bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Yi-Hua , Kang Jiunn-Horng , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies have identified an array of morbidities following traumatic brain injury (TBI), including certain neurological disorders. However, no direct evidence has been reported on the link between TBI and stroke. This population-based study was designed to estimate the risk of stroke during a period of 5 years following a TBI, compared with individuals who did not suffer TBI during the same period.

Methods—

Data were obtained from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID 2000). A total of 23 199 patients receiving ambulatory or hospitalization care with a diagnosis of TBI were included, together with 69 597 non-TBI patients as our comparison group, matched by sex, age, and year of index use of health care. Each individual was followed for 5 years to identify subsequent occurrence of stroke. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed for analysis.

Results—

During the 3-month follow-up period, 675 strokes (2.91%) occurred in TBI patients and in 207 patients (0.30%) in the non-TBI comparison cohort. A diagnosis of TBI was independently associated with a 10.21 (95% CI, 8.71–11.96), 4.61 (95% CI, 4.16–5.11), and 2.32 (95% CI, 2.17–2.47) times greater risk of stroke during 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year follow-up, respectively, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and selected comorbidities. The risk of intracerebral hemorrhage was more noticeable among patients with TBI compared with those without a TBI.

Conclusions—

This is the first report showing an increased risk of stroke among individuals who have sustained a TBI. We suggest a need for more intensive medical monitoring and health education following TBI, especially during the first few months and years.
A “Common Appreciation”: Eisenhower, Canada, and Continental Air Defense, 1953–1954
Authors: Herd Alexander W. G.
Published: July 2011

Cold War scholarship has largely neglected Canada's role, including the important part Canada played in U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower's defense policy. This article shows that after the Soviet thermonuclear detonation in August 1953, the Eisenhower administration urgently sought Canada's participation in joint continental air defense plans. Canadian officials thereafter struggled to minimize U.S. intrusions on their national sovereignty and ensure the integrity of Canada's national interests. To accomplish their respective goals, the two sides instituted secret, high-level consultative meetings from October 1953 through September 1954. The meetings enabled U.S. and Canadian officials to exchange views regarding U.S. proposals for an early warning network across northern Canada and allowed the Eisenhower administration to keep its Canadian counterpart apprised of U.S. defense plans. U.S.-Canadian interactions during this period set the tone for the two countries' defense relationship throughout the Cold War.
The Quiet Americans? CIA, NSA, and Counterinsurgency
Authors: Long Austin
Published: July 2011

The contribution of the U.S. intelligence community (IC) to counterinsurgency operations past and present has gone largely underappreciated, in part because of the pervasive secrecy surrounding most of the IC's activities. A review of two recently declassified histories of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Agency (NSA) involvement in Vietnam in the 1960s provides insight into the historical contributions of these agencies to counterinsurgency efforts. This analysis provides a context for understanding available evidence relating to the two agencies' contributions to current counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The review concludes with intelligence policy recommendations.
Public Attitudes Toward Science and Technology and Concern for the Environment
Authors: Xiao Chenyang
Published: July 2011

This article was inspired by an absence of systematic research on the interaction between public attitudes toward science and technology (PATSAT) and environmental concern, two crucial sets of beliefs and attitudes that help define the modern era. Combining insights from multiple theoretical perspectives, this study proposes and tests an indirect feedback model, which hypothesizes that PATSAT and concern for the environment reciprocally interact with one another. Using data on a nationally representative sample of the United States extracted from Gallup’s 1992 “Health of the Planet” survey conducted in 1992 and structural equation modeling, this study finds that there is a self-enhancing indirect causal loop that connects an ecological worldview as measured by the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) Scale, concern for global environmental problems, and support for science and technology. Belief in the promise of science and technology reduces endorsement of the NEP but is otherwise independent of this causal loop. Yet, reservations about science and technology can be seen largely as a reaction to concern for global environmental problems. Potential implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are offered.
Collective Threat, Trust, and the Sense of Personal Control
Authors: Ross Catherine E.
Published: July 2011

A threatening and dangerous neighborhood may produce distressing emotions of anxiety, anger, and depression among the individuals who live there because residents find these neighborhoods subjectively alienating. The author introduces the idea that neighborhood disorder indicates collective threat, which is alienating—shaping perceptions of powerlessness and mistrust. The author presents a theory of trust that posits that mistrust develops in places where resources are scarce and threat is common and among individuals with few resources and who feel powerless to avoid or manage the threat. Perceived powerlessness develops with exposure to uncontrollable, negative conditions such as crime, danger, and threat in one’s neighborhood. Thus, neighborhood disorder, common in disadvantaged neighborhoods, influences mistrust directly and indirectly by increasing perceptions of powerlessness among residents, which amplify disorder’s effect on mistrust. The very thing needed to protect disadvantaged residents from the negative effects of their environment—a sense of personal control—is eroded by that environment in a process that the author calls structural amplification. Powerlessness and mistrust in turn are distressing, increasing levels of anxiety, anger, and depression.
Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Visschers Ruben G. J. , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Gehlen Jolanda M. L. G. , Winkens Bjorn , Soeters Peter B. , van Gemert Wim G.
Published: July 2011

