bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gleipnir
Authors: Janjusic Tomislav , Kavi Krishna
Published: January 2014

In this article we describe a memory tracing and profiling tool called Gleipnir. Gleipnir is a plug-in tool for a widely used binary instrumentation framework, Valgrind. Gleipnir's ability to collect fine grained memory traces and associate each access to source level data structures and elements of these structures, makes it a good candidate tool for advanced memory analysis and studying complex memory access patterns. The data provided by Gleipnir may be used by cache simulators to analyze accesses to data structure elements and understand the dynamic memory behavior of programs. The goal of Gleipnir is to give the programmer aid in refactoring data and code. In addition to Gleipnir we introduce a cache simulation tool, Gl cSim. Gl cSim is an extension to DineroIV (a uni-processor simulator) that tracks Gleipnir provided trace and debug-information.
Amyloid Imaging in Aging and Dementia: Testing the Amyloid HypothesisIn Vivo
Authors: Rabinovici G. D. , Jagust W. J.
Published: January 2014

Amyloid imaging represents a major advance in neuroscience, enabling the detection and quantification of pathologic protein aggregations in the brain. In this review we survey current amyloid imaging techniques, focusing on positron emission tomography (PET) with ^{11}carbon-labelled Pittsburgh Compound-B (11C-PIB), the most extensively studied and best validated tracer. PIB binds specifically to fibrillar beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposits, and is a sensitive marker for Aβ pathology in cognitively normal older individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). PIB-PET provides us with a powerful tool to examine in vivo the relationship between amyloid deposition, clinical symptoms, and structural and functional brain changes in the continuum between normal aging and AD. Amyloid imaging studies support a model in which amyloid deposition is an early event on the path to dementia, beginning insidiously in cognitively normal individuals, and accompanied by subtle cognitive decline and functional and structural brain changes suggestive of incipient AD. As patients progress to dementia, clinical decline and neurodegeneration accelerate and proceed independently of amyloid accumulation. In the future, amyloid imaging is likely to supplement clinical evaluation in selecting patients for anti-amyloid therapies, while MRI and FDG-PET may be more appropriate markers of clinical progression.
Large-Scale Functional Brain Network Abnormalities in Alzheimer’s Disease: Insights from Functional Neuroimaging
Authors: Dickerson Bradford C. , Sperling Reisa A.
Published: January 2014

Functional MRI (fMRI) studies of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have begun to reveal abnormalities in large-scale memory and cognitive brain networks. Since the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system is a site of very early pathology in AD, a number of studies have focused on this region of the brain. Yet it is clear that other regions of the large-scale episodic memory network are affected early in the disease as well, and fMRI has begun to illuminate functional abnormalities in frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices as well in MCI and AD. Besides predictable hypoactivation of brain regions as they accrue pathology and undergo atrophy, there are also areas of hyperactivation in brain memory and cognitive circuits, possibly representing attempted compensatory activity. Recent fMRI data in MCI and AD are beginning to reveal relationships between abnormalities of functional activity in the MTL memory system and in functionally connected brain regions, such as the precuneus. Additional work with “resting state” fMRI data is illuminating functional-anatomic brain circuits and their disruption by disease. As this work continues to mature, it will likely contribute to our understanding of fundamental memory processes in the human brain and how these are perturbed in memory disorders. We hope these insights will translate into the incorporation of measures of task-related brain function into diagnostic assessment or therapeutic monitoring, which will hopefully one day be useful for demonstrating beneficial effects of treatments being tested in clinical trials.
Structural Neuroimaging in the Detection and Prognosis of Pre-Clinical and Early AD
Authors: Fennema-Notestine Christine , McEvoy Linda K. , Hagler Donald J. , Jacobson Mark W. , Dale Anders M. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2014

Current research supports the strong potential of structural MRI profiles, even within cross-sectional designs, as a promising method for the discrimination of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) from normal controls and for the prediction of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) progression and conversion to AD. Findings suggest that measures of structural change in mesial and lateral temporal, cingulate, parietal and midfrontal areas may facilitate the assessment of a treatment's ability to halt the progressive structural loss that accompanies clinical decline in MCI. The performance of prediction is likely to continue to improve with the incorporation of measures from other neuroimaging modalities, clinical assessments, and neuromedical biomarkers, as the regional profile of individuals at risk for progression is refined.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Kito Yumiko , Kazui Hiroaki , Kubo Yoshihiko , Yoshida Tetsuhiko , Takaya Masahiko , Wada Tamiki , Nomura Keiko , Hashimoto Mamoru , Ohkawa Shingo , Miyake Hiroji , Ishikawa Masatsune , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: January 2014

Objective:To clarify the characteristics of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).

