bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Parametric Iteration Method for Solving Multispecies Lotka‐Volterra Equations
Authors: Marinca Vasile , Herişanu Nicolae
Published: February 2012

We apply an analytical method called the Optimal Parametric Iteration Method (OPIM) to multispecies Lotka‐Volterra equations. By using initial values, accurate explicit analytic solutions have been derived. The method does not depend upon small parameters and provides us with a convenient way to optimally control the convergence of the approximate solutions. An excellent agreement has been demonstrated between the obtained solutions and the numerical ones. This new approach, which can be easily applied to other strongly nonlinear problems, is very effective and yields very accurate results.
Candidates Cell Sources to Regenerate Alveolar Bone from Oral Tissue
Authors: Nishimura Masahiro , Takase Kazuma , Suehiro Fumio , Murata Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Most of the cases of dental implant surgery, especially the bone defect extensively, are essential for alveolar ridge augmentation. As known as cell therapy exerts valuable effects on bone regeneration, numerous reports using various cells from body to regenerate bone have been published, including clinical reports. Mesenchymal cells that have osteogenic activity and have potential to be harvested from intra oral site might be a candidate cells to regenerate alveolar bone, even dentists have not been harvested the cells outside of mouth. This paper presents a summary of somatic cells in edentulous tissues which could subserve alveolar bone regeneration. The candidate tissues that might have differentiation potential as mesenchymal cells for bone regeneration are alveolar bone chip, bone marrow from alveolar bone, periosteal tissue, and gingival tissue. Understanding their phenotype consecutively will provide a rational approach for alveolar ridge augmentation.
Novel Therapeutic Agents for the Management of Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Renal Impairment
Authors: Chanan-Khan Asher A. , San Miguel Jesús F. , Jagannath Sundar , Ludwig Heinz , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: February 2012

Renal impairment is a major complication of multiple myeloma. Patients presenting with severe renal impairment represent a greater therapeutic challenge and generally have poorer outcome. However, once patients with renal impairment achieve remission, their outcomes are comparable with those of patients without renal impairment. Therapies that offer substantial activity in this setting are needed. Bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide have substantially improved the survival of patients with multiple myeloma. Here we review the pharmacokinetics, activity, and safety of these agents in patients with renal impairment. Bortezomib can be administered at the full approved dose and schedule in renally impaired patients; similarly, no dose reductions are required with thalidomide. The pharmacokinetics of lenalidomide is affected by its renal route of excretion, and dose adjustments are recommended for moderate/severe impairment. Substantial evidence has emerged showing that these novel agents improve outcomes of patients with renal impairment, including impairment reversal. Bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide (at the recommended doses) are active options for patients with mild to moderate impairment, although limited data are available for thalidomide. Information on lenalidomide-based combinations is still emerging, but the available data indicate considerable activity. Substantial evidence indicates that bortezomib–high-dose dexamethasone with or without a third drug (e.g., cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, or doxorubicin) is an appropriate option for patients with any degree of renal impairment. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2145–63. ©2012 AACR.
The Unliganded Glucocorticoid Receptor Positively Regulates the Tumor Suppressor GeneBRCA1through GABP Beta
Authors: Ritter Heather D. , Antonova Lilia , Mueller Christopher R.
Published: February 2012

Loss of BRCA1 tumor suppressor function is a critical event in breast tumorigenesis. We have previously identified the stress hormone hydrocortisone as a negative regulator of BRCA1 expression in nonmalignant mammary cells. Here, we have identified a direct role for the unliganded glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in BRCA1 upregulation in the absence of hydrocortisone. The positive regulatory effect of GR is lost upon the addition of hydrocortisone. We have shown that GR interacts with the BRCA1 promoter only in the absence of hydrocortisone, and that this interaction is mediated through the β-subunit of the ets transcription factor GA-binding protein (GABP) at the RIBS promoter element. GR and GABPβ interact in both coimmunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid assays, and this interaction involves the N-terminal to central regions of both proteins. This work presents the first evidence of a ligand-independent role for GR as a positive regulator of gene expression, and loss of GR from the BRCA1 promoter in response to stress hormones leads to decreased BRCA1 expression. Because low levels of BRCA1 have been implicated in the development of sporadic breast cancer, this may represent a novel mechanism through which prolonged stress signaling increases breast cancer risk. Mol Cancer Res; 10(4); 558–69. ©2012 AACR.
FGD5 Mediates Proangiogenic Action of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kurogane Yusuke , Miyata Muneaki , Kubo Yoshiki , Nagamatsu Yuichi , Kundu Ramendra K. , Uemura Akiyoshi , Ishida Tatsuro , Quertermous Thomas , Hirata Ken-ichi , Rikitake Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2012

Objective—

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts proangiogenic action and induces activation of a variety of proangiogenic signaling pathways, including the Rho family small G proteins. However, regulators of the Rho family small G proteins in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are poorly understood. Here we attempted to clarify the expression, subcellular localization, downstream effectors, and proangiogenic role of FGD5, a member of the FGD family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors.

