bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of New Ligands for the Methionine Biosynthesis Transcriptional Regulator (MetJ) by FAC-MS
Authors: Martí-Arbona Ricardo , Teshima Munehiro , Anderson Penelope S. , Nowak-Lovato Kristy L. , Hong-Geller Elizabeth , Unkefer Clifford J. , Unkefer Pat J.
Published: August 2012

We have developed a high-throughput approach using frontal affinity chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (FAC-MS) for the identification and characterization of the small molecules that modulate transcriptional regulator (TR) binding to TR targets. We tested this approach using the methionine biosynthesis regulator (MetJ). We used effector mixtures containing S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and S-adenosyl derivatives as potential ligands for MetJ binding. The differences in the elution time of different compounds allowed us to rank the binding affinity of each compound. Consistent with previous results, FAC-MS showed that SAM binds to MetJ with the highest affinity. In addition, adenine and 5′-deoxy-5′-(methylthio)adenosine bind to the effector binding site on MetJ. Our experiments with MetJ demonstrate that FAC-MS is capable of screening complex mixtures of molecules and identifying high-affinity binders to TRs. In addition, FAC-MS experiments can be used to discriminate between specific and nonspecific binding of the effectors as well as to estimate the dissociation constant (Kd) for effector-TR binding.
Bilateral Renal Metastasis of an Inguinal Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor, 9 Years after Primary Surgical Treatment
Authors: Demirer Zafer , Zor Murat , Kurt Bulent , Bozkurt Yasar , Yildirim Ibrahim
Published: August 2012

Objective: To report the first case of a bilateral renal solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) as a metastasis of an inguinal malignant SFT. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 60-year-old male patient with a history of a right inguinal 7 × 8 cm soft tissue mass excision 9 years ago was referred to our clinic with abdominal pain. Both physical examination and chest X-ray were normal. Computed tomography revealed bilateral renal tumor. He was successfully treated with left partial and right radical nephrectomy. Histopathological examination showed a metastasis of the previous inguinal SFT. Conclusion: This case showed that although malignant SFT is extremely rare in the urogenital tract, this tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis when identified in the kidneys.
An Investigation of Tenascin-C Levels in Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis and Their Response to Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty
Authors: Celik Ahmet , Gunebakmaz Ozgur , Baran Oguzhan , Dogdu Orhan , Elcik Deniz , Kobat Mehmet Ali , Balin Mehmet , Erdem Kenan , Aydin Suleyman , Ozdogru Ibrahim , Topsakal Ramazan
Published: August 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tenascin-C levels in severe rheumatic mitral stenosis before and after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV). Subjects and Methods: Forty patients with severe mitral stenosis requiring PMBV and 20 age-matched healthy subjects were included in the study. The mitral valve areas, mitral gradients and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) were measured by echocardiography. The sPAP values and mitral gradients were also measured by catheterization before and after PMBV. The blood tenascin-C levels were measured before PMBV and 1 month after the procedure. Results: The echocardiographic mean mitral gradients had a significant decrease after PMBV (11.7 ± 2.8 vs. 5.6 ± 1.7 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and also those of catheterization (13.9 ± 4.4 vs. 4.0 ± 2.4 mm Hg; p < 0.001). Mitral valve areas increased significantly after PMBV (from 1.1 ± 0.1 to 1.8 ± 0.2 cm2, p < 0.001). Tenascin-C levels decreased significantly in patients after PMBV (from 15.0 ± 3.8 to 10.9 ± 3.1 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Tenascin-C levels were higher in patients with mitral stenosis before PMBV than in healthy subjects (15.0 ± 3.8 and 9.4 ± 2.9 ng/ml; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between patients with mitral stenosis after PMBV and healthy subjects (10.9 ± 3.1 and 9.4 ± 2.9 ng/ml; p = 0.09, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between tenascin-C levels and sPAP (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). In multivariant analysis, tenascin-C predicted mitral stenosis (p = 0.004, OR: 2.31). Conclusions: Tenascin-C was an independent predictor for rheumatic mitral stenosis.
Accelerated Renal Fibrosis in Cardiorenal Syndrome Is Associated with Long-Term Increase in Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Levels
Authors: Entin-Meer Michal , Ben-Shoshan Jeremy , Maysel-Auslender Sofia , Levy Ran , Goryainov Pavel , Schwartz Idit , Barshack Iris , Avivi Camila , Sharir Rinat , Keren Gad
Published: August 2012

