bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Guidance of a Catheter by Ultrasound Imaging and Identification of a Catheter Tip by Pulsed‐Wave Doppler
Authors: McMAHON EILEEN M. , JIAMSRIPONG PANUPONG , KATAYAMA MINAKO , CHALIKI HARI P. , FATEMI MOSTAFA , BELOHLAVEK MAREK
Published: November 2011

Background:
 With the advent of numerous minimally invasive medical procedures, accurate catheter guidance has become imperative. We introduce and test an approach for catheter guidance by ultrasound imaging and pulsed‐wave (PW) Doppler.

Methods:
 A steerable catheter is fitted with a small piezoelectric crystal at its tip that actively transmits signals driven by a function generator. We call this an active‐tip (AT) catheter. In a water tank, we immersed a “target” crystal and a rectangular matrix of four “reference” crystals. Two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging was used for initial guidance and visualization of the catheter shaft, and then PW Doppler mode was used to identify the AT catheter tip and guide it to the simulated target that was also visible in the 2D ultrasound image. Ten guiding trials were performed from random initial positions of the AT catheter, each starting at approximately 8 cm from the target.

Results:
 After the ten navigational trials, the average final distance of the catheter tip from the target was 2.4 ± 1.2 mm, and the range of distances from the trials was from a minimum of 1.0 mm to a maximum of 4.5 mm.

Conclusions:
 Although early in the development process, these quantitative in vitro results show promise for catheter guidance with ultrasound imaging and tip identification by PW Doppler. (PACE 2012; 35:44–50)
COMPARISON OF TWO RAPID METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES WITH A STANDARD PROCEDURE IN NATURALLY CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS OF RAW POULTRY PROCESSING
Authors: CHASSEIGNAUX E. , MICHEL Y. , TOQUIN M.‐T. , ERMEL G. , SALVAT G. , COLIN P.
Published: November 2011

Abstract  Two rapid methods (the VIDAS test, from bioMérieux and the Gen‐Probe test, from AccuPROBE) were compared with a standard procedure (AFNOR V08‐055) for the detection of L. monocytogenes in the environment of naturally contaminated raw poultry processing. Both methods were first tested with their given protocols. But as they are more adapted to food sampling than to environmental ones, these protocols were adapted. After adaptation, the results showed that these two tests performed equally well compared to the classical method.
Recent History Provides Sustainable African Water Quality Project Insight
Authors: Holm Rochelle H.
Published: November 2011

Small‐scale projects to provide clean drinking water undertaken in the developing world can contribute to significantly improving the livelihood of rural communities. There has been a historical tendency to poorly plan such projects leading to an unsustainable future. Recent history indicates three simple steps to ensuring successful and enduring clean water projects. First, identification of need by the indigenous community provides ownership in the project. Second, a partnership between key individuals in the indigenous community with the donor provides for ambassadors on both sides of the project. Finally, an exit strategy by the donors for the indigenous communities ensures local sustainability for the future. The study site is the village of Geisha in northern Malawi, Africa. Sustainable implementation approaches are discussed in this case study as well as the various lessons learned. Improved project processes ensure sustainable small‐scale water quality projects by donor organizations in developing countries.
Response Surface Methodology for Meat‐Like Odorants from the Maillard Reaction with Glutathione II: The Tendencies Analysis of Meat‐Like Donors
Authors: Yang C. , Song H.L. , Chen F. , Zou T.T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Understanding the flavor effect of molecules on food products is fundamental for the food technologist. In this study, the formation of different meat‐like compounds was controlled by various influence factors. Furthermore, the concept of interrelationships between Maillard reaction products (MRPs) was demonstrated by statistical analysis for the first time, which provides data and hence production system parameters by which to generate and optimize meat‐like flavors through Maillard reactions. We report here the analysis and synthesis trend of the 13 meat‐like donors which are regarded as forming the major flavor compounds of cooked meat. Response surface methodology (RSM) has not previously been reported in the literature as a technique to identify which parameters have the greatest influence on the synthesis of these flavor compounds. RSM has been used here to identify the influence of initial pH and ΔpH on flavor compound generation. As all ΔpH had positive RSM values between 0.5 and 1.5 it can be concluded that MRPs of this meat flavor‐adapted system would be mostly acidic. These positive values also indicate that under this condition the Maillard reaction is stable and will therefore promote more meat‐like flavor compounds to be generated. In addition to ΔpH, varied concentrations of glutathione, cysteine, thiamine, and xylose were investigated for their ability to influence the generation of meat‐like flavors.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Polyphenolic Fractions from Selected Moroccan Red Wines
Authors: Tenore Gian Carlo , Basile Adriana , Novellino Ettore
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The present study is the first effort to a comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fractionated red wines from Morocco. The results obtained revealed that the wine samples were characterized by a higher phytochemical concentration than the same variety of wines with a different geographical origin and other more consumed red wines, confirming what was reported in a previous authors’ work. The most phenolic‐rich fractions were the ones containing phenolic acids and quercetin glucoronides from Syrah and Merlot wine samples while Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited the highest monomeric anthocyanin content. The antioxidant activity of wine extracts was tested by ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrilhydrazyl assays. Samples revealed a higher reducing capacity than radical scavenging property and a good correlation between antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content values. As regards the antimicrobial properties, each fraction exhibited activity against a broad spectrum of food‐borne microorganisms, revealing not only a moderate to high natural preserving capacity, but also potentially beneficial influence on human health.

