bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of the Cytokinesis-Blocked Micronucleus Assay to Detect Gender Differences and Genetic Instability in a Lung Cancer Case–Control Study
Authors: McHugh Michelle K. , Lopez Mirtha S. , Ho Chung-Han , Spitz Margaret R. , Etzel Carol J. , El-Zein Randa A.
Published: November 2012

Background: Although tobacco exposure is the predominant risk factor for lung cancer, other environmental agents are established lung carcinogens. Measuring the genotoxic effect of environmental exposures remains equivocal, as increases in morbidity and mortality may be attributed to coexposures such as smoking.

Methods: We evaluated genetic instability and risk of lung cancer associated with exposure to environmental agents (e.g., exhaust) and smoking among 500 lung cancer cases and 500 controls using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Linear regression was applied to estimate the adjusted means of the CBMN endpoints (micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges). Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate lung cancer risk and to control for potential confounding by age, gender, and smoking.

Results: Cases showed significantly higher levels of micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges as compared with controls (mean ± SEM = 3.54 ± 0.04 vs. 1.81 ± 0.04 and mean ± SEM = 4.26 ± 0.03 vs. 0.99 ± 0.03, respectively; P < 0.001) with no differences among participants with or without reported environmental exposure. No differences were observed when stratified by smoking or environmental exposure among cases or controls. A difference in lung cancer risk was observed between nonexposed male and female heavy smokers, although it was not statistically significant (I2 = 64.9%; P value for Q statistic = 0.09).

Conclusions: Our study confirms that the CBMN assay is an accurate predictor of lung cancer and supports the premise that heavy smoking may have an effect on DNA repair capacity and in turn modulate the risk of lung cancer.

Impact: Identifying factors that increase lung cancer risk may lead to more effective prevention measures. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(1); 135–45. ©2012 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Comparing the Effects of Drugs and T Cells to Effectively Target Oncogenes
Authors: Anders Kathleen , Blankenstein Thomas
Published: November 2012

Mutant cancer-driving oncogenes are the best therapeutic targets, both with drugs like small-molecule inhibitors (SMI) and adoptive T-cell therapy (ATT), the most effective form of immunotherapy. Cancer cell survival often depends on oncogenes, which implies that they are homogenously expressed by all cancer cells and are difficult to select against. Mutant oncogene-directed therapy is relatively selective, as it targets preferentially the oncogene-expressing cancer cells. Both SMI and ATT can be highly effective in relevant preclinical models as well as selected clinical situations, and both share the risk of therapy resistance, facilitated by the frequent genetic instability of cancer cells. Recently, both therapies were compared in the same experimental model targeting the same oncogene. It showed that the oncogene-inactivating drug selected resistant clones, leading eventually to tumor relapse, whereas ATT eradicated large established tumors completely. The mode of tumor destruction likely explained the different outcome with only ATT destroying the tumor vasculature. Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor regression and relapse will define optimal conditions for the clinic. We argue that the ideal conditions of ATT in the experimental cancer model can be translated to individuals with cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(2); 320–6. ©2012 AACR.
The Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Relevant Factors in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Li Jing , Huang Yun , Fei Guang-He
Published: November 2012

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is understood to be a complex multicomponent disorder. The impairment of cognition is lasting and profound. However, the pattern of the cognitive decline and potentially adverse factors are poorly understood. Objectives: To evaluate the cognitive performances and the relevant factors in COPD patients and to investigate the relationship between cognition deficits and the classification of severity of the disease. Methods: Twenty-seven mild-to-moderate COPD patients, 35 severe COPD patients and 27 control subjects were recruited. Cognitive states were investigated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pulmonary function, arterial blood gas and serum clusterin level were evaluated in each subject. Results: Lower MMSE score and higher serum clusterin concentration were observed in mild-to-moderate COPD patients, while the lowest MMSE score and the highest serum clusterin level were found in severe COPD patients when compared with control subjects. MMSE score is positively correlated with arterial oxygen tension and is inversely associated with serum clusterin level in both mild-to-moderate and severe COPD patients. Furthermore, MMSE scores and serum clusterin concentrations were correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s in severe COPD patients. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment was found in COPD patients. It is associated with the classification of disease severity, hypoxemia and serum clusterin level. An increased serum clusterin level may be a relevant peripheral biomarker of cognitive dysfunction in COPD patients.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Provision in Europe – First Results Approaching Reality in an Unclear Field of Practices
Authors: von Ammon Klaus , Frei-Erb Martin , Cardini Francesco , Daig Ute , Dragan Simona , Hegyi Gabriella , Roberti di Sarsina Paolo , Sörensen Jan , Lewith George
Published: November 2012

