bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial miRNAs as Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Mascaux Celine , Feser William J. , Lewis Marina T. , Barón Anna E. , Coldren Christopher D. , Merrick Daniel T. , Kennedy Timothy C. , Eckelberger John I. , Rozeboom Leslie M. , Franklin Wilbur A. , Minna John D. , Bunn Paul A. , Miller York E. , Keith Robert L. , Hirsch Fred R.
Published: December 2012

Lung cancers express lower levels of prostacyclin than normal lung tissues. Prostacyclin prevents lung cancer in a variety of mouse models. A randomized phase II trial comparing oral iloprost (a prostacyclin analog) with placebo in high-risk subjects showed improvement in bronchial histology in former, but not current, smokers. This placebo-controlled study offered the opportunity for investigation of other potential intermediate endpoint and predictive biomarkers to incorporate into chemoprevention trials.

Matched bronchial biopsies were obtained at baseline and at 6-month follow-up from 125 high-risk individuals who completed the trial: 31/29 and 37/28 current/former smokers in the iloprost and placebo arm, respectively. We analyzed the expression of 14 selected miRNAs by Real Time PCR in 496 biopsies.

The expression of seven miRNAs was significantly correlated with histology at baseline. The expression of miR-34c was inversely correlated with histology at baseline (P < 0.0001) and with change in histology at follow-up (P = 0.0003), independent of treatment or smoking status. Several miRNAs were also found to be differentially expressed in current smokers as compared with former smokers. In current smokers, miR-375 was upregulated at baseline (P < 0.0001) and downregulated after treatment with iloprost (P = 0.0023). No miRNA at baseline reliably predicted a response to iloprost.

No biomarker predictive of response to iloprost was found. MiR-34c was inversely correlated with baseline histology and with histology changes. Mir-34c changes at follow-up could be used as a quantitative biomarker that parallels histologic response in formalin-fixed bronchial biopsies in future lung cancer chemoprevention studies. Cancer Prev Res; 6(2); 100–8. ©2012 AACR.
Antagonism of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins Increases Bone Metastasis via Unexpected Osteoclast Activation
Authors: Yang Chang , Davis Jennifer L. , Zeng Rong , Vora Paras , Su Xinming , Collins Lynne I. , Vangveravong Suwanna , Mach Robert H. , Piwnica-Worms David , Weilbaecher Katherine N. , Faccio Roberta , Veis Novack Deborah
Published: December 2012

Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins play a central role in many types of cancer, and IAP antagonists are in development as anticancer agents. IAP antagonists cause apoptosis in many cells, but they also activate alternative NF-κB signaling through NF-κB–inducing kinase (NIK), which regulates osteoclasts. In bone metastasis, a positive feedback loop between tumors and osteoclasts promotes tumor growth and osteolysis. We therefore tested the effect of IAP antagonists on the bone microenvironment for metastasis. In both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tumors, growth in bone was favored, as compared with other sites during IAP antagonist treatment. These drugs also caused osteoporosis and increased osteoclastogenesis, mediated by NIK, and enhanced tumor-associated osteolysis. Cotreatment with zoledronic acid, a potent osteoclast inhibitor, reduced IAP antagonist–enhanced tumor growth in bone and osteolysis. Thus, IAP antagonist–based cancer treatment may be compromised by osteoporosis and enhanced skeletal metastasis, which may be prevented by antiresorptive agents.

Significance: Although IAP antagonists are a class of anticancer agents with proven efficacy in multiple cancers, we show that these agents can paradoxically increase tumor growth and metastasis in the bone by stabilizing NIK and activating the alternative NF-κB pathway in osteoclasts. Future clinical trials of IAP antagonist–based therapy may require detailed examination of this potential for enhanced bone metastasis and osteoporosis, as well as possible combination with antiresorptive agents. Cancer Discov; 3(2); 212–23. ©2012 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 125
Biallelic Deleterious BRCA1 Mutations in a Woman with Early-Onset Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Domchek Susan M. , Tang Jiangbo , Stopfer Jill , Lilli Dana R. , Hamel Nancy , Tischkowitz Marc , Monteiro Alvaro N.A. , Messick Troy E. , Powers Jacquelyn , Yonker Alexandria , Couch Fergus J. , Goldgar David E. , Davidson H. Rosemarie , Nathanson Katherine L. , Foulkes William D. , Greenberg Roger A.
Published: December 2012

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most important breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes. Biallelic mutations in BRCA2 can lead to Fanconi anemia and predisposition to cancers, whereas biallelic BRCA1 mutations have not been confirmed, presumably because one wild-type BRCA1 allele is required during embryogenesis. This study describes an individual who was diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma at age 28 and found to have one allele with a deleterious mutation in BRCA1, c.2457delC (p.Asp821Ilefs*25), and a second allele with a variant of unknown significance in BRCA1, c.5207T>C (p.Val1736Ala). Medical records revealed short stature, microcephaly, developmental delay, and significant toxicity from chemotherapy. BRCA1 p.Val1736Ala cosegregated with cancer in multiple families, associated tumors showed loss of wild-type BRCA1, and BRCA1 p.Val1736Ala showed reduced DNA damage localization. These findings represent the first validated example of biallelic deleterious human BRCA1 mutations and have implications for the interpretation of genetic test results.

