bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 4-Gene Signature Associated with Clinical Outcome in High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: de Tayrac Marie , Aubry Marc , Saïkali Stephan , Etcheverry Amandine , Surbled Cyrille , Guénot Frédérique , Galibert Marie-Dominique , Hamlat Abderrahmane , Lesimple Thierry , Quillien Véronique , Menei Philippe , Mosser Jean
Published: January 2011

Purpose: Gene expression studies provide molecular insights improving the classification of patients with high-grade gliomas. We have developed a risk estimation strategy based on a combined analysis of gene expression data to search for robust biomarkers associated with outcome in these tumors.

Experimental Design: We performed a meta-analysis using 3 publicly available malignant gliomas microarray data sets (267 patients) to define the genes related to both glioma malignancy and patient outcome. These biomarkers were used to construct a risk-score equation based on a Cox proportional hazards model on a subset of 144 patients. External validations were performed on microarray data (59 patients) and on RT-qPCR data (194 patients). The risk-score model performances (discrimination and calibration) were evaluated and compared with that of clinical risk factors, MGMT promoter methylation status, and IDH1 mutational status.

Results: This interstudy cross-validation approach allowed the identification of a 4-gene signature highly correlated to survival (CHAF1B, PDLIM4, EDNRB, and HJURP), from which an optimal survival model was built (P < 0.001 in training and validation sets). Multivariate analysis showed that the 4-gene risk score was strongly and independently associated with survival (hazard ratio = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26–0.81; P = 0.007). Performance estimations indicated that this score added beyond standard clinical parameters and beyond both the MGMT methylation status and the IDH1 mutational status in terms of discrimination (C statistics, 0.827 versus 0.835; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The 4-gene signature provides an independent risk score strongly associated with outcome of patients with high-grade gliomas. Clin Cancer Res; 17(2); 317–27. ©2011 AACR.
Evaluation of KRAS Mutations, Angiogenic Biomarkers, and DCE-MRI in Patients with Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Sorafenib
Authors: Kelly Ronan J. , Rajan Arun , Force Jeremy , Lopez-Chavez Ariel , Keen Corrine , Cao Liang , Yu Yunkai , Choyke Peter , Turkbey Baris , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Steinberg Seth M. , Wright John J. , Kummar Shivaani , Gutierrez Martin , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: January 2011

Purpose: Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting Raf and VEGFR, has shown activity in unselected patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present there are no validated biomarkers indicative of sorafenib activity.

Experimental Design: Patients received sorafenib 400 mg BID daily to determine activity and tolerability and to measure its biological effects. KRAS mutation status (N = 34), angiogenesis markers (VEGF, bFGF, FLT-1, PLGF-1) and imaging with DCE-MRI (dynamic contrast enhanced MRI) to determine early changes in tumor vascular characteristics were evaluated. Three parameters Ktrans, Kep, and Ve were measured by DCE-MRI at baseline and day 14 of cycle 1. Cytokine analysis was done on days 0, 14, 28, and 54.

Results: Thirty-seven patients with previously treated stage IV NSCLC were enrolled in this single-center phase II trial. In 34 evaluable patients, 2 had partial responses and 20 had stable disease for 3 to 17 months, a disease control rate of 65%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.4 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 11.6 months. Toxicity was consistent with the known side effects of sorafenib. KRAS (32%) and EGFR mutations (22%) showed no correlation with response, PFS, or OS. Kep, was significant in predicting an improvement in OS (P = 0.035) and PFS (P = 0.029). Cytokine analysis demonstrated an improved OS for bFGF day 0 (<6 vs. >6 pg/mL; P = 0.042), whereas a PFS benefit was seen with bFGF at day 28 (<6 vs. >6; P = 0.028).

Conclusions: KRAS and EGFR mutational status showed no correlation with response, PFS, or OS. Radiologic and cytokine changes may act as biomarkers indicative of early angiogenesis inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 17(5); 1190–9. ©2011 AACR.
Biology, Models, and the Analysis of Tumor Xenograft Experiments
Authors: Heitjan Daniel F.
Published: January 2011

Advances in statistical modeling and analysis technology have improved our ability to derive valid inferences from tumor xenograft experiments. Further challenges in this area include the modeling of intertumor heterogeneity and the development of robust statistical models that describe key parameters in the underlying tumor biology. Clin Cancer Res; 17(5); 949–52. ©2011 AACR.
ORAI1-Mediated Calcium Influx in Lactation and in Breast Cancer
Authors: McAndrew Damara , Grice Desma M. , Peters Amelia A. , Davis Felicity M. , Stewart Teneale , Rice Michelle , Smart Chanel E. , Brown Melissa A. , Kenny Paraic A. , Roberts-Thomson Sarah J. , Monteith Gregory R.
Published: January 2011

