bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nerve growth factor enhances the excitability of rat sensory neurons through activation of the atypical protein kinase C isoform, PKMζ
Authors: Zhang Y. H. , Kays J. , Hodgdon K. E. , Sacktor T. C. , Nicol G. D.
Published: October 2011

Our previous work showed that nerve growth factor (NGF) increased the excitability of small-diameter capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons by activating the p75 neurotrophin receptor and releasing sphingolipid-derived second messengers. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were used to establish the signaling pathways whereby NGF augments action potential (AP) firing (i.e., sensitization). Inhibition of MEK1/2 (PD-98059), PLC (U-73122, neomycin), or conventional/novel isoforms of PKC (bisindolylmaleimide I) had no effect on the sensitization produced by NGF. Pretreatment with a membrane-permeable, myristoylated pseudosubstrate inhibitor of atypical PKCs (aPKCs: PKMζ, PKCζ, and PKCλ/ι) blocked the NGF-induced increase in AP firing. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) also blocked the sensitization produced by NGF. Isolated sensory neurons were also treated with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to PKCζ. Both Western blots and quantitative real-time PCR established that PKMζ, but neither full-length PKCζ nor PKCλ/ι, was significantly reduced after siRNA exposure. Treatment with these labeled siRNA prevented the NGF-induced enhancement of excitability. Furthermore, consistent with the high degree of catalytic homology for aPKCs, internal perfusion with active recombinant PKCζ or PKCι augmented excitability, recapitulating the sensitization produced by NGF. Internal perfusion with recombinant PKCζ suppressed the total potassium current and enhanced the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current. Pretreatment with the myristoylated pseudosubstrate inhibitor blocked the increased excitability produced by ceramide or internal perfusion with recombinant PKCζ. These results demonstrate that NGF leads to the activation of PKMζ that ultimately enhances the capacity of small-diameter capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons to fire APs through a PI3K-dependent signaling cascade.
Neural coding of continuous speech in auditory cortex during monaural and dichotic listening
Authors: Ding Nai , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: October 2011

The cortical representation of the acoustic features of continuous speech is the foundation of speech perception. In this study, noninvasive magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings are obtained from human subjects actively listening to spoken narratives, in both simple and cocktail party-like auditory scenes. By modeling how acoustic features of speech are encoded in ongoing MEG activity as a spectrotemporal response function, we demonstrate that the slow temporal modulations of speech in a broad spectral region are represented bilaterally in auditory cortex by a phase-locked temporal code. For speech presented monaurally to either ear, this phase-locked response is always more faithful in the right hemisphere, but with a shorter latency in the hemisphere contralateral to the stimulated ear. When different spoken narratives are presented to each ear simultaneously (dichotic listening), the resulting cortical neural activity precisely encodes the acoustic features of both of the spoken narratives, but slightly weakened and delayed compared with the monaural response. Critically, the early sensory response to the attended speech is considerably stronger than that to the unattended speech, demonstrating top-down attentional gain control. This attentional gain is substantial even during the subjects' very first exposure to the speech mixture and therefore largely independent of knowledge of the speech content. Together, these findings characterize how the spectrotemporal features of speech are encoded in human auditory cortex and establish a single-trial-based paradigm to study the neural basis underlying the cocktail party phenomenon.
Sensitivity to temporal modulation rate and spectral bandwidth in the human auditory system: MEG evidence
Authors: Wang Yadong , Ding Nai , Ahmar Nayef , Xiang Juanjuan , Poeppel David , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: October 2011

Slow acoustic modulations below 20 Hz, of varying bandwidths, are dominant components of speech and many other natural sounds. The dynamic neural representations of these modulations are difficult to study through noninvasive neural-recording methods, however, because of the omnipresent background of slow neural oscillations throughout the brain. We recorded the auditory steady-state responses (aSSR) to slow amplitude modulations (AM) from 14 human subjects using magnetoencephalography. The responses to five AM rates (1.5, 3.5, 7.5, 15.5, and 31.5 Hz) and four types of carrier (pure tone and 1/3-, 2-, and 5-octave pink noise) were investigated. The phase-locked aSSR was detected reliably in all conditions. The response power generally decreases with increasing modulation rate, and the response latency is between 100 and 150 ms for all but the highest rates. Response properties depend only weakly on the bandwidth. Analysis of the complex-valued aSSR magnetic fields in the Fourier domain reveals several neural sources with different response phases. These neural sources of the aSSR, when approximated by a single equivalent current dipole (ECD), are distinct from and medial to the ECD location of the N1m response. These results demonstrate that the globally synchronized activity in the human auditory cortex is phase locked to slow temporal modulations below 30 Hz, and the neural sensitivity decreases with an increasing AM rate, with relative insensitivity to bandwidth.
Concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and Brain Tumor Risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
Authors: Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob , Becker Susen , Allen Naomi , Schlehofer Brigitte , Overvad Kim , Olsen Anja , Tjønneland Anne , Melin Beatrice S. , Lund Eiliv , Vineis Paolo , Grioni Sara , Tumino Rosario , Palli Domenico , Mattiello Amalia , Bonet Catalina , Chirlaque Maria-Dolores , Sánchez María-José , Rodríguez Laudina , Dorronsoro Miren , Ardanaz Eva , Lagiou Pagona , Trichopoulou Antonia , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Dossus Laure , Grote Verena A. , Boeing Heiner , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J.B. , Peeters Petra H.M. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Key Timothy J. , Rinaldi Sabina , Romieux Isabelle , Gallo Valentina , Michaud Dominique S. , Riboli Elio , Kaaks Rudolf
Published: October 2011

