bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Cytogenetics and Molecular Phylogeography in the Group Astyanax altiparanae – Astyanax aff. bimaculatus (Teleostei, Characidae)
Authors: Kavalco K.F. , Pazza R. , Brandão K.d.O. , Garcia C. , Almeida-Toledo L.F.
Published: May 2011

The genus Astyanax comprises small characin fish of the neotropical region. The so-called ‘yellow-tailed characins’ compose one of the most widely distributed Astyanax groups. A. altiparanae and A. aff. bimaculatus, are evolutionarily closely related and commonly found in several Brazilian hydrographic basins. In the present work, chromosomal data of specimens of A. altiparanae and A. aff. bimaculatus from 4 hydrographic basins in the states of São Paulo (Upper Tietê, Paranapanema, Ribeira de Iguape) and Rio de Janeiro (Guapimirim) are shown. All the populations showed 50 chromosomes, with different karyotypic formula. Although only a single Ag-NOR bearing chromosome pair was observed, all populations possess multiple cistrons of 18S rDNA. FISH with the 5S rDNA probe showed single signals at the interstitial position of one metacentric chromosome pair. C-bands are distributed in the terminal and interstitial regions of several chromosomes. However, the As-51 satDNA are frugally located in a few chromosomes of fishes from Upper Tietê, Paranapanema and Guapimirim Rivers, being absent in individuals of A. aff. bimaculatus from Ribeira de Iguape River basin. Beside these 4 populations, molecular phylogeography studies were also performed in individuals from Middle and Lower Tietê River basin and from 2 additional collection sites in the Paranapanema and Ribeira de Iguape River basins. The phylogeographic analysis using 2 mtDNA regions (totalizing 1.314 bp of ND2 and ATPase6/8 genes) of 8 populations of the group of ‘yellow-tailed characins’ from 3 major hydrographic basins showed structuring of populations, suggesting a correlation between chromosomal (nuclear) and molecular (mitochondrial) data.
Genome-Wide Association Scan for Survival on Dialysis in African-Americans with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Murea Mariana , Lu Lingyi , Ma Lijun , Hicks Pamela J. , Divers Jasmin , McDonough Caitrin W. , Langefeld Carl D. , Bowden Donald W. , Freedman Barry I.
Published: May 2011

Background: African-Americans (AAs) with diabetes have high incidence rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with associated high mortality. Genetic factors modulating the risk of mortality on dialysis are poorly understood. Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed in 610 AAs with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and ESRD on dialysis, using the Affymetrix 6.0 platform (868,155 SNPs). Time to death was assessed using Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for ancestry and other confounding variables. Cases were censored at kidney transplant or (if living) at study conclusion. Results: Mean follow-up was 5.4 ± 3.5 years; 434 deaths were recorded. Five SNPs were associated with time to death at p < 1.00 × 10–6: rs2681019 (HR = 2.58, PREC = 8.00 × 10–8), rs815815 in CALM2 (HR = 1.51, PADD = 6.50 × 10–7), rs926392 (HR = 2.37, PREC = 4.80 × 10–7), and rs926391 (HR = 2.30, PREC = 7.30 × 10–7) near DHX35, and rs11128347 in PDZRN3 (HR = 0.57, PADD = 6.00 × 10–7). Other SNPs had nominal associations with time to death (p < 1.00 × 10–5). Conclusion: Genetic variation may modify the risk of death on dialysis. SNPs in proximity to genes regulating vascular extracellular matrix, cardiac ventricular repolarization, and smoking cessation are associated with dialysis survival in AAs with T2D. These results warrant replication in other cohorts and races.
Identification and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies that impair the activation of human thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor through different mechanisms
Authors: Mishra Niraj , Vercauteren Ellen , Develter Jan , Bammens Riet , Declerck Paul J. , Gils Ann
Published: May 2011

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) forms a molecular link between coagulation and fibrinolysis and is a putative target to develop profibrinolytic drugs. Out of a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MA) raised against TAFI-ACIIYQ, we selected MA-TCK11A9, MA-TCK22G2 and MA-TCK27A4, which revealed high affinity towards human TAFITI- wt. MA-TCK11A9 was able to inhibit mainly plasmin-mediated TAFI activation, MA-TCK22G2 inhibited plasmin- and thrombin-mediated TAFI activation and MA-TCK27A4 inhibited TAFI activation by plasmin, thrombin and thrombin/thrombomodulin (T/TM) in a dose-dependent manner. These MA did not interfere with TAFIa activity. Using an eightfold molar excess of MA over TAFI, all three MA were able to reduce clot lysis time significantly, i.e. in the presence of exogenous TM, MATCK11A9, MA-TCK22G2 and MA-TCK27A4 reduced clot lysis time by 47 ± 9.1%, 80 ± 8.6% and 92 ± 14%, respectively, compared to PTCI. This effect was even more pronounced in the absence of TM i.e. MATCK11A9, MA-TCK22G2 and MA-TCK27A4 reduced clot lysis time by 90 ± 14%, 140 ± 12% and 147 ± 29%, respectively, compared to PTCI. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that residues at position 268, 272 and 276 are involved in the binding of MA-TCK11A9, residues 147 and 148 in the binding of MA-TCK22G2 and residue 113 in the binding of MATCK27A4. The present study identified three MA, with distinct epitopes, that impair the activation of human TAFI and demonstrated that MATCK11A9 which mainly impairs plasmin-mediated TAFI activation can also reduce significantly clot lysis time in vitro.
Effect of edoxaban on markers of coagulation in venous and shed blood compared with fondaparinux
Authors: Samama Meyer , Kapiotis Stylianos , Ogata Koichiro , Mendell Jeanne , Kunitada Satoshi , Wolzt Michael
Published: May 2011