The entry of calcium into the mammary epithelial cell from the maternal plasma (i.e., calcium influx mechanisms) during lactation is poorly understood. As alterations in calcium channels and pumps are a key feature of some cancers, including breast cancer, understanding these calcium influx pathways may have significance beyond mammary biology. We show that the store-operated calcium influx protein, Orai1, is increased during lactation whereas the Orai1 activator Stim1, but not Stim2, is downregulated. Stim2 siRNA reduced basal calcium levels in a lactation model. Our results suggest that calcium influx is remodeled in mammary epithelial cells during lactation, with calcium influx increased through Orai1, activated by Stim2. Breast cancer cell lines had increased levels of ORAI1. ORAI1 siRNA in breast cancer cells reduced store-operated calcium entry and remodeled the calcium influx associated with invasive stimuli. Analysis of microarray data from 295 breast cancers showed that the transcriptional breast cancer subtype with the poorest prognosis (basal) was associated with an altered relationship between the ORAI1 regulators STIM1 and STIM2, and that women with breast cancers with STIM1high/STIM2low tumors had a significantly poorer prognosis. Our studies show that during lactation there is a remodeling in the nature of calcium influx and that alteration in the ORAI1 influx pathway may be a feature of some breast cancers, particularly those with the poorest prognosis. Our studies suggest that this pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment in these women. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(3); 448–60. ©2011 AACR.
Sensory and Motor Encoding Strategies in n-Back Tasks: A Simulation of Schizophrenic Working Memory Deficits in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lis Stefanie , Apostolopoulos Jannis , Kirsch Peter , Gallhofer Bernd
Published: January 2011

Aims: Different patterns of intact and disturbed working memory function can be observed in schizophrenic patients depending on the type of n-back task. We investigated whether these patterns can be induced in healthy subjects by experimentally preventing a motor encoding strategy. Methods: Thirty-two healthy subjects were asked to solve 2 types of n-back task. In the continuous matching task, the subjects had to compare the present stimulus with the one occurring n stimuli back. In the continuous delayed response task (CDRT), the subjects had to select a response depending on the stimulus n stimuli back. Both types of n-back task are assumed to differ with respect to the encoding strategies that can be used to solve the tasks. The use of a motor strategy was prevented by a random arrangement of the target buttons. Results: When the position of the target buttons was predictable, CDRT was solved faster and with higher accuracy than the continuous matching task. However, CDRT was solved more slowly and less accurately when the arrangement of the target buttons varied between the trials. This resulted in a comparable performance in both types of the n-back task. Conclusions: The behavioural alteration in schizophrenic patients in n-back tasks can be induced in healthy subjects by experimentally preventing the use of a motor encoding strategy.
Psychometric Properties of the Young Mania Rating Scale for the Identification of Mania Symptoms in Spanish Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Serrano Eduardo , Ezpeleta Lourdes , Alda José A. , Matalí José L. , San Luis
Published: January 2011

Background: Diagnosing mania in children is difficult, due to the high comorbidity and symptom overlap with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The detection of manic symptoms in ADHD has important implications for prognosis and choice of treatment. Our objective was to study the utility of the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) for discriminating mania in Spanish children with ADHD. Method: One hundred children and adolescents with ADHD between 8 and 17 years of age were evaluated with a structured diagnostic interview (Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents-IV), the YMRS, the Parent-Young Mania Rating Scale (P-YMRS), the Child Mania Rating Scale-Parent Version (CMRS-P) and the Children’s Global Assessment Scale. Results: The YMRS showed a 1-dimensional structure with good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The YMRS was associated with the P-YMRS and the CMRS-P. The scores obtained with the YMRS differentiated between ADHD with and without mania. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed good diagnostic efficiency in differentiating mania in ADHD (area under the curve of 0.90). Conclusions: The Spanish version of the YMRS is a valid and reliable instrument for detecting and quantifying the symptoms of mania in children and adolescents with ADHD. The results provide further knowledge about the frequent association between ADHD and manic symptoms in children.
Worsening Heart Failure as the Main Manifestation of Neglected Complete Extrusion of a Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Pacemaker
Authors: Vassilikos Vassilios P. , Mantziari Aglaia-Angeliki , Stavropoulos Georgios , Styliadis Ioannis H.
Published: January 2011

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy presented at the emergency department with a completely extruded cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker, complaining of worsening dyspnea. The device was functioning intermittently, and no evidence of local or systemic inflammation was observed. The patient had been living with the device hanging against his chest for several weeks and he eventually sought medical assistance because of worsening heart failure. The device and leads were extracted, but the patient refused a new implantation at the contralateral site.
Pharmacological Induction of Neuroglobin Expression
Authors: Jin Kunlin , Mao Xiao Ou , Xie Lin , John Varghese , Greenberg David A.
Published: January 2011

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an intracellular, oxygen-binding neuronal protein with protective effects against ischemia and related pathological processes. To identify small molecules capable of inducing Ngb protein expression, which might have therapeutic benefit, we examined Ngb expression by Western blot in cultured HN33 (mouse hippocampal neuron ! N18TG2 neuroblastoma) cells. In addition to deferoxamine, which was shown previously to enhance Ngb levels, Ngb expression was increased by the short-chain fatty acids cinnamic acid and valproic acid (≧100 µmol/l), but not by other short-chain fatty acids, histone deacetylase inhibitors, or anticonvulsants. Drugs that stimulate the expression of neuroprotective proteins like Ngb may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of stroke and other neurological disorders.
Neuroprotection by Acetyl-L-Carnitine after Traumatic Injury to the Immature Rat Brain
Authors: Scafidi Susanna , Racz Jennifer , Hazelton Julie , McKenna Mary C. , Fiskum Gary
Published: January 2011

