bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Stat5a/b Enhances Proteasomal Degradation of Androgen Receptor Liganded by Antiandrogens in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hoang David T. , Gu Lei , Liao Zhiyong , Shen Feng , Talati Pooja G. , Koptyra Mateusz , Tan Shyh-Han , Ellsworth Elyse , Gupta Shilpa , Montie Heather , Dagvadorj Ayush , Savolainen Saija , Leiby Benjamin , Mirtti Tuomas , Merry Diane E. , Nevalainen Marja T.
Published: January 2015

Although poorly understood, androgen receptor (AR) signaling is sustained despite treatment of prostate cancer with antiandrogens and potentially underlies development of incurable castrate-resistant prostate cancer. However, therapies targeting the AR signaling axis eventually fail when prostate cancer progresses to the castrate-resistant stage. Stat5a/b, a candidate therapeutic target protein in prostate cancer, synergizes with AR to reciprocally enhance the signaling of both proteins. In this work, we demonstrate that Stat5a/b sequesters antiandrogen-liganded (MDV3100, bicalutamide, flutamide) AR in prostate cancer cells and protects it against proteasomal degradation in prostate cancer. Active Stat5a/b increased nuclear levels of both unliganded and antiandrogen-liganded AR, as demonstrated in prostate cancer cell lines, xenograft tumors, and clinical patient-derived prostate cancer samples. Physical interaction between Stat5a/b and AR in prostate cancer cells was mediated by the DNA-binding domain of Stat5a/b and the N-terminal domain of AR. Moreover, active Stat5a/b increased AR occupancy of the prostate-specific antigen promoter and AR-regulated gene expression in prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, both Stat5a/b genetic knockdown and antiandrogen treatment induced proteasomal degradation of AR in prostate cancer cells, with combined inhibition of Stat5a/b and AR leading to maximal loss of AR protein and prostate cancer cell viability. Our results indicate that therapeutic targeting of AR in prostate cancer using antiandrogens may be substantially improved by targeting of Stat5a/b. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(3); 713–26. ©2014 AACR.
Variants for HDL-C, LDL-C, and Triglycerides Identified from Admixture Mapping and Fine-Mapping Analysis in African American Families
Authors: Shetty Priya B. , Tang Hua , Feng Tao , Tayo Bamidele , Morrison Alanna C. , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Hanis Craig L. , Arnett Donna K. , Hunt Steven C. , Boerwinkle Eric ,   the Candidate Gene Association Resource (CARe) Consortium, Rao Dabeeru C. , Cooper Richard S. , Risch Neil , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2015

Background—

Admixture mapping of lipids was followed-up by family-based association analysis to identify variants for cardiovascular disease in African Americans.

Methods and Results—

The present study conducted admixture mapping analysis for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. The analysis was performed in 1905 unrelated African American subjects from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP). Regions showing admixture evidence were followed-up with family-based association analysis in 3556 African American subjects from the FBPP. The admixture mapping and family-based association analyses were adjusted for age, age
2
, sex, body mass index, and genome-wide mean ancestry to minimize the confounding caused by population stratification. Regions that were suggestive of local ancestry association evidence were found on chromosomes 7 (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), 8 (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), 14 (triglycerides), and 19 (total cholesterol and triglycerides). In the fine-mapping analysis, 52 939 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested and 11 SNPs (8 independent SNPs) showed nominal significant association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2 SNPs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (4 SNPs), and triglycerides (5 SNPs). The family data were used in the fine-mapping to identify SNPs that showed novel associations with lipids and regions, including genes with known associations for cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions—

This study identified regions on chromosomes 7, 8, 14, and 19 and 11 SNPs from the fine-mapping analysis that were associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides for further studies of cardiovascular disease in African Americans.
Transfemoral Access Assessment for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Okuyama Kazuaki , Jilaihawi Hasan , Kashif Mohammad , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Chakravarty Tarun , Pokhrel Heera , Patel Jigar , Forrester James S. , Nakamura Mamoo , Cheng Wen , Makkar Raj R.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Although computed tomography (CT) is commonly used for iliofemoral evaluation for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement, many centers worldwide use invasive angiography alone for this purpose. No study to date has evaluated the value of CT over angiography for the prediction of vascular complications. In addition, no data exist for the value of noncontrast CT.

Methods and Results—

Of the 588 transcatheter aortic valve replacement patients, we reviewed 496 consecutive transfemoral cases. Vessel diameters were measured by CT or angiography. Sheath-related complication (SRC) was defined as an iliofemoral arterial injury not including a cannulation site. Receiver operating characteristic models were generated using sheath-to-iliofemoral artery ratios as a variable and SRC as an end point. In patients undergoing both contrast CT and angiography (n=283; 35 SRCs), contrast CT showed a greater predictive value than angiography by area under the curve
P
<0.001): 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.91) versus 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.66–0.77). In patients undergoing both noncontrast CT and angiography (n=103; 17 SRCs), there was no difference between noncontrast CT and angiography: 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.86) versus 0.73 (95% confidence interval: 0.63–0.81). Three-dimensional assessments of calcification and tortuosity provided limited additional value for SRC prediction.

