bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermoscopy and Digital Dermoscopy Analysis of Palmoplantar ‘Equivocal’ Pigmented Skin Lesions in Caucasians
Authors: Rubegni P. , Cevenini G. , Nami N. , Argenziano G. , Saida T. , Burroni M. , Bono R. , Quaglino P. , Barbini P. , Miracco C. , Lamberti A. , Fimiani M.
Published: November 2012

Background/Aim: The diagnosis of palmoplantar melanoma is often delayed and misdiagnosis is common, due to frequently unusual clinical presentation. We used a digital dermoscopy analyzer with a series of palmoplantar pigmented skin lesions (PP-PSL), and we compared sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy obtained with digital dermoscopy analysis (DDA) and classical dermoscopy. Methods: Digital dermoscopy images of 107 PP-PSL were retrospectively obtained from the database of images of 3 Italian centers. The lesions (25 melanomas and 82 nevi) were all removed because of the presence of clinical and/or dermoscopic suspicious features. All digital images were analyzed using appropriate algorithms, and the diagnostic accuracy of the model was calculated. For comparison, dermoscopic images were clinically evaluated by two dermatologists and the Cohen ĸ concordance with DDA was calculated. Results: The stepwise logistic regression analysis selected only 5 parameters out of 49. The logistic model achieved a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 87.8%. The Cohen ĸ concordance, evaluated by the Landis and Koch scale, supplied a substantial agreement between dermoscopy and DDA. Conclusions: DDA might be a useful diagnostic instrument in the evaluation of preselected PP-PSL. However, these findings should be confirmed in a formal clinical trial.
Application of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents and Prevalence of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in a Cohort of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Becker Stefan , Walter Stefan , Witzke Oliver , Kreuter Alexander , Kribben Andreas , Mitchell Anna
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a highly debilitating disease that can occur in patients with reduced kidney function after application of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA). In recent years, the incidence of the disease has significantly decreased. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of NSF in a cohort of dialysis patients and to investigate whether the use of GBCA has changed in this patient cohort. Methods: We studied 508 dialysis patients from 8 centers in the Ruhr area, Germany. Patients were visited during dialysis, and anamnestic data were collected by interview, from patient files and, if necessary, from radiological institutes. Patients were examined for cutaneous changes of NSF, which were defined using a scoring system based on hyperpigmentation, hardening, and tethering of skin of the extremities. Results: 4/508 patients were clinically suspected of NSF, yet only 2 had received GBCA and their diagnosis was confirmed dermatohistologically (0.4%). The other 2 had not received GBCA, and hence NSF was not suspected. Between 2006 and 2010, 49/508 patients underwent an MRI. 25/49 patients received GBCA. The relative proportion of MRIs with GBCA was highest in 2006 (9/13; 69.2%) and lowest in 2009 (6/16; 37.5%). The proportion of linear chelates (gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine) was highest in 2006 (8/9; 88.9%) and lower thereafter. Conclusion: The prevalence of NSF in our cohort of dialysis patients is very low. This may be the consequence of a progressively restricted use of GBCA in patients with impaired kidney function and a more widespread application of macrocyclic chelates.
A Case of Severe and Recurrent Painless Thyroiditis Requiring Thyroidectomy
Authors: Ishii Hiroaki , Takei Masahiro , Sato Yoshihiko , Ito Tokiko , Ito Ken-ichi , Sakai Yasuhiro , Yumita Wataru , Suzuki Satoru , Komatsu Mitsuhisa
Published: November 2012

Objective: To report a case of severe and recurrent painless thyroiditis requiring thyroidectomy. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 47-year-old man who presented with severe thyrotoxicosis was found to have extremely low radioactive iodine uptake, negative TSH receptor antibodies, and normal C-reactive protein; these findings suggested a diagnosis of painless thyroiditis. Due to the severity and recurrence of thyrotoxicosis, surgical resection of the thyroid gland was performed to prevent a thyrotoxic storm. Histological examination revealed typical lymphoid infiltration of the thyroid gland. Conclusion: This case illustrates that a patient with painless thyroiditis was successfully treated with surgery.
Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Increases Redox Stress and Moderately Accelerates the Development of Heart Failure
Authors: Hecker Peter A. , Lionetti Vincenzo , Ribeiro Rogerio F. , Rastogi Sharad , Brown Bethany H. , O’Connell Kelly A. , Cox James W. , Shekar Kadambari C. , Gamble Dionna M. , Sabbah Hani N. , Leopold Jane A. , Gupte Sachin A. , Recchia Fabio A. , Stanley William C.
Published: November 2012

Background—

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the most common deficient enzyme in the world. In failing hearts, G6PD is upregulated and generates reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) that is used by the glutathione pathway to remove reactive oxygen species but also as a substrate by reactive oxygen species-generating enzymes. Therefore, G6PD deficiency might prevent heart failure by decreasing NADPH and reactive oxygen species production.

