bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and interhemispheric connectivity between face-selective regions in the human brain
Authors: Davies-Thompson Jodie , Andrews Timothy J.
Published: September 2012

Neuroimaging studies have revealed a number of regions in the human brain that respond to faces. However, the way these regions interact is a matter of current debate. The aim of this study was to use functional MRI to define face-selective regions in the human brain and then determine how these regions interact in a large population of subjects ( n = 72). We found consistent face selectivity in the core face regions of the occipital and temporal lobes: the fusiform face area (FFA), occipital face area (OFA), and superior temporal sulcus (STS). Face selectivity extended into the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), precuneus (PCu), superior colliculus (SC), amygdala (AMG), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). We found evidence for significant functional connectivity between the core face-selective regions, particularly between the OFA and FFA. However, we found that the covariation in activity between corresponding face regions in different hemispheres (e.g., right and left FFA) was higher than between different face regions in the same hemisphere (e.g., right OFA and right FFA). Although functional connectivity was evident between regions in the core and extended network, there were significant differences in the magnitude of the connectivity between regions. Activity in the OFA and FFA were most correlated with the IPS, PCu, and SC. In contrast, activity in the STS was most correlated with the AMG and IFG. Correlations between the extended regions suggest strong functional connectivity between the IPS, PCu, and SC. In contrast, the IFG was only correlated with the AMG. This study reveals that interhemispheric as well as intrahemispheric connections play an important role in face perception.
Microarray and proteomic analysis of the cardioprotective effects of cold blood cardioplegia in the mature and aged male and female
Authors: Black Kendra M. , Barnett Reanne J. , Bhasin Monoj K. , Daly Christian , Dillon Simon T. , Libermann Towia A. , Levitsky Sidney , McCully James D.
Published: September 2012

Recently we have shown that the cardioprotection afforded by cardioplegia is modulated by age and gender and is significantly decreased in the aged female. In this report we use microarray and proteomic analyses to identify transcriptomic and proteomic alterations affecting cardioprotection using cold blood cardioplegia in the mature and aged male and female heart. Mature and aged male and female New Zealand White rabbits were used for in situ blood perfused cardiopulmonary bypass. Control hearts received 30 min sham ischemia and 120 min sham reperfusion. Global ischemia (GI) hearts received 30 min of GI achieved by cross-clamping of the aorta. Cardioplegia (CP) hearts received cold blood cardioplegia prior to GI. Following 30 min of GI the hearts were reperfused for 120 min and then used for RNA and protein isolation. Microarray and proteomic analyses were performed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative phosphorylation and calcium signaling pathways were significantly enriched in all experimental groups. Glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway were significantly changed in the aged male only ( P < 0.05), while glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism was significant in the aged female only ( P < 0.05). Our data show that specific pathways associated with the mitochondrion modulate cardioprotection with CP in the aged and specifically in the aged female. The alteration of these pathways significantly contributes to decreased myocardial functional recovery and myonecrosis following ischemia and may be modulated to allow for enhanced cardioprotection in the aged and specifically in the aged female.
Leptin receptor interacts with rat chromosome 1 to regulate renal disease traits
Authors: Warden Craig H. , Gularte-Mérida Rodrigo , Fisler Janis S. , Hansen Susan , Shibata Noreene , Le Anh , Medrano Juan F. , Stern Judith S.
Published: September 2012

Linkage mapping in a backcross of {Brown Norway [BN/Crl (BN)] × ZUC- LeprfaSte(ZUC)} × ZUC identified a male-specific quantitative trait locus (QTL) for urinary albumin excretion (UAE) on rat chromosome 1. A homozygous ZUC.BN-( D1Rat42- D1Rat90)/Ste congenic was produced containing BN donor alleles from 135 to 276 Mb from chromosome 1 on the ZUC background. We observed threefold higher urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (ACR) in 15-wk-old Zucker background strain males than in same sex and age congenic animals when both strains are also homozygous for the ZUC leptin receptor fatty mutation ( LeprfaSte) ( P < 0.0001). We then linkage mapped within the donor region without confounded effects from other chromosomes. Phenotypes were collected in 248 F2 male rats in a population made by crossing parents heterozygous for both the BN donor region and ZUC LeprfaSte. Significant interactions were observed between the Lepr genotype and chromosome 1 QTL for six renal traits: urine volume, UAE at 10 and 15 wk, ACR, right kidney weight, and plasma urea nitrogen. A few traits, such as UAE and ACR, exhibit a second peak at the distal end of the chromosome. Hydronephrosis exhibited one or two QTLs contingent on adjustment for body weight. The results now demonstrate at least two sets of coincident traits with different correlations to kidney function.
Congenital Unilateral Hypoplasia of Depressor Anguli Oris
Authors: Ulualp Seckin O. , Deskin Ronald
Published: September 2012