Background: The demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment in the European Union (EU) has led to an increase in the various CAM interventions available to the public. Our aim was to describe the CAM services available from both registered medical practitioners and registered non-medical practitioners. Methods: Our literature search comprised a PubMed search of any scientific publications, secondary references and so-called grey literature, a search of government websites and websites of CAM organisations to collect data in a systematic manner, and personal communications, e.g., via e-mail contact. Due to the different reliability of data sources, a classification was developed and implemented. This weighted database was condensed into tables and maps to display the provision of CAM disciplines by country, showing the distribution of CAM providers across countries. Results: Approximately 305,000 registered CAM providers can be identified in the EU (∼160,000 non-medical and ∼145,000 medical practitioners). Acupuncture (n = 96,380) is the most available therapeutic method for both medical (80,000) and non-medical (16,380) practitioners, followed by homeopathy (45,000 medical and 5,800 non-medical practitioners). Herbal medicine (29,000 practitioners) and reflexology (24,600 practitioners) are mainly provided by non-medical practitioners. Naturopathy (22,300) is dominated by 15,000 (mostly German) doctors. Anthroposophic medicine (4,500) and neural therapy (1,500) are practised by doctors only. Conclusion: CAM provision in the EU is maintained by approximately 305,000 registered medical doctors and non-medical practitioners, with a huge variability in its national regulatory management, which makes any direct comparison across the EU almost impossible. Harmonisation of legal status, teaching and certification of expertise for therapists would be of enormous value and should be developed.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array-Based Karyotyping in Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Trisomy 8 as the Sole Chromosomal Abnormality
Authors: Hahm Chorong , Mun Yeung Chul , Seong Chu Myong , Han Sung-Hee , Chung Wha Soon , Huh Jungwon
Published: November 2012

The clinical heterogeneity of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with trisomy 8 as the sole abnormality may result from cytogenetically undetectable genetic changes. The purpose of this study was to identify hidden genomic aberrations not detected by metaphase cytogenetics (MC) using high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-A)-based karyotyping in AML/MDS patients with a sole trisomy 8. The study group included 8 patients (3 AML and 5 MDS) and array-based karyotyping was done using whole-genome SNP-A (SNP 6.0 and SNP 2.7M). By SNP-A, additional genomic aberrations not detected by MC were identified in 2 patients: 1 AML patient exhibited a copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) of 3q21.1–q29 and 11q13.1–q25 and the other patient with MDS (refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia) had CN-LOH of 2p25.3–p15. In particular, the latter patient progressed to AML 18 months after the diagnosis. In 3 patients, aberrations in addition to trisomy 8 were not identified by SNP-A. In the remaining 3 patients, SNP-A could not detect trisomy 8, while trisomy 8 was found in 25–67% of metaphase cells by MC. This study suggests that additional genomic aberrations may in fact be present even in cases of trisomy 8 as sole abnormality by MC, and SNP-A could be a useful karyotyping tool to identify hidden aberrations such as CN-LOH.
Structural Neuroimaging of Concomitant Depressive Symptoms in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Morin Jean-François , Mouiha Abderazzak , Pietrantonio Sandra , Duchesne Simon , Hudon Carol
Published: November 2012

Late-life depression (LLD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) can both denote prodromal Alzheimer’s disease. While the two concepts share common clinical features, differential diagnosis between them is crucial. The objective of this pilot study was to explore differences in terms of the hippocampal (HC) and entorhinal cortex (EC) volume reduction between LLD and aMCI patients with (aMCI/D+ group) or without (aMCI group) depressive symptoms. Six LLD, 6 aMCI, and 6 aMCI/D+ participants were assessed using a structural magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Manual segmentation of HC and EC was carried out. The results of volumetric comparisons suggest that the HC was larger in aMCI/D+ and LLD subjects compared to aMCI participants. The left EC mean volume was slightly lower in aMCI/D+ subjects. Power analyses revealed that 36 participants per group would suffice to confirm these findings. Overall, these pilot findings suggest that aMCI can be distinguished from LLD based on cerebral atrophy measures, and that HC and EC atrophy in aMCI varies according to the presence or absence of depressive symptoms.
Interferon-λs: Special Immunomodulatory Agents and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Zheng Ya-wen , Li Hui , Yu Jin-pu , Zhao Hua , Wang Shizhen Emily , Ren Xiu-bao
Published: November 2012

Interferon (IFN)-λs are a new addition to the old IFN family and share many similarities, such as antiviral and antiproliferative characteristics, with type I IFNs. IFN-λs also exhibit unique characteristics in immunomodulation. Accumulating studies have indicated the interactions between IFN-λs and immune cells, which lead to the regulation of the latter. IFN-λs can influence dendritic cells (DCs) and their product, IFN-λs-DCs, can then regulate the function of T cells. On the other hand, IFN-λs can also directly affect T cells through inhibition of the T helper 2 cell (Th2) responses. IFN-λs have varying immunomodulatory functions under different physiological conditions or in different organs and can inhibit tumor growth via regulation of the immune system. Diseases associated with IFN-λs include asthma, allergy, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the biology of IFN-λs and their immunomodulatory function in relevant human diseases.
Evolving Spectrum of HIV-Associated Nephropathy
Authors: Ahmed Salman , Truong Luan , Eknoyan Garabed , Workeneh Biruh
Published: November 2012