Conclusions—

Contrast CT has a greater predictive value for post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement vascular complications than angiography. Because these complications increase mortality, an accurate assessment of the vasculature is a critical component of proper access selection.
Obese Subjects Show Sex-Specific Differences in Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Rider Oliver J. , Lewis Andrew J.M. , Lewandowski Adam J. , Ntusi Ntobeko , Nethononda Richard , Petersen Steffen E. , Francis Jane M. , Pitcher Alex , Banerjee Rajarshi , Leeson Paul , Neubauer Stefan
Published: January 2015

Background—

As right ventricular (RV) remodeling in obesity remains underinvestigated, and the impact of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction on RV hypertrophy is unknown, we aimed to investigate whether (1) sex-specific patterns of RV remodeling exist in obesity and (2) LV diastolic dysfunction in obesity is related to RV hypertrophy.

Methods and Results—

Seven hundred thirty-nine subjects (women, n=345; men, n=394) without identifiable cardiovascular risk factors (body mass index [BMI], 15.3–59.2 kg/m
2
) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (1.5 T) to measure RV mass (g), RV end-diastolic volume (mL), RV mass/volume ratio, and LV diastolic peak filling rate (mL/s). All subjects were normotensive (average, 119±11/73±8 mm Hg), normoglycaemic (4.8±0.5 mmol/L), and normocholesterolaemic (4.8±0.9 mmol/L) at the time of scanning. Across both sexes, there was a moderately strong positive correlation between BMI and RV mass (men, +0.8 g per BMI point increase; women, +1.0 g per BMI point increase; both
P
<0.001). Whereas women exhibited RV cavity dilatation (RV end-diastolic volume, +1.0 mL per BMI point increase;
P
<0.001), BMI was not correlated with RV end-diastolic volume in men (
R
=0.04;
P
=0.51). Concentric RV remodeling was present in both sexes, with RV mass/volume ratio being positively correlated to BMI (men,
R
=0.41; women,
R
=0.51; both
P
<0.001). Irrespective of sex, the LV peak filling rate was negatively correlated with both RV mass (men,
R
=−0.43; women,
R
=−0.44; both
P
<0.001) and RV mass/volume ratio (men,
R
=−0.37; women,
R
=−0.35; both
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

A sex difference in RV remodeling exists in obesity. Whereas men exhibit concentric RV remodeling, women exhibit a mixed pattern of eccentric and concentric remodeling. Regardless of sex, reduced LV diastolic function is associated with concentric RV remodeling.
Long-Term Results of Transapical Versus Transfemoral TAVI in a Real World Population of 1000 Patients With Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Schymik Gerhard , Würth Alexander , Bramlage Peter , Herbinger Tanja , Heimeshoff Martin , Pilz Lothar , Schymik Jan S. , Wondraschek Rainer , Süselbeck Tim , Gerhardus Jan , Luik Armin , Gonska Bernd-Dieter , Posival Herbert , Schmitt Claus , Schröfel Holger
Published: January 2015

Background—

Transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation is generally perceived to be associated with increased morbidity compared with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation. We aimed to compare access-related complications and survival using propensity score matching.

Methods and Results—

Prospective, single-center registry of 1000 consecutive patients undergoing transapical and transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation between May 2008 and April 2012. Transapical was performed in 413 patients and transfemoral in 587 patients. Patients with transapical access were less often women and less had pulmonary hypertension. Further they had more peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, carotid stenosis, and recurrent surgery and a higher logistic EuroSCORE I (24.3%±16.2% for transapical versus 22.2%±16.2% for transfemoral;
P
<0.01). After building 2 propensity score–matched groups of 354 patients each with either access route (total 708 patients), baseline characteristics were comparable. In this analysis, there was no significant difference in 30 day mortality (5.9% transapical versus 8.5% transfemoral;
P
=0.19), the rate of myocardial infarction (2.5% transapical versus 2.0% transfemoral;
P
=0.61), stroke (2.0% transapical versus 2.3% transfemoral;
P
=0.79), bleeding complications, pacemaker implantation rates, or moderate aortic insufficiency. Stage 1 renal complications were more common in transapical patients (odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.93–4.09), whereas major vascular complications were less common (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.29). Survival probability over the long term was not statistically different (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.10; log-rank Test,
P
=0.27).

