bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARBITRAGE-FREE VALUATION OF BILATERAL COUNTERPARTY RISK FOR INTEREST-RATE PRODUCTS: IMPACT OF VOLATILITIES AND CORRELATIONS
Authors: BRIGO DAMIANO , PALLAVICINI ANDREA , PAPATHEODOROU VASILEIOS
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this paper is introducing rigorous methods and formulas for bilateral counterparty risk credit valuation adjustment (CVA) on interest-rate portfolios. In doing so, we summarize the general arbitrage-free valuation framework for counterparty risk adjustments in presence of bilateral default risk, including the default of the investor. We illustrate the symmetry in the valuation and show that the adjustment involves a long position in a put option plus a short position in a call option, both with zero strike and written on the residual net present value of the contract at the relevant default times. We allow for correlation between the default times of the investor and counterparty, and for correlation of each with the underlying risk factor, namely interest rates. We also analyze the often neglected impact of credit spread volatility. We include close-out netting rules in our examples, although other agreements, such as periodic margining or collateral posting, are left for future work.
HEDGING (CO)VARIANCE RISK WITH VARIANCE SWAPS
Authors: DA FONSECA JOSÉ , GRASSELLI MARTINO , IELPO FLORIAN
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we quantify the impact on the representative agent's welfare of the presence of derivative products spanning covariance risk. In an asset allocation framework with stochastic (co)variances, we allow the agent to invest not only in the stocks but also in the associated variance swaps. We solve this optimal portfolio allocation program using the Wishart Affine Stochastic Correlation framework, as introduced in Da Fonseca, Grasselli and Tebaldi (2007): it shares the analytical tractability of the single-asset counterpart represented by the [36] model and it seems to be the natural framework for studying multivariate problems when volatilities as well as correlations are stochastic. What is more, this framework shows how variance swaps can implicitly span the covariance risk. We provide the explicit solution to the portfolio optimization problem and we discuss the structure of the portfolio loadings with respect to model parameters. Using real data on major indexes, we find that the impact of covariance risk on the optimal strategy is huge. It first leads to a portfolio that is mostly driven by the market price of volatility-covolatility risks. It is then strongly leveraged through variance swaps, thus leading to a much higher utility, when compared to the case when investing in such derivatives is not possible.
BUCKLING OF COMPOSITE NONLOCAL OR GRADIENT CONNECTED BEAMS
Authors: CHALLAMEL NOËL , MECHAB ISMAIL , EL MEICHE NOUREDDINE , KROUR BAGHDAD
Published: September 2011

The buckling of an axially loaded elastic composite beam with a nonlocal core or a nonlocal connection system is studied in this paper. The composite beam or the sandwich beam is composed of two Euler–Bernoulli beams with a nonlocal elastic interaction. This nonlocal interaction is physically based on the Reissner's model based on three-parameters' interaction function. The energy equations are first presented, and the differential equations are rigorously obtained from a variational principle. We show that the connection model can be expressed in an integral format, therefore, inducing the nonlocal character of this beam elastic interaction model. Furthermore, the variational format of this nonlocal composite model is given, leading to meaningful natural and higher-order boundary conditions. The system of these differential equations can be reduced to a single 10th-order differential equation. We present an exact method to solve this stability problem, based on Ferrari or Cardano's method. The solution can be fully simplified in case of specific boundary conditions with symmetrical considerations. The stability domain is analytically characterized in the loading space for the pinned–pinned boundary conditions. The correspondence between the buckling of the nonlocal composite column and the shear composite column is discussed. Finally, it is shown that the Timoshenko beam model is a nonlocal integral model.
DYNAMICS ANALYSIS OF HIGH-SPEED RAILWAY VEHICLES EXCITED BY WIND LOADS
Authors: CHENG YUNG-CHANG , CHEN CHERN-HWA , YANG CHE-JUNG
Published: September 2011

Based on Kalker's linear theory and the heuristic nonlinear creep model, the nonlinear coupled differential equations of motion are derived for a vehicle model with 20 degrees of freedom, considering the lateral displacement and yaw angle of each wheelset, the lateral displacement, vertical displacement, roll angle and yaw angle of the bogie frame, and the car body moving on a curved track. The dynamic responses of a railway vehicle with wind loads acting laterally and vertically, and wind moments acting about the longitudinal axis of the car body are investigated. The analysis results indicate that the oscillation amplitude of the car body increases as the wind speed increases. Furthermore, the average amplitude of oscillation of the wheelset increases with the wind speed as well. It is concluded that the influence of wind loads on the dynamic stability of a vehicle cannot be ignored.
Stimulation of the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces hypophagia and thermogenesis
Authors: Resch Jon M. , Boisvert Joanne P. , Hourigan Allison E. , Mueller Christopher R. , Yi Sun Shin , Choi SuJean
Published: September 2011