Background: The profile of renal pathology in HIV patients is undergoing significant changes in pattern in the HAART era, with the incidence of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) decreasing and the incidence of non-HIVAN lesions increasing. Case Reports: We describe 2 cases of HIV-infected patients diagnosed with diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (DILS) and coexistent multiple myeloma, an association that has heretofore been unreported. The cases involve a 23-year-old man and a 54-year-old man who presented with renal failure and proteinuria. Kidney biopsy in both revealed DILS and further evaluation revealed both to have multiple myeloma. Conclusion: DILS is a late complication of AIDS that has become extremely rare in the United States during the HAART era. However, there are patients who present without an AIDS-defining illness or cancers. The development of multiple myeloma in the setting of HIV and DILS presents a novel, heretofore unreported association that may be important to recognize in HIV/AIDS patients with kidney failure.
Impact of clopidogrel and potent P2Y12-inhibitors on mortality and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Komócsi András , Vorobcsuk András , Serebruany Victor L. , Aradi Dániel
Published: November 2012

Administration of a P2Y12-receptor antagonist in addition to aspirin is mandatory in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to reduce the occurrence of thrombotic events; however, their impact on mortality and stroke is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the influence of moderate (clopidogrel) or potent (prasugrel/ticagrelor) P2Y12-receptor inhibition on major cardiovascular outcomes among patients with ACS or undergoing PCI. Systematic literature search was performed to find randomised, controlled clinical trials comparing the clinical impact of clopidogrel with placebo or prasugrel/ticagrelor versus clopidogrel. Outcome measures included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), total stroke and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). Random-effects model with Mantel-Heanszel weighting was used to pool outcomes into a meta-analysis. Four studies comparing clopidogrel with placebo and five trials comparing clopidogrel with new P2Y12-receptor inhibitors were identified including a total of 107,473 patients. Compared to placebo, clopidogrel reduced the risk of cardiovascular death (odds ratio [OR]: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–0.99, p=0.02), MI (OR 0.80; 95%CI 0.74–0.88, p<0.00001) and stroke (OR 0.84; 95%CI 0.72–0.97, p=0.02), without influencing risk for ICH (OR 0.96;& 95%CI 0.69–1.33, p=0.79). Treatment with prasugrel/ticagrelor provided additional benefit over clopidogrel regarding cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.86; 95%CI 0.78–0.94, p=0.002) and MI (OR: 0.83; 95%CI 0.74–0.93, p<0.001), but no advantage in stroke (OR: 1.06; 95%CI 0.88–1.26, p=0.55) and in ICH (OR: 1.16; 95%CI 0.75–1.81; p=0.49) was observed. Increased potency of P2Y12-receptor inhibition is associated with decreased risk in cardiovascular death and MI; however, this association is not true in case of stroke, where potent P2Y12-receptor antagonists have no incremental benefit over clopidogrel.
Neutrophil Proteinase 3 Acts on Protease-Activated Receptor-2 to Enhance Vascular Endothelial Cell Barrier Function
Authors: Kuckleburg Christopher J. , Newman Peter J.
Published: November 2012

Objective—

The principle role of the vascular endothelium is to present a semi-impermeable barrier to soluble factors and circulating cells, while still permitting the passage of leukocytes from the bloodstream into the tissue. The process of diapedesis involves the selective disruption of endothelial cell junctions, which could compromise vascular integrity. It is therefore somewhat surprising that neutrophil transmigration does not significantly impair endothelial barrier function. We examined whether neutrophils might secrete factors that promote vascular integrity during the latter stages of neutrophil transmigration, in particular, the role of neutrophil serine proteinase 3 (PR3).

Methods and Results—

Endothelial cells were treated with PR3 either in its soluble form or in a complex form with cell surface NB1. We observed that PR3 mediated the enhancement of endothelial cell junctional integrity and that this required its proteolytic activity, as well as endothelial cell expression of the protease-activated receptor-2. Importantly, PR3 suppressed the vascular permeability changes and disruption of junctional proteins induced by the action of protease-activated receptor-1 agonists.

Conclusion—

These findings establish the potential for neutrophil-derived PR3 to play a role in reestablishing vascular integrity after leukocyte transmigration and in protecting endothelial cells from protease-activated receptor-1-induced permeability changes that occur during thrombotic and inflammatory events.
Fibromodulin Deficiency Reduces Low-Density Lipoprotein Accumulation in Atherosclerotic Plaques in Apolipoprotein E–Null Mice
Authors: Shami Annelie , Gustafsson Renata , Kalamajski Sebastian , Krams Rob , Segers Dolf , Rauch Uwe , Roos Gunnel , Nilsson Jan , Oldberg Åke , Hultgårdh-Nilsson Anna
Published: November 2012

Objective—

The aim of this study was to analyze how an altered collagen structure affects development of atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and Results—