Practical Application:  In consideration of the scarcity of data regarding composition and biological properties of  Moroccan red wines, the present study may represent a valuable reference for wine consumers and producers.
New Application for Expanded Porphyrins: Sapphyrin and Heterosapphyrins as Inhibitors of Leishmania Parasites
Authors: Hooker Jaqueline D. , Nguyen Victoria H. , Taylor Viviana M. , Cedeño David L. , Lash Timothy D. , Jones Marjorie A. , Robledo Sara M. , Vélez Iván D.
Published: November 2011

Sapphyrins and a series of related porphyrinoid macrocycles have been investigated as potential agents for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The effectiveness of the compounds was evaluated in vitro upon incubation with Leishmania tarentolae or L. panamensis amastigotes and promastigotes. Their effectiveness was also assessed against intracellular L. panamensis. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in vitro using the U937 human promonocyte cell line. Effectiveness and cytotoxicity were assessed in the presence and absence of visible light to assess the photodynamic activity of the compounds. Sapphyrin and two related heterosapphyrins were shown to be particularly effective as inhibitors of Leishmania. A photodynamic effect was observed, which may be attributed to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Yields of singlet oxygen (1O2) produced were determined in ethanol solutions by direct measurement of 1O2 phosphorescence. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that sapphyrin and related macrocycles were taken up by the Leishmania cells and that their presence induces the formation of mitochondrial superoxide. Sapphyrins have been widely investigated as anticancer agents and we here show activity against the Leishmania parasites.
Antitumor Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy Using Novel Nanoformulations of Hypocrellin Photosensitizer SL052
Authors: Korbelik Mladen , Madiyalakan Ragupathy , Woo Thomas , Haddadi Azita
Published: November 2011

Recent preclinical and clinical testing of hypocrellin‐based photosensitizer SL052 for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer has shown encouraging results. Further optimization of its formulation for delivery could considerably extend the therapeutic efficiency of this drug. A nanoformulation encapsulating SL052 into biodegradable polymer poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) was developed using a single‐emulsion solvent evaporation technique and characterized in terms of particle size and loading of the photosensitizing agent. This nanoformulation, SL052‐PLGA‐nanoparticles (NPs), was compared with recently created nanoformulation based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (SL052‐PVP‐NPs) and standard liposomal SL052 preparation in terms of efficacy when used for PDT treatment of squamous cell carcinomas SCCVII growing subcutaneously in syngeneic mice. The therapeutic effect of PDT using these three different SL052 formulations was tested for both 1 and 4 h intervals between drug injection and tumor light exposure. The longer time interval produced higher tumor cure rates with all SL052 preparations. With both drug‐light intervals, PDT based on SL052‐PLGA‐NPs produced superior therapeutic benefit compared with the other two SL052 formulations.
Submerged Combustion Melting of Glass
Authors: Rue David , Brown John T.
Published: November 2011

Advances in tank melter, refractory, controls, and heat source technology have paralleled progress in glass chemistry, quality, and production scale for decades. These same advances have also led to a revival of the 75‐year‐old concept of bottom heating for glass melting. To create high‐intensity heat transfer and rapid melt homogenization, bottom heating, or submerged combustion melting, uses forced convection and direct contact heat transfer. The work of European, American, and Ukranian scientists has demonstrated that bottom heating offers energy savings, emissions reductions, and cost savings relative to conventional melting. Recent work by the Gas Technology Institute of the United States, in partnership with a consortium of glass companies, has advanced the bottom heating technology for a number of glass products to the brink of commercialization. With ongoing work a practical, rapid refining process could be developed to enable bottom melting as an alternative melting approach for a broad range of commercial glasses.
The exercise pressor reflex in animals
Authors: Kaufman Marc P.
Published: November 2011

This report summarizes work concerning the exercise pressor reflex performed in my laboratory over the past 20 years or so. It is part of a symposium held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of two publications by Dr Jere Mitchell that appeared in The Journal of Physiology. For the most part, this report concerns itself with the discharge properties of group III and IV muscle afferents. Particular attention has been paid to their responses to arterial injection of putative metabolic byproducts of muscular contraction as well as their responses to both static contraction and dynamic exercise.
Muscle afferent activation causes ventilatory and cardiovascular responses during concurrent hypercapnia in humans
Authors: Bruce Richard M. , White Michael J.
Published: November 2011