Methods and Results—

This hypothesis was evaluated in a mouse model of human G6PD deficiency (G6PDX mice, ≈40% normal activity). Myocardial infarction with 3 months follow-up resulted in left ventricular dilation and dysfunction in both wild-type and G6PDX mice but significantly greater end diastolic volume and wall thinning in G6PDX mice. Similarly, pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 6 weeks caused greater left ventricular dilation in G6PDX mice than wild-type mice. We further stressed transverse aortic constriction mice by feeding a high fructose diet to increase flux through G6PD and reactive oxygen species production and again observed worse left ventricular remodeling and a lower ejection fraction in G6PDX than wild-type mice. Tissue content of lipid peroxidation products was increased in G6PDX mice in response to infarction and aconitase activity was decreased with transverse aortic constriction, suggesting that G6PD deficiency increases myocardial oxidative stress and subsequent damage.

Conclusions—

Contrary to our hypothesis, G6PD deficiency increased redox stress in response to infarction or pressure overload. However, we found only a modest acceleration of left ventricular remodeling, suggesting that, in individuals with G6PD deficiency and concurrent hypertension or myocardial infarction, the risk for developing heart failure is higher but limited by compensatory mechanisms.
High-Risk Plaque for Carotid Artery Stenting Evaluated With 3-Dimensional T1-Weighted Gradient Echo Sequence
Authors: Tanemura Hiroshi , Maeda Masayuki , Ichikawa Naoki , Miura Yoichi , Umeda Yasuyuki , Hatazaki Seiji , Toma Naoki , Asakura Fumio , Suzuki Hidenori , Sakaida Hiroshi , Matsushima Satoshi , Taki Waro
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

Preventing cerebral embolisms is a major concern with carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study evaluated 3-dimensional T1-weighted gradient echo (3D T1GRE) sequence to predict cerebral embolism related to CAS.

Methods—

We performed quantitative analyses of the characteristics of 47 carotid plaques before CAS by measuring the signal intensity ratio (SIR) and plaque volume using 3D T1GRE images. We used T1-weighted turbo field echo sequence to obtain 3D T1GRE images. We also evaluated diffusion-weighted images (DWI) of the brain before and after CAS to detect ischemic lesions (DWI lesions) from cerebral emboli.

Results—

SIR (2.17 [interquartile range 1.50–3.07] versus 1.35 [interquartile range 1.08–1.97];
P
=0.010) and plaque volume (456 mm
3
[interquartile range 256–696] versus 301 mm
3
[interquartile range 126–433];
P
=0.008) were significantly higher in the group of patients positive for DWI lesions (P-group: n=26) than DWI lesion-negative patients (N-group: n=21). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, SIR (
P
=0.007) and plaque volume (
P
=0.042) were independent predictors of DWI lesions with CAS. Furthermore, SIR (
r
s=0.42,
P
=0.005) and plaque volume (
r
s=0.36,
P
=0.012) were positively correlated with the number of DWI lesions. From analysis of a receiver-operating characteristic curve, the most reliable cutoff values of SIR and plaque volume to predict DWI lesions related to CAS were 1.80 and 373 mm
3
, respectively.

Conclusions—

Quantitative evaluation of carotid plaques using 3D T1GRE images may be useful in predicting cerebral embolism related to CAS.
Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Gladstone David , Raptis Roula , Zhou Limei , Hart Robert G.
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke and is associated with poor stroke outcomes. Limited tools are available to evaluate clinical outcomes and response to thrombolysis in stroke patients with AF.

Methods—

We applied the iScore (
http://www.sorcan.ca/iscore
), a validated risk score, to consecutive patients with an acute ischemic stroke admitted to stroke centers in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network. The main outcome considered was a favorable outcome (defined as a modified Rankin scale 0–2) at discharge after thrombolysis. Secondary outcomes included intracerebral hemorrhage, death at 30 days, and at 1 year stratified by terciles of the iScore.

Results—

Among 12 686 patients with an acute ischemic stroke, 2185 (17.2%) had AF. Overall, AF patients had higher risk of death at 30 days (22.3% versus 10.2%;
P
<0.0001), 1 year (37.1% versus 19.5%;
P
<0.0001) and death or disability at discharge (69.7% versus 54.7%;
P
<0.0001) compared with non-AF patients. After adjustment, thrombolysis was associated with a favorable outcome for patients without AF (relative risk, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10–1.27), but no benefit was observed for patients with AF (relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.71–1.17). There was a modestly increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (any type) (16.5% versus 11.6%; relative risk, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.05–1.91) after thrombolysis among AF compared with non-AF patients. In the logistic regression analysis, there was an interaction between tPA and iScore for a favorable outcome (
P
-value interaction <0.001). The interaction also was significant (
P
<0.0012) among patients without AF, but did not reach significance (
P
=0.17) in patients with AF.