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei (VMN) regulate energy homeostasis by integrating and utilizing behavioral and metabolic mechanisms. The VMN heavily express pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type I receptors (PAC1R). Despite the receptor distribution, most PACAP experiments investigating affects on feeding have focused on intracerebroventricular administration or global knockout mice. To identify the specific contribution of PACAP signaling in the VMN, we injected PACAP directly into the VMN and measured feeding behavior and indices of energy expenditure. Following an acute injection of PACAP, nocturnal food intake was significantly reduced for 6 h after injections without evidence of malaise. In addition, PACAP-induced suppression of feeding also occurred following an overnight fast and could be blocked by a specific PAC1R antagonist. Metabolically, VMN-specific injections of PACAP significantly increased both core body temperature and spontaneous locomotor activity with a concurrent increase in brown adipose uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression. To determine which signaling pathways were responsive to PACAP administration into the VMN, we measured mRNA expression of well-characterized hypothalamic neuropeptide regulators of feeding. One hour after PACAP administration, expression of pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA was significantly increased in the arcuate nuclei (ARC), with no changes in neuropeptide Y and agouti-related polypeptide mRNA levels. This suggests that PAC1R expressing VMN neurons projecting to pro-opiomelanocortin neurons contribute to hypophagia by involving melanocortin signaling. While the VMN also abundantly express PACAP protein, the present study demonstrates that PACAP input to the VMN can influence the control of energy homeostasis.
Temporal analysis of mRNA and miRNA expression in transgenic mice overexpressing Arg- and Gly389 polymorphic variants of the β1-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Dockstader Karen , Nunley Karin , Karimpour-Fard Anis , Medway Allen , Nelson Penny , Port J. David , Liggett Stephen B. , Bristow Michael R. , Sucharov Carmen C.
Published: September 2011

Several studies in humans or transgenic animals have reported that the 389 Arg or Gly polymorphic variation of the β1-adrenergic receptor (AR) is associated with differential responses to beta-blocker therapy and/or myocardial disease progression. Analysis of changes in gene expression is an important means of defining molecular differences associated with structural or functional phenotypic variations. To determine if structural and functional myocardial phenotypic differences between β1389 Arg vs. Gly transgenic overexpressors are associated with qualitative and/or quantitative differences in gene expression, a comprehensive analysis of mRNAs and miRNAs expressed in the hearts of 3 and 6–8 mo old β1-Arg389 and β1-Gly389 overexpressor transgenic mice was performed. Changes in mRNA and miRNA expression were analyzed by arrays and partially confirmed by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that several genes, including those involved in PKA and CaMK signaling pathways, are regulated in a temporal- or phenotype-specific manner. Furthermore, expression signature analyses indicated that miRNAs have the potential to target expression of a number of genes involved in multiple cardiomyopathy-related pathways, and changes in miRNA expression can precede the onset of disease. Differences in gene expression between β1-Arg389 and β1-Gly389 transgenic mice are largely quantitative rather than qualitative and are associated with the development of cardiomyopathy in a time-dependent manner. Chronic β1-AR overdrive results in increased expression of components of the CaMK pathway, with correspondingly decreased levels of components of the PKA pathway. Based on the temporal and genotype-specific pattern of miRNA expression, miRNAs are likely to be important predictors of disease states, especially when miRNA expression is paired with mRNA expression, and that miRNA/mRNA expression signatures have the potential to be useful in determining the underlying risk associated with cardiac disease progression.
Fetal HDL/apoE: a novel regulator of gene expression in human placental endothelial cells
Authors: Augsten Manuela , Hackl Hubert , Ebner Birgit , Chemelli Angela , Glatter Otto , Marsche Gunther , Lang Uwe , Desoye Gernot , Wadsack Christian
Published: September 2011

Maternal lipoproteins have been studied extensively in human pregnancies, but little is known about the role of fetal lipoproteins. The vascularized human placenta interfaces between the mother and fetus to transfer nutrients for sustaining pregnancy. Unlike that of adults, fetal high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is in contact with placental vessels, is characterized by a high proportion of apolipoprotein E (apoE). We hypothesize this unique composition of fetal HDL affects key functions of the growing fetal tissues. The aim was to identify genes regulated by apoE-HDL by incubating human placental endothelial cells (HPEC) with either fetal HDL or apoE-rich reconstituted HDL particles (apoE-rHDL). HPEC were exposed to 15 μg/ml fetal HDL, 15 μg/ml apoE-rHDL, or medium for 16 h, respectively. Microarray analysis determined genes regulated by fetal HDL and apoE. Characterization of HDL particles revealed a different hydrodynamic radius for apoE-rHDL (13.70 nm) compared with fetal HDL (18.11 nm). Stepwise gene clustering after microarray experiments identified 79 differentially expressed genes ( P < 0.05) when cells were exposed to HDL compared with controls. Among them 16 genes were downregulated, whereas five genes were upregulated by twofold, respectively. When HPEC were incubated with apoE-rHDL 18-fold more genes (1,417, 12% of transcripts) were regulated ( P < 0.05) in contrast to HDL. Thereof, 172 genes were downregulated and 376 genes upregulated (twofold). In the common subset of 38 genes regulated by both HDL particles, genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell protection prevailed. Strikingly, results suggest that HDL has the capability of regulating metallothioneins, which may have an effect on oxidative stress in HPEC.
Discount Rate for Health Benefits and the Value of Life in India
Authors: Shanmugam K. R.
Published: September 2011