Respiratory and cardiovascular responses to muscle mechanoreflex (passive calf stretch) and metaboreflex activation (local circulatory occlusion) were examined during inhalation of a hypercapnic gas mixture in four trials. These controlled for the effects of central command, metabolite sensitization of muscle afferents and hypercapnia‐induced elevation of central respiratory drive. In an isokinetic dynamometer, with circulation through the right leg occluded by inflation of a thigh cuff, 13 participants either rested (control trial; CON) or plantarflexed their ankle at 50% maximal force for 1.5 min (voluntary exercise trial; EX). Thereafter, circulatory occlusion was maintained and the calf passively stretched before return to the resting position. Both trials were performed while breathing air, as well as while breathing a normoxic, hypercapnic (5% CO2) gas mixture (CO2 trial and CO2+EX trial). Hypercapnic gas inhalation increased baseline minute ventilation (
), heart rate and mean arterial pressure (+27.67 ± 1.74 l min−1, +7 ± 0.85 beats min−1 and +13 ± 3.41 mmHg, respectively; means ± SEM) above control values (9.78 ± 0.86 l min−1, 62 ± 2.3 beats min−1 and 88 ± 2.6 mmHg, respectively). Voluntary exercise further increased these variables from baseline during both trials (P < 0.05). During the continued circulatory occlusion after voluntary exercise, mean arterial pressure remained significantly elevated (P < 0.05). Minute ventilation returned to baseline during circulatory occlusion following exercise in the EX trial, but in the CO2+EX trial the
remained elevated at end‐exercise levels during this period (+7.12 ± 1.13 l min−1). Passive stretch caused further increases in
during CO2+EX and CO2 trials but not in CON and EX. These results indicate that in the absence of central command, either muscle metaboreflex and/or mechanoreflex activation stimulates ventilation during concurrent hypercapnia.
Exercise training attenuates the hypermuscular phenotype and restores skeletal muscle function in the myostatin null mouse
Authors: Matsakas Antonios , Macharia Raymond , Otto Anthony , Elashry Mohamed I. , Mouisel Etienne , Romanello Vanina , Sartori Roberta , Amthor Helge , Sandri Marco , Narkar Vihang , Patel Ketan
Published: November 2011

Myostatin regulates both muscle mass and muscle metabolism. The myostatin null (MSTN−/−) mouse has a hypermuscular phenotype owing to both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the myofibres. The enlarged muscles display a reliance on glycolysis for energy production; however, enlarged muscles that develop in the absence of myostatin have compromised force‐generating capacity. Recent evidence has suggested that endurance exercise training increases the oxidative properties of muscle. Here, we aimed to identify key changes in the muscle phenotype of MSTN−/− mice that can be induced by training. To this end, we subjected MSTN−/− mice to two different forms of training, namely voluntary wheel running and swimming, and compared the response at the morphological, myocellular and molecular levels. We found that both regimes normalized changes of myostatin deficiency and restored muscle function. We showed that both exercise training regimes increased muscle capillary density and the expression of Ucp3, Cpt1α, Pdk4 and Errγ, key markers for oxidative metabolism. Cross‐sectional area of hypertrophic myofibres from MSTN−/− mice decreased towards wild‐type values in response to exercise and, in this context, Bnip3, a key autophagy‐related gene, was upregulated. This reduction in myofibre size caused an increase of the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio towards wild‐type values. Importantly, both training regimes increased muscle force in MSTN−/− mice. We conclude that impaired skeletal muscle function in myostatin‐deficient mice can be improved through endurance exercise‐mediated remodelling of muscle fibre size and metabolic profile.
Differential Inhibitor Sensitivity of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Variants Found in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Bresler Scott C. , Wood Andrew C. , Haglund Elizabeth A. , Courtright Joshua , Belcastro Lili T. , Plegaria Jefferson S. , Cole Kristina , Toporovskaya Yana , Zhao Huaqing , Carpenter Erica L. , Christensen James G. , Maris John M. , Lemmon Mark A. , Mossé Yaël P.
Published: November 2011

Neuroblastoma sensitivity to crizotinib depends on the ATP-binding affinity of ALK variants, suggesting that higher doses may overcome resistance.
Electro-Acupuncture Therapy in a Patient with a Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Gopalan Radha , Scott Robert , Arabia Francisco , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy
Published: November 2011

Interaction between the electrical system of implanted cardiovascular devices and electrical stimulation of acupuncture points (electro-acupuncture) can be life-threatening. As a result, there is reluctance to use this modality in patients who have been implanted with any cardiac device. A patient with a total artificial heart was successfully treated with electro-acupuncture for inflammatory arthritis without any adverse events. This case illustrates the safety of electro-acupuncture in patients with a total artificial heart.
Events leading to anterior cruciate ligament injury in World Cup Alpine Skiing: a systematic video analysis of 20 cases
Authors: Bere Tone , Flørenes Tonje Wåle , Krosshaug Tron , Nordsletten Lars , Bahr Roald
Published: November 2011

Background

The authors have recently identified three main mechanisms for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among World Cup (WC) alpine skiers, termed as “the slip-catch”, “the landing back-weighted” and “the dynamic snowplow”. However, for a more complete understanding of how these injuries occur, a description of the events leading to the injury situations is also needed.

Objective

To describe the skiing situation leading to ACL injuries in WC alpine skiing.