Conclusions—

Stroke patients with AF have higher mortality, greater risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, and a similar response trend to thrombolysis compared with non-AF patients.
Proslavery and Antislavery Politics in Rhode Island's 1842 Dorr Rebellion
Authors: Chaput Erik J.
Published: November 2012

Bringing race back into the history of the Dorr Rebellion, this article, grounded in deep archival research, demonstrates that Providence attorney Thomas Wilson Dorr's attempt at extralegal reform stirred the fears of slavery's proponents and opponents alike, thus unwittingly undermining the very reform his initiative was designed to advance: universal male suffrage.
Piety and Profession: Simon Greenleaf and the Case of the Stillborn Bowdoin Law School, 1850–1861
Authors: Konefsky Alfred S.
Published: November 2012

In 1850, Bowdoin College turned to former Harvard professor Simon Greenleaf when it sought to establish a law school. Although the school did not materialize, Greenleaf wrote a remarkable report that reveals anxieties about the profession, competing visions of legal education, and controversies over the meaning of the science of law in antebellum New England.
Formation Mechanism of Dust Devil–Like Vortices in Idealized Convective Mixed Layers
Authors: Ito Junshi , Niino Hiroshi , Nakanishi Mikio
Published: November 2012

Dust devils are small-scale vertical vortices often observed over deserts or bare land during the daytime under fair weather conditions. Previous numerical studies have demonstrated that dust devil–like vertical vortices can be simulated in idealized convective mixed layers in the absence of background winds or environmental shear. Their formation mechanism, however, has not been completely clarified. In this paper, the authors attempt to clarify the vorticity source of a dust devil–like vortex by means of a large-eddy simulation, in which a material surface initially placed in the vortex is tracked backward and the circulation on the material surface is examined. The material surface is found to originate from downdrafts, which already have sufficient circulation. As the material surface converges toward the vortex, the vorticity is increased because of conservation of circulation. It is shown that a convective mixed layer is inherently accompanied by circulation, which is scaled by a product of the convective velocity scale and the depth of the convective mixed layer. This circulation is considered to be originally generated by tilting of baroclinically generated horizontal vorticity principally at middepths of the convective mixed layer.
Diagnosing Northern Hemisphere Jet Portrayal in 17 CMIP3 Global Climate Models: Twenty-First-Century Projections
Authors: Delcambre Sharon C. , Lorenz David J. , Vimont Daniel J. , Martin Jonathan E.
Published: November 2012

The anthropogenic climate change impacts on the eddy–jet system include an intensified midlatitude jet stream and an elevated tropopause, as well as a poleward-shifted jet. While both responses are evident in phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) ensemble mean twenty-first-century projections, uncertainty in the poleward shift response is large enough that even the sign of the shift is not consistent among all models, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. The present analysis finds that twenty-first-century projections of the ensemble mean zonal wind change at 300 hPa predict a weakening and poleward expansion of the Pacific jet and an overall expansion of the Atlantic jet. In contrast with the direct zonal mean climate change signal of increasing midlatitude upper-level winds, zonal winds are projected to decrease in the core of the Pacific and Atlantic jets, with increasing zonal winds located primarily in the jet exit regions and the meridional flanks of the jets. Uncertainties in SST changes from the twentieth century to the twenty-first century between models are shown to impact modeled Northern Hemisphere jet stream changes. In particular, El Niño–Southern Oscillation–like mean winter SST changes explain 30% of intermodel variance of midlatitude zonal wind compared to the 8% explained by the domain-averaged warming SST signal. This suggests that a reduction of uncertainty in the tropical Pacific SST response to global warming will significantly reduce uncertainty in the Northern Hemisphere zonal wind response to climate change.
The Effect of Topographic Variability on Initial Condition Sensitivity of Low-Level Wind Forecasts. Part I: Experiments Using Idealized Terrain
Authors: Bieringer Paul E. , Ray Peter S. , Annunzio Andrew J.
Published: November 2012

The concept of improving the accuracy of numerical weather forecasts by targeting additional meteorological observations in areas where the initial condition error is suspected to grow rapidly has been the topic of numerous studies and field programs. The challenge faced by this approach is that it typically requires a costly observation system that can be quickly adapted to place instrumentation where needed. The present study examines whether the underlying terrain in a mesoscale model influences model initial condition sensitivity and if knowledge of the terrain and corresponding predominant flow patterns for a region can be used to direct the placement of instrumentation. This follows the same concept on which earlier targeted observation approaches were based, but eliminates the need for an observation system that needs to be continually reconfigured. Simulations from the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) and its adjoint are used to characterize the locations, variables, and magnitudes of initial condition perturbations that have the most significant impact on the surface wind forecast. This study examines a relatively simple case where an idealized mountain surrounded by a flat plain is located upwind of the forecast verification region. The results suggest that, when elevated terrain is present upstream of the target forecast area, the largest forecast impact (defined as the difference between the simulation with perturbed initial conditions and a control simulation where the initial condition was not perturbed) occurs when the initial analysis perturbations are made in regions with complex terrain.
An Improved Method for Estimating Radar Echo-Top Height
Authors: Lakshmanan Valliappa , Hondl Kurt , Potvin Corey K. , Preignitz David
Published: November 2012