Edoxaban, an oral direct factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, is in phase III clinical development for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and treatment of venous thromboembolism. The shed blood model allows for study of activated coagulation at a site of standardised tissue injury due to local release of tissue factor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three doses of edoxaban on markers of coagulation in shed and venous blood versus placebo and a standard prophylactic dose of fondaparinux. A total of 100 healthy male subjects were randomised to receive single doses of one of five treatments: subcutaneously administered fondaparinux 2.5 mg; orally administered edoxaban 30, 60, or 120 mg; or placebo. The primary objective was measurement of blood coagulation markers prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and thrombinantithrombin (TAT) complex, and platelet activation marker β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), in venous and shed blood. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, shed blood volume, and safety of edoxaban. Single doses of edoxaban caused rapid and significant decreases of F1+2, TAT, and β-TG in the shed blood model, indicating inhibition of thrombin generation and platelet activation. Inhibition was significantly less for fondaparinux versus edoxaban. Baseline-corrected F1+2, TAT, and β-TG values demonstrated sustained inhibition up to 24 hours for shed blood in the edoxaban groups but no significant inhibition in venous blood. Overall, edoxaban treatments were well tolerated. In conclusion, single oral doses of edoxaban 30, 60, or 120 mg caused rapid and sustained inhibition of coagulation up to 24 hours in the shed blood model.
Proton pump inhibitors, genetic polymorphisms and response to clopidogrel therapy
Authors: Fernando Himawan , Dart Anthony , Peter Karlheinz , Shaw James
Published: May 2011

Clopidogrel has become part of the mainstay of therapy for acute coronary syndromes and in patients post stenting. Clopidogrel is a pro drug and is metabolised by liver enzymes, particularly CYP2C19, into its active form. A considerable proportion of patients have a poor response to clopidogrel and this may be due to several factors. Genetic polymorphisms involved in clopidogrel’s absorption, metabolism and activity at the platelet may interfere with its antiplatelet actions. Further, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may interfere with clopidogrel’s actions by functionally reducing the ability of CYP2C19 to convert clopidogrel to its active metabolite. By attenuating clopidogrel’s actions, both polymorphisms and drug interactions may increase the risk of thrombotic events during clopidogrel therapy. This review will explore the current evidence relating to the association between PPIs, genetic polymorphisms and poor response to clopidogrel. Routine genetic testing cannot be recommended for patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, it may have a role for patients with an episode of stent thrombosis, prior to planned high-risk stenting or major bleeding. Regarding concomitant clopidogrel and PPI therapy, it is recommended that only patients with previous gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or multiple risk factors for GI bleeding should be prescribed gastroprotection. This is due to the uncertainty surrounding the clinical significance of this interaction given the discordant biochemical and clinical data, conflicting results from observational studies and the limitations of the COGENT study. Pantoprazole seems least likely to interact with clopidogrel and most suitable for use in patients receiving DAPT.
Interdecadal Relationships between the Asian–Pacific Oscillation and Summer Climate Anomalies over Asia, North Pacific, and North America during a Recent 100 Years
Authors: Zhao Ping , Yang Song , Wang Huijun , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2011

Summertime relationships between the Asian–Pacific Oscillation (APO) and climate anomalies over Asia, the North Pacific, and North America are examined on an interdecadal time scale. The values of APO were low from the 1880s to the mid-1910s and high from the 1920s to the 1940s. When the APO was higher, tropospheric temperatures were higher over Asia and lower over the Pacific and North America. From the low-APO decades to the high-APO decades, both upper-tropospheric highs and lower-tropospheric low pressure systems strengthened over South Asia and weakened over North America. As a result, anomalous southerly–southwesterly flow prevailed over the Asian monsoon region, meaning stronger moisture transport over Asia. On the contrary, the weakened upper-tropospheric high and lower-tropospheric low over North America caused anomalous sinking motion over the region. As a result, rainfall generally enhanced over the Asian monsoon regions and decreased over North America.
Hindu Hair and Jewish Halakha
Authors: Fleming Benjamin J. , Yoshiko Reed Annette
Published: May 2011

