bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"From User Behaviours to Collective Semantics" by Ching-man Au Yeung with Jessica Rubart as Coordinator
Authors: Yeung Ching-man Au
Published: November 2010

Ching-man Au Yeung received his PhD in Electronics and Computer Science from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom in October 2009. He worked under the supervision of Prof. Nigel Shadbolt and Dr. Nicholas Gibbins. His thesis studies how semantics of different entities on the Web can be extracted by analysing collective user behaviours, with emphasise on user activities and interactions observed in collaborative tagging systems. He is currently a research associate at the NTT Communication Science Laboratories in Kyoto, Japan. He currently works on projects related to analysis of online social networks, recommendation algorithms in trust networks, and information dissemination in collaborative writing systems such as Wikipedia. The following is an extended abstract of his PhD thesis.
A letter from the outgoing editor
Authors: Lunn Darren
Published: November 2010

Since 2008 I have had the privilege of being the editor of SIGWEB Quarterly but this Winter edition will be my last. In those two and a half years, I have had oversight of 10 editions of the newsletter, consisting of 57 articles produced by 71 different contributors. However, I leave knowing that our new editor, Jessica Rubart, will perform a sterling job as editor-in-chief and that SIGWEB Quarterly will go from strength to strength.
Content-adaptive parallax barriers
Authors: Lanman Douglas , Hirsch Matthew , Kim Yunhee , Raskar Ramesh
Published: December 2010

We optimize automultiscopic displays built by stacking a pair of modified LCD panels. To date, such dual-stacked LCDs have used heuristic parallax barriers for view-dependent imagery: the front LCD shows a fixed array of slits or pinholes, independent of the multi-view content. While prior works adapt the spacing between slits or pinholes, depending on viewer position, we show both layers can also be adapted to the multi-view content, increasing brightness and refresh rate. Unlike conventional barriers, both masks are allowed to exhibit non-binary opacities. It is shown that any 4D light field emitted by a dual-stacked LCD is the tensor product of two 2D masks. Thus, any pair of 1D masks only achieves a rank-1 approximation of a 2D light field. Temporal multiplexing of masks is shown to achieve higher-rank approximations. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) minimizes the weighted Euclidean distance between a target light field and that emitted by the display. Simulations and experiments characterize the resultingcontent-adaptive parallax barriersfor low-rank light field approximation.
A practical appearance model for dynamic facial color
Authors: Jimenez Jorge , Scully Timothy , Barbosa Nuno , Donner Craig , Alvarez Xenxo , Vieira Teresa , Matts Paul , Orvalho Verónica , Gutierrez Diego , Weyrich Tim
Published: December 2010

Facial appearance depends on both the physical and physiological state of the skin. As people move, talk, undergo stress, and change expression, skin appearance is in constant flux. One of the key indicators of these changes is thecolorof skin. Skin color is determined by scattering and absorption of light within the skin layers, caused mostly by concentrations of two chromophores, melanin and hemoglobin. In this paper we present a real-time dynamic appearance model of skin built fromin vivomeasurements of melanin and hemoglobin concentrations. We demonstrate an efficient implementation of our method, and show that it adds negligible overhead to existing animation and rendering pipelines. Additionally, we develop a realistic, intuitive, and automatic control for skin color, which we term askin appearance rig.This rig can easily be coupled with a traditional geometric facial animation rig. We demonstrate our method by augmenting digital facial performance with realistic appearance changes.
Consistent normal interpolation
Authors: Reshetov Alexander , Soupikov Alexei , Mark William R.
Published: December 2010

Rendering a polygonal surface with Phong normal interpolation allows shading to appear as it would for a true curved surface while maintaining the efficiency and simplicity of coarse polygonal geometry. However, this approximation fails in certain situations, especially for grazing viewing directions. Well-known problems include physically impossible reflections and implausible illumination. Some of these artifacts can be mitigated through special-case processing, although no universal or generally accepted approaches are available. In particular, all known solutions that guarantee that reflected rays will always point outward from the surface also create discontinuities in the reflection ray direction.

We present a simple modification of Phong normal interpolation that allows physically plausible reflections and creates an appearance of a smooth surface. We introduce an additional scalar parameter that characterizes the deviation between per-vertex normals and per face normals and use it to adjust linearly interpolated normals. The proposed technique eliminates perceptually objectionable artifacts caused by inconsistencies between the shading and geometric normals while retaining most of the practical advantages and simplicity of the original Phong formulation.
Video quality assessment for computer graphics applications
Authors: Aydin Tunç Ozan , Čadík Martin , Myszkowski Karol , Seidel Hans-Peter
Published: December 2010