Methods and Results—

FGD5 was shown to be selectively expressed in cultured human vascular ECs. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the signal for FGD5 was observed at peripheral membrane ruffles and perinuclear regions in human umbilical vein ECs. Overexpression of FGD5 increased Cdc42 activity, whereas knockdown of FGD5 by small interfering RNAs inhibited the VEGF-induced activation of Cdc42 and extracellular signal–regulated kinase. VEGF-promoted capillary-like network formation, permeability, directional movement, and proliferation of human umbilical vein ECs and the reorientation of the Golgi complex during directional cell movement were attenuated by knockdown of FGD5.

Conclusion—

This study provides the first demonstration of expression, subcellular localization, and function of FGD5 in vascular ECs. The results suggest that FGD5 regulates proangiogenic action of VEGF in vascular ECs, including network formation, permeability, directional movement, and proliferation.
NOX4 Pathway as a Source of Selective Insulin Resistance and Responsiveness
Authors: Wu Xiangdong , Williams Kevin Jon
Published: February 2012

Objective—

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and related syndromes exhibit a deadly triad of dyslipoproteinemia, which leads to atherosclerosis; hyperglycemia, which causes microvascular disease; and hypertension. These features share a common, but unexplained, origin—namely, pathway-selective insulin resistance and responsiveness. Here, we undertook a comprehensive characterization of pathway-selective insulin resistance and responsiveness in liver and hepatocytes by examining 18 downstream targets of the insulin receptor, surveying the AKT, ERK, and NAD(P)H oxidase 4 pathways.

Methods and Results—

Injection of insulin into hyperphagic, obese type 2 diabetic
db/db
mice failed to inactivate hepatic protein tyrosine phosphatase gene family members, a crucial action of NAD(P)H oxidase 4 previously thought to be required for all signaling through AKT and ERK. Insulin-stimulated type 2 diabetic livers unexpectedly produced an unusual form of AKT that was phosphorylated at Thr308 (pT308), with only weak insulin-stimulated phosphorylation at Ser473. Remarkably, knockdown or inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase 4 in cultured hepatocytes recapitulated the entire complicated pattern of pathway-selective insulin resistance and responsiveness seen in vivo—namely, monophosphorylated pT308-AKT, impaired insulin-stimulated pathways for lowering plasma lipids and glucose, but continued lipogenic pathways and robust ERK activation.

Conclusion—

Functional disturbance of a single molecule, NAD(P)H oxidase 4, is sufficient to induce the key harmful features of deranged insulin signaling in type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and other conditions associated with hyperinsulinemia and pathway-selective insulin resistance and responsiveness.
High-Sensitivity Flow Cytometry Provides Access to Standardized Measurement of Small-Size Microparticles—Brief Report
Authors: Robert Stéphane , Lacroix Romaric , Poncelet Philippe , Harhouri Karim , Bouriche Tarik , Judicone Coralie , Wischhusen Jennifer , Arnaud Laurent , Dignat-George Françoise
Published: February 2012

Objective—

Cellular microparticles (MP) are promising biomarkers in many pathological situations. Although flow cytometry (FCM) is widely used for their measurement, it has raised controversies because the smallest MP size falls below the detection limit of standard FCM (sd-FCM). Following recent technological improvements leading to high sensitivity FCM (hs-FCM), our objectives were (1) to evaluate the potential of hs-FCM for extended MP detection, (2) to set up a standardized protocol for MP enumeration, and (3) to compare MP counts obtained with both sensitivity levels.

Methods and Results—

Compared with sd-FCM, hs-FCM displayed improved forward scatter resolution and lower background noise, allowing us to discriminate previously undetectable small MP in plasma samples. Using fluorescent beads with appropriate sizes (0.1/0.3/0.5/0.9 μm) and relative amounts, a new standardized hs-FCM MP protocol was set up and provided reproducible MP counts. Applied to coronary patient samples, it resulted into 8- to 20-fold increases in MP counts as compared with sd-FCM. Interestingly, the ratio between small and large MP varied according to clinical status but also depending on MP subset, suggesting access to new biological information.

Conclusion—

Recent improvements in FCM provide access to previously undetectable MP and represent a new opportunity to enhance their impact as biomarkers in clinical practice.
Different Mechanisms Preserve Translation of Programmed Cell Death 8 and JunB in Virus-Infected Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jiang Huimiao , Schwertz Hansjörg , Schmid Douglas I. , Jones Brandt B. , Kriesel John , Martinez Mark L. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Zimmerman Guy A. , Kraiss Larry W.
Published: February 2012

Objective—

Translation initiation of eukaryotic mRNAs typically occurs by cap-dependent ribosome scanning mechanism. However, certain mRNAs are translated by ribosome assembly at internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs). Whether IRES-mediated translation occurs in stressed primary human endothelial cells (ECs) is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We performed microarray analysis of polyribosomal mRNA from ECs to identify IRES-containing mRNAs. Cap-dependent translation was disabled by poliovirus (PV) infection and confirmed by loss of polysome peaks, detection of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G cleavage, and decreased protein synthesis. We found that 87.4% of mRNAs were dissociated from polysomes in virus-infected ECs. Twelve percent of mRNAs remained associated with polysomes, and 0.6% were enriched ≥2-fold in polysome fractions from infected ECs. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction confirmed the microarray findings for 31 selected mRNAs. We found that enriched polysome associations of programmed cell death 8 (
PDCD8
) and
JunB
mRNA resulted in increased protein expression in PV-infected ECs. The presence of IRESs in the 5′ untranslated region of
PDCD8
mRNA, but not of
JunB
mRNA, was confirmed by dicistronic analysis.