Methods

Twenty cases of ACL injuries reported through the International Ski Federation Injury Surveillance System (FIS ISS)for three consecutive WC seasons (2006–2009) were obtained on video. Ten experts (9 WC coaches, 1 former WC athlete) performed visual analyses of each case to describe in their own words, factors they thought may have contributed to the injury situation related to different predefined categories: (1) skier technique, (2) skier strategy, (3) equipment, (4) speed and course setting, (5) visibility, snow and piste conditions and (6) any other factors.

Results

Factors related to the three categories, namely skier technique, skier strategy, and visibility, snow and piste conditions, were assumed to be the main contributors to the injury situations. Skier errors, technical mistakes and inappropriate tactical choices, were the dominant factors. In addition, bumpy conditions, aggressive snow, reduced visibility and course difficulties were assumed to contribute.

Conclusion

Based on this systematic video analysis of 20 injury situations, factors related to skier technique, skier strategy and specific race conditions were identified as the main contributors leading to injury situations.
The association of depression, risky sexual behaviours and herpes simplex virus type 2 in adults in NHANES, 2005–2008
Authors: Pratt L A , Xu F , McQuillan G M , Robitz R
Published: November 2011

Objectives

Depression has been linked to risky sexual behaviours in adolescents, but there is little research among adults. The goal of this analysis was to examine the associations between current depression and self-reported risky sexual behaviours in a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 20–59 years. The authors also examined the association between depression and infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), a biological marker of risky sexual behaviours.

Methods

The authors used data from the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Current depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Antibodies to HSV-2 were tested using the enzymatic immunodot assay. The authors used logistic regression to examine the associations controlling for socio-demographic variables.

Results

Among 5273 adults aged 20–59 years, 7% had depression, 36% reported 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 15% had two or more past-year sex partners and 13% had first sex before 15 years of age. Persons with each of the risky sexual behaviours were more likely to have depression than those without. In stratified analyses, risky sexual behaviours were associated with depression in women but not in men. Among 3940 adults aged 20–49 years, 19% had HSV-2 infection. Persons with HSV-2 infection were more likely to have depression (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.9).

Conclusions

Risky sexual behaviour is related to current depression in adult women. Healthcare providers should be aware of this association and its potential implications in order to deliver better care for patients with depression or sexually transmitted infections.
Myofibrillar distribution of succinate dehydrogenase activity and lipid stores differs in skeletal muscle tissue of paraplegic subjects
Authors: Jonkers Richard A. M. , Dirks Marlou L. , Nabuurs Christine I. H. C. , De Feyter Henk M. , Praet Stephan F. E. , Nicolay Klaas , van Loon Luc J. C. , Prompers Jeanine Josephine
Published: November 2011

Lack of physical activity has been related to an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. This study aimed to assess the impact of chronic muscle deconditioning on whole body insulin sensitivity, muscle oxidative capacity, and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content in subjects with paraplegia. Nine subjects with paraplegia and nine able-bodied, lean controls were recruited. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed to assess whole body insulin sensitivity. IMCL content was determined both in vivo and in vitro using1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Muscle biopsy samples were stained for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity to measure muscle fiber oxidative capacity. Subcellular distributions of IMCL and SDH activity were determined by defining subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar areas on histological samples. SDH activity was 57 ± 14% lower in muscle fibers derived from subjects with paraplegia when compared with controls ( P < 0.05), but IMCL content and whole body insulin sensitivity did not differ between groups. In muscle fibers taken from controls, both SDH activity and IMCL content were higher in the subsarcolemmal region than in the intermyofibrillar area. This typical subcellular SDH and IMCL distribution pattern was lost in muscle fibers collected from subjects with paraplegia and had changed toward a more uniform distribution. In conclusion, the lower metabolic demand in deconditioned muscle of subjects with paraplegia results in a significant decline in muscle fiber oxidative capacity and is accompanied by changes in the subcellular distribution patterns of SDH activity and IMCL. However, loss of muscle activity due to paraplegia is not associated with substantial lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle tissue.
Human apolipoprotein E genotypes differentially modify house dust mite-induced airway disease in mice
Authors: Yao Xianglan , Dai Cuilian , Fredriksson Karin , Lam Jonathan , Gao Meixia , Keeran Karen J. , Nugent Gayle Zywicke , Qu Xuan , Yu Zu-Xi , Jeffries Neal , Lin JingPing , Kaler Maryann , Shamburek Robert , Costello Rene , Csako Gyorgy , Dahl Morten , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Remaley Alan T. , Levine Stewart J.
Published: November 2011