Background: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) is important in normal brain development but in the adult brain, IGF-I overexpression may be a risk factor for tumor development.

Methods: We examined the association between circulating concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in relation to risk of gliomas (74 low-grade, 206 high-grade gliomas), meningiomas (n = 174) and acoustic neuromas (n = 49) by using a case–control design nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were measured by ELISAs.Conditional logistic regression was used to compute ORs and corresponding 95% CIs.

Results: The risk of low-grade gliomas was elevated with increased IGF-I (OR = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.11–11.7; top vs. bottom quartile) and decreased with elevated IGFBP-3 concentrations (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.84) after mutual adjustment of these two factors; these results became nonsignificant after exclusion of the first year of follow-up. No association was observed for high-grade gliomas or meningiomas. Both high IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were associated with risk of acoustic neuromas (IGF-I: OR = 6.63, 95% CI: 2.27–19.4, top vs. bottom tertile; IGFBP-3: OR = 7.07, 95% CI: 2.32–21.6), even after excluding the first year of follow-up.

Conclusion: High concentrations of IGF-I might be positively associated with risk of low-grade gliomas and acoustic neuromas, although we cannot exclude reverse causation, in particular for low-grade gliomas.

Impact: Factors of the IGF axis might be involved in the etiology of some types of brain tumors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2174–82. ©2011 AACR.
Inflammation, Focal Atrophic Lesions, and Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia with Respect to Risk of Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Davidsson Sabina , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Andrén Ove , Fang Fang , Mucci Lorelei A. , Varenhorst Eberhard , Fall Katja , Rider Jennifer R.
Published: October 2011

Background: A challenge in prostate cancer (PCa) management is identifying potentially lethal disease at diagnosis. Inflammation, focal prostatic atrophy, and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) are common in prostate tumor specimens, but it is not clear whether these lesions have prognostic significance.

Methods: We conducted a case–control study nested in a cohort of men diagnosed with stage T1a-b PCa through transurethral resection of the prostate in Sweden. Cases are men who died of PCa (n = 228). Controls are men who survived more than 10 years after PCa diagnosis without metastases (n = 387). Slides were assessed for Gleason grade, inflammation, PIN, and four subtypes of focal prostatic atrophy: simple atrophy (SA), postatrophic hyperplasia (PAH), simple atrophy with cyst formation, and partial atrophy. We estimated OR and 95% CI for odds of lethal PCa with multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Chronic inflammation and PIN were more frequently observed in tumors with PAH, but not SA. No specific type of atrophy or inflammation was significantly associated with lethal PCa overall, but there was a suggestion of a positive association for chronic inflammation. Independent of age, Gleason score, year of diagnosis, inflammation, and atrophy type, men with PIN were 89% more likely to die of PCa (95% CI: 1.04–3.42).

Conclusion: Our data show that PIN, and perhaps presence of moderate or severe chronic inflammation, may have prognostic significance for PCa.

Impact: Lesions in tumor adjacent tissue, and not just the tumor itself, may aid in identification of clinically relevant disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2280–7. ©2011 AACR.
Population Sciences, Translational Research, and the Opportunities and Challenges for Genomics to Reduce the Burden of Cancer in the 21st Century
Authors: Khoury Muin J. , Clauser Steven B. , Freedman Andrew N. , Gillanders Elizabeth M. , Glasgow Russ E. , Klein William M.P. , Schully Sheri D.
Published: October 2011

