bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Study of 50-Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Benninger David H. , Iseki Kazumi , Kranick Sarah , Luckenbaugh David A. , Houdayer Elise , Hallett Mark
Published: May 2012

Objective. To investigate the safety and efficacy of 50-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD). Background. Progression of PD is characterized by the emergence of motor deficits that gradually respond less to dopaminergic therapy. rTMS has shown promising results in improving gait, a major cause of disability, and may provide a therapeutic alternative. Prior controlled studies suggest that an increase in stimulation frequency might enhance therapeutic efficacy. Methods. In this randomized, double blind, sham-controlled study, the authors investigated the safety and efficacy of 50-Hz rTMS of the motor cortices in 8 sessions over 2 weeks. Assessment of safety and clinical efficacy over a 1-month period included timed tests of gait and bradykinesia, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and additional clinical, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological parameters. In addition, the safety of 50-Hz rTMS was tested with electromyography-electroencephalogram (EMG-EEG) monitoring during and after stimulation. Results. The authors investigated 26 patients with mild to moderate PD: 13 received 50-Hz rTMS and 13 sham stimulation. The 50-Hz rTMS did not improve gait, bradykinesia, and global and motor UPDRS, but there appeared a short-lived “on”-state improvement in activities of daily living (UPDRS II). The 50-Hz rTMS lengthened the cortical silent period, but other neurophysiological and neuropsychological measures remained unchanged. EMG/EEG recorded no pathological increase of cortical excitability or epileptic activity. There were no adverse effects. Conclusion. It appears that 50-Hz rTMS of the motor cortices is safe, but it fails to improve motor performance and functional status in PD. Prolonged stimulation or other techniques with rTMS might be more efficacious but need to be established in future research.
Midterm Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Westerholm Jessica , Garcia-Osogobio Sandra , Farrokhyar Forough , Cadeddu Margherita , Anvari Mehran
Published: May 2012

In this study, the authors examine midterm survival and recurrence after laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer. This is a retrospective review of a prospective database for rectal cancer surgeries performed at the authors’ institution, with follow-up data obtained through chart review. In all, 74 patients in this study had open surgery, and 93 had laparoscopic surgery. The 5-year overall survival was 73.6% ± 12.0% in the open group and 80.0% ± 12.8% in the laparoscopic group ( P = .159). Disease-free survival at 5 years was better in the laparoscopic group (71.0% ± 13.4%) than in the open group (50.3% ± 12.7%), with a P value of .01. Laparoscopic surgery remained an independent predictor of disease-free survival in the multivariate analysis. Results of prospective randomized trials are awaited, and the authors expect that the laparoscopic approach will be shown to be a safe and effective option for the management of rectal cancer.
Transaxillary Approach With Use of Traction Suture for Excision of Breast Fibroadenoma
Authors: Khan Parwez Sajad , Hayat Humera , Hayat Gazala
Published: May 2012

Avoiding a scar on the breast is an inherent feminine desire. We devised a new approach for breast fibroadenoma excision:Transaxillary approach with use of traction suture (TATS), in 50 patients with breast fibroadenoma. The swelling was present in the outer breast. The wound healed without noticeable scarring and the original shape of the breast was preserved. All the patients expressed their great satisfaction with the procedure.
Cracked Perspectives
Authors: Ryder Judith A. , Brisgone Regina E.
Published: May 2012

We examine effects of the Crack Cocaine Era on two generations of females. Interviews were conducted (1996-2001 for separate National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded projects) with 58 women and 24 girls born into distinct drug eras (Crack Generation and Marijuana Generation). Using attachment theory as a framework, we analyze each cohort’s drug involvement and family relationships. Women’s crack use contributed to disrupted attachments and girls’ marijuana and alcohol use and violence. Findings extend the generational thesis of drug eras and counter suppositions that rejection of crack might enhance future prospects. Interrupting intergenerational transmission of drug-related problems requires mother–daughter bonds be addressed.
Dynamics of nanodots formation on irradiated materials
Authors: Li Kun-Dar
Published: May 2012

In this study, a theoretical model was developed to investigate the mechanism of self-organized nanodots formation fabricated by ion-beam irradiation. The radiation effects were combined into the theoretical model with vacancy diffusion for a reduction of free energy of mixing and interfacial energy. The influences of dose rate, material properties, and temperature on vacancy production and elimination rates during irradiation were all taken into consideration in the numerical calculations. Incorporated with the Monte-Carlo transport of ions in matter calculation for the distribution profile of vacancy production rate, the dynamic evolutions of self-organized nanodots with a uniform size on an irradiated surface were fully illustrated by this model. Varied according to the experimental conditions, the morphologies and length scales of our calculations are in good agreement with many experimental observations in the literature. This theoretical model gives an insight into the mechanism of self-organized pattern formation on irradiated materials through ion-beam technology.
A Review of Facebook Research in the Social Sciences
Authors: Wilson Robert E. , Gosling Samuel D. , Graham Lindsay T.
Published: May 2012