Significance: Accurate assessment of genetic testing data for BRCA1 mutations is essential for clinical monitoring and treatment strategies. Here, we report the first validated example of an individual with biallelic BRCA1 mutations, early-onset ovarian cancer, and clinically significant hypersensitivity to chemotherapy. Cancer Discov; 3(4); 399–405. ©2012 AACR.

See related commentary by D'Andrea, p. 376

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 363
External Validation of the Updated Nomogram Predicting Lymph Node Invasion in Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Gacci Mauro , Schiavina Riccardo , Lanciotti Michele , Masieri Lorenzo , Serni Sergio , Vagnoni Valerio , Abdollah Firas , Carini Marco , Martorana Giuseppe , Montorsi Francesco
Published: December 2012

Introduction: The aim of our study was to determine the validity of the updated nomogram [Briganti et al.: Eur Urol 2012;61:480-487] as a prediction tool for pelvic lymph node invasion (LNI) in the current era by using a large multicentric population of men who underwent extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) at the time of radical prostatectomy (RP) at tertiary referral centers. Patients and Methods: Between 2000 and 2011, 896 consecutive patients underwent RP and ePLND at two tertiary referral centers for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models predicting the presence of LNI at ePLND were built in. Covariates consisted of preoperative PSA, clinical stage, primary and secondary biopsy Gleason grade with or without percentage of positive cores. Patients' data were entered into a logistic model formula derived from the original publication of Briganti. The nomogram was assessed by comparing its predicted probability of LNI with the actual presence of LNI. The area under the curve was used to quantify its predictive accuracy. Results: Mean preoperative PSA, clinical and pathological stage, primary and secondary biopsy and pathological Gleason grade, such as mean number of total cores, positive cores and percentage of positive cores differed significantly between LNI-positive and LNI-negative patients (all p < 0.001 except for number of total cores, p = 0.019). The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 14.8, and LNI was found in 101 patients (11.8%). In the univariate analysis the percentage of positive cores was the most accurate predictor of LNI (72%), followed by PSA (69%), primary biopsy Gleason grade (64%), clinical stage (60%), and secondary biopsy Gleason grade (59%). The predictions of the nomogram were virtually perfect when the predicted probability was ≤20%. We tested the performance characteristics of various Briganti nomogram-derived cut-offs (1-14%) for discriminating between patients with and without LNI. In our population, 41.6% of patients were classified below the 5% cut-off proposed in the original Briganti et al. report. In the multivariate analysis these variables remained statistically significant predictors for the presence of lymph node metastases. The predictive accuracy of the full model reached 79%. Conclusions: The updated nomogram predicting LNI in patients with PCa undergoing ePLND has been externally validated, demonstrating excellent accuracy and calibration characteristics and a general applicability for predicting the presence of LNI.
Distribution and Abundance of White-Fronted Spider Monkeys, Ateles belzebuth (Atelidae), and Threats to Their Survival in Peruvian Amazonia
Authors: Aquino Rolando , Cornejo Fanny M. , Pezo Etersit , Heymann Eckhard W.
Published: December 2012

The white-fronted spider monkey, Ateles belzebuth, is listed as ‘Endangered’ according to the IUCN classification. In Peru it is found in the departments of Loreto, San Martín, Amazonas and Cajamarca, but detailed data on its geographic distribution, population densities and conservation status are scarce. In order to obtain such information, we conducted transect censuses on the Río Aushiri and Río San Antonio (right bank of Río Napo), and between the Río Curaray and the Río Arabela and Río Nashiño, respectively, and made additional explorations on the northern and southern banks of the Río Marañón. We obtained 48 sightings along 761 km of census transect. Group size and population densities were lower in an area with high hunting pressure compared to areas with medium or low hunting pressure. Besides hunting, increasing deforestation is a major threat to the survival of A. belzebuth in Peruvian Amazonia.
Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Agents, Etanercept and Adalimumab, in Elderly Patients Affected by Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: An Observational Long-Term Study
Authors: Esposito Maria , Giunta Alessandro , Mazzotta Annamaria , Zangrilli Arianna , Babino Graziella , Bavetta Mauro , Perricone Roberto , Chimenti Sergio , Chimenti Maria Sole
Published: December 2012