Methods:Neuropsychiatric symptoms of 64 iNPH patients with mild triad symptoms from three kinds of hospitals were evaluated with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and compared with 126 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Results:The most frequently observed neuropsychiatric symptom in the iNPH patients was apathy followed by anxiety and aggression. No symptom was more prevalent or more severe in iNPH than in AD. The severity of cognitive impairment was correlated with both aberrant motor activity and apathy.

Conclusions:Neuropsychiatric symptoms were mild in patients with iNPH and apathy was the most prevalent symptom. The correlation between neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment in iNPH appears to arise from a common pathology in the frontal lobe.
Applications of Neuroimaging to Disease-Modification Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Fleisher Adam S. , Donohue Michael , Chen Kewei , Brewer James B. , Aisen Paul S. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2014

Critical to development of new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the ability to detect clinical or pathological change over time. Clinical outcome measures typically used in therapeutic trials have unfortunately proven to be relatively variable and somewhat insensitive to change in this slowly progressive disease. For this reason, development of surrogate biomarkers that identify significant disease-associated brain changes are necessary to expedite treatment development in AD. Since AD pathology is present in the brain many years prior to clinical manifestation, ideally we want to develop biomarkers of disease that identify abnormal brain structure or function even prior to cognitive decline. Magnetic resonance imaging, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, new amyloid imaging techniques, and spinal fluid markers of AD all have great potential to provide surrogate endpoint measures for AD pathology. The Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) was developed for the distinct purpose of evaluating surrogate biomarkers for drug development in AD. Recent evidence from ADNI demonstrates that imaging may provide more sensitive, and earlier, measures of disease progression than traditional clinical measures for powering clinical drug trials in Alzheimer's disease. This review discusses recently presented data from the ADNI dataset, and the importance of imaging in the future of drug development in AD.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Stebbins G. T. , Murphy C. M.
Published: January 2014

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have focused on the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex; gray matter structures in the medial temporal lobe. Few studies have investigated the integrity of white matter in patients with AD or MCI. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a MRI technique that allows for the interrogation of the microstructural integrity of white matter. Based on increases in translational diffusion (mean diffusivity: MD) and decreases directional diffusion (fractional anisotropy: FA) damage to white matter can be assessed. Studies have identified regions of increased MD and decreased FA in patients with AD and MCI in all lobes of the brain, as well as medial temporal lobe structures including the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and parahippocampal white matter. The pattern of white matter integrity disruption tends to follow an anterior to posterior gradient with greater damage noted in posterior regions in AD and MCI. Recent studies have exploited inter-voxel directional similarities to develop models of white matter pathways, and have used these models to assess the integrity of inter-cerebral connections. Particular focus has been applied to the parahippocampal white matter (including the perforant path) and the posterior cingulum. Although many studies have found DTI indicators of impaired white matter in AD and MCI, other studies have failed to detect any differences in MD or FA between the groups, demonstrating the need for large replicative studies. DTI is an evolving technique and advances in its application ought to provide new insights into AD and MCI.
Immunological Demyelination Triggers Macrophage/Microglial Cells Activation without Inducing Astrogliosis
Authors: Cloutier Frank , Sears-Kraxberger Ilse , Keachie Krista , Keirstead Hans S.
Published: January 2014

The glial scar formed by reactive astrocytes and axon growth inhibitors associated with myelin play important roles in the failure of axonal regeneration following central nervous system (CNS) injury. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that immunological demyelination of the CNS facilitates regeneration of severed axons following spinal cord injury. In the present study, we evaluate whether immunological demyelination is accompanied with astrogliosis. We compared the astrogliosis and macrophage/microglial cell responses 7 days after either immunological demyelination or a stab injury to the dorsal funiculus. Both lesions induced a strong activated macrophage/microglial cells response which was significantly higher within regions of immunological demyelination. However, immunological demyelination regions were not accompanied by astrogliosis compared to stab injury that induced astrogliosis which extended several millimeters above and below the lesions, evidenced by astroglial hypertrophy, formation of a glial scar, and upregulation of intermediate filaments glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Moreover, a stab or a hemisection lesion directly within immunological demyelination regions did not induced astrogliosis within the immunological demyelination region. These results suggest that immunological demyelination creates a unique environment in which astrocytes do not form a glial scar and provides a unique model to understand the putative interaction between astrocytes and activated macrophage/microglial cells.
Endogenous and Rapid Serial Visual Presentation-induced Alpha Band Oscillations in the Attentional Blink
Authors: Janson Jolanda , De Vos Maarten , Thorne Jeremy D. , Kranczioch Cornelia
Published: January 2014

