bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial persons against nature: environmental governmentality, economic corporations, and ecological ethics
Authors: Northcott Michael S.
Published: December 2011

Despite the 194 nation‐state signatories to the global Convention on Biological Diversity, the conservation effort is failing to halt an ongoing spiral of decline in most habitats and ecological communities on land and ocean. Environmental ethicists argue that the failure to halt the unsustainable predation on the ecosystems that sustain industrial civilization is indicative of a moral as well as a scientific crisis. Principal ethical interventions in ecology include the ascription of value to species and ecosystems, wilderness ethics, and ecological virtue. Ecological virtue ethics identifies agency, character, institutions, and practices as crucial to moral formation and outcomes. However, the dominant role of the economic corporation in ecological destruction subverts a virtues approach. Corporations as fictive persons will not learn ecological virtue absent of legal and regulatory reform and the ecological education of business leaders and owners.
The Prospect of Plasticity: Malleability Views of Group Differences and their Implications for Intellectual Achievement, Mental/Behavioral Health, and Public Policy
Authors: Martinez Andres G. , Mendoza‐Denton Rodolfo
Published: December 2011

This article critically examines the psychological and policy implications of the belief that characteristics of social groups are grounded in biology and thus are unchangeable. We specifically focus on how this immutability mind‐set may perpetuate group‐based educational achievement gaps and deter treatment seeking for mental/behavioral health conditions. We then consider the prospect of plasticity: the notion that psychological attributes, although rooted in our biological endowment, are inherently malleable. Our discussion reviews the evidence for—and social implications of—this alternative mind‐set for intellectual achievement as well as mental/behavioral health. We conclude by describing several concrete policy applications of a plasticity perspective.
The Nonverbal Transmission of Intergroup Bias: A Model of Bias Contagion with Implications for Social Policy
Authors: Weisbuch Max , Pauker Kristin
Published: December 2011

Social and policy interventions over the last half‐century have achieved laudable reductions in blatant discrimination. Yet members of devalued social groups continue to face subtle discrimination. In this article, we argue that decades of antidiscrimination interventions have failed to eliminate intergroup bias because such bias is contagious. We present a model of bias contagion in which intergroup bias is subtly communicated through nonverbal behavior. Exposure to such nonverbal bias “infects” observers with intergroup bias. The model we present details two means by which nonverbal bias can be expressed—either as a veridical index of intergroup bias or as a symptom of worry about appearing biased. Exposure to this nonverbal bias can increase perceivers’ own intergroup biases through processes of implicit learning, informational influence, and normative influence. We identify critical moderators that may interfere with these processes and consequently propose several social and educational interventions based on these moderators.
Association of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) polymorphisms with acute leukemia susceptibility
Authors: ZHONG Y. , WU J. , MA R. , CAO H. , WANG Z. , DING J. , CHENG L. , FENG J. , CHEN B.
Published: December 2011

Introduction:  Aberrant activation of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway leads to deregulated proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis of normal cells. One of the members of this family, JAK2, plays a very important role in metabolizing carcinogens and medications. This study aimed to detect whether any association exists between genetic polymorphisms in JAK2 gene and individual susceptibility to acute leukemia.

Methods:  A case–control study in a Chinese population with 260 acute leukemia cases and 280 healthy controls matched by age, gender, and ethnicity. Genomic DNA was assayed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF) with five genetic polymorphisms in JAK2 gene.

Results:  The distributions of rs56118985 GA genotype in the acute leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) groups were both slightly different when compared with the control group (P = 0.049 and P = 0.045). The frequencies of rs2230724 AA and GA genotypes in the acute leukemia and its subtypes were all significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). This suggested that subjects with A allele of rs2230724 were susceptible to acute leukemia and its subtypes. In addition, A allele of rs2230724 should be an important genetic determinant for acute leukemia and AML.

Conclusion:  The results indicate that the risk of acute leukemia might be associated with JAK2 polymorphisms.
Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular flexibility and strength in first‐episode schizophrenia patients: use of a standardized fitness assessment
Authors: Gretchen‐Doorly Denise , Kite Robin E. , Subotnik Kenneth L. , Detore Nicole R. , Ventura Joseph , Kurtz Andrew S. , Nuechterlein Keith H.
Published: December 2011

Aim: This study determined the fitness status and examined potential correlates of fitness in first‐episode schizophrenia patients using a standardized fitness test protocol.

Methods: A certified fitness instructor administered the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) fitness test to 70 recent‐onset schizophrenia participants within 3 months of entry into the study.

Results: Percentile ranks of scores on muscular strength and endurance, muscular flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness in our sample were all below the 50th percentile when compared with national norms in the United States. As expected, patients with a higher body mass index and those who smoked had poorer cardiorespiratory fitness. A non‐significant trend indicated that patients with a longer duration of illness had worse cardiorespiratory fitness. Exposure to antipsychotic medication was unrelated to cardiorespiratory fitness.

