bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Emerging Tobacco Products in the United States
Authors: McMillen Robert , Maduka Jeomi , Winickoff Jonathan
Published: May 2012

This paper provides the first nationally representative estimates for use of four emerging products. Addressing the issue of land-line substitution with cell phones, we used a mixed-mode survey to obtain two representative samples of US adults. Of 3,240 eligible respondents contacted, 74% completed surveys. In the weighted analysis, 13.6% have tried at least one emerging tobacco product; 5.1% snus; 8.8% waterpipe; 0.6% dissolvable tobacco products; 1.8% electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products. Daily smokers (25.1%) and nondaily smokers (34.9%) were the most likely to have tried at least one of these products, compared to former smokers (17.2%) and never smokers (7.7%),P<.001. 18.2% of young adults 18–24 and 12.8% of those >24 have tried one of these products,P<.01. In multivariable analysis, current daily (5.5, 4.3–7.6), nondaily (6.1, 4.0–9.3), and former smoking status (2.7, 2.1–3.6) remained significant, as did young adults (2.2, 1.6–3.0); males (3.5, 2.8–4.5); higher educational attainment; some college (2.7, 1.7–4.2); college degree (2.0, 1.3–3.3). Use of these products raises concerns about nonsmokers being at risk for nicotine dependence and current smokers maintaining their dependence. Greater awareness of emerging tobacco product prevalence and the high risk demographic user groups might inform efforts to determine appropriate public health policy and regulatory action.
Circulating Levels of TNF Receptor II Are Prognostic for Patients with Peripheral T-cell Non–Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Heemann Christina , Kreuz Markus , Stoller Irene , Schoof Nils , von Bonin Frederike , Ziepert Marita , Löffler Markus , Jung Wolfram , Pfreundschuh Michael , Trümper Lorenz , Kube Dieter
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Peripheral T-cell non–Hodgkin lymphomas (T-NHL) represent a small but heterogeneous and clinically aggressive subset of NHLs with a poor outcome. Cytokines or their receptors might be associated with the clinical outcome of these lymphomas. Therefore, we tested whether gene variations and serum levels of soluble TNF receptor (TNFR)I (sTNFRI), sTNFRII, interleukin (IL)-10, or sIL-4R are predictive for treatment response in T-NHLs.

Experimental Design: Peripheral blood DNA from 117 patients with T-NHL treated in prospective clinical trials was subjected to genotyping analysis. Whenever possible, pretreatment sera were obtained, and circulating levels of sTNFRI, sTNFRII, IL-10, and sIL-4R were determined with a specific capture enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Results: Patients characterized by TNFRI-609GG (rs4149570) showed a trend toward better event free survival [EFS; univariate: P = 0.041; multivariate: HR, 1.76; confidence interval (CI), 0.99–3.14 with P = 0.056]. A protective role of IL-10–1087A, −824T, and −597A reported in another study was not confirmed in our cohort. Patients with circulating levels of soluble TNFRII ≥2.16 ng/mL had a 2.07-fold increased relative risk for shorter overall survival (OS; univariate: P = 0.0034; multivariate: HR, 2.07; CI, 0.92–4.70 with P = 0.081) and a 2.49-fold higher risk for shorter EFS (univariate: P = 0.00068; multivariate: HR, 2.49; CI, 1.22–5.08 with P = 0.012). Elevations of circulating levels of sTNFRI, IL-10, and sIL-4R are frequent, but the clinical response in these patients is not significantly different.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest a critical role for TNF-TNFR signaling for the clinical outcome of patients with peripheral T-NHLs. Clin Cancer Res; 18(13); 3637–47. ©2012 AACR.
Glycolytic Inhibition Alters Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Tumor Metabolism and Improves Response to Conventional Chemotherapy and Radiation
Authors: Sandulache Vlad C. , Skinner Heath D. , Wang Yuan , Chen Yunyun , Dodge Cristina T. , Ow Thomas J. , Bankson James A. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Lai Stephen Y.
Published: May 2012

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for more than 50% of thyroid cancer mortality and is generally refractory to conventional treatment. On the basis of recent studies, we hypothesized that ATC metabolism can be targeted to improve response to chemoradiotherapy. Eight established and authenticated ATC cell lines were sequenced at 140 sites contained within 26 commonly mutated genes to identify novel potential therapeutic targets. Cellular proliferation, energy, and reducing potential stores were measured under conditions of specific nutrient deprivation. Tumor metabolism was evaluated using hyperpolarized 13C MRI in a murine orthotopic xenograft model of ATC. Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation (XRT) was assayed using cytotoxicity assays. We identified mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and KIT but failed to identify generalized novel targets for therapeutic intervention. ATC cell lines exhibited a mesenchymal phenotype and generalized dependence on glucose for energy, reducing potential and survival. Glycolytic inhibition using 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) sensitized ATC cells to conventional chemotherapy and external beam radiation. In vivo, 2-DG induced a transient, but significant reduction in ATC metabolic activity. Generalized dependence of ATC cells on glucose catabolism makes them susceptible to the sensitizing effects of 2-DG for radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Under in vivo conditions, 2-DG can inhibit ATC metabolism. However, the modest magnitude and transient nature of this effect suggest the need for antimetabolic agents with more favorable pharmacodynamics to achieve therapeutic effects. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(6); 1373–80. ©2012 AACR.
Cdc42 and the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors Ect2 and Trio Mediate Fn14-Induced Migration and Invasion of Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Fortin Shannon P. , Ennis Matthew J. , Schumacher Cassie A. , Zylstra-Diegel Cassandra R. , Williams Bart O. , Ross Julianna T.D. , Winkles Jeffrey A. , Loftus Joseph C. , Symons Marc H. , Tran Nhan L.
Published: May 2012