Background: In elderly patients the management of psoriasis is challenging due to contraindications and a higher risk of side effects. Objective: Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of subcutaneous anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in elderly psoriatic patients. Methods: The study included 89 patients (aged ≥65 years) with plaque-type psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treated with the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α agents etanercept or adalimumab as monotherapy for a long-term continuous period. Results: Efficacy results were consistent and stable over long-term observation, as expressed by mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score variation, percentage of patients achieving PASI50 and PASI75 and by the improvement of articular indices, pain visual analogue scale (Pain-VAS) and 44-Joint Disease Activity Score (DAS44-ESR). The proportion of patients achieving PASI50 was 91.80 and 82.14% at week 156 with etanercept and adalimumab treatment, respectively, while the proportion of patients achieving PASI75 was 83.61 and 71.43% at week 156 when treated with etanercept and adalimumab, respectively. The mean DAS44-ESR score decreased from 5.80 to 0.89 and from 3.43 to 1.44 at week 156 and the mean Pain-VAS score decreased from 75.10 to 3.15 and from 71.30 to 18.26 at week 156 with etanercept and adalimumab treatment, respectively. Both treatment adherence and safety profile were good. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that subcutaneous anti-TNF-α agents are appropriate in the long-term management of elderly patients.
Appropriate Cone Dimensions to Achieve Negative Excision Margins after Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone in the Uterine Cervix for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Papoutsis Dimitrios , Rodolakis Alexandros , Mesogitis Spiridon , Sotiropoulou Maria , Antsaklis Aris
Published: December 2012

Aims: To determine appropriate cone dimensions for predicting margin status after large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) treatment. Methods: An observational study performed at the Colposcopy Unit of a university hospital setting involving patients who underwent LLETZ conisation within a 1-year period. Data concerning the characteristics, cone dimensions, lesion grade and excision margins of the patients were recorded. Results: The median age of the women (n = 61) was 38 years (18-53). LLETZ cone specimens had 36.1% of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2/3 lesion and 13.1% positive margins. Mean cone depth and volume were 10.9 mm and 2.3 cm3, respectively. Multiple logistic regression for main predictors and after adjustment for age, parity and CIN severity showed that cone volume and length, cone base surface and proportion of excised volume had a significant effect on margin positivity. ROC analysis showed that optimal cut-off for cone volume was 2.1 cm3 (87.5% sensitivity - 54.7% specificity) or 8.6% of initial cervical volume (75% sensitivity - 75.5% specificity), and for cone length it was 10 mm (100% sensitivity - 52.8% specificity). Optimal cut-off for cone base surface as percentage of ectocervical surface was 32.7% (75% sensitivity - 69.8% specificity). Conclusions: These findings should be taken into consideration when planning the outer boundaries of excision and cervical tissue to be removed so as to achieve oncologically safe limits.
Corticosterone Synthesis Inhibitor Metyrapone Preserves Changes in Maternal Behavior and Neuroendocrine Responses during Immunological Challenge in Lactating Rats
Authors: Vilela Fabiana C. , Antunes-Rodrigues José , Elias Lucila L.K. , Giusti-Paiva Alexandre
Published: December 2012

Lactation is associated with profound behavioral and physiological adaptations in the mother that support reproductive success. These include neuroendocrine adaptation to stress that reduces anxiety-related behavior and emotional responsiveness. However, the way in which endogenous glucocorticoids secreted during immunological challenge influence the neuroendocrine system and behavior of lactating rats is not well understood. To evaluate the effects of glucocorticoids on the neuroendocrine response to suckling, maternal behavior and maternal anxiolysis, lactating female rats were treated with vehicle or metyrapone prior to the administration of a saline solution or a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) solution. LPS treatment reduced oxytocin and prolactin secretion during suckling and affected a variety of maternal behaviors, such as increasing the latency of retrieval a new nest, decreasing the number of pups gathered to the nest, increasing the latency of retrieving the first pup and decreasing the percentage of time spent in the arched-nursing position. In addition, the LPS treatment increased the baseline and avoidance latencies in an elevated T-maze. Pretreatment with metyrapone counteracted effects produced by LPS, including hormonal and behavioral responses in lactating rats. Taken together, our results indicate that stress induced by LPS treatment attenuates the neuroendocrine response to suckling, followed by disruption of maternal behavior and maternal anxiolysis in lactating female rats. These changes may be due to corticosterone release, as evidenced by the reversal of behavioral and neuroendocrine responses after immunological challenge in lactating rats that had been pretreated with metyrapone.
Uremic Serum and Solutes Increase Post–Vascular Interventional Thrombotic Risk Through Altered Stability of Smooth Muscle Cell Tissue Factor
Authors: Chitalia Vipul C. , Shivanna Sowmya , Martorell Jordi , Balcells Mercedes , Bosch Irene , Kolandaivelu Kumaran , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Stent thrombosis (ST), a postinterventional complication with a mortality rate of 50%, has an incidence that rises precipitously in patients at risk. Chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease have emerged as particularly strong ST risk factors, yet the mechanism remains elusive. Tissue factor (TF) is a crucial mediator of injury-related thrombosis and has been implicated for ST. We posit that uremia modulates TF in the local vessel wall to induce postinterventional thrombosis in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Methods and Results—