With over 800 million active users, Facebook is changing the way hundreds of millions of people relate to one another and share information. A rapidly growing body of research has accompanied the meteoric rise of Facebook as social scientists assess the impact of Facebook on social life. In addition, researchers have recognized the utility of Facebook as a novel tool to observe behavior in a naturalistic setting, test hypotheses, and recruit participants. However, research on Facebook emanates from a wide variety of disciplines, with results being published in a broad range of journals and conference proceedings, making it difficult to keep track of various findings. And because Facebook is a relatively recent phenomenon, uncertainty still exists about the most effective ways to do Facebook research. To address these issues, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature search, identifying 412 relevant articles, which were sorted into 5 categories: descriptive analysis of users, motivations for using Facebook, identity presentation, the role of Facebook in social interactions, and privacy and information disclosure. The literature review serves as the foundation from which to assess current findings and offer recommendations to the field for future research on Facebook and online social networks more broadly.
The Field of Eyewitness Memory Should Abandon Probative Value and Embrace Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Wixted John T. , Mickes Laura
Published: May 2012

Clark (2012) highlights an important issue that has received inadequate attention in the eyewitness memory literature: lineup procedures that reduce the false identification rate (a desirable effect) often tend to reduce the correct identification rate as well (an undesirable effect). Determining which procedure is diagnostically superior under those conditions is not easy. Clark (2012) showed that the procedure with the lower false identification rate could be associated with higher overall costs to society once costs and benefits are both taken into consideration. Beyond the issue of cost, we argue that Clark’s (2012) observation has far reaching implications for evaluating the diagnostic performance of a lineup procedure. Specifically, the field of eyewitness memory has attempted to differentiate between lineup procedures by using various measures of probative value (such as the diagnosticity ratio). However, contrary to intuition, probative value is not a relevant consideration. Instead, lineup procedures should be compared using receiver operating characteristic analysis, as is routinely done in other applied fields (such as radiology).
Eyewitness Identification Reform
Authors: Clark Steven E.
Published: May 2012

Some commentators view my analyses (Clark, 2012, this issue) as an important step forward in assessing the costs and benefits of eyewitness identification reform. Others suggest that the trade-off between correct identifications lost and false identifications avoided is well-known; that the expected utility model is misspecified; and that the loss of correct identifications due to the use of reformed eyewitness identification procedures is irrelevant to policy decisions, as those correct identifications are the illegitimate product of suggestion and lucky guesses. Contrary to these criticisms, the loss of correct identifications has not been adequately considered in theoretical or policy matters, criticisms regarding the various utilities do not substantively change the nature of the trade-off, and the dismissal of lost correct identifications is based not on data but on an outdated theory of recognition memory.
Racing car chassis optimization using the finite element method, multi-body dynamic simulation and data acquisition
Authors: Luque Pablo , Mántaras Daniel A , Pello Alberto
Published: May 2012

This paper presents an optimization methodology applicable to racing car chassis. The proposed procedure is sequentially structured, and starts with analysis of an existing vehicle, goes through an intermediate prototype and finishes with a final design. It is applied to a real case, the redesign of a steel tubular chassis for the ‘Copa de España de vehículos CM’, as part of a full vehicle development. The dynamic response of the existing chassis is modelled using finite element application techniques for structural design and validated with lab tests. In this way, through various modifications using basic static load cases for primary optimization, a completely new design (intermediate) is defined. Then a prototype is built, instrumented and tested in real field conditions (road and circuit). With acquired data from the dynamic behaviour of the car (suspension, steering, engine and transmission, etc.), using multi-body dynamic simulation software, an optimized load case is put forward in order to refine the first prototype. The ultimate goal is a chassis with much increased torsional and bending stiffness, with minimum weight gain, with regard to its interaction with the suspension and steering systems and to the manufacturing feasibility. It is shown that, with an adequate chassis elements configuration, stiffness can be increased by a 300% with just a 5% weight gain. The proposed methodology can be extended to other design (or re-engineering) procedures with rigid limitations in time and resources.
Universal alcohol misuse prevention programmes for children and adolescents: Cochrane systematic reviews
Authors: Foxcroft David R. , Tsertsvadze Alexander
Published: May 2012

Aims: Alcohol misuse by young people causes significant health and social harm, including death and disability. Therefore, prevention of youth alcohol misuse is a policy aim in many countries. Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of (1) school-based, (2) family-based and (3) multi-component universal alcohol misuse prevention programmes in children and adolescents.

Methods: Three Cochrane systematic reviews were performed: searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Project CORK and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials up to July 2010, including randomised trials evaluating universal alcohol misuse prevention programmes in school, family or multiple settings in youths aged 18 years or younger. Two independent reviewers identified eligible studies and any discrepancies were resolved via discussion.