Malignant glioblastomas are characterized by their ability to infiltrate into normal brain. We previously reported that binding of the multifunctional cytokine TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) to its receptor fibroblast growth factor–inducible 14 (Fn14) induces glioblastoma cell invasion via Rac1 activation. Here, we show that Cdc42 plays an essential role in Fn14-mediated activation of Rac1. TWEAK-treated glioma cells display an increased activation of Cdc42, and depletion of Cdc42 using siRNA abolishes TWEAK-induced Rac1 activation and abrogates glioma cell migration and invasion. In contrast, Rac1 depletion does not affect Cdc42 activation by Fn14, showing that Cdc42 mediates TWEAK-stimulated Rac1 activation. Furthermore, we identified two guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF), Ect2 and Trio, involved in TWEAK-induced activation of Cdc42 and Rac1, respectively. Depletion of Ect2 abrogates both TWEAK-induced Cdc42 and Rac1 activation, as well as subsequent TWEAK-Fn14–directed glioma cell migration and invasion. In contrast, Trio depletion inhibits TWEAK-induced Rac1 activation but not TWEAK-induced Cdc42 activation. Finally, inappropriate expression of Fn14 or Ect2 in mouse astrocytes in vivo using an RCAS vector system for glial-specific gene transfer in G-tva transgenic mice induces astrocyte migration within the brain, corroborating the in vitro importance of the TWEAK-Fn14 signaling cascade in glioblastoma invasion. Our results suggest that the TWEAK-Fn14 signaling axis stimulates glioma cell migration and invasion through two GEF-GTPase signaling units, Ect2-Cdc42 and Trio-Rac1. Components of the Fn14-Rho GEF-Rho GTPase signaling pathway present innovative drug targets for glioma therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 10(7); 958–68. ©2012 AACR.
The cBio Cancer Genomics Portal: An Open Platform for Exploring Multidimensional Cancer Genomics Data
Authors: Cerami Ethan , Gao Jianjiong , Dogrusoz Ugur , Gross Benjamin E. , Sumer Selcuk Onur , Aksoy Bülent Arman , Jacobsen Anders , Byrne Caitlin J. , Heuer Michael L. , Larsson Erik , Antipin Yevgeniy , Reva Boris , Goldberg Arthur P. , Sander Chris , Schultz Nikolaus
Published: May 2012

The cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (http://cbioportal.org) is an open-access resource for interactive exploration of multidimensional cancer genomics data sets, currently providing access to data from more than 5,000 tumor samples from 20 cancer studies. The cBio Cancer Genomics Portal significantly lowers the barriers between complex genomic data and cancer researchers who want rapid, intuitive, and high-quality access to molecular profiles and clinical attributes from large-scale cancer genomics projects and empowers researchers to translate these rich data sets into biologic insights and clinical applications. Cancer Discov; 2(5); 401–4. ©2012 AACR.
Stress Resistance in the Naked Mole-Rat: The Bare Essentials – A Mini-Review
Authors: Lewis Kaitlyn N. , Mele James , Hornsby Peter J. , Buffenstein Rochelle
Published: May 2012

Background: Studies comparing similar-sized species with disparate longevity may elucidate novel mechanisms that abrogate aging and prolong good health. We focus on the longest living rodent, the naked mole-rat. This mouse-sized mammal lives ∼8 times longer than do mice and, despite high levels of oxidative damage evident at a young age, it is not only very resistant to spontaneous neoplasia but also shows minimal decline in age-associated physiological traits. Objectives: We assess the current status of stress resistance and longevity, focusing in particular on the molecular and cellular responses to cytotoxins and other stressors between the short-lived laboratory mouse and the naked mole-rat. Results: Like other experimental animal models of lifespan extension, naked mole-rat fibroblasts are extremely tolerant of a broad spectrum of cytotoxins including heat, heavy metals, DNA-damaging agents and xenobiotics, showing LD50 values between 2- and 20-fold greater than those of fibroblasts of shorter-lived mice. Our new data reveal that naked mole-rat fibroblasts stop proliferating even at low doses of toxin whereas those mouse fibroblasts that survive treatment rapidly re-enter the cell cycle and may proliferate with DNA damage. Naked mole-rat fibroblasts also show significantly higher constitutive levels of both p53 and Nrf2 protein levels and activity, and this increases even further in response to toxins. Conclusion: Enhanced cell signaling via p53 and Nrf2 protects cells against proliferating with damage, augments clearance of damaged proteins and organelles and facilitates the maintenance of both genomic and protein integrity. These pathways collectively regulate a myriad of mechanisms which may contribute to the attenuated aging profile and sustained healthspan of the naked mole-rat. Understanding how these are regulated may be also integral to sustaining positive human healthspan well into old age and may elucidate novel therapeutics for delaying the onset and progression of physiological declines that characterize the aging process.
Animal Model Methodology: Immunocompetent or Leucopenic Rats, Which Is the Best? Results from a Model of Experimental Pneumonia due to Derepressed Cephalosporinase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Jacolot Anne , Judel Claire , Chaumais Marie-Camille , Louchahi Kamel , Nicolas Patrick , Marchand Sandrine , Petitjean Olivier , Mimoz Olivier
Published: May 2012