Numerous current Computer Graphics methods produce video sequences as their outcome. The merit of these methods is often judged by assessing the quality of a set of results through lengthy user studies. We present a full-reference video quality metric geared specifically towards the requirements of Computer Graphics applications as a faster computational alternative to subjective evaluation. Our metric can compare a video pair with arbitrary dynamic ranges, and comprises a human visual system model for a wide range of luminance levels, that predicts distortion visibility through models of luminance adaptation, spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity and visual masking. We present applications of the proposed metric to quality prediction of HDR video compression and temporal tone mapping, comparison of different rendering approaches and qualities, and assessing the impact of variable frame rate to perceived quality.
Transient reduction of placental angiogenesis in PAI-1-deficient mice
Authors: Labied Soraya , Blacher Silvia , Carmeliet Peter , Noël Agnès , Frankenne Francis , Foidart Jean-Michel , Munaut Carine
Published: December 2010

Murine placentation is associated with the invasion of maternal endometrium by trophoblasts and an extensive maternal and fetal angiogenesis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is transiently produced by spongiotrophoblasts and trophoblast giant cells at 10.5–11.5 days postcoitum (dpc). Knowing the key contribution of PAI-1 in the regulation of angiogenesis, we have now analyzed the consequence of PAI-1 deficiency on murine placentation. Morphological and quantitative computer-assisted image analysis revealed abnormal placental morphology in PAI-1−/− mice at 10.5 and 12.5 dpc. At 10.5 dpc, the genetic ablation of PAI-1 resulted in a transient reduction of both maternal and fetal vascularizations in the placenta and increased trophoblast cell density. This was associated with a poorer development of the labyrinth and an extension of the decidua. A larger spongiotrophoblast layer appeared at 12.5 dpc in PAI-1-deficient mice. Placental morphology was normalized at 14.5 dpc. Microarray analyses performed on laser capture microdissected labyrinths revealed that 46 genes were differentially expressed between the two genotypes at 10.5 dpc. However, only 11 genes were still differently modulated at 14.5 dpc, when normalization of placental morphology had taken place. This transcriptomic profiling highlighted a dysregulation in the expression of placenta-related cathepsin family members. Altogether our data provide evidence for a transient impaired placental morphology in PAI-1-deficient mice that is then normalized, leading to normal embryonic development.
On the Stability Property of the Infection‐Free Equilibrium of a Viral Infection Model
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Chen Fengde , Su Qianqian , Zhang Na
Published: November 2010

The dynamics of a viral infection model with nonautonomous lytic immune response is studied from the perspective of dying out of the disease. With the
help of the theory of exponential dichotomy of linear systems, we give a new proof
about the global asymptotic stability of the infection‐free equilibrium for the case
R0 = 1. The result improves and complements one of the results of Wang et al. (2006).
Vertical MEMS Resonators for Real-Time Clock Applications
Authors: Pomarico A. , Morea A. , Flora P. , Roselli G. , Lasalandra E.
Published: December 2010

MEMS resonators are today widely investigated as a desirable alternative to quartz resonators in real-time clock applications, because of their low-cost, integration capability properties. Nevertheless, MEMS resonators performances are still not competitive, especially in terms of frequency stability and device equivalent resistance (and, then, power consumption). We propose a new structure for a MEMS resonator, with a vertical-like transduction mechanism, which exhibits promising features. The vertical resonator can be fabricated with the low-cost, high performance THELMA technology, and it is designed to be efficiently frequency tunable. With respect to the commonly investigated lateral resonators, it is expected to have lower equivalent resistances and improved large-scale repeatability characteristics.
Priapism in Sickle Cell Anemia: Emerging Mechanistic Understanding and Better Preventative Strategies
Authors: Crane Genevieve M. , Bennett Nelson E.
Published: November 2010

Sickle cell anemia is a common and disabling disorder profoundly affecting mortality as well as quality of life. Up to 35% of men with sickle cell disease are affected by painful, prolonged erections termed ischemic priapism. A priapic episode may result in fibrosis and permanent erectile dysfunction. The severity of sickle cell disease manifestations is variable dependent on a number of contributing genetic factors; however, priapism tends to cluster with other severe vascular complications including pulmonary hypertension, leg ulceration, and overall risk of death. The mechanisms underlying priapism in sickle cell disease have begun to be elucidated including hemolysis-mediated dysregulation of the nitric oxide signaling pathway and dysregulation of adenosine-mediated vasodilation. A better understanding of these mechanisms is leading toward novel preventative strategies. This paper will focus on the mechanisms underlying development of ischemic priapism in sickle cell disease, current acute and preventative treatment strategies, and future directions for improved management of this disorder.
TC-99m HMPAO Brain Blood Flow Imaging in the Dementias with Histopathologic Correlation in 73 Patients
Authors: Bonte Frederick J. , Hynan Linda , Harris Thomas S. , White Charles L.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study is to determine the value of Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT in the diagnosis of the dementias. Tc-99m HMPAO was used with a 3-camera scanner to produce 5 sets of sectional images of the brain. Images were further processed using Statistical Parametric Mapping. Diagnosis was made by a physician blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Results in 73 subjects were compared with a neuropathologic study of the brain at autopsy. Data were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy. These results are compared with several other studies performed with Tc-99m HMPAO SPECT with histopathologic correlation. This procedure is widely available and relatively inexpensive and may be of value in patients with dementias and problematic diagnoses. Further, a degree of differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal diseases may be effected. The study was approved by our Institutional Review Board.
The Role of Wild-Type p53 in Cisplatin-Induced Chk2 Phosphorylation and the Inhibition of Platinum Resistance with a Chk2 Inhibitor
Authors: Liang Xiaobing , Guo Yi , Figg William Douglas , Fojo Antonio Tito , Mueller Michael D. , Yu Jing Jie
Published: December 2010

