjects who were classified into two groups: low tolerance (LT; n = 33) and high tolerance (HT; n = 68) to LBNP (mean LBNP time: LT = 16.23 min vs. HT = 25.86 min). On an arbitrary scale of 1 to 0, the LT group CRI reached 0.6 at an average time of 5.27 ± 1.18 (95% confidence interval) min followed by 0.3 at 11.39 ± 1.14 min. In comparison, the HT group reached CRI of 0.6 at 7.62 ± 0.94 min followed by 0.3 at 15.35 ± 1.03 min. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and SV did not differentiate HT from LT groups. Machine modeling of the photoplethysmogram response to reduced central blood volume can accurately trend individual-specific progression to hemodynamic decompensation. These findings foretell early identification of blood loss, anticipating hemodynamic instability, and timely application of life-saving interventions.
Residual force depression following muscle shortening is exaggerated by prior eccentric drop jump exercise
Authors: Dargeviciute Gintare , Masiulis Nerijus , Kamandulis Sigitas , Skurvydas Albertas , Westerblad Håkan
Published: August 2013

We studied the relation between two common force modifications in skeletal muscle: the prolonged force depression induced by unaccustomed eccentric contractions, and the residual force depression (rFD) observed immediately after active shortening. We hypothesized that rFD originates from distortion within the sarcomeres and the extent of rFD: 1) correlates to the force and work performed during the shortening steps, which depend on sarcomeric integrity; and 2) is increased by sarcomeric disorganization induced by eccentric contractions. Nine healthy untrained men (mean age 26 yr) participated in the study. rFD was studied in electrically stimulated knee extensor muscles. rFD was defined as the reduction in isometric torque after active shortening compared with the torque in a purely isometric contraction. Eccentric contractions were performed as 50 repeated drop jumps with active deceleration to 90° knee angle, immediately followed by a maximal upward jump. rFD was assessed before and 5 min to 72 h after drop jumps. The series of drop jumps caused a prolonged force depression, which was about two times larger at 20-Hz than at 50-Hz stimulation. There was a significant correlation between increasing rFD and increasing mechanical work performed during active shortening both before and after drop jumps. In addition, a given rFD was obtained at a markedly lower mechanical work after drop jumps. In conclusion, the extent of rFD correlates to the mechanical work performed during active shortening. A series of eccentric contractions causes a prolonged reduction of isometric force. In addition, eccentric contractions exaggerate rFD, which further decreases muscle performance during dynamic contractions.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Are Substrates for Aldehyde Generation in Tellurite-ExposedEscherichia coli
Authors: Pradenas Gonzalo A. , Díaz-Vásquez Waldo A. , Pérez-Donoso José M. , Vásquez Claudio C.
Published: August 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage macromolecules and cellular components in nearly all kinds of cells and often generate toxic intracellular byproducts. In this work, aldehyde generation derived from theEscherichia colimembrane oxidation as well as membrane fatty acid profiles, protein oxidation, and bacterial resistance to oxidative stress elicitors was evaluated. Studies included wild-type cells as well as cells exhibiting a modulated monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) ratio. The hydroxyaldehyde 4-hydroxy 2-nonenal was found to be most likely produced byE. coli, whose levels are dependent upon exposure to oxidative stress elicitors. Aldehyde amounts and markers of oxidative damage decreased upon exposure toE. colicontaining low MUFA ratios, which was paralleled by a concomitant increase in resistance to ROS-generating compounds. MUFAs ratio, lipid peroxidation, and aldehyde generation were found to be directly related; that is, the lower the MUFAs ratio, the lower the peroxide and aldehyde generation levels. These results provide additional evidence about MUFAs being targets for membrane lipid oxidation and their relevance in aldehyde generation.
Bystander Effect of Oncothermia
Authors: Andocs G. , Meggyeshazi N. , Okamoto Y. , Balogh L. , Szasz O.
Published: August 2013

Metastatic form of malignant tumor diseases is the most serious problem in oncology and the greatest challenge in tumor therapy. Conventional therapeutical approaches (surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy) cannot manage this challenge in oncological practice. According to our theory, oncothermia treatment-induced immunogenic tumor cell death can be a very good basis for immunotherapy combination to make systemic tumor control from a local tumor destruction effect. We summarize the molecular basis of the oncothermia treatment-induced immunogenic cell death as a necessary basic condition to achieve the bystander effect.
Cyclin D1-Dependent Induction of Luminal Inflammatory Breast Tumors by Activated Notch3
Authors: Ling Hua , Sylvestre Jean-René , Jolicoeur Paul
Published: August 2013