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the bactericidal activity of cefepime plus amikacin against experimental pneumonia induced by a stably derepressed cephalosporinase-producing Enterobacter cloacae strain in immunocompetent and leucopenic rats. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were used. Leucopenia was induced in half of them by a single intravenous administration of 30 mg/kg cyclophosphamide, while the remaining rats received the same volume of saline. All rats were infected 96 h later by tracheal instillation of 8 log10 colony-forming units of E. cloacae. Twelve rats (6 immunocompetent and 6 leucopenic) were sacrificed 6 h later to assess the initial bacterial burden to the lungs. Then, the remaining 48 rats received a combination of 60 mg/kg cefepime twice a day and 25 mg/kg amikacin once a day given intraperitoneally or the same volume of saline. Six rats per group (leucopenic or not, treated or not) were sacrificed 12 and 30 h after therapy started. Results: Spontaneous bacterial clearance with time was observed only in immunocompetent rats. Compared to untreated animals, antibiotic administration induced a decrease in lung bacterial titres in immunocompetent and leucopenic rats. The difference was statistically significant only in leucopenic rats. Conclusions: The use of leucopenic rats reduced spontaneous bacterial clearance in the lungs and increased the bactericidal effect of the antibiotic combination and ultimately the confidence in the reliability of the results.
Reversion of Multidrug Resistance in a Chemoresistant Human Breast Cancer Cell Line by β-Elemene
Authors: Xu Hong-Bin , Li Ling , Fu Jun , Mao Xia-Ping , Xu Lu-Zhong
Published: May 2012

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) presents a problem in cancer chemotherapy, and developing new agents to overcome MDR is important. This study intends to investigate the reversal effect of β-elemene on MDR in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 cells. Methods: MTT cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis were performed to investigate the antiproliferative effects of the combination of anticancer drugs with β-elemene, to study the reversal of drug resistance, and to examine the inhibitory effects on protein expression. Results: The results showed that β-elemene (30 µmol/l) had a strong potency to increase the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin to MCF-7/DOX cells, with a reversal fold of 6.38. In addition, the mechanisms of β-elemene in reversing P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated MDR demonstrated that β-elemene significantly increases the intracellular accumulations of doxorubicin and Rh123 via inhibition of the P-gp transport function in MCF-7/DOX cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analyses revealed that β-elemene could inhibit the expression of P-gp, while it had little effect on the expression of MRP1 protein. In addition, β-elemene had little inhibitory effect on the intracellular GSH levels and GST activities in MCF-7/DOX cells. Conclusions: β-Elemene might represent a promising agent for overcoming MDR in cancer therapy.
Chemotherapy for Inoperable Advanced or Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Retrospective Analysis of 78 Cases in a Single Center over Four Years
Authors: Pracht Marc , Le Roux Guillaume , Sulpice Laurent , Mesbah Habiba , Manfredi Sylvain , Audrain Odile , Boudjema Karim , Raoul Jean-Luc , Boucher Eveline
Published: May 2012