Background: This study aims to evaluate whether withdrawal of a soy oil–based lipid emulsion from the parenteral nutrition (PN) regimen in humans is associated with improved triglyceride and liver enzyme concentrations. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with hypertriglyceridemia (>4.50 mmol/L) while receiving PN were retrieved from a prospective complication registration database. Patients received Intralipid 20% as part of an all‐in‐one system containing all necessary macro‐ and micronutrients, electrolytes, trace elements, and vitamins. Results: Forty patients with hypertriglyceridemia were included. Lipid emulsions were withdrawn from the all‐in‐one mixture for a median of 5 (range, 1‐23) days, after which triglyceride concentrations decreased significantly (mean difference −2.5 ± 0.30 mmol/L, P < .001). Aspartate aminotransaminase and leukocyte count decreased significantly (mean difference −35 ± 17 U/L, P = .049 and −3.8 ± 1.7*10E9/L, P = .028, respectively), whereas albumin level increased significantly (mean difference 2.1 ± 0.9 g/L, P = .027). Alanine aminotransaminase showed a nonsignificant reduction (mean difference −30 ± 22 U/L, P = .194). In 11 patients, the lipid emulsion was reintroduced, after which triglyceride levels showed a significant increase (mean difference 1.5 ± 0.30 mmol/L, P = .001).Conclusions: Short‐term withdrawal of the lipid fraction in the PN mixture is associated with a significant reduction of plasma triglyceride concentration. Reintroduction was related to an increase of triglyceride concentration. In addition, liver enzyme abnormalities and leukocyte count reduced, whereas albumin levels increased, suggesting that even short withdrawal of the lipid emulsion diminished hepatocellular damage and systemic inflammation.
Nutrition and Metabolic Complications After Bariatric Surgery and Their Treatment
Authors: Fujioka Ken , DiBaise John K. , Martindale Robert G.
Published: July 2011

The increase in the number of bariatric procedures annually suggests that these patients will constitute an increasing portion of obese patients who require hospital and intensive care. Currently, little prospective information is available regarding the course of bariatric surgery patients requiring intensive care. Knowledge of the type of bariatric operation performed and an understanding of its anatomy and physiology are useful to provide optimal care to these patients, particularly when considering potential nutrition complications and their diagnosis and treatment. In this article, the authors describe nutrition problems that may be present and potentially affect the course of a hospitalized and/or critically ill patient who has previously undergone a bariatric operation.
Gastrointestinal Hormone Concentrations Associated With Gastric Feeding in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Crona Daniel , MacLaren Robert
Published: July 2011

Background: Altered concentrations of ghrelin, motilin, and cholecystokinin (CCK) may contribute to gastric hypomotility. The aims of this study were to evaluate the concentrations of these hormones in patients tolerant and intolerant to gastric nutrition, assess the influence of prokinetic therapy on these hormone concentrations, determine the associations between these mediators and gastric emptying, and evaluate whether inflammation influences their concentrations. Methods: Post hoc analyses of 2 prospective studies that enrolled 20 critically ill patients with an aspirated gastric residual (GR) >150 mL while receiving gastric enteral nutrition (intolerant group) and 10 critically ill patients with minimal GR (tolerant group). Patients with intolerance were also assessed 1 day after prokinetic therapy. Fasting serum concentrations of total ghrelin, acyl ghrelin (active), des‐acyl ghrelin (inactive), motilin, CCK, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)−α were determined. Gastric emptying was assessed concurrently using the acetaminophen absorption method. Results: Compared to the tolerant group, the intolerant group had higher total ghrelin (1324.8 ± 1204.6 vs 285.1 ± 132.5 pg/mL; P < .001), lower acyl ghrelin (70.5 ± 65.4 vs 208.5 ± 186.9 pg/mL; P < .05), and lower acyl ghrelin to des‐acyl ghrelin ratio (1.11 ± 1.35 vs 3.47 ± 3.21 pg/mL; P < .05). Concentrations of other hormones and TNF‐α were similar. Despite accelerated gastric emptying after prokinetic therapy, concentrations of all hormones and TNF‐α were similar to baseline values. Hormone concentrations were not associated with gastric emptying or TNF‐α. Conclusion: Patients intolerant to gastric nutrition generate less acyl ghrelin, which may contribute to gastric hypomotility. Intolerance is not associated with altered concentrations of other hormones. Hormone concentrations are not influenced by prokinetic therapy.
Calycosin Stimulates Proliferation of Estrogen Receptor‐Positive Human Breast Cancer Cells Through Downregulation of Bax Gene Expression and Upregulation of Bcl‐2 Gene Expression at Low Concentrations
Authors: Chen Jian , Xiong Wen‐bi , Xiong Yao , Wu Yi‐ying , Chen Xia‐jing , Shao Zheng‐jun , Liu Li‐tao , Kuang Wen‐juan , Tan Xian‐shu , Zhou Li‐ming
Published: July 2011