The major obstacle in platinum chemotherapy is the repair of platinum-damaged DNA that results in increased resistance, reduced apoptosis, and finally treatment failure. Our research goal is to determine and block the mechanisms of platinum resistance. Our recent studies demonstrate that several kinases in the DNA-repair pathway are activated after cells are exposed to cisplatin. These include ATM, p53, and Chk2. The increased Chk2 phosphorylation is modulated by p53 in a wild-type p53 model. Overexpression of p53 by cDNA transfection in wt-p53 (but not p53 deficient) cells doubled the amount of Chk2 phosphorylation 48 hours after cisplatin treatment. p53 knockdown by specific siRNA greatly reduced Chk2 phosphorylation. We conclude that wild-type p53, in response to cisplatin stimulation, plays a role in the upstream regulation of Chk2 phosphorylation at Thr-68. Cells without normal p53 function survive via an alternative pathway in response to the exogenous influence of cisplatin. We strongly suggest that it is very important to include the p53 mutational status in any p53 involved studies due to the functional differentiation of wt p53 and p53 mutant. Inhibition of Chk2 pathway with a Chk2 inhibitor (C3742) increased cisplatin efficacy, especially those with defective p53. Our findings suggest that inhibition of platinum resistance can be achieved with a small-molecule inhibitor of Chk2, thus improving the therapeutic indices for platinum chemotherapy.
The Absence of the Verumontanum at Voiding Cystourethrography as a Sign of Prostate Maldevelopment
Authors: Valentini A. L. , Ferrara P. , Manzoni C. , Mancini A. P. , Pulitanò S. , Bonomo L.
Published: November 2010

Prostate maldevelopment in prune-belly syndrome has only been described at necropsy. No reports are available in the “in vivo” studies. The absence of the verumontanum at voiding cystourethrography correlates with verumontanum and prostate hypoplasia. This radiographic sign can represent the earliest finding in prostate maldevelopment and might contribute to the “in vivo” assessment of the disease, especially in doubtful cases.
Genetic Variants in MicroRNA Biosynthesis Pathways and Binding Sites Modify Ovarian Cancer Risk, Survival, and Treatment Response
Authors: Liang Dong , Meyer Larissa , Chang David W. , Lin Jie , Pu Xia , Ye Yuanqing , Gu Jian , Wu Xifeng , Lu Karen
Published: December 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play important roles in tumorigenesis. Genetic variations in miRNA processing genes and miRNA binding sites may affect the biogenesis of miRNA and the regulatory effect of miRNAs to their target genes, hence promoting tumorigenesis. This study analyzed 226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in miRNA processing genes and miRNA binding sites in 339 ovarian cancer cases and 349 healthy controls to assess association with cancer risk, overall survival, and treatment response. Thirteen polymorphisms were found to have significant association with risk. The most significant were 2 linked SNPs (r2 = 0.99), rs2740351 and rs7813 in GEMIN4 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57–0.87 and OR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57–0.88, respectively]. Unfavorable genotype analysis showed the cumulative effect of these 13 SNPs on risk (P for trend < 0.0001). Potential higher order gene–gene interactions were identified, which categorized patients into different risk groups according to their genotypic signatures. In the clinical outcome study, 24 SNPs exhibited significant association with overall survival and 17 SNPs with treatment response. Notably, patients carrying a rare homozygous genotype of rs1425486 in PDGFC had poorer overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.69; 95% CI, 1.67–4.33] and worse treatment response (OR = 3.38; 95% CI, 1.39–8.19), compared to carriers of common homozygous and heterozygous genotypes. Unfavorable genotype analyses also showed a strong gene-dosage effect with decreased survival and increased risk of treatment nonresponse in patients with greater number of unfavorable genotypes (P for trend < 0.0001). Taken together, miRNA-related genetic polymorphisms may impact ovarian cancer predisposition and clinical outcome both individually and jointly. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9765–76. ©2010 AACR.
Sp100 as a Potent Tumor Suppressor: Accelerated Senescence and Rapid Malignant Transformation of Human Fibroblasts through Modulation of an Embryonic Stem Cell Program
Authors: Negorev Dmitri G. , Vladimirova Olga V. , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Nikonova Elena V. , Demarest Renee M. , Capobianco Anthony J. , Showe Michael K. , Rauscher Frank J. , Showe Louise C. , Maul Gerd G.
Published: December 2010