As a model of the de-endothelialized, postinterventional state, we exposed primary human vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) pretreated with uremic serum (obtained from ESRD patients on hemodialysis) to coronary-like blood flow. vSMC TF expression, activity, stability, and posttranslational modification were examined after vSMCs were treated with uremic serum or solutes. We found significantly greater clot formation after uremic serum exposure, which was substantially reduced with the prior treatment with anti-TF neutralizing antibody. Uremic sera induced 2- to 3-fold higher TF expression and activity in vSMCs independent of diabetes mellitus. Relevant concentrations of isolated uremic solutes such as indole-3-acetic acid (3.5 μg/mL), indoxyl sulfate (25 μg/mL), and uric acid (80 μg/mL) recapitulated these effects in cell culture and the flow loop model. We show further that TF undergoes ubiquitination at baseline and that uremic serum, indole-3-acetic acid, and indoxyl sulfate significantly prolong TF half-life by inhibiting its ubiquitination.

Conclusions—

The uremic milieu is profoundly thrombogenic and upregulates vSMC TF levels by increasing TF stability and decreasing its ubiquitination. Together, these data demonstrate for the first time that the posttranslational regulation of TF in uremia may have a causative role in the increased ST risk observed in uremic patients. These data suggest that interventions that reduce vSMC TF may help to prevent ST and that uremic solutes should be considered as novel risk factors for ST in patients with chronic renal failure.
A Satellite Study of the Relationship between Sea Surface Temperature and Column Water Vapor over Tropical and Subtropical Oceans
Authors: Kanemaru Kaya , Masunaga Hirohiko
Published: December 2012

The known characteristics of the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and column water vapor (CWV) are reevaluated with recent satellite observations over tropical and subtropical oceans. Satellite data acquired by the Aqua Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)/Advanced Microwave Sounder Unit (AMSU) suite, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR), and the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) SeaWinds are analyzed together for 7 years from October 2002 to September 2009. CWV is decomposed into surface humidity, presumably coupled closely to SST, and the water vapor scale height as an index of vertical moisture gradient between the boundary layer and the free troposphere. Surface relative humidity is climatologically homogeneous across tropical and subtropical oceans, while the dependence of CWV on SST varies from one region to another. SST mainly accounts for the variation of CWV with the water vapor scale height, which is virtually invariant over subtropical oceans. On the other hand, over tropical oceans, the variability of CWV is explained not only by SST but also by a systematic change of the water vapor scale height. The regional contrast between tropical and subtropical oceans is discussed in the context of the regional moisture budget including vertical moisture transport through convection.
Feedbacks in Emission-Driven and Concentration-Driven Global Carbon Budgets
Authors: Boer G. J. , Arora V. K.
Published: December 2012

Emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere affect the carbon budgets of the land and ocean as biogeochemical processes react to increased CO2 concentrations. Biogeochemical processes also react to changes in temperature and other climate parameters. This behavior is characterized in terms of carbon–concentration and carbon–climate feedback parameters. The results of this study include 1) the extension of the direct carbon feedback formalism of Boer and Arora to include results from radiatively coupled simulations, as well as those from the biogeochemically coupled and fully coupled simulations used in earlier analyses; 2) a brief analysis of the relationship between this formalism and the integrated feedback formalism of Friedlingstein et al.; 3) the feedback analysis of simulations based on each of the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5; 4) a comparison of the effects of specifying atmospheric CO2 concentrations or CO2 emissions; and 5) the quantification of the relative importance of the two feedback mechanisms in terms of their cumulative contribution to the change in atmospheric CO2.

Feedback results are broadly in agreement with earlier studies in that carbon–concentration feedback is negative for the atmosphere and carbon–climate feedback is positive. However, the magnitude and evolution of feedback behavior depends on the formalism employed, the scenario considered, and the specification of CO2 from emissions or as atmospheric concentrations. Both feedback parameters can differ by factors of two or more, depending on the scenario and on the specification of CO2 emissions or concentrations. While feedback results are qualitatively useful and illustrative of carbon budget behavior, they apply quantitatively to particular scenarios and cases.
A Supplementary Clear-Sky Snow and Ice Recognition Technique for CERES Level 2 Products
Authors: Radkevich Alexander , Khlopenkov Konstantin , Rutan David , Kato Seiji
Published: December 2012