Objectives. Asymmetric facial appearance may originate from abnormalities of facial musculature or facial innervation. We describe clinical features of congenital hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris muscle in a child.Material and Methods. Chart of a 10-month-old female referred to a tertiary care pediatric hospital for assessment of facial paralysis was reviewed. Data included relevant history and physical examination, diagnostic work up, and management.Results. The child presented with asymmetric movement of lower lip since birth. Asymmetry of lower lip was more pronounced when she smiled and cried. Rest of the face movement was symmetric. On examination, the face appeared symmetric at rest. The child had inward deviation of right lower lip when she smiled. Facial nerve function, as determined by frowning/forehead, wrinkling, eye closure, nasolabial fold depth, and tearing, was symmetric. Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal bones and internal auditory canals were within normal limits. Echocardiogram did not show cardiac abnormality. Auditory brainstem response showed no abnormality.Conclusions. Congenital hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris is a rare anomaly that causes asymmetric crying face. Pediatricians and otolaryngologists need to be cognizant of cardiac, head and neck, and central nervous system anomalies associated with congenital unilateral hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris.
Distinct Patterns of Dysregulated Expression of Enzymes Involved in Androgen Synthesis and Metabolism in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Tumors
Authors: Mitsiades Nicholas , Sung Clifford C. , Schultz Nikolaus , Danila Daniel C. , He Bin , Eedunuri Vijay Kumar , Fleisher Martin , Sander Chris , Sawyers Charles L. , Scher Howard I.
Published: September 2012

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling persists in castration-resistant prostate carcinomas (CRPC), because of several mechanisms that include increased AR expression and intratumoral androgen metabolism. We investigated the mechanisms underlying aberrant expression of transcripts involved in androgen metabolism in CRPC. We compared gene expression profiles and DNA copy number alteration (CNA) data from 29 normal prostate tissue samples, 127 primary prostate carcinomas (PCa), and 19 metastatic PCas. Steroidogenic enzyme transcripts were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in PCa cell lines and circulating tumor cells (CTC) from CRPC patients. Metastatic PCas expressed higher transcript levels for AR and several steroidogenic enzymes, including SRD5A1, SRD5A3, and AKR1C3, whereas expression of SRD5A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 was decreased. This aberrant expression was rarely associated with CNAs. Instead, our data suggest distinct patterns of coordinated aberrant enzyme expression. Inhibition of AR activity by itself stimulated AKR1C3 expression. The aberrant expression of the steroidogenic enzyme transcripts was detected in CTCs from CRPC patients. In conclusion, our findings identify substantial interpatient heterogeneity and distinct patterns of dysregulated expression of enzymes involved in intratumoral androgen metabolism in PCa. These steroidogenic enzymes represent targets for complete suppression of systemic and intratumoral androgen levels, an objective that is supported by the clinical efficacy of the CYP17 inhibitor abiraterone. A comprehensive AR axis–targeting approach via simultaneous, frontline enzymatic blockade, and/or transcriptional repression of several steroidogenic enzymes, in combination with GnRH analogs and potent antiandrogens, would represent a powerful future strategy for PCa management. Cancer Res; 72(23); 6142–52. ©2012 AACR.
FoxM1 Inhibition Sensitizes Resistant Glioblastoma Cells to Temozolomide by Downregulating the Expression of DNA-Repair Gene Rad51
Authors: Zhang Nu , Wu Xinjian , Yang Lixuan , Xiao Feizhe , Zhang Heng , Zhou Aidong , Huang Zhengsong , Huang Suyun
Published: September 2012

Purpose: Recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and a poor clinical prognosis. In this study, we investigated the role of the oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1 in GBM cells' resistance to alkylator temozolomide (TMZ) and its potential molecular mechanism.

Experimental Design: FoxM1 expression levels were measured by immunohistochemical analysis in 38 pairs of primary and recurrent GBM tumor samples. Expression levels were also measured in primary recurrent GBM cell lines, and their responses to TMZ were characterized. In a mechanistic study, an siRNA array was used to identify downstream genes, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to confirm transcriptional regulation.

Results: Recurrent tumors that were TMZ resistant expressed higher levels of FoxM1 than did primary tumors. Recurrent GBM cell lines expressed higher levels of FoxM1 and the DNA damage repair gene Rad51 and were resistant to TMZ. TMZ treatment led to increased FoxM1 and Rad51 expression. FoxM1 knockdown inhibited Rad51 expression and sensitized recurrent GBM cells to TMZ cytotoxicity. FoxM1 directly regulated Rad51 expression through 2 FoxM1-specific binding sites in its promoter. Rad51 reexpression partially rescued TMZ resistance in FoxM1-knockdown recurrent GBM cells. A direct correlation between FoxM1 expression and Rad51 expression was evident in recurrent GBM tumor samples.