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an endogenous negative regulator of airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and mucous cell metaplasia in experimental models of house dust mite (HDM)-induced airway disease. The gene encoding human apoE is polymorphic, with three common alleles (ε2, ε3, and ε4) reflecting single amino acid substitutions at amino acids 112 and 158. The objective of this study was to assess whether the human apoE alleles modify airway responses to repeated nasal HDM challenges. Mice expressing the human apoE ε2 (huApoE2), ε3 (huApoE3), or ε4 (huApoE4) alleles received nasal HDM challenges, and airway responses were compared with mice expressing the endogenous murine apoE gene (muApoE). huApoE3 mice displayed significant reductions in AHR, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway inflammation compared with muApoE mice. The attenuated severity of airway inflammation in huApoE3 mice was associated with reductions in lung mRNA levels of Th2 and Th17 cytokines, as well as chemokines (CCL7, CCL11, CCL24). huApoE4 mice had an intermediate phenotype, with attenuated AHR and IgE production, compared with muApoE mice, whereas airway inflammation and mucous cell metaplasia were not reduced. In contrast, HDM-induced airway responses were not modified in mice expressing the huApoE2 allele. We conclude that the polymorphic huApoE alleles differentially modulate HDM-induced airway disease, which can be stratified, in rank order of increasing disease severity, ε3 < ε4 < ε2. These results raise the possibility that the polymorphic apoE alleles may modify disease severity in human asthma.
Family Care, Social Services, and Living Arrangements Factors Influencing Psychosocial Well-Being of Elderly from Selected Households in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oladeji D.
Published: November 2011

This study examined family care, social services, and living arrangements factors influencing the psychosocial well-being of the elderly from selected households in Ibadan, Nigeria. The participants for the study consisted of 280 elderly persons randomly drawn from selected households in five local government areas of Ibadan metropolis. A descriptive survey design was employed in collecting the data from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using chi-square () statistics. Results obtained indicated that significant relationships existed between family care (, df = 12, ), social services (, df = 12, ), and living arrangements (, df = 6, ) and psychosocial well-being of elderly. The results implicate the need for the framework on the complex system of the elderly services. These areas of service include economic services, attitudes toward aging, roles played by the elderly, and health care services.
Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) Growth and Yield as Influenced by Preemergence Herbicides
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Dotray P. A. , Langham D. R.
Published: November 2011

Studies were conducted during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons under weed-free conditions in South Texas and the High Plains region of Texas to evaluate preemergence herbicides for sesame tolerance. No reduction in sesame stand was noted with any herbicide at south Texas location; however, at the High Plains location, linuron at the 2X rate reduced stand counts 28 days after treatment (DAT) in 2007 and diuron reduced sesame stand 147 DAT in 2008 when compared with the untreated check. At the 1/2X rate all herbicides exhibited minimal stunting while at the 1X rate stunting was variable and varied between locations. At the 2X rate, all herbicides caused sesame stunting compared to the untreated check. No herbicide, with the exception of linuron at the 2X rate in 2008 at the High Plains location, reduced sesame yield when compared with the untreated check. Although some herbicide treatments resulted in sesame stunting, this did not result in any yield reductions and this can be attributed to the ability of the sesame plant to compensate for injury and/or reduced stands.
Defective NF-κB Signaling in Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Cells Leads to Enhanced Apoptosis by Double-Stranded RNA
Authors: Umemura Naoki , Zhu Jianzhong , Mburu Yvonne K. , Forero Adriana , Hsieh Paishiun N. , Muthuswamy Ravikumar , Kalinski Pawel , Ferris Robert L. , Sarkar Saumendra N.
Published: November 2011

Ligands to several Toll-like receptors (TLR), which mediate innate immune responses and chronic inflammation have been used as adjuvants to immunotherapy to enhance their antitumor activity. In particular, double-stranded RNAs that are cognate ligands of TLR3 have been used to trigger proapoptotic activity in cancer cells. However, a mechanistic understanding of TLR3-mediated apoptosis and its potential involvement in controlling tumor metastasis has been lacking. In this study, we used paired cell lines and fresh tumor specimens, derived from autologous primary and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, to investigate the role of TLR3 signaling in metastatic progression. Compared with primary tumor cells, metastatic tumor cells were highly sensitive to TLR3-mediated apoptosis after double-stranded RNA treatment. Enhanced apoptosis in metastatic cells was dependent on double-stranded RNA and TLR3 and also the TLR3 effector signaling protein TRIF. Downstream responses requiring NF-κB were critical for apoptosis in metastatic cells, the defects in which could be resuscitated by alternative pathways of NF-κB activation. By elucidating how TLR3 ligands trigger apoptosis in metastatic cells, our findings suggest insights into how to improve their clinical use. Cancer Res; 72(1); 45–55. ©2011 AACR.
A Combined Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization and Functional Library Screening Approach Identifies mir-30d As an Oncomir in Cancer
Authors: Li Ning , Kaur Sippy , Greshock Joel , Lassus Heini , Zhong Xiaomin , Wang Yanling , Leminen Arto , Shao Zhongjun , Hu Xiaowen , Liang Shun , Katsaros Dionyssios , Huang Qihong , Bützow Ralf , Weber Barbara L. , Coukos George , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2011

