bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor-Tyrosine-Kinase-Targeted Therapies for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Elferink Lisa A. , Resto Vicente A.
Published: June 2011

Molecular therapeutics for treating epidermal growth factor receptor-(EGFR-) expressing cancers are a specific method for treating cancers compared to general cell loss with standard cytotoxic therapeutics. However, the finding that resistance to such therapy is common in clinical trials now dampens the initial enthusiasm over this targeted treatment. Yet an improved molecular understanding of other receptor tyrosine kinases known to be active in cancer has revealed a rich network of cross-talk between receptor pathways with a key finding of common downstream signaling pathways. Such cross talk may represent a key mechanism for resistance to EGFR-directed therapy. Here we review the interplay between EGFR and Met and the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) tyrosine kinases, as well as their contribution to anti-EGFR therapeutic resistance in the context of squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, a tumor known to be primarily driven by EGFR-related oncogenic signals.
A Role for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in the Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis?
Authors: Anthony Barrie J. , Allen Jeremy T. , Li Yuesheng S. , McManus Donald P.
Published: June 2011

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have been demonstrated to have a role in immune regulation. In general, they are anti-inflammatory and promote Th2 type responses, and they are associated with the alternative activation of macrophages. Interestingly, helminth infections, such as the schistosome blood flukes that cause schistosomiasis, are characterised by a Th2 response and the accumulation of alternative activated macrophages. This would suggest that at some level, PPARs could have a role in the modulation of the immune response in schistosomiasis. This paper discusses possible areas where PPARs could have a role in this disease.
Cell-Based Therapies for Diabetic Complications
Authors: Bernardi Stella , Severini Giovanni Maria , Zauli Giorgio , Secchiero Paola
Published: June 2011

In recent years, accumulating experimental evidence supports the notion that diabetic patients may greatly benefit from cell-based therapies, which include the use of adult stem and/or progenitor cells. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells and the circulating pool of endothelial progenitor cells have so far been the most studied populations of cells proposed for the treatment of vascular complications affecting diabetic patients. We review the evidence supporting their use in this setting, the therapeutic benefits that these cells have shown so far as well as the challenges that cell-based therapies in diabetic complications put out.
Multilocus Association of Genetic Variants in MLL, CREBBP, EP300, and TOP2A with Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Hispanics from Texas
Authors: Piwkham Duangjai , Gelfond Jonathan A.L. , Rerkamnuaychoke Budsaba , Pakakasama Samart , Rebel Vivienne I. , Pollock Brad H. , Winick Naomi J. , Collier Anderson B. , Tomlinson Gail E. , Beuten Joke
Published: June 2011

Background: Hispanic children have both a higher incidence and a poorer outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Moreover, a higher incidence for therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia with 11q23 translocations after treatment with topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors has been observed in Hispanic children with ALL. We sought to determine the potential role of genetic variants within the topoisomerase IIα gene (TOP2A), within the mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) and two of its translocation partners, cyclin AMP response element-binding protein gene (CREBBP) and E1A binding protein gene (EP300) in the increased sensitivity of Hispanic children with ALL to topo II inhibitors.

Methods: Fifty-two tagged single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) covering the four genes were genotyped in 241 samples (66 children with ALL and 175 age matched controls) of self-identified Hispanic origin.

Results: Two SNPs within MLL (rs525549 and rs6589664) and three SNPs within EP300 (rs5758222, rs7286979, and rs20551) were significantly associated with ALL (P = 0.001–0.04). A significant gene-dosage effect for increasing numbers of potential high-risk genotypes (OR = 16.66; P = 2 × 10−5) and a major haplotype significantly associated with ALL (OR = 5.68; P = 2 × 10−6) were found. Replication in a sample of 137 affected White children and 239 controls showed that only rs6589664 (MLL) was significantly associated in this ethnic group.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the association between ALL and common genetic variants within MLL and EP300 is population specific.

Impact: Replication of our findings in independent Hispanic populations is warranted to elucidate the role of these variants in ALL susceptibility and define their importance in the ethnic specific differences in ALL risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1204–12. ©2011 AACR.
The Association between Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Betapapillomavirus Seropositivity: a Cohort Study
Authors: Plasmeijer Elsemieke I. , Pandeya Nirmala , O'Rourke Peter , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Feltkamp Mariet C.W. , Green Adele C. , Neale Rachel E.
Published: June 2011

Background: It is currently unclear whether betapapillomaviruses (betaPV) play a role in the etiology of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We investigated the association between betaPV antibodies and subsequent SCC in a population-based cohort study.

Methods: Serum samples were collected in 1992 and/or 1996 from 1,311 participants of the community-based Nambour Skin Cancer Study. These were tested for the presence of L1 antibodies against 21 different betaPV types. Histologically diagnosed SCCs were ascertained through three full-body skin examinations and linkage with the local pathology laboratories. We used age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the relationship between betaPV antibodies and SCC occurrence from 1992 until 2007.