Identification of clear-sky snow and ice is an important step in the production of cryosphere radiation budget products, which are used in the derivation of long-term data series for climate research. In this paper, a new method of clear-sky snow/ice identification for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is presented. The algorithm’s goal is to enhance the identification of snow and ice within the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) data after application of the standard CERES scene identification scheme. The input of the algorithm uses spectral radiances from five MODIS bands and surface skin temperature available in the CERES Single Scanner Footprint (SSF) product. The algorithm produces a cryosphere rating from an aggregated test: a higher rating corresponds to a more certain identification of the clear-sky snow/ice-covered scene. Empirical analysis of regions of interest representing distinctive targets such as snow, ice, ice and water clouds, open waters, and snow-free land selected from a number of MODIS images shows that the cryosphere rating of snow/ice targets falls into 95% confidence intervals lying above the same confidence intervals of all other targets. This enables recognition of clear-sky cryosphere by using a single threshold applied to the rating, which makes this technique different from traditional branching techniques based on multiple thresholds. Limited tests show that the established threshold clearly separates the cryosphere rating values computed for the cryosphere from those computed for noncryosphere scenes, whereas individual tests applied consequently cannot reliably identify the cryosphere for complex scenes.
Can a Moderate-Resolution Limited-Area Data Assimilation System Add Value to the Global Analysis of Tropical Cyclones?
Authors: Holt Christina R. , Szunyogh Istvan , Gyarmati Gyorgyi
Published: December 2012

This study investigates the benefits of employing a limited-area data assimilation (DA) system to enhance lower-resolution global analyses in the northwest Pacific tropical cyclone (TC) basin. Numerical experiments are carried out with a global analysis system at horizontal resolution T62 and a limited-area analysis system at resolutions from 200 to 36 km. The global and limited-area DA systems, which are both based on the local ensemble transform Kalman filter algorithm, are implemented using a unique configuration, in which the global DA system provides information about the large-scale analysis and background uncertainty to the limited-area DA system. The limited-area analyses of the storm locations are, on average, more accurate than those from the global analyses, but increasing the resolution of the limited-area system beyond 100 km has little benefit. Two factors contribute to the higher accuracy of the limited-area analyses. First, the limited-area system improves the accuracy of the location estimates for strong storms, which is introduced when the background is updated by the global assimilation. Second, it improves the accuracy of the background estimate of the storm locations for moderate and weak storms. Improvements in the steering flow analysis as a result of increased resolution are modest and short lived in the forecasts. Limited-area track forecasts are more accurate, on average, than global forecasts, independently of the strength of the storms up to five days. This forecast improvement is due to the more accurate analysis of the initial position of storms and the better representation of the interactions between the storms and their immediate environment.
Observing Strategy and Observation Targeting for Tropical Cyclones Using Ensemble-Based Sensitivity Analysis and Data Assimilation
Authors: Xie Baoguo , Zhang Fuqing , Zhang Qinghong , Poterjoy Jonathan , Weng Yonghui
Published: December 2012

An ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation system for the Weather Research and Forecasting Model is used with ensemble-based sensitivity analysis to explore observing strategies and observation targeting for tropical cyclones. The case selected for this study is Typhoon Morakot (2009), a western Pacific storm that brought record-breaking rainfall to Taiwan. Forty-eight hours prior to making landfall, ensemble sensitivity analysis using a 50-member convection-permitting ensemble predicts that dropsonde observations located in the southwest quadrant of the typhoon will have the highest impact on reducing the forecast uncertainty of the track, intensity, and rainfall of Morakot. A series of observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) demonstrate that assimilating synthetic dropsonde observations located in regions with higher predicted observation impacts will, on average, lead to a better rainfall forecast than in regions with smaller predicted impacts. However, these OSSEs also suggest that the effectiveness of the current-generation ensemble-based tropical cyclone targeting strategies may be limited. The limitations may be due to strong nonlinearity in the governing dynamics of the typhoon (e.g., moist convection), the accuracy of the ensemble background covariance, and the projection of individual dropsonde observations to the complicated targeted sensitivity vectors from the ensemble.
An Intercomparison of UW Cloud-Top Cooling Rates with WSR-88D Radar Data
Authors: Hartung Daniel C. , Sieglaff Justin M. , Cronce Lee M. , Feltz Wayne F.
Published: December 2012

The University of Wisconsin Convective Initiation (UWCI) algorithm utilizes geostationary IR satellite data to compute cloud-top cooling (UW-CTC) rates and assign CI nowcasts to vertically growing clouds. This study is motivated by National Weather Service (NWS) forecaster reviews of the algorithm output, which hypothesized that more intense cloud-top cooling corresponds to more vigorous short-term (0–60 min) convective development. An objective validation of UW-CTC rates using a satellite-based object-tracking methodology is presented, along with a prognostic evaluation of such cloud-top cooling rates for use in forecasting the growth and development of deep convection. In general, both a cloud object’s instantaneous and maximum cooling rate(s) are shown to be useful prognostic tools in predicting future radar intensification. UW-CTC rates are shown to be most skillful in detecting convective clouds that achieved intense radar signatures. The UW-CTC rate lead time ahead of the various radar fields is also shown, along with an illustration of the benefit of UW-CTC rates in operational forecasting. The results of this study suggest that convective clouds with the strongest UW-CTC rates are more likely to achieve significant near-term (0–60 min) radar signatures in such fields as composite reflectivity, vertically integrated liquid (VIL), and maximum estimated size of hail (MESH) compared to clouds that exhibit only weak UW-CTC rates.
Transforming Capitalism through Real Utopias
Authors: Wright Erik Olin
Published: December 2012

