bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protease-activated receptor 2-mediated protection of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: role of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptors
Authors: Zhong Beihua , Wang Donna H.
Published: October 2009

Activation of the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) or the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels expressed in cardiac sensory afferents containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and/or substance P (SP) has been proposed to play a protective role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the interaction between PAR2 and TRPV1 is largely unknown. Using gene-targeted TRPV1-null mutant (TRPV1−/−) or wild-type (WT) mice, we test the hypothesis that TRPV1 contributes to PAR2-mediated cardiac protection via increasing the release of CGRP and SP. Immunofluorescence labeling showed that TRPV1 coexpressed with PAR2, PKC-ε, or PKAc in cardiomyocytes, cardiac blood vessels, and perivascular nerves in WT but not TRPV1−/− hearts. WT or TRPV1−/− hearts were Langendorff perfused with the selective PAR2 agonist, SLIGRL, in the presence or absence of various antagonists, followed by 35 min of global ischemia and 40 min of reperfusion (I/R). The recovery rate of coronary flow, the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure development, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and left ventricular developed pressure were evaluated after I/R. SLIGRL improved the recovery of hemodynamic parameters, decreased lactate dehydrogenase release, and reduced the infarct size in both WT and TRPV1−/− hearts ( P < 0.05). The protection of SLIGRL was significantly surpassed for WT compared with TRPV1−/− hearts ( P < 0.05). CGRP8–37, a selective CGRP receptor antagonist, RP67580, a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, PKC-ε V1–2, a selective PKC-ε inhibitor, or H-89, a selective PKA inhibitor, abolished SLIGRL protection by inhibiting the recovery of the rate of coronary flow, maximum rate of left ventricular pressure development, and left ventricular developed pressure, and increasing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in WT but not TRPV1−/− hearts. Radioimmunoassay showed that SLIGRL increased the release of CGRP and SP in WT but not TRPV1−/− hearts ( P < 0.05), which were prevented by PKC-ε V1–2 and H-89. Thus our data show that PAR2 activation improves cardiac recovery after I/R injury in WT and TRPV1−/− hearts, with a greater effect in the former, suggesting that PAR2-mediated protection is TRPV1 dependent and independent, and that dysfunctional TRPV1 impairs PAR2 action. PAR2 activation of the PKC-ε or PKA pathway stimulates or sensitizes TRPV1 in WT hearts, leading to the release of CGRP and SP that contribute, at least in part, to PAR2-induced cardiac protection against I/R injury.
Diverse vasopressin V2 receptor functionality underlying partial congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Færch Mia , Christensen Jane H. , Rittig Søren , Johansson Jan-Ove , Gregersen Niels , de Zegher Francis , Corydon Thomas J.
Published: October 2009

X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI) is characterized by a defective renal response to the antidiuretic hormone (AVP) due to variations in the arginine vasopressin receptor 2 ( AVPR2) gene. In a unique group of patients, the renal insensitivity to the effects of AVP is incomplete resulting in a partial phenotype. To investigate the molecular defects, two previously published variations in the AVPR2 gene, known to cause a partial CNDI phenotype, were expressed in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney cells. One variation (p.Arg104Cys) is located in the first extracellular loop and the other variation (p.Ser329Arg) is located in the intracellular COOH terminal of the receptor protein. Western blotting showed almost equal amounts of WT-V2R and Arg104Cys-V2R protein at steady state, whereas the level of Ser329Arg-V2R protein was lower. Confocal microscopy established that WT-V2R and Arg104Cys-V2R are localized on the cellular surface while the Ser329Arg-V2R primarily accumulates within the endoplasmic reticulum resulting in reduced surface expression. Ligand binding analysis demonstrated that the Bmaxfor cells expressing Arg104Cys-V2R and Ser329Arg-V2R were 14.8- and 2.5-fold lower than Bmaxfor WT-V2R, respectively. AVP affinity (1/ Kd) for WT-V2R and the Ser329Arg-V2R was similar while 1/ Kdfor Arg104Cys-V2R was increased. cAMP assay revealed that cells expressing p.Arg104Cys-V2R or p.Ser329Arg-V2R produced 1.7- and 6.8-fold lower amounts of cAMP compared with WT-V2R, respectively. In conclusion, ligand binding and signal transduction capability are dependent on localization of the amino acid variation. Striking divergences at the level of receptor functionality may thus underlie similar clinical phenotypes in CNDI.
Quantitative Analysis and Biophysically Realistic Neural Modeling of the MEG Mu Rhythm: Rhythmogenesis and Modulation of Sensory-Evoked Responses
Authors: Jones Stephanie R. , Pritchett Dominique L. , Sikora Michael A. , Stufflebeam Steven M. , Hämäläinen Matti , Moore Christopher I.
Published: October 2009