Identifying the functions of proteins, which associate with specific subnuclear structures, is critical to understanding eukaryotic nuclear dynamics. Sp100 is a prototypical protein of ND10/PML nuclear bodies, which colocalizes with Daxx and the proto-oncogenic PML. Sp100 isoforms contain SAND, PHD, Bromo, and HMG domains and are highly sumoylated, all characteristics suggestive of a role in chromatin-mediated gene regulation. A role for Sp100 in oncogenesis has not been defined previously. Using selective Sp100 isoform-knockdown approaches, we show that normal human diploid fibroblasts with reduced Sp100 levels rapidly senesce. Subsequently, small rapidly dividing Sp100 minus cells emerge from the senescing fibroblasts and are found to be highly tumorigenic in nude mice. The derivation of these tumorigenic cells from the parental fibroblasts is confirmed by microsatellite analysis. The small rapidly dividing Sp100 minus cells now also lack ND10/PML bodies, and exhibit genomic instability and p53 cytoplasmic sequestration. They have also activated MYC, RAS, and TERT pathways and express mesenchymal to epithelial transdifferentiation (MET) markers. Reintroduction of expression of only the Sp100A isoform is sufficient to maintain senescence and to inhibit emergence of the highly tumorigenic cells. Global transcriptome studies, quantitative PCR, and protein studies, as well as immunolocalization studies during the course of the transformation, reveal that a transient expression of stem cell markers precedes the malignant transformation. These results identify a role for Sp100 as a tumor suppressor in addition to its role in maintaining ND10/PML bodies and in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9991–10001. ©2010 AACR.
Genome-Wide Interrogation IdentifiesYAP1Variants Associated with Survival of Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Wu Chen , Xu Binghe , Yuan Peng , Miao Xiaoping , Liu Yu , Guan Yin , Yu Dianke , Xu Jian , Zhang Tongwen , Shen Hongbing , Wu Tangchun , Lin Dongxin
Published: December 2010

Although most patients with small-cell lung cancer respond to chemotherapy, the survival time is highly diverse. We conducted a genome-wide analysis to examine whether germline genetic variations are prognostic factors in small-cell lung cancer patients treated with the same chemotherapy regimen. Genome-wide scan of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) was performed using blood DNA to identify genotypes associated with overall survival in 245 patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, and the results were replicated in another independent set of 305 patients. Associations were estimated by Cox models and function of the variants was examined by biochemical assays. We found that rs1820453 T>G SNP within the promoter region of YAP1 on chromosome 11q22 and rs716274 A>G SNP in the region of downstream of DYNC2H1 on chromosome 11q22.3 are associated with small-cell lung cancer survival. In pooled analysis of 2 independent cohorts, the adjusted hazard ratio for patients with the rs1820453 TG or GG genotype was 1.49 (95% CI, 1.19–1.85; P = 0.0004) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.36–2.01; P = 4.76 × 10−7), respectively, compared with the TT genotype; and for patients with the rs716274 AG or GG genotype was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.47–2.29; P = 8.74 × 10−8) and 2.96 (95% CI, 1.90–4.62; P = 1.59 × 10−6), respectively, compared with the AA genotype. Functional analysis showed that the rs1820453 T>G change creates a transcriptional factor binding site and results in downregulation of YAP1 expression. These results suggest that YAP1 may play an important role in prognosis of small-cell lung cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9721–9. ©2010 AACR.
MicroRNA miR-183 Functions as an Oncogene by Targeting the Transcription FactorEGR1and Promoting Tumor Cell Migration
Authors: Sarver Aaron L. , Li Lihua , Subramanian Subbaya
Published: December 2010

The transcription factor EGR1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated in many cancer types. Clinically, loss of EGR1 translates to increased tumor transformation and subsequent patient morbidity and mortality. In synovial sarcoma, the SS18-SSX fusion protein represses EGR1 expression through a direct association with the EGR1 promoter. However, the mechanism through which EGR1 becomes downregulated in other tumor types is unclear. Here, we report that EGR1 is regulated by microRNA (miR)-183 in multiple tumor types including synovial sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and colon cancer. Using an integrative network analysis, we identified that miR-183 is significantly overexpressed in these tumor types as well as in corresponding tumor cell lines. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that miR-183 could target EGR1 mRNA and this specific interaction was validated in vitro. miR-183 knockdown in synovial sarcoma, RMS, and colon cancer cell lines revealed deregulation of a miRNA network composed of miR-183–EGR1–PTEN in these tumors. Integrated miRNA- and mRNA-based genomic analyses indicated that miR-183 is an important contributor to cell migration in these tumor types and this result was functionally validated to be occurring via an EGR1-based mechanism. In conclusion, our findings have significant implications in the mechanisms underlying EGR1 regulation in cancers. miR-183 has a potential oncogenic role through the regulation of 2 tumor suppressor genes, EGR1 and PTEN, and the deregulation of this fundamental miRNA regulatory network may be central to many tumor types. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9570–80. ©2010 AACR.
Phase 1 Study of Valproic Acid in Pediatric Patients with Refractory Solid or CNS Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Report
Authors: Su Jack M. , Li Xiao-Nan , Thompson Patrick , Ou Ching-Nan , Ingle Ashish M. , Russell Heidi , Lau Ching C. , Adamson Peter C. , Blaney Susan M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: The primary purpose of this trial was to define and describe the toxicities of oral valproic acid (VPA) at doses required to maintain trough concentrations of 100 to 150 mcg/mL or 150 to 200 mcg/mL in children with refractory solid or central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Secondary objectives included assessment of free and total VPA pharmacokinetics (PKs) and histone acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at steady state.