Advances in genomics and related fields are promising tools for risk assessment, early detection, and targeted therapies across the entire cancer care continuum. In this commentary, we submit that this promise cannot be fulfilled without an enhanced translational genomics research agenda firmly rooted in the population sciences. Population sciences include multiple disciplines that are needed throughout the translational research continuum. For example, epidemiologic studies are needed not only to accelerate genomic discoveries and new biological insights into cancer etiology and pathogenesis, but to characterize and critically evaluate these discoveries in well-defined populations for their potential for cancer prediction, prevention and response to treatment. Behavioral, social, and communication sciences are needed to explore genomic-modulated responses to old and new behavioral interventions, adherence to therapies, decision making across the continuum, and effective use in health care. Implementation science, health services, outcomes research, comparative effectiveness research, and regulatory science are needed for moving validated genomic applications into practice and for measuring their effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and unintended consequences. Knowledge synthesis, evidence reviews, and economic modeling of the effects of promising genomic applications will facilitate policy decisions and evidence-based recommendations. Several independent and multidisciplinary panels have recently made specific recommendations for enhanced research and policy infrastructure to inform clinical and population research for moving genomic innovations into the cancer care continuum. An enhanced translational genomics and population sciences agenda is urgently needed to fulfill the promise of genomics in reducing the burden of cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2105–14. ©2011 AACR.
Common Genetic Variants in the Vitamin D Pathway Including Genome-Wide Associated Variants Are Not Associated with Breast Cancer Risk among Chinese Women
Authors: Dorjgochoo Tsogzolmaa , Delahanty Ryan , Lu Wei , Long Jirong , Cai Qiuyin , Zheng Ying , Gu Kai , Gao Yu-Tang , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao Ou
Published: October 2011

Background: Previous studies evaluating the association of vitamin D–related genetic variants with breast cancer risk have produced inconsistent results.

Methods: We evaluated the association between breast cancer risk and 559 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 12 vitamin D–related genes, including 6 genes associated with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level identified by recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS), using directly observed and imputed GWAS genotyping data from 2,919 breast cancer cases and 2,323 controls recruited in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study.

Results: Of the SNPs studied, only rs12570116 in the ACADSB gene, rs4760658 in the VDR gene and rs6091822, rs8124792, and rs6097809 in the CYP24A1 gene, and rs10902845 in C10orf88 had a nominal association with breast cancer risk (P < 0.05 for all). None of these associations persisted after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The most extensively studied SNPs including rs10735810, also known as rs2228570 (Fok1, VDR), rs1544410 (Bsm1, VDR), and rs2296241 (CYP24A1), were not associated with breast cancer risk. GWAS-identified genetic variants that were associated with 25(OH)D were also not related to breast cancer risk.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D–related genes do not play a major role in breast cancer risk in Chinese women.

Impact: Although our study confirms previously documented breast cancer risk factor associations, our null results suggest that common genetic variants in vitamin D genes and loci associated with control of vitamin D levels are not risk factors for breast cancer in Chinese women. Our data contribute to filling the gap in this field of research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2313–6. ©2011 AACR.
Cancer Survivors: A Booming Population
Authors: Parry Carla , Kent Erin E. , Mariotto Angela B. , Alfano Catherine M. , Rowland Julia H.
Published: October 2011

Background: In this first article of what is planned to be an annual series, we examine the history of cancer prevalence reporting and the role that these annual figures play in guiding the direction of cancer control research, and specifically the science of cancer survivorship. For this inaugural year, we focus on the confluence of the growing number of survivors and population aging, and the impact these combined trends will have on cancer survivorship in the future.

Methods: State or metro area-level cancer incidence and prevalence data were collected from 9 registries via the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The complete prevalence method was used to estimate prevalence for 2008 and the Prevalence, Incidence Approach Model method was used to project prevalence data through 2020, assuming flat cancer incidence and survival trends but dynamic U.S. population projections.

Results: As of January 2008, the number of cancer survivors is estimated at 11.9 million. Approximately 60% of cancer survivors are age 65 or older, and by the year 2020, it is estimated that 63% of cancer survivors will be age 65 or older.

Conclusions: Improved survival and population aging converge to generate a booming population of older adult cancer survivors, many of whom have multiple complex health conditions and unique survivorship needs. This demographic shift has important implications for future health care needs and costs of the U.S. population.

Impact: The findings provide information critical for guiding cancer prevention and control research and service provision. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 1996–2005. ©2011 AACR.
Cytokeratin-19 and Mammaglobin Gene Expression in Circulating Tumor Cells from Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Enrolled in North Central Cancer Treatment Group Trials, N0234/336/436/437
Authors: Reinholz Monica M. , Kitzmann Kathleen A. , Tenner Kathleen , Hillman David , Dueck Amylou C. , Hobday Timothy J. , Northfelt Donald W. , Moreno-Aspitia Alvaro , Roy Vivek , LaPlant Betsy , Allred Jake B. , Stella Philip J. , Lingle Wilma L. , Perez Edith A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: To investigate the associations between baseline and posttreatment circulating tumor cell (CTC) gene expression and outcome of patients enrolled in four North Central Cancer Treatment Group metastatic breast cancer (MBC) trials in which specimens were shipped (at 4°C) from community-based sites to a reference laboratory (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN).

Experimental Design: Blood was collected at treating sites from MBC patients before (baseline), during, and at the end of treatment with erlotinib + gemcitabine (N0234), sorafenib (N0336), irinotecan + cetuximab (N0436), or paclitaxel-poliglumex + capecitabine (N0437). CTCs from 10 mL of EDTA blood were enriched with CD45 depletion, 24 to 30 hours postblood collection. Reverse transcription/quantitative PCR was used to determine cytokeratin-19 (CK19) and mammaglobin (MGB1) mRNA levels in CTCs from up to 13 (N0234), 16 (N0336), 18 (N0436), and 39 (N0437) patients. The gene expressions were normalized to β2-microglobulin and calibrated to healthy blood using the 2–ΔΔCq algorithm; positivity was defined as 2 or more.