This study contributes to the literature by estimating discount rate for health benefits and value of statistical life of workers in India. The discount rate is imputed from wage‐risk trade‐offs in which workers decide whether to accept a risky job with higher wages. The estimated real discount rate varies across regions ranging 2.4–5.1 percent, which is closer to the financial market rate for the study period. The estimated value of a statistical life is Rs. 20 (US $ 1.107) million. The results thus provide no empirical support for utilizing a separate rate of discount for health benefits of life‐saving policies in developing countries like India.
Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines Positively Impact Natural Killer and Regulatory T Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Bray Sarah M. , Vujanovic Lazar , Butterfield Lisa H.
Published: September 2011

Immunotherapy of cancer must promote antitumor effector cells for tumor eradication as well as counteract immunoregulatory mechanisms which inhibit effectors. Immunologic therapies of cancer are showing promise, including dendritic cell-(DC-) based strategies. DC are highly malleable antigen-presenting cells which can promote potent antitumor immunity as well as tolerance, depending on the environmental signals received. Previously, we tested a peptide-pulsed DC vaccine to promote Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-) specific anti-tumor immunity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and reported on the CD8+T cell responses induced by this vaccine and the clinical trial results. Here, we show that the peptide-loaded DC enhanced NK cell activation and decreased regulatory T cells (Treg) frequencies in vaccinated HCC patients. We also extend these data by testing several forms of DC vaccinesin vitroto determine the impact of antigen loading and maturation signals on both NK cells and Treg from healthy donors and HCC patients.
A Growth Curve Model with Fractional Polynomials for Analysing Incomplete Time-Course Data in Microarray Gene Expression Studies
Authors: Tan Qihua , Thomassen Mads , Hjelmborg Jacob v. B. , Clemmensen Anders , Andersen Klaus Ejner , Petersen Thomas K. , McGue Matthew , Christensen Kaare , Kruse Torben A.
Published: September 2011

Identifying the various gene expression response patterns is a challenging issue in expression microarray time-course experiments. Due to heterogeneity in the regulatory reaction among thousands of genes tested, it is impossible to manually characterize a parametric form for each of the time-course pattern in a gene by gene manner. We introduce a growth curve model with fractional polynomials to automatically capture the various time-dependent expression patterns and meanwhile efficiently handle missing values due to incomplete observations. For each gene, our procedure compares the performances among fractional polynomial models with power terms from a set of fixed values that offer a wide range of curve shapes and suggests a best fitting model. After a limited simulation study, the model has been applied to our human in vivo irritated epidermis data with missing observations to investigate time-dependent transcriptional responses to a chemical irritant. Our method was able to identify the various nonlinear time-course expression trajectories. The integration of growth curves with fractional polynomials provides a flexible way to model different time-course patterns together with model selection and significant gene identification strategies that can be applied in microarray-based time-course gene expression experiments with missing observations.
Chromosome Deletion of 14q32.33 Detected by Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization in a Patient with Features of Dubowitz Syndrome
Authors: Darcy Diana C. , Rosenthal Scott , Wallerstein Robert J.
Published: September 2011

We report a 4-year-old girl of Mexican origins with a clinical diagnosis of Dubowitz syndrome who carries a de novo terminal deletion at the 14q32.33 locus identified by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Dubowitz syndrome is a rare condition characterized by a constellation of features including growth retardation, short stature, microcephaly, micrognathia, eczema, telecanthus, blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthal folds, broad nasal bridge, round-tipped nose, mild to moderate developmental delay, and high-pitched hoarse voice. This syndrome is thought to be autosomal recessive; however, the etiology has not been determined. This is the first report of this deletion in association with this phenotype; it is possible that this deletion may be causal for a Dubowitz phenocopy.
Feeding Behaviour of the Mussel,Mytilus edulis: New Observations, with a Minireview of Current Knowledge
Authors: Riisgård Hans Ulrik , Egede Parnuna P. , Barreiro Saavedra Isabel
Published: September 2011

Under optimal conditions, bivalves tend to filter the ambient water at a maximum rate but under suboptimal environmental conditions, including low or very high algal concentrations, the filtration rate is reduced. The upper algal concentration at which the blue mussel,Mytilus edulis, exploits its filtration capacity over an extended period of time was identified by stepwise raising the algal (Rhodomonas salina) concentration in steady-state experiments above the threshold for continuous high filtration rate. The duration time before incipient saturation reduction decreased with increasing algal concentration, and the threshold concentration for incipient saturation reduction of filtration activity was found to be between about 5,000 and 8,000 cells mL−1, equivalent to 6.3 and 10.0 μg chlaL−1, respectively. Reduced filtration rate was related to total number of algal cells ingested previous to incipient saturation and found to be cells. Video-microscope recordings of pseudofaeces production revealed that the trigger threshold concentration for formation of pseudofaeces was about 12,000 cells mL−1. Faeces produced by saturated mussels consisted of closely packed undigested algal cells, indicating severe overloading of the digestive system caused by high algal concentrations which mussels are not evolutionary adapted to cope with.
Predicting the Kinetic Properties Associated with Redox Imbalance after Oxidative Crisis in G6PD-Deficient Erythrocytes: A Simulation Study
Authors: Shimo Hanae , Nishino Taiko , Tomita Masaru
Published: September 2011