This pair of essays reflects upon the unexpected encounter of Hindu and Jewish perspectives in the wake of the prohibition of wigs with human hair from India for use by Jewish women by prominent Haredi (‘‘ultra-orthodox’’) legal authorities in May 2004. The rulings sparked distress among Haredi communities in New York, London, and Jerusalem; some women took to the streets to burn their wigs, attracting international media attention. Yet questions about the status of the wigs also occasioned intensive halakhic discussions of Hindu rituals among Orthodox Jews, centered on tonsuring practices of pilgrims to the Ve kateśvara temple near the city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. These essays explore some of the insights that arise when one examines the controversy from historical perspectives, and in relation to theoretical questions about comparison and the study of religions. The first essay focuses on the tensions surrounding hair and its interpretation within Vaisnavite textual traditions and ritual practices, while the second essay situates the controversy within the history of Jewish discourses about ritual, ‘‘idolatry,’’ and the ‘‘Other.’’
Revisiting Risk Sensitivity in the Fear of Crime
Authors: Jackson Jonathan
Published: May 2011

This article considers the psychology of risk perception in worry about crime. A survey-based study replicates a long-standing finding that perceptions of the likelihood of criminal victimization predict levels of fear of crime. But perceived control and perceived consequence also play two roles: (a) each predicts perceived likelihood and (b) each moderates the relationship between perceived likelihood and worry about crime. Public perceptions of control and consequence thus drive what Mark Warr defines as “sensitivity to risk.” When individuals perceive crime to be especially serious in its personal impact, and when individuals perceive that they have little personal control over the victimization event occurring, a lower level of perceived likelihood is needed to stimulate worry about crime.
The Imprisonment Penalty for Young Black and Hispanic Males
Authors: Warren Patricia , Chiricos Ted , Bales William
Published: May 2011

In the United States, there are well-known racial, ethnic, age, and sex differences in incarceration rates. Younger offenders are more likely to be sentenced to prison than are older offenders. Black and Hispanic rates of incarceration are six to eight times that of White offenders and males are 14 times as likely as women to be sentenced to prison. This research explores how the combined effects of race, ethnicity, age, and sex, net of legally relevant factors, influence the decision to incarcerate. We examine these effects across nine offense categories. The analysis is based on Florida felony conviction data for the years 2000 to 2006. We find that legally relevant factors significantly influence the incarceration decision. Young Black males are most disadvantaged at the incarceration decision.
Getting the Upper Hand
Authors: Copes Heith , Hochstetler Andy , Cherbonneau Michael
Published: May 2011

Increasing theoretical and empirical interest has turned to the process and dynamics of offender decision making and to how offenders commit discrete acts of crime. One outcome is attention to how offenders manage risks they view as significant. Here, the authors examine how carjackers script and manage victim resistance—the foremost obstacle in the accomplishment of robbery. Using semi-structured interviews with 30 carjackers, the authors explore their perspectives on the ramifications of victim resistance and their strategies to forestall and control it. The authors find that offenders are cognizant that resistance interferes with their goals and that mistakes in managing their victims not only lead to unsuccessful carjackings but also threaten their safety. Much of the scripting of criminal opportunity and the enactment of carjacking are explained, therefore, by strategies offenders use to minimize the chances that victims can resist. Discussion focuses on the implications of findings for theories of offender decision making.
Macroprudential Policy - Taxonomy and Challenges
Authors: Nier Erland W.
Published: May 2011

There is increasing recognition that prior to the global financial crisis financial regulation had lacked a macroprudential perspective. There has since been a strong effort to make a new macroprudential orientation operational, including through the establishment of new macroprudential authorities or ‘committees’ in a number of jurisdictions. These developments raise — and this paper explores — the following three questions. First, what distinguishes macroprudential policy from microprudential policy and what are its key tasks? Second, what powers should be given to macroprudential authorities and what should be their mandate? Third, how can governance arrangements ensure that macroprudential policies are pursued effectively? While arrangements for macroprudential policy will to some extent be country-specific, we identify three basic challenges in setting up an effective macroprudential policy framework and discuss options to address them.
New Regulation and the New World of Global Banking
Authors: Cecchetti Stephen G. , Domanski Dietrich , von Peter Goetz
Published: May 2011

Global banks are changing. With a new set of rules come new business models. We review the international dimension of the financial crisis, centring on cross-border losses and cross-currency funding problems that prompted authorities to adopt wide-ranging rescue measures and liquidity operations. Against this background, we proceed to examine the regulatory response, focusing on the Basel III framework and the ongoing work of the Basel Committee and Financial Stability Board regarding the amount of capital banks are required to hold, restrictions on maturity transformation on banks' balance sheets and proposals to mitigate the risks posed by systemically important financial institutions. Our conclusion is that capital and liquidity regulation will have distinctly different effects on the international organisation of banks. Liquidity regulation, especially when applied locally, has the greatest potential to reshape the global banking landscape.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: A New Emerging Therapeutic Class in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ghosh Raktim Kumar , Ghosh Samhati Mondal , Chawla Shalini , Jasdanwala Sarfaraz Abdeli
Published: May 2011