It is demonstrated that the traditional method, in widespread use on Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) and other radar systems, to compute echo-top heights results in both under- and overestimates. It is proposed that echo tops be computed by interpolating between elevation scans that bracket the echo-top threshold. The traditional and proposed techniques are evaluated using simulated radar samples of a modeled thunderstorm and by sampling a high-resolution range–height indicator (RHI) of a real thunderstorm. It is shown that the proposed method results in smaller errors when higher-elevation scans are available.
“’Cause Everybody Likes to Be Treated Good”
Authors: Canada Kelli E. , Watson Amy C.
Published: November 2012

There is mounting evidence that mental health courts (MHCs) reduce criminal recidivism and increase use of mental health services. Although not yet empirically tested, procedural justice has been proposed as one potential mechanism that promotes change and improves outcomes for MHC participants. In this article, we investigate MHC participants’ perceptions of procedural justice in interactions with MHC staff as well as the role of procedural justice in participants’ MHC program experiences. Participants from two MHC programs were invited to complete quantitative measures and a semistructured interview about their MHC experiences and perceptions of procedural justice. Univariate and bivariate analyses and qualitative analysis were used to examine the data. Findings indicate that MHC participants perceive a moderate level of procedural justice in interactions with MHC team members. However, perceptions of procedural justice are complex, involve multiple actions and inaction, and are affected by all members of the MHC team, not just the judge. Although scores on quantitative measures of procedural justice do not differ by court, participant perceptions discussed in semistructured interviews do vary. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis—A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Bhasin Aarti , Tolan Robert W.
Published: November 2012

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe inflammatory disorder characterized by activation and proliferation of lymphocytes and histiocytes with cytokine release and uncontrolled hemophagocytosis, especially late in the course of the disease. Clinical features include relapsing fevers, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, lymphadenopathy, and coagulopathy. The diagnosis can be challenging, as the early signs and symptoms are nonspecific and no specific laboratory tests exist. This syndrome is frequently not recognized and has a significant mortality rate. Typical scenarios in which HLH should be considered include mononucleosis (fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy) in an infant or young child, aseptic meningitis associated with cytopenias, or a viral syndrome-like illness with cytopenias and lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly, for example. Our approach includes measuring a ferritin level as a screening tool early in the course of such an illness. Two cases of HLH are reviewed, illustrating the frequent complexity of these cases and potential pitfalls to making a prompt diagnosis.
Some properties of starch and starch edible films from under-utilized roots and tubers from the Venezuelan Amazons
Authors: Tapia María S , Pérez Elevina , Rodríguez Pablo E , Guzmán Romel , Ducamp-Collin Marie-Noëlle , Tran Thierry , Rolland-Sabaté Agnès
Published: November 2012

Biopolymers from agricultural starchy commodities can be raw materials for edible, biologically degradable plastics. They have promising uses, having been proposed for replacing synthetic films. There are several starchy sources not yet quite exploited such as tropical roots and tubers that could be excellent starch sources to produce edible films with distinctive functional properties. The objective of this study was to formulate edible films from six tropical starchy crops. Starches were extracted and purified to 97–99% purity from Ipomoea batatas, Arracacia xanthorriza roots, Colocasia esculenta, Xanthosoma sagittifolium corms, and Dioscorea trifida tubers (white and purple) cultivated in the Venezuelan Amazons. The non-conventional starches were characterized for purity, amylose content and gelatinization profile by differential scanning calorimetry, starch granular morphometry and rheological properties. Starch-based films were processed by casting solutions prepared with each starch, glycerol, and distilled water. Starch suspensions were gelatinized by heat, degassed, poured in plates and dried. In the films, studies performed were water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability, and mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength. Crystallinity patterns of native starches and films were also obtained. Ipomoea batatas and Colocasia esculenta exhibited polymorphism A+B type X-ray pattern, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, an A-type X-ray pattern, and Arracacia xanthorriza and both Diosocrea trifida, B-type patterns; while starch-based films had all a B-type X-ray pattern. As expected, the potential for these types of films are more in the area of decreasing gas exchange rather than retardation of water loss due to their hydrophilic nature. Films from these non-conventional starch sources with barrier and mechanical characteristics tailored for specific uses can be of interest as plastics for the food industry and results may be of significance also, for starch-based foams.
Effect of two kinds of lignins, alkaline lignin and sodium lignosulfonate, on the foamability of thermoplastic zein-based bionanocomposites
Authors: Oliviero Maria , Verdolotti Letizia , Nedi Irma , Docimo Fabio , Di Maio Ernesto , Iannace Salvatore
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to utilize zein, a protein from corn, to develop bioplastic formulations in combination with reactive additives based on ligninic compounds and to investigate the effects of these highly interactive additives on the foamability of zein. In particular, different amounts of alkaline lignin and sodium lignosulfonate were added to zein powder and poly(ethylene glycol) through melt mixing to achieve thermoplastic bio-polymers, which were subsequently foamed in a batch process, with a mixture of CO2 and N2 as blowing agent, in the temperature range 50–60°C. The materials before foaming were characterized by X-ray and Fourier transform infrared analysis to highlight the physico-chemical interactions and the eventual destructuration of the protein secondary structure. After foaming, density measurements, scanning electron microscopy and image analysis have been used in order to evaluate the porosity and the pore size distribution of the microstructure of the foams and to determine the effect of the ligninic compounds on the foamability of the bioplastic.
Tooth Agenesis Association with Self-reported Family History of Cancer
Authors: Küchler E.C. , Lips A. , Tannure P.N. , Ho B. , Costa M.C. , Granjeiro J.M. , Vieira A.R.
Published: November 2012