Conclusion: Results suggest that physical fitness is impaired and might decline over time in first‐episode schizophrenia patients, but this needs to be confirmed in a longitudinal study.
Metabolic Acidosis in Neonatal Calf Diarrhea—Clinical Findings and Theoretical Assessment of a Simple Treatment Protocol
Authors: Trefz F.M. , Lorch A. , Feist M. , Sauter‐Louis C. , Lorenz I.
Published: December 2011

Background

Clinical assessment of metabolic acidosis in calves with neonatal diarrhea can be difficult because increased blood concentrations ofd‐lactate and not acidemia per se are responsible for most of the clinical signs exhibited by these animals.

Objectives

To describe the correlation between clinical and laboratory findings andd‐lactate concentrations. Furthermore, the theoretical outcome of a simplified treatment protocol based on posture/ability to stand and degree of dehydration was evaluated.

Animals

A total of 121 calves with diagnosis of neonatal diarrhea admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital during an 8‐month study period.

Methods

Prospective blinded cohort study. Physical examinations were carried out following a standardized protocol. Theoretical outcome of treatment was calculated.

Results

Type and degree of metabolic acidosis were age dependent. The clinical parameters posture, behavior, and palpebral reflex were closely correlated to base excess (r = 0.74, 0.78, 0.68;P < .001) andd‐lactate concentrations (r = 0.59, 0.59, 0.71;P < .001), respectively. Thus, determining the degree of loss of the palpebral reflex was identified as the best clinical tool for diagnosing increase in serumd‐lactate concentrations. Theoretical outcome of treatment revealed that the tested dosages of sodium bicarbonate are more likely to overdose than to underdose calves with diarrhea and metabolic acidosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The degree of metabolic acidosis in diarrheic calves can be predicted based on clinical findings. The assessed protocol provides a useful tool to determine bicarbonate requirements, but a revision is necessary for calves with ability to stand and marked metabolic acidosis.
“Lights on at the end of the party”: Are lads’ mags mainstreaming dangerous sexism?
Authors: Horvath Miranda A. H. , Hegarty Peter , Tyler Suzannah , Mansfield Sophie
Published: December 2011

Research has suggested that some magazines targeted at young men –lads’ mags– are normalizing extreme sexist views by presenting those views in a mainstream context. Consistent with this view, young men in Study 1 (n = 90) identified more with derogatory quotes about women drawn from recent lads’ mags, and from interviews with convicted rapists, when those quotes were attributed to lads’ mags, than when they were attributed to convicted rapists. In Study 2, 40 young women and men could not reliably judge the source of those same quotes. While these participants sometimes voiced the belief that the content of lads’ mags was ‘normal’ while rapists’ talk was ‘extreme’, they categorized quotes from both sources as derogatory with equal frequency. Jointly, the two studies show an overlap in the content of convicted rapists’ talk and the contents of contemporary lads’ mags, and suggest that the framing of such content within lads’ mags may normalize it for young men.
Chemical passivation of GaSb-based surfaces by atomic layer deposited ZnS using diethylzinc and hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Xu Runshen , Takoudis Christos G.
Published: December 2011

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnS passivation nanofilms from diethylzinc and hydrogen sulfide is studied in the long-term chemical passivation of GaSb-based surfaces. The ZnS thin film growth is found to be linear with the number of deposition cycles from the beginning of the ALD of ZnS. Thioacetamide- (TAM) treated GaSb surfaces passivated without or with 1 nm-thick ZnS capping layer are investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study changes at the surface/interface of passivated GaSb surfaces over time. Immediately after TAM treatment or ZnS deposition, no oxides are found on the passivated surfaces. After exposure to atmospheric air for 14 days, the presence of gallium and antimony oxides in the ZnS capped TAM-treated GaSb is found to be significantly lower than that in samples treated only with TAM. Surface chemical passivation of TAM-treated InAs/GaSb structures with 1 and 2 nm-thick ZnS capping films are used to investigate the effect of film thickness on chemical passivation efficacy. The thicker ZnS film is found to provide better protection against oxidation by air as evidenced by the reduction of the corresponding oxide formation; these results indicate that oxygen diffusion through the ZnS is an important step in the long-term chemical passivation studies of GaSb-based nanostructures. Glancing incidence x-ray diffraction shows that the ZnS on TAM-treated GaSb is amorphous.
Spatial atomic layer deposition: A route towards further industrialization of atomic layer deposition
Authors: Poodt Paul , Cameron David C. , Dickey Eric , George Steven M. , Kuznetsov Vladimir , Parsons Gregory N. , Roozeboom Fred , Sundaram Ganesh , Vermeer Ad
Published: December 2011

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a technique capable of producing ultrathin conformal films with atomic level control over thickness. A major drawback of ALD is its low deposition rate, making ALD less attractive for applications that require high throughput processing. An approach to overcome this drawback is spatial ALD, i.e., an ALD mode where the half-reactions are separated spatially instead of through the use of purge steps. This allows for high deposition rate and high throughput ALD without compromising the typical ALD assets. This paper gives a perspective of past and current developments in spatial ALD. The technology is discussed and the main players are identified. Furthermore, this overview highlights current as well as new applications for spatial ALD, with a focus on photovoltaics and flexible electronics.
Receptor Antibodies as Novel Therapeutics for Diabetes
Authors: Ussar Siegfried , Vienberg Sara G. , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: December 2011