Results: SCC was newly diagnosed in 150 people. No associations were found between the presence of any betaPV L1 antibodies and the occurrence of SCC (HR = 1.0), and stratification by sex, skin color, and sunburn propensity did not affect these results. However, among people who were less than 50 years old in 1992, the presence of betaPV antibodies was associated with a two-fold increased risk of SCC. There was no significant association between antibodies to any individual betaPV type examined and the later development of SCC.

Conclusions: Whether betaPV infection of the skin, and indirectly betaPV antibodies, are involved in the oncogenic process in the general population remains unclear, and this longitudinal study provides only limited support.

Impact: This study emphasizes the need for additional longitudinal studies of HPV (human papilloma virus) and SCC, to avoid the possibility of reverse causality in case–control studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1171–7. ©2011 AACR.
Podocyte Detachment in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Weil E. Jennifer , Lemley Kevin V. , Yee Berne , Lovato Tracy , Richardson Meghan , Myers Bryan D. , Nelson Robert G.
Published: June 2011

Background: Glomerular podocyte number declines and urinary excretion of podocytes increases as kidney disease progresses in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Using high-power electron microscopy, we quantified podocyte detachment in T2DM. Results: We evaluated 106 glomeruli (range 1–6 per subject) from 40 Pima Indian subjects with T2DM enrolled in a clinical trial. On high-power electron micrographs, 35% of the subjects had no evidence of podocyte detachment. Among the remaining subjects, the median percentage of basement membrane with podocyte detachment was 0.62% (interquartile range = 0.32–1.52%). Conclusion: Podocyte detachment from the glomerular basement membrane has been described and measured in type 1 diabetes mellitus using a different method. We now document podocyte detachment microscopically and quantify it morphometrically in humans with T2DM. The findings offer quantitative histologic support to a potential mechanism for the functional impairment, and possibly the sclerosis of glomeruli, in diabetic glomerular injury.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Prevents Cerebral Palsy following Hypoxia-Ischemia in Fetal Rabbits: Comparison between JI-8 and 7-Nitroindazole
Authors: Yu Lei , Derrick Matthew , Ji Haitao , Silverman Richard B. , Whitsett Jennifer , Vásquez-Vivar Jeannette , Tan Sidhartha
Published: June 2011

Cerebral palsy and death are serious consequences of perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Important concepts can now be tested using an animal model of cerebral palsy. We have previously shown that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are produced in antenatal HI. A novel class of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors have been designed, and they ameliorate postnatal motor deficits when administered prior to the hypoxic-ischemic insult. This study asks how the new class of inhibitors, using JI-8 (Ki for nNOS: 0.014 µM) as a representative, compare with the frequently used nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI; Ki: 0.09 ± 0.024 µM). A theoretical dose equivalent to 75 Ki of JI-8 or equimolar 7-NI was administered to pregnant rabbit dams 30 min prior to and immediately after 40 min of uterine ischemia at 22 days gestation (70% term). JI-8 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in NOS activity (39%) in fetal brain homogenates acutely after HI, without affecting maternal blood pressure and heart rate. JI-8 treatment resulted in 33 normal kits, 2 moderately and 13 severely affected kits and 5 stillbirths, compared with 8 normal, 3 moderately affected and 5 severely affected kits and 10 stillbirths in the 7-NI group. In terms of neurobehavioral outcome, 7-NI was not different from saline treatment, while JI-8 was superior to saline and 7-NI in its protective effect (p < 0.05). In the surviving kits, JI-8 significantly improved the locomotion score over both saline and 7-NI scores. JI-8 was also significantly superior to saline in preserving smell, muscle tone and righting reflex function, but 7-NI did not show significant improvement. Furthermore, a 100-fold increase in the dose (15.75 µmol/kg) of 7-NI significantly decreased systolic blood pressure in the dam, while JI-8 did not. The new class of inhibitors such as JI-8 shows promise in the prevention of cerebral palsy and is superior to the previously more commonly used nNOS inhibitor.
Using Stereologic Techniques for Podocyte Counting in the Mouse: Shifting the Paradigm
Authors: Nicholas Susanne B. , Basgen John M. , Sinha Satyesh
Published: June 2011