Background: Calycosin is one of main components in the herb Radix astragali and is considered a typical phytoestrogen. It has either estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects that mainly depend on estrogen levels in vivo. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of calycosin on estrogen receptor (ER)–positive human breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells in vitro. Methods: ER‐positive MCF‐7 cells were treated with different concentrations of calycosin. Effects of calycosin on the proliferation of ER‐positive MCF‐7 cells were determined by the MTT assay. Apoptosis in these treated cells was examined by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein levels of Bcl‐2 and Bax in these treated cells were also determined by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Results: Compared with the vehicle control, calycosin stimulated proliferation of ER‐positive MCF‐7 cells at low concentrations (2, 4, and 8 µmol/L). Furthermore, at these concentrations, calycosin decreased the percentage of early apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells, downregulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax, and upregulated those of Bcl‐2 at low concentrations. On the other hand, calycosin at higher concentrations (16 and 32 µmol/L) inhibited cell proliferation. Conclusion: At relatively low concentrations, calycosin has stimulatory effects on the proliferation of MCF‐7 cells, with the estrogenic effect the mechanism.
Psychological Contracts as a Mediator Between Machiavellianism and Employee Citizenship and Deviant Behaviors
Authors: Zagenczyk Thomas J. , Restubog Simon Lloyd D. , Kiewitz Christian , Kiazad Kohyar , Tang Robert L.
Published: July 2011

Results from four studies in multiple contexts drawing on different data sources provide full support for the proposition that Machiavellian employees prefer forming transactional psychological contracts (schemas of their employee–employer relationship that are economic in nature) and that such contracts mediate the relationship between Machiavellianism and supervisor-rated (a) organizational citizenship behaviors and (b) deviant behaviors, respectively. The authors’ research contributes to scholars’ understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between Machiavellianism and contextual performance as well as to the psychological contracts literature by demonstrating that Machiavellianism influences contextual performance because it affects the manner in which employees construe their employment relationships.
The Brazilian origins of the 1826 Portuguese Constitution
Authors: Paquette Gabriel
Published: July 2011

The dissolution of the Luso-Brazilian empire weakened, but did not destroy, the political, intellectual and economic connections between Portugal and Brazil. This article argues that Portuguese and Brazilian politics remained entangled in the late 1820s, well after Independence. Using Portugal’s 1826 Constitution, or Carta Constitucional, as a test case, the article examines the intellectual influences shaping the Carta, investigates its Brazilian ‘origins’, analyses its reception in Portugal, and traces the reaction to it by Europe’s leading geopolitical powers.
‘America Has Escaped from our Hands’: Rethinking Empire, Identity and Independence during the Trienio Liberal in Spain, 1820-1823
Authors: Eastman Scott
Published: July 2011

Spanish nationalists lauded the Constitution of 1812, which erased the boundaries of colony and metropole. By the early 1820s, however, separatists narrated 300 years of American history as a Biblical tale of enslavement, with nations ultimately freed from captivity by the heroism and martyrdom of liberators such as Hidalgo. Contrary to the idea that an apathetic metropolis turned away from its empire, this article recovers a vibrant public sphere in which debates raged over independence, nationality and the possibilities of constitutional monarchy. As Spain and Mexico shared a liberal political culture, it is clear that national identities diverged only inasmuch as nationalists insisted upon distinctive cultural and historical roots and the definitive separation of the ‘two Spains’.
Urban regeneration in China: Policy, development, and issues
Authors: Ye Lin
Published: July 2011

Urban regeneration in China has attracted vast attention around the world in recent decades. This article discusses several critical issues in China’s recent urban regeneration policies, including how residents and communities are affected and how their economic and social rights are protected, the role of governments and developers, and the interaction between main participants in a broad Chinese socio-political context. The article introduces Guangdong Province’s new master plan to revive its urban areas and examines how it intends to engage the government, developers, and communities in urban regeneration. The findings are drawn from reviewing government documents, interviewing government officials and urban residents, and conducting fieldwork investigation.
From industrial enclaves to prototypes of the modern Chinese city: Development zones in Guangdong
Authors: Wuttke Christian
Published: July 2011