Oncomirs are microRNAs (miRNA) that acts as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Efficient identification of oncomirs remains a challenge. Here we report a novel, clinically guided genetic screening approach for the identification of oncomirs, identifying mir-30d through this strategy. mir-30d regulates tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and migration. The chromosomal locus harboring mir-30d was amplified in more than 30% of multiple types of human solid tumors (n = 1,283). Importantly, higher levels of mir-30d expression were associated significantly with poor clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer patients (n = 330, P = 0.0016). Mechanistic investigations suggested that mir-30d regulates a large number of cancer-associated genes, including the apoptotic caspase CASP3. The guided genetic screening approach validated by this study offers a powerful tool to identify oncomirs that may have utility as biomarkers or targets for drug development. Cancer Res; 72(1); 154–64. ©2011 AACR.
Tumor-Derived Autophagosome Vaccine: Mechanism of Cross-Presentation and Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Li Yuhuan , Wang Li-Xin , Pang Puiyi , Cui Zhihua , Aung Sandra , Haley Daniel , Fox Bernard A. , Urba Walter J. , Hu Hong-Ming
Published: November 2011

Purpose: We previously reported that autophagy in tumor cells plays a critical role in cross-presentation of tumor antigens and that autophagosomes are efficient antigen carriers for cross-priming of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. Here, we sought to characterize further the autophagosome-enriched vaccine named DRibble (DRiPs-containing blebs), which is derived from tumor cells after inhibition of protein degradation, and to provide insights into the mechanisms responsible for their efficacy as a novel cancer immunotherapy.

Experimental Design: DRibbles were characterized by Western blot and light or transmission electron microscopy. The efficiency of cross-presentation mediated by DRibbles was first compared with that of whole-tumor cells and pure proteins. The mechanisms of antigen cross-presentation by DRibbles were analyzed, and the antitumor efficacy of the DRibble vaccine was tested in 3LL Lewis lung tumors and B16F10 melanoma.

Results: The DRibbles sequester both long-lived and short-lived proteins, including defective ribosomal products (DRiP), and damage-associated molecular pattern molecules exemplified by HSP90, HSP94, calreticulin, and HMGB1. DRibbles express ligands for CLEC9A, a newly described C-type lectin receptor expressed by a subset of conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC), and cross-presentation was partially CLEC9A dependent. Furthermore, this autophagy-assisted antigen cross-presentation pathway involved both caveolae- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis and endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation machinery. It depends on proteasome and TAP1, but not lysosome functions of antigen-presenting cells. Importantly, DCs loaded with autophagosome-enriched DRibbles can eradicate 3LL Lewis lung tumors and significantly delay the growth of B16F10 melanoma.

Conclusions: These data documented the unique characteristics and potent antitumor efficacy of the autophagosome-based DRibble vaccine. The efficacy of DRibble cancer vaccine will be further tested in clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7047–57. ©2011 AACR.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Expression in Human Cancers: Clinical and Immunologic Perspectives
Authors: Godin-Ethier Jessica , Hanafi Laïla-Aïcha , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Lapointe Réjean
Published: November 2011

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme with immune-regulating activities in many contexts, such as fetal protection, allograft protection, and cancer progression. Clinical trials are currently evaluating IDO inhibition with 1-methyltryptophan in cancer immunotherapy. However, the exact role of tryptophan catabolism by IDO in human cancers remains poorly understood. Here, we review several studies that correlate IDO expression in human cancer samples and tumor-draining lymph nodes, with relevant clinical or immunologic parameters. IDO expression in various histologic cancer types seems to decrease tumor infiltration of immune cells and to increase the proportion of regulatory T lymphocytes in the infiltrate. The impact of IDO on different immune cell infiltration leads to the conclusion that IDO negatively regulates the recruitment of antitumor immune cells. In addition, increased IDO expression correlates with diverse tumor progression parameters and shorter patient survival. In summary, in the vast majority of the reported studies, IDO expression is correlated with a less favorable prognosis. As we may see results from the first clinical trials with 1-methyltryptophan in years to come, this review brings together IDO studies from human studies and aims to help appreciate outcomes from current and future trials. Consequently, IDO inhibition seems a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 6985–91. ©2011 AACR.
The Myth of Consociationalism? Conflict Reduction in Divided Societies
Authors: Selway Joel , Templeman Kharis
Published: November 2011

Although advocates of consociationalism have asserted that there is solid empirical evidence supporting the use of power-sharing institutions in divided societies, previous quantitative tests of these theories suffer from serious data limitations and fail to take into account the conditional nature of institutional effects. The authors test the effect of (a) proportional representation (PR) over majoritarian electoral rules, (b) parliamentary over presidential or semipresidential arrangements, and (c) a federal over a unitary system in reducing conflict in a cross-country data set of 101 countries representing 106 regimes. The results undercut much of the previous empirical support for consociationalist arrangements in divided societies. Using a multiplicative specification, the authors find that PR and parliamentarism appear to exacerbate political violence when ethnic fractionalization is high, though the effect of federalism is less certain.
Arab Americans’ Confidence in Police
Authors: Sun Ivan Y. , Wu Yuning
Published: November 2011

Although the September 11 attacks have drawn much law enforcement attention to Arab Americans, research on Arab Americans’ perceptions of police is almost nonexistent. Using survey data collected from 850 Arab Americans who resided in the Detroit metropolitan area, this study empirically examined the effects of demographic characteristics, personal experience, social attitudes and values, and social trust, of confidence in local police. The results indicated that the majority of Arab Americans had a great deal or a lot of confidence in police. Arab Americans’ confidence in police was significantly related to their social attitudes and trust, such as conservative outlook, confidence in the legal system, respect for authority, and trust in neighbors. Arab Americans’ background characteristics and experience had a weak effect on their confidence in police. More empirical research is warranted to assess Arab Americans’ evaluations of local police along more indicators of police performance.
The Triangulation Effects of Family Structure and Attachment on Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Barfield-Cottledge Tiffiney
Published: November 2011