Designer antibodies and ligands that mimic hormone activity can enhance tissue specificity and provide new approaches to treating diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Putting Out the Fire
Authors: Hong David S.
Published: December 2011

Low-dose interleukin-2 suppresses graft-versus-host disease.
Vectored Immunoprophylaxis and HIV: The New VIP on the Block
Authors: Nyendak Melissa
Published: December 2011

An adeno-associated virus expressing a human HIV-neutralizing antibody protects mice from HIV infection.
Provision of service and training for small bowel endoscopy in the UK
Authors: McAlindon Mark E , Parker Clare E , Hendy Philip , Mosea Haider , Panter Simon , Davison Carolyn , Fraser Chris , Despott Edward J , Sidhu Reena , Sanders David S , Makins Richard
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine the location and use of small bowel endoscopy services in the UK and to analyse training uptake to assess future demand and shape discussions about training and service delivery.

Design

Surveys of British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) members by web-based and personal contact were conducted to ascertain capsule endoscopy practice and numbers of procedures performed. This was compared with expected numbers of procedures calculated using BSG guidelines, hospital episode statistics and published data of capsule endoscopy in routine practice. Analysis of data from two national training courses provided information about training.

Results

45% of UK gastroenterology services offered in-house capsule endoscopy. 91.3% of survey responders referred patients for capsule endoscopy; 67.7% felt that local availability would increase referrals. Suspected small bowel bleeding and Crohn's disease were considered appropriate indications by the majority. Demand is increasing in spite of restricted use in 21.6% of centres. Only two regions performed more than the minimum estimate of need of 45 procedures per 250 000 population. Eight centres perform regular device-assisted enteroscopy; 14 services are in development. 74% of trainees were interested in training and of those training in image interpretation, 67% are doctors and 28% are nurses.

Conclusions

Capsule endoscopy is used by the majority of UK gastroenterologists but appears to be underused. Current demand for device-assisted enteroscopy seems likely to be matched if new services become established. Future demand is likely to increase, however, suggesting the need to formalise training and accreditation for both doctors and nurses.
Comparison of dacron and nylon-flocked self-collected vaginal swabs and urine for the detection ofTrichomonas vaginalisusing analyte-specific reagents in a transcription-mediated amplification assay: Table 1
Authors: Jang Dan , Gilchrist Jodi , Portillo Eder , Smieja Marek , Toor Ramandeep , Chernesky Max
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To compare self-collected vaginal swab (SCVS) types and first-catch urine (FCU) to diagnoseTrichomonas vaginalisusing analyte-specific reagents designed to be used in a transcription-mediated amplification assay.

Methods

A total of 241 women (group A) collected a FCU and a SCVS using a dacron swab (APTIMA collection kit). A second group of 289 women (group B) collected two SCVS using one dacron swab and one nylon-flocked swab.

Results

Of 75 young women (street youth) determined to be infected withT vaginalisonly seven reported symptoms of vaginal discharge or irritation. Using a cutoff of 50 000 relative light units, the sensitivity and specificity was 97.2% and 97.6%, respectively for dacron SCVS compared with 41.7% and 100% for FCU in group A; 92.3% and 98.8% for dacron SCVS and 92.3% and 99.2% for flocked-nylon SCVS in group B. The assay tested 96 samples in 6 h.

Conclusions

Dacron and nylon-flocked SCVS performed equally well and significantly better than FCU using analyte-specific reagents in the APTIMA transcription-mediated amplification assay. Either swab type could be used for self-collection.
Discovery of green tea polyphenol-based proteasome inhibitors — A successful collaboration with Tak-Hang (Bill) Chan
Authors: Landis-Piwowar Kristin , Bazzi Saeed , Dou Q. Ping
Published: December 2011

This article is written to commemorate the contributions of Professor Tak-Hang (Bill) Chan to the field of chemistry and his collaborative efforts that have lead to insights pertaining to cancer cell biology and the development of potential cancer therapeutic agents. This article reviews the chronological scientific findings that evolved from a partnership between Bill Chan and Q. Ping Dou, spanning more than 10 years. While many compounds have been chemically synthesized by the Chan group and biologically scrutinized by the Dou group, the outcomes presented here will focus on green tea polyphenols as tumor proteasome inhibitors and anticancer agents. Furthermore, the biochemical alterations that increase or decrease the therapeutic potential of the polyphenol compounds in human cancer cells will also be discussed.
Introduction of C(5/6) side chains onto 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes via a 6-anti-bromo-5-anti-hydroxy derivative
Authors: Krow Grant R. , Yu Fang , Sender Matthew , Gandla Deepa , Lin Guoliang , DeBrosse Charles , Ross Charles W.
Published: December 2011