The attentional blink (AB) is a deficit in conscious perception of the second of two targets if it follows the first within 200–500 msec. The AB phenomenon has been linked to pre-target oscillatory alpha activity. However, this is based on paradigms that use a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) stimulus stream in which the targets are embedded. This distracter stream is usually presented at a frequency of 10 Hz and thus generates a steady-state visual-evoked potential (ssVEP) at the center of the alpha frequency band. This makes the interpretation of alpha findings in the AB difficult. To be able to relate these findings either to the presence of the ssVEP or to an effect of endogenously generated alpha activity, we compared AB paradigms with and without different pre-target distracter streams. The distracter stream was always presented at 12 Hz, and power and intertrial phase coherence were analyzed in the alpha range (8–12 Hz). Without a distracter stream alpha power dropped before target presentation, whereas coherence did not change. Presence of a distracter stream was linked to stronger pre-target power reduction and increased coherence, which were both modulated by distracter stream characteristics. With regard to the AB results indicated that, whereas ssVEP-related power tended to be higher when both targets were detected, endogenous alpha power tended to be lower. We argue that the pattern of results indicates that in the pre-target interval several processes act in parallel. The balance between these processes relates to the occurrence of an AB.
Motor Intention Determines Sensory Attenuation of Brain Responses to Self-initiated Sounds
Authors: Timm Jana , SanMiguel Iria , Keil Julian , Schröger Erich , Schönwiesner Marc
Published: January 2014

One of the functions of the brain is to predict sensory consequences of our own actions. In auditory processing, self-initiated sounds evoke a smaller brain response than passive sound exposure of the same sound sequence. Previous work suggests that this response attenuation reflects a predictive mechanism to differentiate the sensory consequences of one's own actions from other sensory input, which seems to form the basis for the sense of agency (recognizing oneself as the agent of the movement). This study addresses the question whether attenuation of brain responses to self-initiated sounds can be explained by brain activity involved in movement planning rather than movement execution. We recorded ERPs in response to sounds initiated by button presses. In one condition, participants moved a finger to press the button voluntarily, whereas in another condition, we initiated a similar, but involuntary, finger movement by stimulating the corresponding region of the primary motor cortex with TMS. For involuntary movements, no movement intention (and no feeling of agency) could be formed; thus, no motor plans were available to the forward model. A portion of the brain response evoked by the sounds, the N1-P2 complex, was reduced in amplitude following voluntary, self-initiated movements, but not following movements initiated by motor cortex stimulation. Our findings demonstrate that movement intention and the corresponding feeling of agency determine sensory attenuation of brain responses to self-initiated sounds. The present results support the assumptions of a predictive internal forward model account operating before primary motor cortex activation.
S-cone Visual Stimuli Activate Superior Colliculus Neurons in Old World Monkeys: Implications for Understanding Blindsight
Authors: Hall Nathan , Colby Carol
Published: January 2014

The superior colliculus (SC) is thought to be unresponsive to stimuli that activate only short wavelength-sensitive cones (S-cones) in the retina. The apparent lack of S-cone input to the SC was recognized by Sumner et al. [Sumner, P., Adamjee, T., & Mollon, J. D. Signals invisible to the collicular and magnocellular pathways can capture visual attention. Current Biology, 12, 1312–1316, 2002] as an opportunity to test SC function. The idea is that visual behavior dependent on the SC should be impaired when S-cone stimuli are used because they are invisible to the SC. The SC plays a critical role in blindsight. If the SC is insensitive to S-cone stimuli blindsight behavior should be impaired when S-cone stimuli are used. Many clinical and behavioral studies have been based on the assumption that S-cone-specific stimuli do not activate neurons in the SC. Our goal was to test whether single neurons in macaque SC respond to stimuli that activate only S-cones. Stimuli were calibrated psychophysically in each animal and at each individual spatial location used in experimental testing [Hall, N. J., & Colby, C. L. Psychophysical definition of S-cone stimuli in the macaque. Journal of Vision, 13, 2013]. We recorded from 178 visually responsive neurons in two awake, behaving rhesus monkeys. Contrary to the prevailing view, we found that nearly all visual SC neurons can be activated by S-cone-specific visual stimuli. Most of these neurons were sensitive to the degree of S-cone contrast. Of 178 visual SC neurons, 155 (87%) had stronger responses to a high than to a low S-cone contrast. Many of these neurons' responses (56/178 or 31%) significantly distinguished between the high and low S-cone contrast stimuli. The latency and amplitude of responses depended on S-cone contrast. These findings indicate that stimuli that activate only S-cones cannot be used to diagnose collicular mediation.
Neural Correlates of Feedback Processing in Toddlers
Authors: Meyer Marlene , Bekkering Harold , Janssen Denise J. C. , de Bruijn Ellen R. A. , Hunnius Sabine
Published: January 2014