Conclusions—

The data demonstrate that in an experienced multidisciplinary heart team, either access route can be performed with comparable results.
Morphine Is Associated With a Delayed Activity of Oral Antiplatelet Agents in Patients With ST-Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Parodi Guido , Bellandi Benedetta , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Capranzano Piera , Capodanno Davide , Valenti Renato , Stavrou Katerina , Migliorini Angela , Antoniucci David , Tamburino Corrado , Alexopoulos Dimitrios
Published: January 2015

Background—

Morphine is recommended in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, including those undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Suboptimal antiplatelet effect during and after primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with increased thrombotic complications. It was hypothesized a potential drug–drug interaction between morphine and antiplatelet agents. We sought to assess platelet inhibition after a loading dose of the currently recommended antiplatelet agents in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients according to morphine use.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention receiving either prasugrel (n=95) or ticagrelor (n=205) loading dose had platelet reactivity assessed by VerifyNow 1, 2, and 4 hours after loading dose. Patients treated with morphine (n=95; 32%) had a higher incidence of vomit (15% versus 2%;
P
=0.001). P2Y
12
reactivity units 2 hours after the loading dose was 187 (153–221) and 133 (102–165) in patient with and without morphine (
P
<0.001); the difference persisted after excluding patients with vomit (
P
<0.0001). High residual platelet reactivity (P2Y
12
reactivity units ≥208) at 2 hours was found in 53% and 29% patients with and without morphine (
P
<0.001) and without difference between prasugrel and ticagrelor patients. The independent predictors of high residual platelet reactivity at 2 hours were morphine use (odds ratio, 2.91 [1.71–4.97];
P
<0.0001) and age (odds ratio, 1.03 [1.01–1.05];
P
=0.010). Morphine remained associated with high residual platelet reactivity after propensity score adjustment (c-statistic, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.70;
P
=0.879 for Hosmer–Lemeshow test).

Conclusions—

In patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, morphine use is associated with a delayed onset of action of the oral antiplatelet agents. This association persisted after adjusting for the propensity to receive morphine and after excluding patients with vomit.
Comparison of Renal Artery, Soft Tissue, and Nerve Damage After Irrigated Versus Nonirrigated Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Sakakura Kenichi , Ladich Elena , Fuimaono Kristine , Grunewald Debby , O’Fallon Patrick , Spognardi Anna-Maria , Markham Peter , Otsuka Fumiyuki , Yahagi Kazuyuki , Shen Kai , Kolodgie Frank D. , Joner Michael , Virmani Renu
Published: January 2015

Background—

The long-term efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of renal autonomic nerves has been proven in nonrandomized studies. However, long-term safety of the renal artery (RA) is of concern. The aim of our study was to determine if cooling during radiofrequency ablation preserved the RA while allowing equivalent nerve damage.

Methods and Results—

A total of 9 swine (18 RAs) were included, and allocated to irrigated radiofrequency (n=6 RAs, temperature setting: 50°C), conventional radiofrequency (n=6 RAs, nonirrigated, temperature setting: 65°C), and high-temperature radiofrequency (n=6 RAs, nonirrigated, temperature setting: 90°C) groups. RAs were harvested at 10 days, serially sectioned from proximal to distal including perirenal tissues and examined after paraffin embedding, and staining with hematoxylin-eosin and Movat pentachrome. RAs and periarterial tissue including nerves were semiquantitatively assessed and scored. A total of 660 histological sections from 18 RAs were histologically examined by light microscopy. Arterial medial injury was significantly less in the irrigated radiofrequency group (depth of medial injury, circumferential involvement, and thinning) than that in the conventional radiofrequency group (
P
<0.001 for circumference;
P
=0.003 for thinning). Severe collagen damage such as denatured collagen was also significantly less in the irrigated compared with the conventional radiofrequency group (
P
<0.001). Nerve damage although not statistically different between the irrigated radiofrequency group and conventional radiofrequency group (
P
=0.36), there was a trend toward less nerve damage in the irrigated compared with conventional. Compared to conventional radiofrequency, circumferential medial damage in highest-temperature nonirrigated radiofrequency group was significantly greater (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Saline irrigation significantly reduces arterial and periarterial tissue damage during radiofrequency ablation, and there is a trend toward less nerve damage.
Coronary Microvascular Rarefaction and Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mohammed Selma F. , Hussain Saad , Mirzoyev Sultan A. , Edwards William D. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Characterization of myocardial structural changes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been hindered by the limited availability of human cardiac tissue. Cardiac hypertrophy, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary microvascular rarefaction, and myocardial fibrosis may contribute to HFpEF pathophysiology.