Background: Cardiac events are the main cause of death among patients with end-stage renal failure. Even a mild renal disease is currently considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications following myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study was to detect histological, sera and urine characteristics of kidney injury in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) compared to chronic kidney disease (CKD) with an intact cardiac function. Methods: We employed a rat model for CRS, in which an acute MI (AMI) was induced 4 weeks after establishment of subtotal nephrectomy. Four weeks later, left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography and changes in renal performance were examined using histological and biochemical parameters. Results: Increased interstitial fibrosis as well as renal inflammation were observed in renal sections derived from CRS rats, compared to subtotal nephrectomy (CKD)-only animals. Moreover, we found that even though AMI on the background of CKD was not associated with a further decrease in creatinine clearance or a further increase in sera BUN levels compared to CKD only, a significant long-term elevation in urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (Ngal) levels was detectable post-MI induction. Conclusions: AMI in the CKD setting is associated with accelerated renal fibrosis and long-term elevated urine Ngal values, suggesting that cardiac dysfunction contributes to accelerated intrinsic kidney injury in CKD. The data indicate that elevated urine Ngal may potentially serve as an early non-invasive laboratory parameter for a left ventricular dysfunction-related renal injury.
Mutation distribution in the von Willebrand factor gene related to the different von Willebrand disease (VWD) types in a cohort of VWD patients
Authors: Yadegari Hamideh , Driesen Julia , Pavlova Anna , Biswas Arijit , Hertfelder Hans-Jörg , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: August 2012

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative defects of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD is classified into three types – type 1 (partial quantitative deficiencies), type 2 (qualitative defects) and type 3 (complete deficiency of VWF). In this study we explored genotype and phenotype characteristics of patients with VWD with the aim of dissecting the distribution of mutations in different types of VWD. One hundred fourteen patients belonging to 78 families diagnosed to have VWD were studied. Mutation analysis was performed by direct sequencing of the VWF. Large deletions were investigated by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. The impact of novel candidate missense mutations and potential splice site mutations was predicted by in silico assessments. We identified mutations in 66 index patients (IPs) (84.6%). Mutation detection rate was 68%, 94% and 94% for VWD type 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In total, 68 different putative mutations were detected comprising 37 missense mutations (54.4%), 10 small deletions (14.7%), two small insertions (2.9%), seven nonsense mutations (10.3%), five splice-site mutations (7.4%), six large deletions (8.8%) and one silent mutation (1.5%). Twenty-six of these mutations were novel. Furthermore, in type 1 and type 2 VWD, the majority of identified mutations (74% vs. 88.1%) were missense substitutions while mutations in type 3 VWD mostly caused null alleles (82%). Genotyping in VWD is a helpful tool to further elucidate the pathogenesis of VWD and to establish the relationship between genotype and phenotype.
Effect of the VKORC1 D36Y variant on warfarin dose requirement and pharmacogenetic dose prediction
Authors: Qasim Husam , Sominsky Sophie , Lubetsky Aharon , Markovits Noa , Li Chun , Stein C. , Halkin Hillel , Gak Eva , Loebstein Ronen , Kurnik Daniel
Published: August 2012

Pharmacogenetic dosing algorithms help predict warfarin maintenance doses, but their predictive performance differs in different populations, possibly due to unsuspected population-specific genetic variants. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effect of the VKORC1 D36Y variant (a marker of warfarin resistance previously described in 4% of Ashkenazi Jews) on warfarin maintenance doses and to examine how this variant affects the performance of the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetic Consortium (IWPC) dose prediction model. In 210 Israeli patients on chronic warfarin therapy recruited at a tertiary care centre, we applied the IWPC model and then added D36Y genotype as covariate to the model (IWPC+D36Y) and compared predicted with actual doses. Median weekly warfarin dose was 35 mg (interquartile range [IQR], 24.5 to 52.5 mg). Among 16 heterozygous D36Y carriers (minor allele frequency = 3.8%), warfarin weekly dose was increased by a median of 43.7 mg (IQR, 40.5 to 47.2 mg) compared to non-carriers after adjustment for all IWPC parameters, a greater than two-fold dose increase. The IWPC model performed suboptimally (coefficient of determination R2=27.0%; mean absolute error (MAE), 14.4 ± 16.2 mg/ week). Accounting for D36Y genotype using the IWPC+D36Y model resulted in a significantly better model performance (R2=47.2%, MAE=12.6±12.4 mg/week). In conclusion, even at low frequencies, variants with a strong impact on warfarin dose may greatly decrease the performance of a commonly used dose prediction model. Unexpected discrepancies of the performance of universal prediction models in subpopulations should prompt searching for unsuspected confounders, including rare genetic variants.
Translating the effects of statins: From redox regulation to suppression of vascular wall inflammation
Authors: Antonopoulos Alexios , Margaritis Marios , Shirodaria Cheerag , Antoniades Charalambos
Published: August 2012