External feedback provides essential information for successful learning. Feedback is especially important for learning in early childhood, as toddlers strongly rely on external signals to determine the consequences of their actions. In adults, many electrophysiological studies have elucidated feedback processes using a neural marker called the feedback-related negativity (FRN). The neural generator of the FRN is assumed to be the ACC, located in medial frontal cortex. As frontal brain regions are the latest to mature during brain development, it is unclear when in early childhood a functional feedback system develops. Is feedback differentiated on a neural level in toddlers and in how far is neural feedback processing related to children's behavioral adjustment? In an EEG experiment, we addressed these questions by measuring the brain activity and behavioral performance of 2.5-year-old toddlers while they played a feedback-guided game on a touchscreen. Electrophysiological results show differential brain activity for feedback with a more negative deflection for incorrect than correct outcomes, resembling the adult FRN. This provides the first neural evidence for feedback processing in toddlers. Notably, FRN amplitudes were predictive of adaptive behavior: the stronger the differential brain activity for feedback, the better the toddlers' adaptive performance during the game. Thus, already in early childhood toddlers' feedback-guided performance directly relates to the functionality of their neural feedback processing. Implications for early feedback-based learning as well as structural and functional brain development are discussed.
Addressing Dental Fear in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Isong Inyang A. , Rao Sowmya R. , Holifield Chloe , Iannuzzi Dorothea , Hanson Ellen , Ware Janice , Nelson Linda P.
Published: January 2014

Background. Dental care is a significant unmet health care need for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many children with ASD do not receive dental care because of fear associated with dental procedures; oftentimes they require general anesthesia for regular dental procedures, placing them at risk of associated complications. Many children with ASD have a strong preference for visual stimuli, particularly electronic screen media. The use of visual teaching materials is a fundamental principle in designing educational programs for children with ASD. Purpose. To determine if an innovative strategy using 2 types of electronic screen media was feasible and beneficial in reducing fear and uncooperative behaviors in children with ASD undergoing dental visits. Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial at Boston Children’s Hospital dental clinic. Eighty (80) children aged 7 to 17 years with a known diagnosis of ASD and history of dental fear were enrolled in the study. Each child completed 2 preventive dental visits that were scheduled 6 months apart (visit 1 and visit 2). After visit 1, subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) group A, control (usual care); (2) group B, treatment (video peer modeling that involved watching a DVD recording of a typically developing child undergoing a dental visit); (3) group C, treatment (video goggles that involved watching a favorite movie during the dental visit using sunglass-style video eyewear); and (4) group D, treatment (video peer modeling plus video goggles). Subjects who refused or were unable to wear the goggles watched the movie using a handheld portable DVD player. During both visits, the subject’s level of anxiety and behavior were measured using the Venham Anxiety and Behavior Scales. Analyses of variance and Fisher’s exact tests compared baseline characteristics across groups. Using intention to treat approach, repeated measures analyses were employed to test whether the outcomes differed significantly: (1) between visits 1 and 2 within each group and (2) between each intervention group and the control group over time (an interaction). Results. Between visits 1 and 2, mean anxiety and behavior scores decreased significantly by 0.8 points ( P = .03) for subjects within groups C and D. Significant changes were not observed within groups A and B. Mean anxiety and behavior scores did not differ significantly between groups over time, although group A versus C pairwise comparisons showed a trend toward significance ( P = .06). Conclusion. These findings suggest that certain electronic screen media technologies may be useful tools for reducing fear and uncooperative behaviors among children with ASD undergoing dental visits. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of these strategies using larger sample sizes. Findings from future studies could be relevant for nondental providers who care for children with ASD in other medical settings.
Emergency Medicine Physicians’ and Pediatricians’ Use of Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Pediatric Patients With Abdominal Pain Without Trauma in a Community Hospital
Authors: Grim Paul Francis
Published: January 2014

There is a paucity of data regarding emergency department (ED) provider type and computed tomography (CT) scan use in the evaluation of pediatric patients with abdominal pain without trauma. The purpose of this retrospective single community hospital study was to determine if there was a difference in CT use between emergency medicine physicians (EMPs) and pediatricians (PEDs) in all patients younger than 18 years with abdominal pain without trauma who presented to the ED during the study period. The study included 165 patients. EMPs saw 83 patients and used CT in 31 compared with PEDs who saw 82 patients and used CT in 12 ( P = .002). EMPs used CT significantly more frequently than PEDs in the designated sample. Economic pressures may cause changes in ED provider type in community and rural hospitals and this study shows that ED provider type may affect medical decision making, including CT use.
A New Trinitarian Vision: Orthodox Ecclesiology—Embodied Within a Secularized Society
Authors: Dumitraşcu Nicu
Published: January 2014

This article sets out the Eastern Orthodox understanding of God as Trinity and the relationship between the three Persons of the Trinity. It goes on to show how the life of the church reflects the relationships of the divine Persons. The church is rooted in the life of the Trinity, and shares in the divine life through its liturgical worship, in particular the celebration of the divine liturgy, the Eucharist. The church is a living icon of the Trinity. Only through membership of the church can believers enter into a living relationship with the trinitarian God and find salvation, not as individuals but as members of the believing and worshipping community: baptism, chrismation, and Eucharist are essential to the Christian life. While these doctrines are matters of academic study and ecumenical theological discussion, they are essentially truths to be lived, as they are by believers who are not professional theologians but who participate fully in the life of the church. The church needs to emphasize these traditional truths over against contemporary individualism and the privatization of religious faith.
Protesting Evil
Authors: Cuneo Terence
Published: January 2014