Methods and Results—

We identified HFpEF patients (n=124) and age-appropriate control subjects (noncardiac death, no heart failure diagnosis; n=104) who underwent autopsy. Heart weight and CAD severity were obtained from the autopsy reports. With the use of whole-field digital microscopy and automated analysis algorithms in full-thickness left ventricular sections, microvascular density (MVD), myocardial fibrosis, and their relationship were quantified. Subjects with HFpEF had heavier hearts (median, 538 g; 169% of age-, sex-, and body size–expected heart weight versus 335 g; 112% in controls), more severe CAD (65% with ≥1 vessel with >50% diameter stenosis in HFpEF versus 13% in controls), more left ventricular fibrosis (median % area fibrosis, 9.6 versus 7.1) and lower MVD (median 961 versus 1316 vessels/mm
2
) than control (
P
<0.0001 for all). Myocardial fibrosis increased with decreasing MVD in controls (
r
=–0.28,
P
=0.004) and HFpEF (
r
=–0.26,
P
=0.004). Adjusting for MVD attenuated the group differences in fibrosis. Heart weight, fibrosis, and MVD were similar in HFpEF patients with CAD versus without CAD.

Conclusions—

In this study, patients with HFpEF had more cardiac hypertrophy, epicardial CAD, coronary microvascular rarefaction, and myocardial fibrosis than controls. Each of these findings may contribute to the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and cardiac reserve function impairment characteristic of HFpEF.
Assessing Spurious Interaction Effects in Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Harring Jeffrey R. , Weiss Brandi A. , Li Ming
Published: January 2015

Several studies have stressed the importance of simultaneously estimating interaction and quadratic effects in multiple regression analyses, even if theory only suggests an interaction effect should be present. Specifically, past studies suggested that failing to simultaneously include quadratic effects when testing for interaction effects could result in Type I errors, Type II errors, or misleading interactions. Research investigating this issue has been limited to multiple regression models. Contrarily, structural equation modeling is a more appropriate analysis when hypotheses include latent variables. The current study utilized Monte Carlo simulation to investigate whether quadratic effects should be included in the latent variable interaction model. Consistent with previous research, it was found that including latent variable quadratic effects in the model successfully reduced the frequency of spurious interaction effects but at a cost of low power to detect true interaction effects, inaccurate parameter estimates, inaccurate standard error estimates, and reduced convergence rates. Based on findings from the current study, we recommend that researchers hypothesizing interactions between latent variables should test for these relations using the latent variable interaction model rather than the interaction quadratic model. If researchers are concerned about spurious interactions, then they may want to consider including quadratic effects in the model, provided that they have sample sizes of at least 500 and high indicator reliability. We caution all researchers to base higher order effects models on theory.
The weakest link in welfare state legitimacy: European perceptions of moral and administrative failure in the targeting of social benefits
Authors: Roosma Femke , van Oorschot Wim , Gelissen John
Published: January 2015

In the field of welfare attitude research, generally studies examining critical attitudes toward the welfare state are rather limited. However, the existing studies find that people are most negative about the mis-targeting of welfare benefits – that is, people are particularly critical of the high overuse (misuse or fraud) and high underuse (non-take-up) of welfare benefits. This study contributes to the current literature by more extensively analyzing perceptions of the overuse and underuse of welfare benefits by revealing the underlying perceptions of moral failure or failed administrative implementation. We also assess how different individual- and contextual-level factors influence those perceptions. We use data from the European Social Survey 2008/2009 for 25 European countries. We find that instead of representing two manifestations of the same concept of mis-targeting, perceptions of the overuse and underuse of benefits appear to be driven by normative ideas and opinions about the administrative effectiveness of the welfare state. Whereas normative ideas about the overuse of benefits are mainly influenced by people’s political ideology and the selectivity of the redistribution system, ideas about the effectiveness of benefits are mainly influenced by people’s institutional trust, the quality of the welfare state and the economic context. We conclude that critical attitudes toward the welfare state have multiple dimensions and can be both substantive and procedural in nature.
Transatlantic variation in the attributed etiology of psychosis
Authors: Jarvis G Eric , Bhat Venkat , Jurcik Tomas , Spigonardo Vincenzo , Whitley Rob
Published: January 2015

Background:

Differences in transatlantic perception of psychosis have been reported in the historical psychiatric literature.

Aims:

This study aims to determine if articles in the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) are more likely to attribute biological factors to the etiology of psychosis than those of the British Journal of Psychiatry (BJP).

Methods:

A systematic MEDLINE search for articles in the AJP and BJP from 2005 to 2007 identified 360 abstracts with psychosis and etiology-related words. Chi-square analyses were used to test differences in the proportion of attributed biological or psychosocial etiology of psychosis in each journal.