Fibromodulin-null mice develop an abnormal collagen fibril structure. In apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-null and ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice, a shear stress-modifying carotid artery cast induced formation of atherosclerotic plaques of different phenotypes; inflammatory in low-shear stress regions and fibrous in oscillatory shear stress regions. Electron microscopy showed that collagen fibrils were thicker and more heterogeneous in oscillatory shear stress lesions from ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice. Low-shear stress lesions were smaller in ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice and contained less lipids. Total plaque burden in aortas stained en face with Oil Red O, as well as lipid accumulation in aortic root lesions, was also decreased in ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice. In addition, lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 macrophages cultured on fibromodulin-deficient extracellular matrix was decreased, whereas levels of interleukin-6 and -10 were increased. Our results show that an abnormal plaque collagen fibril structure can influence atherosclerotic plaque development.

Conclusion—

The present findings suggest a more complex role for collagen in plaque stability than previously anticipated, in that it may promote lipid-accumulation and inflammation at the same time as it provides mechanical stability.
Evaluation of Cardiac Function by Magnetic Resonance Imaging During the Follow-Up of Patients With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Tacke Carline E. , Romeih Soha , Kuipers Irene M. , Spijkerboer Anje M. , Groenink Maarten , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: November 2012

Background—

Although histopathologic studies suggest persistent myocardial abnormalities after Kawasaki disease (KD), the long-term effects on cardiac function remain to be revealed. We investigated biventricular volumes, function, and the presence of myocardial fibrosis by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during long-term follow-up of KD.

Methods and Results—

Sixty patients with a history of KD (mean age, 16.9 years; 67% men; median interval after KD onset, 11.6 years) and 20 healthy control subjects (mean age, 17.9 years; 55% men) 12 to 24 years of age underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Biventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, and ejection fraction were determined. Volumetric measurements were indexed for body surface area. Late contrast enhancement was used to detect areas of myocardial fibrosis. Biventricular volumes and function did not differ significantly between patients and control subjects. There were also no significant differences between patients with and without a history of left ventricular dysfunction resulting from KD-associated myocarditis or between patients with and without coronary artery aneurysms. Only those with prior ischemic heart disease had a significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction compared with unaffected KD cases (left ventricular ejection fraction, 51% versus 57%;
P
=0.012). Late contrast enhancement was observed in only 2 patients with severe coronary artery aneurysms and was typical for myocardial infarction.

Conclusions—

In this cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study evaluating the cardiac function of patients with KD at long-term follow-up, we did not observe a difference in cardiac function between KD patients and control subjects, except for a subgroup of patients with ischemic heart disease as a result of severe coronary artery pathology.
Stroke-Related Early Tracheostomy Versus Prolonged Orotracheal Intubation in Neurocritical Care Trial (SETPOINT)
Authors: Bösel Julian , Schiller Petra , Hook Yvonne , Andes Michaela , Neumann Jan-Oliver , Poli Sven , Amiri Hemasse , Schönenberger Silvia , Peng Zhongying , Unterberg Andreas , Hacke Werner , Steiner Thorsten
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

Optimal timing of tracheostomy in ventilated patients with severe stroke is unclear. We aimed to investigate feasibility, safety, and potential advantages of early tracheostomy in these intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods—

This prospective, randomized, parallel-group, controlled, open, and outcome-masked pilot trial was conducted in neurological/neurosurgical ICUs of a university hospital. Patients with severe ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and an estimated need for at least 2 weeks of ventilation were randomized to either early tracheostomy (within day 1–3 from intubation; early) or to standard tracheostomy (between day 7–14 from intubation if extubation could not be achieved or was not feasible; standard). The primary outcome was length of stay in the ICU; secondary outcomes were diverse aspects of the ICU course.

Results—

Sixty patients were randomized and analyzed. No differences were observed with regard to the primary outcome length of stay in the ICU (median 18 [interquartile range 16–28] versus 17 [interquartile range 13–22] days, median difference: 1 [−2 to 6];
P
=0.38) or to most secondary outcomes, including adverse effects. Instead, use of sedatives (62% versus 42% of ICU stay, median difference 17.5 [3.3–29.2];
P
=0.02), ICU mortality (ICU deaths 3 [10%] versus 14 [47%];
P
<0.01) and 6-month mortality (deaths 8 [27%] versus 18 [60%];
P
=0.02) were lower in the early group than in the standard group, respectively.