Vascular oxidative stress is a key feature of atherogenesis, and targeting vascular redox signalling is a rational therapeutic goal in vascular disease pathogenesis. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors or statins are potent lipid-lowering drugs that improve cardiovascular outcomes. It is now widely accepted that cardiovascular disease prevention by statins is dependent not only on their lipid lowering effects, but also on their beneficial effects on vascular redox signalling. Cell culture and animal models have provided important findings on the effects of statins on vascular redox and nitric oxide bioavailability. Recent evidence from studies on human vessels has further enhanced our understanding of the “pleiotropic” effects of statins on vascular wall. Reversal of endothelial dysfunction in human vessels by statins is dependent on the mevalonate pathway and Rac1 inhibition. These critical steps are responsible for reducing NADPH-oxidase activity and improving tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) coupling in human vessels. However, mevalonate pathway inhibition has been also held responsible for some of the side effects observed after statin treatment. In this review we summarise the existing knowledge on the effects of statins on vascular biology by discussing key findings from basic science as well as recent evidence from translational studies in humans. Finally, we discuss emerging aspects of statin pleiotropy, such as their effects on adipose tissue biology and adipokine synthesis that may light additional mechanistic links between statin treatment and improvement of clinical outcome in primary and secondary prevention.
Do we know enough about the immune pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes to improve clinical practice?
Authors: Matusik Pawel , Guzik Bartlomiej , Weber Christian , Guzik Tomasz J.
Published: August 2012

Morbidities related to atherosclerosis, such as acute coronary syndromes (ACS) including unstable angina and myocardial infarction, remain leading causes of mortality. Unstable plaques are inflamed and infiltrated with macrophages and T lymphocytes. Activated dendritic cells interact with T cells, yielding predominantly Th1 responses involving interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), while the role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) is questionable. The expansion of CD28nullCD4 or CD8 T cells as well as pattern recognition receptors activation (especially Toll-like receptors; TLR2 and TLR4) is characteristic for unstable plaque. Inflammation modifies platelet and fibrin clot characteristics, which are critical for ACS. Understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms of atherothrombosis, bridging inflammation, oxidative stress and immune regulation, will allow for the detection of subjects at risk, through the use of novel biomarkers and imaging techniques including intravascular ultrasound, molecular targeting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). Moreover, understanding the specific inflammatory pathways of plaque rupture and atherothrombosis may allow for immunomodulation of ACS. Statins and anti-platelet drugs are anti-inflammatory, but importance of immune events in ACS warrants the introduction of novel, specific treatments directed either on cytokines, TLRs or inflammasomes. While the prime time for the introduction of immunologically inspired diagnostic tests and treatments for atherosclerosis have not come yet, we are closer than ever before to finally being able to benefit from this vast body of experimental and clinical evidence. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the role of the immune system and inflammation in ACS.

Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by G. Y. H. Lip, Editor in Chief.
Prosthesis Oversizing in Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Is Associated With Contained Rupture of the Aortic Root
Authors: Blanke Philipp , Reinöhl Jochen , Schlensak Christian , Siepe Matthias , Pache Gregor , Euringer Wulf , Geibel-Zehender Annette , Bode Christopher , Langer Mathias , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Zehender Manfred
Published: August 2012

Background—

To retrospectively investigate the potential cause of contained rupture of the aortic root in balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) by means of pre- and postinterventional multislice computed tomography.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-two patients (mean age 82±7 years, mean aortic valve area 0.69±0.19 cm
2
) underwent balloon-expandable TAVI using the EdwardsSAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve (23 mm, n=19; 26 mm, n=50; 29 mm, n=3). Aortic annulus dimensions were quantified by multislice computed tomography–based cross-sectional area assessment and average diameter calculation (CAAD) before and after TAVI. Post-TAVI multislice computed tomography data sets were available in 65 patients; contained aortic root rupture was diagnosed in 3 patients. Pre-TAVI CAAD was 23.1±1.8 mm; post-TAVI CAAD was 22.9±1.3 mm. Median relative change in CAAD pre- and post-TAVI was −0.5% (interquartile range, 3.6%). Relative increase of 5% to 10% was observed in 4 patients (1 with contained rupture), relative increase >10% in 2 patients, both with contained rupture. Mean relative oversizing, calculated as the relative difference in diameter between pre-TAVI CAAD and nominal diameter of the selected prosthesis, was 9.8%±7.8%. Relative oversizing was significantly higher in patients with contained rupture compared with patients without contained rupture (24.6%±5.4% versus 9.1%±6.6%;
P
<0.001). Relative oversizing ≥20% occurred in 6 patients (3 with contained rupture).

Conclusions—

Contained rupture of the aortic root in balloon-expandable TAVI is associated with severe prosthesis oversizing. Multislice computed tomography–based assessment of aortic annulus dimension in conjunction with adapted sizing guidelines may reduce the incidence of severe oversizing.
Transport Time and Care Processes for Patients Transferred With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Muñoz Daniel , Roettig Mayme L. , Monk Lisa , Al-Khalidi Hussein , Jollis James G. , Granger Christopher B
Published: August 2012

Background—

For patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, guidelines have called for device activation within 90 minutes of initial presentation. Fewer than 20% of transferred patients are treated in such a timely fashion. We examine the association between transfer drive times and door-to-device (D2D) times in a network of North Carolina hospitals. We compare the feasibility of timely percutaneous coronary intervention using ground versus air transfer.