The ancient Christian liturgies face Godward: their purpose is to worshipfully acknowledge God’s unsurpassable worth. But they also take place in the face and recognition of vast evil. Part of their aim is to help us to live well in the face of this evil, especially when we are more or less powerless to prevent or rectify it. In this article I explore this last idea by examining the Eastern Orthodox eucharistic liturgies, understanding their dynamic of petition and blessing as a way of standing against evil.
Habermas’ sociological theory of law and democracy
Authors: Baxter Hugh
Published: January 2014

In Between Facts and Norms (1996) Habermas presents the more straightforward normative discourse theory of law and democracy, in terms of contemporary legal orders, and then examines, in terms of social theory, whether the theory is plausible, given the complex nature of today’s conditions. The following article focuses in particular on Habermas’ social theory. It is critical of Habermas’ idea of ‘the lifeworld’ and discusses whether the circulation-of-power model might be mapped onto the system–lifeworld model.
A multifaceted approach to investigating pre-task planning effects on paired oral test performance
Authors: Nitta Ryo , Nakatsuhara Fumiyo
Published: January 2014

Despite the growing popularity of paired format speaking assessments, the effects of pre-task planning time on performance in these formats are not yet well understood. For example, some studies have revealed the benefits of planning but others have not. Using a multifaceted approach including analysis of the process of speaking performance, the aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of pre-task planning in a paired format. Data were collected from 32 students who carried out two decision-making tasks in pairs, under planned and unplanned conditions. The study used analyses of rating scores, discourse analytic measures, and conversation analysis (CA) of test-taker discourse to gain insight into co-constructing processes. A post-test questionnaire was also administered to understand the participants’ perceptions toward planned and unplanned interactions. The results from rating scores and discourse analytic measures revealed that planning had limited effect on performance, and analysis of the questionnaires did not indicate clear differences between the two conditions. CA, however, identified the possibility of a contrastive mode of discourse under the two planning conditions, raising concerns that planning might actually deprive test-takers of the chance to demonstrate their abilities to interact collaboratively.
What do we really mean when we talk about ‘exit’? A critical review of research on entrepreneurial exit
Authors: Wennberg Karl , DeTienne Dawn R.
Published: January 2014

Much of the research on entrepreneurial exit has focused on exit as a dichotomous outcome whereby exit is viewed negatively and survival positively. This perspective is quite different from that of practising entrepreneurs, who are more likely to be concerned with various types of exit, viewing some options as the ultimate fulfilment of the new venture process. Further, research on exit frequently fails to account for performance (for example, earnings from self-employment or firm-level profitability) in empirical models, even though performance is arguably the critical component of determining whether an exit is successful or unsuccessful. This review article delves into these issues – founder exit intentions, strategies for executing the exit, the process of exit and the importance of controlling for, or including, performance measures in academic research – thereby outlining an agenda for future research regarding entrepreneurial exit.
Effect of moisture on disintegration kinetics during anaerobic digestion of complex organic substrates
Authors: Liotta Flavia , d’Antonio Giuseppe , Esposito Giovanni , Fabbricino Massimiliano , Frunzo Luigi , van Hullebusch Eric D , Lens Piet NL , Pirozzi Francesco
Published: January 2014

The role of the moisture content and particle size (PS) on the disintegration of complex organic matter during the wet anaerobic digestion (AD) process was investigated. A range of total solids (TS) from 5% to 11.3% and PS from 0.25 to 15 mm was evaluated using carrot waste as model complex organic matter. The experimental results showed that the methane production rate decreased with higher TS and PS. A modified version of the AD model no.1 for complex organic substrates was used to model the experimental data. The simulations showed a decrease of the disintegration rate constants with increasing TS and PS. The results of the biomethanation tests were used to calibrate and validate the applied model. In particular, the values of the disintegration constant for various TS and PS were determined. The simulations showed good agreement between the numerical and observed data.
Contexte de programme violent à la télévision et mémorisation des publicités : Rôles respectifs du niveau de violence et de la narrativité
Authors: Droulers Olivier , Roullet Bernard
Published: January 2014

Afin de mieux comprendre l’influence d’un contexte de programme violent sur la mémorisation des publicités, trois expérimentations ont été menées. Prenant comme point de départ une réplication conceptuelle des travaux de Bushman et Bonacci (2002) (expérimentation 1), nous proposons d’étudier l’influence du niveau de violence contenu dans les programmes (expérimentation 2) ainsi que celle de la continuité narrative du récit, préservée ou non (expérimentation 3). Les résultats montrent que l’intensité de violence est positivement corrélée au rappel libre des publicités et que la continuité narrative n’a pas d’influence sur la mémorisation des publicités. Enfin, le rôle de l’implication envers le programme – variable médiatrice entre violence perçue et rappel publicitaire, modérée par le sexe et la sensibilité du spectateur – est mis en évidence.
No-Drop Prosecution in Domestic Violence Cases
Authors: Nichols Andrea J.
Published: January 2014