Conclusion: Targeting the FoxM1-Rad51 axis may be an effective method to reverse TMZ resistance in recurrent GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 18(21); 5961–71. ©2012 AACR.
Overexpression of Ecdysoneless in Pancreatic Cancer and Its Role in Oncogenesis by Regulating Glycolysis
Authors: Dey Parama , Rachagani Satyanarayana , Chakraborty Subhankar , Singh Pankaj K. , Zhao Xiangshan , Gurumurthy Channabasavaiah Basavaraju , Anderson Judy M. , Lele Subodh , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Band Vimla , Batra Surinder K.
Published: September 2012

Purpose: To study the expression and function of a novel cell-cycle regulatory protein, human ecdysoneless (Ecd), during pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical expression profiling of Ecd was done in nonneoplastic normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma lesions (from tissue microarray and Rapid Autopsy program) as well as precancerous PanIN lesions and metastatic organs. To analyze the biological significance of Ecd in pancreatic cancer progression, Ecd was stably knocked down in pancreatic cancer cell line followed by in vitro and in vivo functional assays.

Results: Normal pancreatic ducts showed very weak to no Ecd expression compared to significant positive expression in pancreatic cancer tissues (mean ± SE composite score: 0.3 ± 0.2 and 3.8 ± 0.2 respectively, P < 0.0001) as well as in PanIN precursor lesions with a progressive increase in Ecd expression with increasing dysplasia (PanIN-1–PanIN-3). Analysis of matched primary tumors and metastases from patients with pancreatic cancer revealed that Ecd is highly expressed in both primary pancreatic tumor and in distant metastatic sites. Furthermore, knockdown of Ecd suppressed cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells in mice orthotopic tumors. Microarray study revealed that Ecd regulates expression of glucose transporter GLUT4 in pancreatic cancer cells and was subsequently shown to modulate glucose uptake, lactate production, and ATP generation by pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, knockdown of Ecd also reduced level of pAkt, key signaling molecule known to regulate aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells.

Conclusion: Ecd is a novel tumor-promoting factor that is differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer and potentially regulates glucose metabolism within cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6188–98. ©2012 AACR.
Proliferation in the Normal FTE Is a Hallmark of the Follicular Phase, Not BRCA Mutation Status
Authors: George Sophia H.L. , Milea Anca , Shaw Patricia A.
Published: September 2012

Purpose: Women who have inherited germline mutations of BRCA1/BRCA2 are at increased risk of developing high-grade serous carcinoma, and many of these cancers arise in the distal fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. We have previously shown that the fallopian tube epithelia of BRCA1 mutation carriers (FTE-BRCA) have altered signaling pathways compared to nonmutation carriers. In this study, we sought to determine whether these differences result in a proliferative advantage to the epithelia in this high-risk patient population and to investigate whether the postovulation environment of the FTE-BRCA compared to FTE from nonmutation carriers experiences a differential abundance of immune cells.

Method: Immunohistochemistry for Ki67, CD3, CD8, CD20, and CD68 was performed on histologically normal tubal epithelium (ampulla, n = 83), fimbria (n = 18) with known ovarian cycle status and germline mutation status and for Ki67 on fimbrial epithelium from women (n = 144) with and without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STIC) with concomitant cancer (n = 15) were also analyzed for presence of immune infiltrates. All slides were digitized and analyzed using automated image analysis software.

Results: There was no significant difference in the proliferative index in histologically normal FTE between BRCA1/BRCA2 and non-BRCA, in 144 fimbriae and 83 ampullae. The FTE-BRCA1 epithelia did not exhibit a differential presence of lymphocytes or macrophages, however more macrophages were present in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase epithelia. In STICs macrophages were more abundant than lymphocytes with an incremental increase noted with disease progression.

Conclusions: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers exhibited no significant increase in proliferation in the fallopian tube epithelial cells either in the ampulla or fimbriated ends of the tube. Rather, a significant proliferative increase was defined in the cases determined to be in the follicular, or proliferative, preovulatory phase of the ovarian cycle. Finally, we also show an incremental increase in leukocytes invading the STICs and HGSC, implicating a possible role of the leukocytes early in the progression or inhibition of tumor formation, which is independent of ovarian cycle status. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6199–207. ©2012 AACR.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Stem Cell Markers in Patients with HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Giordano Antonio , Gao Hui , Anfossi Simone , Cohen Evan , Mego Michal , Lee Bang-Ning , Tin Sanda , De Laurentiis Michele , Parker Charla A. , Alvarez Ricardo H. , Valero Vicente , Ueno Naoto T. , De Placido Sabino , Mani Sendurai A. , Esteva Francisco J. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Reuben James M.
Published: September 2012