Conclusion—

We show that microarray profiling of polyribosomal mRNA transcripts from PV-infected ECs successfully identifies mRNAs whose translation is preserved in the face of stress-induced, near complete cessation of cap-dependent initiation. Nevertheless, internal ribosome entry is not the only mechanism responsible for this privileged translation.
The Value of Arterial Spin-Labeled Perfusion Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Danny J.J. , Alger Jeffry R. , Qiao Joe X. , Hao Qing , Hou Samuel , Fiaz Rana , Gunther Matthias , Pope Whitney B. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Salamon Noriko , Liebeskind David S. ,   for the UCLA Stroke Investigators
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential clinical value of arterial spin-labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) through comparison with dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) enhanced perfusion MRI.

Methods—

Pseudocontinuous ASL with 3-dimensional background-suppressed gradient and spin echo readout was applied with DSC perfusion MRI on 26 patients with AIS. ASL cerebral blood flow and multiparametric DSC perfusion maps were rated for image quality and lesion severity/conspicuity. Mean ASL cerebral blood flow and DSC perfusion values were obtained in main vascular territories. Kendall coefficient of concordance was calculated to evaluate the reliability of ratings. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to compare ratings and quantitative perfusion values between ASL and DSC perfusion maps.

Results—

ASL cerebral blood flow and DSC perfusion maps provided largely consistent results in delineating hypoperfused brain regions in AIS. Hyperemic lesions, which also appeared frequently in the AIS cases studied, were more conspicuous on ASL cerebral blood flow than on DSC cerebral blood flow, mean transit time and time to the maximum of the tissue residual function maps.

Conclusions—

As a rapid, noninvasive, and quantitative technique, ASL has clinical use in detecting blood flow abnormalities in patients with AIS.
Association Between Family Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction With Prevalent Risk Factors and Coexisting Diseases
Authors: Kennedy Richard E. , Howard George , Go Rodney C. , Rothwell Peter M. , Tiwari Hemant K. , Feng Rui , McClure Leslie A. , Prineas Ronald J. , Banerjee Amitava , Arnett Donna K.
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Familial transmission of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) is partially mediated by transmission of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular risk factors. We examined relationships between family risk of stroke and MI with risk factors for these phenotypes.

Methods—

A cross-sectional association between the stratified log-rank family score for stroke and MI with prevalent risk factors was assessed in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.

Results—

Individuals in the fourth quartile of stratified log-rank family scores for stroke were more likely to have prevalent risk factors including hypertension (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.30–1.58), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.16–1.42), diabetes (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.12–1.43), and atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03–1.45) compared with individuals in the first quartile. Likewise, individuals in the fourth quartile of stratified log-rank family scores for MI were more likely to have prevalent risk factors including hypertension (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.27–1.94) and diabetes (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12–1.43) than the first quartile. In contrast to stroke, the family risk score for MI was associated with dyslipidemia (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.23–1.55) and overweight/obesity (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10–1.37).

Conclusions—

Family risk of stroke and MI is strongly associated with the majority of risk factors associated with each disease. Family history and genetic studies separating nonspecific contributions of intermediate phenotypes from specific contributions to the disease phenotype may lead to a more thorough understanding of transmission for these complex disorders.
Writing's Shadow: Corticospinal Activation during Letter Observation
Authors: Nakatsuka Masahiro , Thabit Mohamed Nasreldin , Koganemaru Satoko , Nojima Ippei , Fukuyama Hidenao , Mima Tatsuya
Published: February 2012

We can recognize handwritten letters despite the variability among writers. One possible strategy is exploiting the motor memory of orthography. By using TMS, we clarified the excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits of the motor corticospinal pathway that might be activated during the observation of handwritten letters. During experiments, participants looked at the handwritten or printed single letter that appeared in a random order. The excitability of the left and right primary motor cortex (M1) was evaluated by motor-evoked potentials elicited by single-pulse TMS. Short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) of the left M1 was evaluated using paired-pulse TMS. F waves were measured for the right ulnar nerve. We found significant reduction of corticospinal excitability only for the right hand at 300–400 msec after each letter presentation without significant changes in SICI. This suppression is likely to be of supraspinal origin, because of no significant alteration in F-wave amplitudes. These findings suggest that the recognition of handwritten letters may include the implicit knowledge of “writing” in M1. The M1 activation associated with that process, which has been shown in previous neuroimaging studies, is likely to reflect the active suppression of the corticospinal excitability.
Meteorological Impacts of Forest Mortality due to Insect Infestation in Colorado
Authors: Wiedinmyer Christine , Barlage Michael , Tewari Mukul , Chen Fei
Published: February 2012