Conclusions—

Early tracheostomy in ventilated intensive care stroke patients is feasible, and safe, and presumably reduces sedation need. Whether the suggested benefits in mortality and outcome truly exist has to be determined by a larger multicenter trial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01261091.
Climatic Variability of Near-Surface Turbulent Kinetic Energy over the United States: Implications for Fire-Weather Predictions
Authors: Heilman Warren E. , Bian Xindi
Published: November 2012

Recent research suggests that high levels of ambient near-surface atmospheric turbulence are often associated with rapid and sometimes erratic wildland fire spread that may eventually lead to large burn areas. Previous research has also examined the feasibility of using near-surface atmospheric turbulent kinetic energy (TKEs) alone or in combination with the Haines index (HI) as an additional indicator of anomalous atmospheric conditions conducive to erratic or extreme fire behavior. However, the application of TKEs-based indices for operational fire-weather predictions in the United States on a regional or national basis first requires a climatic assessment of the spatial and temporal patterns of the indices that can then be used for testing their operational effectiveness. This study provides an initial examination of some of the spatial and temporal variability patterns across the United States of TKEs and the product of HI and TKEs (HITKEs) using data from the North American Regional Reanalysis dataset covering the 1979–2008 period. The analyses suggest that there are regional differences in the behavior of these indices and that regionally dependent threshold values for TKEs and HITKEs may be needed for their potential use as operational indicators of anomalous atmospheric turbulence conditions conducive to erratic fire behavior. The analyses also indicate that broad areas within the northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern regions of the United States have experienced statistically significant positive trends in TKEs and HITKEs values over the 1979–2008 period, with the most substantial increases in values occurring over the 1994–2008 period.
Modulation of Seasonal Precipitation over the Tropical Western/Central Pacific by Convectively Coupled Mixed Rossby–Gravity Waves
Authors: Horinouchi Takeshi
Published: November 2012

The relationship between the interannual variations of the activity of convectively coupled equatorial waves and seasonal mean precipitation in the tropical western to central Pacific Ocean is investigated. It is found that the convectively coupled mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) waves are highly and negatively correlated with the seasonal precipitation near the equator in boreal summer. It is suggested that the MRG waves, which have convection centers off the equator, suppress the equatorial precipitation. The relation is insignificant in the other seasons, when the interannual variation of sea surface temperature near the equator is greater than in boreal summer. Also, a similar relation is not found in the eastern Pacific in any season.
Latent Heat Flux and Canopy Conductance Based on Penman–Monteith, Priestley–Taylor Equation, and Bouchet’s Complementary Hypothesis
Authors: Mallick Kaniska , Jarvis Andrew , Fisher Joshua B. , Tu Kevin P. , Boegh Eva , Niyogi Dev
Published: November 2012

A novel method is presented to analytically resolve the terrestrial latent heat flux (λE) and conductances (boundary layer gB and surface gS) using net radiation (RN), ground heat flux (G), air temperature (Ta), and relative humidity (RH). This method consists of set of equations where the two unknown internal state variables (gB and gS) were expressed in terms of the known core variables, combining diffusion equations, the Penman–Monteith equation, the Priestley–Taylor equation, and Bouchet’s complementary hypothesis. Estimated λE is validated with the independent eddy covariance λE observations over Soil Moisture Experiment 2002 (SMEX-02); the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Continental-Scale International Project (GCIP) selected sites from FLUXNET and tropics eddy flux, representing four climate zones (tropics, subtropics, temperate, and cold); and multiple biomes. The authors find a RMSE of 23.8–54.6 W m−2 for hourly λE over SMEX-02 and GCIP and 23.8–29.0 W m−2 for monthly λE over the FLUXNET and tropics. Observational and modeled evidence in the reduction in annual evaporation (E) pattern on the order of 33% from 1999 to 2006 was found in central Amazonia. Retrieved gS responded to vapor pressure deficit, measured λE, and gross photosynthesis in a theoretically robust behavior. However, the current scheme [Penman–Monteith–Bouchet–Lhomme (PMBL)] showed some overestimation of λE in limited soil moisture regimes. PMBL provides similar results when compared with another Priestley–Taylor–based λE estimation approach [Priestley–Taylor–Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL)] but with the advantage of having the conductances analytically recovered.
Taylorizing business school research: On the ‘one best way’ performative effects of journal ranking lists
Authors: Mingers John , Willmott Hugh
Published: November 2012

The article critically examines how work is shaped by performance measures. Its specific focus is upon the use of journal lists, rather than the detail of their construction, in conditioning the research activity of academics. It is argued that an effect of the ‘one size fits all’ logic of journal lists is to endorse and cultivate a research monoculture in which particular criteria, favoured by a given list, assume the status of a universal benchmark of performance (‘research quality’). The article demonstrates, with reference to the Association of Business Schools (ABS) ‘Journal Guide’, how use of a journal list can come to dominate and define the focus and trajectory of a field of research, with detrimental consequences for the development of scholarship.
Housing, Security, and Employment in Post-Neoliberal Buenos Aires
Authors: Benwell Matthew Charles , Haselip James , Borello José Antonio
Published: November 2012

The economic and social crisis in Argentina at the end of 2001 ended a decade of explicit free-market or neoliberal policies that had their roots in the country’s last military dictatorship (1976–1983). The current challenges facing the city, along with legacies of this recent past, include increasing social inequality, crime, poverty, and the difficulty of managing public services that were comprehensively privatized during the 1990s. State responses to these challenges have been more effective with regard to employment than with regard to their impact on housing and security.