Results:

A greater proportion of abstracts (83/87) in the AJP attributed biological etiology of psychosis (χ2 = 12.33, df = 1, p < 0.001), while a greater proportion in the BJP (16/44 abstracts) attributed psychosocial etiology (χ2 = 19.76, df = 1, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The AJP tends to publish biomedical explanations of psychosis, while the BJP shows a relative preference for psychosocial theories.
Values and Violence
Authors: Aghedo Iro
Published: January 2015

Violent criminality and insecurity are pervasive across Nigeria as private armies, ethnic militias, armed robbers, political assassins, ransom kidnappers, hostage takers, and serial bombers have gone on rampage. Uneducated youth are often blamed in mainstream discourse as the major perpetrators or foot soldiers of anti-social crimes and non-state violence. Conceived as “loose molecules,” their behavioral patterns are said to be largely deviant and oppositional to acceptable culture. In contrast, educated youth (including those in higher education) are believed to be refined and easily conform to social norms, values and laws, thereby shunning criminality and violence. This article investigates this widespread notion and discovers, contrary to orthodox thinking, that higher education students pose as much threat to Nigerian society as uneducated youth. The article blames the criminalization of students on the debasement of social values, the culture of corruption in Nigeria, and the infrastructural decay that currently undermines teaching and learning in the country’s higher education sector. To prevent tertiary institutions from becoming breeding grounds of criminals, the article stresses the need for values re-orientation, adequate funding, and infrastructural development as well as ensuring that students and staff who contravene the laws are sanctioned appropriately.
Morphological and mechanical characterization of foamed polyethylene via biaxial rotational molding
Authors: Moscoso-Sánchez Francisco J , Mendizábal Eduardo , Jasso-Gastinel Carlos F , Ortega-Gudiño Pedro , Robledo-Ortíz Jorge R , González-Núñez Rubén , Rodrigue Denis
Published: January 2015

Foamed linear medium density polyethylene parts were prepared by rotational molding in biaxial mode, using different amounts of chemical-blowing agent (azodicarbonamide). Morphological and mechanical properties are presented and discussed in terms of foam density, cell density, average cell diameter, and open cell content. Internal air temperature of the mold was measured as a function of time. Significant differences were observed between unfoamed and foamed parts. The use of an exothermic chemical-blowing agent increased the peak internal air temperature and part cooling was slower due to the presence of gas bubbles acting as insulating material. The most important changes were observed for foam density: adding 1 phr of azodicarbonamide the density decreased from 0.931 g/cm3 (0 phr azodicarbonamide) to 0.295 g/cm3. Finally, the mechanical properties were highly influenced by azodicarbonamide content. Tensile and impact properties were correlated with part density using a simple power–law equation.
Foaming of reactively modified polypropylene: Effects of rheology and coagent type
Authors: Zhang Ying , Parent J Scott , Kontopoulou Marianna , Park Chul B
Published: January 2015

A series of linear controlled rheology polypropylenes were produced through reaction with dicumyl peroxide in the melt state, to investigate the effect of molecular weight and viscosity on foaming. Foaming experiments by compression molding, using a chemical blowing agent (azodicarbonamide), and by batch foaming using nitrogen-blowing agent, revealed that lower viscosity promoted higher expansion ratios and larger cells, due to reduced resistance to cell growth. Linear polypropylene was further modified using trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate and triallyl trimesate coagents. Coagent modification resulted in pronounced changes in the shear thinning and elasticity of the modified polypropylenes. However, evidence of long-chain branching was only present in polypropylene modified by triallyl trimesate. Foams based on coagent-modified polypropylenes had higher expansion ratios than their degraded counterparts. This was ascribed in part to the lower viscosities, and to a nucleating effect, arising from the presence of a finely dispersed phase of coagent-rich nanoparticles. Strain hardening in polypropylenes modified by triallyl trimesate further resulted in a finer cell structure, due to suppressed coalescence.
Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(urethane-urea)-based nanocellular foams reinforced with kaolin
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: January 2015

The nanocellular foams were designed using novel poly(urethane-urea) (PUU) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend matrix and layered silicate (kaolin) reinforcement. In this regard, a mixture of cyclopentane and isopentane was used for the reactive foaming. The morphological, mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of PMMA/PUU/kaolin nanocomposites and foams were investigated. The kaolin acted as a nanofiller as well as nucleating agent to produce nanocomposite foams. With the addition of nanofiller, the nanocellular foams were obtained with the uniform cell size distribution. Field emission scanning electron microscopy exposed hexagonal cellular morphology of PMMA/PUU/kaolin 1–5 foams. The PMMA/PUU/kaolin 5 foam with 5 wt% clay loading revealed 50% increase in the compression modulus and 21% in the compression strength compared with the neat PMMA/PUU foam. The 10% decomposition temperature of PMMA/PUU/kaolin 1–5 foams was recorded in the range of 512–530℃. The foams also showed good water absorption capability. The Tg of PMMA/PUU/kaolin 5 foam (154℃) was also higher compared with the PMMA/PUU/kaolin 1 foam ( Tg 148℃). According to, UL 94 test and limiting oxygen index measurement, the PMMA/PUU/kaolin 1–5 foams achieved higher nonflammability and V-0 rating with the clay addition.
A new approach for the oocyte genotoxicity assay: adaptation of comet assay on mouse cumulus–oocyte complexes
Authors: Greco F , Perrin J , Auffan M , Tassistro V , Orsière T , Courbiere B
Published: January 2015