Currently, there is extensive information about circulating tumor cells (CTC) and their prognostic value; however, little is known about other characteristics of these cells. In this prospective study, we assessed the gene transcripts of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition—inducing transcription factors (EMT-TF) and cancer stem cell (CSC) features in patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Epithelial cells were enriched from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using antibody-coated anti-CD326 antibody (CD326+) magnetic beads, and the residual CD326− PBMCs were further depleted of leukocytes using anti-CD45 antibody-coated magnetic beads (CD326−CD45−). RNA was extracted from all cell fractions, reverse transcribed to cDNA, and subjected to quantitative reverse transcription PCR to detect EMT-TFs (TWIST1, SNAIL1, ZEB1, and TG2) as a measure of CTCs undergoing EMT (EMT-CTCs). In addition, PBMCs were analyzed using multiparameter flow cytometry for ALDH activity and CSCs that express CD24, CD44, and CD133. Twenty-eight patients were included in this study. At least one EMT-TF mRNA was elevated in the CTCs of 88.2% of patients and in the CD326−CD45− cell fraction of 60.7% of patients. The CD326−CD45− fraction of patients with elevated SNAIL1 and ZEB1 transcripts also had a higher percentage of ALDH+/CD133+ cells in their blood than did patients with normal SNAIL1 and ZEB1 expression (P = 0.038). Our data indicate that patients with HER2+ MBCs have EMT-CTCs. Moreover, an enrichment of CSCs was found in CD326−CD45− cells. Additional studies are needed to determine whether EMT-CTCs and CSCs have prognostic value in patients with HER2+ MBCs treated with trastuzumab-based therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(11); 2526–34. ©2012 AACR.
F-Box and Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein 22 Is a Cardiac-Enriched F-Box Protein That Regulates Sarcomeric Protein Turnover and Is Essential for Maintenance of Contractile Function In Vivo
Authors: Spaich Sebastian , Will Rainer D. , Just Steffen , Spaich Saskia , Kuhn Christian , Frank Derk , Berger Ina M. , Wiemann Stefan , Korn Bernhard , Koegl Manfred , Backs Johannes , Katus Hugo A. , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Frey Norbert
Published: September 2012

Rationale:

The emerging role of the ubiquitin–proteasome system in cardiomyocyte function and homeostasis implies the necessity of tight regulation of protein degradation. However, little is known about cardiac components of this machinery.

Objective:

We sought to determine whether molecules exist that control turnover of cardiac-specific proteins.

Methods and Results:

Using a bioinformatic approach to identify novel cardiac-enriched sarcomere proteins, we identified F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 22 (Fbxl22). Tissue-specific expression was confirmed by multiple tissue Northern and Western Blot analyses as well as quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on a human cDNA library. Immunocolocalization experiments in neonatal and adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes as well as murine heart tissue located Fbxl22 to the sarcomeric z-disc. To detect cardiac protein interaction partners, we performed a yeast 2-hybrid screen using Fbxl22 as bait. Coimmunoprecipitation confirmed the identified interactions of Fbxl22 with S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 and Cullin1, 2 critical components of SCF (Skp1/Cul1/F-box) E3- ligases. Moreover, we identified several potential substrates, including the z-disc proteins α-actinin and filamin C. Consistently, in vitro overexpression of Fbxl22-mediated degradation of both substrates in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas proteasome inhibition with MG-132 markedly attenuated degradation of both α-actinin and filamin C. Finally, targeted knockdown of Fbxl22 in rat cardiomyocytes as well as zebrafish embryos results in the accumulation of α-actinin associated with severely impaired contractile function and cardiomyopathy in vivo.

Conclusions:

These findings reveal the previously uncharacterized cardiac-specific F-box protein Fbxl22 as a component of a novel cardiac E3 ligase. Fbxl22 promotes the proteasome-dependent degradation of key sarcomeric proteins, such as α-actinin and filamin C, and is essential for maintenance of normal contractile function in vivo.
Multiple Reaction Monitoring to Identify Site-Specific Troponin I Phosphorylated Residues in the Failing Human Heart
Authors: Zhang Pingbo , Kirk Jonathan A. , Ji Weihua , dos Remedios Cristobal G. , Kass David A. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Murphy Anne M.
Published: September 2012

Background—

Human cardiac troponin I is known to be phosphorylated at multiple amino acid residues by several kinases. Advances in mass spectrometry allow sensitive detection of known and novel phosphorylation sites and measurement of the level of phosphorylation simultaneously at each site in myocardial samples.