It has been proposed that tooth agenesis and cancer development share common molecular pathways. We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the epidemiological and molecular association between tooth agenesis and self-reported family history of cancer. Eighty-two individuals with tooth agenesis and 328 individuals with no birth defect were recruited from the same institution. Tooth agenesis was assessed in permanent teeth and was defined based on the age of the participants and when initial tooth formation should be radiographically visible. We also investigated the role of genes involved in dental development that have been implicated in tumorigenesis, and 14 markers in AXIN2, FGF3, FGF10, and FGFR2 were genotyped. Individuals with tooth agenesis had an increased risk of having a family history of cancer ( p = 0.00006; OR = 2.7; 95% C.I., 1.6-4.4). There were associations between AXIN2, FGF3, FGF10, and FGFR2 with tooth agenesis [ i.e., individuals who carried the polymorphic allele of FGFR2 (rs1219648) presented higher risk for having premolar agenesis ( p = 0.02; OR = 1.8; 95% C.I., 1.1-3.0)]. In conclusion, tooth agenesis was associated with positive self-reported family history of cancer and with variants in AXIN2, FGF3, FGF10, and FGFR2. Prospective studies are needed to confirm if tooth agenesis can be used as a risk marker for cancer.
Methodological Issues in the Analysis of Residential Preferences, Residential Mobility, and Neighborhood Change
Authors: Bruch Elizabeth E. , Mare Robert D.
Published: November 2012

This paper reviews methods for analyzing both individual preferences and choices about where to live, and the implications of these choices for residential patterns. Although these methods are discussed in the context of residential choice, they can be applied more broadly to individual choices in a range of social contexts where behavior is interdependent. We also discuss specific problems with residential mobility data, including the treatment of one’s current location as a potential choice, the aggregation of units and the need to take into account variations in neighborhood size, the problem of very large choice sets, and the link between residential mobility and patterns of neighborhood change.
A Nonparametric Index of Stratification
Authors: Zhou Xiang
Published: November 2012

The author presents a nonparametric approach to measuring stratification that highlights the distinction between stratification and inequality. Using pairwise comparison of ranks, the author develops an index of stratification that gauges the overall degree to which population subgroups occupy distinct strata with respect to a hierarchical outcome. This new index possesses a number of desirable properties that are not satisfied by existing measures of stratification. The overall index can be decomposed as a weighted average of pair-specific indices of stratification, which capture the extent of separation between any two particular groups. Besides, this index can be easily extended to measure conditional stratification through control of a third variable. In addition, the author builds a parallel between stratification and inequality in their measurement by developing a general formula of which the index of stratification and the Gini index of inequality can be considered as two special cases. Finally, this new approach is applied to depict the temporal trends of wage stratification by gender, race, and educational attainment over the past three decades in the United States.
Macrostructure from Microstructure
Authors: Smith Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2012

This article presents a new simulation method to make global network inference from sampled data. The proposed method takes sampled ego network data and uses exponential random graph models (ERGM) to reconstruct the features of the true, unknown network. After describing the method, the author presents two validity checks of the approach: the first uses the 20 largest Add Health networks while the second uses the Sociology Coauthorship network in the 1990s. For each test, I take random ego network samples from the known networks and use my method to make global network inference. The method successfully reproduces the properties of the networks, such as distance and main component size. The results also suggest that simpler, baseline models provide considerably worse estimates for most network properties. The paper concludes with a discussion of the bounds/limitations of ego network sampling as well as possible extensions to the proposed approach.
Log-linear Causal Analysis of Cross-classified Categorical Data
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazuo
Published: November 2012