Conventional genotoxicity tests are technically difficult to apply to oocytes, and results obtained on somatic cells cannot be extrapolated to gametes. We have previously described a comet assay (original–CA) on denuded mouse oocytes, but, in vivo, oocytes are not isolated from their surrounding follicular cells. Our objective was to develop a comet assay on cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC–CA) for a more physiological approach to study the genotoxicity of environmental factors on oocytes. For COC–CA, whole COC were exposed directly to exogenous agents after ovulation and removal from oviducts. Three conditions were studied: a negative control group, and two positive control groups, one of which was exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the other group was incubated with cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs). With both tests, DNA damage was significant in the presence of both H2O2 and CeO2 NPs compared with the negative control. COC–CA offers an interesting tool for assaying the genotoxicity of environmental agents towards germinal cells. Furthermore, COC–CA is less time-consuming and simplifies the protocol of the original–CA, because COC-CA is easier to perform without the washing-out procedure.
Staying in School
Authors: Ausikaitis Ashley Etzel , Wynne Martha Ellen , Persaud Schevita , Pitt Rachel , Hosek Aaron , Reker Kayse , Turner Carina , Flores Sandy , Flores Sofia
Published: January 2015

The increasing number of homeless youth in the United States presents many social justice concerns, including issues of educational access, stigma, and self-advocacy. These problems become even more apparent when homelessness and educational attainment intersect. The McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 was enacted to address these concerns. While some schools attempt to implement the law to benefit homeless youth, clear limitations in service delivery remain. This article explores the perspectives of homeless youth who were trying to remain in high school. From a social justice framework using qualitative analyses, three focus groups were conducted at a transitional living program in a large urban area. Focus group transcripts were coded to capture key themes identified by youth. These include knowledge of McKinney–Vento rights, self-disclosure of homelessness, the negative effects of homelessness, and factors that protect youth from dropping out. Finally, the authors explore implications for school-based service providers.
Scrub typhus with visual hallucinations
Authors: Mahajan Sanjay K , Kaushik Madan , Raina Rajiv , Sharma Ravi C , Thakur Preyander , Bharat Sharma Jai
Published: January 2015

The occurrence of psychiatric symptoms in scrub typhus is not commonly reported in literature. We present a case of scrub typhus with visual hallucinations.
Adaptation and Psychometric Testing of Multiple Measures of Religion Among African Americans Who Use Cocaine
Authors: Montgomery Brooke E. E. , Stewart Katharine E. , Yeary Karen H. K. , Cornell Carol E. , Corwyn Robert , Pulley LeaVonne , Ounpraseuth Songthip T.
Published: January 2015

This study tests the psychometric properties and demographic variation of three culturally adapted versions of widely used religion scales—the Brief RCOPE, the Religious Support Scale, and items from the Multidimensional Measurement of Religiousness and Spirituality—in a community sample of cocaine-using African Americans. The unadapted measures have been previously validated but not in an African American cocaine-using population, which is a gap in the literature because religious institutions are important venues for health promotion in many Southern and rural areas. All the scales diverged from normality but most demonstrated acceptable internal reliability and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of all scales except the Religious Support Scale. Correlations between religion scales and sample characteristics are provided and implications are discussed. Findings suggest that the factor structure and psychometric properties of the religion subscales are similar to other samples in this cohort of cocaine-using African Americans. These data provide initial support for the use of these instruments in future studies incorporating religious constructs with similar populations.
The Influence of the Trayvon Martin Shooting on Racial Socialization Practices of African American Parents
Authors: Thomas Anita Jones , Blackmon Sha’Kema M.
Published: January 2015

Many perceived the death of Trayvon Martin as racially motivated. We hypothesized that hearing about the death of Trayvon Martin also had an effect on African American parents. This qualitative investigation explored African American parents’ perceptions of the death of Trayvon Martin and how it affected the provision of racial socialization. The analysis indicated that a number of parents felt that Trayvon Martin’s death was a form of racial profiling and that young Black men needed to be protected. Participants were also worried about their children after the shooting and took approaches to explaining the shooting that involved discussing the presence of racism, framing it as an individual violent incident, as well as engaging in emotional processing with their children. Finally, parents also provided suggestions on what their children should do if they were placed in a similar situation. These included obtaining help, getting away from the perpetrator, being respectful to the perpetrator, and engaging in self-defense.
Hope as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Interpersonal Predictors of Suicide and Suicidal Thinking in African Americans
Authors: Hollingsworth David W. , Wingate LaRicka R. , Tucker Raymond P. , O’Keefe Victoria M. , Cole Ashley B.
Published: January 2015

Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death of African Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Possible risk factors of suicidal ideation for this population include the two interpersonal constructs of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Past research has demonstrated that hope is negatively associated with each of these two constructs of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and suicidal ideation. The aim of the current study was to investigate hope as a moderator between both thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation in a sample of 107 African American college students. Results supported the hypotheses, as hope moderated the relationship between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation and perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation. This study suggests that African Americans who endorse high levels of hope are at a lower risk for suicidal thoughts when having perceptions of being a burden and not belonging. Clinical implications are discussed.
Victory at Pomona College
Authors: Silverman Victor
Published: January 2015

Despite the firing of 17 purported undocumented workers and bitter conflicts on campus, Pomona College’s dining hall staff overwhelmingly voted for UNITE HERE Local 11 in spring 2013 and approved a good contract less than a year later. Although a labor victory, the Pomona story, nonetheless, illustrates the obstacles to organizing low-wage immigrant workers at powerful institutions opposed to unionization. Drawing on interviews with labor and community activists, media reports, and the author’s participant observation, this article finds that campus and community support, while critical, could not prevent years of delays and serious acts of intimidation. This campaign had a transformative effect on the workers and their workplace but raises questions about long-term union strategy.
Responsibility to struggle – responsibility for peace
Authors: Wolff Ernst
Published: January 2015

The aim of this article is to present a perspective on Ricœur’s ethico-political thought in Course of Recognition and, by extension, on that of his entire work. The point of departure is the hypothesis that Ricœur’s (singular) reading of Weber on political responsibility provides one with an invaluable vantage point from where to identify a recurrent pattern in the French philosopher’s ethico-political thought. After a brief presentation and illustration of this hypothesis a close reading, principally of study III of Course of Recognition, is offered. This reading affirms the hypothesis. It also allows a number of conclusions regarding the continuities, or a trait of ‘narrative identity’ in Ricœur’s ethico-political thought. This in turn enables one to better identify the stakes and objectives of Ricœur’s argument in the selected text and to qualify the relation this may be considered to have to his religious convictions.
Neo-liberalism and the symbolic institution of society
Authors: Braeckman Antoon
Published: January 2015

This article sets up a dialogue between Lefort’s view on the relationship between state and modern society and Foucault’s thesis of a governmental turn in the modern power regime. Whereas Lefort’s political ontology leaves room for divergent agencies from which the symbolic institution of the social may unfold, his preoccupation with democracy leads him to link the symbolic institution of modern society inseparably with the functioning of the modern state. By contrast, Foucault’s history of governmentality documents a shift in the regime of the symbolic institution of modern society. Where that institution hitherto relied on the state, today, a symbiosis of state and neoliberal governmentality seems to take over. Foucault’s highlighting of the neoliberal conception of a generalized market may thus undermine the ontological role Lefort formerly ascribed to the state. In conclusion it is suggested that this shift in power regime is by and large responsible for the readjustment of the instituting representations of contemporary society, the de-politicization of political and social relations, and the erosion of democracy.
Fine-tuning the ontology of patriarchy
Authors: Miller Lantz Fleming
Published: January 2015

After years of activism and scholarship concerning patriarchal social structures, many contemporary societies have made substantial progress in women’s rights. The shortfall, and the work ahead, is well known. Even in societies where the most progress has been achieved, males continue to dominate at key levels of power. Yet, essentialism appears to be widely, although not yet entirely, discounted. In helping to illuminate the social ontology of patriarchy and thereby helping to defuse its injustice, scholars have made proposals of patriarchy’s origins; however, these appear not to be optimally consistent with historical and prehistorical facts. This article offers a different account of patriarchy, arguing that this one can not only explain how such a social condition originated and why it persists, but also point to what may be necessary to do in order to undo it. While I do not contend this ontology of patriarchy is the best possible, it provides a good example of the many issues at stake which an account of patriarchy must explain and points to how we should seek the best ontology as a way of both understanding contemporary societies and suggesting how to rectify a long-standing injustice.
Realism, relativism and pluralism
Authors: Costa Paolo
Published: January 2015

In broad terms, realism, relativism and pluralism can be regarded as the theoretical articulations of the following insights. Realism embodies the sense that what is at stake in our beliefs is something serious, i.e. that there is a fact of the matter, independent from our desire, which is going to decide whether what we believe in is true or not. Relativism, on the other hand, incorporates the realization that our cognitive take on the world is always perspectival, that there is no way to overcome the blind spot which enables the knower to have a world in view at all. Pluralism, finally, draws on the intuition that every human being and every human community cannot fully understand, let alone save themselves, without the help of others’ sense-making efforts. Against the background of Charles Taylor’s philosophy, the core of truth of the above insights will be discussed and arranged to develop an active view of toleration that not only urges us to put up with others, but encourages us to rely on the benefit of coming to terms with different outlooks and ways of life.
Do Estimated Impacts on Earnings Depend on the Source of the Data Used to Measure Them? Evidence From Previous Social Experiments
Authors: Barnow Burt S. , Greenberg David
Published: January 2015

Background:

Impact evaluations draw their data from two sources, namely, surveys conducted for the evaluation or administrative data collected for other purposes. Both types of data have been used in impact evaluations of social programs.