This address explores a broad framework for thinking sociologically about emancipatory alternatives to dominant institutions and social structures, especially capitalism. The framework is grounded in two foundational propositions: (1) Many forms of human suffering and many deficits in human flourishing are the result of existing institutions and social structures. (2) Transforming existing institutions and social structures in the right way has the potential to substantially reduce human suffering and expand the possibilities for human flourishing. An emancipatory social science responding to these propositions faces four broad tasks: specifying the moral principles for judging social institutions; using these moral principles as the standards for diagnosis and critique of existing institutions; developing an account of viable alternatives in response to the critique; and proposing a theory of transformation for realizing those alternatives. The idea of “real utopias” is one way of thinking about alternatives and transformation.
Estimation of in-plane elastic properties of stitch-bonded, non-crimp fabric composites for engineering applications
Authors: Athreya SR , Ma L , Barpanda D , Jacob G , Verghese N
Published: December 2012

Stitch-bonded, non-crimped fabric composites are among the most common forms of structural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. A complex three-dimensional finite element model is usually required for the accurate prediction of the mechanical properties of these composites. The objective of this work was to develop a model to predict the in-plane elastic properties of non-crimped fabric composites (without structural stitching) with no inputs from the experimental characterization of the composites themselves. The motivation for this work was to develop a swift, accurate methodology that would be very beneficial with ever reducing design cycle times (for screening different fabrics) and as these fabrics find new application areas. The modeling approach used only the properties of the dry non-crimped fabric and the resin as inputs. Models were constructed to account for the geometrical aspects of the non-crimped fabric such as yarn width and yarn spacing, which depend on the stitching pattern employed. They included regions of pure matrix between fiber tows as well as between fabrics parallel to the stacking plane. The stitching threads, voids, crimping of the fiber tows and damage or disturbances to the fiber due to the stitching were not modeled. The effective elastic properties of uni-directional, bi-axial and tri-axial non-crimped fabric composites are computed using classical composite lamination theory and finite element analysis. The predicted results are found to be in good agreement with experimental results obtained using composites fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding.
Poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites with improved impact and thermal properties
Authors: Chow WS , Leu YY , Ishak ZA Mohd
Published: December 2012

PLA nanocomposites containing 2 wt% of OMMT clay were prepared using twin screw extruder followed by injection moulding. EPR-g-MAH (5–20 phr) was used to improve the impact properties of PLA/OMMT nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites were studied through tensile, flexural and impact tests. The morphology and dispersion of OMMT were examined using TEM and XRD. The thermal properties were characterised using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The impact strength and thermal stability of the PLA/OMMT nanocomposites were improved significantly in the presence of EPR-g-MAH. The degree of crystallinity of PLA/OMMT was influenced by the loading of EPR-g-MAH. TEM and XRD results revealed the formation of PLA nanocomposites as the OMMT was exfoliated in the presence of EPR-g-MAH.
A new composite material – low-carbon Stellite alloy reinforced with nickel-coated carbon fibers
Authors: Khoddamzadeh A , Liu R , Liang M , Yang Q
Published: December 2012

A group of nickel-coated carbon fiber reinforced Stellite 25 composites are produced using the hot isostatic pressing technique. The focus of this research is on obviating the problems related to the presence of carbides in Stellite alloys by substituting carbides as the main strengthening agent in Stellite alloys with nickel-coated carbon fibers. The principal reason for selecting Stellite 25 is because of its low carbon content and thereby relatively carbide free microstructure. The nickel coating is intended to eliminate any chance of carbide formation due to the possible reaction between carbon fibers and the matrix alloying additions. The tribomechanical and corrosion properties of the composites are characterized. The results show that the composites exhibit better corrosion resistance than medium-carbon Stellite alloys. The addition of carbon fibers into Stellite 25 improves its hardness and tribological properties. The wear rates of the composites are lower than that of medium-carbon Stellite alloys and comparable with that of high-carbon Stellites.
The influence of titanium dioxide on the tribological characteristics of a Fe-based friction composite material
Authors: Merie VV , Cândea VC , Bîrleanu C , Păşcuţă P , Popa CO
Published: December 2012

New Fe-Cu-graphite-Ni-TiO2 (2 to 8 wt% TiO2) composite materials are studied for friction applications. The tribological characteristics of these materials were monitored by a pin-on-disc method against a cast iron plate. An increase of the friction coefficient when the titanium dioxide content was increased up to 6 wt% was noticed. Instead, adding 8 wt% of titanium dioxide determined the decrease of friction coefficient. A gradual decrease of the wear rate was marked out when titanium dioxide content was increased. The best behavior determined by the optimal ratio friction coefficient/wear rate was the Fe-Cu-graphite-Ni-TiO2 composite containing 6 wt% titanium dioxide.
Are We on the Same Page? Knowledge Boundaries and Transactive Memory System Development in Cross-Functional Teams
Authors: Kotlarsky Julia , van den Hooff Bart , Houtman Leonie
Published: December 2012