Background: The podocyte serves the important function of maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier, and many studies report a decrease in podocyte number relative to the development of proteinuric states. However, there is significant inconsistency in the number of podocytes counted, possibly due to different counting methods. We previously counted the three glomerular cell types in the mouse kidney and showed that the fractionator/disector method is a close approximation of the exhaustive count or the gold standard method. In this study, we compared the commonly used model-based approach with the design-based approach to count podocytes in the db/m and db/db mouse and illustrate that the design-based approach, which uses the fractionator/disector method, provides an accurate determination of podocyte number. Methods: In the design-based approach, toluidine blue-stained 1-µm-thick sections from glutaraldehyde perfusion-fixed kidneys were used (n = 15) with the fractionator/disector method. In the model-based approach, WT-1-immunolabeled podocyte nuclei in 3- to 4-µm-thick formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of the same kidneys were counted with the Weibel-Gomez method. Glomerular volume was determined for each method. Results: We discovered that the fractionator/disector method counted 89 ± 10 podocytes compared to the Weibel-Gomez method, which counted 137 ± 38 podocytes and overestimated podocyte number by 54% (p < 0.05). In addition, glomerular volume (231 ± 52 × 103 vs. 192 ± 64 × 103 µm3) was significantly underestimated by 17% (p < 0.0002). Moreover, the model-based approach was more time consuming. Conclusion: We conclude that the fractionator/disector method offers an unbiased and efficient determination of podocyte counts.
An Activation-Specific Platelet Inhibitor That Can Be Turned On/Off by Medically Used Hypothermia
Authors: Topcic Denijal , Kim Wookhyun , Holien Jessica K. , Jia Fu , Armstrong Paul C. , Hohmann Jan David , Straub Andreas , Krippner Guy , Haller Carolyn A. , Domeij Helena , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Parker Michael W. , Chaikof Elliot L. , Peter Karlheinz
Published: June 2011

Objective—

Therapeutic hypothermia is successfully used, for example, in cardiac surgery to protect organs from ischemia. Cardiosurgical procedures, especially in combination with extracorporeal circulation, and hypothermia itself are potentially prothrombotic. Despite the obvious need, the long half-life of antiplatelet drugs and thus the risk of postoperative bleedings have restricted their use in cardiac surgery. We describe here the design and testing of a unique recombinant hypothermia-controlled antiplatelet fusion protein with the aim of providing increased safety of hypothermia, as well as cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—

An elastin-mimetic polypeptide was fused to an activation-specific glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa-blocking single-chain antibody. In silico modeling illustrated the sterical hindrance of a β-spiral conformation of elastin-mimetic polypeptide preventing the single-chain antibody from inhibiting GPIIb/IIIa at 37°C. Circular dichroism spectra demonstrated reverse temperature transition, and flow cytometry showed binding to and blocking of GPIIb/IIIa at hypothermic body temperature (≤32°C) but not at normal body temperature. In vivo thrombosis in mice was selectively inhibited at hypothermia but not at 37°C.

Conclusion—

This is the first description of a broadly applicable pharmacological strategy by which the activity of a potential drug can be controlled by temperature. In particular, this drug steerability may provide substantial benefits for antiplatelet therapy.
Sex Differences in the Electrophysiological Characteristics of Pulmonary Veins and Left Atrium and Their Clinical Implication in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tsai Wen-Chin , Chen Yao-Chang , Lin Yung-Kuo , Chen Shih-Ann , Chen Yi-Jen
Published: June 2011

Background—

Sex and the autonomic nervous system play critical roles in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Sex differences in electrophysiological characteristics of the pulmonary veins (PVs, AF initiator) and left atrium (LA, AF substrate) are not clear.

Methods and Results—

Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the action potential in isolated PV and LA tissue preparations from male and female (age, 8≈10 months) rabbits before and after drug administration (adenosine, acetylcholine, and isoproterenol). Male PVs (n=7) had a higher spontaneous beating rate (1.7±0.2 versus 1.2±0.1 Hz,
P
=0.021) and incidence of burst firing (72% versus 11%,
P
=0.038) than female PVs (n=9). Male PVs without spontaneous activity (n=10) and the LA (n=11) had longer action potential durations than female PVs (n=9) and LA (n=9). Additionally, male PVs had a more-positive resting membrane potential (79±3 versus 84±2 mV,
P
=0.022). Isoproterenol (3 μmol/L) increased the delayed afterdepolarizations to a greater extent in male than in female PVs. In PVs without spontaneous activity or LA, isoproterenol (0.1 and 3 μmol/L) consistently shortened the action potential durations in females but not in males. Acetylcholine (5.5 μmol/L) decreased the spontaneous activity of PVs and shortened the action potential durations in both groups. Adenosine (10 μmol/L) also similarly decreased the spontaneous activity of PVs and delayed afterdepolarizations in both groups.