Patients and Methods: Oral VPA, initially administered twice daily and subsequently three times daily, was continued without interruption to maintain trough concentrations of 100 to 150 mcg/mL. First-dose and steady-state PKs were studied. Histone H3 and H4 acetylation in PBMCs was evaluated using an ELISA technique.

Results: Twenty-six children, sixteen of whom were evaluable for toxicity, were enrolled. Dose-limiting somnolence and intratumoral hemorrhage were associated with VPA troughs of 100 to 150 mcg/mL. Therefore, the final cohort of six children received VPA to maintain troughs of 75 to 100 mcg/mL and did not experience any dose-limiting toxicity. First-dose and steady-state VPA PK parameters were similar to values previously reported in children with seizures. Increased PBMC histone acetylation was documented in 50% of patients studied. One confirmed partial response (glioblastoma multiforme) and one minor response (brainstem glioma) were observed.

Conclusions: VPA administered three times daily to maintain trough concentrations of 75 to 100 mcg/mL was well tolerated in children with refractory solid or CNS tumors. Histone hyperacetylation in PBMCs was observed in half of the patients at steady state. Future trials combining VPA with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy should be considered, especially for CNS tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(3); 589–97. ©2010 AACR.
Direct Hemoperfusion Using Immobilized Polymyxin B in Patients with Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Pneumonias: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hara Shintaro , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Sakamoto Noriho , Mukae Hiroshi , Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Ishimatsu Yuji , Mine Mariko , Kohno Shigeru
Published: December 2010

Background: Rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia (IP), including acute exacerbation of IP, has a high mortality rate. Direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP) was recently identified as an effective treatment for sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, little is known about the effectiveness of PMX-DHP for rapidly progressive IP. Objectives: The present study investigates whether PMX-DHP is safe and effective against rapidly progressive IP. Methods: We retrospectively examined the effects of PMX-DHP in 33 consecutive patients with rapidly progressive IP who were resistant to steroid pulse therapy. Patients were hospitalized at Nagasaki University Hospital between 2006 and 2009. Results: Seventy-two hours after PMX-DHP, the arterial oxygen tension/inspiratory oxygen fraction ratio (median 127–153 mm Hg) had significantly improved. One week after PMX-DHP, the arterial oxygen tension/inspiratory oxygen fraction ratio (median 127–227 mm Hg), the alveolar-arterial difference of oxygen (median 371–177 mm Hg) and the number of positive criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome had significantly improved, despite the ineffectiveness of corticosteroid pulse therapy. The serum level of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 was significantly decreased immediately after PMX-DHP. Conclusions: PMX-DHP was safe and effective in improving oxygenation and systemic inflammatory response syndromein patients with rapidly progressive IP. The beneficialeffects of PMX-DHP may be at least partially due to the inhibition of monocyte activation.
Habitual Physical Exercise Improves Macrophage IL-6 and TNF-α Deregulated Release in the Obese Zucker Rat Model of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Martín-Cordero Leticia , García Juan José , Hinchado María Dolores , Bote Elena , Manso Rafael , Ortega Eduardo
Published: November 2010

Objectives: The first objective was to evaluate whether the metabolic syndrome (MS) involves deregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 release by non-infiltrated peritoneal macrophages, using obese Zucker rats as the experimental model of MS and lean Zucker rats as a reference for healthy control values. The second purpose was to evaluate in the obese rats the effects of habitual exercise and of a bout of acute exercise on the observed MS-associated deregulation in the release of TNF-α and IL-6 by peritoneal macrophages. Methods: The habitual exercise consisted of treadmill running: 5 days/week for 14 weeks and 35 cm/s for 35 min in the last month. The acute exercise consisted of a single session of 25–35 min at 35 cm/s. The constitutive or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of TNF-α and IL-6 by cultured (24 h, 5% CO2, 100% relative humidity) peritoneal macrophages was determined by ELISA. Results: Macrophages from the obese rats released more IL-6 than those from the lean healthy rats, both spontaneously and after LPS stimulation. However, both spontaneous and LPS-induced release of TNF-α was lower in the obese rats. This deregulated balance in the release of IL-6 and TNF-α in the obese rats was clearly improved following adherence to the program of habitual exercise, reflected by a decrease in the spontaneous release of IL-6 together with a better regulation between the spontaneous and LPS-induced release of TNF-α, approaching the behavior of the lean healthy rats. In addition, an acute bout of exercise decreased the spontaneous release of IL-6 and increased the spontaneous release of TNF-α in the sedentary, but not in the exercise-adapted obese rats. Conclusion: MS involves a deregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 release by non-infiltrated peritoneal macrophages, which is improved by habitual physical activity.
Impact of Global Ocean Surface Warming on Seasonal-to-Interannual Climate Prediction
Authors: Luo Jing-Jia , Behera Swadhin K. , Masumoto Yukio , Yamagata Toshio
Published: November 2010