La crisis económica y social en Argentina a finales del 2001 acabó con una década de política de mercado libre o neoliberalismo que tenía sus raíces en la dictadura militar (1976–1983). Los desafíos contemporáneos que encara la ciudad, al lado de la herencia de su pasado reciente, incluye el agrandar del desequilibrio social, el crimen, la pobreza, y la dificultad del manejo de servicios públicos los cuales fueron privatizados comprensivamente durante los 1990. Las respuestas del estado a estos retos han sido más eficaces en torno al empleo que en su impacto en la vivienda y la seguridad.
The Efficiency of Frisks in the NYPD, 2004–2010
Authors: Ferrandino Joseph
Published: November 2012

New York Police Department (NYPD) stop and frisk policy has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years and has been analyzed exclusively in terms of its equity and effectiveness. This study adds a third approach of policy outcome analysis—technical efficiency—by employing a pooled data envelopment analysis of all Stop, Question, and Frisk data from all NYPD precincts from 2004 through 2010 (3,410,300 total stops resulting in 1,721,955 total frisks). The results reveal that the NYPD is input inefficient in many precincts (mean IOTA score = .40) but slightly more output efficient (mean IOTA score = .50). The most efficient precincts and boroughs are also identified to set performance benchmarks for frisks within the NYPD. According to the input-oriented results (the equity side), there should have been 1,091,846 fewer frisks given the outputs produced (arrests, guns, and contraband), and the output-oriented results (effectiveness side) suggest the NYPD should have produced 179,056 more arrests, found 6,306 more pistols and found 59,883 more instances of contraband to be technically efficient, given the level frisks throughout the NYPD. Though a certain amount of inefficiency is enshrined in the frisk decision, these results are placed in the context of police actions and outcomes in the NYPD over this time period, and are used to inform both sides of the current debate. This research is unique to the police efficiency literature and sets the foundation for future research that fully models efficiency antecedents as well as the outcomes that result from inefficient frisks.
The Challenges of Terrorist and Extremist Prisoners
Authors: Merola Linda M. , Vovak Heather
Published: November 2012

Numerous policy issues surround the incarceration of religious extremists and individuals with terrorist ties. These inmates must be managed, prevented from precipitating security risks, and stopped from recruiting or encouraging others to commit terrorist acts. To systematically investigate the prevalence of these issues in U.S. prisons, we conducted a survey of wardens of state-level maximum security prisons in the United States. Results suggest that the majority of facilities currently have existing security threat groups (STGs) with extremist religious beliefs. Large majorities of wardens indicated shortages of religious service providers, with nearly all allowing volunteers to supplement existing religious services. A multinomial logistic regression model suggests that (in accordance with previous literature on gangs) wardens pursuing policies of isolating these prisoners believe these policies to be much more effective than other strategies, such as increased monitoring. Additionally, more frequent staff training relevant to managing these individuals is significantly related to wardens’ judgments that their policies are effective.
Activism as a Career, Calling, and Way of Life
Authors: Valocchi Stephen
Published: November 2012

In this article, I use life histories of progressive activists to examine the class-inflected nature of activist identities. These life histories reveal three different conceptions of activist identity based primarily on the class origins of the narrators. Middle-class activists define their activism as a career, and their narratives depict a sequential and linear path to a new somewhat professionalized identity. Working-class activists conceive of their activism as a calling, and their narratives move backwards and forwards to an activism that links to and reinvents their working-class roots. Low-income activists make little distinction between their nonactivist and activist lives. They regard their activism as a way of life, and their related narratives combine episodes of collective action with stories of economic deprivation. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of a more discursive understanding of identity talk, particularly for rethinking processes of recruitment to and participation in social movements.
Anxiety Disorders, Physical Illnesses, and Health Care Utilization in Older Male Veterans With Parkinson Disease and Comorbid Depression
Authors: Qureshi Salah U. , Amspoker Amber B. , Calleo Jessica S. , Kunik Mark E. , Marsh Laura
Published: November 2012

This study examined the rates of anxiety and depressive disorders, physical illnesses, and health service use in male patients 55 years or older with a diagnosis of Parkinson disease who were seen at least twice at the 10 medical centers in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare Network of the South Central region of the United States. Of the 273 male patients diagnosed between October 1, 1997, and September 30, 2009, 62 (22.7%) had a depressive disorder. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders was 12.8%; patients with comorbid depression had a 5-fold greater prevalence of anxiety disorders than those without depression (35.5% vs 6.2%, P < .0001). Patients with comorbid depression also had increased prevalence of all physical illnesses examined and more outpatient clinic and mental health visits. Patients with Parkinson disease and comorbid depression are more likely to have anxiety disorders and several physical illnesses, to be using antipsychotic and dementia medicines, and to have increased health service utilization than those without depression.
Effects of E-Mailed Versus Mailed Invitations and Incentives on Response Rates, Data Quality, and Costs in a Web Survey of University Faculty
Authors: Dykema Jennifer , Stevenson John , Klein Lisa , Kim Yujin , Day Brendan
Published: November 2012