Southern China’s Pearl River Delta Economic Region has been a role model for China’s transition and is one of the country’s most important economic regions. But its development model, based on abundant cheap labour resources and export-oriented manufacturing, is increasingly threatened—by the ending of the special policy treatment of the region, the shift of national economic development strategies towards catch-up development of China’s underdeveloped hinterland, increasing competition from other regions in China and South-East Asia, and rising labour costs. If the growth rates of the past are to be sustained, new development strategies are needed. New kinds of development zones are at the core of such efforts. Development zones used to be clearly defined and bounded-off industrial monocultures with nothing but factories, often of the same kind of industries. In order to move beyond labour and energy intensive manufacturing and towards an ‘upgraded’ local economy, they are increasingly converted into full-fledged urban areas, and are more and more integrated into the urban space as a whole. As such, they are believed to offer an investment environment more suitable for knowledge-intensive and high-tech industries. Administrative district/development zone hybrids such as the Guangzhou Development District and Shenzhen’s New Special Districts Guangming and Pingshan represent emerging strategies to further integrate economy and society, accommodate to emerging demands, and serve as prototypes for future urban development in China.
The formation and regeneration of old industrial zones in Nanjing City
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Wang Xingping , Zhang Jianhao , Shi Jiahong
Published: July 2011

Nanjing is an economic hub of the Yangtze River Delta, and one of the most important industrial bases in modern China. During the processes of change of urban spatial structure and optimization of industrial structure, the old industrial zones developed in downtown areas before ‘reform and opening up’ have experienced continuing regeneration. More and more companies have moved to industrial parks in the suburbs, while the former factories have been developed for new functions including housing, services or creative industries. These changes of function have had an enormous impact on the city’s economy, land use, transportation system and population distribution. This article aims to provide an understanding of the processes of formation and renewal of Nanjing’s old industrial zones. It discusses the background and planning strategies as well as the effects of the redevelopment of these industrial zones at different historical stages. It draws general conclusions about the process of renewal, and highlights some resulting problems such as work-home separation and loss of job opportunities in downtown areas.
The impact of privatization of public housing on housing affordability in Beijing: An assessment using household survey data
Authors: Yang Zan , Wang Songtao
Published: July 2011

Housing affordability has long been on the agenda of China’s policy makers. Imperfections in the housing system and growing disparities in income and wealth have been central to the problem of affordable housing. Housing reforms in China led to the creation of a market-oriented housing system, but also increased economic and social stratification. This article considers the effect of privatization of public housing on the problem of housing affordability in Beijing. We draw on a household survey to assess affordability for households according to occupants’ family structures, educational attainments and employment status, using a ‘residual income’ approach. The implications for policies designed to improve housing affordability are discussed.
Local solutions as an element in China’s strategy for sustainability?
Authors: Ploberger Christian
Published: July 2011

Chinese official statements reflect an increasing awareness of the need to adopt a sustainable development path, and in particular to reduce the country’s dependence on coal. Doing so, however, is a complex challenge involving political and social as well as technical issues, which is intensified by rapid urbanization and growth of incomes, and a consumer-oriented middle class. This article looks at the potential of sustainable energy sources in China, particularly wind and solar power, before considering the experience of two alternative pioneering sustainable development projects: Rizhao’s participative approach to switching to solar power, and Tianjin’s Eco-City, a low carbon development designed from scratch.
High speed rail in China and its potential impacts on urban and regional development
Authors: Tang Shuangshuang , Savy Michel , Doulet Jean-François
Published: July 2011

After giving a brief description of the background to the development of high speed rail in China, this article attempts to identify the spatial effects of the emerging network at the regional and urban scales, on the basis of official planning documents and recent research by Chinese academics and experts. It argues in particular that high speed rail will reinforce already strong urban centres, and, using the examples of Nanjing and Shanghai, that it will lead to major changes in urban structure within individual cities. The benefits of these changes can be enhanced through integrated planning.
Liverpool at Shanghai: The Expo experience
Authors: Taylor Mike , Caswell Jonathan
Published: July 2011

Liverpool was once the second city of the Empire. In the 1960s it created a sound that the world tapped its foot to and sporting achievements that were the envy of Europe. Following years in the doldrums, Liverpool has, in the last decade, undergone a dramatic renaissance. It looks and feels different. This rediscovered swagger has given Liverpool the confidence to tell a new story of heritage and regeneration and to trade again on its name and fame. It is not easy for small cities to attract positive attention. But this article describes how Liverpool made a bold decision, alone among UK cities including London, to sell itself on the biggest stage of all, the 2010 World Expo, in the most economically dynamic city, Shanghai, in a country whose economy is growing faster than any other, China. It examines the motivation, the challenges, the outcomes and the legacy.
Compensation and Valuation Considerations in Closely Held Company Stock Sales to an ESOP
Authors: Reilly Robert F.
Published: July 2011

Closely held company owners may decide to sell their equity interests for many reasons, including liquidity needs, retirement planning and wealth diversification. It is not uncommon for the selling stockholders to sell some of their stock to an employee buyout group through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and to also sell some of their stock to other buyers. These other buyers could include key executives, key suppliers, customers and financing sources. These other buyer sales are often intended to recruit, retain or reward these parties. The stock sale transactions to the ESOP often take place at a price different from the stock sale transactions to the other buyers. This article summarizes the generally accepted approaches to the valuation of closely held company stock. It also explains many of the reasons why the ESOP versus non-ESOP stock sale transactions may take place at different prices.
Probing, Impelling, But Not Offending Doctors
Authors: Chiu Yu-Chan
Published: July 2011