Background: Systemic chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for inoperable (advanced or metastatic) cholangiocarcinoma. According to phase II and III trials, regimens combining 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or gemcitabine with a platinum salt have provided an overall response rate of 12–50% with a median overall survival of 5–16 months. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 78 consecutive cases of inoperable cholangiocarcinoma treated by palliative chemotherapy from July 2005 to November 2009 in one center. We firstly aimed to evaluate the impact of palliative chemotherapy in terms of survival and secondly to analyze possible related prognostic factors. Results: This cohort included 25 female and 53 male patients, with a mean age of 60.8 ± 11.4 years. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were observed in 57 and 21 patients, respectively. First-line chemotherapy regimens were as follows: gemcitabine (n = 7), gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (with or without cetuximab; n = 62) and 5FU plus cisplatin (n = 9). None of the patients achieved a complete response. The partial response rate was 35.9% (27/78), and the stable disease rate was 26.9% (21/78), giving a disease control rate of 62.8%. At the time of this analysis, with a median follow-up of 18 months, 13 patients were survivors. Median overall survival was 10 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 7–12], and median progression-free survival was 7 months (95% CI 6–8). Upon univariate analysis, only the distribution of the disease was significantly linked with prognosis, with a median overall survival of 10 months (95% CI 10–24) for solitary tumors versus 7 months (95% CI 6–11) in the case of infiltrative or multifocal tumors (p = 0.039). Conclusion: The disease control rate, overall survival and progression free-survival in this single-center retrospective study were in agreement with earlier reports. Specific features of this cohort were a large proportion of cholangiocarcinoma with associated cirrhosis (n = 30/78, 38.5%), mostly intrahepatic (n = 25/30, 83.5%). This confirms the increasing incidence of intrahepatic localization and the epidemiological link recently reported between intrahepatic biliary tract carcinoma and cirrhosis.
Same-Day Discharge in Clinical Stage I Endometrial Cancer Patients Treated with Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy and Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Rettenmaier Mark A. , Mendivil Alberto A. , Brown, III John V. , Abaid Lisa N. , Micha John P. , Goldstein Bram H.
Published: May 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the capacity for same-day discharge in clinical stage I endometrial cancer (EC) patients treated with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (BPLND). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of stage I EC patients who were treated with TLH, BSO and BPLND and discharged on the same day. The intra- and postoperative clinical variables (e.g., age, complications, surgery time, patient hospital stay) were evaluated in an attempt to discern which factors may predispose a patient to same-day discharge. Results: Twenty-one patients were successfully discharged on the same day of surgery. Mean operative time was 1.48 h and length of hospital stay was 6.35 h. There were no intraoperative complications or hospital readmissions. Conclusions: We present a single, institutional experience solely assessing the capacity for same-day discharge in clinical stage I EC patients treated with TLH, BSO and BPLND. Since the postoperative complication rate was minimal with no hospital readmissions, we suggest that particularly selected stage I EC patients are amenable to outpatient management.
Altered Distribution of the Gangliosides GM1 and GM2 in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pernber Z. , Blennow K. , Bogdanovic N. , Månsson J.-E. , Blomqvist M.
Published: May 2012

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where β-amyloid tends to aggregate and form plaques. Lipid raft-associated ganglioside GM1 has been suggested to facilitate β-amyloid aggregation; furthermore, GM1 and GM2 are increased in lipid rafts isolated from cerebral cortex of AD cases. Aim/Method: The distribution of GM1 and GM2 was studied by immunohistochemistry in the frontal and temporal cortex of AD cases. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was included as a contrast group. Results: The distribution of GM1 and GM2 changes during the process of AD (n = 5) and FTD (n = 3) compared to controls (n = 5). Altered location of the GM1-positive small circular structures seems to be associated with myelin degradation. In the grey matter, the staining of GM1-positive plasma membranes might reflect neuronal loss in the AD/FTD tissue. The GM1-positive compact bundles were only visible in cells located in the AD frontal grey matter, possibly reflecting raft formation of GM1 and thus a pathological connection. Furthermore, our results suggest GM2 to be enriched within vesicles of pyramidal neurons of the AD/FTD brain. Conclusion: Our study supports the biochemical finding of ganglioside accumulation in cellular membranes of AD patients and shows a redistribution of these molecules.
Serum Prolactin Concentrations in Relation to Hypopituitarism and Obesity in Children with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Authors: Vedin Amy M. , Garcia-Filion Pamela , Fink Cassandra , Borchert Mark , Geffner Mitchell E.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aims: The majority of children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) develop hypopituitarism and many also become obese. These associated conditions are a major cause of morbidity and are possibly due to hypothalamic dysfunction. Because mild hyperprolactinemia often occurs in subjects with disorders of the hypothalamus, we examined whether hyperprolactinemia was present in children with ONH during the first 3 years of life and whether it was a marker for hypopituitarism and/or obesity. Methods: Data were retrospectively analyzed from a registry study of children with ONH. The initial serum prolactin was obtained prior to age 36 months (n = 125) and compared with pituitary function and body mass index at age 5. Results: 72% of subjects had an elevated initial serum prolactin and 60% had hypopituitarism. An elevated initial prolactin was associated with hypopituitarism (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.16, 5.73), specifically with growth hormone deficiency (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.21, 6.34). 31% of subjects had a body mass index ≥85th percentile, but this did not correlate with initial hyperprolactinemia. Conclusions: Early hyperprolactinemia correlates with the presence of hypopituitarism in children with ONH, but it is not a reliable prognosticator of hypopituitarism. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia does not predict future weight excess.
Cardiac Side Population Cells
Authors: Unno Kazumasa , Jain Mohit , Liao Ronglih
Published: May 2012

Over the past decade, extensive work in animal models and humans has identified the presence of adult cardiac progenitor cells, capable of cardiomyogenic differentiation and likely contributors to cardiomyocyte turnover during normal development and disease. Among cardiac progenitor cells, there is a distinct subpopulation, termed “side population” (SP) progenitor cells, identified by their unique ability to efflux DNA binding dyes through an ATP-binding cassette transporter. This review highlights the literature on the isolation, characterization, and functional relevance of cardiac SP cells. We review the initial discovery of cardiac SP cells in adult myocardium as well as their capacity for functional cardiomyogenic differentiation and role in cardiac regeneration after myocardial injury. Finally, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular regulators of cardiac SP cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as likely future areas of investigation required to realize the goal of effective cardiac regeneration.
Relations of Exercise Blood Pressure Response to Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Vascular Function in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Thanassoulis George , Lyass Asya , Benjamin Emelia J. , Larson Martin G. , Vita Joseph A. , Levy Daniel , Hamburg Naomi M. , Widlansky Michael E. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Mitchell Gary F. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: May 2012

Background—

Exercise blood pressure (BP) is an important marker of left ventricular hypertrophy, incident hypertension, and future cardiovascular events. Although impaired vascular function is hypothesized to influence the BP response during exercise, limited data exist on the association of vascular function with exercise BP in the community.