Physical characteristics of forests and other ecosystems control land–atmosphere exchanges of water and energy and partly dictate local and regional meteorology. Insect infestation and resulting forest dieback can alter these characteristics and, further, modify land–atmosphere exchanges. In the past decade, insect infestation has led to large-scale forest mortality in western North America. This study uses a high-resolution mesoscale meteorological model coupled with a detailed land surface model to investigate the sensitivity of near-surface variables to insect-related forest mortality. The inclusion of this land surface disturbance in the model increased in simulated skin temperature by as much as 2.1 K. The modeled 2-m temperature increased an average of 1 K relative to the default simulations. A latent to sensible heat flux shift with a magnitude of 10%–15% of the available energy in the forested ecosystem was predicted after the inclusion of insect infestation and forest dieback. Although results were consistent across multiple model configurations, the characteristics of forests affected by insect infestations must be better constrained to more accurately predict their impacts. Despite the limited duration of the simulations (one week), these initial results suggest the importance of including large-scale forest mortality due to insect infestation in meteorological models and highlight the need for better observations of the characteristics and exchanges of these disturbed landscapes.
Engaging Critical Issues in Social Inquiry by Mixing Methods
Authors: Greene Jennifer C.
Published: February 2012

Across the methodological spectrum, social inquirers today are challenged by a set of critical issues. These include the complexity of human phenomena, the location of context in human action, the role of values in inquiry, and the role of inquiry in society. Different methodological traditions offer different responses to these challenges, responses that, in turn, shape the knowledge generated from a study and the warrants for that knowledge. This article presents a mixed methodological response to these challenges and a primary argument that a mixed methods approach offers dialogic opportunities to generate better understanding of important social phenomena precisely because it legitimizes and respects multiple responses to these critical issues and invites dialogue among them. The argument is illustrated by imagining a mixed methods approach to two empirical studies, each conducted originally with a single methodological framework.
Common “Core” Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Teddlie Charles , Tashakkori Abbas
Published: February 2012

A controversy in the mixed methods community concerns the existence of core characteristics of the field. The authors believe that contemporary characteristics exist, which will evolve as advances in the research field emerge. The authors discuss four characteristics and issues related to them. Methodological eclecticism describes mixed methodologists as connoisseurs of methods who expertly employ qualitative/quantitative techniques in their toolbox. Pedagogical and practical issues are considered in terms of how mixed methodologists are trained to conduct research. The second characteristic, paradigm pluralism, rejects the “incompatibility thesis” that had linked theoretical with methodological traditions. The authors contend that more than one paradigm can underlie mixed methods and discuss this further. The section on an integrative, cyclical approach to research discusses the contexts of justification and discovery and their interrelationship. The final characteristic is a set of research designs and analytical processes that were developed by mixed methodologists and distinguish it from other traditions.
Effectiveness of computerised cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety disorders in secondary care
Authors: Bell Caroline J , Colhoun Helen C , Carter Frances A , Frampton Christopher M
Published: February 2012

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CCBT) with a wait list control (WLC) for the treatment of patients with an anxiety disorder (social phobia, panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder) referred to a specialist, publically funded, outpatient anxiety service.

Method:

Patients with social phobia ( n = 37), panic disorder ( n = 32) or generalised anxiety disorder ( n = 14) were randomised to treatment with either CCBT ( n = 40) or WLC ( n = 43). Self-report rating scale assessments were conducted at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks.

Results:

Compared with WLC, the CCBT group improved significantly on approximately half of the self-report primary (the Work and Social Adjustment Scale) and approximately half of the secondary measures at both 12 and 24 weeks (the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Generalised Anxiety inventory and the Fear Questionnaire). Effect sizes in this study were moderate.

Conclusion:

This is one of the few studies to investigate CCBT for anxiety disorders in patients in a secondary care service. The results show that CCBT in this secondary care setting has the potential to be beneficial and confirms and extends the findings from previous studies of self-referral or primary care settings.
Marriage and Mental Health among Young Adults
Authors: Uecker Jeremy E.
Published: February 2012

Marriage is widely thought to confer mental health benefits, but little is known about how this apparent benefit may vary across the life course. Early marriage, which is nonnormative, could have no, or even negative, mental health consequences for young adults. Using survey data from waves 1 and 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( n = 11,695), I find that married young adults exhibit levels of psychological distress that are similar to those of young adults in any kind of romantic relationship. Married and engaged young adults also report lower frequency of drunkenness than those who are not in a romantic relationship. Married young adults, especially those who first married at ages 22 to 26, report higher life satisfaction than those in other type of romantic relationships,those in no romantic relationship, and those who married prior to age 22. Explanations for these findings are examined, and their implications are discussed.
Attachment of Young People to Their Home District
Authors: Sinkkonen Merja
Published: February 2012