Conclusions—

There are significant sex differences in PV and LA action potential characteristics in rabbits. The higher amplitude of delayed afterdepolarizations after isoproterenol superfusion in male PVs may contribute to sex-related arrhythmogenesis.
Ship-of-Opportunity Monitoring of the Chilean Fjords Using the Pocket FerryBox
Authors: Aiken Christopher M. , Petersen Wilhelm , Schroeder Friedhelm , Gehrung Martina , Ramírez von Holle Paola A
Published: June 2011

Results from two field campaigns in the Chilean fjords region are presented to demonstrate the benefits and limitations of the “pocket FerryBox” for monitoring from ships of opportunity. The October 2009 (spring) campaign covered the region of the Chilean coast between 41.5° and 46.7°S, and that in March 2010 (autumn) covered the region between 41.5° and 51.8°S. In the campaigns the pocket FerryBox—a portable flow-through system for underway multiparametric monitoring—was installed temporarily on board the vessel M/V Ro-Ro Evangelistas. The taking of water samples allowed posterior calibration of the sensors and analyses for nutrients and plankton. The pocket FerryBox may be configured with multiple sensors [in this case temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a fluorescence, pH, turbidity, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM)] and includes the hardware and software for data acquisition and real-time presentation. In the Chilean campaigns multiple transects of up to 1700 km in length were obtained, which provided a unique and highly valuable dataset at a very low cost. The data uncovered a number of previously unreported results, including a tidally driven low dissolved oxygen zone in the Corcovado Gulf, a high level of spatial and temporal variability of, and a complex relationship between, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a fluorescence, and the detection of high concentrations of CDOM in the vicinity of the Laguna San Rafael. The campaigns confirm that the pocket FerryBox may be easily installed on board ships of opportunity to obtain rapid, low-cost, and spatially extensive surveys of highly relevant surface water properties.
Multivariate Wave Climate Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Camus Paula , Cofiño Antonio S. , Mendez Fernando J. , Medina Raul
Published: June 2011

The visual description of wave climate is usually limited to two-dimensional conditional histograms. In this work, self-organizing maps (SOMs), because of their visualization properties, are used to characterize multivariate wave climate. The SOMs are applied to time series of sea-state parameters at a particular location provided by ocean reanalysis databases. Trivariate (significant wave height, mean period, and mean direction), pentavariate (the previous wave parameters and wind velocity and direction), and hexavariate (three wave parameters of the sea and swell components; or the wave, wind, and storm surge) classifications are explored. This clustering technique is also applied to wave and wind data at several locations to analyze their spatial relationship. Several processes are established in order to improve the results, the most relevant being a preselection of data by means a maximum dissimilarity algorithm (MDA). Results show that the SOM identifies the relevant multivariate sea-state types at a particular location spanning the historical variability, and provides an outstanding analysis of the dependency between the different parameters by visual inspection. In the case of wave climate characterizations for several locations the SOM is able to extract the qualitative spatial sea-state patterns, allowing the analysis of the spatial variability and the relationship between different locations. Moreover, the distribution of sea states over the reanalysis period defines a probability density function on the lattice, providing a visual interpretation of the seasonality and interannuality of the multivariate wave climate.
The transnational complexity of domestic solidarity campaigns: A cross-time comparison of Burma debates in Denmark, 1988 and 2007
Authors: Olesen Thomas
Published: June 2011

This article compares Burma-related solidarity campaigns in Denmark in 1988 and 2007 to demonstrate an increasing transnational complexity of domestic solidarity campaigns and, more generally, domestic public spheres. Differences between 1988 and 2007 are identified in four areas or ‘complexities’: Informational complexity, organizational complexity, composition complexity and analytical complexity. Informational complexity is identified in the increasing variation in information sources between the two years. Organizational complexity is evidenced by the fact that an organizational infrastructure related specifically to Burma emerged in the period between 1988 and 2007. Composition complexity is expressed in the greater intensity of the 2007 campaign, as well as in the broader set of actors involved in it. In particular, corporations emerged as central players in the period. Analytical complexity is found in the way prognostic frames in the 2007 case consistently placed the issue of Burma in a larger world political context.
Physician Concussion Knowledge and the Effect of Mailing the CDC’s “Heads Up” Toolkit
Authors: Chrisman Sara P. , Schiff Melissa A. , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: June 2011

Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Heads Up” toolkit was designed to educate physicians about concussion, but it has not been well studied. This study proposed to evaluate the effect of receiving the toolkit on physician concussion knowledge. Methods. The authors obtained a sample of physicians from the American Medical Association masterfile and randomly selected half to be mailed the CDC’s “Heads Up” toolkit. All physicians were then sent a survey on concussion knowledge. Data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the toolkit on concussion knowledge. Results. The survey was completed by 414 physicians (183 intervention, 231 control). There were no differences in general concussion knowledge between intervention and control groups, but physicians in the intervention group were significantly less likely to recommend next day return to play after a concussion (adjusted odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval = 0.12-0.76). Conclusions. Mailing the CDC’s “Heads Up” toolkit appears to affect physicians’ recommendations regarding returning to play after a concussion.
Investigating Constituent Values and School Policy
Authors: Allen Ann , Glassman Michael , Riegel Lisa , Dawson Heather
Published: June 2011