Accumulating evidence suggests that Notch3 (N3) is involved in breast cancer development, but its precise contributions are not well understood. Here, we report that pregnant mice expressing an activated intracellular form of N3 (N3IC) exhibit a cyclin D1-dependent expansion of premalignant CD24+ CD29low luminal progenitors with enhanced differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo. Parous mice developed luminal mammary tumors in a cyclin D1-dependent manner. Notably, mice expressing higher levels of N3IC exhibited tumors resembling inflammatory breast cancer that frequently metastasized. N3IC-induced tumors contained a large percentage of tumor-initiating cells, but these were reduced significantly in tumors derived from N3IC transgenic mice that were heterozygous for cyclin D1. After transplantation in the presence of normal mammary cells, N3IC-expressing tumor cells became less malignant, differentiating into CK6+ CK18+ CK5− alveolar-like structures akin to expanded luminal progenitors from which they were likely derived. Taken together, our results argue that activated N3 signaling primarily affects luminal progenitors among mammary cell subsets, with more pronounced levels of activation influencing tumor type, and provide a novel model of inflammatory breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(19); 5963–73. ©2013 AACR.
Menin Directly Represses Gli1 Expression Independent of Canonical Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Gurung Buddha , Feng Zijie , Hua Xianxin
Published: August 2013

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), is a familial tumor syndrome resulting from mutations in the tumor suppressor gene menin (MEN1). Menin plays an essential role in both repressing and activating gene expression. However, it is not well understood how menin represses expression of multiple genes. Upon MEN1 excision, the transcription factor Gli1 and its target genes, including Ptch1 and c-Myc, were shown to be elevated in the absence of an apparent Hedgehog) pathway-activating ligand or when Smoothened (SMO), a key component of the pathway, is inhibited. Menin binds to the GLI1 promoter and recruits PRMT5, a histone arginine methyltransferase associated with transcriptional repression. Both PRMT5 binding and histone H4 arginine 3 methylation (H4R3m2s) are decreased at the GLI1 promoter in MEN1-excised cells. Moreover, MEN1 ablation resulted in increased binding of transcriptionally active Gli1 at the GLI1 promoter in a manner not influenced by the canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway. Inhibition of Gli1 by the small-molecule inhibitor GANT-61 led to decreased expression of Gli1 and its target genes in MEN1-depeleted cells. Furthermore, GANT-61 potently suppressed proliferation of MEN1-excised cells as compared with control cells. These findings uncover a novel epigenetic link whereby menin directly represses Gli1 expression, independent of the canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway, via PRMT5 and its repressive H4R3m2s mark.

Implications: Inhibition of GLI1 suppresses neuroendocrine tumors harboring mutations in the MEN1 gene. Mol Cancer Res; 11(10); 1215–22. ©2013 AACR.
Cancer Gene Discovery: Exploiting Insertional Mutagenesis
Authors: Ranzani Marco , Annunziato Stefano , Adams David J. , Montini Eugenio
Published: August 2013

Insertional mutagenesis has been used as a functional forward genetics screen for the identification of novel genes involved in the pathogenesis of human cancers. Different insertional mutagens have been successfully used to reveal new cancer genes. For example, retroviruses are integrating viruses with the capacity to induce the deregulation of genes in the neighborhood of the insertion site. Retroviruses have been used for more than 30 years to identify cancer genes in the hematopoietic system and mammary gland. Similarly, another tool that has revolutionized cancer gene discovery is the cut-and-paste transposons. These DNA elements have been engineered to contain strong promoters and stop cassettes that may function to perturb gene expression upon integration proximal to genes. In addition, complex mouse models characterized by tissue-restricted activity of transposons have been developed to identify oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that control the development of a wide range of solid tumor types, extending beyond those tissues accessible using retrovirus-based approaches. Most recently, lentiviral vectors have appeared on the scene for use in cancer gene screens. Lentiviral vectors are replication-defective integrating vectors that have the advantage of being able to infect nondividing cells, in a wide range of cell types and tissues. In this review, we describe the various insertional mutagens focusing on their advantages/limitations, and we discuss the new and promising tools that will improve the insertional mutagenesis screens of the future.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/11/10/1141/F1.large.jpg.

Mol Cancer Res; 11(10); 1141–58. ©2013 AACR.
The Small Cell Lung Cancer-Specific Isoform of RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) Is Regulated By Neural-Specific Ser/Arg Repeat-Related Protein of 100 kDa (nSR100)
Authors: Shimojo Masahito , Shudo Yoshie , Ikeda Masatoshi , Kobashi Tomoyo , Ito Seiji
Published: August 2013