The Internet has become a major health information source for many patients, and they might discuss the information they get from the Internet with their doctors. I explored how the Internet as an information source influences cancer patients’ communication with their doctors in Taiwan, where the doctor–patient relationship is traditionally doctor dominated. Forty-six cancer patients or families participated in seven focus group discussions. I conducted inductive analysis to examine themes emerging from discussions. Participants searched for information on the Internet to probe and verify their doctors’ competence. Participants took responsibility for understanding the doctors’ jargon, and the Internet helped them to do that. The Internet also helped participants spur doctors to think further about their condition, but these patients did so cautiously, with an effort not to offend doctors. The Internet as an information source did help participants talk to doctors, but the effect on changing the doctor-dominant nature of the relationship was limited.
Disrupting the Ethical Imperatives of “Junior” Critical Qualitative Scholars in the Era of Conservative Modernization
Authors: Pasque Penny A. , Carducci Rozana , Gildersleeve Ryan Evely , Kuntz Aaron M.
Published: July 2011

In this article, we wrestle with the core issue of how early career researchers translate central tenets and core concepts of critical theory and critical methodology into their research practice. By way of creative representation, we draw from bell hooks and Cornel West’s (1991) written rendition of their verbal dialogue in Breaking Bread: Insurgent Black Intellectual Life. Their hope was to offer the book in a dialogic format in such a way that mirrored the synergy in their verbal discussions as friends and intellectual colleagues. In a similar vein, we hope to share with readers the synergy and depth of the narratives that have transpired during our ongoing discussions on the important topic of critical praxis as part of a collaborative research group called the Disruptive Dialogue Project (Gildersleeve, Kuntz, Pasque & Carducci, 2010; Kuntz, Pasque, Carducci, & Gildersleeve, 2009).
Las Comadres : Rendering Research as Performative
Authors: Rodriguez Katrina L. , Lahman Maria K. E.
Published: July 2011

As a method for placing Latina college students at the center of research, authors present a dramatic, or performative, text illuminating participants’ life stories. The dramatic text serves as a fictional event bringing to light how five Latina students view their ethnic identities and educational values based on messages from family and peers. Data collection methods incorporated individual interviews, a culturally responsive focus group, and photo artifacts. The authors convey dialogue among script characters by using a combination of direct participant quotes from data transcripts and fictitious exchanges created by the authors to convey a performance dialogue. Authors briefly present the background of performative research text, discuss representing research through dramatic text, and review data collection procedures for this specific study. Finally, the authors detail the process used in constructing Las Comadres as a dramatic text, advancing ideas for dramatic text writers, and providing reflections on the playwriting experience.
Assisting Patients to Age in Place
Authors: Silver Gail , Keefer Jeffrey M. , Rosenfeld Peri
Published: July 2011

This article describes how one large not-for-profit home health care agency sought to stimulate a practice change among their nurses to better service the frail, complex patient population in a Long-Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP). This LTHHCP designed an innovative initiative that encouraged a combination of coaching techniques, assessment tools, and a range of patient-centered evidence-based practices to provide clinicians with necessary skills and competencies to provide the highest standards of care for their patients. The innovative model, called patient-centered care model (PCCM) was piloted in one service area, and a formal evaluation was integrated into the initiative to allow measurement of desired outcomes. This article describes the long- and short-term goals of PCCM, examine the components of the PCCM model, and discuss how the progress of the initiative is being evaluated and assessed.
An Interaction Effect of Leisure Self-determination and Leisure Competence on Older Adults’ Self-rated Health
Authors: Chang Liang-Chih
Published: July 2011

This study examined whether there was an interaction effect of leisure self-determination and leisure competence on older adults’ self-rated health (SRH), controlling for self-efficacy. Three hundred eighty-nine older adults living in Keelung City, Taiwan were systematically selected as participants. Data were collected by a face-to-face questionnaire survey which included measures of self-efficacy, leisure self-determination, leisure competence, and SRH scales. The data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results showed a significant reinforcement interaction effect of leisure self-determination and leisure competence on SRH among the participants after controlling for self-efficacy. Implications of the results are further discussed.
Perceived out-group (Dis)continuity and attribution of responsibility for the Lebanese Civil War mediate effects of national and religious subgroup identification on intergroup attitudes
Authors: Licata Laurent , Klein Olivier , Saade Wafaa , Azzi Assaad E. , Branscombe Nyla R.
Published: July 2011