Results: A total of 85 trials were included in the reviews of school ( n = 53), family ( n = 12) and multi-component ( n = 20) programmes. Meta-analysis was not performed due to study heterogeneity. Most studies were conducted in North America. Risk of bias assessment revealed problems related to inappropriate unit of analysis, moderate to high attrition, selective outcome reporting and potential confounding. Certain generic psychosocial and life skills school-based programmes were effective in reducing alcohol use in youth. Most family-based programmes were effective. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that multiple interventions provided additional benefit over single interventions.

Conclusions: In these Cochrane reviews, some school, family or multi-component prevention programmes were shown to be effective in reducing alcohol misuse in youths. However, these results warrant a cautious interpretation, since bias and/or contextual factors may have affected the trial results. Further research should replicate the most promising studies identified in these reviews and pay particular attention to content and context factors through rigorous evaluation.
Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from primary chronic myelogenous leukemia patient samples
Authors: Kumano Keiki , Arai Shunya , Hosoi Masataka , Taoka Kazuki , Takayama Naoya , Otsu Makoto , Nagae Genta , Ueda Koki , Nakazaki Kumi , Kamikubo Yasuhiko , Eto Koji , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: May 2012

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated by the expression of defined transcription factors not only from normal tissue, but also from malignant cells. Cancer-derived iPSCs are expected to provide a novel experimental opportunity to establish the disease model. We generated iPSCs from imatinib-sensitive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patient samples. Remarkably, the CML-iPSCs were resistant to imatinib although they consistently expressed BCR-ABL oncoprotein. In CML-iPSCs, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, and JNK, which are essential for the maintenance of both BCR-ABL (+) leukemia cells and iPSCs, were unchanged after imatinib treatment, whereas the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5 and CRKL was significantly decreased. These results suggest that the signaling for iPSCs maintenance compensates for the inhibition of BCR-ABL. CML-iPSC–derived hematopoietic cells recovered the sensitivity to imatinib although CD34+38−90+45+ immature cells were resistant to imatinib, which recapitulated the pathophysiologic feature of the initial CML. CML-iPSCs provide us with a novel platform to investigate CML pathogenesis on the basis of patient-derived samples.
Immunopharmacologic response of patients with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia to continuous infusion of T cell–engaging CD19/CD3-bispecific BiTE antibody blinatumomab
Authors: Klinger Matthias , Brandl Christian , Zugmaier Gerhard , Hijazi Youssef , Bargou Ralf C. , Topp Max S. , Gökbuget Nicola , Neumann Svenja , Goebeler Mariele , Viardot Andreas , Stelljes Matthias , Brüggemann Monika , Hoelzer Dieter , Degenhard Evelyn , Nagorsen Dirk , Baeuerle Patrick A. , Wolf Andreas , Kufer Peter
Published: May 2012

T cell–engaging CD19/CD3-bispecific BiTE Ab blinatumomab has shown an 80% complete molecular response rate and prolonged leukemia-free survival in patients with minimal residual B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MRD+ B-ALL). Here, we report that lymphocytes in all patients of a phase 2 study responded to continuous infusion of blinatumomab in a strikingly similar fashion. After start of infusion, B-cell counts dropped to < 1 B cell/μL within an average of 2 days and remained essentially undetectable for the entire treatment period. By contrast, T-cell counts in all patients declined to a nadir within < 1 day and recovered to baseline within a few days. T cells then expanded and on average more than doubled over baseline within 2-3 weeks under continued infusion of blinatumomab. A significant percentage of reappearing CD8+ and CD4+ T cells newly expressed activation marker CD69. Shortly after start of infusion, a transient release of cytokines dominated by IL-10, IL-6, and IFN-γ was observed, which no longer occurred on start of a second treatment cycle. The response of lymphocytes in leukemic patients to continuous infusion of blinatumomab helps to better understand the mode of action of this and other globally T cell–engaging Abs. The trial is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00560794.
The MAP2K5-linked SNP rs2241423 is associated with BMI and obesity in two cohorts of Swedish and Greek children
Authors: Rask-Andersen Mathias , Jacobsson Josefin A , Moschonis George , Ek Anna E , Chrousos George P , Marcus Claude , Manios Yannis , Fredriksson Robert , Schiöth Helgi B
Published: May 2012

Background

Recent genome-wide association studies have identified a single nucleotide polymorphism within the last intron of MAP2K5 associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) in adults. MAP2K5 is a component of the MAPK-family intracellular signaling pathways, responding to extracellular growth factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). In this study, we examined the association of this variant in two cohorts of children from Sweden and Greece.

Methods

We examine the association of rs2241423 to BMI in a cohort of 474 Swedish children admitted for treatment of childhood obesity and 519 children matched for gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic background from the Stockholm area, as well as a cross-sectional cohort of 2308 Greek school children (Healthy Growth Study). Children were genotyped using a predesigned TaqMan polymorphism assay. Logistic regression was used to test for an association of rs2241423 to obesity in the cohort of Swedish children. Linear regression was used to test for an association of rs2241423 to BMI z-score and phenotypic measurements of body adiposity in the cohort of Greek children. Models were adjusted for age and gender. In the cohort of Greek children the model was also adjusted for stage of pubertal development.