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant form of cancer, which originates from primitive neuroendocrine cells in the lung. SCLC cells express several autocrine neurotransmitters/neuropeptides and their respective receptors. Expression of these neuronal markers is frequently regulated by RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST). In SCLC cells, an SCLC-specific isoform of REST (sREST) is highly expressed, whereas REST expression is undetectable, suggesting that the expression of sREST correlates with the pathogenesis of SCLC. Expression of sREST, which is derived through alternative splicing of REST, is abnormally regulated in SCLC cells, but the mechanism is unknown. Most recently, nSR100 (SRRM4) was described as an activator of REST alternative splicing. We now show that nSR100 is highly expressed in SCLC cells correlating with high sREST and low REST expression. Adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is thought to enhance tumorigenicity and confer resistance to apoptosis. Interestingly, nSR100 expression is enhanced in cells grown with ECM. Overexpression of REST caused repression of sREST and nSR100, the latter containing RE1 element controlled by REST. Culturing the SCLC cell line NCI-N417 cells with ECM also upregulated RE1-containing gene, the voltage-gated calcium channel subunit. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by LY294002 induced nSR100 expression, whereas the specific MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 inhibited nSR100 expression. Repressing nSR100 by siRNA effectively repressed sREST, and conversely increased REST in NCI-N417 cells. Taken together, this report clarifies the ECM-dependent signaling pathway that impacts nSR100 expression and its regulation of alternative splicing in SCLC.

Implications: The splicing factor nSR100 may be novel SCLC-specific biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target. Mol Cancer Res; 11(10); 1258–68. ©2013 AACR.
How Couples' Experiences prior to the Start of Infertility Treatment with Donor Gametes Influence the Disclosure Decision
Authors: Indekeu A. , Rober P. , Schotsmans P. , Daniels K.R. , Dierickx K. , D'Hooghe T.
Published: August 2013

Aims: To explore couples' experiences in the preconception phase of infertility treatment with donor gametes and how this may influence the disclosure process to the offspring and/or others. Methods: In-depth interviews with 10 recipient couples were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results: In the context of their infertility and a culture in which definitions of gender and family are fundamentally biologically based, participants reconsidered the significance and meaning of genetics, and social connectedness in family-building and parenthood. When couples emphasized the similarities with the biologically based definitions of parenthood and family, the question of disclosing the donor conception to the offspring seemed less relevant. When couples adapted their view on families and parenthood to an alternative family formation, long-term consequences became more relevant, including the disclosure question. Support from others was needed to manage the challenges of this stage, but this could be in conflict with their decision of non-disclosing the donor conception to the potential offspring. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of couples' experiences in the preconception phase for their disclosure process. The treatment of infertility and a future-oriented, family-building approach should be addressed in a fertility program with donor gametes and valued as complementary.
BMI-Specific Waist Circumference Thresholds to Discriminate Elevated Cardiometabolic Risk in White and African American Adults
Authors: Staiano Amanda E. , Bouchard Claude , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: August 2013

Objective: Waist circumference (WC) is a useful anthropometric tool to estimate cardiometabolic risk. However, BMI influences the relationship between WC and health. This study determined BMI-, sex- and race-specific WC thresholds. Methods: The study sample included 6,452 whites and African Americans (AA) aged 18-64 years. WC, BMI, and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in the clinic. An elevated cardiometabolic risk was defined as the presence of ≥2 cardiometabolic risk factors. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine BMI-, sex-, and race-specific WC thresholds. Results: Based on logistic regression, elevated WC within each BMI category was associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. The respective optimal BMI-specific WC thresholds for white women, AA women, white men, and AA men were as follows: 72, 76, 82, and 78 cm for normal-weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2); 87, 85, 95, and 92 cm for overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2); 97, 97, 107, and 104 cm for obese I (30-34.9 kg/m2); and 111, 110, 120, and 119 cm for obese II+ (≥35 kg/m2) participants. Sensitivities ranged from 52.7 to 73.3%, and specificities ranged from 57.1 to 73.5%. Conclusion: The proposed optimal BMI-, sex-, and race-specific WC thresholds are warranted for use in the clinical setting until representative standards become available based on results from longitudinal studies.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Participates in Aortic Valve Calcification in Hypercholesterolemic Animals
Authors: Cai Zhejun , Li Fei , Gong Wei , Liu Wanjun , Duan Quanlu , Chen Chen , Ni Li , Xia Yong , Cianflone Katherine , Dong Nianguo , Wang Dao Wen
Published: August 2013

Objectives—

Aortic valve (AV) calcification occurs via a pathophysiological process that includes lipoprotein deposition, inflammation, and osteoblastic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells. Here, we investigated the association between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and AV calcification.