Results: CK19+mRNA cells were detected in 56% to 75% and MGB1+mRNA cells in 23% to 38% of 86 patients at baseline. CK19+mRNA cells were detected in 30% to 67% and MGB1+mRNA cells in 14% to 64% of 110 postbaseline serial samples. The presence of baseline CK19+mRNA cells (P = 0.01) but not MGB1+mRNA cells (P = 0.14) was significantly associated with shorter overall survival. A decrease in MGB1+mRNA levels (baseline-week 8) seemed to be associated with clinical response (P = 0.05).

Conclusions: CTC gene expression analysis conducted by a reference laboratory is feasible when blood is collected from treating sites and processed 24 to 30 hours postcollection. The presence of baseline CK19+mRNA CTCs was associated with poor prognosis; a decrease in MGB1+mRNA CTCs may help predict response to therapy of MBC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7183–93. ©2011 AACR.
Gene Expression Differences between Colon and Rectum Tumors
Authors: Sanz-Pamplona Rebeca , Cordero David , Berenguer Antonio , Lejbkowicz Flavio , Rennert Hedy , Salazar Ramon , Biondo Sebastiano , Sanjuan Xavier , Pujana Miguel A. , Rozek Laura , Giordano Thomas J. , Ben-Izhak Ofer , Cohen Hector I. , Trougouboff Philip , Bejhar Jacob , Sova Yanina , Rennert Gad , Gruber Stephen B. , Moreno Victor
Published: October 2011

Purpose: Colorectal cancer studies typically include both colon and rectum tumors as a common entity, though this assumption is controversial and only minor differences have been reported at the molecular and epidemiologic level. We conducted a molecular study based on gene expression data of tumors from colon and rectum to assess the degree of similarity between these cancer sites at transcriptomic level.

Experimental Design: A pooled analysis of 460 colon tumors and 100 rectum tumors from four data sets belonging to three independent studies was conducted. Microsatellite instable tumors were excluded as these are known to have a different expression profile and have a preferential proximal colon location. Expression differences were assessed with linear models, and significant genes were identified using adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results: Minor differences at a gene expression level were found between tumors arising in the proximal colon, distal colon, or rectum. Only several HOX genes were found to be associated with tumor location. More differences were found between proximal and distal colon than between distal colon and rectum.

Conclusions: Microsatellite stable colorectal cancers do not show major transcriptomic differences for tumors arising in the colon or rectum. The small but consistent differences observed are largely driven by the HOX genes. These results may have important implications in the design and interpretation of studies in colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(23); 7303–12. ©2011 AACR.
Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy of Low-Dose Etoposide with Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus in Human Glioblastoma Stem Cell Xenografts
Authors: Cheema Tooba A. , Kanai Ryuichi , Kim Geon Woo , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Passer Brent , Rabkin Samuel D. , Martuza Robert L.
Published: October 2011

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM) inevitably recurs despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A subpopulation of tumor cells, GBM stem cells (GSC), has been implicated in this recurrence. The chemotherapeutic agent etoposide is generally reserved for treating recurrent tumors; however, its effectiveness is limited due to acute and cumulative toxicities to normal tissues. We investigate a novel combinatorial approach of low-dose etoposide with an oncolytic HSV to enhance antitumor activity and limit drug toxicity.

Experimental Design: In vitro, human GBM cell lines and GSCs were treated with etoposide alone, oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) G47Δ alone, or the combination. Cytotoxic interactions were analyzed using the Chou–Talalay method, and changes in caspase-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle were determined. In vivo, the most etoposide-resistant human GSC, BT74, was implanted intracranially and treated with either treatment alone or the combination. Analysis included effects on survival, therapy-associated adverse events, and histologic detection of apoptosis.

Results: GSCs varied in their sensitivity to etoposide by over 50-fold in vitro, whereas their sensitivity to G47Δ was similar. Combining G47Δ with low-dose etoposide was moderately synergistic in GSCs and GBM cell lines. This combination did not enhance virus replication, but significantly increased apoptosis. In vivo, the combination of a single cycle of low-dose etoposide with G47Δ significantly extended survival of mice-bearing etoposide–insensitive intracranial human GSC–derived tumors.