It is well known that G6PD-deficient individuals are highly susceptible to oxidative stress. However, the differences in the degree of metabolic alterations among patients during an oxidative crisis have not been extensively studied. In this study, we applied mathematical modeling to assess the metabolic changes in erythrocytes of various G6PD-deficient patients during hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced perturbation and predict the kinetic properties that elicit redox imbalance after exposure to an oxidative agent. Simulation results showed a discrepancy in the ability to restore regular metabolite levels and redox homeostasis among patients. Two trends were observed in the response of redox status (GSH/GSSG) to oxidative stress, a mild decrease associated with slow recovery and a drastic decline associated with rapid recovery. The former was concluded to apply to patients with severe clinical symptoms. Low and high of G6PD were shown to be kinetic properties that enhance consequent redox imbalance.
Novel Conjugates of 1,3-Diacylglycerol and Lipoic Acid: Synthesis, DPPH Assay, and RP-LC-MS-APCI Analysis
Authors: Madawala Samanthi R. P. , Andersson Rolf E. , Jastrebova Jelena A. , Almeida Maria , Dutta Paresh C.
Published: September 2011

1,3-Diacylglycerol is known to reduce body weight and fat deposits in humans.α-Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant and effective against many pathological conditions, including obesity and related metabolic syndromes. The present work is based on the hypothesis that the hybrid molecules of 1,3-diacylglycerol and lipoic acid possess synergistic and/or additive effects compared with the parent compounds against obesity, overweight, and related metabolic syndromes. Laboratory scale synthesis of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-lipoyl-sn-glycerol (yield 80%) and 1,3-dioleoyl-2-dihydrolipoyl-sn-glycerol (yield 70%) was performed for the first time and supported by NMR and MS data. Free radical scavenging capacity of the conjugates was assayed using DPPH test. A remarkably highin vitrofree radical scavenging capacity was demonstrated for the 1,3-dioleoyl-2-dihydrolipoyl-sn-glycerol (EC50value 0.21). RP-HPLC-MS-APCI analysis showed satisfactory separation between the conjugates (R~1). Protonated molecular ion of the conjugates atm/z809 andm/zat 811, respectively, and their characteristic fragment ions were abundant.
Maternal Obesity and Developmental Programming of Metabolic Disorders in Offspring: Evidence from Animal Models
Authors: Li M. , Sloboda D. M. , Vickers M. H.
Published: September 2011

The incidence of obesity and overweight has reached epidemic proportions in the developed world as well as in those countries transitioning to first world economies, and this represents a major global health problem. Concern is rising over the rapid increases in childhood obesity and metabolic disease that will translate into later adult obesity. Although an obesogenic nutritional environment and increasingly sedentary lifestyle contribute to our risk of developing obesity, a growing body of evidence links early life nutritional adversity to the development of long-term metabolic disorders. In particular, the increasing prevalence of maternal obesity and excess maternal weight gain has been associated with a heightened risk of obesity development in offspring in addition to an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. The mechanisms that link maternal obesity to obesity in offspring and the level of gene-environment interactions are not well understood, but the early life environment may represent a critical window for which intervention strategies could be developed to curb the current obesity epidemic. This paper will discuss the various animal models of maternal overnutrition and their importance in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying altered obesity risk in offspring.
Reproductive Benefit of Oxidative Damage: An Oxidative Stress “Malevolence”?
Authors: Poljsak B. , Milisav I. , Lampe T. , Ostan I.
Published: September 2011

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to antioxidant defenses are considered to play a major role in diverse chronic age-related diseases and aging. Here we present an attempt to synthesize information about proximate oxidative processes in aging (relevant to free radical or oxidative damage hypotheses of aging) with an evolutionary scenario (credited here to Dawkins hypotheses) involving tradeoffs between the costs and benefits of oxidative stress to reproducing organisms. Oxidative stress may be considered a biological imperfection; therefore, the Dawkins' theory of imperfect adaptation of beings to environment was applied to the role of oxidative stress in processes like famine and infectious diseases and their consequences at the molecular level such as mutations and cell signaling. Arguments are presented that oxidative damage is not necessarily an evolutionary mistake but may be beneficial for reproduction; this may prevail over its harmfulness to health and longevity in evolution. Thus, Dawkins' principle of biological “malevolence” may be an additional biological paradigm for explaining the consequences of oxidative stress.
Approximate Damped Oscillatory Solutions for Generalized KdV‐Burgers Equation and Their Error Estimates
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Li Xiang
Published: September 2011