Methods and Results—

On the basis of in silico prediction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry data, 14 phosphorylation sites on cardiac troponin I, including 6 novel residues (S4, S5, Y25, T50, T180, S198), were assessed in explanted hearts from end-stage heart failure transplantation patients with ischemic heart disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and compared with samples obtained from nonfailing donor hearts (n=10 per group). Thirty mass spectrometry–based multiple reaction monitoring quantitative tryptic peptide assays were developed for each phosphorylatable and corresponding nonphosphorylated site. The results show that in heart failure there is a decrease in the extent of phosphorylation of the known protein kinase A sites (S22, S23) and other newly discovered phosphorylation sites located in the N-terminal extension of cardiac troponin I (S4, S5, Y25), an increase in phosphorylation of the protein kinase C sites (S41, S43, T142), and an increase in phosphorylation of the IT-arm domain residues (S76, T77) and C-terminal domain novel phosphorylation sites of cardiac troponin I (S165, T180, S198). In a canine dyssynchronous heart failure model, enhanced phosphorylation at 3 novel sites was found to decline toward control after resynchronization therapy.

Conclusions—

Selective, functionally significant phosphorylation alterations occurred on individual residues of cardiac troponin I in heart failure, likely reflecting an imbalance in kinase/phosphatase activity. Such changes can be reversed by cardiac resynchronization.
Appeasing Equals
Authors: Fragale Alison R. , Sumanth John J. , Tiedens Larissa Z. , Northcraft Gregory B.
Published: September 2012

Using archival data on a year of e-mail exchanges at a division of Enron (Study 1) and a field study of management professionals (Study 2), we explore how the relative hierarchical rank of a message sender and a message recipient affects expressions of verbal deference in organizational e-mail communication. Verbal deference refers to linguistic markers that convey a willingness to yield to another’s preferences or opinions as a sign of respect or reverence. Although prior research has focused on upward deference in an organizational hierarchy, from lower-ranked senders to higher-ranked recipients, we predict and find that the greatest amount of deference is expressed laterally, between peers of equal or similar rank. Further, lateral deference is most frequently displayed by those individuals most concerned with preserving their status and rank, confirming that lateral deference may be used as a status-saving strategy designed to protect individuals from status loss associated with “overstepping one’s place.”
Charter Schools, Equity, and Student Enrollments
Authors: Ertas Nevbahar , Roch Christine H.
Published: September 2012

For-profit educational management organizations (EMOs) are a growing phenomenon in public education, and they are an integral part of charter school reform in many states. Research suggests that charter schools operated by for-profit entities may take a more entrepreneurial approach when expanding their operations and thus may be more inclined to serve less disadvantaged and less costly students. In this article, we examine empirically whether charter schools are less likely to serve disadvantaged students by comparing the distribution of students across traditional public schools, nonprofit charter schools, and those managed by private companies. We base our analysis on data from the National Center of Education Statistics’ (NCES) Common Core Data (CCD), and we combine this data with information on the types of management organizations operating charter schools. Our results suggest that charter schools managed by EMOs draw students differently to their schools than those charter schools not managed by EMOs. They seem to seek out more Black students but are also focused on selecting fewer poor students than we see among regular public schools. When examining differences in the size of EMOs, we find that these effects appear most likely to occur among schools operated by large-sized EMOs.
Having been bullied in childhood: Relationship to aggressive behaviour in adulthood
Authors: Sansone Randy A , Leung Justin S , Wiederman Michael W
Published: September 2012

Aims:

Victimization through being bullied in childhood is traditionally associated with subsequent internalizing symptoms, but some literature suggests otherwise. In this study, we examined a history of being bullied in relationship to 21 externalized aggressive behaviours in adulthood.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional approach and a self-report survey methodology, we examined a history of being bullied in childhood in relation to 21 aggression variables in a consecutive sample of 342 internal medicine outpatients.

Results:

In comparison with the not bullied, participants who reported having been bullied in childhood had a statistically significantly greater overall number of self-reported aggressive behaviours. Longer duration of being bullied was statistically significantly correlated with a greater number of reported aggressive behaviours. With regard to individual behaviours, four were statistically significantly associated with being bullied: hitting walls; intentionally breaking things; getting into fist fights; and pushing/shoving a partner.

Conclusions:

While relationships between bullying in childhood and subsequent internalizing symptoms have been well established, the present study indicates that bullying in childhood is also associated with externalizing/aggressive behaviours in adulthood.
Developing an international social work education collaboration: A partnership approach between Monash University, Australia and University of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Brydon Kerry , Kamasua John , Flynn Catherine , Mason Robyn , Au Rosa , Ayius Dora , Hampson Ralph
Published: September 2012

In late 2009 staff from the Department of Social Work at Monash University in Australia responded to a call for expression of interest in becoming volunteers in a program sponsored by the Australian Group of Eight Universities that sought to strengthen teaching and curriculum development activities with the University of Papua New Guinea. The presenting request was for volunteers to conduct short teaching stints in Papua New Guinea. The discussion that follows considers some of the issues, challenges and opportunities involved in forging this international collaboration in social work education.
Racial Harassment in Social Housing in a Multi-ethnic City: The Case for Moving beyond Acting against Individual Perpetrators of Racial Harassment
Authors: Netto Gina , Abazie Humphrey
Published: September 2012