Methods and Results—

We perform a retrospective analysis of the relationship between transfer drive times and D2D times in a 119-hospital ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction statewide network. Between July 2008 and December 2009, 1537 ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients underwent interhospital transfer for reperfusion via primary percutaneous coronary intervention. For ground transfers, median D2D time was 93 minutes for drive times ≤30 minutes, 117 minutes for drive times of 31 to 45 minutes, and 121 minutes for drive times >45 minutes. For air transfers, median D2D time was 125 minutes for drive times of 31 to 45 minutes and 138 minutes for drive times >45 minutes. Helicopter transport was associated with longer door-in door-out times and, ultimately, was associated with median D2D times that exceeded guideline recommendations, no matter the transfer drive time category.

Conclusions—

In a well-developed ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction system, D2D times within 90 to 120 minutes appear most feasible for hospitals within 30-minute transfer drive time. Helicopter transport did not offer D2D time advantages for transferred STEMI patients. This finding appears to be attributable to comparably longer door-in door-out times for air transfers.
Prognostic Value of High-Dose Dipyridamole Stress Myocardial Contrast Perfusion Echocardiography
Authors: Gaibazzi Nicola , Reverberi Claudio , Lorenzoni Valentina , Molinaro Sabrina , Porter Thomas R.
Published: August 2012

Background—

The addition of myocardial perfusion (MP) imaging during dipyridamole real-time contrast echocardiography improves the sensitivity to detect coronary artery disease, but its prognostic value to predict hard cardiac events in large numbers of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

We studied 1252 patients with the use of dipyridamole real-time contrast echocardiography and followed them for a median of 25 months. The prognostic value of MP imaging regarding death and nonfatal myocardial infarction was determined and related to wall motion (WM), clinical risk factors, and rest ejection fraction by the use of Cox proportional-hazards models, C index, and risk reclassification analysis. A total of 59 hard events (4.7%) occurred during the follow-up (24 deaths, 35 myocardial infarctions). The 2-year event-free survival was 97.9% in patients with normal MP and WM, 91.9% with isolated reversible MP defects but normal WM, and 67.4% with both reversible MP and WM abnormalities (
P
<0.001). By multivariate analysis the independent predictors of events were age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.08), sex (hazard ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.32–4.23), reversible MP defects (hazard ratio, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.83–8.21), and reversible WM abnormalities with reversible MP defects (hazard ratio, 4.51; 95% CI, 2.25–9.07). Reversible MP defects added incremental predictive value and reclassification benefit over WM response and clinical factors (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

MP imaging using real-time perfusion echocardiography during dipyridamole real-time contrast echocardiography provides independent, incremental prognostic information regarding hard cardiac events in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Patients with normal MP responses have better outcome than patients with normal WM; patients with both reversible WM and MP abnormalities have the worst outcome.
Continuous Stroke Unit Electrocardiographic Monitoring Versus 24-Hour Holter Electrocardiography for Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Stroke
Authors: Rizos Timolaos , Güntner Janina , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Marquardt Lars , Reichardt Christine , Becker Rüdiger , Reinhardt Roland , Hepp Thomas , Kirchhof Paulus , Aleynichenko Elena , Ringleb Peter , Hacke Werner , Veltkamp Roland
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—

Cardioembolism in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pxAF) is a frequent cause of ischemic stroke. Sensitive detection of pxAF after stroke is crucial for adequate secondary stroke prevention; the optimal diagnostic modality to detect pxAF on stroke units is unknown. We compared 24-hour Holter electrocardiography (ECG) with continuous stroke unit ECG monitoring (CEM) for pxAF detection.

Methods—

Patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were prospectively enrolled. After a 12-channel ECG on admission, all patients received 24-hour Holter ECG and CEM. Additionally, ECG monitoring data underwent automated analysis using dedicated software to identify pxAF. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or with atrial fibrillation on the admission ECG were excluded.