Using a sociopolitical perspective to understand the alignment of community values and school policies, we conducted focus groups in three geographically close but economically varied neighborhood in one Midwest urban area. The article presents findings related to constituent values, social capital, and school policies, including charter school policy, NCLB, and busing.
Commitment and Behavior Change
Authors: Lokhorst Anne Marike , Werner Carol , Staats Henk , van Dijk Eric , Gale Jeff L.
Published: June 2011

Commitment making is commonly regarded as an effective way to promote proenvironmental behaviors. The general idea is that when people commit to a certain behavior, they adhere to their commitment, and this produces long-term behavior change. Although this idea seems promising, the results are mixed. In the current article, the authors investigate whether and why commitment is effective. To do so, the authors first present a meta-analysis of environmental studies containing a commitment manipulation. Then, the authors investigate the psychological constructs that possibly underlie the commitment effect. They conclude that commitment making indeed leads to behavior change in the short- and long term, especially when compared with control conditions. However, a better understanding is needed of the possible underlying mechanisms that guide the commitment effect. The authors see commitment making as a potentially useful technique that could be improved by following up on findings from fundamental research. They provide suggestions for future research and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of commitment-making techniques.
Descriptions of Improvisational Thinking by Artist-Level Jazz Musicians
Authors: Norgaard Martin
Published: June 2011

Thought processes of seven artist-level jazz musicians, each of whom recorded an improvised solo, were investigated. Immediately after completing their improvisations, participants listened to recordings of their playing and looked at the notation of their solos as they described in a directed interview the thinking processes that led to the realization of their improvisations. In all of the interviews, artists described making sketch plans, which outlined one or more musical features of upcoming passages. The artists also described monitoring and evaluating their own output as they performed, making judgments that often were incorporated into future planning. Four strategies used by the artists for generating the note content of the improvisations emerged from the analysis: recalling well-learned ideas from memory and inserting them into the ongoing improvisation, choosing notes based on a harmonic priority, choosing notes based on a melodic priority, and repeating material played in earlier sections of the improvisation.
Coexistence de croyances pentecôtistes et de croyances coutumières mayas
Authors: Hermesse Julie
Published: June 2011

L’auteure a pour objectif d’analyser l’articulation des visions du monde mayas et évangéliques pentecôtistes véhiculées par des indigènes pentecôtisés appartenant au groupe ethnico-linguistique mam du département de Quetzaltenango au Guatemala. Alors que la conversion et l’adhésion à une Église pentecôtiste suggèrent l’énonciation de discours en rupture avec les croyances ancestrales mayas associées au chamanisme, l’analyse des représentations expliquant le catastrophique passage de l’ouragan Stan apporte des nuances au cadre d’analyse cloisonnant ces croyances. L’appartenance sociale à un groupe créé par la conversion à une Église évangélique pentecôtiste n’évacue pas complètement la croyance en l’efficacité des rites accomplis par les chamans, ni une lecture du monde puisant dans l’héritage de la cosmovision des anciens Mayas. Les systèmes symboliques de la spiritualité maya et des religiosités pentecôtistes se juxtaposent et répondent, à l’instar des pratiques religieuses, au principe de coupure tel que R. Bastide l’a développé.
How Progressive is “Progressive Islam”? The Limits of the Religious Individualization of the European Muslim Elites
Authors: Pędziwiatr Konrad
Published: June 2011

The studies on the individualization processes within European Muslim populations advance two opposing theses. While some argue that religious individualization and the related fragmentation of religious authority are leading to the “liberalization and modernization of Islam” and the emergence of a “progressive Islam” in Europe, others claim that in spite of individualization and the diversification of authority structures, the current situation is characterized by a relative stability of Islamic dogmas and definitely not by a liberalization of Islam. The careful observation of processes within the Muslim communities in Europe seems to suggest that both theses are actually to some extent valid. The author contributes to this debate by shedding light on the views of the new Muslim elites on apostasy and on women marrying outside the Muslim community. His contribution shows that in spite of the strong individualist component to the religious experience of Muslims in Europe, the various dimensions of this experience do not necessarily have to be individuating.
Accounting for Consent: Exploring the Reproduction of the Labour Process
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: June 2011

This article draws on the case of a UK bank to consider why branch employees tolerated conditions that impoverished their working lives. The article explores how we are defined as particular types of subject and how we turn ourselves into subjects. The particular focus is on how we simultaneously understand ourselves as economic, cultural and autonomous subjects and how this contributes to the production of consent. It is argued that our propensity to adopt complex and shifting identities, in relation to a variety of discourses, engages and constitutes us as consenting subjects.
Why Have Poorer Neighbourhoods Stagnated Economically while the Richer Have Flourished? Neighbourhood Income Inequality in Canadian Cities
Authors: Chen Wen-Hao , Myles John , Picot Garnett
Published: June 2011