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children and is characterized by reduced aerobic cerebral energy metabolism early after injury, possibly due to impaired activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Exogenous acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is metabolized in the brain to acetyl coenzyme A and subsequently enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle. ALCAR administration is neuroprotective in animal models of cerebral ischemia and spinal cord injury, but has not been tested for TBI. This study tested the hypothesis that treatment with ALCAR during the first 24 h following TBI in immature rats improves neurologic outcome and reduces cortical lesion volume. Postnatal day 21–22 male rats were isoflurane anesthetized and used in a controlled cortical impact model of TBI to the left parietal cortex. At 1, 4, 12 and 23 h after injury, rats received ALCAR (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or drug vehicle (normal saline). On days 3–7 after surgery, behavior was assessed using beam walking and novel object recognition tests. On day 7, rats were transcardially perfused and brains were harvested for histological assessment of cortical lesion volume, using stereology. Injured animals displayed a significant increase in foot slips compared to sham-operated rats (6 ± 1 SEM vs. 2 ± 0.2 on day 3 after trauma; n = 7; p < 0.05). The ALCAR-treated rats were not different from shams and had fewer foot slips compared to vehicle-treated animals (2 ± 0.4; n = 7; p< 0.05). The frequency of investigating a novel object for saline-treated TBI animals was reduced compared to shams (45 ± 5% vs. 65 ± 10%; n = 7; p < 0.05), whereas the frequency of investigation for TBI rats treated with ALCAR was not significantly different from that of shams but significantly higher than that of saline-treated TBI rats (68 ± 7; p < 0.05). The left parietal cortical lesion volume, expressed as a percentage of the volume of tissue in the right hemisphere, was significantly smaller in ALCAR-treated than in vehicle-treated TBI rats (14 ± 5% vs. 28 ± 6%; p < 0.05). We conclude that treatment with ALCAR during the first 24 h after TBI improves behavioral outcomes and reduces brain lesion volume in immature rats within the first 7 days after injury.
Role of Pelvic Ultrasound in Girls with Precocious Puberty
Authors: de Vries L. , Phillip M.
Published: January 2011

Pelvic ultrasound evaluation of girls presenting with secondary sex characteristics before the age of 8 years may help to differentiate precocious puberty from premature thelarche, functioning ovarian cyst, and obesity. However, although uterine and ovarian measurements are significantly higher in girls with true precocious puberty than controls, there is a significant overlap of normal prepubertal and early pubertal values. In girls with precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, ultrasound is a valid tool for monitoring ovarian suppression.
Postprandial Thermogenesis in Human Milk-Fed Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Rubecz I. , Mestyän J.
Published: January 2011

Postprandial thermogenesis in 10 human milk-fed very low birth weight infants was studied by indirect calorimetry at thermoneutrality. Throughout a period of 5-6 weeks each infant was tested once weekly which enabled the authors to explore the relationship between postprandial metabolism and postnatal age as well as growth rate. A feed of human milk caused, on the average, a 15% increase in metabolism. The effect reached its peak value between 50 and 80 min; thereafter it began to fall and approached the preingestion level at 120 min. The response obtained in the 4th, 5th and 6th postnatal week was more pronounced than in the first 3 weeks. Analysis based on growth rate showed that infants exhibiting a rapid weight gain responded by a larger increase in postprandial metabolism than the non- or slow-growing infants.
Levels of Growth Hormone and Growth-Hormone-Releasing Factor in Cord Blood
Authors: Nagashima Kanji , Yagi Hideki , Suzuki Shigeyosi , Noji Takasi , Yunoki Hitosi , Kuroume Takayosi
Published: January 2011

In order to evaluate the mechanism of high growth hormone (GH) secretion in perinatal life, the levels of GH and growth-hormone-releasing factor (GRF) in cord blood were determined. Plasma-immunoreactive GRF was measured by a double antibody RIA method. The levels (mean ± SD) of GH, GRF and somatostatin (SRIF) were 23.4 ± 10.2 ng/ml, 49.5 ± 11.7 and 41.5 ± 10.4 pg/ml, respectively; they were remarkably higher than those of healthy adults. In Statistical analysis, there were no significant relationships among the levels of GH, GRF or SRIF. We speculate that a high GRF release from the hypothalamus might increase the secretion of GH in the perinatal period.
Intrauterine Anoxic Brain Damage in Nonimmune Hydrops fetalis
Authors: Kobori Joyce A. , Urich Henry
Published: January 2011