We focus on studying approximate solutions of damped
oscillatory solutions of generalized KdV‐Burgers equation and their error estimates.
The theory of planar dynamical systems is employed to make qualitative analysis to
the dynamical systems which traveling wave solutions of this equation correspond
to. We investigate the relations between the behaviors of bounded traveling wave
solutions and dissipation coefficient, and give two critical values λ1 and λ2 which
can characterize the scale of dissipation effect, for right and left‐traveling wave solution, respectively. We obtain that for the right‐traveling wave solution if dissipation
coefficient α ≥ λ1, it appears as a monotone kink profile solitary wave solution;
that if 0 < α < λ1, it appears as a damped oscillatory solution. This is similar
for the left‐traveling wave solution. According to the evolution relations of orbits
in the global phase portraits which the damped oscillatory solutions correspond to,
we obtain their approximate damped oscillatory solutions by undetermined coefficients method. By the idea of homogenization principle, we give the error estimates
for these approximate solutions by establishing the integral equations reflecting the
relations between exact and approximate solutions. The errors are infinitesimal decreasing in the exponential form.
Primary Nonfunction of Renal Allograft Secondary to Acute Oxalate Nephropathy
Authors: Parasuraman Ravi , L. Zhang Ping , Samarapungavan Dilip , Pothugunta Krishna , Reddy Gampala , Rocher Leslie , Dumler Francis , Raofi Vandad , Cohn Steven , Koffron Alan
Published: September 2011

Primary nonfunction (PNF) accounts for 0.6 to 8% of renal allograft failure, and the focus on causes of PNF has changed from rejection to other causes. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition is common in early allograft biopsies, and it contributes in moderate intensity to higher incidence of acute tubular necrosis and poor graft survival. A-49-year old male with ESRD secondary to polycystic kidney disease underwent extended criteria donor kidney transplantation. Posttransplant, patient developed delayed graft function (DGF), and the biopsy showed moderately intense CaOx deposition that persisted on subsequent biopsies for 16 weeks, eventually resulting in PNF. The serum oxalate level was 3 times more than normal at 85 μmol/L (normal <27 μmol/L). Allograft nephrectomy showed massive aggregates of CaOx crystal deposition in renal collecting system. In conclusion, acute oxalate nephropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of DGF since optimal management could change the outcome of the allograft.
Workplace Inhalant Abuse in Adult Female: Brief Report
Authors: Verma Rohit , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Deshpande Smita N.
Published: September 2011

Inhalant abuse is the purposeful inhalation of intoxicating gases and vapors for the purpose of achieving an altered mental state. With its propensity for being yet an under-recognized form of substance use, being gateway to hard substances, cross-cultural penetration crossing socioeconomic boundaries, and causing significant morbidity and mortality in early ages, the prevention of inhalant misuse is a highly pertinent issue. This clinical report identifies a newer perspective in the emergence of inhalant abuse initiation. We report a case of an adult female with late onset of inhalant dependence developing at workplace and recommend for greater awareness, prevention, and management of this expanding substance abuse problem.
On Local Linear Approximations to Diffusion Processes
Authors: Duan X. L. , Qian Z. M. , Zheng W. A.
Published: September 2011

Diffusion models have been used extensively in many applications. These models, such as those used in the financial engineering, usually contain unknown parameters which we wish to determine. One way is to use the maximum likelihood method with discrete samplings to devise statistics for unknown parameters. In general, the maximum likelihood functions for diffusion models are not available, hence it is difficult to derive the exact maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). There are many different approaches proposed by various authors over the past years, see, for example, the excellent books and Kutoyants (2004), Liptser and Shiryayev (1977), Kushner and Dupuis (2002), and Prakasa Rao (1999), and also the recent works by Aït‐Sahalia (1999), (2004), (2002), and so forth. Shoji and Ozaki (1998; see also Shoji and Ozaki (1995) and Shoji and Ozaki (1997)) proposed
a simple local linear approximation. In this paper, among other things, we show that Shoji′s local linear Gaussian approximation indeed yields a good MLE.
Topological Aspects of the Product of Lattices
Authors: Vlad Carmen
Published: September 2011

Let X be an arbitrary nonempty set and L a lattice of subsets of X such that ∅, X ∈ L. A(L) denotes the algebra generated by L, and M(L) denotes those nonnegative, finite, finitely additive measures on A(L). In addition, I(L) denotes the subset of M(L) which consists of the nontrivial zero‐one valued measures. The paper gives detailed analysis of products of lattices, their associated Wallman spaces, and products of a variety of measures.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Jones Siân , O'Donovan Peter , Toub David
Published: September 2011

The use of thermal energy-based systems to treat uterine fibroids has resulted in a plethora of devices that are less invasive and potentially as effective in reducing symptoms as traditional options such as myomectomy. Most thermal ablation devices involve hyperthermia (heating of tissue), which entails the conversion of an external electromagnetic or ultrasound waves into intracellular mechanical energy, generating heat. What has emerged from two decades of peer-reviewed research is the concept that hyperthermic fibroid ablation, regardless of the thermal energy source, can create large areas of necrosis within fibroids resulting in reductions in fibroid volume, associated symptoms and the need for reintervention. When a greater percentage of a fibroid's volume is ablated, symptomatic relief is more pronounced, quality of life increases, and it is more likely that such improvements will be durable. We review radiofrequency ablation (RFA), one modality of hyperthermic fibroid ablation.
Reduced miR-128 in Breast Tumor–Initiating Cells Induces Chemotherapeutic Resistance via Bmi-1 and ABCC5
Authors: Zhu Yinghua , Yu Fengyan , Jiao Yu , Feng Juan , Tang Wei , Yao Herui , Gong Chang , Chen Jianing , Su Fengxi , Zhang Yan , Song Erwei
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Tumor-initiating cells are resistant to chemotherapy, but how microRNAs play a role in regulating drug resistance of breast tumor–initiating cells (BT-IC) needs to be clarified.