Higher-income neighbourhoods in Canada’s eight largest cities flourished economically during the past quarter-century, while lower-income communities stagnated. This paper identifies some of the underlying processes that led to this outcome. Increasing family income inequality drove much of the rise in neighbourhood inequality. Increased spatial economic segregation, the increasing tendency of ‘like to live nearby like’, also played a role. It is shown that these changes originated in the labour market. Changes in investment, pension income and government transfers played a very minor role. Yet it was not unemployment that differentiated the richer from poorer neighbourhoods. Rather, it was the type of job found, particularly the annual earnings generated. The end result has been little improvement in economic resources in poor neighbourhoods during a period of substantial economic growth, and a rise in neighbourhood income inequality.
Network Power and Militarized Conflicts
Authors: Kim Hyung Min , Lee Deokro , Feiock Richard C.
Published: June 2011

This study argues that a state’s power is best conceptualized by considering how a state interacts with all other states in different networks within the international system. This social network explanation for national power is applied to militarized conflicts, one of the most widely studied empirical phenomena in international relations, focusing on their power explanations. The empirical analysis of militarized conflicts at the dyadic level produces findings that strongly support power preponderance theory over balance of power theory. The evidence from nonparametric model discrimination statistics and information criteria measures also shows that our conflict models with new social network power measures have greater explanatory power than or statistically outperform models relying on attributional power measures, such as Correlates of War index and Gross National Product (GNP).
An analytical approach to the similarities between swarm intelligence and artificial neural network
Authors: Xiao Renbin , Tao Zhenwu , Chen Tinggui
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the authors focus on swarm intelligence represented by the ant colony system and artificial neural network simulating the brain working principles, and analyse the similarities between them by the approaches of a complexity study. Firstly, the similarities between swarm intelligence and neural network have been analysed qualitatively from system structure and operation mechanisms and the results show that there exist obvious similarities in overall disciplines between them. Moreover, the mapping relationships between swarm intelligence and artificial neural network at algorithm level have been revealed using the travelling salesman problem (TSP), which illustrates that these two algorithms are also similar from the viewpoint of numeric computing and simulating when they are directly used to solve a complex problem. In addition, the swarm intelligence algorithm and the artificial neural network algorithm are adopted to solve an engineering practical problem, which can be transformed into the TSP. The results show that the performance of these two algorithms still has close similarities. The purpose of the above work is to construct the inherent relationship among different bio-inspired computation methods, which has both important theoretic significance and practical value to reveal the generation and operation mechanisms of human intelligence.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Self-Help Technique for Impulse Control Disorders
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Treszl Andras , Rufer Michael
Published: June 2011

Nail-biting is currently classified as an impulse control disorder not otherwise specified. Although seldom targeted as a primary symptom, nail-biting is often associated with somatic complications and decreased quality of life. The present study assessed the effectiveness of an innovative self-help technique, titled decoupling (DC). DC aims at attenuating pathological nail-biting by performing motor sequences that decouple and rearrange the behavioral elements involved in the habit. A total of 72 participants with excessive nail-biting were recruited via specialized self-help forums and were randomized to either DC or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) groups after baseline assessment. Four weeks later, participants underwent a similar assessment as before and were asked to rate the effectiveness of the intervention. The primary outcome parameter was the Massachusetts General Hospital Scale (MGH) adapted. Relative to the PMR group, the DC group showed significant progress in withstanding the urge to bite their nails. Furthermore, they appraised the appearance of their nails as considerably less compromised at the end of the treatment relative to participants undergoing PMR. At statistical trend level, the DC group showed a significantly greater decline on the adapted MGH relative to PMR. Despite methodological limitations, the present study asserts that the effectiveness of DC, previously shown for trichotillomania, extends to nail-biting.
Stereotype Threat and Female Communication Styles
Authors: von Hippel Courtney , Wiryakusuma Cindy , Bowden Jessica , Shochet Megan
Published: June 2011

A large body of research has documented the performance-debilitating effects of stereotype threat for individuals, but there is a paucity of research exploring interpersonal consequences of stereotype threat. Two experiments tested the hypothesis that stereotype threat would change the style in which women communicate. Results indicate that women who experience stereotype threat regarding leadership abilities react against the stereotype by adopting a more masculine communication style. Study 2 provides evidence that self-affirmation eliminates this effect of stereotype threat on women’s communication styles. A third study demonstrates an ironic consequence of this effect of stereotype threat on women’s communication—when women under stereotype threat adopt a more masculine communication style, they are rated as less warm and likeable, and evaluators indicate less willingness to comply with their requests. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Moral Self
Authors: Stets Jan E. , Carter Michael J.
Published: June 2011