Variations in cortical oscillations in the alpha (7–14 Hz) and beta (15–29 Hz) range have been correlated with attention, working memory, and stimulus detection. The mu rhythm recorded with magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a prominent oscillation generated by Rolandic cortex containing alpha and beta bands. Despite its prominence, the neural mechanisms regulating mu are unknown. We characterized the ongoing MEG mu rhythm from a localized source in the finger representation of primary somatosensory (SI) cortex. Subjects showed variation in the relative expression of mu-alpha or mu-beta, which were nonoverlapping for roughly 50% of their respective durations on single trials. To delineate the origins of this rhythm, a biophysically principled computational neural model of SI was developed, with distinct laminae, inhibitory and excitatory neurons, and feedforward (FF, representative of lemniscal thalamic drive) and feedback (FB, representative of higher-order cortical drive or input from nonlemniscal thalamic nuclei) inputs defined by the laminar location of their postsynaptic effects. The mu-alpha component was accurately modeled by rhythmic FF input at approximately 10-Hz. The mu-beta component was accurately modeled by the addition of approximately 10-Hz FB input that was nearly synchronous with the FF input. The relative dominance of these two frequencies depended on the delay between FF and FB drives, their relative input strengths, and stochastic changes in these variables. The model also reproduced key features of the impact of high prestimulus mu power on peaks in SI-evoked activity. For stimuli presented during high mu power, the model predicted enhancement in an initial evoked peak and decreased subsequent deflections. In agreement, the MEG-evoked responses showed an enhanced initial peak and a trend to smaller subsequent peaks. These data provide new information on the dynamics of the mu rhythm in humans and the model provides a novel mechanistic interpretation of this rhythm and its functional significance.
Been There, Seen That: A Neural Mechanism for Performing Efficient Visual Search
Authors: Mirpour Koorosh , Arcizet Fabrice , Ong Wei Song , Bisley James W.
Published: October 2009

In everyday life, we efficiently find objects in the world by moving our gaze from one location to another. The efficiency of this process is brought about by ignoring items that are dissimilar to the target and remembering which target-like items have already been examined. We trained two animals on a visual foraging task in which they had to find a reward-loaded target among five task-irrelevant distractors and five potential targets. We found that both animals performed the task efficiently, ignoring the distractors and rarely examining a particular target twice. We recorded the single unit activity of 54 neurons in the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) while the animals performed the task. The responses of the neurons differentiated between targets and distractors throughout the trial. Further, the responses marked off targets that had been fixated by a reduction in activity. This reduction acted like inhibition of return in saliency map models; items that had been fixated would no longer be represented by high enough activity to draw an eye movement. This reduction could also be seen as a correlate of reward expectancy; after a target had been identified as not containing the reward the activity was reduced. Within a trial, responses to the remaining targets did not increase as they became more likely to yield a result, suggesting that only activity related to an event is updated on a moment-by-moment bases. Together, our data show that all the neural activity required to guide efficient search is present in LIP. Because LIP activity is known to correlate with saccade goal selection, we propose that LIP plays a significant role in the guidance of efficient visual search.
Application of Symbolic Computation in Nonlinear Differential‐Difference Equations
Authors: Xie Fuding , Wang Zhen , Ji Min
Published: October 2009

A method is proposed to construct closed‐form solutions of nonlinear differential‐difference equations. For the variety of nonlinearities, this method only deals with such equations which
are written in polynomials in function and its derivative. Some closed‐form solutions of
Hybrid lattice, Discrete mKdV lattice, and modified Volterra lattice are obtained by using the
proposed method. The travelling wave solutions of nonlinear differential‐difference equations
in polynomial in function tanh are included in these solutions. This implies that the proposed
method is more powerful than the one introduced by Baldwin et al. The results obtained in this
paper show the validity of the proposal.
Double Periodic Solutions for a Ratio‐Dependent Predator‐Prey System with Harvesting Terms on Time Scales
Authors: Liu Zhenjie
Published: October 2009

We investigate a nonautonomous ratio‐dependent predator‐prey model with Beddington‐DeAngelis functional response and multiple harvesting (or exploited) terms on time scales. By means of using a continuation theorem based on coincidence degree theory, we obtain sufficient criteria for the existence of at least two periodic solutions for the system. Moreover, when the time scale 𝕋 is chosen as ℝ or ℤ, the existence of the periodic solutions of the corresponding continuous and discrete models follows. Therefore, the methods are unified to provide the existence of the desired solutions for the continuous differential equations and discrete difference equations.
Review of Current Methodological Approaches for Characterizing MicroRNAs in Plants
Authors: Unver Turgay , Namuth-Covert Deana M. , Budak Hikmet
Published: October 2009