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide. The existing therapeutic classes of antidiabetic drugs are not adequately effective in maintaining long‐term glycemic control in most patients, even when used in combination. One emerging novel therapeutic class of antidiabetic drugs is sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 accounts for 90% of the glucose reabsorption in the kidney. The SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary excretion of glucose and lower plasma glucose levels in an insulin‐independent manner. Dapagliflozin, the most prominent molecule in this class, is currently in a phase III clinical trial. Other members of this class (eg, sergliflozin, remogliflozin) are also in different phases of clinical trials. This class of novel agents can effectively control blood sugar level without producing weight gain or hypoglycemia. Results of ongoing phase III clinical trials are crucial to determine whether the risk‐benefit ratio will allow approval of this new class of drugs for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How Shared Preferences in Music Create Bonds Between People
Authors: Boer Diana , Fischer Ronald , Strack Micha , Bond Michael H. , Lo Eva , Lam Jason
Published: May 2011

How can shared music preferences create social bonds between people? A process model is developed in which music preferences as value-expressive attitudes create social bonds via conveyed value similarity. The musical bonding model links two research streams: (a) music preferences as indicators of similarity in value orientations and (b) similarity in value orientations leading to social attraction. Two laboratory experiments and one dyadic field study demonstrated that music can create interpersonal bonds between young people because music preferences can be cues for similar or dissimilar value orientations, with similarity in values then contributing to social attraction. One study tested and ruled out an alternative explanation (via personality similarity), illuminating the differential impact of perceived value similarity versus personality similarity on social attraction. Value similarity is the missing link in explaining the musical bonding phenomenon, which seems to hold for Western and non-Western samples and in experimental and natural settings.
The contribution of social support and social strain to depressive symptoms in African American, Native American, and European American women
Authors: Sherman Aurora M. , Skrzypek Adrienne , Bell Ronny , Tatum Cathy , Paskett Electra D.
Published: May 2011

Positive and negative aspects of social relations and their association with depressive symptoms were examined for a sample of Native American, African American and European American women ( N = 249). Support was associated with lower depressive symptoms, whereas strain was associated with higher depressive symptoms. Further, European American women were advantaged only by high levels of support compared to the women of color; at moderate and low levels of support, European American women reported Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scores that were similar to or higher than women in other ethnic groups. Results indicate that links between supportive and negative relationship dimensions to depressive symptoms previously tested using only European American samples can be extended to ethnically diverse samples, but there are also important between-group differences.
The Influence of networking on the internationalization of SMEs: Evidence from internationalized Chinese firms
Authors: Tang Yee Kwan
Published: May 2011

This study investigates influential networking behaviours in supporting the internationalization of SMEs. Using primary data collected from 210 Chinese SMEs in Beijing and Hong Kong, regression analysis was applied to test associations between networking behaviours, resource availability and internationalization patterns. Findings indicate that resources made available from networks do not necessarily facilitate the internationalization of firms. The availability of foreign business resources is positively associated with the achievement of rapid internationalization but the availability of general organizational resources indicates a negative association. The ability of SMEs to plan and conduct networking activities strategically with key partners is beneficial to obtain the influential resources for accelerating foreign business development. The article concludes with implications for policy-makers and SME owners/managers, suggesting they should target support initiatives and skills training aimed at nurturing and developing influential networking behaviours.
Pre-existing liver cirrhosis reduced the toxic effect of diethylene glycol in a rat model due to the impaired hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Ming Xing Huang  , Xiao Mou Peng  , Lin Gu  , Gui Hua Chen
Published: May 2011

Hepatic metabolizing enzymes of diethylene glycol (DEG) are impaired in liver diseases. Thus, the purpose of this study was to increase our understandings in metabolism and toxicology of DEG by clarifying the influences of pre-existing liver disease. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis and 20 control rats were intraperitoneally administered a single dose of DEG, and randomly killed 1, 2, 5 or 8 days following exposure. Compared with control rats, the model rats had significantly higher blood CO2-combining power, lower blood urine nitrogen, serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels on the second day and a lower mortality rate on the eighth day following DEG exposure. Enlargements of liver and kidneys and degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes and renal tubules in the model rats was also less serious than in the control rats. Urine DEG levels were significantly higher on the first day in the model rats than the control rats (46.65 ± 8.79 mg vs 18.88 ± 6.18 mg, p < 0.01), but DEG concentrations in the blood, liver and kidneys were lower. Hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity in the model rats was significantly lower than that in the control rats, which was positively related to renal damage. The toxic effects of DEG in rats with pre-existing liver cirrhosis are significantly reduced, which may be due to the decreased hepatic ADH activity. It suggests that the metabolite of ADH is responsible for DEG poisoning, and this toxic metabolite may mainly originate in the liver.
A modulator against mercury chloride-induced genotoxic damage: Dermatocarpon intestiniforme (L.)
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Dirican Ebubekir
Published: May 2011