Progress in dealing with racial harassment and violence, including among social landlords, has been limited. Situating racial harassment within the current context of hate crime, this paper synthesises insights from studies into community cohesion, the sociology of racist victimisation and criminology research, and extensive qualitative research carried out in Glasgow. Issues examined include: the relationship between fear of racial harassment and locational choices; varying perceptions of the significance of racial harassment between housing organisations and ethnic minority individuals; the role of allocation policies; risk assessment and coping strategies; and the relationship between racial harassment and a wider culture of violence. It is argued that while there is scope for more effective implementation of existing policies, the deep-seated nature of the problem demands a shift in emphasis from an events-oriented approach which targets individual perpetrators towards longer-term community-based interventions.
Plan vs Project Dilemma Revisited: A Progress Review of Urban and Regional Studies Literature
Authors: Banai Reza
Published: September 2012

The plan vs project dilemma is a starting discussion point in classic urban and regional studies in which key planning ideas originate from plans, projects, or both. Urban and regional studies are characterised by paradigms that pose or reconcile the plan vs dilemma, a durable dualism which is at the kernel of planning knowledge and action. The paradigm shift from plan to project provides an impetus to reconsider the dualistic relation between plan and project in a progress review of planning literature from the classics to a flurry of recent empirical studies of major projects and ‘strategic’ spatial plans. The paper concludes with urban and regional studies that point towards expansive concepts that carefully regard the wider sectoral, spatial, institutional and environmental contexts of projects in an integrated development framework that parallels strategic spatial and comprehensive plans.
Urban Inequality and Political Recruitment
Authors: Strömblad Per , Myrberg Gunnar
Published: September 2012

This paper provides evidence of segregation-generated differences in political recruitment. Focusing on social-geographical differentiation in the urban landscape, it evaluates—in prior work largely neglected—contextual effects on requests for political participation. Consistent with previous research, the analyses suggest that political activists, who try to convince others to participate, systematically use a set of selection criteria when deciding whom to approach. However, using data based on a sample of inhabitants of Swedish cities and properties of their neighbourhoods, evidence is also presented for aggregate-level social exclusion influences on individual-level recruitment efforts. Consistent with the theoretical framework presented, the results indicate that the contextual effect stems both from the disproportional population composition in residential areas and from recruiters’ rational avoidance of areas marked by high levels of social exclusion. The net result, it is concluded, is a reinforcement of urban inequalities when it comes to the chances to be invited to political life.
Augmenting Visual Analysis in Single-Case Research With Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Authors: Davis Dawn H. , Gagné Phill , Fredrick Laura D. , Alberto Paul A. , Waugh Rebecca E. , Haardörfer Regine
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) can be used to enhance visual analysis of single-case research (SCR) designs. First, the authors demonstrated the use of growth modeling via HLM to augment visual analysis of a sophisticated single-case study. Data were used from a delayed multiple baseline design, across groups of participants, with an embedded changing criterion design in a single-case literacy project for students with moderate intellectual disabilities (MoID). Visual analysis revealed a functional relation between instruction and sight-word acquisition for all students. Growth HLM quantified relations at the group level and revealed additional information that included statistically significant variability among students at initial-baseline probe and also among growth trajectories within treatment subphases. Growth HLM showed that receptive vocabulary was a significant predictor of initial knowledge of sight words, and print knowledge significantly predicted growth rates in both treatment subphases. Next, to show the benefits of combining these methodologies to examine a different behavioral topography within a more commonly used SCR design, the authors used repeated-measures HLM and visual analysis to examine simulated data within an ABAB design. Visual analysis revealed a functional relation between a hypothetical intervention (e.g., token reinforcement) and a hypothetical dependent variable (e.g., performance of a target response). HLM supported the existence of a functional relation through tests of statistical significance and detected significant variance among participants’ response to the intervention that would be impossible to identify visually. This study highlights the relevance of these procedures to the identification of evidence-based interventions.
Perioperative Oral Administration of Cystine and Theanine Enhances Recovery After Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Miyachi Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Takashi , Oyama Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Abe Naomi , Sato Atsuko , Chiba Yasumasa , Kurihara Shigekazu , Shibakusa Tetsuro , Mikami Takashi
Published: September 2012