Results

The minor allele of rs2241423, allele A, was associated with a protective effect against obesity in the cohort of Swedish children (p = 0.029, OR = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.64–0.98)), and with a lower BMI z-score in the cohort of Greek children (p = 0.028, β = −0.092). No association to phenotypic measurements of body fat distribution could be observed in our study.

Conclusions

rs2241423 was associated with BMI and obesity in two independent European cohorts suggesting a role for MAP2K5 in early weight regulation.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for older women with early breast cancer – a systematic review of literature
Authors: Parks Ruth M , Lakshmanan Radhika , Winterbottom Linda , AL Morgan David , Cox Karen , Cheung Kwok-Leung
Published: May 2012

Background

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is an analytical tool increasingly implemented in clinical practice. Breast cancer is primarily a disease of older people; however, most evidence-based research is aimed at younger patients.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was carried out to assess the use of CGA in older breast cancer patients for clinical decision making. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched.

Results

A total of nine useful full text article results were found. Only five of these were exclusively concerned with early breast cancer; thus, studies involving a variety of cancer types, stages and treatments were accepted, as long as they included early breast cancer.The results comprised a series of low sources of evidence. However, all results shared a common theme: the CGA has a use in determining patient suitability for different types of cancer treatment and subsequently maximizing the patient’s quality of life.

Conclusions

There is not yet sufficient high level evidence to instate CGA guidelines as a mandatory practice in the management of breast cancer, due to the heterogeneity of available studies. More studies need to be conducted to cement current work on the benefits of the CGA. An area of particular interest is with regard to treatment options, especially surgery and chemotherapy, and identifying patients who may be suitable for these treatments.
The effect of laparoscopic surgery in stage II and III right-sided colon cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Kye Bong-Hyeon , Kim Jun-Gi , Cho Hyeon-Min , Lee Jung Hwan , Kim Hyung-Jin , Suh Young-Jin , Chun Chung-Soo
Published: May 2012

Background

This retrospective study compared the clinicopathological results among three groups divided by time sequence to evaluate the impact of introducing laparoscopic surgery on long-term oncological outcomes for right-sided colon cancer.

Methods

From April 1986 to December 2006, 200 patients who underwent elective surgery with stage II and III right-sided colon cancer were analyzed. The period for group I referred back to the time when laparoscopic approach had not yet been introduced. The period for group II was designated as the time when first laparoscopic approach for right colectomy was carried out until we overcame its learning curve. The period for group III was the period after overcoming this learning curve.

Results

When groups I and II, and groups II and III were compared, overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly whereas disease-free survival (DFS) in groups I and III were statistically higher than in group II (P = 0.042 andP = 0.050). In group III, laparoscopic surgery had a tendency to provide better long-term OS (P = 0.2036) and DFS (P = 0.2356) than open surgery. Also, the incidence of local recurrence in group III (2.6%) was significantly lower than that in groups II (7.4%) and I (12.1%) (P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Institutions should standardize their techniques and then provide fellowship training for newcomers of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. This technique once mastered will become the gold standard approach to colon surgery as it is both safe and feasible considering the oncological and technical aspects.
Reduced social preferences in autism: evidence from charitable donations
Authors: Lin Alice , Tsai Karin , Rangel Antonio , Adolphs Ralph
Published: May 2012

Background

People with autism have abnormal preferences, ranging from an apparent lack of preference for social stimuli to unusually strong preferences for restricted sets of highly idiosyncratic stimuli. Yet the profile of preferences across social and nonsocial domains has not been mapped out in detail, and the processes responsible remain poorly understood.

Methods

To assess preferences across a range of stimuli, we measured real monetary donations to 50 charities spanning categories pertaining to people, mental health, animals, or the environment. We compared the donations made by 16 high-functioning adults with autism to those made by neurotypical controls matched on age, gender and education. We additionally collected ratings of how people evaluated the different charities.

Results

Compared with controls, high-functioning adults with autism donated less overall and also showed a significantly disproportionate reduction in donations to people charities compared with donations to the other charities. Furthermore, whereas controls discriminated strongly between different people charities, choosing to donate a lot of money to some and very little to others, much less discrimination was seen in the autism group. Ratings that probed how participants constructed their preferences did not differ between groups, except for a difference in the perceived impact of pictures and text information about people charities. Strikingly, there were some charities related to mental health, and autism in particular, to which the autism group donated considerably more than did the controls.