Approach and Results—

We identified ER stress activation in AV of patients with calcified AV stenosis. We generated an AV calcification model in hypercholesterolemic rabbits and mice, respectively, and found marked AV ER stress induction. Classical ER stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, administration markedly prevented AV calcification, and attenuated AV osteoblastic differentiation and inflammation in both rabbit and mouse models of AV calcification via inhibition of ER stress. In cultured valvular interstitial cells (VICs), we found that oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) caused ER stress in a cytosolic [Ca]
2+
i
-dependent manner. OxLDL promoted osteoblastic differentiation via ER stress–mediated protein kinase-like ER kinase/activating transcription factor 4/osteocalcin and inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase and endonuclease-1α (IRE1α)/spliced X-box–binding protein 1/Runx2 pathway, and induced inflammatory responses through IRE1α/c-Jun N-terminal kinase and IRE1α/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling in VICs. Inhibition of ER stress by either tauroursodeoxycholic acid or 4-phenyl butyric acid could both suppress oxLDL–induced osteoblastic differentiation and inflammatory responses in VICs.

Conclusions—

These data provide novel evidence that ER stress participates in AV calcification development, and suggest that ER stress may be a novel target for AV calcification prevention and treatment.
Hypoxia Inhibits Cellular Senescence to Restore the Therapeutic Potential of Old Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells via the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α–TWIST-p21 Axis
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Lee Jun Hee , Yoo So Young , Hur Jin , Kim Hyo-Soo , Kwon Sang Mo
Published: August 2013

Objective—

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can significantly improve tissue repair by providing regeneration potential within injured cardiovascular tissue; however, it is challenging to obtain a sufficient amount of functional EPCs from aged patients for autologous stem cell therapy. To overcome this issue, we aimed to establish adequate ex vivo expansion protocols and identify repair modulators of cellular senescence. The senescence repair circuit of hypoxia-preconditioned senescent EPCs (hyp-old EPCs) was examined in an effort to enhance their regenerative potential.

Approach and Results—

Long-term culturing of EPCs in normoxic conditions markedly induced the expression of p21, whereas siRNA targeting of p21 in old EPCs significantly enhanced the proliferation potential of cells. Hyp-old EPCs displayed increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and TWIST expression. siRNA inhibition of TWIST, a target molecule of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, markedly upregulated the expression of p21 in hyp-old EPCs by reprogramming cell-cycle regulatory proteins. In a hindlimb model of ischemia, the transplantation of hyp-old EPCs enhanced the blood flow ratio and capillary density, improved cellular proliferation and cell survival at ischemic sites, and augmented the secretion of pivotal tissue angiogenic cytokines. It has been previously demonstrated that the restoration of old EPCs from a senescent state by hypoxia preconditioning is tightly mediated by the downregulation of p21 via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α–TWIST axis.

Conclusions—

This study introduces ex vivo expansion protocols involving hypoxic preconditioning that are suitable for efficiently expanding old EPCs without senescence through modulation of the hypoxia-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α–TWIST-p21 axis. In addition, the expanded cells are shown to be useful for therapeutic vasculogenesis.
Increased Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects in Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins
Authors: Herskind Anne Maria , Almind Pedersen Dorthe , Christensen Kaare
Published: August 2013

Background—

Smaller studies and many case series reports indicate that congenital heart defects may be more common in monochorionic twins than in dichorionic twins and singletons.

Methods and Results—

We investigated congenital heart defect occurrence in all twins and 5% of all singletons born in Denmark in 1977–2001 and followed through 2006 by linking the Danish Twin Registry and Statistics Denmark registers including the National Medical Birth Register and the Danish National Patient Register. Among 41 525 twin individuals, a total of 584 twins (1.4%) had a congenital heart defect registered in the Danish National Patient Register, whereas the corresponding numbers for singletons were 648 of 74 473 (0.87%;
P
<0.001; ie, a 63% [95% confidence interval, 45–82%] increased risk for congenital heart defect for twins). Patent ductus arteriosus and coarctation of aorta occurred >3 times as often in twins as in singletons, at 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.6–5.8) and 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–6.4), respectively. The increased occurrence in twins was also found in sensitivity analyses including only inpatients or only surgically treated cases regardless of whether preterm patent ductus arteriosus was included. We were not able to demonstrate a higher risk for congenital heart defect among monozygotic twins compared with dizygotic twins, and the congenital heart defect occurrence was also increased in dizygotic twins, who are all dichorionic.

Conclusions—

Congenital heart defect is more common in twins than in singletons, and the increased occurrence is not restricted to monochorionic twins. Intrauterine surveillance and a postnatal comprehensive cardiac assessment for both twins may be considered regardless of chorionicity and zygosity.
Longitudinal Cortical Volume Changes Correlate With Motor Recovery in Patients After Acute Local Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Dang Chao , Liu Gang , Xing Shihui , Xie Chuanmiao , Peng Kangqiang , Li Chuo , Li Jingjing , Zhang Jian , Chen Li , Pei Zhong , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Secondary changes in the volume of motor-related cortical regions and the relationship with functional recovery during the acute stage after cerebral infarction have not been determined. In the present study, we quantified changes in gray matter (GM) volume in motor-related cortical regions and analyzed their correlations to clinical scores in patients with focal cerebral infarct.