The feminist debate on no-drop prosecution is long-standing. However, the ways liberal and radical feminist perspectives inform advocacy in applied settings are limited in the extant research. Drawing from interviews with 26 domestic violence (DV) victim advocates, the current study examines perspectives and practices of victim advocates in no-drop prosecution cases. Two predominate themes emerged—a survivor-defined approach to advocacy emphasizing the individual situations and choices of battered women, and a social change approach focusing on changing the social structures that tolerate violence against women. Findings indicated the relationship between such practices was complex, overlapping, and at times contradictory. While advocates generally supported no-drop prosecution with the goal of social change, survivor-defined approaches superseded social change efforts for a majority of advocates. Survivor-centered advocacy and no-drop prosecution at times conflicted with one another. Advocates described victims’ concerns about safety, livelihood, and trauma testifying in court as challenges to the policy, as well as the practice of holding victims in contempt of court and jailing them for not testifying. At the same time, advocates illustrated how survivor-defined advocacy complimented prosecution by addressing women’s myriad of needs and concerns related to prosecution. Advocates indicated that victims were more likely to safely participate in prosecution when their individual needs were addressed. Implications for DV victim advocacy are presented.
Misalignment and Perverse Incentives
Authors: Daly Alan J. , Finnigan Kara S. , Jordan Stuart , Moolenaar Nienke M. , Che Jing
Published: January 2014

In the current accountability policy context, access to and use of research evidence are central to district and school improvement. Our study examines the network of relations between central office administrators and principals using a political lens to consider the ways in which the underlying politics in a district may call into question some of the assumptions around evidence use and change under accountability policy sanctions. Results indicate that relational ties regarding evidence use (data use in this case) are sparse in comparison with other work-related networks. Second, we find a misalignment between what one would expect based on district data use initiatives, formal lines of authority, and communication patterns and the underlying informal social interactions of the leaders around the use of data. We discuss the implications of this research for district improvement and the use of evidence in the current policy context.
Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera)
Authors: Venci Jineane V. , Gandhi Mona A.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To describe the clinical evidence supporting the safety, efficacy, and clinical utility of oral dimethyl fumarate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Data Sources: A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted in July 2013 using the search terms dimethyl fumarate and Tecfidera. Reference lists of abstracted publications were reviewed to identify relevant works that were not retrieved via the electronic search. Additional information was obtained from the FDA Web site, manufacturer prescribing information, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Study Selection and Data Abstraction: Clinical trials and review articles that included the use of dimethyl fumarate in the treatment of MS and were available in English were abstracted for review. Data Synthesis: The safety and efficacy of dimethyl fumarate for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS was confirmed in 2 phase III trials, DEFINE and CONFIRM. Relative to placebo, twice-daily dimethyl fumarate was found to reduce the proportion of patients with relapses at 2 years by 34% to 49% and the annualized relapse rate by 44% to 53%. Although the incidence of serious adverse effects did not differ from that of placebo, intolerable flushing and gastrointestinal adverse effects prompted discontinuation in 3% and 4% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: In March 2013, dimethyl fumarate was approved as a third oral option for patients with relapsing forms of MS. Although no head-to-head trials have been conducted, a comparison of data from phase III trials suggests that the efficacy of dimethyl fumarate is comparable to that of existing oral agents and may offer a preferable safety profile.
Cancer prevention trial of a synergistic mixture of green tea concentrate plus Capsicum (CAPSOL-T) in a random population of subjects ages 40-84
Authors: Hanau Claudia , Morré D James , Morré Dorothy M
Published: January 2014

Background

Experts agree that one of the more promising strategies in cancer management is early detection coupled with early intervention. In this study, we evaluated an early cancer detection strategy of cancer presence based on serum levels of the cancer-specific transcript variants of ENOX2 in serum coupled with an ENOX2-targeted nutraceutical preparation of green tea concentrate plus Capsicum (Capsol-T®) as a strategy of Curative Prevention® involving early detection coupled with early intervention in early stage cancer when in its most susceptible and manageable stages.

Experimental design

One hundred ten (110) subjects were tested for cancer presence using the ONCOblot® Tissue of Origin 2-D gel/western blot protocol for detection of serum presence of transcript variants of the ENOX2 protein. Subjects testing positive for ENOX2 received 350 mg of Capsol-T® in capsule form every 4 h including during the night for periods of at least 3 to 6 months or longer after which they were again tested for ENOX2 presence using the ONCOblot® Tissue of Origin Cancer Test protocol.