Results—

Four hundred ninety-six patients (median age, 69 years; 61.5% male) fulfilled all inclusion criteria (ischemic stroke: 80.4%; transient ischemic attack: 19.6%). Median stroke unit stay lasted 88.8 hours (interquartile range, 65.0–122.0). ECG data for automated CEM analysis were available for a median time of 64.0 hours (43.0–89.8). Paroxysmal AF was documented in 41 of 496 patients (8.3%). Of these, Holter detected pxAF in 34.1%; CEM in 65.9%; and automated CEM in 92.7%. CEM and automated CEM detected significantly more patients with pxAF than Holter (
P
<0.001), and automated CEM detected more patients than CEM (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Automated analysis of CEM improves pxAF detection in patients with stroke on stroke units compared with 24-hour Holter ECG. The comparative usefulness of prolonged or repetitive Holter ECG recordings requires further evaluation.
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Vergouwen Mervyn D.I. , Algra Ale , Rinkel Gabriel J.E.
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—

Endothelin is considered to be a key mediator of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. A meta-analysis of randomized trials on the effectiveness of endothelin receptor antagonists in subarachnoid hemorrhage has been published previously, but since then new major trials have been published. We present the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis update.

Methods—

We searched the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed with the following terms: subarachnoid hemorrhage AND (endothelin receptor antagonist OR clazosentan OR TAK-044 OR bosentan). All randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of any endothelin receptor antagonists in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Primary outcome was poor functional outcome (defined as death or dependency). Secondary outcomes were vasospasm, cerebral infarction as defined by investigators, and case fatality during follow-up. Data were pooled and effect sizes were expressed as risk ratio (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also calculated RR for several common complications.

Results—

In 5 trials with 2601 patients, endothelin receptor antagonists did not affect functional outcome (RR, 1.06: 95% CI, 0.93–1.22) despite despite a decreased incidence of angiographic vasospasm (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.48–0.71). No effect was observed on vasospasm-related cerebral infarction (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.53–1.11), any new cerebral infarction (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.91–1.19), or case-fatality (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.78–1.39). Endothelin receptor antagonists increased the risk of lung complications (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.52–2.11), pulmonary edema (RR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.32–3.39), hypotension (RR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.78–3.29), and anemia (RR, 1.47; 95% CI,1.19–1.83).

Conclusion—

These results argue against the use of endothelin receptor antagonists in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The Life Cycle of a Radiosonde
Authors: Flores Federico , Rondanelli Roberto , Díaz Marcos , Querel Richard , Mundnich Karel , Herrera Luis Alberto , Pola Daniel , Carricajo Tomás
Published: August 2012

The development of scientific instruments was, only a few years ago, confined to universities and electronics companies having highly specialized human and/or technical resources. With the advent of open hardware initiatives, engineers, scientists, hobbyists, and even people with limited electronic skills have been able to tinker with complex electronic systems. Taking advantage of these inexpensive and widely available tools and in the context of an engineering project class for undergraduates, the authors set about building a working radiosonde prototype from the ground up, based on an open hardware platform and easily accessible components.

As a result, a fully functional radiosonde has been built that measures, records, and transmits pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind, plus a small camera that stores images on a flash card. A release system was also developed so that the radiosonde can be detached from a balloon upon reaching a certain height, pressure level, or flight time. Once it is released, one can attempt the recovery of the radiosonde with the help of a precalculated trajectory using a numerical mesoscale forecasting model and visualization software. The performance of the sonde was compared with two commercial radiosondes using climate chambers and two field launches. This paper also discusses some of the more interesting capabilities foreseeable for such a platform: 1) collaboration between meteorology and engineering departments in both education and research, and 2) development of a flexible hardware platform that allows for an effective way to compare different commercially available sensors and to easily integrate new prototype sensors.
The Effects of Auxiliary Variables on Coefficient Bias and Efficiency in Multiple Imputation
Authors: Mustillo Sarah
Published: August 2012

Current research on multiple imputation suggests that including auxiliary variables in the imputation model may increase the accuracy and efficiency of coefficient estimation, yet few studies have actually tested this principle for regression analysis. This article uses data from the 2008 General Social Survey to present results from simulations that vary in three respects: (a) three types of auxiliary variables (variables related to the mechanism of missingness, variables related to the variable/varaibles being imputed, and extraneous variables); (b) three levels of missing data (10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent missing); and (c) two assumptions of missing (missing completely at random and missing at random). Results show that the inclusion of any type of auxiliary variable does not appreciably impact the coefficient bias or efficiency in this simulation, regardless of the amount of missing data or the assumption of missing. Hence, the inclusion of auxiliary variables may not be necessary in many analytic situations.
A Comparison of Bayes Factor Approximation Methods Including Two New Methods
Authors: Bollen Kenneth A. , Ray Surajit , Zavisca Jane , Harden Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2012