A case is presented of a live-born infant with nonimmune hydrops fetalis who survived for 9 h. Neuropathological examination revealed extensive neuronal loss and gliosis in the subcortical gray nuclei suggestive of anoxic brain damage some weeks before birth. In addition the cerebellum was found to be hypoplastic and immature. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms in relation to the hydrops are discussed. In view of the scanty documentation of cerebral lesions in the literature, more detailed examinations of the central nervous System in all cases of hydrops are suggested.
A highly sensitive thrombin generation assay for assessment of recombinant activated factor VII therapy in haemophilia patients with an inhibitor
Authors: Zivelin Ariella , Rima Dardik , Livnat Tami , Martinowitz Uri , Kenet Gili
Published: January 2011

Bypass agents are the common treatment for haemophilia patients who develop inhibitory antibodies. Laboratory assessment of the efficacy of bypassing agent therapy is a challenge. In the present work we modified the conditions triggering thrombin generation (TG) assay in order to find the most sensitive assay for detection of rFVIIa and its analogue NN1731 in haemophilic plasma. TG was measured in samples of normal plasma, plasma of haemophilia patient with inhibitors, as well as haemophilia induced plasma. Recalcification-induced TG was compared to tissue factor (TF) -induced TG in the presence and absence of rFVIIa and NN1731. Recalcification-induced TG (without TF) in haemophilic plasma yielded baseline flat curves, with increased TG as a consequence of spiking the plasma rFVIIa. Using our system, we observed both dose-dependence and time-dependence of rFVIIa effect on TG. Elevated concentrations of TF mask the difference between rFVIIa-treated and non-treated haemophilic plasma. NN1731 yielded normal-isation of recalcification-induced TG curves (without TF) which may reflect high potency. In conclusion, we suggest that triggering TG by recalcification-only may be the most sensitive assay for determining the impact of bypassing agents in haemophilic plasma, and may serve as a caution surrogate safety marker in future studies.
Clinical Referral Patterns for Carotid Artery Stenting Versus Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Longmore Ryan B. , Yeh Robert W. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Anderson H. Vernon , White Christopher J. , Longmore Lance S. , Rosenfield Kenneth , Ho Kalon K. L. , Spertus John A.
Published: January 2011

Background—

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are alternative strategies for stroke prevention in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. Although randomized clinical trials are the gold standard for assessing the relative benefits of different treatments, observational research is necessary for determining “real-world” effectiveness. Current recommendations limit the application of CAS to high-risk patients, undermining the ability to “balance” the characteristics of patients treated with either approach. We compared the clinical profiles of patients referred for CAS versus CEA in a large national database.

Methods and Results—

Clinical characteristics of 12 701 patients referred for CAS or CEA in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry–Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy were compared for 44 clinical and demographic variables. To investigate the comparability of CAS and CEA patients, we stratified the cohort into quintiles of the propensity score for referral for CAS. Among 8069 patients referred for CAS and 4632 referred for CEA, the CAS patients had significantly more comorbidities. Whereas the propensity model balanced most covariates, the pooled standardized differences (≥10%) suggested persistent imbalance for ischemic heart disease, recent myocardial infarction, and restenosis of prior CAS/CEA, all of which were more common in the CAS group. After stratification of propensity scores by quintile, CEA patients comprised only 14% of the upper 2 quintiles.

Conclusions—

Characteristics of patients referred for CAS differ markedly from those referred for CEA. Because of extreme clinical disparities between these patients, generalizable comparative effectiveness analyses of observational data will be difficult.
Temporal Frames of Reference: Conceptual Analysis and Empirical Evidence from German, English, Mandarin Chinese and Tongan
Authors: Bender Andrea , Beller Sieghard , Bennardo Giovanni
Published: January 2011

Despite a close correspondence between spatial and temporal cognition, empirical approaches to the two domains have used distinct theoretical conceptions: frames of reference for the former, and moving perspectives and reference-point metaphors for the latter. Our analysis reveals that these conceptions can ‐ and should ‐ be related more closely to each other. Mapping spatial frames of reference (FoRs) onto temporal relations, we obtain a taxonomy that allows us to distinguish more types of referencing than existing conceptions do and that is applicable to linguistic cases not accounted for so far. A cross-cultural experiment with speakers of German, English, Chinese and Tongan provides evidence for the psychological reality of the newly proposed FoRs and establishes culture-specific preferences. We conclude that spatial referencing systems indeed help to organize temporal representations.
Long-Term, Explicit Memory in Rituals
Authors: Czachesz István
Published: January 2011

This article reconsiders the problem of memorization in rituals in light of recent empirical work in memory research. Four hypotheses are put forward in particular: (1) Emotionally laden details will enhance the formation of memories about any detail of the ritual; (2) harsh sensory stimuli will function as attention-magnets, resulting in increased memorization of the stimuli at the cost of remembering other elements of the ritual; (3) the self-relatedness of a ritual will enhance the formation of memories about the ritual, although the positive effect might be limited to details that are self-related; and (4) stress can be understood to function as a “zoom,” limiting the range of details remembered. The effects of stress will be modulated by gender differences and the timing of the ritual within the circadian cycle. The consequences of the four hypotheses are compared with the predictions of the Modes Theory and the Ritual Form Theory.
Folk Intuitions, Science Fiction and Philosophy: Comment on Experimental Philosophy
Authors: Gasparatou Renia
Published: January 2011