Methods—

Fifteen patients with acute subcortical infarct underwent longitudinal high-resolution structural MRI and clinical assessment 3 times during a 12-week period (weeks 1, 4, and 12). Fourteen age- and sex-matched controls underwent MRI examination. Voxel-based morphometry was used to quantify changes in global GM volume; in addition, relationships between GM volume changes in volumes of interest and clinical scores were analyzed.

Results—

In patients with cerebral infarction, GM volumes detected by voxel-based morphometry both decreased and increased significantly in diffuse cortical regions during the observation period (
P
<0.001). GM volumes within volumes of interest decreased significantly in the ipsilateral supplementary motor area and contralateral insula, but they increased in the contralateral supplementary motor area over time (all
P
<0.017). The changes of GM volumes in the ipsilesional and contralesional supplementary motor area correlated with the changes in the Fugl–Meyer scale scores (ipsilesional,
r
s
=0.52;
P
=0.048; contralesional,
r
s
=0.74;
P
=0.002) and Barthel Index (ipsilesional,
r
s
=0.56;
P
=0.030; contralesional,
r
s
=0.65;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions—

These results suggest that secondary GM changes occur in diffuse areas and structural changes in some specific motor-related cortex may inhibit or promote functional recovery after an acute subcortical cerebral infarct.
Optimizing Prediction Scores for Poor Outcome After Intra-Arterial Therapy in Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sarraj Amrou , Albright Karen , Barreto Andrew D. , Boehme Amelia K. , Sitton Clark W. , Choi Jeanie , Lutzker Steven L. , Sun Chung-Huan J. , Bibars Wafi , Nguyen Claude B. , Mir Osman , Vahidy Farhaan , Wu Tzu-Ching , Lopez George A. , Gonzales Nicole R. , Edgell Randall , Martin-Schild Sheryl , Hallevi Hen , Chen Peng Roc , Dannenbaum Mark , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liebeskind David S. , Nogueira Raul G. , Gupta Rishi , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I.
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) promotes recanalization of large artery occlusions in acute ischemic stroke. Despite high recanalization rates, poor clinical outcomes are common. We attempted to optimize a score that combines clinical and imaging variables to more accurately predict poor outcome after IAT in anterior circulation occlusions.

Methods—

Patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing IAT at University of Texas (UT) Houston for large artery occlusions (middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery) were reviewed. Independent predictors of poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 4–6) were studied. External validation was performed on IAT-treated patients at Emory University.

Results—

A total of 163 patients were identified at UT Houston. Independent predictors of poor outcome (
P
≤0.2) were identified as score variables using sensitivity analysis and logistic regression. Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy 2 (HIAT2) score ranges 0 to 10: age (≤59=0, 60–79=2, ≥80 years=4), glucose (<150=0, ≥150=1), National Institute Health Stroke Scale (≤10=0, 11–20=1, ≥21=2), the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (8–10=0, ≤7=3). Patients with HIAT2≥5 were more likely to have poor outcomes at discharge (odds ratio, 6.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.75–15.02;
P
<0.001). After adjusting for reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b) and time from symptom onset to recanalization, HIAT2≥5 remained an independent predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio, 5.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–17.64;
P
=0.02). Results from the cohort of Emory (198 patients) were consistent; patients with HIAT2 score ≥5 had 6× greater odds of poor outcome at discharge and at 90 days. HIAT2 outperformed other previously published predictive scores.

Conclusions—

The HIAT2 score, which combines clinical and imaging variables, performed better than all previous scores in predicting poor outcome after IAT for anterior circulation large artery occlusions.
Validation of the DRAGON Score in 12 Stroke Centers in Anterior and Posterior Circulation
Authors: Strbian Daniel , Seiffge David J. , Breuer Lorenz , Numminen Heikki , Michel Patrik , Meretoja Atte , Coote Skye , Bordet Régis , Obach Victor , Weder Bruno , Jung Simon , Caso Valeria , Curtze Sami , Ollikainen Jyrki , Lyrer Philippe A. , Eskandari Ashraf , Mattle Heinrich P. , Chamorro Angel , Leys Didier , Bladin Christopher , Davis Stephen M. , Köhrmann Martin , Engelter Stefan T. , Tatlisumak Turgut
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

The DRAGON score predicts functional outcome in the hyperacute phase of intravenous thrombolysis treatment of ischemic stroke patients. We aimed to validate the score in a large multicenter cohort in anterior and posterior circulation.