Bayes factors (BFs) play an important role in comparing the fit of statistical models. However, computational limitations or lack of an appropriate prior sometimes prevent researchers from using exact BFs. Instead, it is approximated, often using the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) or a variant of BIC. The authors provide a comparison of several BF approximations, including two new approximations, the Scaled Unit Information Prior Bayesian Information Criterion (SPBIC) and Information matrix-based Bayesian Information Criterion (IBIC). The SPBIC uses a scaled unit information prior that is more general than the BIC’s unit information prior, and the IBIC utilizes more terms of approximation than the BIC. Through simulation, the authors show that several measures perform well in large samples, that performance declines in smaller samples, and that SPBIC and IBIC provide improvement to existing measures under some conditions, including small sample sizes. The authors illustrate the use of the fit measures with the crime data of Ehrlich and then conclude with recommendations for researchers.
Applying an intelligence-based adaptive multi-predictive control strategy to a two-area interconnected power system
Authors: Mazinan AH
Published: August 2012

We look at a number of research works in the area of power system control to propose a novel strategy in line with the integration of intelligence-based techniques and also the adaptive multi-predictive control. In the strategy presented here, first of all, the one-area power system is represented, through sufficient mathematical relations, and subsequently the investigated outcomes are generalized to represent the two-area interconnected power system. Based on the proposed control strategy, namely IAMPCS in this investigation, the operating points of the two-area interconnected power system need to be represented through several linear models, where the best model of the system is accurately identified by an intelligent decision-maker mechanism at each instant of time. Hereinafter, an adaptive algorithm is instantly implemented on the chosen model to be efficient in the system representation and on the corresponding predictive control strategy, as well. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed IAMPCS, the whole of simulation programs are carried out and the results are compared with those obtained using the single-model linear generalized predictive control, as well as the extended PI control schemes, as the benchmark one. The results verify the validity of the proposed control strategy in comparison with the previous approaches.
A comparative study between IPSO and MIP for co-ordinated scheduling of electricity and heat within a microgrid
Authors: Xu Li-zhong , Zhang Jin-jiang , Bao Zhe-jing , Cao Yi-jia
Published: August 2012

In this paper, an optimization model is developed for co-ordinately scheduling electricity and heat production within a microgrid. The model achieves the minimization of total operating cost including electricity and fuel consumption with various operational constraints considered. Comparative research between the mathematical method of mixed-integer programming (MIP) and meta-heuristic technique of improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) for solving this model is implemented. Simulation results for the scheduling problem with different sizes and different operational constraints show that the solution precision achieved by IPSO and MIP is very similar, IPSO is much less time-consuming than MIP for the large-scale scheduling problem when the non-linear constraints of power flow within the microgrid are considered and the situation is the opposite when power flow constraints are not considered.
Prefactual Potency
Authors: Petrocelli John V. , Seta Catherine E. , Seta John J.
Published: August 2012

Prefactual thoughts typically take the form of implied or explicit if–then statements that represent mental simulations of alternatives to what is expected to occur in the future. The authors propose that the multiplicative combination of “if likelihood” (the degree to which the antecedent condition of the prefactual is perceived to be likely) and “then likelihood” (the perceived conditional likelihood of the outcome of the prefactual, given the antecedent condition) determine the influence of prefactuals. This construct, termed prefactual potency, is a reliable predictor of the degree of influence of prefactual thinking on judgments of anticipated negative affect. Through three experiments, the authors demonstrate the predictive power of this construct and show that it plays a causal role in determining the strength of the effects of prefactual thought. Implications of prefactual potency as a central factor of prefactual influence are discussed.
Efficacy of Per Oral Access in the Surgical Management of T2/T3 Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Battoo Azhar J. , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Ahmad Sheikh Zahoor , Hedne Naveen , Balasubramanian Deepak , Trivedi Nirav , Iyer Subramania , Kuriakose Moni Abraham
Published: August 2012

Objective

Transcutaneous “access” procedures still continue to be widely employed for surgical management of medium‐sized (T2, T3) oral cavity tumors in spite of the almost 4‐cm mouth opening available to the surgeon to access the oral cavity. We undertook a retrospective study to objectively evaluate “per oral access” in managing these tumors with regard to the ability to achieve a clear surgical margin and enable reconstruction of resultant defect.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary academic hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy‐nine consecutive patients of oral squamous cell carcinoma excised by per oral approach were analyzed. Multiple patient‐ and tumor‐related factors known to influence status of surgical margins were analyzed. The overall frequency of clear, close, and involved margins was noted, as well as 5‐year local control rate. The method of reconstruction employed was evaluated.

Results

The close/involved margins were more frequent with larger tumors and tumors exhibiting perineural infiltration, but none were statistically significant (P >. 12). The overall frequency of clear, close, and involved margins was 81%, 11%, and 8%, respectively. Tongue and buccal mucosa sites constituted approximately 85% of the cases and had an 85% clear margin rate. Five‐year local control rate was 70.35%. Fifty‐three free flaps reconstruction were undertaken without any additional “access” procedure.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate ability to obtain comparable tumor clearance rates employing per oral access, without compromising ability to perform optimal reconstruction. We suggest per oral access should be the access of choice for medium‐sized oral cavity tumors, and additional access procedures should only be considered if the initial access proves inadequate.
Characteristics and Trends in Ambulatory Otolaryngology Visits and Practices
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: August 2012

Objective

To determine characteristics and trends for outpatient otolaryngology visits and practices in the United States.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of national survey database.