Surface air temperature (SAT) over the globe, particularly the Northern Hemisphere continents, has rapidly risen over the last 2–3 decades, leading to an abrupt shift toward a warmer climate state after 1997/98. Whether the terrestrial warming might be caused by local response to increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations or by sea surface temperature (SST) rise is recently in dispute. The SST warming itself may be driven by both the increasing GHG forcing and slowly varying natural processes. Besides, whether the recent global warming might affect seasonal-to-interannual climate predictability is an important issue to be explored. Based on the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) climate prediction system in which only observed SSTs are assimilated for coupled model initialization, the present study shows that the historical SST rise plays a key role in driving the intensified terrestrial warming over the globe. The SST warming trend, while negligible for short lead predictions, has substantial impact on the climate predictability at long lead times (>1 yr) particularly in the extratropics. The tropical climate predictability, however, is little influenced by global warming. Given a perfect warming trend and/or a perfect model, global SAT and precipitation could be predicted beyond two years in advance with an anomaly correlation skill above ∼0.6.

Without assimilating ocean subsurface observations, model initial conditions show a strong spurious cooling drift of subsurface temperature; this is caused by large negative surface heat flux damping arising from the SST-nudging initialization. The spurious subsurface cooling drift acts to weaken the initial SST warming trend during model forecasts, leading to even negative trends of global SAT and precipitation at long lead times and hence deteriorating the global climate predictability. Concerning the important influence of the subsurface temperature on the global SAT trend, future efforts are required to develop a good scheme for assimilating subsurface information particularly in the extratropical oceans.
Water Storage, Net Precipitation, and Evapotranspiration in the Mackenzie River Basin from October 2002 to September 2009 Inferred from GRACE Satellite Gravity Data
Authors: Morrow E. , Mitrovica J. X. , Fotopoulos G.
Published: November 2010

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite gravity data are used to determine the variability of terrestrial water storage within the Mackenzie River basin from October 2002 to September 2009. During that period, it is estimated that there is no significant (7 yr) linear trend in the water storage after having accounted for postglacial rebound using the ICE-5G (VM2) ice sheet and Earth viscosity model. Errors in this model may alter this conclusion. The GRACE gravity data are also combined with precipitation and river discharge datasets to estimate trends in net precipitation and evapotranspiration in the basin. Net precipitation is seen to have a significant trend with a corresponding increase in river discharge. Evapotranspiration was found to be constant over the study period.
A Cross-Cultural Investigation of Men’s Judgments of Female Body Weight in Britain and Indonesia
Authors: Swami Viren , Henderson Grant , Custance Deborah , Tovée Martin J.
Published: December 2010

Forty-seven men in Bali, Lombok, and Britain, respectively, were asked to rate a series of female images varying in body size for attractiveness. Between-group analyses indicated that participants in Lombok rated a heavier female figure as attractive compared with participants in Bali and Britain. In addition, participants in Bali and Lombok rated a wider range of figures as attractive compared with Britons. Results are discussed in relation to the globalization of the thin ideal.
The Influence of Youth Music Television Viewership on Changes in Cigarette Use and Association With Smoking Peers: A Social Identity, Reinforcing Spirals Perspective
Authors: Slater Michael D. , Hayes Andrew F.
Published: December 2010

Prior research has found strong evidence of a prospective association between R-rated movie exposure and teen smoking. Using parallel process latent-growth modeling, the present study examines prospective associations between viewing of music video channels on television (e.g., MTV and VH-1) and changes over time in smoking and association with smoking peers. Results showed that baseline viewing of music-oriented channels such as MTV and VH-1 robustly predicted increasing trajectories of smoking and of associating with smoking peers, even after application of a variety of controls including parent reports of monitoring behavior. These results are consistent with the arguments from the reinforcing spirals model that such media use serves as a means of developing emergent adolescent social identities consistent with associating with smoking peers and acquiring smoking and other risk behaviors; evidence also suggests that media choice in reinforcing spiral processes are dynamic and evolve as social identity evolves.
Interleukin-6 in Surgery, Trauma, and Critical Care Part II: Clinical Implications
Authors: Jawa Randeep S. , Anillo Sergio , Huntoon Kristin , Baumann Heinz , Kulaylat Mahmoud
Published: December 2010

A variety of cytokines play a role in the inflammatory response. Interleukin-6 (IL-6)-type cytokines are released in response to tissue injury or an inflammatory stimulus, and act locally and systemically to generate a variety of physiologic responses. Interleukin-6 concentrations are elevated after surgery, trauma, and critical illness. The magnitude of IL-6 elevation correlates with the extent of tissue trauma/injury severity. Furthermore, there is an association between IL-6 elevation and adverse outcome. Interleukin-6 levels can also be used to stratify patients for therapeutic intervention.
A Prospective Mediational Model of Sexual Aggression Among College Men
Authors: Thompson Martie P. , Koss Mary P. , Kingree J.B. , Goree Jennifer , Rice John
Published: December 2010

Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the authors examined prospective associations of attitudes, norms, and control with sexual aggression (SA) perpetration 1 year later among male college students. Data were collected from 652 males via confidential, self-report surveys at the end of their 1st and 2nd years in college. Results indicated that attitudes conducive to SA and perceived norms supportive of SA were associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in SA 1 year later, and mediated the associations of some established risk factors for SA. The findings identify potentially changeable risk factors for perpetrating SA and can thus contribute to the foundation on which to build theoretical and empirically based prevention programs.
“A Rose is a Rose”
Authors: Meadow Tey
Published: December 2010

Gender is perhaps the most pervasive, fundamental, and universally accepted way we separate and categorize human beings. Yet in recent years, U.S. courts and administrative state agencies have confronted a growing challenge from individuals demanding to have their gender reclassified. Transgender people create a profound category crisis for social institutions built on the idea that biological sex is both immutable and dichotomous. During the past four decades, the central legal question shifted from how to allocate specific individuals to categories to the permeability of gender categories themselves. This analysis of 38 judicial gender determinations provides a glimpse of the literal construction of the gender order and of the ways institutions gender individuals. It also provides powerful evidence that cultural anxieties about reproduction and the heterosexual, conjugal family underscore institutional efforts to manage the uncertainty of postmodern gender identities.
Evaluation and Management of Shock States
Authors: Moranville Michael P. , Mieure Katherine D. , Santayana Elena M.
Published: December 2010

Shock states have multiple etiologies, but all result in hypoperfusion to vital organs, which can lead to organ failure and death if not quickly and appropriately managed. Pharmacists should be familiar with cardiogenic, distributive, and hypovolemic shock and should be involved in providing safe and effective medical therapies. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to initiate appropriate lifesaving interventions and target therapeutic goals specific to the type of shock. Clinical signs and symptoms, as well as hemodynamic data, help with initial assessment and continued monitoring to provide adequate support for the patient. It is necessary to understand these hemodynamic parameters, medication mechanisms of action, and available mechanical support when developing a patient-specific treatment plan. Rapid therapeutic intervention has been proven to decrease morbidity and mortality and is crucial to providing the best patient outcomes. Pharmacists can provide their expertise in medication selection, titration, monitoring, and dose adjustment in these critically ill patients. This review will focus on parameters used to assess hemodynamic status, the major causes of shock, pathophysiologic factors that cause shock, and therapeutic interventions that should be employed to improve patient outcomes.
Design of Multi-phase Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Luo Zhen , Gao Wei , Song Chongmin
Published: December 2010

A new multi-objective topology optimization method is proposed in this study for systematic design of multi-phase piezoelectric actuators. The actuator under consideration is composed of a compliant host structure equipped with piezoelectric elements, where the host structure serves as a compliant amplifier to enlarge the small stroke output generated by the actuation force of piezoelectric materials. In the context of optimal design of smart actuators, however, most up-to-date approaches are either to optimize only the host passive structure with pre-determined piezoelectric stacks or to optimize the piezoelectric actuator with pre-known structure, both of which restricts the overall performance of multi-material actuators. To capture the inherent multi-criteria characteristic of compliant actuators, this study proposes a new multi-objective topology optimization formulation to consider both the structural stiffness and mechanical flexibility of the actuation system via the physical programming. A SIMP-based interpolation scheme is applied to describe practical material properties of any points in the orthotropic design domain. The design problem of the actuator is thus transformed to a numerical process of distributing multiple materials iteratively in the design domain until both the host structure and piezoelectric material elements are optimized. Two typical numerical examples are applied to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in the design of in-plane actuation devices.
Review: Interplay of Iron Metallobiology, Metalloproteinases, and FXIII, and Role of Their Gene Variants in Venous Leg Ulcer
Authors: Singh Ajay V , Subhashree L. , Milani Paolo , Gemmati Donato , Zamboni Paolo
Published: December 2010

The iron metallobiology has long been suspected as a causal agent in venous leg ulcer (VLU) pathophysiology. However, it was demonstrated only recently that visible iron deposits cause lesions in only some individuals due to functional iron and related gene variants. In this article, the mechanism by which dysregulated iron cycle leads to local iron overload that could generate free radicals or activate a proteolytic hyperactivity on the part of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or else downregulate tissue inhibitors of MMPs is reviewed. Also reviewed is the interplay of other vital factors such as coagulation factor XIII (FXIII), which influences tissue remodeling and angiogenesis, leading to impaired healing of the lesion, whether there exists altered interaction with MMPs or in presence of particular unfavorable single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Widening or Reducing the Knowledge Gap? Testing the Media Effects on Political Knowledge in Spain (2004-2006)
Authors: Fraile Marta
Published: December 2010