This article focuses on young people’s attachment to their home district. The purpose of this study was to establish how attached young people aged 17 were to their home district and what factors were involved in young people’s attachment to their home districts. The structure of the young people’s lives was studied on the basis of the developmental tasks belonging to this stage of life and their social capital. The initial hypothesis was that attachment to home district is gender bound and dependent on home municipality. The research material was gathered using questionnaires from three different types of municipality or rural district in eastern Finland, and responses were received from 852 young people in the final year of their basic education, a response rate of 90%. The results of the study show that above 80% of young people were attached to their home district; boys were more attached than girls and young people living in regional center were more attached than young people living in the rural areas. All in all, four of the most important areas in young people’s lives were found to be related to their attachment to the home district: (a) family and roots in the present home district, (b) sense of participation, especially in relation to home municipality, (c) enjoyment of school, and (d) preferring place of residence over choice of profession. The results of the study are important in preventing young people’s exclusion and in contributing to the success of the municipalities.
Pharmacokinetics and Short‐Term Safety of Etravirine in Combination With Fluconazole or Voriconazole in HIV‐Negative Volunteers
Authors: Kakuda Thomas N. , Van Solingen‐Ristea Rodica , Aharchi Fatima , Smedt Goedele De , Witek James , Nijs Steven , Vyncke Veerle , Hoetelmans Richard M. W.
Published: February 2012

The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor etravirine, approved for use in treatment‐experienced, HIV‐1‐infected patients, is a substrate and inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and a substrate and inhibitor of CYP2C9/CYP2C19. Pharmacokinetic interactions and safety of etravirine 200 mg twice daily coadministered with fluconazole 200 mg daily or voriconazole 200 mg twice daily, both inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19, were evaluated in an open‐label, randomized, 3‐period crossover trial in 18 HIV‐negative volunteers. Based on least squares means (LSM) ratios, coadministration of etravirine with fluconazole or voriconazole resulted in higher etravirine exposures (area under plasma concentration‐time curve from 0‐12 hours [AUC12 h] 1.86‐ and 1.36‐fold, respectively). Fluconazole pharmacokinetics were unchanged with etravirine coadministration (AUC12 h LSM ratio: 0.94), and voriconazole plasma concentrations were slightly raised (AUC12 h LSM ratio: 1.14). All treatments and combinations were well tolerated, with no grade 3 or 4 adverse events observed during treatment. There was 1 adverse event–related trial withdrawal during treatment with fluconazole alone (leukocyturia). The most frequent adverse events were headache and blurred vision (11 and 8 volunteers, respectively), with blurred vision occurring exclusively during voriconazole‐alone treatment. Pharmacokinetic interactions between etravirine and fluconazole or voriconazole are not expected to be clinically relevant; no dose adjustments are required during coadministration.
Circumventing the Penalty for Offenders Facing Mandatory Minimums
Authors: Cano Mario V. , Spohn Cassia
Published: February 2012

Although sentencing of drug offenders in federal courts is complicated by minimum penalties, which trump the guidelines, the mandatory penalties can be avoided if offenders receive substantial assistance departures. Nagel and Schulhofer contend that substantial assistance departures are used to mitigate the sentences of “sympathetic” and “salvageable” offenders. The authors tested this contention, using data on drug offenders facing mandatory minimum sentences in three U.S. district courts. Results reveal that substantial assistance departures are used to reduce the sentences of certain types of offenders facing mandatory minimum penalties: females, U.S. citizens, employed persons, those with some college, those with dependent children, and those who played a minor or minimal role in the offense. Findings also revealed that racial-ethnic differences among male offenders were masked by the racial-ethnic similarities among female offenders in the full model and that the effect of gender was confined to Black and Hispanic offenders.
Treating Alcohol-Related Violence
Authors: Bowes Nicola , McMurran Mary , Williams Bryn , David Siriol , Zammit Ingrid
Published: February 2012

There is a lack of outcome evidence for alcohol interventions for offenders whose crime is alcohol related. In this study, the authors report the intermediate outcomes of a feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial of an alcohol-related violence intervention. Control of Violence for Angry Impulsive Drinkers (COVAID) was tested with sentenced prisoners in the United Kingdom. Participants were 115 adult men who were randomly allocated to COVAID or treatment as usual. Measures were the Alcohol-Related Aggression Questionnaire (ARAQ), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2), the Eysenck Impulsivity, Venturesome, and Empathy Scale (IVE), and the Controlled Drinking Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSES). After the intervention, participants allocated to COVAID reported significantly greater improvement on the ARAQ Alcohol-Aggression subscale and all CDSES subscales. No significant differences were obtained for the STAXI-2 or the IVE. COVAID may have the potential to fill a gap in treatment provision for offenders whose crimes of violence are alcohol related.
Intestinal Lymphangiectasis and Lipidosis in Rats Following Subchronic Exposure to Indole-3-Carbinol via Oral Gavage
Authors: Boyle Michael C. , Crabbs Torrie A. , Wyde Michael E. , Painter J. Todd , Hill Georgette D. , Malarkey David E. , Lieuallen Warren G. , Nyska Abraham
Published: February 2012