Methods and Results—

Framingham Offspring cohort participants (n=2115, 53% women, mean age 59 years) underwent a submaximal exercise test (first 2 stages of the Bruce protocol), applanation tonometry, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation testing. We related exercise systolic and diastolic BP at second stage of the Bruce protocol to standard cardiovascular risk factors and to vascular function measures. In multivariable linear regression models, exercise systolic BP was positively related to age, standing BP, standing heart rate, smoking, body mass index, and the total cholesterol–to–high-density cholesterol ratio (
P
≤0.01 for all). Similar associations were observed for exercise diastolic BP. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (
P
=0.02), central pulse pressure (
P
<0.0001), mean arterial pressure (
P
=0.04), and baseline brachial flow (
P
=0.002) were positively associated with exercise systolic BP, whereas flow-mediated dilation was negatively associated (
P
<0.001). For exercise diastolic BP, forward pressure wave amplitude was negatively related (
P
<0.0001), whereas mean arterial pressure was positively related (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Increased arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function are significant correlates of a higher exercise systolic BP response. Our findings suggest that impaired vascular function may contribute to exaggerated BP responses during daily living, resulting in repetitive increments in load on the heart and vessels and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Dietary Nitrate Ameliorates Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Baliga Reshma S. , Milsom Alexandra B. , Ghosh Suborno M. , Trinder Sarah L. , MacAllister Raymond J. , Ahluwalia Amrita , Hobbs Adrian J.
Published: May 2012

Background—

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a multifactorial disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular failure; morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. Loss of nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of PH, and agents that augment pulmonary NO signaling are clinically effective in the disease. Inorganic nitrate (NO
3
−
) and nitrite (NO
2
−
) elicit a reduction in systemic blood pressure in healthy individuals; this effect is underpinned by endogenous and sequential reduction to NO. Herein, we determined whether dietary nitrate and nitrite might be preferentially reduced to NO by the hypoxia associated with PH, and thereby offer a convenient, inexpensive method of supplementing NO functionality to reduce disease severity.

Methods and Results—

Dietary nitrate reduced the right ventricular pressure and hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling in wild-type mice exposed to 3 weeks of hypoxia; this beneficial activity was mirrored largely by dietary nitrite. The cytoprotective effects of dietary nitrate were associated with increased plasma and lung concentrations of nitrite and cGMP. The beneficial effects of dietary nitrate and nitrite were reduced in mice lacking endothelial NO synthase or treated with the xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor allopurinol.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate that dietary nitrate, and to a lesser extent dietary nitrite, elicit pulmonary dilatation, prevent pulmonary vascular remodeling, and reduce the right ventricular hypertrophy characteristic of PH. This favorable pharmacodynamic profile depends on endothelial NO synthase and xanthine oxidoreductase -catalyzed reduction of nitrite to NO. Exploitation of this mechanism (ie, dietary nitrate/nitrite supplementation) represents a viable, orally active therapy for PH.
Possible Dynamical Mechanisms for Southern Hemisphere Climate Change due to the Ozone Hole
Authors: Orr Andrew , Bracegirdle Thomas J. , Hosking J. Scott , Jung Thomas , Haigh Joanna D. , Phillips Tony , Feng Wuhu
Published: May 2012

The authors report a hypothesis for the dynamical mechanisms responsible for the strengthening of the Southern Hemisphere circumpolar winds from the lower stratosphere to the surface due to the ozone hole. A general circulation model forced by stratospheric ozone depletion representative of the ozone hole period successfully reproduced these observed changes. Investigation of the dynamical characteristics of the model therefore provides some insight into the actual mechanisms. From this the authors suggest the following: 1) An initial (radiative) strengthening of the lower-stratospheric winds as a result of ozone depletion conditions the polar vortex so that fewer planetary waves propagate up from the troposphere, resulting in weaker planetary wave driving. 2) This causes further strengthening of the vortex, which results in an additional reduction in upward-propagating planetary waves and initiates a positive feedback mechanism in which the weaker wave driving and the associated strengthened winds are drawn downward to the tropopause. 3) In the troposphere the midlatitude jet shifts poleward in association with increases in the synoptic wave fluxes of heat and momentum, which are the result of a positive feedback mechanism consisting of two components: 4) increases in low-level baroclinicity, and the subsequent generation of baroclinic activity (associated with a poleward heat flux), are collocated with the jet latitudinal position, and 5) strengthening anticyclonic shear increases the refraction of wave activity equatorward (associated with a poleward momentum flux). Finally, 6) confinement of planetary waves in the high-latitude troposphere is an important step to couple the stratospheric changes to the tropospheric response.
Structure, Identity, and Solidarity
Authors: Willer Robb , Flynn Francis J. , Zak Sonya
Published: May 2012