Conclusions

People with autism were found to have reduced preference and sensitivity towards charities benefiting other people. The findings provide evidence for a domain-specific impairment in social cognition in autism spectrum disorder, and in particular in linking otherwise intact social knowledge to the construction of value signals on which preferences regarding other people are based.
Analysis of a goat milk cheese industry in a desert rangeland of Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Ruiz Walter J , Pinos-Rodríguez Juan M , Aguirre-Rivera Juan R , García-López Juan C
Published: May 2012

The study aimed to identify the goat milk value chain for the benefit of producers in a desert rangeland of Mexico. Using retrospective analysis, we characterized goat milk and cheese production and commercialization and profitability at the community and regional levels. What should be done for a cooperative with all stakeholders, using strategic management methodologies is determined. Goat husbandry had an explosive growth in the second third of last century, but disorganized growth deteriorated the rangelands and the activity is declining. Milk productivity has declined up to seven times in some regions compared with the 1960s. It is still the main source of earned income in the region but disorganization persists in all aspects from production to commercialization, and the common use of the rangelands. Producers are depleting their natural resources due to low incomes. Milking and cheese production are unhygienic, uncomfortable and too time consuming, while commercialization is informal. The vision and mission show a group that wants to succeed through profitable and sustainable commercialization. Milk production potential should be increased through better use of natural resources and optimization of the herd’s general management. Organization for the use of the rangelands, standardized small-scale processing, commercialization and technology transfer is the hope for sustainable rural development in this region. The high fat content of the goat milk in the region should increase its price.
Introduction to this special section: Seismic inversion for reservoir properties
Authors: Michelena Reinaldo J. , Goodway William N. , Smith Tad M.
Published: May 2012

Among all possible rock properties, reservoir engineers reserve the distinguished title of “reservoir properties” to pore volume, fluid type, and connectivity because of their direct impact in the economics of hydrocarbon reservoirs. In some reservoirs, engineers may be able to alter the original in-situ properties by applying additional processes to stimulate the matrix (with hydraulic fracturing, for instance) or to push the hydrocarbon out (by injecting some other fluid). Then, the rock and fluid properties that control the outcome of these induced processes become as important as the basic, more traditionally distinguished properties mentioned at the beginning. In any case, it is the geoscientist's job to understand how these properties vary within the reservoir to fully realize its economic potential.
Integrated workflows for shale gas and case study results for the Horn River Basin, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Close D. , Perez M. , Goodway B. , Purdue G.
Published: May 2012

The variation in well performance observed between various shale gas plays, and indeed within individual basins and on individual pads, has gone some way to dispelling myths regarding the perceived homogeneity of “shale gas” targets. With increased quantities of data and more determined analysis, we show that understanding the micro- and mesoscale heterogeneity can be advanced through interdisciplinary studies that incorporate traditional and advanced geophysical data and methods with geological understanding and engineering measurements. This understanding is critical in optimizing well placement, the spacing and length of horizontal wells, and hydraulic fracturing effort to maximize recovery. Specifically, we illustrate that in the Muskwa Formation and the Otter Park, Klua, and Evie members of the Horn River Formation, reservoir quality can be predicted using lambda-rho and mu-rho data extracted from AVO inversion studies. From log data, we show that the most prospective reservoir intervals are characterized by decreasing lambda, increasing mu and/or a lambda:mu ratio less than one.
Anisotropic attenuation analysis of crosshole data generated during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Shekar Bharath , Tsvankin Ilya
Published: May 2012

Attenuation of seismic waves is sensitive to the physical properties of the subsurface and has been observed in vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and reflection data. De et al. (1994) report measurements of the P- and S-wave quality factors from VSP surveys and sonic logs. Klimentos (1995) measures compressional and shear attenuation from sonic logs in sandstone formations with variable oil, water, and gas saturation and observes that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] can be used for pore-fluid discrimination. Maultzsch et al. (2007) evaluate P-wave azimuthal attenuation anisotropy from 3D VSP data acquired over a fractured hydrocarbon reservoir and infer fracture directions from attenuation analysis. Attenuation anisotropy has also been observed in P-wave reflection data (Clark et al., 2009; Vasconcelos and Jenner, 2005). Seismic attenuation is most commonly measured using the spectral-ratio method. Zhu et al. (2007) extend the spectral-ratio method to anisotropic media and apply it to physical modeling data acquired for a transversely isotropic (TI) sample. Computing spectral ratios helps eliminate the source spectrum and can be used to obtain accurate effective and interval attenuation coefficients of P- and S-waves in layered anisotropic media (Behura and Tsvankin, 2009a; Shekar and Tsvankin, 2011).
Port Huron at Fifty: The New Left and Labor: An Interview with Kim Moody
Authors: Phelps Christopher
Published: May 2012