Experimental Design: Lentivirus-mediated miR-128 transduction was done in BT-ICs, enriched by mammosphere cultures or CD44+CD24− fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Apoptosis and DNA damage were determined upon treatment with doxorubicin. Expression of miR-128 in breast cancer tissues was examined by in situ hybridization and correlated with breast tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and patient survival.

Results: MiR-128 was significantly reduced in chemoresistant BT-ICs enriched from breast cancer cell lines and primary breast tumors (P < 0.01), accompanied by an overexpression of Bmi-1 and ABCC5, which were identified as targets of miR-128. Ectopic expression of miR-128 reduced the protein levels of Bmi-1 and ABCC5 in BT-ICs, along with decreased cell viability (P < 0.001) and increased apoptosis (P < 0.001) and DNA damage (P < 0.001) in the presence of doxorubicin. Reduced miR-128 expression in breast tumor tissues was associated with chemotherapeutic resistance (P < 0.001) and poor survival of breast cancer patients (P < 0.05; n = 57).

Conclusions: Reduction in miR-128 leading to Bmi-1 and ABCC5 overexpression is a stem cell–like feature of BT-ICs, which contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance in breast cancers. Ectopic expression of miR-128 sensitizes BT-ICs to the proapoptotic and DNA-damaging effects of doxorubicin, indicating therapeutic potential. Clin Cancer Res; 17(22); 7105–15. ©2011 AACR.
Differential Expression of Uridine Phosphorylase in Tumors Contributes to an Improved Fluoropyrimidine Therapeutic Activity
Authors: Cao Deliang , Ziemba Amy , McCabe James , Yan Ruilan , Wan Laxiang , Kim Bradford , Gach Michael , Flynn Stuart , Pizzorno Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

Abrogation of uridine phosphorylase (UPase) leads to abnormalities in pyrimidine metabolism and host protection against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicity. We elucidated the effects on the metabolism and antitumor efficacy of 5-FU and capecitabine (N4-pentyloxycarbonyl-5′-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine) in our UPase knockout (UPase−/−) model. Treatment with 5-FU (85 mg/kg) or capecitabine (1,000 mg/kg) five days a week for four weeks caused severe toxicity and structural damage to the intestines of wild-type (WT) mice, but not in UPase−/− animals. Capecitabine treatment resulted in a 70% decrease in blood cell counts of WT animals, with only a marginal effect in UPase−/− mice. UPase expressing colon 38 tumors implanted in UPase−/− mice revealed an improved therapeutic efficacy when treated with 5-FU and capecitabine because of the higher maximum tolerated dose for fluoropyrimidines achievable in UPase−/− mice. 19F-MRS evaluation of capecitabine metabolism in tumors revealed similar activation of the prodrug in UPase−/− mice compared with WT. In WT mice, approximately 60% of capecitabine was transformed over three hours into its active metabolites, whereas 80% was transformed in tumors implanted in UPase−/− mice. In UPase−/− mice, prolonged retention of 5′dFUR allowed a proportional increase in tumor tissue. The similar presence of fluorinated catabolic species confirms that dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity was not altered in UPase−/− mice. Overall, these results indicate the importance of UPase in the activation of fluoropyrimidines, the effect of uridine in protecting normal tissues, and the role for tumor-specific modulation of the phosphorolytic activity in 5-FU or capecitabine-based chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(12); 2330–9. ©2011 AACR.
Cancer Cell Dependence on Unsaturated Fatty Acids Implicates Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase as a Target for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Roongta Urvashi V. , Pabalan Jonathan G. , Wang Xinyu , Ryseck Rolf-Peter , Fargnoli Joseph , Henley Benjamin J. , Yang Wen-Pin , Zhu Jun , Madireddi Malavi T. , Lawrence R. Michael , Wong Tai W. , Rupnow Brent A.
Published: September 2011

Emerging literature suggests that metabolic pathways play an important role in the maintenance and progression of human cancers. In particular, recent studies have implicated lipid biosynthesis and desaturation as a requirement for tumor cell survival. In the studies reported here, we aimed to understand whether tumor cells require the activity of either human isoform of stearoyl-CoA-desaturase (SCD1 or SCD5) for survival. Inhibition of SCD1 by siRNA or a small molecule antagonist results in strong induction of apoptosis and growth inhibition, when tumor cells are cultured in reduced (2%) serum conditions, but has little impact on cells cultured in 10% serum. Depletion of SCD5 had minimal effects on cell growth or apoptosis. Consistent with the observed dependence on SCD1, but not SCD5, levels of SCD1 protein increased in response to decreasing serum levels. Both induction of SCD1 protein and sensitivity to growth inhibition by SCD1 inhibition could be reversed by supplementing growth media with unsaturated fatty acids, the product of the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by SCD1. Transcription profiling of cells treated with an SCD inhibitor revealed strong induction of markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Underscoring its importance in cancer, SCD1 protein was found to be highly expressed in a large percentage of human cancer specimens. SCD inhibition resulted in tumor growth delay in a human gastric cancer xenograft model. Altogether, these results suggest that desaturated fatty acids are required for tumor cell survival and that SCD may represent a viable target for the development of novel agents for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 9(11); 1551–61. ©2011 AACR.
Performance of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Protocol in an Economically and Medically Underserved Population
Authors: Cai Shan-Rong , Zhang Su-Zhan , Zhu Hong-Hong , Huang Yan-Qin , Li Qi-Rong , Ma Xin-Yuan , Yao Kai-Yan , Zheng Shu
Published: September 2011