Conclusions: The combination of low-dose etoposide with G47Δ increases survival of mice-bearing intracranial human GSC–derived tumors without adverse side effects. These results establish this as a promising combination strategy to treat resistant and recurrent GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 17(23); 7383–93. ©2011 AACR.
Minor Interference of Cross-Reactive Carbohydrates with the Diagnosis of Respiratory Allergy in Standard Clinical Conditions
Authors: Vidal Carmen , Sanmartín Carolina , Armisén Margarita , Rodríguez Virginia , Linneberg Allan , Gonzalez-Quintela Arturo
Published: October 2011

Background: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to N-glycans from plant and invertebrate glycoproteins induces extensive in vitro cross-reactivity. This study investigates the prevalence and diagnostic relevance of IgE to these N-glycans [cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs)] in patients with suspicion of respiratory allergy. Methods: A total of 1,025 adult subjects with symptoms of rhinitis and/or asthma from a reference allergy clinic were studied. Determinations included a structured questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPT), total IgE, a multiallergen IgE test and specific IgE (sIgE) to bromelain, MUXF (the bromelain-type N-glycan) and honeybee phospholipase-A2. Inhibition studies with CCDs were performed in selected cases. Results: The prevalence of CCD sensitization (MUXF sIgE and/or bromelain-sIgE ≧0.1 kUA/l) was 18.0%. Male sex and atopy (SPT positivity) were associated with CCD sensitization. Sensitization was more frequent in patients sensitized to pollens than in those sensitized to mites, the most common inhalant allergens in the area. A history of Hymenoptera stings was associated with CCD sensitization and multiallergen IgE test positivity. CCD sensitization was not significantly associated with age, rural residence, alcohol consumption or smoking. Only 58 patients (5.6%) showed CCD-sIgE levels ≧0.35 kUA/l. CCD-induced inhibition of pollen-sIgE or mite-sIgE in patients with respective positive SPT was minimal or absent in most cases. Conclusions: In this population of predominantly mite-allergic patients, CCD sensitization is relatively rare and CCD-sIgE levels are low. Thus, CCDs do not represent a major obstacle for the diagnosis of respiratory allergy in a specialized setting. Hymenoptera stings are associated with CCD sensitization.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation with Excessive Fibrinolysis in Prostate Cancer: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hyman David M. , Soff Gerald A. , Kampel Lewis J.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic features, prognosis, and outcome of patients with prostate cancer and disseminated intravascular coagulation with excessive fibrinolysis (DIC XFL). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prostate cancer patients seen at a single center from March 21, 2000, to July 31, 2006, with a fibrinogen level <150 mg/dl and two of the following criteria: platelets <150 × 109/l, D-dimer >0.5 µg/ml, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time exceeding normal values, hemorrhage and/or thrombosis. Patients with comorbid conditions that cause coagulopathy were excluded. Results: Forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Most patients had high-grade prostate cancer (26% had Gleason 7 and 45% had Gleason 8–10). Three patients developed DIC XFL following surgery and 39 patients in the setting of metastatic disease; 93% were resistant to castration, and 50% had received prior taxanes. No deep-vein thromboses were documented. Management included blood transfusion, heparin, hormones, and chemotherapy. Median survival was 4 weeks. DIC XFL reversal was seen in 20% of metastatic patients, all of whom received new chemotherapy regimens. Median survival in this group was 26 weeks. Conclusions: DIC XFL is a rare complication of prostate cancer. Untreated, the risk of hemorrhage is high and the prognosis poor. Reversal of DIC XFL appears to correlate with response to new anticancer therapy.
“The Noise Monitor”
Authors: Harrison Alexandra M. , Tronick Ed
Published: October 2011

This paper discusses a contribution of developmental theory to the psychoanalytic concept of “the talking cure.” The developmental theory presented is the dyadic expansion of consciousness model (Tronick 2007), a model consistent with the principles of nonlinear systems theory. The concept of “polysemic bundles” as a way of understanding the multiple simultaneous meaning-making processes occurring in dyadic communication is introduced. The theoretical discussion—focused primarily on the analysis of children—is illustrated with descriptions of videotaped sequences from the first session in the analysis of a five–year-old boy. The relevance of these insights to the analytic treatment of adults is then considered.
Remembering John L. Holland, PhD
Authors: Hansen Jo-Ida C.
Published: October 2011

Dr. John Holland, one of the most influential psychologists in the 20th century, has left a profound legacy. His theoretical work and his scientist-practitioner approach to test development and career counseling have shaped the lives of many. This article provides a brief overview of his scientific contributions and his impact on vocational psychology.
It’s My Body and I’ll Do What I Like With It
Authors: Phillips Anne
Published: October 2011

What, if any, is the problem with treating bodies as objects or property? Is there a defensible basis for seeing bodies as different from “other” material resources? Or is thinking the body special a kind of sentimentalism that blocks clear thinking about matters such as prostitution, surrogate motherhood, and the sale of spare kidneys? I argue that the language we use does matter, and that thinking of the body as property encourages a self/body dualism that obscures the power relations involved in all contracts that cedes authority over the body. Recognising the self as embodied, however, also makes it harder to insist on sharp distinctions between activities that involve the body and those that “just” involve the mind, hence harder to justify refusing payment for explicitly body services while condoning it for those to which the body is more incidental. I therefore provide a modest defence of monetary compensation for those who “donate” bodily products or services. Compensation does not, however, mean markets for there is at least one sense in which the body is special. This is that more so, and more intrinsically than other markets, markets in body parts or bodily services depend on inequality. I use this to make a case against such markets.
Reappraising the Situation and Its Impact on Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Barlett Christopher P. , Anderson Craig A.
Published: October 2011