Some experimental philosophers imply that philosophers should endorse folk intuitions and even use them to advance philosophical theses. In this paper I will try to contrast experimental appeals to intuition with J. L. Austin’s, whom some experimentalists cite as a precursor of their method. I will suggest that Austin evokes ordinary intuitions in order to dismantle philosophical quests. He even suggests (a) that the appeal to ordinary intuitions of the folk can hardly prescribe answers to extraordinary circumstances and (b) that philosophical quests themselves are extraordinary. Therefore, the appeal to folk intuitions cannot prescribe answers to philosophical problems. It can only dissolve philosophical quests; yet, the dismantling of philosophy hardly accords with the experimentalists’ agenda.
S-Band Dual-Polarization Radar Observations of Winter Storms
Authors: Kennedy Patrick C. , Rutledge Steven A.
Published: January 2011

This study is based on analyses of dual-polarization radar observations made by the 11-cm-wavelength Colorado State University–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU–CHILL) system during four significant winter storms in northeastern Colorado. It was found that values of specific differential phase KDP often reached local maxima of ∼0.15°–0.4° km−1 in an elevated layer near the −15°C environmental temperature isotherm. The passage of these elevated positive KDP areas is shown to be linked to increased surface precipitation rates. Calculations using a microwave scattering model indicate that populations of highly oblate ice particles with moderate bulk densities and diameters in the ∼0.8–1.2-mm range can generate KDP (and differential reflectivity ZDR) values that are consistent with the radar observations. The persistent correlation between the enhanced KDP level and the −15°C temperature regime suggests that rapidly growing dendrites likely played a significant role in the production of the observed KDP patterns. The detection of organized regions of S-band KDP values greater than ∼0.1°–0.2° km−1 in winter storms may therefore be useful in identifying regions of active dendritic particle growth, as a precursor to aggregate snowfall.
Debating America’s Role in the World: Representative Ron Paul’s Exceptionalist Jeremiad
Authors: Edwards Jason A.
Published: January 2011

This essay examines Texas representative Ron Paul’s foreign policy discourse during the 2008 presidential campaign. The author argues that Paul encased his opposition to America’s foreign policy within a secular jeremiad. Although Paul failed to win any of the Republican primaries, his opposition to America’s involvement with Iraq and other parts of the globe is a microcosm of a larger debate occurring among U.S. foreign policy elites on the extent of America’s role within the world and about the very nature of its exceptional status. This analysis informs a theoretical understanding of American exceptionalism and interrogates a larger debate in U.S. foreign policy.
Six-Month Dietary Changes in Ethnically Diverse, Obese Adolescents Participating in a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program
Authors: Bean Melanie K. , Mazzeo Suzanne E. , Stern Marilyn , Evans Ronald K. , Bryan Daphne , Yi Ning  , Wickham Edmond P. , Laver Joseph
Published: January 2011

This study’s objective was to examine dietary and metabolic changes in obese adolescents who completed 6 months of participation in an outpatient multidisciplinary weight management program (N = 67). Participants (75% African American, 66% female, mean age = 13.7 years) completed 24-hour dietary recalls and underwent measurement of anthropometrics and fasting blood lipid parameters at baseline and after 6 months of participation. General linear models suggested that participants significantly reduced total energy, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and sugar intakes, and increased fiber and fruit and vegetable intake ( P < .05). Gender-stratified models showed differences in fruit/vegetable intake, percentage calories from fat, sodium, and dietary cholesterol intakes by gender. Significant improvements in body mass index percentile and lipid profiles were also found, lending objective support to the dietary changes participants made. Findings suggest that participation in this multidisciplinary treatment helped participants make behaviorally based dietary changes, which were associated with improved dietary intakes and health status.
Ecological Origins of Shared Perceptions of Troublesome Teen Groups: Implications for the Basic Systemic Model of Crime, the Incivilities Thesis, and Political Economy
Authors: Taylor Ralph B. , Harris Phillip W. , Jones Peter R. , Garcia R. Marie , McCord Eric S.
Published: January 2011

This work investigates how community variation in perceptions of troublesome teen groups are shaped by delinquency, violent crime, and community socioeconomic status (SES). Experts consider this outcome the key indicator of impaired local supervisory control, and past work has confirmed its critical role in linking community structure to crime and victimization outcomes. The investigation responds to recent calls to learn more about impacts of crime on key community processes. Analyses of Philadelphia survey, census, violent crime, and delinquency data find strong impacts of SES. Impacts of crime and delinquency are significant but depend on how they are separated from SES. Influences of the spatially lagged outcome and partialled SES highlight connections between public and parochial control dynamics. These deserve closer theoretical scrutiny in both the basic systemic model of crime and the incivilities thesis.
Investigating the Routes of Communication on Destination Websites
Authors: Tang Liang (Rebecca) , Jang Soocheong (Shawn)
Published: January 2011