The performance of combining fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) and a high-risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in economically and medically underserved populations is uncertain. This study investigated the performance of a CRC screening protocol of combining FITs and an HRFQ as primary screening methods in a rural Chinese population. A CRC mass screening was conducted using FITs and an HRFQ as the first and colonoscopy as the second stage of screening in Jiashan, 2007–2009. The target population was 31,963 residents in three communities. The compliance was 84.7% for HRFQ, 76.4% for FITs, and 78.7% for colonoscopy. The detected rates of cancer, adenoma, nonadenomatous polyps, and advanced neoplasm were 2.7%, 14.8%, 5.9%, and 8.9% by FITs, which were higher than those by HRFQ (0.5%, 9.2%, 4.8%, and 3.8%, respectively). There was no significant difference in detected rate for nonadenomatous polyps between FITs and HRFQ. A total of 41.2% adenomas, 53.2% nonadenomatous polyps, and 29.8% advanced neoplasms were detected by HRFQ but missed by FITs. Positive predictive value of the screening protocol of combining FITs and HRFQ for advanced neoplasm was 5.7%, which was higher than FITs alone. Men had a higher prevalence of advanced neoplasm than women. Results indicate that combining FITs and HRFQ as primary screening methods is an efficient CRC screening strategy in economically and medically underserved populations. Cancer Prev Res; 4(10); 1572–9. ©2011 AACR.
Treating Anxiety in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Merswolken Melanie , Siebenhuener Sabine , Orth-Gomér Kristina , Zimmermann-Viehoff Frank , Deter Hans-Christian
Published: September 2011

Background: Anxiety is frequent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and influences the course of the disease, but no randomized controlled trial has investigated the effects of a psychotherapy intervention in CHD patients with elevated anxiety scores. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-month psychotherapy intervention on anxiety in this group of patients. Methods: Fifty-two patients (61 ± 8.0 years, 14 female) with CHD and elevated levels of anxiety completed the study after randomization into a 6-month psychotherapy intervention or a control condition. Medically eligible patients were screened for anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and were included if they had a score of 8 or higher. Anxiety scores were reevaluated at 6-month follow-up (after the treatment). Results: At 6-month follow-up significant reductions (intervention group: –2.0 ± 2.3; control group: –1.8 ± 2.8; p < 0.01) were found in both groups in the HADS anxiety scale but no significant differences between the groups were observed. Adjustment for baseline differences and disease severity did not change these results. Conclusions: Our study showed that elevated anxiety scores were reduced over time but there was no statistically significant effect of the psychotherapy intervention in anxious patients with CHD. Changes in the design of the intervention and study might be useful to further investigate this topic in the future.
Ranolazine Injection Into Coronary or Femoral Arteries Exerts Marked, Transient Regional Vasodilation Without Systemic Hypotension in an Intact Porcine Model
Authors: Nieminen Tuomo , Tavares Caio A.M. , Pegler José R.M. , Belardinelli Luiz , Verrier Richard L.
Published: September 2011

Background—

We examined whether intracoronary or intrafemoral administration of ranolazine produces local vasodilation.

Methods and Results—

Effects of intra-arterial ranolazine on coronary and femoral artery vasodilation and systemic hemodynamic function were studied in anesthetized pigs (n=27). Ranolazine, nitroglycerin, or saline (control) was injected into the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery or femoral artery (2-mL bolus in 10 seconds). Pretreatment with prazosin (300 μg/kg IV) allowed determination of α
1
-adrenergic receptor involvement (n=8). Rapid intracoronary administration of ranolazine (0.048 mg/kg) to achieve high local concentrations resulted in 91±11% increase in LAD coronary artery flow and 39±7% reduction in coronary vascular resistance (both,
P
<0.0001). This effect lasted 2–3 minutes without change in heart rate or rate-pressure product. Mean arterial pressure decreased marginally (by 2±1 mm Hg,
P
=0.01). Maximum systemic plasma concentration (0.93±0.29 μmol/L) remained in subtherapeutic range. Pretreatment with prazosin abolished these effects. Intracoronary nitroglycerin (100 μg) increased LAD coronary artery flow by 112±25% (
P
=0.02), but the effect lasted <2 minutes; mean arterial pressure decreased by 4±1 mm Hg (
P
=0.01). Intrafemoral injection of ranolazine (0.24 mg/kg, ie, one-tenth of the systemic bolus) resulted in a 70±19% increase in femoral artery flow (
P
=0.05) and 26±5% reduction in femoral artery resistance (
P
=0.004). At 2 minutes after the injection, the femoral flow remained 16±9% above the baseline and dilatory effects occurred without tolerance to repeated injections.