Advances in molecular
biology have led to some surprising discoveries.
One of these includes the complexities of RNA
and its role in gene expression. One particular
class of RNA called microRNA (miRNA) is the
focus of this paper. We will first
briefly look at some of the characteristics and
biogenesis of miRNA in plant systems. The
remainder of the paper will go into details of
three different approaches used to identify and
study miRNA. These include two reverse genetics
approaches: computation (bioinformatics) and
experimental, and one rare forward genetics
approach. We also will summarize how to measure
and quantify miRNAs, and how to detect their
possible targets in plants. Strengths and
weaknesses of each methodological approach are
discussed.
Order Level Inventory Models for Deteriorating Seasonable/Fashionable Products with Time Dependent Demand and Shortages
Authors: Skouri K. , Konstantaras I.
Published: October 2009

An order level inventory model for seasonable/fashionable products subject to a period of increasing demand followed by a period of level demand and then by a period of decreasing demand rate (three branches ramp type demand rate) is considered. The unsatisfied demand is partially backlogged with a time dependent backlogging rate. In addition, the product deteriorates with a time dependent, namely, Weibull, deterioration rate. The model is studied under the following different replenishment policies: (a) starting with no shortages and (b) starting with shortages. The optimal replenishment policy for the model is derived for both the above mentioned policies.
Clinical Management of a Patient with Chronic Recurrent Vertigo Following a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Johnson Eric G.
Published: October 2009

Vertigo, was provoked and right torsional up-beat nystagmus was observed in a 47-year-old patient when she was placed into the right Hallpike-Dix test position using infrared goggle technology. The clinical diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), specifically right posterior canalithiasis, resulting from a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffered approximately six-months earlier. Previous medical consultations did not include vestibular system examination, and Meclizine was prescribed to suppress her chief complaint of vertigo. Ultimately, the patient was successfully managed by performing two canalith repositioning maneuvers during a single clinical session. The patient reported 100% resolution of symptoms upon reexamination the following day, and the Hallpike-Dix test was negative. Continued symptom resolution was subjectively reported 10 days postintervention via telephone consultation. This case report supports previous publications concerning the presence of BPPV following TBI and the need for inclusion of vestibular system examination during medical consultation.
Some Convergence Theorems of a Sequence in Complete Metric Spaces and Its Applications
Authors: Ahmed MA , Zeyada FM
Published: October 2009

The concept of weakly quasi-nonexpansive mappings with respect to a sequence is introduced. This concept generalizes the concept of quasi-nonexpansive mappings with respect to a sequence due to Ahmed and Zeyada (2002). Mainly, some convergence theorems are established and their applications to certain iterations are given.
Changes in CpG Islands Promoter Methylation Patterns during Ductal Breast Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Hoque Mohammad Obaidul , Prencipe Maria , Poeta Maria Luana , Barbano Raffaela , Valori Vanna Maria , Copetti Massimiliano , Gallo Antonietta Pia , Brait Mariana , Maiello Evaristo , Apicella Adolfo , Rossiello Raffaele , Zito Francesco , Stefania Tommasi , Paradiso Angelo , Carella Massimo , Dallapiccola Bruno , Murgo Roberto , Carosi Illuminato , Bisceglia Michele , Fazio Vito Michele , Sidransky David , Parrella Paola
Published: October 2009

Aberrant promoter methylation of several known or putative tumor suppressor genes occurs frequently during carcinogenesis, and this epigenetic change has been considered as a potential molecular marker for cancer. We examined the methylation status of nine genes (APC, CDH1, CTNNB1, TIMP3, ESR1, GSTP1, MGMT, THBS1, and TMS1), by quantitative methylation specific PCR. Synchronous preinvasive lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia and/or ductal carcinoma in situ) and invasive ductal breast carcinoma from 52 patients, together with pure lesions from 24 patients and 12 normal tissues paired to tumor and 20 normal breast distant from tumor were analyzed. Aberrant promoter methylation was detected in both preinvasive and invasive lesions for genes APC, CDH1, CTNNB1, TIMP3, ESR1, and GSTP1. However, hierarchical mixed model and Generalized Estimating Equations model analyses showed that only APC, CDH1, and CTNNB1 promoter regions showed a higher frequency and methylation levels in pathologic samples when compared with normal breast. Whereas APC and CTNNB1 did not show differences in methylation levels or frequencies, CDH1 showed higher methylation levels in invasive tumors as compared with preinvasive lesions (P < 0.04, Mann-Whitney test with permutation correction). The analysis of APC, CDH1, and CTNNB1 methylation status was able to distinguish between normal and pathologic samples with a sensitivity of 67% (95% confidence interval, 60-71%) and a specificity of 75% (95% confidence interval, 69-81%). Our data point to the direct involvement of APC, CDH1, and CTNNB1 promoter methylation in the early stages of breast cancer progression and suggest that they may represent a useful tool for the detection of tumor cells in clinical specimens. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2694–700)
Predictors of Marriage and Divorce in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Janson Christopher , Leisenring Wendy , Cox Cheryl , Termuhlen Amanda M. , Mertens Ann C. , Whitton John A. , Goodman Pamela , Zeltzer Lonnie , Robison Leslie L. , Krull Kevin R. , Kadan-Lottick Nina S.
Published: October 2009

Background/Objective: Adult survivors of childhood cancer can have altered social functioning. We sought to identify factors that predict marriage and divorce outcomes in this growing population.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 8,928 ≥5-year adult survivors of childhood malignancy and 2,879 random sibling controls participating in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Marital status, current health, psychological status, and neurocognitive functioning were determined from surveys and validated instruments.