Much work has focused on how reappraisal is related to emotions, but not behaviors. Two experiments advanced aggression theory by (a) testing how cognitive and attributional forms of reappraisal are related to aggressive affect and behavior, (b) testing variables that theoretically mediate the relation between attributional reappraisal and aggressive behavior, (c) testing the moderating influences of cognitive and attributional reappraisal on aggressive behavior, and (d) developing and testing an intervention aimed at reducing vengeance through reappraisal training. Study 1 used an essay writing task in a 3 (feedback: provocation, no feedback, praise) × 2 (mitigating information: present, absent) experimental design. Provoked participants who did not receive mitigating information were significantly more aggressive than provoked participants who received mitigating information. State vengeance was a significant mediator. Study 2 examined an experimental intervention on vengeance over a 16-week semester. Intervention participants who had the largest increase in reappraisal displayed the greatest decrease in vengeance. Overall, these findings suggest that reappraisal reduces vengeance and aggressive behavior.
Enhancing Masculinity by Slandering Homosexuals
Authors: Carnaghi Andrea , Maass Anne , Fasoli Fabio
Published: October 2011

The current studies investigate the effects of homophobic labels on the self-perception of heterosexual males, hypothesizing that when exposed to homophobic epithets, they are motivated to underline their masculinity and claim a distinctly heterosexual identity by taking distance from homosexuals and, to a lesser degree, from women. Heterosexual male participants were subliminally (Study 1) and supraliminally (Study 2) primed either by a homophobic epithet or by a category label, and completed the Traditional Beliefs About Gender and Gender Identity scale. Participants stressed their heterosexual identity, but not their gender distinctiveness, when exposed to homophobic epithets, compared to category labels. Study 2 demonstrated that the relation between the homophobic label and the participants’ heterosexual identity was mediated by how negatively they reacted to the antigay label. Heterosexual identity was enhanced in reaction to homophobic labels but not to an equally derogatory label referring to regional identity. Results are discussed within an intergroup framework.
Addressing Multidimensional Perfectionism in Gifted Adolescents with Affective Curriculum
Authors: Mofield Emily Lynne , Chakraborti-Ghosh Sumita
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the effects of an affective curriculum on multiple dimensions of perfectionism among middle school (grades 6–8) gifted students. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design was employed; all participants (N = 153) completed pre- and posttests of the Goals and Work Habits Survey. The experimental group received affective curriculum consisting of nine 45–50-minute lessons in a gifted classroom for 6 weeks. Among participants with moderate to high levels of unhealthy perfectionism, t-tests showed the experimental group reported lower scores on Concern over Mistakes than the control group. Results of paired t-tests further revealed significant decreases in Concern over Mistakes, Doubts about Actions, and Personal Standards among unhealthy perfectionists in the experimental group. Translating multidimensional perfectionism theory into classroom-based interventions was successful in helping students decrease self-critical evaluative tendencies; however, the study showed no evidence of enhancing healthy perfectionism. Future directions and recommendations are discussed.
An Examination of Selective Achievement in Gifted Males
Authors: Hébert Thomas P. , Schreiber Catherine A.
Published: October 2011

Selective achievers are intrinsically motivated individuals whose performance matches ability only in specific areas that satisfy their interests and personal goal orientations. Through a qualitative research design, this study investigated the phenomenon of selective achievement by examining the experiences of 2 gifted university males. The findings indicated that strong intrinsic motivation, combined with independence and resistance to conformity, played important roles in shaping who these young men were as gifted selective achievers. These gifted males demanded serious intellectual challenges associated with acquiring practical knowledge that could assist them in reaching their personal goals. In addition, the young men identified educators' personalities and teaching styles as critical in determining whether or not they would put forth effort. Implications of the findings are presented along with recommendations for educators, counselors, and parents struggling to understand gifted young people who are selective in their approach to academic achievement.
Developing Assessment Profiles for Mathematically Gifted Children with Learning Difficulties at Three Schools in Cambridgeshire, England
Authors: Al-Hroub Anies
Published: October 2011

This paper focuses on critical issues related to the identification of mathematically gifted children with learning difficulties (LDs). One purpose of the study is to broaden teachers' and educators' insight into the identification of gifted students with LDs, sometimes referred to as dual-exceptional children. A multiple case study approach was adopted and 5 case study profiles of mathematically gifted students with LDs in Years 4–6, ages 9 to 11 years and 5 months, were developed. An assessment plan was used to combine aspects of LDs and giftedness in an attempt to provide a multidimensional evaluation. The students received a multidimensional assessment, which indicates that psychometric test scores need to be supplemented with dynamic and informal assessments; historical data; task analysis of permanent products; and information from parents, teachers, and students.
Mathematics for Gifted Students in an Arts- and Technology-Rich Setting
Authors: Gadanidis George , Hughes Janette , Cordy Michelle
Published: October 2011