Conclusions—

Intracoronary or intrafemoral ranolazine bolus exerts a marked, 2- to 3-minute dilatory effect that is comparable to nitroglycerin in magnitude but more persistent, attributable primarily to α
1
-adrenergic blockade.
China and India in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Hsueh Roselyn
Published: September 2011

In recent years, China and India have extensively liberalized their economies. They have departed from the East Asian developmental states, which have restricted foreign direct investment (FDI) to protect domestic industry, and the liberal FDI strategy of Latin America during a similar stage of development as they have eschewed dependent development. Instead, they have taken a “liberalization two-step,” which follows liberalization with reregulation that varies across industrial sectors. Country and sectoral case studies demonstrate the perceived strategic value of a sector, sectoral characteristics, and the organization of state institutions shape the ways in which reregulation varies. Insulated from political pressures, the Chinese state shifts from universal controls on the aggregate level to selective controls at the sectoral level and adopts a bifurcated strategy in its reregulation. In India, the government liberalizes FDI according to state goals but reregulates as a function of sectoral interests arising from the legacy of its postindependence economic strategy.
Multiscale Measurement of Extreme Response Style
Authors: Bolt Daniel M. , Newton Joseph R.
Published: September 2011

This article extends a methodological approach considered by Bolt and Johnson for the measurement and control of extreme response style (ERS) to the analysis of rating data from multiple scales. Specifically, it is shown how the simultaneous analysis of item responses across scales allows for more accurate identification of ERS, and more effective control of ERS effects on the substantive trait estimates, than when analyzing just one scale. Moreover, unlike a competing approach presented by Greenleaf, the current strategy can accommodate conditions in which the substantive traits across scales correlate, as is almost always the case in social sciences research. Simulation and real data analyses are used for illustration.
Being Gifted in Hong Kong
Authors: Phillipson Shane N. , Phillipson Sivanes , Eyre Deborah M.
Published: September 2011

In Hong Kong, a policy for the education of its gifted students has existed in its current form since 2000. However, the gifted education policy is yet to be evaluated, despite growing calls internationally and locally for increased accountability of public policy, including policies relating to gifted education. Using VanTassel-Baska’s five-component model of a high-quality gifted education policy as their conceptual framework, the authors analyze and evaluate the gifted education policy in Hong Kong by first collecting source materials related to the gifted education policy and conducting interviews with three key policy makers. A total of 75 documents and the interview data were subjected to content analysis and the findings indicate that the gifted education policy in Hong Kong has an additional component, which the authors term aims and objectives. Although the aims and objectives differ across the eight groups of beneficiaries, they are not explicitly stated. In addition, the policy neither reflects current research in giftedness nor is it mandated, highlighting possible areas that limit its effectiveness. It is concluded that a thorough update of the policy is warranted if it is to meet its stated aims and objectives.
Beyond Multiple Regression
Authors: Warne Russell T.
Published: September 2011

Multiple regression is one of the most common statistical methods used in quantitative educational research. Despite the versatility and easy interpretability of multiple regression, it has some shortcomings in the detection of suppressor variables and for somewhat arbitrarily assigning values to the structure coefficients of correlated independent variables. Commonality analysis—heretofore rarely used in gifted education research—is a statistical method that partitions the explained variance of a dependent variable into nonoverlapping parts according to the independent variable(s) that are related to each portion. This Methodological Brief includes an example of commonality analysis and equations for researchers who wish to conduct their own analyses; an Excel spreadsheet that conducts the procedure automatically is available from the journal’s supplemental archive or from the author.
Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for patient education in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Authors:   Ottawa Panel member: Ottawa methods group:, Brosseau Lucie , Wells George A , Tugwell Peter , Egan Mary , Dubouloz Claire-Jehanne , Welch Vivian A , Trafford Laura , Sredic Danjiel , Pohran Kathryn , Smoljanic Jovana , Vukosavljevic Ivan , De Angelis Gino , Loew Laurianne , McEwan Jessica , Bell External experts: Mary , Finestone Hillel M , Lineker Sydney , King Judy , Jelly Wilma , Casimiro Lynn , Haines-Wangda Angela , Russell-Doreleyers Marion , Laferrière Lucie , Lambert Kim ,   a consumer with rheumatoid arthritis, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Published: September 2011

Background and purpose: The objective of this article is to create guidelines for education interventions in the management of patients (>18 years old) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: The Ottawa Methods Group identified and synthesized evidence from comparative controlled trials using Cochrane Collaboration methods. The group then formed an expert panel, which developed a set of criteria for grading the strength of the evidence and the recommendation. Patient-important outcomes were determined through consensus, provided that these outcomes were assessed with validated and reliable scales.

Results: Sixty-four positive recommendations of clinical benefit (35 of A level and 29 of C+ level) were developed for patient education in RA.

Discussion and conclusion: For the management of rheumatoid arthritis, the use of patient education is recommended by the Ottawa Panel.