Oxidation of the title bromoalcohol provided the strained ketone, 5-bromo-6-oxo-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane. Additions of nucleophiles to either this or the debrominated ketone have been used to introduce 5(6)-syn-alkyl and aryl groups, 5(6)-alkylidene linkages, and 5(6)-anti-alkyl and acyl substituents. Facial selectivity is for additions to the 6-bromo-5-ketone and 5-alkylidene azabicycles to occur from the face syn to the nitrogen atom. The bromine atom of the title alcohol has also been replaced by a 6-anti-(1-hydroxyethyl) substituent using a directed radical addition process. The stereoselective functionalization reactions expand the range of available methano-bridged pyrrolidines.
FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFGHANISTAN
Authors: HOLMÉN MAGNUS , MIN THAW TAR , SAARELAINEN EMILIA
Published: December 2011

This paper analyzes the motivations of eight female Afghan entrepreneurs to start up their own business and the problems they encountered during start-up and operations. Income generation was the most important push factor but pull factors including desire for independence and autonomy were also important. However, in contrast to studies in other countries, the desire for achievement was not emphasized. An unexpected finding was the emphasis on the desire to help non-family members by running a business. The main problems included financial problems during start-up and operations, lack of contacts and security during operations. Gender-specific problems included limited market, mobility constraints and negative attitudes and lack of social acceptance for female entrepreneurs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings.
Some cannabinoid receptor ligands and their distomers are direct-acting openers of SUR1 KATP channels
Authors: Lynch Christopher J. , Zhou Qing , Shyng Show-Ling , Heal David J. , Cheetham Sharon C. , Dickinson Keith , Gregory Peter , Firnges Michael , Nordheim Ulrich , Goshorn Stephanie , Reiche Dania , Turski Lechoslaw , Antel Jochen
Published: December 2011

Here, we examined the chronic effects of two cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) inverse agonists, rimonabant and ibipinabant, in hyperinsulinemic Zucker rats to determine their chronic effects on insulinemia. Rimonabant and ibipinabant (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) elicited body weight-independent improvements in insulinemia and glycemia during 10 wk of chronic treatment. To elucidate the mechanism of insulin lowering, acute in vivo and in vitro studies were then performed. Surprisingly, chronic treatment was not required for insulin lowering. In acute in vivo and in vitro studies, the CB1 inverse agonists exhibited acute K channel opener (KCO; e.g., diazoxide and NN414)-like effects on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) with approximately fivefold better potency than diazoxide. Followup studies implied that these effects were inconsistent with a CB1-mediated mechanism. Thus effects of several CB1 agonists, inverse agonists, and distomers during GTTs or GSIS studies using perifused rat islets were unpredictable from their known CB1 activities. In vivo rimonabant and ibipinabant caused glucose intolerance in CB1 but not SUR1-KO mice. Electrophysiological studies indicated that, compared with diazoxide, 3 μM rimonabant and ibipinabant are partial agonists for K channel opening. Partial agonism was consistent with data from radioligand binding assays designed to detect SUR1 KATP KCOs where rimonabant and ibipinabant allosterically regulated 3H-glibenclamide-specific binding in the presence of MgATP, as did diazoxide and NN414. Our findings indicate that some CB1 ligands may directly bind and allosterically regulate Kir6.2/SUR1 KATP channels like other KCOs. This mechanism appears to be compatible with and may contribute to their acute and chronic effects on GSIS and insulinemia.
Hypoglycemia, hyperglucagonemia, and fetoplacental defects in glucagon receptor knockout mice: a role for glucagon action in pregnancy maintenance
Authors: Ouhilal Sophia , Vuguin Patricia , Cui Lingguang , Du Xiu-Quan , Gelling Richard W. , Reznik Sandra E. , Russell Robert , Parlow Albert F. , Karpovsky Clara , Santoro Nanette , Charron Maureen J.
Published: December 2011

Alterations in insulin signaling as well as insulin action predispose to infertility as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, little is known about the role of glucagon signaling in reproduction. The glucagon receptor knockout (Gcgr−/−) mouse created by our laboratory was used to define the role of glucagon signaling in maintaining normal reproduction. In this mouse model, lack of glucagon signaling did not alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Pregnant Gcgr−/−female mice displayed persistent hypoglycemia and hyperglucagonemia. Gcgr−/−pregnancies were associated with decreased fetal weight, increased late-gestation fetal demise, and significant abnormalities of placentation. Gcgr−/−placentas contained areas of extensive mineralization, fibrinoid necrosis, narrowing of the vascular channels, and a thickened interstitium associated with trophoblast hyperplasia. Absent glucagon signaling did not alter glycogen content in Gcgr−/−placentas but significantly downregulated genes that control growth, adrenergic signaling, vascularization, oxidative stress, and G protein-coupled receptors. Our data suggest that, similarly to insulin, glucagon action contributes to normal female reproductive function.
Metabolic characteristics of human subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissueafter overnight fast
Authors: Frayn Keith N. , Humphreys Sandy M.
Published: December 2011

Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue is one of the largest fat depots and contributes the major proportion of circulating nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Little is known about aspects of human adipose tissue metabolism in vivo other than lipolysis. Here we collated data from 331 experiments in 255 healthy volunteers over a 23-year period, in which subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue metabolism was studied by measurements of arterio-venous differences after an overnight fast. NEFA and glycerol were released in a ratio of 2.7:1, different ( P < 0.001) from the value of 3.0 that would indicate no fatty acid re-esterification. Fatty acid re-esterification was 10.2 ± 1.4%. Extraction of triacylglycerol (TG) (fractional extraction 5.7 ± 0.4%) indicated intravascular lipolysis by lipoprotein lipase, and this contributed 21 ± 3% of the glycerol released. Glucose uptake (fractional extraction 2.6 ± 0.3%) was partitioned around 20–25% for provision of glycerol 3-phosphate and 30% into lactate production. There was release of lactate and pyruvate, with extraction of the ketone bodies 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, although these were small numerically compared with TG and glucose uptake. NEFA release (expressed per 100 g tissue) correlated inversely with measures of fat mass (e.g., with BMI, rs= −0.24, P < 0.001). We examined within-person variability. Systemic NEFA concentrations, NEFA release, fatty acid re-esterification, and adipose tissue blood flow were all more consistent within than between individuals. This picture of human adipose tissue metabolism in the fasted state should contribute to a greater understanding of adipose tissue physiology and pathophysiology.
Global transcriptional profiling reveals similarities and differences between human stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte clusters and heart tissue
Authors: Synnergren Jane , Améen Caroline , Jansson Andreas , Sartipy Peter
Published: December 2011

It is now well documented that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate into functional cardiomyocytes. These cells constitute a promising source of material for use in drug development, toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. To assess their utility as replacement or complement to existing models, extensive phenotypic characterization of the cells is required. In the present study, we used microarrays and analyzed the global transcription of hESC-derived cardiomyocyte clusters (CMCs) and determined similarities as well as differences compared with reference samples from fetal and adult heart tissue. In addition, we performed a focused analysis of the expression of cardiac ion channels and genes involved in the Ca2+-handling machinery, which in previous studies have been shown to be immature in stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Our results show that hESC-derived CMCs, on a global level, have a highly similar gene expression profile compared with human heart tissue, and their transcriptional phenotype was more similar to fetal than to adult heart. Despite the high similarity to heart tissue, a number of significantly differentially expressed genes were identified, providing some clues toward understanding the molecular difference between in vivo sourced tissue and stem cell derivatives generated in vitro. Interestingly, some of the cardiac-related ion channels and Ca2+-handling genes showed differential expression between the CMCs and heart tissues. These genes may represent candidates for future genetic engineering to create hESC-derived CMCs that better mimic the phenotype of the cardiomyocytes present in the adult human heart.
Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors andH2Receptor Antagonists on the Ileum Motility
Authors: Kurt Atilla , Altun Ahmet , Bağcivan İhsan , Koyuncu Ayhan , Topcu Omer , Aydın Cengiz , Kaya Tijen
Published: December 2011

Objectives. To investigate the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2receptor antagonists on ileum motility in rats with peritonitis and compare changes with control group rats.Methods. Peritonitis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in 8 rats. Another of 8 rats underwent a sham operation and were accepted as controls. Twenty-four hours later after the operation, the rats were killed, and their ileum smooth muscle was excised and placed in circular muscle direction in a 10 mL organ bath. Changes in amplitude and frequency of contractions were analyzed before and after PPIs and H2receptor blockers.Results. PPI agents decreased the motility in a dose-dependent manner in ileum in both control and intraabdominal sepsis groups. While famotidine had no significant effect on ileum motility, ranitidine and nizatidine enhanced motility in ileum in both control and intraabdominal sepsis groups. This excitatory effect of H2receptor antagonists and inhibitor effects of PPIs were significantly high in control group when compared to the peritonitis group. The inhibitor effect of pantoprazole on ileum motility was significantly higher than the other two PPI agents.Conclusions. It was concluded that H2receptor antagonists may be more effective than PPIs for recovering the bowel motility in the intraabdominal sepsis situation.
Isolated Bilateral Congenital Iris Sphincter Agenesis
Authors: Rao Aparna
Published: December 2011

Purpose. We herein report a patient with bilateral congenital total iris sphincter agenesis with no other abnormality detected on systemic examination.Methods. A 24-year-old laborer presented to us for a routine checkup with complaint of photophobia and inability to work under sunlight. Examination revealed bilateral absence of sphincter and 6.5 mm pupil in both eyes in the undilated state.Results. Accommodation was poor in both eyes. Systemic examination was within normal limits. He was prescribed bifocal photochromic glasses for constant wear.Conclusions. Congenital sphincter agenesis can occur in an isolated form without systemic abnormalities which can be managed conservatively.
Importance of Continuous Pulse Oximetry of the Ipsilateral Thumb/Index Finger during Transradial Angiography
Authors: Puffer Ross C. , Kallmes David F.
Published: December 2011