While a large literature indicates that using a mixed-mode approach to notify or contact potential respondents can be effective in increasing response rates, surprisingly little research examines the impact the mode of invitation has on participation in a web survey. To assess the effects of invitation mode on response rates, costs, and demographic representativeness, university faculty members ( N = 280) were randomly assigned to experimental groups and sent a mailed invitation letter and a $2 cash incentive; a mailed invitation letter only; or an e-mailed invitation. Nonresponding faculty received up to two reminders to participate, by e-mail. Results indicated that the response rates were higher for the groups invited using a postal letter, but the inclusion of $2 did not significantly increase the response rates. Consistent with expectations, while costs were higher for the mailed invitation groups, the mailed invitations improved the demographic representativeness of the respondents, especially for the $2 incentive group. This study builds on a small body of literature that explicitly examines the mode of invitation on survey participation in web surveys and adds to previous findings by examining costs and effects on the demographic representativeness of the respondents.
Electrical discharge dressing metal-bonded diamond grinding wheels with various mediums
Authors: Cai LR , Li M , Yang H , Hu DJ
Published: November 2012

Truing and dressing of superabrasive grinding wheels remain as one of the most important issues in hard-to-cut materials’ precise machining field. Recently, electrical discharge dressing process with less pollution, aimed to protect environment, has become an urgent studying subject in the world. In this study, various discharge mediums including kerosene-based oil, compressed air, misted deionized water, and misted emulsion were applied in electrical discharge dressing bronze-bonded diamond grinding wheels. Misted deionized water and misted emulsion are liquid–gas mixture. The dressing quality of wheels with various mediums was analyzed according to wheel topographies. The dressing efficiency of various discharge mediums was evaluated by the dressing depth divided by the dressing time. In addition, the performance of electrical discharge dressed wheel was investigated in practical grinding. Misted deionized water and misted emulsion electrical discharge dressing show advantages over the compressed air electrical discharge dressing in better dressing quality and higher dressing efficiency. Compared to kerosene-based oil electrical discharge dressing, misted deionized water and misted emulsion electrical discharge dressing have better dressing quality and lower dressing efficiency.
Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa in a cat without pinnal involvement: video-otoscopic features
Authors: Borio Stefano , Massari Federico , Abramo Francesca , Colombo Silvia
Published: November 2012

Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa is a rare and recently described disease affecting the ear canals and concave pinnae of kittens. This article describes a case of proliferative and necrotising otits externa in a young adult cat. In this case, the lesions did not affected the pinnae, but both ear canals were severely involved. Video-otoscopy revealed a digitally proliferative lesion, growing at 360° all around the ear canals for their entire length, without involvement of the middle ear. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the cat responded completely to a once-daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment diluted in mineral oil in the ear canals. Video-otoscopy findings, not described previously, were very peculiar and may help clinicians to diagnose this rare disease.
The sexual politics of citizenship and reproductive rights in Ireland: From national, international, supranational and transnational to postnational claims to membership?
Authors: Moral Paulina García-del , Korteweg Anna C
Published: November 2012

Claims concerning the death of the nation-state are often accompanied by postnationalist arguments that emphasize the potential of human rights to contest nation-bounded conceptualizations of membership. Conversely, arguments focusing on the continuing importance of state-bounded social citizenship rights undermine such postnationalist claims. To assess these claims, this article turns to the Irish state and its prohibition of abortion except in cases where the life of the pregnant woman is in danger. The authors focus their analysis on four legal cases that unfolded between 1992 and 2010. These cases reflect how specific women’s social location within interconnected power hierarchies of nationality, gender, class, race/ethnicity positioned them differently vis-a-vis the Irish state, international (European Court of Human Rights) and supranational (EU) bodies. Furthermore, the transnational, in the form of immigration, non-governmental organizations and the Catholic Church, plays an important role in structuring the context within which these cases unfold. Rather than showing that the international, supranational and transnational are conduits for the declining power of the nation-state, this article finds that in the increasingly dense legal-political field there is room for all of these forces.
Performing sustainable transport: an artistic RIDE across the city
Authors: Jones Phil Ian
Published: November 2012

Critically reflecting upon a performance piece enacted by the author, this paper explores the value of artistic practice as a means for undertaking research. The performance was a piece of GPS drawing, using the movement of a body in space to write the word ‘RIDE’ across the city, subsequently represented in the form of a map. Scholars working in mobilities have increasingly been opening up the spaces of transport to critical enquiry, revealing the practices and powers enmeshed in the everyday activity of moving from A-to-B. This paper argues that in using a bicycle ride to create an art work – even one of little aesthetic merit – the author was able to create a new understanding of cycling practices that would not be captured through conventional social science techniques.
Multicenter phase 1 trial of intraventricular immunochemotherapy in recurrent CNS lymphoma
Authors: Rubenstein James L. , Li Jing , Chen Lingjing , Advani Ranjana , Drappatz Jan , Gerstner Elizabeth , Batchelor Tracy , Krouwer Hendrikus , Hwang James , Auerback Glenna , Kadoch Cigall , Lowell Clifford , Munster Pamela , Cha Soonmee , Shuman Marc A. , Damon Lloyd E.
Published: November 2012