Mercury has been used in many domains of human activities for many years, although in any form mercury is reported to be toxic. On the other hand, lichens have been used in the treatment of several diseases such as tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, ulcer, dysentery and cancer. Animal investigations on some common lichen species have demonstrated their antioxidant and antimutagenic activity. However, there is very scarce data on the medical or biologic effects of specific lichen species. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the cyotogenetic effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and the role of aqueous Dermatocarpon intestiniforme lichen extracts in mercury-treated human blood cultures ( n = 3). The sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) assays were performed to assess DNA damages in lymphocytes. Our results clearly revealed that the SCE and MN rates induced by HgCl2 were alleviated by the presence of D. intestiniforme. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed for the first time that the lichen D. intestiniforme provided increased resistance of DNA against HgCl2-induced genetic damage on human lymphocytes.
Altered Attainment of Developmental Milestones Influences the Age of Diagnosis of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fehr Stephanie , Bebbington Ami , Ellaway Carolyn , Rowe Peter , Leonard Helen , Downs Jenny
Published: May 2011

The early developmental history prior to the manifestation of Rett syndrome features is of clinical interest. This study describes the attainment of gross developmental milestones and regression, and assesses the relationships between genotype and age at diagnosis. The Australian Rett Syndrome Database and International Rett Syndrome Phenotype Database were used to source a total of 293 confirmed female subjects. Most girls learned to sit, were able to babble or use words, and approximately half learned to walk. Altered milestone attainment was associated with earlier diagnosis. There was variation in the acquisition of milestones, the age of regression, and the age of diagnosis by genotype. Most parents expressed concerns about unusual behaviors or development during infancy, and a more subtle atypical development during infancy was reported for most girls. It is important for clinicians to be aware of variable early development in Rett syndrome and that timely genetic testing is not precluded on this account.
From online dialogue towards critical practice: beginning school administrators’ reflections
Authors: Duncan Heather
Published: May 2011

This paper reports on a case study of aspiring Canadian school leaders participating in a postgraduate online course in which the instructional approach was grounded in critical social theory. The focus was on using dialogue, questioning and critique as a means of uncovering assumptions, values and tensions as participants related their lived experiences as learners to those of students in their own educational settings. Initially, the critical approach induced feelings of vulnerability and ‘not measuring up’. Final outcomes were participants’ deeper understanding of how they learned, how their assumptions about education impacted their actions, and how their actions impacted their own students.
Student participation in school ICT policy-making: a case of students as researchers
Authors: Davies Patricia M.
Published: May 2011

Many questions have been raised about student voice as a channel for change. School Improvement — especially regarding information and communications technology (ICT) — is often driven by adult agendas, and even in the classroom students are least likely to be involved in bringing about change. This paper reports on a case of student action research at an independent secondary school in England. The student researchers analysed data they collected from students and teachers at their school, and from other international schools, about current ICT practices to develop policy statements on teaching and learning with ICT which they recommended to the school’s senior management team (SMT). Collaborating with these students was a consortium consisting of teachers and administrators at the school. Accounts of their data collection methods and their negotiations with adults on ‘improving ICT for the beneficiaries’ are presented as a model of student participation in school reform.
Computation of bone remodelling after Duracon knee arthroplasty using a thermodynamic-based model
Authors: Bougherara H , Nazgooei S , Sayyidmousavi A , Maršık F , Mařík I A
Published: May 2011