Although log-linear and log-multiplicative analysis of association between variables is useful, its major limitation has been a lack of association with causal analysis. The objective of this article is to introduce a causal analysis on the basis of an adjusted cross-classified frequency table having such counterfactual odds ratios between a treatment variable X and its dependent variable Y that would be realized if the effects of confounding covariates on the association between X and Y were eliminated. The author first clarifies that the attainment of statistical independence between X and the covariates is not sufficient, because the issue of collapsibility remains even under completely randomized treatment allocation, and then proposes a specific standardization method for covariate states to solve this issue. By assuming semiparametric regression models, the author then introduces a new method of retaining the causal effects of X on Y, and the possible dependence of those effects on the third variable, in adjusted two-way or three-way contingency tables. As a result, the author also introduces a method for applying semiparametric logit and multinomial logit regression models that do not specify the effects of the confounding covariates V on Y. The estimation of standard errors for applying log-linear and log-multiplicative association models for the data of adjusted contingency tables is also described.
Illumination with a Dim Bulb? What Do Social Scientists Learn by Employing Qualitative Data Analysis Software in the Service of Multimethod Designs?
Authors: White Michael J. , Judd Maya D. , Poliandri Simone
Published: November 2012

Although there has been much optimistic discussion of integrating quantitative and qualitative findings into sociological analysis, there remains a gap regarding the application of mixed approaches. We examine the potential gains and pitfalls of such integration in the context of the growing analytic power of contemporary qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) programs. We illustrate the issues with our own research in a mixed-methods project examining low fertility in Italy, a project that combines analysis of large nationally representative survey data with qualitative in-depth interviews with women across four cities in Italy. Despite the enthusiasm for mixed-methods research, the available software appears to be underutilized. In addition, we suggest that the sociological research community will want to address several conceptual and inferential issues with these approaches.
Hypocaloric, High‐Protein Nutrition Therapy in Older vs Younger Critically Ill Patients With Obesity
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Medling Theresa L. , Smith Ashley C. , Maish George O. , Croce Martin A. , Minard Gayle , Brown Rex O.
Published: November 2012

Background: Older patients require more protein than younger patients to achieve anabolism, but age‐associated renal dysfunction may limit the amount of protein that can be safely provided. This study examined whether older, critically ill trauma patients with obesity can safely achieve nitrogen equilibrium and have positive clinical outcomes similar to younger obese patients during hypocaloric, high‐protein nutrition therapy. Methods: Adult patients with traumatic injury and obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2), admitted to the Presley Trauma Center from January 2009 to April 2011, were evaluated. Patients were targeted to receive hypocaloric, high‐protein nutrition therapy (<25 kcal/kg ideal body weight [IBW]/d and >2 g/kg IBW/d of protein) for >10 days. Patients were stratified as older (≥60 years) or younger (18–59 years). Results: Seventy‐four patients (33 older, 41 younger) were studied. Older and younger patients were similar in BMI and injury severity. When given isonitrogenous regimens (2.3 ± 0.2 g/kg IBW/d), nitrogen balance was similar between older and younger patients (−3.2 ± 5.7 g/d vs −4.9 ± 9.0 g/d; P = .363). Older patients experienced a greater mean serum urea nitrogen concentration than younger patients (30 ± 14 mg/dL vs 20 ± 9 mg/dL; P = .001) during nutrition therapy. Clinical outcomes were not different between groups. Conclusions: Older critically ill trauma patients exhibited an equivalent net protein response as younger patients during hypocaloric, high‐protein nutrition therapy. Older patients are at greater risk for developing azotemia. Close monitoring is warranted.
Word sense disambiguation based on positional weighted context
Authors: Huang Shilin , Zheng Xiaolin , Kang Haixiao , Chen Deren
Published: November 2012

Word sense disambiguation (WSD) is a key factor in solving natural language processing problems. The purpose of WSD is to make computers automatically determine the specific meaning of a word in a specific context. In this regard, state-of-art studies have focussed on the co-occurrences of words to measure context similarity. However, a problem with these approaches is that they consider all the words within a certain range to have equal influence on the ambiguous word. In this paper, we propose a position-based algorithm for measuring context similarity. By assigning positional weights to context words, we compared the context similarity between a new instance and pre-labelled instances to determine the appropriate sense of the ambiguous word. Experiments on the Senseval-2 English lexical sample task showed that our algorithm can achieve good precision and recall. Even in a minimally supervised state, it performs well with few training instances.
General learning approach for event extraction: Case of management change event
Authors: Elloumi Samir , Jaoua Ali , Ferjani Fethi , Semmar Nasredine , Besançon Romaric , Al-Jaam Jihad , Hammami Helmi
Published: November 2012

Starting from an ontology of a targeted financial domain corresponding to transaction, performance and management change news, relevant segments of text containing at least a domain keyword are extracted. The linguistic pattern of each segment is automatically generated to serve initially as a learning model. Each pattern is composed of named entities, keywords and articulation words. Some generic named entities like organizations, persons, locations, dates and grammatical annotations are generated by an automatic tool. During the learning step, each relevant segment is manually annotated with respect to the targeted entities (roles) structuring an event of the ontology. Information extraction is processed by associating a role with a specific entity. By alignment of generic entities to specific entities, some strings of a text are automatically annotated. An original learning approach is presented. Experiments with the management change event showed how recognition rates are improved by using different generalization tools.
Reassessing Walzer’s social criticism
Authors: Agnafors Marcus
Published: November 2012