Successful reconciliation between groups following a violent conflict requires psychological change. We test a model predicting intergroup attitudes towards Muslims in Lebanon among Maronite (Christian) Lebanese youths. Identification with both their religious subgroup and with the superordinate national group predicted attitudes towards Muslims, in opposite directions. These effects of levels of identification on intergroup attitudes were mediated by attributions of responsibility for the war (Muslim responsibility) and perception that the current generation of out-group members is different from the war generation (perceived out-group discontinuity). Identification with Lebanon fosters positive attitudes towards Muslims by lowering Muslim responsibility for the war, and by increasing perceptions of foreign responsibility and perceived out-group discontinuity. In contrast, increased identification with their own religious subgroup undermines attitude change by increasing Muslim responsibility for the war and lessening perception of out-group discontinuity. Representations of the past have implications for attitudes towards former enemies and reconciliation in the present.
A Lively Mind in a Frozen Body
Authors: Werneke Ursula
Published: July 2011

“Rickety Kate” was the descriptive name of Minnie Agnes Filson, a popular Australian poet featured widely in the Australian media from the 1930s through to the 1960s. The assumed name was a reflection of her severe rheumatoid arthritis, which left her completely immobilized. During her lifetime, Kate received a variety of conventional medical treatments, which proved largely ineffective. She finally turned to an Indian healer, who managed to improve her quality of life although her physical disabilities persisted. This article explores the history of rheumatoid arthritis from a patient’s perspective in the light of the scientific knowledge at the time and critically reflects on the relationship between conventional and complementary/alternative medicine then and today.
Endothelial progenitor cell–dependent angiogenesis requires localization of the full-length form of uPAR in caveolae
Authors: Margheri Francesca , Chillà Anastasia , Laurenzana Anna , Serratì Simona , Mazzanti Benedetta , Saccardi Riccardo , Santosuosso Michela , Danza Giovanna , Sturli Niccolò , Rosati Fabiana , Magnelli Lucia , Papucci Laura , Calorini Lido , Bianchini Francesca , Del Rosso Mario , Fibbi Gabriella
Published: July 2011

Endothelial urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is thought to provide a regulatory mechanism in angiogenesis. Here we studied the proangiogenic role of uPAR in endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a cell population identified in human umbilical blood that embodies all of the properties of an endothelial progenitor cell matched with a high proliferative rate. By using caveolae-disrupting agents and by caveolin-1 silencing, we have shown that the angiogenic properties of ECFCs depend on caveolae integrity and on the presence of full-length uPAR in such specialized membrane invaginations. Inhibition of uPAR expression by antisense oligonucleotides promoted caveolae disruption, suggesting that uPAR is an inducer of caveolae organization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoted accumulation of uPAR in ECFC caveolae in its undegraded form. We also demonstrated that VEGF-dependent ERK phosphorylation required integrity of caveolae as well as caveolar uPAR expression. VEGF activity depends on inhibition of ECFC MMP12 production, which results in impairment of MMP12-dependent uPAR truncation. Further, MMP12 overexpression in ECFC inhibited vascularization in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that intratumor homing of ECFCs suitably engineered to overexpress MMP12 could have the chance to control uPAR-dependent activities required for tumor angiogenesis and malignant cells spreading.
PMLRARα binds to Fas and suppresses Fas-mediated apoptosis through recruiting c-FLIP in vivo
Authors: Tao Rong-Hua , Berkova Zuzana , Wise Jillian F. , Rezaeian Abdol-Hossein , Daniluk Urszula , Ao Xue , Hawke David H. , Karp Judith E. , Lin Hui-Kuan , Molldrem Jeffrey J. , Samaniego Felipe
Published: July 2011

Defective Fas signaling leads to resistance to various anticancer therapies. Presence of potential inhibitors of Fas which could block Fas signaling can explain cancer cells resistance to apoptosis. We identified promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) as a Fas-interacting protein using mass spectrometry analysis. The function of PML is blocked by its dominant-negative form PML–retinoic acid receptor α (PMLRARα). We found PMLRARα interaction with Fas in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)–derived cells and APL primary cells, and PML-Fas complexes in normal tissues. Binding of PMLRARα to Fas was mapped to the B-box domain of PML moiety and death domain of Fas. PMLRARα blockage of Fas apoptosis was demonstrated in U937/PR9 cells, human APL cells and transgenic mouse APL cells, in which PMLRARα recruited c-FLIPL/S and excluded procaspase 8 from Fas death signaling complex. PMLRARα expression in mice protected the mice against a lethal dose of agonistic anti-Fas antibody (P < .001) and the protected tissues contained Fas-PMLRARα-cFLIP complexes. Taken together, PMLRARα binds to Fas and blocks Fas-mediated apoptosis in APL by forming an apoptotic inhibitory complex with c-FLIP. The presence of PML-Fas complexes across different tissues implicates that PML functions in apoptosis regulation and tumor suppression are mediated by direct interaction with Fas.
Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase (GST) superfamily and risk of arsenic-induced urothelial carcinoma in residents of southwestern Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ling-I , Chen Wu-Ping , Yang Tse-Yen , Chen Yu-Hsin , Lo Wann-Cheng , Wang Yuan-Hung , Liao Ya-Tang , Hsueh Yu-Mei , Chiou Hung-Yi , Wu Meei-Maan , Chen Chien-Jen
Published: July 2011

Background

Arsenic exposure is an important public health issue worldwide. Dose-response relationship between arsenic exposure and risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC) is consistently observed. Inorganic arsenic is methylated to form the metabolites monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid while ingested. Variations in capacity of xenobiotic detoxification and arsenic methylation might explain individual variation in susceptibility to arsenic-induced cancers.