This interview with Kim Moody, who was present at the Port Huron convention of 1962 as a twenty-two-year-old Johns Hopkins University student, illuminates the early history of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), especially the neglected labor-related portions of The Port Huron Statement of 1962, one of the most influential manifestos of the sixties radicalization. In a wide-ranging discussion on labor and the New Left, Moody explains the different views of labor represented at Port Huron, appraises individual thinkers such as Tom Hayden and C. Wright Mills, and explores topics such as the meaning of participatory democracy, the politics of labor in the 1960s, class relations in the civil rights movement, the SDS economic and research action projects, and the general relationship between organized labor and the New Left.
The Feminized Labor of Sex Work: Two Decades of Feminist Historical and Ethnographic Research
Authors: Dewey Susan
Published: May 2012

Drawing upon labor-oriented historical and social science research on sex work in the Americas throughout the past twenty years, this article discusses key themes that have emerged in this work: (1) sex work's close resemblance to many other forms of feminized labor; (2) the interconnected nature of sex work with other aspects of the economic processes that impact the working poor; (3) the prominent (and generally unacknowledged) role sex work plays in economic systems; (4) how public debates over sexual morality often appear at critical moments of social change; and (5) regulation, migration, and control. This article also explores disciplinary differences between historical and social science approaches to understanding sex work and legal/public policy responses to it and offers recommendation for further research.
Presentation skills amongst surgical trainees at a national conference: an observational study
Authors: Watts Edward , Peacock Oliver , Liyanage Shehan , Elsey Elizabeth , Lund Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Summary

Objectives

The ability to deliver public presentations is important for doctors of all specialities. Despite this, there is little emphasis on training in presentation skills within medical curriculae. The aim of this paper was to establish the current standard of presentations being delivered by surgical trainees at a national conference and to confirm the need for further training.

Design

An observational study of 96 six-minute research presentations.

Setting

A national surgical conference in the United Kingdom.

Participants

Four independent observers each appraised 24 six-minute presentations by surgical trainees against a pre-determined standard.

Main outcome measures

A set of 19 audit criteria were established after a literature search to ascertain commonly accepted presentation standards. These outcome measures included keeping to time, number of slides used, the nature of slide content, methods of data representation, use of images and presentation style.

Results

A total of 61 (64%) presenters overran. The median number of slides used was 13 (range 6–28). Thirty-three (34%) presenters displayed slides with more than six bullet points on two or more occasions. Sixty-four (67%) presenters displayed whole paragraphs of text on two or more occasions. Sixty-eight (71%) presenters displayed raw numerical data in the course of their presentations. Seventy (73%) presenters used images. Thirty-one (32%) presenters repeatedly read out sentences word-for-word from their slides. Nineteen (20%) presenters appeared not to know their presentation content well.

Conclusions

Presentation skills amongst surgical trainees are well below those that should be aspired to. Efforts to improve training, motivation and the examples set by senior surgeons should be instigated in order to improve this situation.
Telmisartan improves kidney function through inhibition of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Xinhua , Li Ming , Li Wenhui , Yu Miao , Zhang Huabing , Sun Xiaofang , Mao Lili , Xiang Hongding
Published: May 2012

Telmisartan provides renal benefit at all stages of the renal continuum in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This research is to investigate the effect of telmisartan on kidney function in diabetic rats and to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Diabetic rats were divided into vehicle group, low dosage (TeL) group, and high dosage of telmisartan (TeH) group. We performed Illumina RatRef-12 Expression BeadChip gene array experiments. We found 3-months of treatment with telmisartan significantly decreased 24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and increased creatinine clearance rate. Kidney hypertrophy and glomerular mesangial matrix expansion were ameliorated. The glomeruli from the TeH group had 1541 genes with significantly changed expression (554 increased, 987 decreased). DAVID (Database for annotation, visualization and Integrated discovery) analyses showed that the most enriched term was ‘mitochondrion’ (Gene Ontology (GO:0005739)) in all 67 GO functional categories. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated that all differentially expressed genes included seven KEGG pathways. Of those pathways, four are closely related to the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR verified that the H+ transporting mitochondrial F1 complex, beta subunit (Atp5b), cytochromecoxidase subunit VIc (Cox6c), and NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 3 (Ndufs3) were significantly downregulated both in TeL and TeH groups, while nephrosis 1 homolog (Nphs1) and nephrosis 2 homolog (Nphs2) were significantly upregulated. The increased expression of malonaldehyde and NDUFS3 in the glomeruli of diabetic rats was attenuated by telmisartan. The other significantly changed pathway we found was the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Our data suggest that telmisartan can improve kidney function in diabetic rats. The mechanism may be involved in mitochondrion oxidative phosphorylation, the PPAR-γ pathway, and the slit diaphragm.
Progesterone promotes focal adhesion formation and migration in breast cancer cells through induction of protease-activated receptor-1
Authors: Diaz Jorge , Aranda Evelyn , Henriquez Soledad , Quezada Marisol , Espinoza Estefanía , Bravo Maria Loreto , Oliva Bárbara , Lange Soledad , Villalon Manuel , Jones Marius , Brosens Jan J , Kato Sumie , Cuello Mauricio A , Knutson Todd P , Lange Carol A , Leyton Lisette , Owen Gareth I
Published: May 2012