Travis Hirshi’s control theory hypothesizes that weak attachment to social control mechanisms increase the likelihood of crime and delinquency commission. The current study examined the effect of family structure and attachment on adolescent substance use, specifically hard liquor and drug use. Youth respondents between the ages of 15 and 18 years from the National Survey of Youth were included in the analyses ( N = 1,036). The sample on which analyses were conducted comprised female ( n = 498) and male ( n = 538) respondents. For both male and female respondents, findings revealed that the family attachment variable emerged as a more significant predictor of adolescent alcohol and marijuana use ( p < .05) when compared with the family structure variable.
Characterization of a Novel Oral Glucocorticoid System and Its Possible Role in Disease
Authors: Cirillo N. , Hassona Y. , Pignatelli M. , Gasparoto T.H. , Morgan D.J. , Prime S.S.
Published: November 2011

Synthetic corticosteroids are used widely for the treatment of a variety of diseases of the mouth. However, little is known as to whether the oral mucosa is able to modulate the local concentration of active corticosteroids or to produce steroids de novo. This has important clinical implications, because tissue-specific regulation of glucocorticoids is a key determinant of the clinical efficacy of these drugs. In the present study, we show that oral fibroblasts and keratinocytes expressed ACTH receptor (MC2R), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs). Unlike keratinocytes, fibroblasts lacked 11β-HSD2 and could not effectively deactivate exogenously administered cortisol. However, both cell types were able not only to activate cortisone into the active form cortisol, but also to synthesize cortisol de novo following stimulation with ACTH. 11β-HSD2, the enzyme controlling cortisol deactivation, exhibited different patterns of expression in normal (squamous epithelium and salivary glands) and diseased oral mucosa (squamous cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma). Blocking of endogenous cortisol catabolism in keratinocytes with the 11β-HSD2 inhibitor 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid mimicked the effect of exogenous administration of hydrocortisone and partially prevented the detrimental effects induced by pemphigus vulgaris sera. Analysis of the data demonstrates that a novel, non-adrenal glucocorticoid system is present in the oral mucosa that may play an important role in disease.
Design and development of polymeric optical fiber jacquard fabric with dynamic pattern display
Authors: Wang Jinchun , Yang Bin , Huang Baohe , Jin Zimin
Published: November 2011

Inspired by the principle of visual persistence, an innovated design method of preparing polymeric optical fiber jacquard fabric with a dynamic pattern display is put forward. Polymer optical fibers (POFs) as weft threads are interwoven with warp threads on a jacquard loom to produce patterns on the surface of fabric. The application of the figured jacquard computer-aided design system in pattern design and multi-backed construction design makes it possible to create different patterns on the same fabric zone. As a result, designed POF jacquard fabrics are capable of displaying dynamic patterns with high brightness and resolution under circuit control. The fabric not only has a decorative effect just as traditional jacquard fabric, but also has a luminous effect, and can serve as fashionable clothes, portable electronic devices, house decorations, etc.
Measuring and Examining the Relevance of Discretionary Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism
Authors: Whitfield Julie , Dioko Leonardo A. N.
Published: November 2011

This article investigates the implementation of environmentally focused discretionary corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the U.K. conference sector. A new framework is proposed that organizes and communicates information detailing business performance regarding 10 environmental policy initiatives (expressed by the acronym GREENER) using a CSR response scale (expressed by the acronym VENUE). This GREENER VENUE framework fills a void in the CSR literature by focusing on discretionary practices, by exhibiting psychometric and conceptual properties enabling its application within a multitude of contexts. Grounded in theory, the framework is simple to implement, practical, easily understandable, and highly relatable. Applying the GREENER VENUE framework to data collected via a self-administered Internet questionnaire of the U.K. conference sector reveals the majority of conference venues are classified as Eager. The study also examines the efficacy of the proposed framework toward influencing U.K. venues’ performance on a range of environmentally friendly best practices relative to environmental accreditation.
Measuring Job-Related Situational Strength and Assessing Its Interactive Effects With Personality on Voluntary Work Behavior
Authors: Meyer Rustin D. , Dalal Reeshad S. , José Irwin J. , Hermida Richard , Chen Tiffani R. , Vega Ronald P. , Brooks Charlie K. , Khare Vivek P.
Published: November 2011