One of the key challenges that organizations face when trying to integrate knowledge across different functions is the need to overcome knowledge boundaries between team members. In cross-functional teams, these boundaries, associated with different knowledge backgrounds of people from various disciplines, create communication problems, necessitating team members to engage in complex cognitive processes when integrating knowledge toward a joint outcome. This research investigates the impact of syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic knowledge boundaries on a team’s ability to develop a transactive memory system (TMS)—a collective memory system for knowledge coordination in groups. Results from our survey show that syntactic and pragmatic knowledge boundaries negatively affect TMS development. These findings extend TMS theory beyond the information-processing view, which treats knowledge as an object that can be stored and retrieved, to the interpretive and practice-based views of knowledge, which recognize that knowledge (in particular specialized knowledge) is localized, situated, and embedded in practice.
Perceived Procedural Fairness in Deliberation
Authors: Zhang Weiyu
Published: December 2012

This article provides a focused analysis of perceived procedural fairness, including both its predictors and effects, within a context of moderated online deliberation. The article starts with a theoretical discussion about the concept, procedural fairness, against the background of deliberative democracy. Furthermore, the potential competitive relationship between procedural fairness and disagreement is reviewed in light of previous empirical evidence. The findings are made up of two parts: First, the predictors of perceived procedural fairness were explored among demographic variables, political involvement, and discussion activities. Second, the effects of perceived procedural fairness and perceived disagreement on outcomes such as enjoyment, satisfaction with group decisions, as well as intention of future participation are shown. A discussion on the roles of procedural fairness and disagreement in deliberation as well as the importance of experience in political participation is provided at the end of this article.
Sustaining a Creative Community-Based Diabetes Education Program
Authors: Bielamowicz Mary Kinney , Pope Paul , Rice Carol Ann
Published: December 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the community-based diabetes education project was to evaluate participants’ knowledge and use of healthy cooking practices as they relate to controlling diabetes. In addition, an attempt was made to ascertain whether participants’ self-reported blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C changed as a result of the educational intervention.

Methods

Extension agents were trained statewide on principles of diabetes self-management education (DSME) and nutrition concepts for the programs Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes (DWBW) and Cooking Well with Diabetes (CWWD). Upon returning to their respective counties, trained extension agents established health coalitions for program delivery. In 86 counties, online data were collected on perceived knowledge and behaviors related to healthy cooking practice and were assessed before the start of the program (pretest; time 1), after the third lesson (posttest; time 2), and again after the fourth and final lesson (time 3).

Results

Most participants trained in DWBW joined cooking classes so the group already had some knowledge of food preparation techniques and had adopted many of the recommended practices, yet the program still had impact. Findings suggest an improvement in participants’ knowledge and self-reported behaviors.

Conclusions

The CWWD program provided a short-term impact of knowledge gain, and the adoption of healthy cooking practices was observed among program participants. A pattern of healthy eating should lead to a reduction of blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C. The relatively short time between pretest and posttest was not sufficient to realize and measure such reductions.
Teaching Paraeducators to Support the Communication of Young Children With Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Douglas Sarah N. , Light Janice C. , McNaughton David B.
Published: December 2012

Paraeducators are frequent communication partners for young children with complex communication needs (CCN) in early childhood settings. This study examined the impact of instruction to paraeducators in two communication interaction strategies (IPLAN [Identify activities for communication, Provide means for communication, Locate and provide vocabulary, Arrange environment, use iNteraction strategies] and MORE [Model AAC, Offer opportunities for communication, Respond to communication, Extend communication]) on the number of communication opportunities provided by paraeducators during play activities with young children with CCN. Results of the study provide evidence that after 2 hr of one-on-one training, paraeducators increased the number of communication opportunities they provided for children with CCN, and children with CCN took an increased number of communication turns. In addition, paraeducators reported that they found the training beneficial, and the supervising teachers noted improvements in the communication support provided by the paraeducators. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Body Dissatisfaction and Characteristics of Disordered Eating Among Black and White Early Adolescent Girls and Boys
Authors: Jung Jaehee , Forbes Gordon B.
Published: December 2012

Multiple measures of body dissatisfaction and behaviors associated with disordered eating were studied in 258 White girls, 223 White boys, 106 Black girls, and 82 Black boys. All participants were unpaid volunteers between the ages of 12 and 15 attending six middle schools in Delaware and Maryland. On two self-ideal figure drawing discrepancy measures and four attitude measures of body dissatisfaction, girls had greater dissatisfaction than boys, and Whites had greater body dissatisfaction than Blacks. Racial differences among girls were more common than among boys. Similar results were found for measures of behaviors associated with disordered eating. Gender and racial differences generally paralleled those reported in college populations but were considerably larger than those typically reported in older populations. The majority of Black girls and boys, like the majority of White girls and boys, were dissatisfied with the size of their bodies.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Disease-Associated Prion Protein in the Peripheral Nervous System in Experimental H-Type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Authors: Okada H. , Iwamaru Y. , Yokoyama T. , Mohri S.
Published: December 2012