The present study utilizes a recently developed literature model for the bone remodelling process to predict the evolution of bone density following Duracon total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this model, which is based on chemical kinetics and irreversible thermodynamics, bone is treated as a self-organizing system capable of exchanging matter, energy, and entropy with its surroundings. Unlike previous models in which mechanical loading is regarded as the only stimulus for bone remodelling, the present model establishes a unique coupling between mechanical loading and the chemical reactions involved in the process of bone remodelling. This model was incorporated into the finite element software ANSYS by means of a macro to compute density distribution in distal femoral bone both before and after TKA. Consistent with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans reported in the literature, the results showed that the most severe bone loss occurs in the anterior region of the distal femur and that there is more bone resorption in the lateral than the medial condyle following TKA. Furthermore, the bone density distribution predicted using the present model showed a gradual and uniform pattern and thus a more realistic bone evolution contrary to the strain energy density model, where there is no gradual bone density evolution.
Salvage procedures for trochanteric femoral fractures after internal fixation failure: Biomechanical comparison of a plate fixator and the dynamic condylar screw
Authors: Konstantinidis L , Papaioannou C , Mehlhorn A , Hirschmüller A , Südkamp N P , Helwig P
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was the biomechanical evaluation of the reversed less invasive stabilization system (LISS) internal fixation as a joint-preserving salvage procedure for trochanteric fractures. Five LISS plates and five dynamic condylar screws (DCS) were tested using synthetic femora (Sawbones®) with an osteotomy model similar to a type-A2.3 pertrochanteric fracture. The constructs were subjected to axial loading up to 1000 N for five cycles. Then, the force was continuously increased until fixation failure. For the evaluation of the biomechanical behaviour, the stiffness levels were recorded and the osteotomy gap displacement was mapped three-dimensionally. The average stiffness for the constructs with LISS plates was 412 N/mm (with a standard deviation (SD) of 103N/mm) and 572 N/mm (SD of 116 N/mm) for the DCS constructs ( p = 0.051). Local displacement at the osteotomy gap did not yield any significant differences. The LISS constructs failed at a mean axial compression of 2103 N (SD of 519 N) and the DCS constructs at a mean of 2572 N (SD of 372 N) ( p = 0.14). It is concluded that the LISS plate offers a reliable fixation alternative for salvage procedures.
Predictors of maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kwok L-W , Tam L-S , Zhu TY , Leung Y-Y , Li EK
Published: May 2011

Disease activity 6 months before pregnancy of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes is not well studied. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant SLE patients, based on patients’ background characteristics, clinical and laboratory data 6 months before pregnancy. Of 103 pregnancies, 55 pregnancies in 39 SLE patients were investigated. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at regular intervals from 6 months before conception to 1 year after delivery. Primary outcomes included the predictors of combined adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Potential explanatory variables included demographic, clinical and laboratory data 6 months before conception. Using logistic regression, history of nephritis ( p = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 13.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7–65.1) and a high SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score 6 months before pregnancy ( p = 0.015, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.7) were associated with combined adverse maternal outcome, whereas flare during pregnancy ( p = 0.003, OR 29.3, 95% CI 3.1–273.1) predicted combined adverse fetal outcome. The area under the curve for SLEDAI score of combined maternal outcome was 0.73 (95% CI 0.58–0.87). The optimal cut-off point according to the receiver operating characteristic curve was 4, with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 75%. In conclusion, a history of nephritis or a SLEDAI score of 4 or more in SLE patients 6 months before conception predicts adverse maternal outcomes, while disease flare during pregnancy predicts adverse fetal outcomes. Pregnancies should be delayed until the disease has been in remission for 6 months.
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy in a Community Setting: Examining Outcomes, Attrition, and Treatment Setting
Authors: Lanier Paul , Kohl Patrica L. , Benz Joan , Swinger Dawn , Moussette Pam , Drake Brett
Published: May 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) deployed in a community setting comparing in-home with the standard office-based intervention. Child behavior, parent stress, parent functioning, and attrition were examined. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, standardized measures at three time points were collected from parent-child dyads (n=120) with thirty-seven families completing treatment. Results: Growth modeling analyses indicate significant improvements in child and parent outcomes in both treatment settings with more rapid improvements in parent outcomes within office-based treatment. Attrition was predicted by income and parent functioning. Conclusion: PCIT delivered in the community can produce measureable improvements. In-home PCIT is a feasible option but future research should consider benefits and costs. Treatment completion remains a challenge.
Vocational Counseling and Interventions: An Exploration of Future ‘‘Big’’ Questions
Authors: Whiston Susan C.
Published: May 2011

This article in a series on the next ‘‘big’’ questions in vocational psychology focuses on vocational interventions. The author proposes three primary questions with the first question asking vocational psychologists to consider the role they are going to play in the delivery of effective vocational or work-related interventions. The second question also addresses effective interventions and concerns what interventions are most helpful to which clients and under what conditions. The final question proposed by the author concerns what are the cost/benefits ratios of career counseling or vocational interventions.
Frequency and syndrome specificity of antibodies to aquaporin-4 in neurological patients with rheumatic disorders
Authors: Jarius Sven , Jacobi Christian , de Seze Jerome , Zephir Helene , Paul Friedemann , Franciotta Diego , Rommer Paulus , Mader Simone , Kleiter Ingo , Reindl Markus , Akman-Demir Gulsen , Seifert-Held Thomas , Kristoferitsch Wolfgang , Melms Arthur , Wandinger Klaus-Peter , Wildemann Brigitte
Published: May 2011

Background: A new autoantibody (termed NMO-IgG, or AQP4-Ab) has recently been described in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and its formes frustes, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) and recurrent optic neuritis (rON). However, AQP4-Ab has been found also in patients with co-existing rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), conditions which are characterized by broad, polyspecific B cell activation.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed at evaluating the syndrome specificity and frequency of AQP4-Ab in patients with rheumatic diseases and neurological symptoms.