Background: It has been reported that cystine and theanine, amino acids related to glutathione synthesis, have immunomodulatory effects, such as suppressing inflammation after strenuous exercise. In this study, we examined the effects of oral administration of cystine and theanine during the perioperative period as a pilot study. Methods: Forty‐three cases of distal gastrectomy for cancer conducted in our department were assigned to the cystine and theanine group (CT group) or to the placebo control group (P group), and a randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study was then performed. Cystine (700 mg) and theanine (280 mg) or a placebo was administered to participants for 10 continuous days (4 days before to 5 days after surgery). Changes in pre‐ and postoperative interleukin (IL)–6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), albumin, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, total lymphocyte count, resting energy expenditure (REE), and body temperature were compared and examined. Results: Ten patients were excluded, leaving 33 patients in the study. The CT group had significantly lower IL‐6 values (postoperative day [POD] 4), CRP levels (POD 7), neutrophil counts (POD 4), and body temperatures (POD 5) than the P group (P < .05). In addition, REE in the P group peaked on day 1 (1.14 ± 0.16 [pre‐ and postoperative ratio]), whereas the CT group did not show any increase on POD 1 (0.99 ± 0.21, P < .05 vs P group). Conclusions: This study suggests that oral administration of cystine and theanine during the perioperative period may alleviate postgastrectomy inflammation and promote recovery after surgery.
Validation of the Modified Brief Fatigue Inventory in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Aynehchi Behrad B. , Obourn Chelsea , Sundaram Krishnamurthi , Bentsianov Boris L. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: September 2012

Objective

The aim of this study is to validate the Modified Brief Fatigue Inventory (MBFI). This is the first instrument designed to measure intensity and frequency of fatigue specifically in head and neck cancer patients, potentially allowing objective measurement in addressing this common symptom in a concise yet thorough fashion.

Study Design

Survey validation.

Setting

Academic tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

The 9‐item MBFI was administered to 52 consecutive cancer patients and 57 consecutive controls. Demographics, comorbidities, cancer site, and cancer stage were recorded. Psychometric properties and predictors of the MBFI were analyzed.

Results

The MBFI 1‐week test‐retest reliability was excellent (r = 0.800, P <. 001). Internal consistency was also excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.938). Construct validity of the MBFI compared with the previously validated Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory–Short Form was excellent (r = 0.814, P <. 001). Discriminant validity of cancer patients vs controls was significant (P =. 027). Predictors of increased MBFI score included American Society of Anesthesiologists (comorbidity) score (bivariate analysis, r = 0.287, P =. 039), cancer stage (analysis of variance, P =. 007), and adjuvant radiotherapy (t test, P =. 016). Cancer stage and comorbidity were further correlated with a multiple regression linear model. No significant relationship was found with age, sex, marital status, education, ethnicity, feeding tube, tracheostomy, or laryngectomy.

Conclusion

The MBFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fatigue levels in head and neck cancer patients. In the context of initial assessment or posttreatment trending, this brief survey can be rapidly administered, providing valuable objective data on a very common and potentially debilitating symptom.
The use and impacts of bank support on UK small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Han Liang , Benson Alan , Chen Jean Jinghan , Zhang Song
Published: September 2012

This article examines an under-investigated area in relationship banking, i.e. the use of bank advice and support and its impacts on the financial conditions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings indicate that the characteristics of businesses and entrepreneurs, among other factors, have determinant effects on the use of bank support by SMEs when they make financial decisions. SMEs can alleviate the severity of their financial problems significantly by using bank support more fully, through developing long-term relationships with banks as primary network partners. The article further recognises the value of advice from banks as a substitute for entrepreneurial human capital, especially when bankers use private information to determine the nature and level of financial and non-financial assistance that they are prepared to supply to their clients.
Pig towers and in vitro meat: Disclosing moral worlds by design
Authors: Driessen Clemens , Korthals Michiel
Published: September 2012

Technology development is often considered to obfuscate democratic decision-making and is met with ethical suspicion. However, new technologies also can open up issues for societal debate and generate fresh moral engagements. This paper discusses two technological projects: schemes for pig farming in high-rise agro-production parks that came to be known as ‘pig towers’, and efforts to develop techniques for producing meat without animals by using stem cells, labelled ‘in vitro meat’. Even before fully entering our world as actually realized systems or commercially viable products, these technologies disclosed societal concerns over animal agriculture. These concerns were expressed through active public responses and were informed by formal methods of assessment, such as applied ethics and lifecycle analysis. By closely examining how features of these designs entered public debates and ethical thought, we trace the moral world-disclosing character of technological projects. We find that these proposals generate occasions for debate and gather new societal actors to form new coalitions or rifts. Both technologies gave rise to particular understandings of societal issues. As the central means through which problems were discussed changed, new types of arguments were considered relevant and ontological shifts could even be seen to occur with what was considered ‘real meat’ and the ‘true nature’ of animal farming. We argue that world disclosing involves a renewed sense of the character of political and moral agency, whereby the sensibilities that constitute a moral subject are redefined. Finally, we explore the inner tensions and ambiguities of this process of moral and political change by confronting the notions of ‘world disclosure’ developed by Dewey and Heidegger, thereby connecting to recent debates within both STS and political theory on how to understand political processes in a technological culture.
Ballistic performance of hybrid and non-hybrid composite plates
Authors: Sevkat Ercan , Liaw Benjamin , Delale Feridun
Published: September 2012