Progesterone and progestins have been demonstrated to enhance breast cancer cell migration, although the mechanisms are still not fully understood. The protease-activated receptors (PARs) are a family of membrane receptors that are activated by serine proteases in the blood coagulation cascade. PAR1 (F2R) has been reported to be involved in cancer cell migration and overexpressed in breast cancer. We herein demonstrate that PAR1 mRNA and protein are upregulated by progesterone treatment of the breast cancer cell lines ZR-75 and T47D. This regulation is dependent on the progesterone receptor (PR) but does not require PR phosphorylation at serine 294 or the PR proline-rich region mPRO. The increase inPAR1mRNA was transient, being present at 3 h and returning to basal levels at 18 h. The addition of a PAR1-activating peptide (aPAR1) to cells treated with progesterone resulted in an increase in focal adhesion (FA) formation as measured by the cellular levels of phosphorylated FA kinase. The combined but not individual treatment of progesterone and aPAR1 also markedly increased stress fiber formation and the migratory capacity of breast cancer cells. In agreement within vitrofindings, data mining from the Oncomine platform revealed thatPAR1expression was significantly upregulated in PR-positive breast tumors. Our observation thatPAR1expression and signal transduction are modulated by progesterone provides new insight into how the progestin component in hormone therapies increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Atomistic modeling of alloy self-growth by vapor deposition: Ni and Al on NiAl(110)
Authors: Han Yong , Evans J. W.
Published: May 2012

A multisite lattice-gas (msLG) model with realistic and precise surface diffusion kinetics is applied to provide a reliable description of the initial stages of non-equilibrium self-growth of a NiAl alloy by simultaneous stoichiometric codeposition of Ni and Al on the NiAl(110) surface. Deposition at 300 K produces intermixing but poor alloy ordering. Increasing temperature enhances alloy ordering to near perfection at 600 K, but island shapes remain un-equilibrated.
High-Performance Barrier Layers for Flexible CIGS Thin-Film Solar Cells on Metal Foils
Authors: Herrmann Dirk , Kessler Friedrich , Herz Konrad , Powalla Michael , Schulz Andreas , Schneider Joachim , Schumacher Uwe
Published: May 2012

Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells have been fabricated on different metal foil substrates. Preferred foils with regard to costs and physical properties were stainless steel, titanium and Kovar® (Fe/Ni/Co alloy). SiOx films prepared by PECVD and sol/gel methods were deposited as barrier layers on these metal foil substrates. Both film types showed good suitability as diffusion barriers for substrate elements. In the SiOx:Na (sol/gel) barrier sodium could be incorporated to provide the Na-supply to the CIGS absorber. With relatively low sodium concentrations in these films (6% Na2O) large amounts of Na in the absorber have been found. Using a combination of SiOx (PECVD) and SiOx:Na (sol/gel) layers AM 1.5 cell efficiencies of 13.1% on titanium foil substrates have been achieved. With a newly implemented insulation test based on electrolysis measurements pinholes in the barrier layers could be localized and conclusions on their origin could be drawn.
Research Participation as Work: Comparing the Perspectives of Researchers and Economically Marginalized Populations
Authors: Davidson Peter , Page Kimberly
Published: May 2012

We examined the historical and regulatory framework of research with human participants in the United States, and described some possible unintended consequences of this framework in the context of paying young injection drug users for their time participating in behavioral and medical research. We drew upon our own experiences while conducting a long-running epidemiological study of hepatitis C virus infection.

We found that existing ethical and regulatory framings of research participation may lead to injustices from the perspectives of research participants.

We propose considering research participation as a specialized form of work and the use of community advisory boards to facilitate discussion about appropriate compensation for research participation among economically marginalized populations.
The Economic Gains of Achieving Reduced Alcohol Consumption Targets for Australia
Authors: Magnus Anne , Cadilhac Dominique , Sheppard Lauren , Cumming Toby , Pearce Dora , Carter Rob
Published: May 2012

Objectives. To inform prevention policy, we estimated the economic benefits to health, production, and leisure in the 2008 Australian population of a realistic target reduction in per capita annual adult alcohol consumption.

Methods. We chose a target of 6.4 liters annually per capita on average. We modeled lifetime health benefits as fewer incident cases of alcohol-related disease, deaths, and disability adjusted life years. We estimated production gains with surveyed participation and absenteeism rates. We valued gains with friction cost and human capital methods. We estimated and valued household production and leisure gains from time-use surveys.

Results. A reduction of 3.4 liters of alcohol consumed annually per capita would result in one third fewer incident cases of disease (98 000), deaths (380), working days lost (5 million), days of home-based production lost (54 000), and a A$ 789-million health sector cost reduction. Workforce production had a A$ 427 million gain when we used the friction cost method. By contrast, we estimated a loss of 28 000 leisure days and 1000 additional early retirements.