Results

Of the 110 subjects, both male and female, ages 40 to 84, with no evidence of clinical symptoms of cancer, 40% were positive for ENOX2 presence in the ONCOblot® Tissue of Origin Cancer Test. After completion of 3 to 17 months of Capsol-T® use, 94% of subjects subsequently tested negative for ENOX2 presence.

Conclusions

Oral Capsol-T® is well tolerated and, for ENOX2 presence in serum in the absence of clinical cancer symptoms, is consistently effective in reducing the serum ENOX2 levels to below detectable limits.
Comparative analysis of apoptotic changes in peripheral immune organs and lungs following experimental infection of piglets with highly pathogenic and classical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Wang Gang , He Yuli , Tu Yabin , Liu Yonggang , Zhou En-Min , Han Zifeng , Jiang Chenggang , Wang Shujie , Shi Wenda , Cai Xuehui
Published: January 2014

Background

Our previous studies have demonstrated that piglets infected with highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) may develop significant thymus atrophy, which related to thymocytes apoptosis. However, apart from that detected in the thymus, there are no reports describing cell apoptosis induced by HP-PRRSV infection. In this study, we analyzed comparatively the pathological changes, cell apoptosis and viral load in peripheral immune organs including tonsil, inguinal lymph nodes (ILNs) and spleen and lungs following experimental infection of piglets with HP-PRRSV HuN4 and classical PRRSV CH-1a.

Findings

HP-PRRSV HuN4 exhibited much stronger cell tropism than CH-1a in immune organs and lungs of piglets. HuN4 infection led to the serious injuries in tonsils, ILNs, spleens and lungs, especially apoptosis in these organs was significant.

Conclusions

HuN4 infection induced severe lesions (gross pathology, histopathology and cell apoptosis) in the peripheral immune organs and lungs of infected piglets. Large numbers of apoptotic cells in immune organs and lung induced by HuN4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of the HP-PRRS and the distinct injuries caused by HuN4 infection may be associated with the high mortality rate of HP-PRRS in pigs.
Computed tomographic and radiographic examination of dental structures in South American camelid specimen of different ages
Authors: Rostami Abdolrazagh , Geissbühler Urs , Schellenberger Frank , Zanolari Patrik
Published: January 2014

Background

Tooth root problems and periodontal diseases are common in South American camelids (SAC). The objective was to evaluate and optimize the imaging technique for dental radiography in SAC and to describe the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) anatomy of normal teeth at different ages. In this study, the heads of 20 healthy SAC slaughtered for meat production or euthanized for reasons not related to dental problems included 7 female and 10 male llamas and 3 male alpacas. Using a standardized protocol, radiographs and CT scans of the 20 specimen were performed.

Results

The most useful radiographic projections for mandibular and maxillary cheek teeth evaluation turned out to be lateral30°ventral - laterodorsal and lateral30°dorsal - lateroventral with slight separation of the dental arcades respectively. Digital radiographic and CT appearance of the mandibular and maxillary teeth were described from the beginning of mineralization till maturity. In addition the normal range of the CT radio density of different cheek teeth and different dental tissues were measured. Hounsfield units of different dental tissues of SAC turned out to be similar to equids.

Deviation, shortening and partial destruction of the distal tooth root of mandibular 09′s and 10′s and of maxillary 09′s was observed and the existence of a common pulp chamber in younger teeth was revealed.

Conclusions

The present study provides information about the dental imaging morphology in clinically healthy SAC. This basic information provides fundamental knowledge for evaluating images and planning treatments in clinically affected animals.
Involvement of both Cervical Lymph Nodes and Retropharyngeal Lymph Nodes has prognostic value for N1 patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Qi , Shen Chunying , Kong Lin , Wang Xiaoshen , Ding Jianhui , Gao Yunsheng , Xu Tingting , Hu Chaosu
Published: January 2014

Background

The N1 definition of 2010 UICC/AJCC staging system for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) covers quite a large range of nodal pattern. The objective of this research is to investigate prognostic value of lymph nodes related factors including involvement of both cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) and retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) or not, size and number of cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) in N1 patients with NPC.

Methods

142 newly diagnosed non-metastatic N1 patients with NPC, staged according to the 2010 AJCC staging system for NPC were retrospectively enrolled. All patients had undergone contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and received radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy as their primary treatment.

Results

The median follow-up was 48 months. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LFS), nodal recurrence-free survival (NFS), local-regional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of the whole group were 82.3%, 83.0%, 81.0%, 82.1%, 75.3% and 89.8%, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients with both CLNs and RLNs involvement showed a significant lower DMFS, PFS and LRFS than the rest patients (p = 0.004 p = 0.003 and p = 0.034, respectively). Neither size nor number of CLNs affected the survival. In multivariate analysis, involvement of both CLNs and RLNs was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS and PFS (p = 0.019, p = 0.019), but there was no enough evidence confirming its prognostic value for LRFS (p = 0.051).