Objective:

This study analyzes the causes of differences in impact estimates when survey data and administrative data are used to evaluate earnings impacts in social experiments and discusses the differences observed in eight evaluations of social experiments that used both survey and administrative data.

Results:

There are important trade-offs between the two data sources. Administrative data are less expensive but may not cover all income and may not cover the time period desired, while surveys can be designed to avoid these problems. We note that errors can be due to nonresponse or reporting, and errors can be balanced between the treatment and the control groups or unbalanced. We find that earnings are usually higher in survey data than in administrative data due to differences in coverage and likely overreporting of overtime hours and pay in survey data. Evaluations using survey data usually find greater impacts, sometimes much greater.

Conclusions:

The much lower cost of administrative data make their use attractive, but they are still subject to underreporting and other problems. We recommend further evaluations using both types of data with investigative audits to better understand the sources and magnitudes of errors in both survey and administrative data so that appropriate corrections to the data can be made.
Modifiable Risk Factors and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Stansifer Kyle J. , Guynan John F. , Wachal Brandon M. , Smith Russell B.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate the association between modifiable patient risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and thyroid cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective study with chart review.

Setting

Midwest university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Retrospective study comparing Midwest patients with thyroid cancer from our Thyroid Tumor and Cancer Registry with Midwest controls without a personal history of cancer. Descriptive statistics were created from patient questionnaires and chart reviews. Odds ratios (ORs) were reported for significant associations.

Results

There were 467 patients with cancer and 255 controls. The thyroid cancer group included 404 papillary, 47 follicular, 13 medullary, and 3 anaplastic cancers. When comparing all patients with cancer with controls, smoking more than 100 lifetime cigarettes was associated with a reduced cancer risk (OR, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50‐0.94). Secondhand smoke exposure did not show a statistically significant relationship to thyroid cancer. Compared with never drinking, current drinking was associated with a reduced cancer risk (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.73) as was consuming 1 to 2 drinks daily compared to drinking <1 drink daily (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.89). There was no difference between median BMI at age 20 years, lifetime maximum BMI, or current BMI between patients with cancer and controls.

Conclusion

Our data showed no positive correlation between tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or obesity and thyroid cancer risk. Our data suggest that tobacco use and mild alcohol consumption may be associated with a slightly reduced risk of thyroid cancer. There was no association between BMI and thyroid cancer in our study population.
Prediction of reversibility of intestinal mucosal damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury by plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels in pigs
Authors: Kano H , Okada K , Morimoto K , Bao W , Fukase K , Ito A , Okita Y
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The aims of this study were to elucidate the association between plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) level and actual pathological damage of intestinal mucosa and its reversibility.

Methods:

An intestinal ischemia-reperfusion model was created by temporary occlusion of the descending aorta in 9 pigs which were divided into 3 groups according to the duration of visceral ischemic insult: 15-minute ischemia (n=3), 30-minute ischemia (n=3) and 60-minute ischemia (n=3). Blood samples and short segments of the jejunum for pathological examinations, including immunohistochemical staining of I-FABP, Ki-67 and E-cadherin, were taken at the beginning of the operation (T1) and 15 minutes (T2), 30 minutes (T3), 45 minutes (T4) and 60 minutes (T5) after reperfusion.

Results:

Plasma I-FABP after 15 minutes of ischemia reached a peak of 1859±1089 pg/ml at T3, while the level after 30 minutes of ischemia achieved a peak level of 5053±1717 pg/ml at T5. The level after 60 minutes of ischemia demonstrated a rapid increment up to 10734±93 pg/ml at T3. There was a significant difference in the trend of plasma I-FABP levels between 30 minutes and 60 minutes of ischemia (p=0.01). The strongest immunohistochemical staining of the intestinal epithelium for I-FABP was observed at T4 after 30 minutes of ischemia, with the shedding of injured epithelium followed by re-epithelialisation, with sequential up-regulation of Ki67 and E-cadherin. However, the intestinal epithelium after 60 minutes of ischemia demonstrated the lack of I-FABP expression with irreversible damage.

Conclusion:

Plasma I-FABP levels may be a crucial marker to recognize the reversibility of damage of the intestinal epithelium after an ischemic insult and the level of 5000 pg/ml is considered to be the critical borderline for irreversibility, which might prevent diagnostic delay in the clinical setting.