Understanding the communication process on destination websites is increasingly important to destination marketers. This study tested four competing models that present the cognitive processing of potential tourists when browsing destination websites (Affect Transfer Model, Reciprocal Mediation Model, Independent Influences Model, and Message-based Persuasion Model). The moderating effect of involvement in the four models was also investigated. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the four alternative models. The comparison for model fit in high- and low-involvement groups revealed that the Reciprocal Mediation Model and Message-based Persuasion Model are the superior models for the two groups, respectively. The study also showed that cognitive elaboration and affective transfer are incorporated into information processing in both groups.
A Commentary on the Complexity of Tinnitus Management
Authors: Searchfield Grant
Published: January 2011

There is a desire among many tinnitus researchers and clinicians for greater standardization in the assessment and management of tinnitus. In their commentary on the complexity of tinnitus, Hoare et al. have highlighted the need for strong evidence-based protocols. The authors make many valid and important conclusions as to the current state of clinical guidelines; they identify clear gaps in evidence and limited consensus as to clinical practice. While I agree with the bulk of their commentary there are a few areas where I will offer a counter view. In particular I will address their view that only high-level evidence has a place in forming practice guidelines for tinnitus.
Tinnitus
Authors: Langguth Berthold , Kleinjung Tobias , Landgrebe Michael
Published: January 2011

Tinnitus is a heterogeneous disorder that causes significant impairment in many patients. Treatment is elusive and there is a need for more comprehensive guidelines for diagnosis and management of tinnitus. However, different standardization approaches should be differentiated according to their specific purpose. Standardization of assessment methods and outcome measurements are useful for the performance of clinical trials, for comparison of results across centers, for clinic audits, and for epidemiological studies. In contrast, clinical guidelines are the best approach for the standardization of the clinical management of tinnitus patients. In the development of these clinical guidelines, the heterogeneity of tinnitus should be considered. Tinnitus can be a symptom of a severe underlying disease. Also, there are specific subforms of tinnitus for which curative treatment options are available. Therefore, medical diagnosis is necessarily the first step in tinnitus management. Treatment guidelines should not be restricted to recommendations that are supported by high-level evidence. They should also contain treatment recommendations that have shown clinically highly relevant effects in case series of specific tinnitus subgroups.
The Value of a Mandibular Repositioning Appliance for the Treatment of Nonapneic Snoring
Authors: Aarts Mark C. J. , Rovers Maroeska M. , van der Heijden Geert J. M. , Grolman Wilko
Published: January 2011

In this evidence‐based case report, the authors addressed the following clinical question: What is the effect of a mandibular repositioning appliance (MRA) in patients with nonapneic snoring on the snoring loudness, partners’ sleep disturbance, and quality of life? The authors retrieved relevant publications from Embase, PubMed, Cinahl, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. They used title and abstract field searches with relevant synonyms for the domain, patients with nonapneic snoring, and for the determinant, MRA. The search yielded 499 records. After selection based on relevance and validity, 2 articles remained for answering the authors’ clinical question. The authors pooled the data for the level of snoring. MRA as compared to placebo resulted in a reduction of snoring loudness in 38% of patients with nonapneic snoring and in an improvement of sleep disturbance in 54% of the partners. No effect on quality of life and daytime sleepiness of partners was found. Furthermore, evidence for sustained long‐term effects and complete recovery is lacking.
Developing communication skills in deaf primary school pupils: Introducing and evaluating the smiLE approach
Authors: Alton Sherryn , Herman Rosalind , Pring Tim
Published: January 2011

Many profoundly deaf signers have difficulty communicating with hearing people. This article describes a therapy called ‘Strategies and Measurable Interaction in Live English’ (smiLE; Schamroth and Threadgill, 2007a), an approach used to teach deaf children skills to become successful communicators in real-life situations. This study evaluates the effectiveness of smiLE in helping deaf pupils develop their ability to make successful requests in a specific communication situation and whether this generalized to another communication situation. Sixteen severely and profoundly deaf primary school pupils (7.2—11.0 years old) received an 11-week programme of therapy. Their performances in a trained and an untrained communication situation were compared pre- and post-therapy. In the trained task, the pupils’ interactions improved significantly. No differences were found in the untrained task, suggesting that the learnt skills did not generalize. Anecdotal findings suggest that some carry-over into a similar situation had occurred and that trained skills were maintained. The smiLE therapy approach is effective in providing deaf children with the communication skills and confidence to interact with English speakers in targeted situations. The lack of generalization of these skills to similar situations may be overcome by a longer therapy programme that specifically promote these skills across different situations.
Expanding perfusion across disciplines: the use of thrombelastography technology to reduce risk in an obstetrics patient with Gray Platelet Syndrome - a case study
Authors: Clements Ann , Jindal Sucheta , Morris Chris , Srivastava Garima , Ikomi Amaju , Mulholland John
Published: January 2011

It is important that our speciality continues to push its boundaries. Our perfusion team has invested time lecturing to non-cardiac specialties about perfusion-led technology. This resulted in working closely with the obstetrics team to treat a pregnant patient with the bleeding disorder Gray Platelet Syndrome. In the first instance, we used our Thromboelastograph (TEG) platelet mapping programme to assess the patient. These results agreed with the platelet aggregation tests, showing a degree of platelet inhibition, but it was the overall clotting profile (basic thrombelastograph), showing a borderline hyper-coagulable state, that was of most interest and commonly seen in pregnancy.