Conclusions. Economic savings and health benefits from reduced alcohol consumption may be substantial—particularly in the health sector with reduced alcohol-related disease and injury.
High Food Insecurity and Its Correlates Among Families Living on a Rural American Indian Reservation
Authors: Bauer Katherine W. , Widome Rachel , Himes John H. , Smyth Mary , Rock Bonnie Holy , Hannan Peter J. , Story Mary
Published: May 2012

Objectives. We sought to better understand the prevalence and consequences of food insecurity among American Indian families with young children.

Methods. Parents or caregivers of kindergarten-age children enrolled in the Bright Start study (dyad n = 432) living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota completed a questionnaire on their child’s dietary intake, the home food environment, and food security. We assessed food security with a standard 6-item scale and examined associations of food insecurity with family sociodemographic characteristics, parents’ and children’s weight, children’s dietary patterns, and the home food environment.

Results. Almost 40% of families reported experiencing food insecurity. Children from food-insecure households were more likely to eat some less healthful types of foods, including items purchased at convenience stores (P = .002), and food-insecure parents reported experiencing many barriers to accessing healthful food. Food security status was not associated with differences in home food availability or children’s or parents’ weight status.

Conclusions. Food insecurity is prevalent among families living on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Increasing reservation access to food that is high quality, reasonably priced, and healthful should be a public health goal.
Effects of the 1997–1998 El Niño Episode on Community Rates of Diarrhea
Authors: Bennett Adam , Epstein Leonardo D. , Gilman Robert H. , Cama Vitaliano , Bern Caryn , Cabrera Lilia , Lescano Andres G. , Patz Jonathan , Carcamo Cesar , Sterling Charles R. , Checkley William
Published: May 2012

Objectives. To improve our understanding of climate variability and diarrheal disease at the community level and inform predictions for future climate change scenarios, we examined whether the El Niño climate pattern is associated with increased rates of diarrhea among Peruvian children.

Methods. We analyzed daily surveillance data for 367 children aged 0 to 12 years from 2 cohorts in a peri-urban shantytown in Lima, Peru, 1995 through 1998. We stratified diarrheal incidence by 6-month age categories, season, and El Niño, and modeled between-subject heterogeneity with random effects Poisson models.

Results. Spring diarrheal incidence increased by 55% during El Niño compared with before El Niño. This increase was most acute among children older than 60 months, for whom the risk of a diarrheal episode during the El Niño spring was nearly 100% greater (relative risk = 1.96; 95% confidence interval = 1.24, 3.09).

Conclusions. El Niño–associated climate variability affects community rates of diarrhea, particularly during the cooler seasons and among older children. Public health officials should develop preventive strategies for future El Niño episodes to mitigate the increased risk of diarrheal disease in vulnerable communities.
Menthol Brand Switching Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey
Authors: Villanti Andrea C. , Giovino Gary A. , Barker Dianne C. , Mowery Paul D. , Sevilimedu Varadan , Abrams David B.
Published: May 2012

This study examines patterns of menthol and nonmenthol cigarette use from 2003 to 2005 in a cohort of smokers, aged 16 to 24 years in the National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey. At follow-up, 15.0% of baseline menthol smokers had switched to nonmentholated cigarettes; by contrast, 6.9% of baseline nonmenthol smokers had switched to mentholated cigarettes. Differences in switching patterns were evident by gender, race/ethnicity, parental education, and smoking frequency. These data support previous evidence that young smokers start with mentholated cigarettes and progress to nonmentholated cigarettes.
Sullom Voe Terminal Supervisory Control System
Authors: Marsh Brian E.
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the Wesdac system supplied by Westcode Systems, Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co. Ltd. for the British Petroleum Supervisory and Management Information Computer System (SAMICS) at Sullom Voe. Remote terminal units connected to a variety of plant transmit information to a central equipment room. Duplicated processors in the equipment room handle data collection and provide information on colour VDUs and printers to operators in two separate control rooms. The dual processors also provide data hand-off to computers in Aberdeen and Harlow.
The Design of Offshore Speech Communications Systems
Authors: Harris Robert
Published: May 2012

The effectiveness of any communications system is limited by the attainable signal-to-noise ratio. Electronic noise in the portable radio, intercom, telephone and public address (P.A.) systems installed offshore is today insignificant; the major constraint is now the acoustic signal-to-noise ratio.

The detailed design of P.A. systems for use in high noise levels is normally undertaken by electro-acoustic specialists. Many important design decisions are taken by non-specialists, however, particularly at the early stage of new projects. These decisions will ultimately determine the effectiveness of speech communication offshore.

This paper contains guidelines for nonspecialist engineers involved in the design of offshore speech communication systems. The main points discussed are project management, the interfacing between systems, noise control, power supply allowances, telephone system design and the use of visual aids. Simple improvements which can be made to existing designs are explained, and finally some possible future developments are presented.