To investigate the toxicity and carcinogenic potential of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), the National Toxicology Program has conducted 13-week subchronic studies in Fisher 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice, and chronic 2-year bioassays in Sprague-Dawley rats and B6C3F1 mice. While the chronic study results are not yet available, subchronic study results and short-term special evaluations of interim sacrifices in the 2-year rat bioassay are presented. F344 rats were orally gavaged ≤300 mg I3C/kg body weight 5 days a week for 13 weeks. Rats treated with ≥150 mg/kg demonstrated a dose-related dilation of lymphatics (lymphangiectasis) of the duodenum, jejunum, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Material within dilated lacteals stained positively for Oil Red O and Sudan Black, consistent with lipid. Electron microscopic evaluation confirmed extracellular lipid accumulation within the villar lamina propria, lacteals, and within villar macrophages. Analyses of hepatic and pulmonary CYP1A enzymes demonstrated dose-dependent I3C induction of CYP1A1 and 1A2. B6C3F1 mice orally gavaged ≤250 mg I3C/kg body weight did not demonstrate histopathological changes; however, hepatic CYP induction was similar to that in rats. The histopathologic changes of intestinal lymphangiectasis and lipidosis in this study share similarities with intestinal lymphangiectasia as observed in humans and dogs. However, the resultant clinical spectrum of protein-losing enteropathy was not present.
Spontaneous Tumor Incidence in rasH2 Mice
Authors: Nambiar Prashant R. , Turnquist Susan E. , Morton Daniel
Published: February 2012

Alternate transgenic mouse models are accepted as replacements for the standard carcinogenicity mouse bioassay by regulatory agencies with a companion 2-year rat bioassay. The slower rate of industry acceptance of these shorter transgenic mouse cancer bioassays has been due to lack of historical data and diagnostic criteria, and the use of nonstandardized terminologies in published data. To address these issues, especially that of generating a large historical database, a retrospective analysis of the spontaneous tumor incidences in rasH2 mice from internally sponsored 6-month carcinogenicity studies was compared to the published literature. Incidences of common spontaneous tumors (incidences > 1%) observed in these studies were lung bronchiolo-alveolar adenomas (mean 3.9–9.9%; range 0–18%), lung bronchiolo-alveolar adenocarcinomas (mean 1.4–2.4%; range 0–5%), splenic hemangiosarcomas (mean 3.0–3.9%; range 0–17%), cutaneous squamous cell papillomas (mean 1.1–1.2%; range 0–4%), Harderian gland adenoma (mean 0.8–1.2%; range 0–4%), and hepatocellular adenomas (mean 1.8%; 0–9% in males only). The remarkable similarity in the tumor incidences in multiple rasH2 studies over a decade and the observed stability of the inserted human gene are important indicators of the minimal drift in this model. Overall, the historical control data for spontaneous neoplasms should assist in the interpretation of future rasH2 mouse studies.
Litigation and Students With Disabilities
Authors: Katsiyannis Antonis , Losinski Mickey , Prince Angela M. T.
Published: February 2012

Special education litigation remains a volatile area with significant practice implications. A review of the 2010 case law in the Special Educator identified discipline (manifestation determination, seclusion and restraints, harassment), evaluation/RTI, and postsecondary transition as specific areas of concern. School administrators should keep abreast of these developments to ensure that the rights of students with disabilities are observed, educational benefits are attained, and potential liability is minimized.
Head and Neck Cancer in Canada
Authors: Johnson‐Obaseki Stephanie , McDonald James Ted , Corsten Martin , Rourke Ryan
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the epidemiology (incidence, age at diagnosis, and survival) of head and neck cancers (HNCs) in Canada in the past decade.

Study Design

Analysis of a national cancer data registry.

Setting

All Canadian hospital institutions treating head and neck cancer.

Subjects and Methods

Using Canadian Cancer Registry data (1992‐2007), the authors categorized HNCs into 3 groups according to their possible association with human papillomavirus (HPV): oropharynx (highly associated), oral cavity (moderate association), and “other” (hypopharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx), which are not HPV related. They calculated age‐adjusted incidence, median age at diagnosis, and survival for each category.

Results

Oropharynx tumors increased in incidence over the study time period (annual percent change: 1.50% men, 0.8% women), whereas oral cavity tumors decreased (2.10% men, 0.4% women), as did other HNCs (decreased by 3.0% for men and 1.9% for women). The median age at diagnosis for oropharynx cancer decreased by an average of 0.23 years/y. There was no change for oral cavity tumors but an increase for other HNCs of 0.12 years/y. Survival for patients with oropharynx cancer increased by 1.5%/y but was significant for men only. Survival for patients with oral cavity and other HNCs also increased in men only by 0.9%/y and 0.25%/y, respectively.

Conclusion

Oropharynx cancer, which is highly correlated with HPV infection, is increasing in incidence in Canada, with a decreasing age at diagnosis and an improvement in survival. This could have implications for screening strategies and treatment for oropharyngeal cancers in Canada.
Are people with rheumatoid arthritis who undertake activity pacing at risk of being too physically inactive?
Authors: Cuperus Nienke , Hoogeboom Thomas J , Neijland Yvette , van den Ende Cornelia HM , Keijsers Noël LW
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To gain insight into the relationship between activity pacing and physical inactivity.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic of a rheumatology department.