In this paper we report on a study of a short-term mathematics program for grade 7–8 gifted students that integrated open-ended mathematics tasks with the arts (poetry and drama) and with technology. The program was offered partially online and partially in a classroom setting. The study sought to investigate (a) students' perceptions of their school-based mathematics experience, (b) students' perceptions of the program we offered, and (c) students' mathematical thinking while engaged in the activities of our program. The study provides insights into the design of challenging mathematics experiences for gifted students, the integration of the arts with mathematics, and the use of technology in mathematics teaching and learning.
School Teacher Perceptions of Barriers That Limit the Participation of African American Males in Public School Gifted Programs
Authors: Hargrove Brenda H. , Seay Sandra E.
Published: October 2011

This study used data from questionnaires completed by teachers employed in North Carolina schools (N = 370) to determine if teachers felt that non-school-related or school-related factors served as barriers that limited the number of African American male children from participating in gifted programs. The majority of the teachers taught 3rd- to 5th-grade students. African American, Hispanic, and other minority teachers accounted for 29.8% of the teachers. White teachers identified barriers that were not related to school personnel, practices, or policies. Minority teachers identified both school-related and non-school-related factors as major barriers. No differences were found on barriers identified by teachers who had exposure to gifted development activities and those who did not. Recommendations for engaging teachers' commitment to African American male student learning through professional development programming are described.
Is Increased Access Enough? Advanced Placement Courses, Quality, and Success in Low-Income Urban Schools
Authors: Hallett Ronald E. , Venegas Kristan M.
Published: October 2011

This article combines descriptive statistics and interviews with college-bound high school students to explore the connection between increased access and academic quality of Advanced Placement (AP) courses in low-income urban high schools. Results suggest that although moderately more opportunities to take AP courses exist than in previous years, students' sense of their own preparation and their resultant performance on AP exams do not indicate quality or appropriate preparation for college. The article is guided by a “funds of knowledge” framework, which emphasizes the value of instrumental and content aptitudes in preparation for college success.
Fighting for Their Rights: Advocacy Experiences of Parents of Children Identified with Intellectual Giftedness
Authors: Duquette Cheryll , Orders Shari , Fullarton Stephanie , Robertson-Grewal Kristen
Published: October 2011

This research examined the advocacy experiences of 16 parents of adolescents and young adults who had been assessed as intellectually gifted. The purpose was to determine the applicability of the four dimensions of advocacy to their experiences (awareness, information seeking, presenting the case, and monitoring). Participants responded to a questionnaire and 14 also participated in individual interviews. The parents advocated individually to have their own children identified as intellectually gifted, to have them placed in specific programs, and, in the case of a dual diagnosis, to have accommodations written in the Individual Education Plans. It was also found that their experiences could be categorized according to the dimensions of advocacy and that there was a process involving a series of key events that triggered activities associated with each dimension.
The Predictive Accuracy of Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal Reasoning Tests: Consequences for Talent Identification and Program Diversity
Authors: Lakin Joni M. , Lohman David F.
Published: October 2011

Effective talent-identification procedures minimize the proportion of students whose subsequent performance indicates that they were mistakenly included in or excluded from the program. Classification errors occur when students who were predicted to excel subsequently do not excel or when students who were not predicted to excel do. Using a longitudinal sample, we assessed the accuracy of measures of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, nonverbal reasoning, and current achievement for predicting later achievement. We found that seemingly small differences in predictive validity substantially changed the number of students erroneously included or excluded from the program. Surprisingly, nonverbal tests not only led to more classification errors but also failed to identify more English language learners and minority students. To increase equity and maintain fairness, practitioners should carefully evaluate claims that scores from alternative assessments are as valid as scores from conventional ability tests and verify that the use of these tests result in greater diversity.
The Gifted and the Shadow of the Night: Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities and Their Correlation to Insomnia, Death Anxiety, and Fear of the Unknown
Authors: Harrison Gregory E. , Van Haneghan James P.
Published: October 2011

Purportedly fear of the unknown, death anxiety, and insomnia are prevalent problems among some gifted individuals. The present study tested this assertion and examined the relationship of these variables to Dabrowski's (1967) overexcitabilities. The study involved 73 gifted and 143 typical middle and high school adolescents who were given a death anxiety questionnaire, a fear of the unknown scale, an insomnia scale, and the Overexcitabilities Questionnaire II (R. F. Falk, S. Lind, N. B. Miller, M. M. Piechowski & L. K. Silverman, 1999). Gifted adolescents reported higher levels of fear of the unknown and insomnia than regular students. They also scored higher on three of Dabrowski's overexcitabilities. Higher levels of overexcitability in gifted students were associated with higher anxiety and insomnia. The results suggest that some gifted students who are experiencing overexcitabilities, insomnia, fear of the unknown, and/or death anxiety may benefit from curriculum aimed at social and emotional development, bibliotherapy, fantasy gaming, relaxation techniques, and counseling.
Hopeless Anarchy or Saving Pluralism? Reflections on Our Field in Response to Ambrose, VanTassel-Baska, Coleman, and Cross
Authors: Dai David Yun
Published: October 2011