Results: Survivors were more likely to be never-married than siblings [relative risk (RR), 1.21; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.15-1.26] and the U.S. population (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21-1.29), after adjusting for age, gender, and race. Patients with central nervous system tumors were at greatest risk of not marrying (RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.41-1.59). Married survivors divorced at frequencies similar to controls. In multivariable regression analysis, nonmarriage was most associated with cranial radiation (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31 for >2,400 centigray). In analysis of neurobehavioral functioning, nonmarriage was associated with worse task efficiency (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.20-1.35), but not with emotional distress, or problems with emotional regulation, memory, or organization. Physical conditions predictive of nonmarriage included short stature (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.20-1.34) and poor physical function (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.18). Structural equation modeling suggested that cranial radiation influenced marriage status through short stature, cognitive problems, and poor physical function.

Conclusions: Childhood cancer survivors married at lower frequencies compared with peers. Patients with central nervous system tumors, cranial radiation, impaired processing efficiency, and short stature were more likely to never marry. Divorce patterns in survivors were similar to peers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2626–35)
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Prostate Cancer among Men in the U.S. Military
Authors: Dennis Leslie K. , Coughlin Julie A. , McKinnon Brittany C. , Wells Timothy S. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Hamsikova Eva , Gray Gregory C.
Published: October 2009

Studies of self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STI) suggesting an association with prostate cancer may reflect underreporting of such infections among nondiseased subjects. To reduce such bias, we studied archived sera in a cohort of U.S. military personnel known to have high rates of both STIs and prostate cancer. Using a nested case-control design, serum samples from 534 men who served on active duty between September 1, 1993 and September 1, 2003 were examined. Controls were individually matched to cases based on date of serum collection, date of birth, branch of service, military rank, marital status, and race. Each of the 267 case-control pairs had two serum samples: a recent serum sample, taken ∼1 year before the case's prostate cancer diagnosis, and an earlier serum sample, taken ∼8 years before diagnosis. Each serum specimen was studied for antibodies against human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), and Chlamydia trachomatis. Logistic regression accounted for matching and potential confounding factors. Study data indicated no association between prostate cancer and serologic evidence of infections just before the reference date. However, a statistically significant association between prostate cancer and serologic evidence of HSV-2 infection was detected in the earlier sample (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.44). The strength of this association increased when analyses were restricted to sera collected at least 60 months before diagnosis (odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-3.29; 204 pairs). If this association is causal, then our findings would suggest a long latency period for prostate cancer development after HSV-2 infection. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2665–71)
Prostate Cancer Detected by Methylated Gene Markers in Histopathologically Cancer-Negative Tissues from Men with Subsequent Positive Biopsies
Authors: Troyer Dean A. , Lucia M. Scott , de Bruïne Adriann P. , Mendez-Meza Rosario , Baldewijns Marcella M. , Dunscomb Nancy , Van Engeland Manon , McAskill Theresa , Bierau Katja , Louwagie Joost , Bigley Joseph W.
Published: October 2009

The goal of this retrospective, multicenter study was to evaluate the ability of a newly developed refinement of a quantitative methylation-specific PCR assay to detect prostate cancer in histopathologically negative biopsy samples collected from men who were later positively diagnosed during a follow-up biopsy procedure. Biomarkers tested in the assay included the much-studied glutathione-S-transferase P1 gene and others reported to be frequently methylated in prostate cancer. Core biopsy tissue from subjects with serial negative biopsies served as a negative control to assess assay specificity. As a positive control, biopsy core tissue from patients histopathologically diagnosed with prostate cancer was used to gauge true marker sensitivity in known cancer-containing specimens. Testing was completed in 971 archived paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 264 men screened for prostate cancer. More samples were initially tested, but due to the advanced age of the paraffinized tissue, DNA quality for quantitative methylation-specific PCR analysis was insufficient in 34% of the available blocks. The glutathione-S-transferase P1 gene has been confirmed as a powerful indicator of the presence of prostate cancer cells. A sensitivity of 52% was observed in the “potentially false-negative first biopsies,” with a corresponding specificity of 85% and the sensitivity in biopsy tissue cores containing histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer was 95%. An even higher sensitivity can be reached with RAR-2β (84%) and APC (72%), with respective specificities of 48% and 50%. Gene methylation was detected in initial, negative biopsy tissue in men who were later diagnosed with prostate cancer. Testing for methylation in histopathologically negative biopsies could improve the early detection of prostate cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2717–22)
Expression and Cytoplasmic Localization of SAM68 Is a Significant and Independent Prognostic Marker for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhiling , Li Jun , Zheng Haiqing , Yu Chunping , Chen Jin , Liu Zhuowei , Li Manzhi , Zeng Musheng , Zhou Fangjian , Song Libing
Published: October 2009

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to examine the expression and localization of SAM68 (Src-associated in mitosis, 68 kDa) in a larger cohort of surgical specimens of renal cell carcinoma and their correlation with the progression of human renal cell carcinoma.