We believe a TEG result within acceptable limits could help re-adjust the risk of spinal haematomas following regional anaesthesia, thereby, reducing the risks of difficult intubation and general anaesthetic exposure to the baby. The case study describes both basic and platelet mapping thrombelastographs and their potential role in not only this patient with Gray Platelet Syndrome, but any obstetric patient where there are bleeding concerns.
Evaluating psycho-educational interventions for informal carers of patients receiving cancer care or palliative care: Strengths and limitations of different study designs
Authors: Schildmann Eva K , Higginson Irene J
Published: January 2011

Despite evidence of negative psychological sequelae and unmet needs, there are few evaluated interventions for informal caregivers in cancer and palliative care. The aim of this article is to debate the strengths and limitations of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other designs that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. Psycho-educational interventions are used as example for this debate article, as a number of studies of various designs evaluating this type of intervention have been published. Systematic searching in Medline and the bibliography of a relevant systematic review identified five RCTs, one pre-test/post-test study with a control group and six one-group pre-test/post-test studies of psycho-educational interventions for caregivers. The methodological strengths and weaknesses were assessed. RCTs are seen as the gold standard, but can have important limitations in the context of carer intervention research, including biased recruitment and low generalizability, problems with blinding and attrition. Pre-test/post-test studies with a control group may be more feasible and more generalizable. Their crucial limitation is selection bias. Before–after studies are compromised by additional specific biases and therefore are the weakest of all discussed designs. After analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the mentioned study designs, this paper presents strategies to address the limitations of RCTs evaluating psycho-educational interventions for carers in cancer or palliative care.
Futures Tended: Care and Future-Oriented Responsibility
Authors: Adam Barbara , Groves Chris
Published: January 2011

The phenomenon of technological hazards, whose existence is only revealed many years after they were initially produced, shows that the question of our responsibilities toward future generations is of urgent importance. However, the nature of technological societies means that they are caught in a condition of structural irresponsibility: the tools they use to know the future cannot encompass the temporal reach of their actions. This article explores how dominant legal and moral concepts are equally deficient for helping us understand what future-oriented responsibility requires. An alternative understanding of responsibility is needed, one which can be developed from phenomenological and feminist concepts of care. Care, by opening up for us an understanding of the diversity of values that are constitutive of a worthwhile life, also connects us to the future as the future of care. As such, it provides us with ethical resources that can guide us in the face of uncertainty.
Extractive Technologies and Civic Networks’ Fight for Sustainable Development
Authors: Molchanov Mikhail A.
Published: January 2011

This article describes the fight of transnational civic networks to influence business development strategies and counter the threats to environmental and labor rights posed by the construction and exploitation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline in Transcaucasia. The article starts by discussing the role of civil society in the global struggle for sustainable development. Then a brief overview of the geopolitical significance of the Transcaucasian-Caspian region in today’s oil and gas markets is presented. The case study looks at how the actions of international and domestic nongovernmental organizations influenced the BTC’s main shareholder and operator company, British Petroleum, as well as host countries’ governments, to switch to more environmentally cognizant and socially responsive practices. The article discusses internationalization of civil society networks in response to the looming environmental crisis in the region, using the BTC case as an illustration. The article concludes by generalizing from this particular case study to the broader issue of transnational civic activism as a risk-mitigating factor in the world dominated by industry-related threats presented by globalization of the extractive technologies.
Subjective Well-Being and National Satisfaction
Authors: Morrison Mike , Tay Louis , Diener Ed
Published: January 2011

We examined the relationship between satisfaction with one’s country (national satisfaction) and subjective well-being utilizing data from a representative worldwide poll. National satisfaction was a strong positive predictor of individual-level life satisfaction, and this relationship was moderated by household income, household conveniences, residential mobility, country gross domestic product per capita, and region (Western vs. non-Western country). When individuals are impoverished or more bound to their culture and surroundings, national satisfaction more strongly predicts life satisfaction. In contrast, reverse trends were found in analyses predicting life satisfaction from satisfaction in other domains (health, standard of living, and job). These patterns suggest that people are more likely to use proximate factors to judge life satisfaction where conditions are salutary, or individualism is salient, but are more likely to use perceived societal success to judge life satisfaction where life conditions are difficult, or collectivism predominates. Our findings invite new research directions and can inform quality-of-life therapies.
New Questions for Vocational Psychology: Premises, Paradigms, and Practices
Authors: Savickas Mark L.
Published: January 2011