Subjects:

Men and women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

Main measures:

Physical activity was assessed using self-reported measures and an accelerometer-based activity monitor. An occupational therapist and specialized nurse analysed the self-reported physical activity data and classified on the basis of consensus the pacing of activities of all patients as ‘adequate’ or ‘not adequate’.

Results:

Thirty rheumatoid arthritis patients participated in this study of whom nine were categorized as adequate activity pacers. None of these nine undertook sufficient exercise whereas 6 of the 20 people who did not pace activity appropriately did. Physical activity levels assessed by self-reported measures were significantly higher than when assessed by an accelerometer-based activity monitor.

Conclusions:

Activity pacing was associated with lower levels of physical activity. Since patients with rheumatoid arthritis are already at risk for inactivity, further inactivation by activity pacing might potentially be harmful.
Can genetics inform the management of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia?
Authors: Vyas Nora S , Shamsi Syed A , Malhotra Anil K , Aitchison Katherine J , Kumari Veena
Published: February 2012

There is no doubt that schizophrenia has a significant genetic component and a number of candidate genes have been identified for this debilitating disorder. Of note, several of these are implicated in cognition. Cognitive deficits constitute core symptoms of schizophrenia, and while current antipsychotic treatment strategies aim to help psychosis-related symptomatology, the cognitive symptom domain is largely inadequately treated. A number of other pharmacological approaches (e.g. using drugs that target specific neurotransmitter systems) have also been attempted for the amelioration of cognitive deficits in this population; however, these too have had limited success so far. Psychological interventions appear promising, though there has been speculation regarding whether or not these produce long-term functional improvements. Pharmacogenetic studies of the cognitive effects of currently available antipsychotics, although in relatively early stages, suggest that the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia may be advanced by focusing on genetic variants associated with specific cognitive dysfunctions in the general population and using this to match the most relevant pharmacological and/or psychological interventions with the genetic and cognitive profiles of the target population. Such a strategy would encourage bottom-up advances in drug development and provide a platform for individualised treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
RGB-D mapping: Using Kinect-style depth cameras for dense 3D modeling of indoor environments
Authors: Henry Peter , Krainin Michael , Herbst Evan , Ren Xiaofeng , Fox Dieter
Published: February 2012

RGB-D cameras (such as the Microsoft Kinect) are novel sensing systems that capture RGB images along with per-pixel depth information. In this paper we investigate how such cameras can be used for building dense 3D maps of indoor environments. Such maps have applications in robot navigation, manipulation, semantic mapping, and telepresence. We present RGB-D Mapping, a full 3D mapping system that utilizes a novel joint optimization algorithm combining visual features and shape-based alignment. Visual and depth information are also combined for view-based loop-closure detection, followed by pose optimization to achieve globally consistent maps. We evaluate RGB-D Mapping on two large indoor environments, and show that it effectively combines the visual and shape information available from RGB-D cameras.
Successful Treatment of Painful Irreparable Partial Meniscal Defects With a Polyurethane Scaffold
Authors: Verdonk Peter , Beaufils Philippe , Bellemans Johan , Djian Patrick , Heinrichs Eva-Lisa , Huysse Wouter , Laprell Heinz , Siebold Rainer , Verdonk René ,   the Actifit Study Group, Colombet Philippe , Cugat Ramon , Alvarez Pedro , Neyret Philippe , Pðssler Hans
Published: February 2012

Background: A novel, biodegradable, polyurethane scaffold was designed to fulfill an unmet clinical need in the treatment of patients with painful irreparable partial meniscal defects.

Hypothesis: The use of an acellular polyurethane scaffold for new tissue generation in irreparable partial meniscal defects provides both pain relief and improved functionality.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Fifty-two patients with irreparable partial meniscal defects (34 medial and 18 lateral, 88% with 1-3 previous surgeries on the index meniscus) were implanted with a polyurethane scaffold in a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, proof-of-principle study. Safety was assessed by the rate of scaffold-related serious adverse events (SAEs) and the International Cartilage Repair Society articular cartilage scoring system comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 24 months to MRI at baseline (1 week). Kaplan-Meier time to treatment failure distributions were performed. Clinical outcomes were measured comparing visual analog scale, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Lysholm scores at 24 months from baseline (entry into study).

Results: Clinically and statistically significant improvements ( P < .0001) compared with baseline were reported in all clinical outcome scores (baseline/24 months): visual analog scale (45.7/20.3), International Knee Documentation Committee (45.4/70.1), KOOS symptoms (64.6/78.3), KOOS pain (57.5/78.6), KOOS activities of daily living (68.8/84.2), KOOS sports (30.5/59.0), KOOS quality of life (33.9/56.6), and Lysholm (60.1/80.7), demonstrating improvements in both pain and function. The incidence of treatment failure was 9 (17.3%) patients, of which 3 patients (8.8%) had medial meniscal defects and 6 patients (33.3%) had lateral meniscal defects. There were 9 SAEs requiring reoperation. Stable or improved International Cartilage Repair Society cartilage grades were observed in 92.5% of patients between baseline and 24 months.