Setting

Ambulatory care settings in the United States.

Methods

Outpatient otolaryngology records from 2005 to 2009 were extracted from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Visit characteristics were assessed for patient type (established versus new), expected source of payment, and average time spent with the physician. Provider characteristic variables were assessed for practice type (solo versus group), employment status of the physician, electronic claims submission, and the use of electronic medical records in the practice. Trends were analyzed for the above and the average number of outpatient visits per otolaryngologist per year.

Results

A total of 98.8 ± 7.0 million outpatient otolaryngology office visits, consisting of 27.9 ± 2.1 million new patient visits and 70.9 ± 5.3 million established patient visits, were studied. Expected sources of payment consisted of private insurance (65.1%), Medicare (21.1%), Medicaid (9.2%), and self‐pay (2.0%). These sources did not change over the 5 calendar years (P =. 301). Practitioners consisted of solo (30.7%) and group (69.3%) practices. Electronic medical records were in use in 40.2%. Electronic medical record penetration did significantly increase over the 5 years to 57.7% in 2009 (P =. 002). The number of outpatient visits per otolaryngologist per year remained remarkably consistent over the years at about a mean of 3325 ± 299 visits seen per year (P =. 580).

Conclusion

Characteristics of otolaryngology outpatient visits have remained largely consistent over the past 5 years. Electronic medical record penetration has noticeably increased. These results help validate prior Academy socioeconomic surveys.
Growing the core economy: Gender, time and sustainable development
Authors: Coote Anna
Published: August 2012

This Viewpoint considers the case for making more and better use of uncommodified human resources to meet social needs and improve well-being for all. To do this in ways that reduce rather than widen inequalities, it will be necessary to redistribute paid and unpaid time more evenly across the population, especially between women and men.
A Descriptive Study of Sexual Homicide in Canada
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Martineau Melissa
Published: August 2012

Few empirical studies have been conducted that examine the phenomenon of sexual homicide, and among these studies, many have been limited by small sample size. Although interesting and informative, these studies may not be representative of the greater phenomenon of sexual murder and may be subject to sampling bias that could have significant effects on results. The current study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of the largest sample of sexual homicide cases across Canada in the past 62 years. In doing so, the study aims to examine offender and victim characteristics, victim targeting and access, and modus operandi. Findings show that cases of sexual homicide and sexual murderers included in the current study differ in many aspects from the portrait of the sexual murderer and his or her crime depicted in previous studies. The authors’ results may prove useful to the police officers responsible for the investigation of these crimes.
Identifying At-Risk Dementia Caregivers Following Institutionalization
Authors: Gaugler Joseph E. , Mittelman Mary S. , Hepburn Kenneth , Newcomer Robert
Published: August 2012

The current study developed prognostic tools to identify dementia caregivers at-risk for clinically relevant burden or depressive symptoms following nursing home admission (NHA) of their family members. A retrospective, longitudinal design was used that included 1,610 dementia caregivers who provided data prior to and up to 6 months following nursing home admission. Response operant characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to test and validate two prognostic tools: the NHA-Burden and NHA-Depression tools. An ROC curve yielded a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 62.5% at a cutoff score of 5.41 for the NHA-Burden Prognostic tool. A second ROC curve indicated a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 62.5% at a cutoff score of 7.45 for the NHA-Depression tool. Clinicians may wish to utilize cutpoints on the NHA-Burden and NHA-Depression tools to ensure that more persons who are at-risk for clinically significant burden or depression during NHA are identified.
Seeking the Studio Experience Outside of the Studio Course
Authors: Balassiano Katia , West David
Published: August 2012

Planning students seeking interdisciplinary, skill building experiences with real-life projects may not always be satisfied with university-based studio courses. Studios generally offer limited exposure to project selection, initiation, and task scoping. A student organization at Cornell University is challenging the standard studio format and forcing faculty to reflect on the needs of students who seek experiential learning outside of the studio course and general curriculum. This article examines the activities of an organization called DesignConnect and what growing interest in this club implies. We recommend a methodical evaluation to determine whether such organizations can extend existing curriculum-based learning opportunities.
The cytogenetic effects of the aqueous extracts of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria L.) in vitro
Authors: Turkez Hasan , İncekara Ümit , Güner Adem , Aydın Elanur , Dirican Ebubekir , Togar Başak
Published: August 2012