Conclusions

For N1 patients with NPC, involvement of both RLNs and CLNs may be a potentially prognostic factor for distant metastasis and disease progression. The N stage for N1 patients with involvement of both cervical lymph nodes and retropharyngeal lymph nodes might need to be deliberated.
Novel 9-(alkylthio)-Acenaphtho[1,2-e]-1,2,4-triazine derivatives: synthesis, cytotoxic activity and molecular docking studies on B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad K , Firuzi Omidreza , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi , Razzaghi-Asl Nima , Sepehri Saghi , Miri Ramin
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose of the study

Acenaphtho derivatives have been reported as antitumor agents. Due to this fact and also with the aim of developing the chemistry of potentially bioactive heterocyclic compounds via efficient reactions, a facile procedure for the synthesis of 9-(alkylthio)-acenaphtho[1,2-e]-1,2,4-triazines via two step condensation of thiosemicarbazide and acenaphtylene-9,10-quinone to form acenaphtho[1,2-e]-1,2,4-triazine-9(8H)-thiones and subsequent reaction with benzyl chloride derivatives is reported.

Methods

9-(alkylthio) acenaphtho[1,2-e]-1,2,4-triazines were synthesized via the reaction of acenaphtho-9,10-quinone with thiosemicarbazide, and then with the benzyl chloride derivatives. Cytotoxicity of some prepared compounds was assessed through MTT assay on three different human cancerous cell lines (HL-60, MCF7, and MOLT-4 cells). Molecular docking studies were performed via AutoDock4.2 software in order to confirm an apoptosis-inducing activity of acenaphtho scaffolds via the Bcl-2 protein.

Results

Excellent yields of the products, short reaction times and simple work-up are attractive features of this synthetic protocol. The evaluated compounds exhibited moderate to good cytotoxic activities. Docking results on the active site of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) supported the experimental biological data and agreed well with previous in silico data for commonly used anti-cancer drugs. Moreover; results were analyzed considering binding efficiency indices.

Conclusions

The outcomes of the present study may be helpful in future targeting of Bcl-2 with the aim of developing apoptosis-inducing agents.
The cytotoxic activities of 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin on 5637 cells via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G2/M stage
Authors: Haghighi Fereshteh , Matin Maryam M , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Rassouli Fatemeh B , Haghighitalab Azadeh
Published: January 2014

Background

Bladder cancer is the second common malignancy of genitourinary tract, and transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) account for 90% of all bladder cancers. Due to acquired resistance of TCC cells to a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents, there is always a need for search on new compounds for treatment of these cancers. Coumarins represent a group of natural compounds, which some of them have exerted valuable anti-tumor activities. The current study was designed to evaluate anti-tumor properties and mechanism of action of 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin, a prenyloxycoumarin, on 5637 cells (a TCC cell line).

Results

MTT results revealed that the cytotoxic effects of 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin on 5637 cancerous cells were more prominent in comparison to HDF-1 normal cells. This coumarin increased the amount of chromatin condensation and DNA damage in 5637 cells by 58 and 33%, respectively. The results also indicated that it can induce apoptosis most probably via activation of caspase-3 in these cells. Moreover, propidium iodide staining revealed that 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M stage, after 24 h of treatment.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin had selective toxic effects on this bladder cancer cell line and promoted its effects by apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. This coumarin can be considered for further studies to reveal its exact mechanism of action and also its anti-cancer effects in vivo.
Proteomic screening of molecular targets of crocin
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Mehri Soghra , Heshmati Ali , Ramezani Mohammad , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Abnous Khalil
Published: January 2014

Background

Traditional drug discovery approaches are mainly relied on the observed phenotypic changes following administration of a plant extract, drug candidate or natural product. Recently, target-based approaches are becoming more popular. The present study aimed to identify the cellular targets of crocin, the bioactive dietary carotenoid present in saffron, using an affinity-based method.

Methods

Heart, kidney and brain tissues of BALB/c mice were homogenized and extracted for the experiments. Target deconvolution was carried out by first passing cell lysate through an affinity column prepared by covalently attaching crocin to agarose beads. Isolated proteins were separated on a 2D gel, trypsinized in situ and identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. MASCOT search engine was used to analyze Mass Data.

Results

Part of proteome that physically interacts with crocin was found to consist of beta-actin-like protein 2, cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 1, ATP synthase subunit beta, tubulin beta-3 chain, tubulin beta-6 chain, 14-3-3 protein beta/alpha, V-type proton ATPase catalytic subunitA, 60 kDa heat shock protein, creatine kinase b-type, peroxiredoxin-2, cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2, acetyl-coA acetyltransferase, cytochrome c1, proteasome subunit alpha type-6 and proteasome subunit alpha type-4.

Conclusion

The present findings revealed that crocin physically binds to a wide range of cellular proteins such as structural proteins, membrane transporters, and enzymes involved in ATP and redox homeostasis and signal transduction.