Methods: For this purpose, serum samples from 109 neurological patients with established connective tissue disorders (CTD) ( n = 54), possible CTD ( n = 42), or vasculitis ( n = 13) were analysed for the presence of AQP4-Ab by a cell-based assay employing recombinant human AQP4.

Results: AQP4-Ab was detectable in 31/40 (78%) patients with CTD and NMO spectrum disorders (median titre, 1:1000) but in none of the samples obtained from patients with CTD or vasculitis and neurological disorders other than NMO, LETM, or rON ( n = 69).

Conclusion: The high syndrome specificity of the antibody for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) in patients with CTD supports the concept of AQP4-Ab being involved in the pathogenesis of these neurological conditions, and argues against AQP4-Ab simply being part of the polyclonal B cell activation generally associated with rheumatic diseases. Moreover, the finding that AQP4-Ab is present in patients with CTD and co-existing NMOSD with approximately the same frequency as in patients without CTD strengthens the case of CTD and AQP4-Ab positive NMOSD representing two co-existing yet distinct entities in the majority of patients.
Brain abnormalities as an initial manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Kim Woojun , Kim Su-Hyun , Hyun Lee Sang , Feng Li Xue , Jin Kim Ho
Published: May 2011

Background: Although brain abnormalities are being recognized more frequently in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), most brain lesions in previous reports have accompanied pre-existing NMOSD. Here, we describe clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with NMOSD who presented with brain symptoms as their first manifestation of the condition.

Methods: Anti-aquaporin-4 antibody was measured using cell-based assays and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the sera of 257 patients with inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system who attended the multiple sclerosis clinic of the National Cancer Center, Korea, between May 2005 and December 2009. Eighty-three were seropositive, and 15 of these who presented with brain symptoms were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed these individuals’ clinical and radiological findings.

Results: Patients with NMOSD were followed for a mean of 90 months. Median age at onset was 24 years (6–54 years) and there was a female preponderance (94%). The initial manifestation was classified into two groups according to clinical characteristics: encephalopathy mimicking acute disseminated encephalomyelitis or posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and characteristic brainstem symptoms such as intractable hiccup and vomiting. The majority of brain symptoms and lesions resolved. Intriguingly, eight patients (53%) experienced brain relapses that followed a similar pattern during the course of their disease.

Conclusion: It is important to recognize that NMO or NMOSD can initially present with brain symptoms.
Knowledge acquisition gaps: A comparison of print versus online news sources
Authors: Yang JungAe , Grabe Maria Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

This experimental study tested the knowledge gap hypothesis at the intersection of audience education levels and news formats (newspaper versus online). The findings reveal a gap in public affairs knowledge acquisition between South Korean citizens ( N = 123) from different educational backgrounds. Moreover, the high education group comprehended news with the same level of efficiency across online and newspaper formats while low education participants gained more knowledge from reading a newspaper than using an online news source. Taken together, this study’s findings confirm the knowledge gap hypothesis through experimental research and offer evidence of its potential contribution to the digital divide.
The Circus That Wasn't: The Republican Party's Quest for Order in California's 2003 Gubernatorial Recall Election
Authors: Masket Seth E.
Published: May 2011

Contrary to media reports, California's 2003 recall election was anything but a circus. Despite the presence of 135 candidates, just 3 managed to split 94% of the vote, and the winner came close to achieving a majority. In this article, the author uses elite interviews and a social network analysis of campaign donations to study how the Republican Party sought to impose order on the potentially chaotic political environment. The author finds that a network of Republican donors, activists, and officeholders coordinated their efforts to advantage Arnold Schwarzenegger and pressure other Republicans out of the race.
Where Politicians Gave Power to the People: Adoption of the Citizen Initiative in the U.S. States
Authors: Bridges Amy , Kousser Thad
Published: May 2011

What led elites in some U.S. states to surrender policy-making power to voters between 1898 and 1918, while leaders elsewhere retained only representative democracy? The authors argue that progressives behaved as strategic politicians by supporting direct democracy when they were stymied at achieving their goals in the legislature and were confident that the voters who would be empowered by initiatives that agreed with progressive policies. They made their delegation of power conditional on who would receive it. The presence of these underlying conditions made adoption of the citizen initiative likely, the authors posit, while the timing of reforms came when insurgent reformers had a strong presence in state government, when the results of a galvanizing election sent a clear signal, or when the adoption of the initiative in one state diffused to its neighbors. Exploring these hypotheses by analyzing a new data set, the authors find strong support for their expectations about the conditions that created fertile ground for direct democracy.
A Bootstrap Method for Conducting Statistical Inference with Clustered Data
Authors: Harden Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2011