We present a case of a 63-year-old male undergoing attempted basilar artery embolization using a right transradial artery approach in which continuous pulse oximetry of the ipsilateral thumb uncovered unanticipated hand ischemia during the procedure. A preprocedural evaluation using pulse oximetry of the right thumb demonstrated normal waveform and maintenance of normal oxygen saturation during manual compression of the right radial artery. This normal waveform and oxygen saturation was maintained after insertion of a 6Fr sheath into the radial artery. After insertion of a 6Fr guiding catheter into the right vertebral artery, near-complete dampening of the pulse oximetry waveform and precipitous decline in oxygen saturation were noted. Examination of the right hand demonstrated poor tissue perfusion. Immediate removal of the guiding catheter led to return of a normal waveform, oxygen saturation, and tissue perfusion. This case demonstrates the importance of continuous, intraprocedural monitoring of oxygenation of the ipsilateral hand during transradial angiography in order to avoid unanticipated perfusion abnormalities.
On the Drazin Inverse of the Sum of Two Matrices
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Wu Shuxia , Yu Yaoming
Published: December 2011

We deduce the explicit expressions for (P + Q) D and (PQ) D of
two matrices P and Q under the conditions P2Q = PQP and Q2P = QPQ. Also,
we give the upper bound of .
Nonstoichiometry inTiO2−yStudied by Ion Beam Methods and Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Zakrzewska K.
Published: December 2011

This paper treats a problem of nonstoichiometry inTiO2−ythin films deposited by reactive sputtering at controlled sputtering rates. Ion beam techniques, Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been applied to determine a deviation from stoichiometryyin the bulk and at the surface ofTiO2−ylayers. The critical review of these experimental methods is given. Defect structure responsible for the electrical resistivity of rutileTiO2is discussed.
Omental Adipose Tissue–Derived Stromal Cells Promote Vascularization and Growth of Endometrial Tumors
Authors: Klopp Ann H. , Zhang Yan , Solley Travis , Amaya-Manzanares Felipe , Marini Frank , Andreeff Michael , Debeb Bisrat , Woodward Wendy , Schmandt Rosemarie , Broaddus Russell , Lu Karen , Kolonin Mikhail G.
Published: December 2011

Purpose: Adipose tissue contains a population of tumor-tropic mesenchymal progenitors, termed adipose stromal cells (ASC), which engraft in neighboring tumors to form supportive tumor stroma. We hypothesized that intra-abdominal visceral adipose tissue may contain a uniquely tumor-promoting population of ASC to account for the relationship between excess visceral adipose tissue and mortality of intra-abdominal cancers.

Experimental Design: To investigate this, we isolated and characterized ASC from intra-abdominal omental adipose tissue (O-ASC) and characterized their effects on endometrial cancer progression as compared with subcutaneous adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (SC-ASC), bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC), and lung fibroblasts. To model chronic recruitment of ASC by tumors, cells were injected metronomically into mice bearing Hec1a xenografts.

Results: O-ASC expressed cell surface markers characteristic of BM-MSC and differentiated into mesenchymal lineages. Coculture with O-ASC increased endometrial cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Tumor tropism of O-ASC and SC-ASC for human Hec1a endometrial tumor xenografts was comparable, but O-ASC more potently promoted tumor growth. Compared with tumors in SC-ASC–injected mice, tumors in O-ASC–injected mice contained higher numbers of large tortuous desmin-positive blood vessels, which correlated with decreased central tumor necrosis and increased tumor cell proliferation. O-ASC exhibited enhanced motility as compared with SC-ASC in response to Hec1a-secreted factors.

Conclusions: Visceral adipose tissue contains a population of multipotent MSCs that promote endometrial tumor growth more potently than MSCs from subcutaneous adipose tissue. We propose that O-ASCs recruited to tumors express specific factors that enhance tumor vascularization, promoting survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Clin Cancer Res; 18(3); 771–82. ©2011 AACR.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Mutant Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Metastatic to the Brain
Authors: Jamal-Hanjani Mariam , Spicer James
Published: December 2011

Brain metastases are a common and devastating consequence of disease progression in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib have shown efficacy in patients with NSCLC and brain metastases. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exposure to these drugs is a small fraction of the plasma levels achieved with standard doses, but disruption of the blood–brain barrier in the presence of central nervous system metastases is likely to lead to locally increased drug concentration, and dose escalation to boost CSF exposure has documented clinical efficacy. The use of gefitinib and erlotinib in this setting is reviewed here, including evidence from case reports, case series, and single-arm phase II trials. High response rates in the brain are seen in patients with EGFR mutation, or in populations in which this genotype is expected. By contrast, activity in the context of documented wild-type EGFR in disease metastatic to the brain is not common. These drugs may potentiate the effectiveness of radiotherapy to the brain, and their use may also delay development of disease within the brain. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 938–44. ©2011 AACR.
Urinary Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite and Risk for Colorectal Adenoma
Authors: Shrubsole Martha J. , Cai Qiuyin , Wen Wanqing , Milne Ginger , Smalley Walter E. , Chen Zhi , Ness Reid M. , Zheng Wei
Published: December 2011