Methods—

Prospectively collected data of consecutive ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis in 12 stroke centers were merged (n=5471). We excluded patients lacking data necessary to calculate the score and patients with missing 3-month modified Rankin scale scores. The final cohort comprised 4519 eligible patients. We assessed the performance of the DRAGON score with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the whole cohort for both good (modified Rankin scale score, 0–2) and miserable (modified Rankin scale score, 5–6) outcomes.

Results—

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84 (0.82–0.85) for miserable outcome and 0.82 (0.80–0.83) for good outcome. Proportions of patients with good outcome were 96%, 93%, 78%, and 0% for 0 to 1, 2, 3, and 8 to 10 score points, respectively. Proportions of patients with miserable outcome were 0%, 2%, 4%, 89%, and 97% for 0 to 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 to 10 points, respectively. When tested separately for anterior and posterior circulation, there was no difference in performance (
P
=0.55); areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.84 (0.83–0.86) and 0.82 (0.78–0.87), respectively. No sex-related difference in performance was observed (
P
=0.25).

Conclusions—

The DRAGON score showed very good performance in the large merged cohort in both anterior and posterior circulation strokes. The DRAGON score provides rapid estimation of patient prognosis and supports clinical decision-making in the hyperacute phase of stroke care (eg, when invasive add-on strategies are considered).
Love and Hate at Qumran: The Social Construction of Sectarian Emotion
Authors: Mermelstein Ari
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Employing a “social constructionist” approach, according to which emotions are culturally conditioned expressions of values, this study considers how the sect behind 1QS used the emotions of love and hate to teach its members the proper ways of evaluating the world. Sectarian love and hate were vehicles through which the sect communicated core beliefs about election and revelation. Because his entrance into the sect was made possible by divine love, the initiate was expected to recognize his utter dependence on the divine will by loving those whom God loves and hating those whom he hates, thereby affirming his place in the covenantal community. Since divine love and hate manifested itself in the selective revelation of knowledge, sectarian love and hate required the unselfish disclosure of knowledge to other group members and the concealment of the same knowledge from outsiders. This link between the emotions of love and hate and an ethic of disclosure and concealment left its mark on routine sectarian conduct in the practice of reproof. Reproof of insiders and the conscious withholding of reproof from outsiders was a “socially dictated performance” of either love or hate that demonstrated the sectarian’s commitment to communal beliefs about covenant, knowledge, divine will, and relations with outsiders.
The Qumran Roundel and the mrḫyt: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Couprie Dirk L.
Published: August 2013

Abstract

A small saucer-shaped object with engraved concentric rings and radial marks, found at Qumran, is usually called a sundial. Several interpretations, some of them very complicated, have been suggested, none of them convincing. The most recent and most extensive interpretation, presented by Paul Tavardon O.C.S.O., receives special attention in this article. The Egyptian mrḫyt, consisting of a horizontal piece with at one end an upright block serving as a little gnomon, is also usually called a sundial. In this article the two instruments are examined in comparison with each other, which results in a rather simple interpretation. Current interpretations have studied both instruments as if they were handled in isolation and by one person. In the new interpretation offered here it is argued that, if studied under the assumption that two or more identical copies were used at the same time by different persons, it can be shown that they could have been used as instruments for making appointments when the shadow of the little gnomon had reached an agreed-upon mark.
Red China Blues: Paul Martin, Lester B. Pearson, and the China Conundrum, 1963-1967
Authors: Donaghy Greg
Published: August 2013

Like any number of American allies, Canada declined to recognize the revolutionary government of the People’s Republic of China, and helped exclude it from the United Nations in the 1950s. By the early 1960s, there were strong pressures for change. This article examines the efforts of Paul Martin, Sr., Canada’s foreign minister from 1963 to 1968, to respond to those pressures and modernize his country’s approach to the emerging Asian giant. After establishing Martin’s diplomatic credentials, the paper traces the evolution of his attitude toward Beijing during the 1950s as he accepted the logic and necessity of recognition. Opposed by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and many of his cabinet colleagues, who feared U.S. retaliation, Martin persisted in trying to win over their backing. Progress, when it finally came in 1966, was incremental and much too late, prompting critical attacks on the minister’s reputation and his “hush puppy style.”
Institutional Difference and Cultural Difference: A Comparative Study of Canadian and Chinese Cultural Diplomacy
Authors: Hu Yue
Published: August 2013

This study discusses the ability of culture to affect a state’s foreign policies in terms of cultural diplomacy, concentrating on the institutional level. It argues that one way a culture may affect a state’s cultural diplomacy is in making national institutions have features similar to the cultural features. Using China and Canada for comparative analysis, this article tests the theory that a state’s institutions of cultural diplomacy have features paralleling its own culture. This examination demonstrates that China and Canada, two states with different cultures, have different features in their institutions of cultural diplomacy that are consistent with Chinese and Canadian cultures respectively, thus supporting the validity of the theory.
Literary Interactions between China and Canada: Literary Activities in the Chinese Community from the Late Qing Dynasty to the Present
Authors: Leung Laifong
Published: August 2013