The innovative responses of vocational psychology and career counseling to the important questions raised by people living in information societies will continue the disciplines’ tradition of helping individuals link their lives to the economic context. The questions pertaining to perspectives, paradigms, and practices arise mainly from the increasing dominance of ‘‘jobless work,’’ which moves people from project to project and from one culture to another culture. These recurring transitions mean that individuals cannot maintain their employment, so they must maintain their employability and actively manage their careers through adaptability, intentionality, life-long learning, and autobiographical reasoning. The emerging practice of career counseling seems to take the general form of constructing career through small stories, deconstructing and reconstructing the small stories into a large story, and co-constructing intention and action to begin the next episode in that large story.
Predicting the severity of relapsing-remitting MS: The contribution of cross-sectional and short-term follow-up MRI data
Authors: Enzinger C , Fuchs S , Pichler A , Wallner-Blazek M , Khalil M , Langkammer C , Ropele S , Fazekas F
Published: January 2011

Background and objective: Predicting the long-term clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult on clinical grounds. Recent studies have suggested magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics to be helpful. We wanted to confirm this.

Methods: Contactable individuals ( N = 84) from an initial 99 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) who had undergone careful baseline and 2-year follow-up examinations including MRI were reassessed after a mean of 10.8 ± 2.7 years. We investigated using multivariate linear regression analyses if clinical and MRI data obtained at the prior time-points and the rates of change in morphologic variables over a mean observational period of 2.5 years could have served to predict a patient’s MS severity score (MSSS) 11 years later. Conversion to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) was a further outcome variable.

Results: In univariate analyses, the ‘black hole ratio’ (BHR) at baseline ( p = 0.017, beta = 0.148) and at first follow-up ( p = 0.007, beta = −0.154) was the only MRI parameter showing a significant correlation with the MSSS. In a multiple regression model, the independent predictive value of imaging variables became statistically non-significant and the latest MSSS was predicted primarily by the baseline EDSS ( r2 = 0.28; p < 0.001). The BHR at baseline explained 9.4% of variance of conversion to SPMS ( p = 0.033). Over the observational period the MSSS remained stable in patients remaining RRMS, but increased in converters to SPMS from 4.0 to 6.4.

Conclusions: We failed to confirm a clear independent contribution of cross-sectional and short-term follow-up MRI data for the prediction of the long-term clinical course of MS. The MSSS is not a stable indicator of disease severity but may increase in converters to SPMS.
Older people and ‘active ageing’: Subjective aspects of ageing actively
Authors: Stenner Paul , McFarquhar Tara , Bowling Ann
Published: January 2011

Following a critical overview of the active ageing concept, a thematic decomposition of 42 transcribed interviews with British people aged 72 years and over indicates that active ageing is understood in relation to physical, cognitive, psychological and social factors, but that these co-exist in complex combinations. The notion of activity in active ageing is grasped in relation to an active/passive distinction which emphasizes the enhancement or diminishment of concrete powers of activity. A ‘challenge and response’ framework is suggested for future research on active ageing.
The protective role of general self-determination against ‘thin ideal’ media exposure on women’s body image and eating-related concerns
Authors: Mask Lisa , Blanchard Céline M.
Published: January 2011

Women’s responses to ‘thin ideal’ media pending their level of general self-determination (GSD) were examined. High and low GSD women ( N = 99) viewed a ‘thin physique salient’ (TPS) video or a ‘thin physique non-salient’ (TPNS) video. Following exposure to the TPS video, perceptions of pressure from the media to be thin, body dissatisfaction, and concerns over quantity of food were greater for low but not high GSD women. However, high GSD women reported greater concerns over the quality of food they eat following exposure to the TPNS video. Prevention efforts aimed at enhancing GSD are discussed.
The Impact of Emotion Regulation and Illness-focused Coping Strategies on the Relation of Illness-related Negative Emotions to Subjective Health
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C. , Tsalikou Calliope , Tallarou Maria-Christina
Published: January 2011

In this study we examined whether emotion regulation and illness-focused coping strategies mediate and/ or moderate the relation of illness-related negative emotions to patients’ subjective health. One hundred and thirty-five cardiac patients participated in the study. Illness-focused coping strategies were found to mediate the relation of emotions to physical functioning, whereas emotion regulation strategies mediated the relation to psychological well-being. Moreover, an emotion regulation strategy (i.e. emotion suppression) and two illness-focused coping strategies (instrumental coping and adherence) moderated the two relationships. These findings suggest that both emotion regulation and illness-focused coping strategies are integral parts of the illness-related negative emotions—health relationship.
Can’t Live with You, Can’t Live without You: Negative Family Exchanges and Adaptation in End-stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Pomaki Georgia , DeLongis Anita , Anagnostopoulou Tanya , Heininger Jayme
Published: January 2011

The present study examined associations between negative family exchanges (patient perceptions of family overprotection and negative expressiveness, and patient feelings of being a burden), and two indicators of adaptation to illness (mental health and negative affect) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Data were collected using the perceptions of illness-related family exchanges questionnaire, the SF36 and the PANAS in a structured interview with 127 patients with ESRD in Greece. Findings indicate that patient perceptions of negative family exchanges are related to outcomes, even after controlling for demographic and clinical factors. It is important to consider caregivers in intervention programmes of ESRD patients.