This article analyzes the media effects on political knowledge after controlling for the most common factors (motivation, ability, and opportunities) in Spain. In addition, it explores whether the media contribute to increasing the existent knowledge gap in the Spanish polity. The results show that only one medium appears to have significant effects on knowledge: newspapers. An additional finding is that exposure to political information in newspapers does not reinforce the knowledge gap between different socioeconomic groups. Moreover, the relationship between education and knowledge appears to be weaker among heavy newspaper users than among light newspaper users. Interestingly, this result runs contrary to that predicted by the knowledge gap hypothesis and suggests that political institutions should promote increased access to the press for poorly educated citizens, particularly in countries where there is an extremely polarized media system, with a clear political alignment of the main media holdings, such as the case of Spain.
The tumor suppressor gene WWOX links the canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathways in HTLV-I Tax-mediated tumorigenesis
Authors: Fu Jing , Qu Zhaoxia , Yan Pengrong , Ishikawa Chie , Aqeilan Rami I. , Rabson Arnold B. , Xiao Gutian
Published: November 2010

Both the canonical and noncanonical nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathways have been linked to tumorigenesis. However, it remains unknown whether and how the 2 signaling pathways cooperate during tumorigenesis. We report that inhibition of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway significantly delays tumorigenesis mediated by the viral oncoprotein Tax. One function of noncanonical NF-κB activation was to repress expression of the WWOX tumor suppressor gene. Notably, WWOX specifically inhibited Tax-induced activation of the canonical, but not the noncanonical NF-κB pathway. Mechanistic studies indicated that WWOX blocked Tax-induced inhibitors of κB kinaseα (IKKα) recruitment to RelA and subsequent RelA phosphorylation at S536. In contrast, WWOX Y33R, a mutant unable to block the IKKα recruitment and RelA phosphorylation, lost the ability to inhibit Tax-mediated tumorigenesis. These data provide one important mechanism by which Tax coordinates the 2 NF-κB pathways for tumorigenesis. These data also suggest a novel role of WWOX in NF-κB regulation and viral tumorigenesis.
CCL3 (MIP-1α) plasma levels and the risk for disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Sivina Mariela , Hartmann Elena , Kipps Thomas J. , Rassenti Laura , Krupnik Diana , Lerner Susan , LaPushin Ruth , Xiao Lianchun , Huang Xuelin , Werner Lillian , Neuberg Donna , Kantarjian Hagop , O'Brien Susan , Wierda William G. , Keating Michael J. , Rosenwald Andreas , Burger Jan A.
Published: November 2010

B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling has been inferred as an important mechanism for disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other B-cell malignancies. In response to BCR activation, CLL cells secrete the chemokine CCL3, which fosters interactions between CLL cells and the leukemia microenvironment. CCL3 secretion correlates with expression of the 70-kDa ζ-associated protein (ZAP-70) and responsiveness of the CLL clone to BCR stimulation. Here, we measured CCL3 plasma levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 351 CLL patients and examined CCL3 levels for associations with established prognostic markers and time from diagnosis to initial therapy. We found that CCL3 plasma concentrations were strongly associated with established prognostic markers. In a Cox proportional hazards regression model, CCL3 as well as established prognostic markers (immunoglobulin heavy chain variable-region mutation status, CD38 or ZAP-70 cytogenetics, clinical stage) were significantly associated with time to treatment. Multivariable analysis revealed that CCL3 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33, P < .0001), advanced clinical stage (HR = 2.75, P = .0025), poor risk cytogenetics (del 17p, HR = 2.38; del11q, HR = 2.36, P = .001), and CD38 expression (HR = 1.43, P = .023) were independent prognostic markers. Collectively, CCL3 is a novel, robust, and independent prognostic marker in CLL that can easily and reliably be measured by ELISA. CCL3 therefore should become useful for risk assessment in patients with CLL.
Efficacy of L-asparaginase with methotrexate and dexamethasone (AspaMetDex regimen) in patients with refractory or relapsing extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, a phase 2 study
Authors: Jaccard Arnaud , Gachard Nathalie , Marin Benoit , Rogez Sylvie , Audrain Marie , Suarez Felipe , Tilly Hervé , Morschhauser Franck , Thieblemont Catherine , Ysebaert Loic , Devidas Alain , Petit Barbara , de Leval Laurence , Gaulard Philippe , Feuillard Jean , Bordessoule Dominique , Hermine Olivier ,   for the GELA and GOELAMS Intergroup
Published: December 2010

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a rare and highly aggressive disease with a grim prognosis. No therapeutic strategy is currently identified in relapsing patients. We report the results of a French prospective phase II trial of an L-asparaginase-containing regimen in 19 patients with relapsed or refractory disease treated in 13 centers. Eleven patients were in relapse and 8 patients were refractory to their first line of treatment. L-Asparaginase–based treatment yielded objective responses in 14 of the 18 evaluable patients after 3 cycles. Eleven patients entered complete remission (61%), and only 4 of them relapsed. The median overall survival time was 1 year, with a median response duration of 12 months. The main adverse events were hepatitis, cytopenia, and allergy. The absence of antiasparaginase antibodies and the disappearance of Epstein-Barr virus serum DNA were significantly associated with a better outcome. These data confirm the excellent activity of L-asparaginase–containing regimens in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. L-Asparaginase–based treatment should thus be considered for salvage therapy, especially in patients with disseminated disease. First-line L-asparaginase combination therapy for extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma warrants evaluation in prospective trials. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00283985.