Despite more than a century of discrimination and obstacles, the Chinese in Canada persevered and continued to engage in various kinds of cultural activities. They never gave up reaching out from the confined space of Chinatown. Taking a practical rather than theoretical approach, this essay draws on newspapers and other records to reconstruct the cultural life of Chinese in Canada and to present a different picture of the once misunderstood, if not marginalized community. The juxtaposition of cultural-interaction in general and literary-interaction in particular progressed in two periods: from the gold rush of the 1850s to 1967 (the year Canada implemented the new immigration policy based on points not on race) and the period since 1968. The early period witnessed an intensive involvement of cultural activities—such as newspaper reading, book clubs, regular poetry contests, Cantonese opera, and modern plays; the later period, a more open and diversified type of interaction that went beyond and across the boundaries of the Chinese communities—such as the Chinese Canadian Writers’ Association, founded in 1987.
Ice Fog in Arctic During FRAM–Ice Fog Project: Aviation and Nowcasting Applications
Authors: Gultepe I. , Kuhn T. , Pavolonis M. , Calvert C. , Gurka J. , Heymsfield A. J. , Liu P. S. K. , Zhou B. , Ware R. , Ferrier B. , Milbrandt J. , Bernstein B.
Published: August 2013

Ice fog and frost occur commonly (at least 26% of the time) in the northern latitudes and Arctic regions during winter at temperatures usually less than about –15°C. Ice fog is strongly related to frost formation—a major aviation hazard in the northern latitudes. In fact, it may be considered a more dangerous event than snow because of the stronger aircraft surface adhesion compared to snow particles. In the winter of 2010/11, the Fog Remote Sensing and Modeling–Ice Fog (FRAM-IF) project was organized near Yellowknife International Airport, Northwest Territories, Canada, with the main goals of advancing understanding of ice fog microphysical and visibility characteristics, and improving its prediction using forecast models and remotesensing retrievals. Approximately 40 different sensors were used to measure visibility, precipitation, ice particle spectra, vertical thermodynamic profiles, and ceiling height. Fog coverage and visibility parameters were estimated using both Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite observations. During this project, the inversion layer usually was below a height of 1.5 km. High humidity typically was close to the ground, frequently producing ice fog, frost, and light snow precipitation. At low temperatures, snow crystals can be swept away by a very low wind speed (∼1 m s−1). Ice fog during the project was not predicted by any forecast model. These preliminary results in the northern latitudes suggest that ice fog and frost studies, over the Arctic regions, can help us to better understand ice microphysical processes such as ice nucleation, visibility, and parameterizations of ice fog.
Constrained Delegation
Authors: Sengul Metin , Gimeno Javier
Published: August 2013

We examine the influence of competitive spillovers among subsidiaries on the design of headquarters-subsidiary relationships. We focus on multi-industry firms and competitive spillovers across markets, hypothesizing that these firms delegate most business-level decisions to subsidiaries but adapt to multimarket competition by limiting their subsidiaries’ incentive and ability to make resource commitments by constraining the scope of decision rights and the available resources, a phenomenon that we refer to as “constrained delegation.” Accordingly, the extent of multimarket contact in a given market (1) is associated with lower subsidiary discretion in decisions pertaining to resource commitments and (2) counteracts the tendency of internal capital markets to provide financial resources to subsidiaries that have a low market share or operate in high-growth industries. Results of analyses, based on the population of majority-owned subsidiaries of groups operating in France between 1997 and 2004, support the predictions. We also found that multimarket contact is associated with a subsidiary’s being even less competitively aggressive when the organization’s design imposes more constraints on the subsidiary’s resource allocations. This study, one of the first to explore empirically the impact of negative spillovers within the firm on organization design in multiunit firms, suggests that organizational choices are endogenous to the competitive context.
Cognitive deconstruction of parenting in schizophrenia: The role of theory of mind
Authors: Mehta Urvakhsh M , Bhagyavathi Haralahalli D , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Gangadhar Bangalore N
Published: August 2013

Objective:

Schizophrenia patients experience impairments across various functional roles. Emotional unresponsiveness and an inability to foster intimacy and display affection may lead to impairments in parenting. A comprehensive cognitive understanding of parenting abilities in schizophrenia has the potential to guide newer treatment strategies. As part of a larger study on functional ability in schizophrenia patients, we attempted a cognitive deconstruction of their parenting ability.