This research applies identity theory to understand the moral self. In identity theory, individuals act on the basis of their identity meanings, and they regulate the meanings of their behavior so that those meanings are consistent with their identity meanings. An inconsistency produces negative emotions and motivates individuals to behave differently to produce outcomes that will better match their identity meanings. A two-part survey and laboratory study were conducted to investigate the application of identity theory to the moral self. The findings are consistent with identity theory predictions. In the survey that addresses past experiences, we find that individuals’ moral identity guides their behavior. When an identity discrepancy emerges between moral identity meanings and perceptions of themselves in a situation, negative feelings are experienced. These same effects are observed when these individuals are placed in an immediate moral dilemma in the laboratory. Overall, the results reveal how identity theory helps explain the individual as a moral entity.
Electoral institutions and growth volatility: Theory and evidence
Authors: Béjar Sergio , Mukherjee Bumba
Published: June 2011

What accounts for the substantial variation in the temporal volatility of economic growth rates in democratic regimes? We claim that institutional differences between the majoritarian and proportional representation (PR) electoral systems explain why growth volatility is high in some democracies, but not others. Specifically, we suggest that unlike PR democracies, the pronounced career concerns of policymakers in majoritarian systems give them incentives to use their discretionary spending power to alter government spending levels sharply, which generates higher spending volatility in these countries. As a result, policymakers in majoritarian systems cannot credibly commit themselves to stabilizing spending levels. This causes uncertainty among economic actors about future spending levels and leads to unstable investment patterns that generate a higher volatility of growth rates in majoritarian democracies. Results from statistical models provide robust statistical support for our theoretical predictions.
False‐Negative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Melanoma
Authors: Miller Matthew W. , Vetto John T. , Monroe Marcus M. , Weerasinghe Roshanthi , Andersen Peter E. , Gross Neil D.
Published: June 2011

Objective

The results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be useful for staging and deciding on adjuvant treatment for patients with head and neck melanoma. False‐negative SLNB can result in treatment delay. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of patients with false‐negative SLNB in cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.

Study Design

Longitudinal cohort study using a prospective institutional tumor registry.

Setting

Academic health center.

Subjects and Methods

Data from 153 patients who underwent SLNB for melanoma of the head and neck were analyzed. False‐negative biopsy was defined as recurrence of tumor in a previously identified negative nodal basin. Statistical analysis was performed on registry data.

Results

Positive sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 19 (12.4%) patients. False‐negative SLNB was noted in 9 (5.9%) patients, with a false‐negative SLNB rate of 32.1%. Using multivariate regression analysis, only examination of a single sentinel lymph node was a significant predictor of false‐negative SLNB (P =. 01). The mean treatment delay for the false‐negative SLNB group was 470 days compared with 23 days in the positive SLNB group (P <. 001). The 2‐year overall survival of patients with false‐negative SLNB was 75% compared with 84% and 98% in positive and negative SLNB groups, respectively (P =. 02).

Conclusions

False‐negative SLNB is more likely to occur when a single sentinel lymph node is harvested. There is significant treatment delay in patients with false‐negative SLNB. False‐negative SLNB is associated with poor outcome in patients with melanoma of the head and neck.
Delivering infrastructure through spatial planning: The multi-scalar approach in the UK
Authors: Morphet Janice
Published: June 2011

The role of spatial planning in infrastructure planning and delivery is beginning to be implemented through practice following a slow start. This can be seen through the development of spatial planning structures and processes in the jurisdictions of the UK. This article examines the role of spatial planning in developing infrastructure delivery plans in London, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and discusses the approaches that are being taken at differing spatial scales. Finally, the implications of these differing approaches are reviewed in the context of emergent approaches which will be coordinating infrastructure investment across the UK.
Implementation in regional planning: A West Midlands perspective
Authors: Preuss Stefan
Published: June 2011

Ever since the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, Government pronouncements and policy guidance have placed a strong emphasis on ‘delivery’ in planning at local and regional levels. This article provides a critical reflection on issues around implementation from a West Midlands perspective. Much of the recent academic and Government literature on delivery (and indeed regional practice) revolved around ‘partnership working’, ‘joining up’ various policy areas and ‘aligning’ the programmes and spending activities of a multitude of actors. In addition to such process issues, the article also raises important questions about the actual resources available to turn strategies into action. The availability of funding (or the lack thereof) becomes an even greater concern in the light of the severe tightening of public sector spending which could seriously hamper the regeneration strategy in the West Midlands.
Residual stress state behaviour under fatigue loading in duplex stainless steel
Authors: Pedrosa P D , Rebello J M A , Cindra Fonseca M P
Published: June 2011

The lifetime of duplex stainless steel parts experiencing cyclic fatigue is directly influenced by the residual stress levels present in the ferrite and austenite phases. This paper analyses the behaviour of the residual stress fields in both phases introduced by a shot peen-ing treatment. The X-ray diffraction technique is used to investigate the stress levels both on the sample surface and in subsurface layers, after low fatigue cycles. The results show that the compressive residual stress levels introduced by the shot peening treatment in both phases improves the fatigue life of the material. However, the cyclical loads produce partial or total relief in these residual stresses fields. A scanning electron microscopy study of the samples shows that the shot peening process induces the formation of micro cracks only in the ferrite phase. The largest variations in the total compressive residual stress level also occur in this phase.
Mechanical design of bimaterial helical springs with circular cross-section
Authors: Dragoni E , Bagaria W J
Published: June 2011