H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been identified in aged cattle in Europe and North America. To determine the localization of disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) in the peripheral nerve tissues of cattle affected with H-type BSE, we employed highly sensitive immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques with the tyramide signal amplification (TSA) system. PrPSc deposition was detected in the inferior ganglia, sympathetic nerve trunk, vagus nerve, spinal nerves, cauda equina, and adrenal medulla, using this system. Notably, granular PrPSc deposits were present mainly in the Schwann cells and fibroblast-like cells and occasionally along certain nerve fibers at the surface of the axons. In the adrenal gland, PrPSc immunolabeling was observed within the sympathetic nerve fibers and nerve endings in the adrenal medulla. Although our results were limited to only 3 experimental cases, these results suggest that the TSA system, a highly sensitive immunohistochemical procedure, may help in elucidating the peripheral pathogenesis of H-type BSE.
Evaluation of Clinical and Histopathologic Prognostic Factors for Survival in Canine Osteosarcoma of the Extracranial Flat and Irregular Bones
Authors: Kruse M. A. , Holmes E. S. , Balko J. A. , Fernandez S. , Brown D. C. , Goldschmidt M. H.
Published: December 2012

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs. However, current literature focuses primarily on appendicular osteosarcoma. This study examined the prognostic value of histological and clinical factors in flat and irregular bone osteosarcomas and hypothesized that clinical factors would have a significant association with survival time while histological factors would not. All osteosarcoma biopsy samples of the vertebra, rib, sternum, scapula, or pelvis were reviewed while survival information and clinical data were obtained from medical records, veterinarians, and owners. Forty-six dogs were included in the analysis of histopathological variables and 27 dogs with complete clinical data were included in the analysis of clinical variables. In the histopathologic cox regression model, there was no significant association between any histologic feature of osteosarcoma, including grade, and survival time. In the clinical cox regression model, there was a significant association between the location of the tumor and survival time as well as between the percent elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) above normal and survival time. Controlling for ALP elevation, dogs with osteosarcoma located in the scapula had a significantly greater hazard for death (2.8) compared to dogs with tumors in other locations. Controlling for tumor location, every 100% increase in ALP from normal increased the hazard for death by 1.7. For canine osteosarcomas of the flat and irregular bones, histopathological features, including grade do not appear to be rigorous predictors of survival. Clinical variables such as increased ALP levels and tumor location in the scapula were associated with decreased survival times.
Derogation, Discrimination, and (Dis)Satisfaction With Jobs in Science
Authors: Settles Isis H. , Cortina Lilia M. , Buchanan NiCole T. , Miner Kathi N.
Published: December 2012

In the current study of 353 science and engineering faculty members, we examined whether three types of gender-based mistreatment might “chill” individuals’ perceptions of the professional climate, which might in turn undermine satisfaction with their jobs. We also tested gender differences in these relationships. Results indicated that for women, the relationship between gender discrimination (e.g., unequal access to resources) and job satisfaction was mediated by scholarly alienation and a negative workplace climate; gender derogation (e.g., disparaging comments) was related to organizational sexism toward women (OSTW), which was associated with perceptions of scholarly alienation and a negative workplace climate; these perceptions in turn predicted lower job satisfaction. For men, gender derogation was indirectly related to job satisfaction via scholarly alienation, and OSTW was indirectly related to job satisfaction via both climate variables. Analyses indicated that most of these indirect effects were stronger for women than men. We discuss these results for both sexes and suggest reasons why men’s climate perceptions may be “chilled” by exposure to sexism toward women. We also discuss implications for individuals working with women in male-dominated environments, such as organizational administrators and clinical practitioners.
The Impact of Professional Development and Student and Teacher Characteristics on the Quality of Postsecondary Goals
Authors: Doren Bonnie , Flannery K. Brigid , Lombardi Allison R. , Kato Mimi McGrath
Published: December 2012

This study examined (a) the main effects of professional development on the quality of postsecondary goals in employment and postsecondary education/training, (b) the main effects of student and teacher characteristics on goal quality, and (c) whether professional development moderated the relationship between the impact of these characteristics and goal quality. Individual Education Program (IEP) documents were gathered from 18 teachers before and after professional development totaling 137 IEPs. Hierarchical linear modeling methods were used to account for the fact that student IEPs were nested within teachers. Results indicated professional development significantly improved goal quality for both goal areas. Teachers whose primary placement and caseload was within self-contained classrooms and those with more years of experience had higher quality employment goals than teachers with less experience and those in resource rooms or general education settings. Implications are discussed regarding the continued need to align the content of IEPs for transition-age students with practice.