Experimental Design: The protein and mRNA expression levels of SAM68 in normal renal tubular epithelial cells, renal cell carcinoma cell lines, as well as nine pairs of renal cell carcinoma and matched tumor-adjacent renal tissues were examined using reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. Moreover, SAM68 protein expression and localization in 241 clinicopathologically characterized renal cell carcinoma samples were examined by immunohistochemistry. Prognostic and diagnostic associations were examined by statistical analyses.

Results: SAM68 was markedly overexpressed in renal cell carcinoma cell lines and renal cell carcinoma tissues at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed high SAM68 protein expression in 129 of the 241 (53.5%) paraffin-embedded archival renal cell carcinoma specimens. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between SAM68 expression and pathologic stage (P < 0.001), T classification (P = 0.003), N classification (P = 0.001), M classification (P = 0.006), and Fuhrman grade (P < 0.001). Patients with higher SAM68 expression had shorter overall survival time than patients with lower SAM68 expression, and the cytoplasmic localization of SAM68 significantly correlated with clinicopathologic grade and outcome. Multivariate analysis indicated that SAM68 protein overexpression and cytoplasmic localization were independent predictors for poor survival of renal cell carcinoma patients.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that SAM68 could represent a novel and useful prognostic marker for renal cell carcinoma. High SAM68 expression and cytoplasmic localization are associated with poor overall survival in renal cell carcinoma patients. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2685–93)
Serum Creatinine and Prostate Cancer Risk in a Prospective Study
Authors: Weinstein Stephanie J. , Mackrain Katrina , Stolzenberg-Solomon Rachael Z. , Selhub Jacob , Virtamo Jarmo , Albanes Demetrius
Published: October 2009

Background: Several studies have examined serum creatinine as a marker for prostate cancer stage, recurrence, and prognosis. We evaluated whether serum creatinine concentration was associated with risk of developing prostate cancer in a prospective cohort of male smokers.

Methods: A nested case-control study within the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study of 50- to 69-year-old Finnish men was conducted. Two controls (n = 464) were matched to each case (n = 232) on study center, intervention group, date of baseline blood draw (±45 days), and age (±5 years). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. All P values were two-sided.

Results: Cases had significantly higher prediagnostic serum creatinine concentrations compared with controls (medians of 1.13 versus 1.10 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.004). Serum creatinine was associated with a significantly greater risk of prostate cancer (multivariate odds ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.75 for highest versus lowest quartile), with a significant trend (P trend = 0.0008). Exclusion of subjects with a reported history of diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hypertension, or whose cancer was diagnosed within the first 5 years of follow-up, did not alter the association. Risk did not differ by disease stage or time from blood draw to diagnosis.

Conclusion: Prospectively measured serum creatinine, within normal ranges, is positively related to prostate cancer risk. Future research should reexamine the association in other populations, including any interrelationship with serum prostate-specific antigen. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2643–9)
Polymorphisms in Telomere Maintenance Genes and Risk of Lung Cancer
Authors: Choi Jin Eun , Kang Hyo-Gyoung , Jang Jin Sung , Choi Yi Young , Kim Min Jung , Kim Jong Sik , Jeon Hyo-Sung , Lee Won Kee , Cha Sung Ick , Kim Chang Ho , Kam Sin , Jung Tae Hoon , Park Jae Yong
Published: October 2009

This study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the associations between polymorphisms in telomere maintenance genes (TERT, TRF1, TNKS1, TRF2, RAP1, and POT1) and lung cancer risk. We captured 35 polymorphisms in the genes and determined their frequencies in 27 healthy Koreans. Ten haplotype-tagging polymorphisms were examined in a case-control study that consisted of 720 lung cancer patients and 720 healthy controls. The TERT rs2735940 g.C > T and rs2736098 g.G > A, and TNKS1 rs6985140 g.A > G were significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer. In the haplotype analysis, the TERT rs2735940T/rs2736098A haplotype (ht4) was associated with a significantly increased risk of lung cancer compared with the rs2735940C/rs2736098G haplotype (adjusted odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.50; P = 0.008). When the TERT ht4 and TNKS1 rs6985140G as risk alleles, the risk of lung cancer increased in a dose-dependent manner as the number of risk alleles increased (Ptrend < 0.001). Subjects with two to four risk alleles were at a significantly increased risk of lung cancer (adjusted odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.27; P = 0.001) compared with subjects with zero risk allele. These findings suggest that genetic variants in the TERT and TNKS1 genes contribute to genetic susceptibility to lung cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2773–81)
Cyclooxygenase-2 Polymorphisms, Aspirin Treatment, and Risk for Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence—Data from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Barry Elizabeth L. , Sansbury Leah B. , Grau Maria V. , Ali Iqbal U. , Tsang Shirley , Munroe David J. , Ahnen Dennis J. , Sandler Robert S. , Saibil Fred , Gui Jiang , Bresalier Robert S. , McKeown-Eyssen Gail E. , Burke Carol , Baron John A.
Published: October 2009