This paper presents an approximate theoretical model for the mechanical behaviour of helical springs with circular cross-section formed by an inner elastic core encased in an outer annulus of dissimilar elastic properties. Closed-form equations are developed for stresses and deflection in the spring undergoing either bending or axial end loads. For both loading conditions, the model takes into account the stress concentrations arising in the cross-section due to curvature of the spring axis. The disclosed equations are specialized for bimaterial springs with a polymer core and a thin nanometal cladding, a solution reflecting a unique technology recently brought onto the market by a leading polymer manufacturer. In this special case, the cladding performs as an efficient thin-walled tube under torsion with the soft core preventing the danger of wall instability. A design procedure is exemplified, showing that this construction leads to lighter and smaller springs than all-metal or all-polymer counterparts.
Free radical scavenging (DPPH) potential in nine Mentha species
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Fazal Hina , Ahmad Iftikhar , Abbasi Bilal Haider
Published: June 2011

Mentha species are used in every day life in various food items. These species produce valuable secondary metabolites that scavenge toxic free radicals. Toxic free radicals can cause different diseases in the human body. In the present study free radical scavenging potential (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity) in nine Mentha species were investigated to evaluate and explore new potential sources for natural antioxidants. The activity was performed after different time intervals with incubation period of 30 minutes. The methanolic extracts revealed that significantly higher activity (82%) was observed in Mentha suaveolens, followed by Mentha longifolia (79%), Mentha officinalis (76%) and Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Mentha royleana (75%), respectively. Significantly same activity was observed in Mentha arvensis and Mentha spicata. Lower activity was observed in Mentha citrata (64%). The present study revealed that these species can be used as natural antioxidants.
“We Want Them to Be as Heterosexual as Possible”
Authors: Solebello Nicholas , Elliott Sinikka
Published: June 2011

This article examines heterosexual fathers’ descriptions of conversations with their teen children about sexuality and their perceptions of their teen children’s sexual identities. We show that fathers construct their own identities as masculine and heterosexual in the context of these conversations and prefer that their children, especially sons, are heterosexual. Specifically, fathers feel accountable for their sons’ sexuality and model and craft heterosexuality for them, even as many encourage their sons to stay away from heterosexual relationships and sex until they are older. Fathers are more accepting of homosexuality for their daughters yet question the authenticity of teen lesbian identity and do not recognize their daughters’ sexuality as agentic. They instead construct their daughters as sexually passive and vulnerable and position themselves as their daughters’ protectors. The findings illustrate the complexities of heteronormativity in a context of shifting, frequently contested gender and sexual landscapes.
“Locas,” Respect, and Masculinity
Authors: Asencio Marysol
Published: June 2011

In this article, I explore how masculinity and gender nonconformity are viewed by 37 migrant Puerto Rican gay men who had been raised in Puerto Rico and migrated Stateside as adults. Most of these migrant men note the importance of masculinity in their development and interactions with others, particularly other men. They resist identification of themselves as effeminate and distance themselves from locas (effeminate gay men). They associate locas with overt homosexuality, disrespect, and marginality. I argue that migrant Puerto Rican gay masculinities are maintained within the precept of hegemonic masculinity through various social mechanisms, including a gendered construction of male homosexuality; the connection of social and interpersonal respect with masculinity; the socially allowable and pervasive ridicule and punishment of male femininity; and marginalization based on multiple social statuses. Through these interconnected social mechanisms, heteronormative perspectives on gender, gender binaries, and power are incorporated into homonormative migrant Puerto Rican gay masculinities.
Effects of Electronic Health Information Technology Implementation on Nursing Home Resident Outcomes
Authors: Pillemer Karl , Meador Rhoda H. , Teresi Jeanne A. , Chen Emily K. , Henderson Charles R. , Lachs Mark S. , Boratgis Gabriel , Silver Stephanie , Eimicke Joseph P.
Published: June 2011

Objective: To examine the effects of electronic health information technology (HIT) on nursing home residents. Methods: The study evaluated the impact of implementing a comprehensive HIT system on resident clinical, functional, and quality of care outcome indicators as well as measures of resident awareness of and satisfaction with the technology. The study used a prospective, quasi-experimental design, directly assessing 761 nursing home residents in 10 urban and suburban nursing homes in the greater New York City area. Results: No statistically significant impact of the introduction of HIT on residents was found on any outcomes, with the exception of a significant negative effect on behavioral symptoms. Residents’ subjective assessment of the HIT intervention were generally positive. Discussion: The absence of effects on most indicators is encouraging for the future development of HIT in nursing homes. The single negative finding suggests that further investigation is needed on possible impact on resident behavior.