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to understand ballistic behavior of plain-weave hybrid and non-hybrid composites. The effect of hybridization on ballistic limit ( V50) was investigated. The hybrid S2 glass-IM7 graphite fibers/toughened SC-79 resin, non-hybrid S2 glass-fiber/toughened SC-79 resin, and non-hybrid IM7 graphite fibers/toughened SC-79 resin composites plates were impacted at various velocities. The three-dimensional dynamic nonlinear finite element code, LS-DYNA, modified with a proposed user-defined nonlinear-orthotropic damage model, was adopted to simulate the experimental results. The combined results obtained from experiments and finite element simulations were then used for determining V 50 for each lay-up configuration. Good agreement between experimental and FE results was found from the comparison of dynamic strain and damage patterns. The hybridization found to be very effective on ballistic limit velocities of woven composites.
Interventions Designed to Prevent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Gagnier Joel J. , Morgenstern Hal , Chess Laura
Published: September 2012

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common, result in significant morbidity, and are expensive to repair surgically and to rehabilitate. Several randomized and observational studies have tested neuromuscular interventions as preventive measures for these injuries.

Purpose:

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all known comparative studies for estimating and testing the effect of neuromuscular and educational interventions on the incidence of ACL injuries in adolescents and adults, both male and female.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

Several databases were used to identify eligible studies through July 4, 2011: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Health Technology Assessment. Eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias, and meta-analyses were performed on the estimated intervention effect (log incidence rate ratio) using inverse-variance weighting, subgroup analysis, and random-effects meta-regression to estimate the overall (pooled) effect and explore heterogeneity of effect across studies (measured by I2 and tested with the Q statistic).

Results:

Eight cohort (observational) studies and 6 randomized trials were included, involving a total of approximately 27,000 participants. The random-effects meta-analysis yielded a pooled rate-ratio estimate of 0.485 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.299-0.788; P = .003), indicating a lower ACL rate in the intervention groups, but there was appreciable heterogeneity of the estimated effect across studies ( I2 = 64%; P = .001). In the meta-regressions, the estimated effect was stronger for studies that were not randomized, performed in the United States, conducted in soccer players, had a longer duration of follow-up (more than 1 season), and had more hours of training per week in the intervention group, better compliance, and no dropouts. Nevertheless, residual heterogeneity was still observed within subgroups of those variables ( I2 > 50%; P < .10).

Conclusion:

The authors found that various types of neuromuscular and educational interventions appear to reduce the incidence rate of ACL injuries by approximately 50%, but the estimated effect varied appreciably among studies and was not able to explain most of that variability.

Clinical Relevance:

Neuromuscular and educational interventions appear to reduce the incidence rate of ACL injuries by approximately 50%.
Comparative Effectiveness of Injection Therapies in Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Krogh Thøger Persson , Bartels Else Marie , Ellingsen Torkell , Stengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Buchbinder Rachelle , Fredberg Ulrich , Bliddal Henning , Christensen Robin
Published: September 2012

Background:

Injection therapy with glucocorticoids has been used since the 1950s as a treatment strategy for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Lately, several novel injection therapies have become available.

Purpose:

To assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of injection therapies in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials comparing different injection therapies for lateral epicondylitis were included provided they contained data for change in pain intensity (primary outcome). Trials were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Network (random effects) meta-analysis was applied to combine direct and indirect evidence within and across trial data using the final end point reported in the trials, and results for the arm-based network analyses are reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs).

Results:

Seventeen trials (1381 participants; 3 [18%] at low risk of bias) assessing injection with 8 different treatments—glucocorticoid (10 trials), botulinum toxin (4 trials), autologous blood (3 trials), platelet-rich plasma (2 trials), and polidocanol, glycosaminoglycan, prolotherapy, and hyaluronic acid (1 trial each)—were included. Pooled results (SMD [95% confidence interval]) showed that beyond 8 weeks, glucocorticoid injection was no more effective than placebo (−0.04 [−0.45 to 0.35]), but only 1 trial (which did not include a placebo arm) was at low risk of bias. Although botulinum toxin showed marginal benefit (−0.50 [−0.91 to −0.08]), it caused temporary paresis of finger extension, and all trials were at high risk of bias. Both autologous blood (−1.43 [−2.15 to −0.71]) and platelet-rich plasma (−1.13 [−1.77 to −0.49]) were also statistically superior to placebo, but only 1 trial was at low risk of bias. Prolotherapy (−2.71 [−4.60 to −0.82]) and hyaluronic acid (−5.58 [−6.35 to −4.82]) were both more efficacious than placebo, whereas polidocanol (0.39 [−0.42 to 1.20]) and glycosaminoglycan (−0.32 [−1.02 to 0.38]) showed no effect compared with placebo. The criteria for low risk of bias were only met by the prolotherapy and polidocanol trials.

Conclusion:

This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found a paucity of evidence from unbiased trials on which to base treatment recommendations regarding injection therapies for lateral epicondylitis.