U.S. state politics researchers often analyze data with observations grouped into clusters. This structure commonly produces unmodeled correlation within clusters, leading to downward bias in the standard errors of regression coefficients. Estimating robust cluster standard errors (RCSE) is a common approach to correcting this bias. However, despite their frequent use, recent work indicates that RCSE can also be biased downward. Here the author provides evidence of that bias and offers a potential solution. Through Monte Carlo simulation of an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, the author compares conventional standard error (OLS-SE) and RCSE performance to that of a bootstrap method that resamples clusters of observations (BCSE). The author shows that both OLS-SEandRCSE are biased downward, with OLS-SE being the most biased. In contrast, BCSE are not biased and consistently outperform the other two methods. The author concludes with three replications from recent work and offers recommendations to researchers.
Individual patient meta-analysis of exercise training effects on systemic brain natriuretic peptide expression in heart failure
Authors: Smart NA , Meyer T , Butterfield JA , Faddy SC , Passino C , Malfatto G , Jonsdottir S , Sarullo F , Wisloff U , Vigorito C , Giallauria F
Published: May 2011

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) predicts exercise performance and exercise training may modulate BNP and its N-terminal portion (NT-pro-BNP), we therefore conducted an individual patient analysis of exercise training effects on BNP and NT-pro-BNP. Aims: To use an individual patient meta-analysis to relate changes in BNP, NT-pro-BNP, and peak VO2; to link these changes to volume parameters of exercise training programmes (intensity etc.); and to identify patient characteristics likely to lead to greater improvements in BNP, NT-pro-BNP, and peak VO2. Design: Individual patient meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of Medline (Ovid), Embase.com, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL (until July 2008) to identify randomized controlled trials of aerobic and/or resistance exercise training in systolic heart failure patients measuring BNP and/or NT-pro-BNP. Primary outcome measures were change in BNP, NT-pro-BNP, and peak VO2. Subanalyses were conducted to identify (1) patient groups that benefit most and (2) exercise programme parameters enhancing favourable changes in primary outcome measures. Results: Ten randomized controlled studies measuring BNP or NT-pro-BNP met eligibility criteria, authors provided individual patient data for 565 patients (313 exercise and 252 controls). Exercise training had favourable effects on BNP (−28.3%, p < 0.0001), NT-pro-BNP (−37.4%, p =  < 0.0001), and peak VO2 (17.8%, p < 0.0001). The analysis showed a significant change in primary outcome measures; moreover, change in BNP ( r = −0.31, p < 0.0001) and NT-pro-BNP ( r = −0.22, p < 0.0001) were correlated with peak VO2 change. Conclusion: Exercise training has favourable effects on BNP, NT-pro-BNP, and peak VO2 in heart failure patients and BNP/NT-pro-BNP changes were correlated with peak VO2 changes.
Prediction of the collapse time of an outdoor storage tank under rainfall due to internal steam condensation
Authors: Cronin K , Mullane T O , Timmins K
Published: May 2011

Thin-walled storage tanks are prone to vacuum collapse due to the development of a net external pressure. Condensation of steam inside the vessel can cause a rapid development of this mode of failure. External atmospheric conditions also affect the process; specifically, the enhanced heat transfer associated with rainfall on the vessel external surface accelerates the collapse process. Short but intense rain storms are becoming more common. An expression to predict the time taken for a storage vessel to collapse while subject to external rainfall is developed. Good agreement was found between the predictions of the modelling techniques and the experimentally obtained results. It is shown that the thermal energy stored in the vessel wall is very significant in determining the collapse time especially for outdoor vessels exposed to rain.
Human X-linked variable immunodeficiency caused by a hypomorphic mutation in XIAP in association with a rare polymorphism in CD40LG
Authors: Rigaud Stéphanie , Lopez-Granados Eduardo , Sibéril Sophie , Gloire Geoffrey , Lambert Nathalie , Lenoir Christelle , Synaeve Cindy , Stacey Maria , Fugger Lars , Stephan Jean-Louis , Fischer Alain , Picard Capucine , Durandy Anne , Chapel Helen , Latour Sylvain
Published: May 2011

The present study focuses on a large family with an X-linked immunodeficiency in which there are variable clinical and laboratory phenotypes, including recurrent viral and bacterial infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, Epstein-Barr virus–driven lymphoproliferation, splenomegaly, colitis, and liver disease. Molecular and genetic analyses revealed that affected males were carriers of a hypomorphic hemizygous mutation in XIAP (XIAPG466X) that cosegregated with a rare polymorphism in CD40LG (CD40 ligandG219R). These genes are involved in the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome 2 and the X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome, respectively. Single expression of XIAPG466X or CD40LG219R had no or minimal effect in vivo, although in vitro, they lead to altered functional activities of their gene products, which suggests that the combination of XIAP and CD40LG mutations contributed to the expression of clinical manifestations observed in affected individuals. Our report of a primary X-linked immunodeficiency of oligogenic origin emphasizes that primary immunodeficiencies are not caused by a single defective gene, which leads to restricted manifestations, but are likely to be the result of an interplay between several genetic determinants, which leads to more variable clinical phenotypes.