One of the useful and most commonly cultivated commercially species, migratory locust ( Locusta migratoria; Orthoptera), was investigated in light of genotoxic damage potentials. For this aim, we evaluated the genotoxic potentials of water soluble extracts of L. migratoria on cultured human blood cells. The micronucleus, sister chromatid exchange and structural chromosome aberration assays were applied to assess DNA and chromosomal damage produced by aqueous extracts in vitro. The extracts were added to the cultures at different concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000 mg/L. Our results indicated that these extracts did not exhibit genotoxicity at tested concentrations. We conclude that this in vitro approach for biomonitoring genotoxicity assessment is useful for comparing the potential health risks of edible insects.
Adolescent Beliefs About the Acceptability of Dating Violence
Authors: Mueller Victoria , Jouriles Ernest N. , McDonald Renee , Rosenfield David
Published: August 2012

This longitudinal study examined the interplay between teens’ beliefs about the acceptability of dating violence and dating violence perpetration. The final sample included 82 teens aged 14 to 17 years. Families were recruited from truancy courts and juvenile probation and victim services offices. Teens participated in a baseline and a follow-up assessment spaced 3 months apart. At each assessment, teens reported on their beliefs about dating violence acceptability and their dating violence perpetration. Dating violence perpetration at baseline predicted beliefs accepting of violence at follow-up, after accounting for baseline levels of beliefs. Beliefs at baseline, however, did not predict dating violence perpetration at follow-up. Dating violence perpetration may lead to beliefs more accepting of such violence.
Mathematical formulae to calculate the theoretical range of motion of prosthetic hip implants with non-circular neck geometry
Authors: Ellison Peter
Published: August 2012

Component design and position are major factors in achieving adequate range of motion post hip replacement. It is therefore important to understand how implant design and positioning impact the motion available before impingement. The Yoshimine–Ginbayashi equations allow the theoretical range of motion of total hip replacements to be calculated accurately and quickly. However, a significant limitation of these equations is that they can only be applied to femoral neck geometry with a circular cross section. The objective of the present study was to reformulate the equations to allow fast and accurate calculation of the range of motion for prostheses with any femoral neck geometry. Using vector analysis, formulae were derived such that the range of motion could be calculated from the cross section of the neck at the point of impingement, cup radius at the point of impingement, cup inclination angle, cup anteversion angle, neck angle of the femoral component from the transverse plane and neck anteversion. The range of motion was calculated for circular, truncated circle and free-form femoral neck geometry under a range of component positions. These values were successfully compared with those measured from analysis of solid models in three-dimensional computer-aided design software. The method of analysis presented offers a powerful new technique enabling hip prostheses to be analysed in an accurate and efficient manner, therefore facilitating optimisation of the design geometry, assessment of existing pre-clinical designs and clinical pre- or postoperative evaluation.
Towards a European labour market? Trade unions and flexicurity in France and Britain
Authors: Milner Susan
Published: August 2012

The flexicurity approach to labour market policy may offer advantages for trade unions but also poses challenges, given their weak situation in policy formulation at EU level and in many member states. This article explores unions’ capacity to mobilize around flexicurity issues and to influence policy debates and outcomes in two member states. In the UK, flexicurity has low political salience and unions have little capacity for mobilization or influence, although they have linked flexicurity to campaigns on agency workers and restructuring. In France, unions have developed alternative proposals on making employment pathways secure and have succeeded in shifting debate towards these proposals rather than the Commission’s flexicurity recommendations, although differences with the positions of employers and the state have limited outcomes to date. EU policies provide only weak leverage, since trade unions’ ability to influence labour market policy depends on their position within domestic institutions.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of thymoquinone in a rat model of acute bacterial prostatitis
Authors: Inci M , Davarci M , Inci M , Motor S , Yalcinkaya FR , Nacar E , Aydin M , Sefil NK , Zararsız I
Published: August 2012

Prostatitis plays a major role in morbidity and mortality related to prostate diseases. The aim of this study was to detect whether thymoquinone (TQ) could ameliorate oxidative damage and the proliferative response induced by Escherichia coli ( E. coli) in rats. A total of 42 adult male Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups (three treatment groups, three infected groups and one control group). Control group received saline and was killed 24 h after saline administration. Infected rats were killed after 24, 48 and 72 h following direct injection of E. coli into the prostate. Treatment groups were administered with 10 mg/kg dose of TQ intraperitoneally following E. coli injection and after 24 and 48 h following E. coli injection. The rats were killed at 24, 48 and 72 h after the first drug administration. Each group was compared with each other and with the control group. In addition, infected groups were compared with treatment groups. Our findings show that the treatment with TQ has a protective effect against bacterial prostatitis-induced tissue injury. Increase in malondialdehyde levels and histological damage caused by E. coli were improved markedly with TQ treatment. TQ treatment particularly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and decreased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. These observations might be attributed, at least in part, to the antioxidant effect of TQ and suggest that it could be a clinically valuable agent in the prevention of acute prostatitis caused by E. coli.