Methods

To estimate individual susceptibility to arsenic-induced UC, 764 DNA specimens from our long-term follow-up cohort in Southwestern Taiwan were used and the genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 and arsenic methylation enzymes including GSTO1 and GSTO2 were genotyped.

Results

The GSTT1 null was marginally associated with increased urothelial carcinoma (UC) risk (HR, 1.91, 95% CI, 1.00-3.65), while the association was not observed for other GSTs. Among the subjects with cumulative arsenic exposure (CAE) ≥ 20 mg/L*year, the GSTT1 null genotype conferred a significantly increased cancer risk (RR, 3.25, 95% CI, 1.20-8.80). The gene-environment interaction between the GSTT1 and high arsenic exposure with respect to cancer risk was statistically significant (multiplicative model, p = 0.0151) and etiologic fraction was as high as 0.86 (95% CI, 0.51-1.22). The genetic effects of GSTO1/GSTO2 were largely confined to high arsenic level (CAE ≥ 20). Diplotype analysis showed that among subjects exposed to high levels of arsenic, the AGG/AGG variant of GSTO1 Ala140Asp, GSTO2 5'UTR (-183)A/G, and GSTO2 Asn142Asp was associated with an increased cancer risk (HRs, 4.91, 95% CI, 1.02-23.74) when compared to the all-wildtype reference, respectively.

Conclusions

The GSTs do not play a critical role in arsenic-induced urothelial carcinogenesis. The genetic effects of GSTT1 and GSTO1 on arsenic-induced urothelial carcinogenesis are largely confined to very high exposure level.
MAVENs: Motion analysis and visualization of elastic networks and structural ensembles
Authors: Zimmermann Michael T , Kloczkowski Andrzej , Jernigan Robert L
Published: July 2011

Background

The ability to generate, visualize, and analyze motions of biomolecules has made a significant impact upon modern biology. Molecular Dynamics has gained substantial use, but remains computationally demanding and difficult to setup for many biologists. Elastic network models (ENMs) are an alternative and have been shown to generate the dominant equilibrium motions of biomolecules quickly and efficiently. These dominant motions have been shown to be functionally relevant and also to indicate the likely direction of conformational changes. Most structures have a small number of dominant motions. Comparing computed motions to the structure's conformational ensemble derived from a collection of static structures or frames from an MD trajectory is an important way to understand functional motions as well as evaluate the models. Modes of motion computed from ENMs can be visualized to gain functional and mechanistic understanding and to compute useful quantities such as average positional fluctuations, internal distance changes, collectiveness of motions, and directional correlations within the structure.

Results

Our new software, MAVEN, aims to bring ENMs and their analysis to a broader audience by integrating methods for their generation and analysis into a user friendly environment that automates many of the steps. Models can be constructed from raw PDB files or density maps, using all available atomic coordinates or by employing various coarse-graining procedures. Visualization can be performed either with our software or exported to molecular viewers. Mixed resolution models allow one to study atomic effects on the system while retaining much of the computational speed of the coarse-grained ENMs. Analysis options are available to further aid the user in understanding the computed motions and their importance for its function.

Conclusion

MAVEN has been developed to simplify ENM generation, allow for diverse models to be used, and facilitate useful analyses, all on the same platform. This represents an integrated approach that incorporates all four levels of the modeling process - generation, evaluation, analysis, visualization - and also brings to bear multiple ENM types. The intension is to provide a versatile modular suite of programs to a broader audience. MAVEN is available for download at http://maven.sourceforge.net.
Consistent metagenes from cancer expression profiles yield agent specific predictors of chemotherapy response
Authors: Li Qiyuan , Eklund Aron C , Birkbak Nicolai J , Desmedt Christine , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Sotiriou Christos , Symmans W Fraser , Pusztai Lajos , Brunak Søren , Richardson Andrea L , Szallasi Zoltan
Published: July 2011

Background

Genome scale expression profiling of human tumor samples is likely to yield improved cancer treatment decisions. However, identification of clinically predictive or prognostic classifiers can be challenging when a large number of genes are measured in a small number of tumors.