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the production of prostaglandins, potent mediators of inflammation. Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Aspirin inhibits COX-2 activity and lowers the risk for colorectal adenomas and cancer. We investigated whether common genetic variation in COX-2 influenced risk for colorectal adenoma recurrence among 979 participants in the Aspirin/Folate Polyp Prevention Study who were randomly assigned to placebo or aspirin and followed for 3 years for the occurrence of new adenomas. Of these participants, 44.2% developed at least one new adenoma during follow-up. Adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to test the association between genetic variation at six COX-2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and adenoma occurrence and interaction with aspirin treatment. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly associated with increased adenoma recurrence: for rs5277, homozygous carriers of the minor C allele had a 51% increased risk compared with GG homozygotes (relative risk, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.01-2.25), and for rs4648310, heterozygous carriers of the minor G allele had a 37% increased risk compared with AA homozygotes (relative risk, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.79). (There were no minor allele homozygotes.) In stratified analyses, there was suggestive evidence that rs4648319 modified the effect of aspirin. These results support the hypothesis that COX-2 plays a role in the etiology of colon cancer and may be a target for aspirin chemoprevention and warrant further investigation in other colorectal adenoma and cancer populations.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2726–33)
Pediatric Germ Cell Tumors and Maternal Vitamin Supplementation: a Children's Oncology Group Study
Authors: Johnson Kimberly J. , Poynter Jenny N. , Ross Julie A. , Robison Leslie L. , Shu Xiao Ou
Published: October 2009

Maternal vitamin supplementation has been linked to a reduced risk of several pediatric malignancies. We examined this relationship in a study of childhood germ cell tumors (GCT). Subjects included 278 GCT cases diagnosed <15 years during 1993 to 2001 at a United States or Canadian Children's Oncology Group Institution and 423 controls that were ascertained through random digit dialing matched to cases on sex, and age within 1 year. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between GCTs and maternal vitamin use at several time points during and around pregnancy. In models controlling for the child's age, sex, household income, and maternal education, any maternal vitamin use during the 6 months before conception through nursing was associated with a nonsignificant reduced risk of GCTs (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.4-1.2). Inverse associations were observed for both extragonadal (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.4-1.6) and gonadal (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-1.1) tumors, and for dysgerminoma/seminoma (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2-1.3) and teratoma (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9) but not yolk sac tumors (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.5-2.3). No consistent patterns were found with respect to vitamin use during the periconceptional period (6 months before pregnancy and first trimester) or first trimester specifically. In conclusion, although our study suggests that maternal vitamin supplementation may reduce the risk or pediatric GCTs in the offspring, the small study size and limitations inherent to observational studies must be considered when interpreting these results. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2661–4)
Moderator Effects in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Exercise Training in Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Courneya Kerry S. , Sellar Christopher M. , Stevinson Clare , McNeely Margaret L. , Friedenreich Christine M. , Peddle Carolyn J. , Basi Sanraj , Chua Neil , Tankel Keith , Mazurek Alex , Reiman Tony
Published: October 2009

Background: The Healthy Exercise for Lymphoma Patients trial showed that aerobic exercise training improved important health outcomes in lymphoma patients. Here, we examine potential moderators of the exercise training response.

Methods: Lymphoma patients were stratified by major disease type and current treatment status and randomly assigned to usual care (n = 62) or aerobic exercise training (n = 60) for 12 weeks. Endpoints were quality of life, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition. Moderators were patient preference for group assignment, age, sex, marital status, disease stage, body mass index, and general health.

Results: Patient preference did not statistically moderate the effects of exercise training on quality of life (P for interaction = 0.36), but the interaction effect of 7.8 points favoring patients with no preference was clinically meaningful. Marital status (P for interaction = 0.083), general health (P for interaction = 0.012), and body mass index (P for interaction = 0.010) moderated the effects of aerobic exercise training on quality of life with better outcomes for unmarried versus married patients, patients in poor/fair health versus good-to-excellent health, and normal weight/obese versus overweight patients. Disease stage (P for interaction = 0.056) and general health (P for interaction = 0.012) moderated the effects of aerobic exercise training on body composition with better outcomes for patients with advanced disease versus early disease/no disease and patients in good health versus very good-to-excellent health. No variables moderated intervention effects on cardiovascular fitness. Findings were not explained by differences in adherence.