Here we propose an account of the link between exchange structure and the emergence of solidarity capable of accounting for the conflicting evidence social scientists have found regarding the relationship between social exchange structures and the emergence of intangible, affectively laden group sentiments. We argue that benefits received through exchange foster group identification and solidarity but that this effect is stronger in generalized exchange systems—in which giving and receiving of resources occurs unilaterally among three or more individuals—than direct exchange systems—which feature reciprocal transfers of resources between two people. At low levels of benefit to recipients, generalized and direct exchange systems will produce similarly low levels of group identification. At high levels of benefit, however, generalized exchange will result in relatively higher levels of identification. Higher levels of identification leads individual members in turn to view the group as higher in solidarity. We find support for this mediated moderation model in two survey-based case studies of organizations designed to facilitate these forms of exchange: one of Freecycle, a large-scale, online generalized exchange system, the other of Craigslist, a comparable direct exchange system. The results further suggest that generalized exchange is likely to emerge where a critical mass of exchange benefits creates positive sentiments toward the group, sentiments that help fuel further contributions in the exchange system.
Will Patients Accept Randomization to Psychoanalysis? A Feasibility Study
Authors: Caligor Eve , Hilsenroth Mark J. , Devlin Michael , Rutherford Bret R. , Terry Madeleine , Roose Steven P.
Published: May 2012

The feasibility of using a randomized design in a psychoanalytic outcome study was evaluated. Our hypothesis was that it would be feasible to randomize patients to psychoanalysis three or four times weekly on the couch for five years, supportive expressive therapy once or twice weekly for up to forty sessions, and cognitive behavior therapy once or twice weekly for up to forty sessions. Successful randomization was defined as a 30% recruitment rate among eligible patients. Recruitment began in September 2009 and closed in April 2010. A total of 132 subjects responded to study advertisements, 107 of whom (81%) were triaged out. The remaining 25 were scheduled for the first of two clinical interviews, and 21 of 25 (88%) completed the interview. Eleven of the 25 (44%) were determined to be eligible based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight of the 11 accepted the idea of randomization and completed the diagnostic assessment phase. Calculated on the basis of 8 of 11 eligible patients accepting randomization, the 95% confidence interval was that 39% to 92% of eligible subjects would participate in a larger study of this design. Our findings support the feasibility of implementing an RCT comparing psychoanalysis as defined by the American Psychoanalytic Association (three or four times weekly on the couch for approximately five years) with shorter-term dynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy once or twice a week. Pre-treatment characteristics of these eight patients are presented, as are initial reliability data for the treatment adherence scales used in this trial.
The Development of a Psychoanalytic Outcome Study
Authors: Roose Steven P. ,   for the Psychoanalytic Outcome Committee, Barber Jacques P. , Caligor Eve , DeRubeis Robert J. , Gerber Andrew J. , Glick Robert A. , Hilsenroth Mark J. , Leon Andrew C. , Levy Kenneth N. , Levy Raymond A. , Milrod Barbara , Rutherford Bret R. , Shear Katherine , Thase Michael E. , Westen Drew
Published: May 2012

This article tells the story of the development of an outcome study of psychoanalysis and describes the debate that took place over critical methodological issues. The protocol committee included career psychotherapy researchers who have conducted rigorous outcome studies, clinical psychoanalysts, study methodologists, and a statistician with clinical trial expertise. The committee worked for two years to develop the study design. This project is based on the premise that clinical psychoanalysis is a treatment. Areas specifically addressed are the goals and hypothesis of the study, inclusion and exclusion criteria, choice of psychotherapies as comparison treatments, definition of treatments and selection of therapists, use of medication, development of a treatment adherence measure, randomization of patient assignment vs. patient self-selection, and primary outcome measures. The execution of this outcome study will require significant effort and resources. A positive result would boost the standing of psychoanalysis, but the results may not support the primary hypothesis that there are therapeutic benefits unique to psychoanalysis and that psychoanalysis can effect demonstrable changes in a patient’s mental life and adaptation that are not achieved by treatments of different orientation and/or lesser intensity. However, more important than whatever specific results emerge is what executing such a study requires of our field: the process of addressing the clinical issues that a study design requires, the creation of a network of analysts around the country working on a common project, and the joining of the clinical psychoanalytic community with a community of psychodynamic researchers.
The Overall Odds Ratio as an Intuitive Effect Size Index for Multiple Logistic Regression
Authors: Le Huy , Marcus Justin
Published: May 2012

This study used Monte Carlo simulation to examine the properties of the overall odds ratio (OOR), which was recently introduced as an index for overall effect size in multiple logistic regression. It was found that the OOR was relatively independent of study base rate and performed better than most commonly used R-square analogs in indexing model strength. The authors also illustrate and test a jackknife procedure to correct for the bias in the OOR and estimate its standard error. An example applying the OOR to evaluate logistic regression models predicting organizational turnover is provided. The authors discuss implications and offer recommendations for using the OOR to quantify and compare the effectiveness of logistic regression models in applied research.
Room to Move
Authors: Okken Vanessa , van Rompay Thomas , Pruyn Ad
Published: May 2012