Key Points

Phase I study showed that intraventricular rituximab plus methotrexate is feasible and active in the treatment of refractory CNS lymphoma.
Biosynthesis of allene oxides in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Scholz Julia , Brodhun Florian , Hornung Ellen , Herrfurth Cornelia , Stumpe Michael , Beike Anna K , Faltin Bernd , Frank Wolfgang , Reski Ralf , Feussner Ivo
Published: November 2012

Background

The moss Physcomitrella patens contains C18- as well as C20-polyunsaturated fatty acids that can be metabolized by different enzymes to form oxylipins such as the cyclopentenone cis(+)-12-oxo phytodienoic acid. Mutants defective in the biosynthesis of cyclopentenones showed reduced fertility, aberrant sporophyte morphology and interrupted sporogenesis. The initial step in this biosynthetic route is the conversion of a fatty acid hydroperoxide to an allene oxide. This reaction is catalyzed by allene oxide synthase (AOS) belonging as hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) to the cytochrome P450 family Cyp74. In this study we characterized two AOS from P. patens, PpAOS1 and PpAOS2.

Results

Our results show that PpAOS1 is highly active with both C18 and C20-hydroperoxy-fatty acid substrates, whereas PpAOS2 is fully active only with C20-substrates, exhibiting trace activity (~1000-fold lower kcat/KM) with C18 substrates. Analysis of products of PpAOS1 and PpHPL further demonstrated that both enzymes have an inherent side activity mirroring the close inter-connection of AOS and HPL catalysis. By employing site directed mutagenesis we provide evidence that single amino acid residues in the active site are also determining the catalytic activity of a 9-/13-AOS – a finding that previously has only been reported for substrate specific 13-AOS. However, PpHPL cannot be converted into an AOS by exchanging the same determinant. Localization studies using YFP-labeled AOS showed that PpAOS2 is localized in the plastid while PpAOS1 may be found in the cytosol. Analysis of the wound-induced cis(+)-12-oxo phytodienoic acid accumulation in PpAOS1 and PpAOS2 single knock-out mutants showed that disruption of PpAOS1, in contrast to PpAOS2, results in a significantly decreased cis(+)-12-oxo phytodienoic acid formation. However, the knock-out mutants of neither PpAOS1 nor PpAOS2 showed reduced fertility, aberrant sporophyte morphology or interrupted sporogenesis.

Conclusions

Our study highlights five findings regarding the oxylipin metabolism in P. patens: (i) Both AOS isoforms are capable of metabolizing C18- and C20-derived substrates with different specificities suggesting that both enzymes might have different functions. (ii) Site directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the catalytic trajectories of 9-/13-PpAOS1 and PpHPL are closely inter-connected and PpAOS1 can be inter-converted by a single amino acid exchange into a HPL. (iii) In contrast to PpAOS1, PpAOS2 is localized in the plastid where oxylipin metabolism takes place. (iv) PpAOS1 is essential for wound-induced accumulation of cis(+)-12-oxo phytodienoic acid while PpAOS2 appears not to be involved in the process. (v) Knock-out mutants of neither AOS showed a deviating morphological phenotype suggesting that there are overlapping functions with other Cyp74 enzymes.
Evaluation of the Propensity score methods for estimating marginal odds ratios in case of small sample size
Authors: Pirracchio Romain , Resche-Rigon Matthieu , Chevret Sylvie
Published: November 2012

Background

Propensity score (PS) methods are increasingly used, even when sample sizes are small or treatments are seldom used. However, the relative performance of the two mainly recommended PS methods, namely PS-matching or inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), have not been studied in the context of small sample sizes.

Methods

We conducted a series of Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the influence of sample size, prevalence of treatment exposure, and strength of the association between the variables and the outcome and/or the treatment exposure, on the performance of these two methods.

Results

Decreasing the sample size from 1,000 to 40 subjects did not substantially alter the Type I error rate, and led to relative biases below 10%. The IPTW method performed better than the PS-matching down to 60 subjects. When N was set at 40, the PS matching estimators were either similarly or even less biased than the IPTW estimators. Including variables unrelated to the exposure but related to the outcome in the PS model decreased the bias and the variance as compared to models omitting such variables. Excluding the true confounder from the PS model resulted, whatever the method used, in a significantly biased estimation of treatment effect. These results were illustrated in a real dataset.

Conclusion

Even in case of small study samples or low prevalence of treatment, PS-matching and IPTW can yield correct estimations of treatment effect unless the true confounders and the variables related only to the outcome are not included in the PS model.