In this response to Ambrose, VanTassel-Baska, Coleman, and Cross’s (2010) thought-provoking article on the nature and state of the field of gifted education, the author first discusses the role of disciplinary knowledge in his field. He argues that gifted education, as a normative and practical endeavor (i.e., a profession), is different from academic disciplines in research agendas and that technical rationality is not sufficient for identifying its “best practice.” The author then suggests a “flat” structure to facilitate close collaboration between theorists, researchers, and practitioners in tackling pressing problems and fashioning innovative practices. To facilitate discussion of explorations in our practice, he delineates three basic service models or paradigms in gifted education as follows: the gifted child paradigm, the talent development paradigm, and the differentiation paradigm. He proposes five criteria for assessing their strengths and potential weaknesses. Finally, he suggests that the best way of providing evidence-based best practice is through use-inspired, design studies, which not only address the question of whether a practical model works but also specify goals, assumptions, resources, processes, and constraints involved so that “how it works” is made transparent.
The Timing of Grade Skipping
Authors: Kuo Yi-Lung , Lohman David F.
Published: October 2011

The purposes of this study were to investigate the following: (a) the impact of sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family income on the likelihood of whole-grade skipping between kindergarten and Grade 7 and (b) the effects of grade skipping during elementary or middle school on students’ academic achievement in high school. The authors used the second follow-up data set from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) to identify 238 students who skipped one grade between kindergarten and Grade 7. They found that females, Whites, and high socioeconomic status students were more likely to skip early. In addition, accelerants skipping kindergarten were more likely to excel in reading and mathematics at the 12th-grade level than those skipping later in elementary and middle school.
Stereotypes of Giftedness in Current and Future Educators
Authors: Carman Carol A.
Published: October 2011

This article is a mixed-methods exploration of the levels of stereotypic views about gifted individuals held by current and future educators. Because educators are often asked to provide recommendations for participation in gifted programs, it is important to determine whether those recommendations are based, in part, on stereotypic thinking. Stereotypic views held by educators could bias the selection of participants for gifted programs, preventing students from receiving appropriate gifted educational services. Participants were volunteer undergraduate ( n = 91) and graduate ( n = 20) education majors. Qualitative and quantitative data analyses were conducted to determine both the levels of stereotypic thinking within each group as well as differences in levels of stereotypic thinking between groups. Results suggest both preservice and in-service teachers hold stereotypical thoughts about the gifted in multiple areas.
A Comparison of Learning and Study Strategies of Gifted and Average-Ability Junior High Students
Authors: Tallent-Runnels Mary K. , Olivárez Arturo , Lotven Ann C. Candler , Walsh Sharon K. , Gray Anna , Irons Tom R.
Published: October 2011

Not enough is known about whether the learning and study strategies of gifted students are adequate or how they compare to average-ability learners. Therefore, two studies were conducted to determine if gifted and average-ability junior high students differed in learning and study strategies. Results of Study One revealed several differences between gifted (n = 80) and average-ability (n = 61) seventh, eighth, and ninth graders on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory. Anxiety emerged as the variable that discriminated most between the groups with the average-ability students having more anxiety. Study Two replicated study one with ninth graders (99 gifted, 98 average-ability) taking the newer Learning and Study Strategies Inventory-High School Version and all students drawn from school settings. There were fewer differences between the two groups but significant differences did result on some of the same subtests as in Study One with anxiety again emerging as the most powerful discriminator. There were also gender differences in the second study with girls scoring higher than boys in motivation, study aids, and self-testing. Even with the differences between the ability groups, gifted students did not score above the mean on many subtests and it is recommended that both groups need explicit instruction in learning and study strategies.
Predictors of Attitudes toward Gifted Education: A Review of the Literature and a Blueprint for Future Research
Authors: Bégin Jean , Gagné Françoys
Published: October 2011

Over thirty studies have been published concerning the predictors of people's attitudes toward the education of the gifted. About 50 variables have been examined as potential sources of these individual differences. The analysis of the results of past studies forces us to conclude that not a single variable consistently emerges as a substantial explanatory factor. To explain this lack of significant results, four major problem areas are identified pertaining to the methodology of these studies: (a) the diversity of the attitude questionnaires used; (b) the size, diversity, and nonrepresentativeness of the samples used; (c) the small number of predictors introduced, as well as the diversity in their operationalization; (d) inadequacies in statistical procedures. Concrete methodological proposals are given to maximize the chances of obtaining significant and generalizable results in future studies on the subject.