The tendency to disclose information is affected by several factors, including the environment in which a conversation takes place. The study reported investigates the effect of spaciousness impressions on self-disclosure during interviews on intimate lifestyle-related topics comprising substance intake, sexuality, and emotions. To influence perceived spaciousness, desk size (interpersonal space) and room size (architectural space) were manipulated. The results show that room size in particular affects self-disclosing behavior with increases in architectural space positively affecting self-disclosure. However, the effects obtained varied considerably across the different topics, and decreases in interpersonal space hampered self-disclosure on sexuality-related topics. Furthermore, nonverbal measures revealed that readjustments of posture, interpersonal distancing, and refrains from establishing eye contact are used to counteract space intrusions.
Civilizing vs destructive globalization? A multi-level analysis of anti-immigrant prejudice
Authors: Kaya Yunus , Karakoç Ekrem
Published: May 2012

This study investigates the impact of the latest wave of globalization on anti-immigrant prejudice. We discern and test two contradictory accounts of the impact of globalization on anti-immigrant prejudice from the prejudice and globalization literatures. On the one hand, there is the ‘civilizing/integrative globalization’ thesis, which implies that globalization should help to decrease prejudice by creating sustained and equal contact between previously alien cultures and peoples, and by spreading economic gains to everybody. On the other hand, there is the ‘destructive globalization/globalization as a threat’ thesis, which argues that globalization should increase anti-immigrant prejudice by intensifying competition over resources and by increasing perceived threat by native populations as a result of increasing immigrant populations. We test these two accounts using a multi-level analysis of 64 countries and nearly 150,000 individuals, derived from the World Values Surveys (waves 3–5). Our analyses reveal support for ‘destructive globalization/ globalization as a threat’ thesis, but emphasize the multi-dimensional character of globalization. We find that citizens of countries with higher levels of trade openness have significantly more anti-immigrant sentiments. There is also some evidence that in countries where unemployment is accompanied by high levels of trade openness or the existence of large immigrant populations, citizens hold high anti-immigrant prejudice. By contrast, foreign direct investment (FDI) has a weak effect.
On and off-axis tension behavior of fiber reinforced polymer composites incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Soliman Eslam , Al-Haik Marwan , Taha Mahmoud Reda
Published: May 2012

This investigation experimentally examines the role of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the tension (on-axis tension test) and in-plane shear (off-axis tension test) behaviors of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Both pristine and chemically functionalized MWCNTs were utilized with four different loadings: 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% of epoxy. Our investigation showed that with 1.5 wt% functionalized MWCNTs, failure strain, ultimate strength, and toughness of the off-axis tension test are improved by 39%, 51%, and 121%, respectively. On the contrary, limited improvements were observed for the on-axis tested samples with functionalized or pristine MWCNTs.
Synthesis and characterization of acid polyurethane–hydroxyapatite composites for biomedical applications
Authors: Popescu LM , Rusti CF , Piticescu RM , Buruiana T , Valero T , Kintzios S
Published: May 2012

This article aims to optimize the synthesis parameters and to establish the appropriate value of pressure for the design of polyurethane/hydroxyapatite organic matrix composites with an enhanced thermal and chemical stability. Strong interactions between Ca2+ ions and COO− groups are favoured at 60 atm. For the first time, the potential of polyurethane/hydroxyapatite material to be used as synthetic scaffold for bone cancer diagnosis was tested. The ability of polyurethane/hydroxyapatite coatings to be used as substrates for N2a cells attachment was studied using inverted optical microscopy. N2a cells presented a high birefringence and projected small prolongations of the soma comparable to control conditions, thus indicating the healthy state of the cells seeded on the composite substrates, especially in the case of composites prepared at 60–80 atm.
A new heat flux continuity model for thermal analysis of laminated plates
Authors: Khandelwal Ravi Prakash , Chakrabarti Anupam , Mishra Bhanu Kumar , Bhargava Pradeep
Published: May 2012

A new analytical model has been proposed in this paper for the accurate analysis of through-the-thickness temperature variation in composites and sandwich laminates based on piecewise linear zig-zag thermal lamination theory. This theory assumes a piecewise linear through-the-thickness temperature distribution in terms of temperature at the reference plane and temperature slopes at the layer interfaces. The continuity of temperature at different layers is ensured by choosing a suitable temperature profile. The unknown slopes at different interfaces are subsequently expressed in terms of the reference plane slopes through satisfaction of heat flux continuity conditions at the layer interfaces. The thermal conduction properties of different layers in the thickness direction are utilized for this purpose. This helps to maintain lesser number of computational unknowns and the resulting formulation for the thermal analysis can be very conveniently combined with the 2D refined layer-wise theories used for the mechanical analysis of laminated plates. Numerical examples are solved to show the accuracy of the proposed model by comparing the present results with 3D solutions.
Out with the Old, In with the New? Habitus and Social Mobility at Selective Colleges
Authors: Lee Elizabeth M. , Kramer Rory
Published: May 2012