Conclusions: Clinically available variables predicted quality of life and body composition responses to aerobic exercise training in lymphoma patients. If replicated, these results may inform future randomized trials and clinical practice. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(10):2600–7)
Handedness for tool use in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): sex differences, performance, heritability and comparison to the wild
Authors: Gardner  , Schaeffer  , Hopkins  , Russell  , Schapiro
Published: October 2009

There is continued debate over the factors influencing handedness in captive and wild primates, notably chimpanzees. Previous studies in wild chimpanzees have revealed population-level left-handedness for termite fishing. Here we examined hand preferences and performance on a tool use task designed to simulate termite fishing in a sample of 190 captive chimpanzees to evaluate whether patterns of hand use in captive chimpanzees differed from those observed for wild apes. No population-level handedness was found for this task; however, significant sex differences in preference and performance were found, with males showing greater left-handedness and poorer performance compared to females. We also found that the hand preferences of offspring were significantly positively correlated with the hand preferences of their mothers. Lastly, older females performed more slowly on the task compared to younger individuals. The overall results neither confirm nor reject previous hypotheses claiming that raising chimpanzees in captivity induces right-handedness, but rather suggest that other factors may account for differences in hand preferences for tool use seen in wild and captive chimpanzees.
Associations with multiple male groups increase the energy expenditure of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) female and calf pairs on the breeding grounds
Authors: Sullivan Matthew , Cartwright Rachel
Published: October 2009

In mammalian mating systems, where operational sex ratios are male skewed and males must compete for access to females, increased levels of male attention may amount to harassment of females and their offspring. To evaluate how male associations affect the behaviour of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) female and calf pairs in breeding regions, we compiled time budgets and monitored calf breathing regimes for females with calves in a range of associations, with (N = 71) and without (N = 19) males, in Hawaiian waters. We found that, while associations with a single male did not significantly change the behaviour of female–calf pairs, associations with multiple males led to increases in the time spent traveling (median increase 35%; p < 0.001) and decreases in time spent at rest (median decrease 29%; p < 0.001). Additionally, calves spent less time at the surface (median decrease from 10% to 0; p < 0.001) and the frequency of intermittent breaths between dives increased (median increase from 16 to 22%; p = 0.006). We show that these behavioural changes would require increased energy expenditure, which could impact calf fitness, and we speculate that the association between a female–calf pair and single male escort comprises a female counterstrategy that offsets male harassment, consistent with Mesnick's (1997) bodyguard hypothesis.
Mapping Circulation in the Kuroshio Extension with an Array of Current and Pressure Recording Inverted Echo Sounders
Authors: Donohue Kathleen A. , Watts D. Randolph , Tracey Karen L. , Greene Andrew D. , Kennelly Maureen
Published: October 2009

The Kuroshio Extension System Study (KESS) aimed to quantify processes governing the variability of and the interaction between the Kuroshio Extension and the recirculation gyre. To meet this goal, a suite of instrumentation, including 43 inverted echo sounders equipped with bottom pressure gauges and current meters [current and pressure recording inverted echo sounders (CPIES)], was deployed. The array was centered on the first quasi-stationary meander crest and trough east of Japan, which is also the region of highest eddy kinetic energy. KESS was the first experiment to deploy a large quantity of these new CPIES instruments, and it was unique in that the instruments were deployed in water depths (5300–6400 m) close to their limit of operation. A comprehensive narrative of the methodology to produce mesoscale-resolving four-dimensional circulation fields of temperature, specific volume anomaly, and velocity from the KESS CPIES array is provided. In addition, an improved technique for removing pressure drift is introduced. Methodology and error estimates were verified with several independent datasets. Temperature error was lowest on the equatorward side of the Kuroshio Extension core and decreased with depth (1.5°C at 300 m, 0.3°C at 600 m, and <0.1°C below 1200 m). Velocity errors were highest in regions of strong eddy kinetic energy, within and south of the jet core. Near the surface, the error in geostrophic velocity between adjacent CPIES was typically 10 cm s−1, decreasing downward to 6 cm s−1 at 500-m depth and 5 cm s−1 below 800 m. The rms differences from pointwise current measurements are nearly twice as large as the geostrophic errors, because the pointwise velocities include submesoscale and ageostrophic contributions.
Performing Cultural Work in Demographically Changing Schools: Implications for Expanding Transformative Leadership Frameworks
Authors: Cooper Camille Wilson
Published: October 2009