Conclusion: At 2 years after implantation, safety and clinical outcome data from this study support the use of the polyurethane scaffold for the treatment of irreparable, painful, partial meniscal defects.
Video Incident Analysis of Head Injuries in High School Girls’ Lacrosse
Authors: Caswell Shane V. , Lincoln Andrew E. , Almquist Jon L. , Dunn Reginald E. , Hinton Richard Y.
Published: February 2012

Background: Knowledge of injury mechanisms and game situations associated with head injuries in girls’ high school lacrosse is necessary to target prevention efforts.

Purpose: To use video analysis and injury data to provide an objective and comprehensive visual record to identify mechanisms of injury, game characteristics, and penalties associated with head injury in girls’ high school lacrosse.

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: In the 25 public high schools of 1 school system, 529 varsity and junior varsity girls’ lacrosse games were videotaped by trained videographers during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Video of head injury incidents was examined to identify associated mechanisms and game characteristics using a lacrosse-specific coding instrument.

Results: Of the 25 head injuries (21 concussions and 4 contusions) recorded as game-related incidents by athletic trainers during the 2 seasons, 20 head injuries were captured on video, and 14 incidents had sufficient image quality for analysis. All 14 incidents of head injury (11 concussions, 3 contusions) involved varsity-level athletes. Most head injuries resulted from stick-to-head contact (n = 8), followed by body-to-head contact (n = 4). The most frequent player activities were defending a shot (n = 4) and competing for a loose ball (n = 4). Ten of the 14 head injuries occurred inside the 12-m arc and in front of the goal, and no penalty was called in 12 injury incidents. All injuries involved 2 players, and most resulted from unintentional actions. Turf versus grass did not appear to influence number of head injuries.

Conclusion: Comprehensive video analysis suggests that play near the goal at the varsity high school level is associated with head injuries. Absence of penalty calls on most of these plays suggests an area for exploration, such as the extent to which current rules are enforced and the effectiveness of existing rules for the prevention of head injury.
Demographic Trends in Arthroscopic SLAP Repair in the United States
Authors: Zhang Alan L. , Kreulen Christopher , Ngo Stephanie S. , Hame Sharon L. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Gamradt Seth C.
Published: February 2012

Background: Treatment of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears remains controversial, particularly in older age groups. Repair, debridement, biceps tenodesis, tenotomy, and observation have been recommended depending on patient characteristics, but there have not been any large epidemiologic studies investigating treatment trends.

Purpose: To investigate current trends in SLAP repair across time, gender, age, and regions in the United States.

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair ( Current Procedural Terminology [ CPT] code 29807) were identified using a publicly available national database of insurance records (PearlDiver Patient Records Database) during years 2004 through 2009. Factors identified for each patient included gender, age group, and region in the United States. Logistic regression analysis and the chi-square test were used for statistical measures.

Results: From 2004 to 2009 there were 25,574 cases of arthroscopic SLAP repair identified, of which 75% were male patients and 25% were female patients. There was a significant rise in cases of SLAP repair from 2004 to 2009 as the incidence of SLAP repair increased from 17.0 for every 10,000 patients with an orthopaedic International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision ( ICD-9) or CPT code in 2004 to 28.1 in 2009 ( P < .0001). Age analysis revealed the highest incidence in the 20-29–year (29.1 per 10,000) and 40-49–year (27.8 per 10,000) age groups. Men (37.3 per 10,000) had a significantly higher incidence of repairs than did women (10.7 per 10,000). The West (24.6 per 10,000) and South (24.4 per 10,000) regions also demonstrated a higher incidence than the Midwest (20.5 per 10,000) and Northeast (20.1 per 10,000) regions ( P < .0001).

Conclusion: Our analysis illustrates that surgeons are performing significantly more arthroscopic SLAP repairs each year. The highest incidence of repair is in the 20-29– and 40-49–year age groups, and a significant gender difference exists, with men having a threefold higher incidence of repair.
Toward an Interdisciplinary Perspective
Authors: Roessger Kevin M.
Published: February 2012

Researchers have yet to agree on an approach that supports how adults best learn novel motor skills in formal educational contexts. The literature fails to adequately discuss adult motor learning from the standpoint of adult education. Instead, the subject is addressed by other disciplines. This review attempts to integrate perspectives across disciplines to enhance understanding of adult motor learning. The review suggests a disciplinary disconnect but finds several potential integrations: (a) a unifying framework between representational motor learning models and reflective practice; (b) the applicability of modeling approaches to experiential frameworks; (c) the relationship between chaining, motor programs, variability of practice, and analogy learning to “doing” and “action” in experiential learning; and (d) the role of embedded motor learning approaches within situated environments. Research should continue to examine how aspects of didactic approaches affect the effectiveness of the modeling approach and how situated learning environments naturalistically use motor learning approaches.