It is often argued that Michael Walzer’s theory of social criticism, which underpins his theory of justice, is not much of a theory at all, but rather an impressionistic collection of historical anecdotes. Contrary to this perception, I argue that Walzer’s method can be accurately described as a version of John Rawls’ well-known method of wide reflective equilibrium. Through a systematic comparison it can be shown that the two methods are strikingly similar. This implies that, far from the critics’ claim, Walzer’s method can be described as a philosophically sophisticated method. This also adds credibility to Walzer’s views on politics and justice.
Film as a mobilizing agent? Adorno and Benjamin on aesthetic experience
Authors: Demiryol Gaye Ilhan
Published: November 2012

This article evaluates the role of art – particularly mechanically reproduced forms of art – in the writings of Walter Benjamin and Theodor W. Adorno. The central claim is that both thinkers share the same conviction as to the emancipatory potentials of the work of art. Yet, they evaluate the effects of technological innovation differently. The underpinnings of this later resolved discord, however, are philosophical. In contrast to Benjamin’s belief in the possibility of mass mobilization, for Adorno the relevant category remains unequivocally the individual subject.
The Archeology of Emotion Concepts
Authors: Hurtado-de-Mendoza Alejandra , Molina Clara , Fernández-Dols José-Miguel
Published: November 2012

Changes in dictionary definitions over time reflect the way in which the degree of centrality of the features of the everyday concepts shame and vergüenza has changed, hence presenting different degrees of overlap between the categories at different times. We present a lexicographic analysis of the concepts shame and vergüenza in English and Spanish synchronic and diachronic dictionaries. Our results support Hurtado de Mendoza, Fernández-Dols, Parrott, and Carrera’s findings of differences between the contemporary everyday concepts of shame and vergüenza and they contradict the widespread idea that emotion concepts are classical, universal, and static notions. We warn about important inaccuracies of one-to-one translations in cross-cultural research.
Linguistic Biases and Persuasion in Communication About Objects
Authors: Schellekens Gaby A. C. , Verlegh Peeter W. J. , Smidts Ale
Published: November 2012

Research on language abstraction has primarily been focused on the language that is used to describe (intergroup) behaviors, while limited attention has been given to communication about objects. This article aims to fill this gap and studies biases in language abstraction in the descriptions of interactions with objects. Study 1 demonstrated a linguistic expectancy bias in this setting: People described expectancy-congruent experiences with objects more abstractly than incongruent experiences. Study 2 examined a mediator, and provides data suggesting that expectancy-congruent (vs. incongruent) experiences were more likely attributed to the object (vs. the situation/user), and this causal inference mediated the effect of expectancy-(in)congruence on language use. Study 3 examined the impact of communication goals, and found that the goal to convince a receiver of the high quality of a product (vs. no persuasion goal) led to more abstract descriptions of positive experiences with objects and to more concrete language for negative experiences.
Achieving horizontal integration of municipal e-government in China: assessment of managerial mechanisms
Authors: Fan Bo
Published: November 2012

This study aims to analyze managerial determinants, identify key stakeholders, and redesign managerial mechanisms for the task of horizontal integration of Chinese municipal e-government. Data were collected from a nationwide survey administered in selected municipal cities in China. Based on the Structural Equation Model, our research identified multiple managerial factors necessary for horizontal integration in e-government. These factors were Experience in general management, Reforming authority, Experience in projects, and Legal regulation. After hypothesis testing, all four determinants were found to significantly affect two intervening variables, Data integration and Business & IT integration. Furthermore, the two variables significantly predicted the dependent variable, Horizontal Integration. We then employed stakeholder analysis to find candidate stakeholders from the managerial institutions in the Chinese context, and furthermore, used a score-based approach to identify the key stakeholders corresponding to each of the above four factors. Our findings suggest that managerial mechanisms should be redesigned for a successful horizontal integration initiative.
Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study
Authors: Mithoefer Michael C , Wagner Mark T , Mithoefer Ann T , Jerome Lisa , Martin Scott F , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Michel Yvonne , Brewerton Timothy D , Doblin Rick
Published: November 2012

We report follow-up data evaluating the long-term outcomes for the first completed trial of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Mithoefer et al., 2011). All of the 19 subjects who received MDMA-assisted treatment in the original trial participated in the long-term follow-up (LTFU), with 16 out of 19 completing all of the long-term outcome measures, which were administered from 17 to 74 months after the original study’s final MDMA session (mean = 45.4; SD = 17.3). Our primary outcome measure used was the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Secondary outcome measures were the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Neuroticism Extroversion Oppenness Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) Personality Inventory. We also collected a long-term follow-up questionnaire. Results for the 16 CAPS completers showed there were no statistical differences between mean CAPS score at LTFU (mean = 23.7; SD = 22.8) ( tmatched = 0.1; df = 15, p = 0.91) and the mean CAPS score previously obtained at Study Exit (mean = 24.6, SD = 18.6). On average, subjects maintained statistically and clinically-significant gains in symptom relief, although two of these subjects did relapse. It was promising that we found the majority of these subjects with previously severe PTSD who were unresponsive to existing treatments had symptomatic relief provided by MDMA-assisted psychotherapy that persisted over time, with no subjects reporting harm from participation in the study.
Project Step-Up
Authors: Gopalan Geetha , Alicea Stacey , Conover Kelly , Fuss Ashley , Gardner Lauren , Pardo Gisselle , McKay Mary
Published: November 2012