Methods:

Sixty-nine of the 170 patients who participated in a study on social cognition in remitted schizophrenia were parents (mean age of their children: 11.8 ± 6.2 years). They underwent comprehensive assessments for neurocognition, social cognition (theory of mind, emotion processing, social perception and attributional bias), motivation and insight. A rater blind to their cognitive status assessed their social functioning using the Groningen Social Disabilities Schedule. We examined the association of their functional ability (active involvement and affective relationship) in the parental role with their cognitive performance as well as with their level of insight and motivation.

Results:

Deficits in first- and second-order theory of mind ( t = 2.57, p = 0.01; t = 3.2, p = 0.002, respectively), speed of processing ( t = 2.37, p = 0.02), cognitive flexibility ( t = 2.26, p = 0.02) and motivation ( t = 2.64, p = 0.01) had significant association with parental role dysfunction. On logistic regression, second-order theory of mind emerged as a specific predictor of parental role, even after controlling for overall functioning scores sans parental role.

Conclusions:

Second-order theory of mind deficits are specifically associated with parental role dysfunction of patients with schizophrenia. Novel treatment strategies targeting theory of mind may improve parenting abilities in individuals with schizophrenia.
Occupational Constraints and Opportunities Faced by School Dropouts
Authors: Kim Kyung-Nyun
Published: August 2013

This study investigated the relation between building human capital of former dropouts and their occupational standing and the interaction effects with individual characteristics. By applying the growth curve model, this study highlighted the factors that lead high school dropouts to enhance their occupational standing. An increment in the work experience limitedly improved the occupational standing of dropout workers. The acquisition of a vocational certificate pushed dropout workers further toward higher occupational standing but engendered more benefits to female workers than to male workers. The benefit of a vocational certificate accrued to Whites, thereby increasing the racial disparities with Hispanics. The association between work experience and occupational standing did not depend on the demographic characteristics, indicating the presence of social constraints. Parental education level did not affect dropout workers in their acquisition of a higher occupational standing. Work experience was also not a mechanism for dropout workers to obtain better occupation and therefore, other policy interventions should be considered. Dropout workers need to be redirected toward a hidden credential, such as a vocational certificate instead of the General Educational Development test.
Effects of Line Length, Line Spacing, and Line Number on Proofreading Performance and Scrolling of Chinese Text
Authors: Chan Alan H. S. , Tsang Steve N. H. , Ng Annie W. Y.
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and interactions of line length, line number, and line spacing on Chinese screen-based proofreading performance and amount of scrolling.

Background:

Proofreading is an important process, and much of it is now done on screen. The Chinese language is increasingly important, but very little work has been done on the factors that affect proofreading performance for Chinese passages.

Method:

Three display factors related to screen size, namely line length, line number, and line spacing, were selected to be investigated in an experiment to determine their effects on proofreading performance and amount of scrolling. Correlations between proofreading performance in time and accuracy and scrolling amount were also analyzed.

Results:

The results showed that line number and line spacing had significant main and interaction effects on both proofreading time and detection rate. Line length and line number influenced scrolling amount significantly, but there was no interaction effect for scrolling. Scrolling amount was negatively correlated with proofreading time and typo detection rate such that more scrolling movement was associated with faster proofreading, but lower detection rate. There was a trade-off between time and accuracy.

Conclusion:

For balancing time and detection rate and improving performance for on-screen Chinese proofreading, the display setting of medium line length (36 characters per line) with four lines and 1.5 line spacing should be used.

Application:

The findings provide information and recommendations for display factors and the screen design that should prove useful for improving proofreading time and accuracy.
Suspension without a knot in the noose
Authors: Nithin MD , Rani Smitha
Published: August 2013

Most deaths by hanging are due to self-suspension. This may be carried out by a wide variety of methods, but a typical method of self-suspension is to attach a thin rope to a high point such as a ceiling beam. A 35-year-old woman committed suicide by hanging, where the ligature employed was not a typical knotted noose but instead an open iron chain anchored to the ceiling above.
Factors Affecting Online Tourism Group Buying and the Moderating Role of Loyalty
Authors: Kim Myung Ja , Lee Choong-Ki , Chung Namho , Kim Woo Gon
Published: August 2013

Online group buying has become increasingly prevalent, and people frequently shop on group buying (GB) sites. This study examines the relationships among transaction cost advantage, preview, trust, satisfaction, and repurchase intention within online tourism GB environments. To investigate differences in the constructs between the high and low emotional loyalty (EL) groups, this study draws on the moderating role of EL. The results reveal that transaction cost advantage, preview, and trust significantly and positively affect satisfaction, which, in turn, influences repurchase intention. The high-EL group shows stronger relationships between preview and satisfaction and between satisfaction and repurchase intention than the low-EL group. The low-EL group shows stronger relationships between transaction cost advantage and satisfaction and between trust and satisfaction than the high-EL group. The findings have implications for tourism academics and the tourism industry.