COX-2 is upregulated in most colorectal cancers. Most of the COX-2 tumor–inducing effects are believed to be mediated through overproduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which can be measured using a urinary metabolite of PGE2, PGE-M. Urinary PGE-M was assessed in a case–control study of colorectal adenoma. Included in the analysis were 224 cases with at least one advanced adenoma, 152 cases with multiple small tubular adenomas, 300 cases with only a single small tubular adenoma, and 364 polyp-free controls. There were no statistical differences in PGE-M levels between controls and cases with a single small tubular adenoma. However, cases with either an advanced adenoma or multiple small tubular adenomas had more than 25% higher levels of PGE-M than controls. Participants with the highest quartile level of PGE-M were approximately 2.5-fold more likely to have advanced or multiple small tubular adenoma in comparison with those with the lowest level of PGE-M [OR = 2.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.54–4.14; Ptrend < 0.001]. The association was strongest among women. PGE-M level was associated with increased risk for multiple or advanced adenoma but not single small adenoma. Our study suggests that PGE-M may be a useful risk marker for assessing the risk of harboring clinically more important versus less important colorectal neoplasia. Cancer Prev Res; 5(2); 336–42. ©2011 AACR.
Genomic Investigation of Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Suggests a Role for Therapeutic Targeting of the Tumor Epigenome
Authors: Meltzer Paul S. , Helman Lee J.
Published: December 2011

A comprehensive genetic analysis of dedifferentiated liposarcomas suggests that epigenetic modifications are common and may alter the differentiation capacity in these tumors. Furthermore, these data suggest that treatment strategies aimed at altering histone acetylation and/or DNA methylation are worthy of further study. Cancer Discovery; 1(7); 555–6. ©2011 AACR.

Commentary on Taylor et al., p. 587.
CRKL as a Lung Cancer Oncogene and Mediator of Acquired Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors: Is It All That It Is Cracked Up to Be?
Authors: Ladanyi Marc
Published: December 2011

Cheung and colleagues demonstrate that amplified CRKL can function as a driver oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma, activating both RAS and RAP1 to induce mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. In addition, they show that CRKL amplification may be another mechanism for primary or acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors. Cancer Discovery; 1(7); 560–1. ©2011 AACR.

Commentary on Cheung et al., p. 608.
Prenatally Diagnosed 17q12 Microdeletion Syndrome with a Novel Association with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Hendrix Nancy W. , Clemens Michele , Canavan Timothy P. , Surti Urvashi , Rajkovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2011

We describe the first reported case of a prenatally diagnosed and recently described 17q12 microdeletion syndrome. The fetus was noted to have a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), echogenic kidneys and cystic left lung on prenatal ultrasound. The patient underwent amniocentesis which resulted in a normal fluorescence in-situ hybridization and karyotype. An oligonucleotide microarray was then performed which demonstrated a 1.4-Mb deletion within the 17q12 region. The deletion caused haploinsufficiency for 17 genes, including AATF, ACACA, DDX52, DUSP14, GGNBP2, HNF-1B, LHX1, PIGW, SYNRG, TADA2A, and ZNHIT3. The deleted region on 17q12 is similar in size and gene content to previously reported 17q12 microdeletion syndromes, which have a minimal critical region of 1.52 Mb. The newly described 17q12 microdeletion syndrome has been associated with MODY5 (maturity-onset of diabetes of the young type 5), cystic renal disease, pancreatic atrophy, liver abnormalities, cognitive impairment and structural brain abnormalities. CDH has not been previously described with the 17q12 microdeletion syndrome. We hypothesize that CDH is part of the spectrum of this syndrome and likely not detected postnatally due to high prenatal mortality.
Risk Factors Predisposing to Stroke Recurrence within One Year of Non-Cardioembolic Stroke Onset: The Fukuoka Stroke Registry
Authors: Kuwashiro Takahiro , Sugimori Hiroshi , Ago Tetsuro , Kamouchi Masahiro , Kitazono Takanari ,   for the FSR Investigators
Published: December 2011

Background: Recurrent strokes occur more frequently during the first year after an ischemic stroke. We investigated the relationship between patient clinical characteristics and stroke recurrence according to the non-cardioembolic type of ischemic stroke, and determined the predisposing factors associated with a recurrence within the first year. Methods: From June 2007 to December 2008, 1,106 consecutive ischemic stroke patients who were hospitalized in the 7 FSR stroke centers within 7 days after the onset of their stroke were enrolled in this study. We assessed the clinical characteristics of the patients on admission, and followed their clinical courses for one year. Results: Of all patients, 876 (537 males and 339 females, 70 ± 12 years of age) who had suffered from a non-cardioembolic stroke were investigated. Seventy-one patients (8.1%) suffered from a recurrence of ischemic stroke during the follow-up period of one year. On multivariate Cox hazard regression analyses, age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p = 0.030, per 1-year increase), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <40 mg/dl (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.10–3.24, p = 0.021), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.03–2.90, p = 0.038) were independent predictors of a recurrence within one year after the non-cardioembolic stroke. Conclusions: In the patients demonstrating non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, low HDL cholesterol levels and CKD in addition to aging were independent risk factors for a recurrence within one year after the onset.
Is Worsening Renal Function an Ominous Prognostic Sign in Patients With Acute Heart Failure?
Authors: Metra Marco , Davison Beth , Bettari Luca , Sun Hengrui , Edwards Christopher , Lazzarini Valentina , Piovanelli Barbara , Carubelli Valentina , Bugatti Silvia , Lombardi Carlo , Cotter Gad , Dei Cas Livio
Published: December 2011