Inner-city, low-income Black and Latino youth are at high risk for developing severe behavioral difficulties and dropping out of high school. After-school programs are excellent resources for targeting these issues, yet most focus on middle school populations, address either academic or socioemotional issues rather than a combination of efforts, and struggle to engage at-risk youth. This article presents feasibility data regarding mental health needs and participation in Project Step-Up, a secondary prevention high school program targeting socioemotional and academic domains with linkages provided to mental health resources for hard-to-engage youth. Results indicate that participants exhibit preservice mental health needs at greater rates than manifested in the general population, yet demonstrate attendance and retention rates exceeding those typically reported by after-school programs. Participation differences by race/ethnicity indicate Project Step-Up’s success at engaging Black and Latino youth. Study limitations, curriculum revisions, and planned future evaluations are further discussed.
Wildlife Reservoirs of Bovine Tuberculosis Worldwide: Hosts, Pathology, Surveillance, and Control
Authors: Fitzgerald S. D. , Kaneene J. B.
Published: November 2012

Bovine tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic disease classically carried by cattle and spilling over into humans primarily by the ingestion of milk. However, in recent decades, there have been many endemic geographic localities where M. bovis has been detected infecting wildlife reservoirs, limiting the progress toward eradication of this disease from cattle. These include cervids in North America, badgers in Great Britain, feral pigs in Europe, brushtailed possums in New Zealand, and buffalo in South Africa. An overview of these wildlife hosts will provide insight into how these reservoirs maintain and spread the disease. In addition, the authors summarize the pathology, current ongoing methods for surveillance, and control. In many instances, it has proven to be more difficult to control or eradicate bovine tuberculosis in wild free-ranging species than in domesticated cattle. Furthermore, human influences have often contributed to the introduction and/or maintenance of the disease in wildlife species. Finally, some emerging themes regarding bovine tuberculosis establishment in wildlife hosts, as well as conclusions regarding management practices to assist in bovine tuberculosis control and eradication in wildlife, are offered.
Direct FGF-2 Gene Transfer via Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors Stimulates Cell Proliferation, Collagen Production, and the Repair of Experimental Lesions in the Human ACL
Authors: Madry Henning , Kohn Dieter , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: November 2012

Background:

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is a powerful stimulator of fibroblast proliferation and type I/III collagen production.

Hypothesis:

Overexpression of FGF-2 via direct recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector–mediated gene transfer enhances the healing of experimental lesions to the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

rAAV vectors carrying a human FGF-2 sequence or the lacZ marker gene were applied to primary human ACL fibroblasts in vitro and to intact or experimentally injured human ACL explants in situ to evaluate the efficacy and duration of transgene expression and the potential effects of FGF-2 treatment upon the proliferative, metabolic, and regenerative activities in these systems.

Results:

Sustained, effective dose-dependent lacZ expression was achieved in all systems tested (up to 96% ± 2% in vitro and 80%-85% in situ for at least 30 days). rAAV allowed for continuous FGF-2 production both in vitro and in the intact ACL in situ (32.7 ± 1.4 and 33.1 ± 0.8 pg/mL/24 h, respectively, ie, up to 41-fold more than in the controls at day 30; always P ≤ .001), leading to significantly and durably enhanced levels of proliferation and type I/III collagen production vis-à-vis lacZ (at least 3- and 4-fold increases at day 30, respectively; always P ≤ .001). Most notably, rAAV FGF-2 promoted a significant, long-term production of the factor in experimental ACL lesions (92.7 ± 3.9 pg/mL/24 h, ie, about 5-fold more than in the controls; P ≤ .001) associated with enhanced levels of proliferation and type I/III collagen synthesis (at least 2- and 4-fold increases at day 30, respectively; always P ≤ .001). Remarkably, the FGF-2 treatment allowed for a decrease in the amplitude of such lesions possibly because of the increased expression in contractile α–smooth muscle actin, ligament-specific transcription factor scleraxis, and nuclear factor–κB for proliferation and collagen deposition, which are all markers commonly induced in response to injury.

Conclusion:

Efficient, stable FGF-2 expression via rAAV enhances the healing of experimental human ACL lesions by activating key cellular and metabolic processes.

Clinical Relevance:

This approach has potential value for the development of novel, effective treatments for ligament reconstruction.