Results

We describe an unsupervised method to extract robust, consistent metagenes from multiple analogous data sets. We applied this method to expression profiles from five "double negative breast cancer" (DNBC) (not expressing ESR1 or HER2) cohorts and derived four metagenes. We assessed these metagenes in four similar but independent cohorts and found strong associations between three of the metagenes and agent-specific response to neoadjuvant therapy. Furthermore, we applied the method to ovarian and early stage lung cancer, two tumor types that lack reliable predictors of outcome, and found that the metagenes yield predictors of survival for both.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the use of multiple data sets to derive potential biomarkers can filter out data set-specific noise and can increase the efficiency in identifying clinically accurate biomarkers.
Analysis of the dynamics of limb transcriptomes during mouse development
Authors: Gyurján Istvan , Sonderegger Bernhard , Naef Felix , Duboule Denis
Published: July 2011

Background

The development of vertebrate limbs has been a traditional system to study fundamental processes at work during ontogenesis, such as the establishment of spatial cellular coordinates, the effect of diffusible morphogenetic molecules or the translation between gene activity and morphogenesis. In addition, limbs are amongst the first targets of malformations in human and they display a huge realm of evolutionary variations within tetrapods, which make them a paradigm to study the regulatory genome.

Results

As a reference resource for future biochemical and genetic analyses, we used genome-wide tiling arrays to establish the transcriptomes of mouse limb buds at three different stages, during which major developmental events take place. We compare the three time-points and discuss some aspects of these datasets, for instance related to transcriptome dynamics or to the potential association between active genes and the distribution of intergenic transcriptional activity.

Conclusions

These datasets provide a valuable resource, either for research projects involving gene expression and regulation in developing mouse limbs, or as examples of tissue-specific, genome-wide transcriptional activities.
Stops making sense: translational trade-offs and stop codon reassignment
Authors: Johnson Louise J , Cotton James A , Lichtenstein Conrad P , Elgar Greg S , Nichols Richard A , Polly p David , Le Comber Steven C
Published: July 2011

Background

Efficient gene expression involves a trade-off between (i) premature termination of protein synthesis; and (ii) readthrough, where the ribosome fails to dissociate at the terminal stop. Sense codons that are similar in sequence to stop codons are more susceptible to nonsense mutation, and are also likely to be more susceptible to transcriptional or translational errors causing premature termination. We therefore expect this trade-off to be influenced by the number of stop codons in the genetic code. Although genetic codes are highly constrained, stop codon number appears to be their most volatile feature.

Results

In the human genome, codons readily mutable to stops are underrepresented in coding sequences. We construct a simple mathematical model based on the relative likelihoods of premature termination and readthrough. When readthrough occurs, the resultant protein has a tail of amino acid residues incorrectly added to the C-terminus. Our results depend strongly on the number of stop codons in the genetic code. When the code has more stop codons, premature termination is relatively more likely, particularly for longer genes. When the code has fewer stop codons, the length of the tail added by readthrough will, on average, be longer, and thus more deleterious. Comparative analysis of taxa with a range of stop codon numbers suggests that genomes whose code includes more stop codons have shorter coding sequences.

Conclusions

We suggest that the differing trade-offs presented by alternative genetic codes may result in differences in genome structure. More speculatively, multiple stop codons may mitigate readthrough, counteracting the disadvantage of a higher rate of nonsense mutation. This could help explain the puzzling overrepresentation of stop codons in the canonical genetic code and most variants.
CD133: a potential indicator for differentiation and prognosis of human cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Linni , He Furong , Liu Hongxiang , Zhu Jin , Liu Yixiong , Yin Zhiyong , Wang Lu , Guo Ying , Wang Zhe , Yan Qingguo , Huang Gaosheng
Published: July 2011

Background

CD133 is known to be a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker. However, recent studies have revealed that CD133 is not restricted to CSC but to be expressed not only in human normal tissues but also in some cancers and could serve as a prognostic factor for the patients. Nevertheless, the expression of CD133 in human cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is rare and our study is to detect the expression and explore the potential functions of CD133 in human CC.

Methods

Fifty-nine cases, comprised of 5 normal liver tissues and 54 consecutive CC specimens (21 well-differentiated, 12 moderately-differentiated and 21 poorly-differentiated), were included in the study. Immunohistochemical stainning with CD133 protein was carried out, and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

CD133 was found to express in all 5 normal livers and 40 out of 54 (74%) CC tissues with different subcellular localization. In the well, moderately and poorly differentiated cases, the numbers of CD133 positive cases were 19 (19 of 21, 90%), 10 (10 of 12, 83%) and 11 (11 of 21, 52%) respectively. Further statistical analyses indicated that the expression and different subcellular localization of CD133 were significantly correlated with the differentiation status of tumors (P = 0.004, P = 0.009). Among 23 patients followed up for survival, the median survival was 4 months for fourteen CD133 negative patients but 14 months for nine CD133 positive ones. In univariate survival analysis, CD133 negative expression correlated with poor prognosis while CD133 positive expression predicted a favorable outcome of CC patients (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that CD133 expression correlates with the differentiation of CC and indicates that CD133 is a potential indicator for differentiation and prognosis of human CC.