Background—

Worsening renal function (WRF), traditionally defined as an increase in serum creatinine levels ≥0.3 mg/dL, is a frequent finding in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and has been associated with poorer outcomes in some but not all studies. We hypothesized that these discrepancies may be caused by the interaction between WRF and congestion in AHF patients.

Methods and Results—

We measured serum creatinine levels on a daily basis during the hospitalization and assessed the persistence of signs of congestion at discharge in 599 consecutive patients admitted at our institute for AHF. They had a postdischarge mortality and mortality or AHF readmission rates of 13% and 43%, respectively, after 1 year. Patients were subdivided into 4 groups according to the development or not of WRF and the persistence of ≥1 sign of congestion at discharge. Patients with WRF and no congestion had similar outcomes compared with those with no WRF and no congestion, whereas the risk of death or of death or AHF readmission was increased in the patients with persistent congestion alone and in those with both WRF and congestion (hazard ratio, 5.35; 95% confidence interval, 3.0–9.55 at univariable analysis; hazard ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–4.18 at multivariable analysis for mortality; hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–3.3 at univariable analysis; and hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–2.2 at multivariable analysis for mortality and rehospitalizations).

Conclusions—

WRF alone, when detected using serial serum creatinine measurements, is not an independent determinant of outcomes in patients with AHF. It has an additive prognostic value when it occurs in patients with persistent signs of congestion.
Learning Intermediate-Level Representations of Form and Motion from Natural Movies
Authors: Cadieu Charles F. , Olshausen Bruno A.
Published: December 2011

We present a model of intermediate-level visual representation that is based on learning invariances from movies of the natural environment. The model is composed of two stages of processing: an early feature representation layer and a second layer in which invariances are explicitly represented. Invariances are learned as the result of factoring apart the temporally stable and dynamic components embedded in the early feature representation. The structure contained in these components is made explicit in the activities of second-layer units that capture invariances in both form and motion. When trained on natural movies, the first layer produces a factorization, or separation, of image content into a temporally persistent part representing local edge structure and a dynamic part representing local motion structure, consistent with known response properties in early visual cortex (area V1). This factorization linearizes statistical dependencies among the first-layer units, making them learnable by the second layer. The second-layer units are split into two populations according to the factorization in the first layer. The form-selective units receive their input from the temporally persistent part (local edge structure) and after training result in a diverse set of higher-order shape features consisting of extended contours, multiscale edges, textures, and texture boundaries. The motion-selective units receive their input from the dynamic part (local motion structure) and after training result in a representation of image translation over different spatial scales and directions, in addition to more complex deformations. These representations provide a rich description of dynamic natural images and testable hypotheses regarding intermediate-level representation in visual cortex.
Regularized Variational Bayesian Learning of Echo State Networks with Delay&Sum Readout
Authors: Shutin Dmitriy , Zechner Christoph , Kulkarni Sanjeev R. , Poor H. Vincent
Published: December 2011

In this work, a variational Bayesian framework for efficient training of echo state networks (ESNs) with automatic regularization and delay&sum (D&S) readout adaptation is proposed. The algorithm uses a classical batch learning of ESNs. By treating the network echo states as fixed basis functions parameterized with delay parameters, we propose a variational Bayesian ESN training scheme. The variational approach allows for a seamless combination of sparse Bayesian learning ideas and a variational Bayesian space-alternating generalized expectation-maximization (VB-SAGE) algorithm for estimating parameters of superimposed signals. While the former method realizes automatic regularization of ESNs, which also determines which echo states and input signals are relevant for “explaining” the desired signal, the latter method provides a basis for joint estimation of D&S readout parameters. The proposed training algorithm can naturally be extended to ESNs with fixed filter neurons. It also generalizes the recently proposed expectation-maximization-based D&S readout adaptation method. The proposed algorithm was tested on synthetic data prediction tasks as well as on dynamic handwritten character recognition.
Why Make Them Crawl If They Can Walk? Teaching with Mother Tongue Support
Authors: Butzkamm Wolfgang
Published: December 2011

The article addresses the long-standing issue over the role of the mother tongue in the foreign language classroom. In the first part it is argued that the mother tongue lays the cognitive foundations for all subsequent language learning. Double comprehension as the basic requirement for learning to take place is explained. The second part is practical. It focuses on two bilingual techniques, idiomatic translations for the clarification of grammatical functions, and mother tongue mirroring which makes grammatical forms transparent and shows their hidden logic. Examples are from various languages, but are especially drawn from Mandarin since non-related languages best illustrate the need for systematic mother tongue support.