Purpose: Marginalizing dynamics can emerge in school communities that are experiencing rapid demographic change, even when led by equity-oriented principals.The purpose of this article is to consider how educators can serve as transformative leaders through their performing cultural work that addresses inequity, crosses sociocultural boundaries, and fosters inclusion. Cornel West’s theories on the cultural politics of difference inform the discussion, as does the literature on transformative leadership for social justice. Research Design and Methods: This comparative case study examined two North Carolina elementary schools that have experienced rapid demographic change, and it explored educators’ and families’ responses to cultural diversification and their views about school—family relations. Data analysis was conducted via an iterative process that identified common themes, entertained alternative conclusions, and triangulated interview, observational, and document data. Data revealed participants’ general beliefs, concerns, and fears about demographic change, particularly as they relate to their communities’ growing Spanish-speaking Latino population. Findings: Provided are data-based profiles of school principals and the sociocultural contexts of their school communities. Findings emphasize contradictions between the principals’ equity-oriented stances and their exclusionary beliefs and practices; school community members’ notions of cultural difference; and the biases, segregation, and brooding tensions affecting the schools. Implications for Research and Practice: The opportunities that principals have to perform cultural work as a form of transformative leadership are discussed, along with the value of explicitly infusing the notion of cultural work into transformative leadership frameworks.
Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Authors: Gayer Corinna Carmen , Landman Shiri , Halperin Eran , Bar-Tal Daniel
Published: October 2009

One of the most important psychological barriers to conflict resolution is the rigid structure of the sociopsychological repertoire that evolves in societies immersed in intractable conflict. This article examines ways to overcome the rigidity of this repertoire in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Specifically, in line with the prospect theory, the authors assumed that elicitation of beliefs about losses stemming from the continuing conflict may bring about a process of “unfreezing.” To test this assumption, an exploratory study with a national sample of the Israeli-Jewish population and two subsequent experimental studies were conducted. The results demonstrated that exposure to information about losses inherent in continuing the conflict induces higher willingness to acquire new information about possible solutions to the conflict, higher willingness to reevaluate current positions about it, and more support for compromises than the exposure to neutral information or to information about possible gains derived from the peace agreement.
A Real-time Interface Simulator for Operator Training: A Proposed Architecture
Authors: Vieira Maria F. Q. , Neto José A. N. , Scaico Alexandre , Santoni Charles , Mercantini Jean-Marc
Published: October 2009

Operator training systems are essential tools for industrial systems, particularly for those where human error has an impact on the safety of materials and personnel and/or may cause significant financial losses. The work presented here is part of a major research project concerned with the study of operator behavior when facing safety-critical situations. The application concerns the supervisory control of an electricity distribution substation. This paper focuses on the first phase of the project; the development of a real-time operator training system that simulates the supervisory control system. The simulator promotes the operator’s immersion into a virtual replica of the real working environment. The simulator’s architecture, based upon a set of formal models interconnected to form the simulation engine, is presented. The models were constructed using the colored Petri nets formalism. The modular architecture allows for remote interaction via the web and offers two interfaces with the plant control system: a virtual reality representation of the human—machine interface and a supervisory system representation. This paper presents and discusses the architecture of the Operator Training Simulator.
How Hierarchical Can International Society Be?
Authors: Clark Ian
Published: October 2009

Waltzian analysis proceeds from the distinction between the ordering principles of anarchy and hierarchy. This raises the large question whether the introduction of pockets of ‘authority’ would represent a fundamental challenge to an anarchical international society. The article investigates this theme by exploring a putative institution of hegemony. It begins with a distinction between primacy and hegemony, and develops the idea of hegemony as a potentially legitimate practice of international society. Since most political systems are ‘mixed’, it then concludes that adoption of a hierarchical principle of hegemony is no more contradictory for international society than is its development of other such institutions. In common with much recent scholarship, it agrees that international society can function as a form of ‘hierarchy under anarchy’, within which hegemony could play its part. The article finally demonstrates what is distinctive to hegemonic behaviour, and suggests that practices such as soft balancing do not represent any form of balancing at all, but are better understood as attempts to institutionalise hegemony.
Bringing Realism to American Liberalism: Kenneth Waltz and the Process of a Cold War Adjustment
Authors: Foley Michael
Published: October 2009

Despite being a period of reputed liberal ascendancy and settlement in the United States, the 1950s also marked a time of considerable uncertainty, not least in the matter of America’s own identity in relation to the rest of the world. Louis Hartz’s quintessential depiction of US development threw into high relief the problematic nature of a liberalism that fluctuated between the two poles of principled withdrawal and transformative engagement. This article examines the social and political context of Waltz’s Man, the State, and War in relation to the specific issue of the American liberal predicament during the emergence of the cold war. Waltz’s work tapped into deep political insecurities generated by the onset of an apparently unstable and dangerous international order that threatened to be exacerbated by America’s own indigenous ambiguity over its international position. Waltz illustrated a way by which it was possible for American liberalism, and thereby the United States, to achieve a stable and sustainable form of international involvement without falling prey to the violent swings between the Hartzian extremes of liberal overreaction. Waltz’s kind of realism contained a positive core that implicitly addressed the issue of American engagement in the international system. In effect, the dynamics of international bipolarity had enhanced the possibility of diminishing the chronic nature of liberalism’s own bipolarity.