Situational strength has long been viewed as a useful way of conceptualizing and predicting person–situation interactions. Some have recently argued, however, that more rigorous empirical tests of its behavioral influence are sorely needed. The current article begins addressing this literature gap by (a) developing the Situational Strength at Work (SSW) scale, (b) examining the ways in which individual differences influence perceptions of situational strength, and (c) testing situational strength’s moderating effects on two types of voluntary work behavior (i.e., organizational citizenship behavior and counterproductive work behavior). Results indicate strong psychometric properties for the SSW (thereby facilitating future organizational research on situational strength), support for theoretically based predictions regarding the role of individual differences in perceptions of situational strength, support for theoretically based moderator effects on organizational citizenship behavior, and the presence of countertheoretical (yet strong and consistent) moderator effects on counterproductive work behavior. Thus, this study makes several contributions to the situational strength literature but also reveals important areas for future theoretical development and empirical research.
Living Life in the Balance at Midlife
Authors: Frisvold Melissa H. , Lindquist Ruth , McAlpine Cynthia Peden
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perceived effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on stress and quality of life of women in midlife. A total of 20 nurses, aged 45 to 55 years, who participated in a stress reduction course were contacted for interviews. A total of 9 nurses agreed to be interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyze these interviews. The five themes that emerged from the analysis were as follows: strengthening of interpersonal communication through social support, increased personal awareness through becoming more mindful and reflective, a spiritual awakening, effective ways of dealing with stress, and living life in balance by taking hold of one’s life. This study increased the authors’ understanding of effects/benefits, adherence, and application of MBSR techniques for women in midlife. It is concluded that MBSR may be a useful intervention for nurses in midlife to develop successful strategies for dealing with stress and to improve their quality of life.
Verbal Aggression
Authors: Hamilton Mark A.
Published: November 2011

The articles contained in this special issue focus on verbal aggression. The studies delve into the trait and state antecedents to aggressive language use as well as its interpersonal consequences. This prologue tracks trends in research on verbal aggression and related concepts over the past 60 years. The trend curves indicate a recent surge in studies on verbal aggressing. To explain the results across the five empirical studies that follow, two parallel and sometimes opposing processes are considered. The selfish emotions of the individualistic affect system drive verbal aggression and assault. In contrast, the prosocial emotions of the cooperative affect system drive verbal collaboration and comforting. Avoidance is characterized as a half-step between aggression and collaboration. The processes combine to predict attitudes and behaviors across the range of conflict situations examined in this special issue: individual, relational, communal, and societal.
EEG spectral power density profiles during NREM sleep for gaboxadol and zolpidem in patients with primary insomnia
Authors: Lundahl Jonas , Deacon Steve , Maurice Damien , Staner Luc
Published: November 2011

There is significant interest in the functional significance and the therapeutic value of slow-wave sleep (SWS)-enhancing drugs. A prerequisite for studies of the functional differences is characterization of the electroencephalography (EEG) spectra following treatment in relevant patients. We evaluate for the first time gaboxadol and zolpidem treatments in insomniac patients using power spectra analysis. We carried out two randomized, double-blind, crossover studies. Study 1, 38 patients received gaboxadol 10 mg and 20 mg and zolpidem 10 mg; study 2, 23 patients received gaboxadol 5 mg and 15 mg. Treatments were administered during two nights and compared with placebo. Gaboxadol 10, 15 and 20 mg enhanced slow-wave activity (SWA) and theta power. In 1 Hz bins gaboxadol 10 and 20 mg enhanced power up to 9 Hz. In study 2, 15 mg gaboxadol showed a similar effect pattern. Zolpidem suppressed theta and alpha power, and increased sigma power, with no effect on SWA. In the 1 Hz bins zolpidem suppressed power between 5–10 Hz. Gaboxadol dose-dependently increased SWA and theta power in insomniac patients. In contrast, zolpidem did not affect SWA, reduced theta and alpha activity and enhanced sigma power. EEG spectral power differences may be consequences of the different mechanisms of action for zolpidem and the SWS-enhancing agent, gaboxadol.
Antipsychotic drugs and extrapyramidal side effects in first episode psychosis: a systematic review of head–head comparisons
Authors: Haddad Peter M , Das Amlan , Keyhani Sarvenaz , Chaudhry Imran B
Published: November 2011

This systematic review aimed to determine whether the risk of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) differed between antipsychotic drugs used in first episode psychosis (FEP). We identified 11 RCTs comparing two or more antipsychotics in FEP and reporting on EPS. All trials assessed one or more second generation antipsychotics (SGAs), one assessed chlorpromazine, one zuclopenthixol and seven trials assessed haloperidol. Assessment and reporting of EPS varied. Compared with one or more SGA comparators, haloperidol was associated with significantly higher rates/severity of parkinsonism (seven trials) and akathisia (six trials) and greater use of anticholinergics (five trials) and beta-blockers (two trials). Two trials with low-dose haloperidol (≤ 4 mg) showed significantly worse EPS outcomes versus a SGA. Two of four long-term haloperidol trials (≥ 1 year) found a higher dyskinesia-risk with haloperidol versus olanzapine and risperidone respectively; the remaining two trials found no difference (various SGA comparators). There was an EPS advantage for clozapine versus chlorpromazine (one trial) and risperidone versus zuclopenthixol (one trial). There was little evidence of EPS-differences between SGAs, possibly reflecting use of low doses. We conclude that SGAs offer an EPS advantage over FGAs in FEP though the evidence largely relates to comparisons with haloperidol. Standardized assessment and reporting of EPS would assist future research.