Sociologists have long recognized that cultural differences help explain the perpetuation of inequality by invisibly limiting access to elite cultural norms. However, there has been little investigation of the ways students reconcile shifts in habitus gained in educational settings with existing, nonelite habitus. The authors use both qualitative and quantitative data to examine the ways students navigate what Bourdieu called a “cleft habitus.” In particular, the authors examine how students of low socioeconomic status experience contacts with their families and hometown friends, arguing that these moments are crucial to understanding whether and how their habitus is changing and whether that change creates a divide between those students and their origins. Interview and survey data both show that social mobility does not come without sacrifice and that these sacrifices warrant more serious study in the sociology of stratification.
Questioning the Need for Social Mix: The Implications of Friendship Diversity amongst Australian Social Housing Tenants
Authors: Patulny Roger Vincent , Morris Alan
Published: May 2012

A common argument is that ‘social mix’—or a high ratio of homeowners and private renters to social housing tenants within the same neighbourhood—reduces disadvantage by eroding homogeneous ‘bonded’ social networks amongst the latter. However, associations between network homogeneity and support in social housing have not been analysed using national survey data. This article examines age, ethnic and educational homogeneity/heterogeneity and informal support using the 2006 Australian General Social Survey. Counter to expectations, social housing tenants have more heterogeneous friendship groups by all measures, regardless of respondents’ age, ethnicity or education. In addition, friendship heterogeneity is associated with more informal support in social housing, but less support in private housing. This raises concerns over the efficacy of ‘socially mixing’ already heterogeneous social housing communities and suggests that resistance to social mix is likely to stem from the attitudes of homeowners and private renters towards social tenants rather than the reverse.
Knowing the Area: The Management of Market and Business Risks by Private Landlords in Scotland
Authors: Crook A. D. H. (Tony) , Ferrari Ed , Kemp Peter A.
Published: May 2012

Compared with the management of social rented housing in Britain, comparatively little is known about how private landlords manage their property, despite their increasing importance. This paper reports results from a recent survey in Scotland which shows that landlords restrict the acquisition of property close to where they themselves live to manage the market and business risks they face. This is because their personal knowledge of markets is important in reducing risks, given the complexities of the sub-markets where they operate and the information asymmetries involved. The paper combines quantitative data on a large sample of properties in Scotland and their landlords, including the location of their properties and homes (or businesses), with a series of focus groups with a smaller sample to understand the reasons why most landlords live very close to their portfolios. The policy implications of the results of the surveys are also discussed.
Youth Perspective on Multiculturalism Using Photovoice Methodology
Authors: Johansen Samantha , Le Thao N.
Published: May 2012

With increasing diversity and multiculturalism, there is a greater need to understand ways to foster positive intergroup interactions. In this study, youth ages 14 to 18 from three different regions in the United States ( N = 21) were given camera phones and instructed to take pictures of what multiculturalism meant to them and how it played a role in their life. Interviews and focus groups were conducted and transcribed, followed by thematic coding. Generally, youth had ideal views and attitudes about multiculturalism, but they also expressed, to varying degrees, a lack of institutional support (i.e., educational opportunities) that encouraged acquiring knowledge about diversity and multiculturalism. Youth suggested that schools should formally incorporate dialogue about multiculturalism in the school curriculum, as a way to reduce misunderstandings among different groups which in turn may facilitate greater empathy and positive intergroup relationships.
Changed Alibis
Authors: Culhane Scott E. , Hosch Harmon M.
Published: May 2012

Despite numerous calls for more research on alibis, there remain many unanswered questions. Three experiments tested the beliefs about and behaviors toward criminal suspects who changed or maintained their alibi statements. In Experiments 1 ( N = 350) and 2 ( N = 211), participants included current law enforcement officers, criminal justice and psychology undergraduate students who intended to enter law enforcement (future law enforcement officers), and those students who did not intend to do so (laypersons). Only students were used in Experiment 3 ( N = 423). Alibi statements were changed (strengthened or weakened) or were maintained in all studies. Results showed that groups had more favorable beliefs about and behaviors toward those alibi statements that were maintained than those that were changed. This research suggests that any lapse in memory for one’s timeline of events could prove detrimental to the suspect.
The Link Between Mental Health Problems and Youth Violence in Adolescence
Authors: Wareham Jennifer , Boots Denise Paquette
Published: May 2012

The early identification of mental illness in youngsters is an important goal for youth, their families, and society. This study utilized continuous indicators of DSM-oriented psychopathology to explore the link between adolescent mental health and physical violence. Relying on data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) and controlling for various community, friend, family, and individual risk factors of violence, the role of various mental health problems on self-reported violence is examined. Both violence prevalence and frequency outcomes were studied. Results indicated that oppositional defiant problems was a weak predictor of violence prevalence but stronger predictor of violence frequency, controlling for other indicators. Other individual-level predictors of violence included prior violence, deviant peers, family criminality and mental health problems, and poor family relations. Community-level predictors were neighborhood ties, neighborhood decline, neighborhood organizations, and anomie, though the latter variable reduced offending.